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Otter Tail Corporation Announces Second Quarter Earnings

August 6, 2018 6:00 PM

Increases 2018 Earnings Per Share Guidance Range from $1.90-$2.05 to $1.95-$2.10Board of Directors Declared Quarterly Dividend on August 2, 2018

FERGUS FALLS, Minn., Aug. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ: OTTR) today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

Summary:

CEO Overview“Our operating companies turned in another quarter of improved results with diluted earnings per share from continuing operations up $0.05, or 12 percent over last year’s second quarter,” said Otter Tail Corporation President and CEO Chuck MacFarlane. “All operating segments improved net income quarter over quarter. Favorable weather across our service area and interim rates in North Dakota positively impacted our Electric segment net earnings. Our Plastics segment had increased earnings driven by stronger operating margins. And, our Manufacturing segment experienced increased revenues and earnings growth. Lower tax rates under 2017 tax reform legislation also contributed to increased earnings in both the Plastics and Manufacturing segments.

“In July, Otter Tail Power Company reached a settlement agreement with the North Dakota Public Service Commission (NDPSC) staff and intervenors in its pending rate case before the NDPSC. The terms of the settlement agreement, which are nonbinding on the NDPSC’s final decision, include an allowed rate of return on equity of 9.77 percent on a 52.5 percent equity to total capitalization capital structure and, along with other adjustments, provide for a $5.4 million net increase in annual revenues. This compares with our March 2018 adjusted annual revenue increase request of $7.1 million (4.8 percent) and a return on equity of 10.3 percent. The settlement results in no rate base adjustments from our original request and allows for future rider recovery of the planned Astoria natural gas-fired generating facility. The net revenue increase would also reflect a reduction in income tax recovery requirements related to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). We implemented an interim rate increase on January 1, 2018 while the commission considers the request and we reduced interim rates on March 1, 2018 to reflect a $4.5 million reduction in annual income tax expense recovery requirements. We expect the NDPSC to decide on the rate case by the end of the third quarter.

“On April 20, 2018 Otter Tail Power Company filed a request with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SDPUC) to increase non-fuel rates in South Dakota by approximately $3.3 million annually, or 10.1 percent, as the first step in a two-step request. Our request for an interim rate increase is effective October 18, 2018. This first step of our request reflects lower federal income tax rates resulting from tax reform, allowing for benefits of the lower tax rates to flow back to South Dakota customers. The second step in the request is an additional 1.7 percent increase to recover costs for the proposed Merricourt wind generation facility when the facility goes into service.

“Incremental growth from capital investment also benefited the utility. The Big Stone South-Ellendale line, a 345-kilovolt regional transmission project Otter Tail Power Company is managing and co-owns with another utility, is on budget and, with 85 percent of the structures set, remains on schedule for completion in 2019. Our investment in this project is expected to be approximately $125 million. This is one of the projects the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) designated a Multi-Value Project, allowing cost recovery from all customers in MISO’s upper Midwest footprint. The line will improve transmission reliability and allow for the interconnection of significant renewable and other generation resources.

“Overall, Otter Tail Power Company expects to invest $980 million in capital projects from 2018 through 2022, including the Big Stone South-Ellendale line and regulated investments in renewable and natural gas-fired generation. This will produce a projected compounded annual growth rate of approximately 9 percent in utility rate base from 2017 through 2022 and will deliver value to customers and shareholders. On July 26, 2018 the SDPUC voted to approve the site permit for Astoria Station. Advanced project development efforts continue for the Merricourt wind project.

“Our PVC pipe companies, Vinyltech and Northern Pipe Products, continue to show strong financial performance. Higher operating margins, partially offset by lower sales volume, combined with lower tax rates under federal tax reform, resulted in a $1.6 million increase in Plastics segment net income and a $0.04 increase in earnings per share quarter over quarter.

“Our Manufacturing segment showed a $0.6 million net income improvement quarter-over-quarter or a $0.02 increase in earnings per share. This increase primarily is due to the impact of tax reform legislation.

“Our strategic initiatives to grow our businesses, achieve operational and commercial excellence, and develop our talent are strengthening our position in the markets we serve. Overall positive results during the first six months of 2018 provide a foundation for increasing our 2018 diluted earnings per share guidance range from $1.90-$2.05 to $1.95-$2.10.”

Cash Flows and Liquidity Our consolidated cash provided by continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $53.6 million compared with $69.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Primary reasons for the $15.7 million decrease in cash provided by continuing operations between the periods include:

offset by:

The following table presents the status of the corporation’s lines of credit:

(in thousands)Line LimitIn Use OnJune 30, 2018Restricted due toOutstandingLetters of CreditAvailable onJune 30, 2018Available onDecember 31,2017
Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement$130,000$6,102$--$123,898$130,000
Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement 170,000 14,875 300 154,825 57,329
Total$300,000$20,977$300$278,723$187,329

Board of Directors Declared Quarterly Dividend On August 2, 2018 the corporation’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.335 per share. This dividend is payable September 10, 2018 to shareholders of record on August 15, 2018.

Segment Performance Summary

Electric

Three Months ended June 30,
($s in thousands)20182017Change% Change
Retail Electric Revenues$87,835$86,255$1,580 1.8
Wholesale Electric Revenues 2,539 1,184 1,355 114.4
Other Electric Revenues 13,351 14,797 (1,446)(9.8)
Total Electric Revenues$103,725$102,236$1,489 1.5
Net Income$10,600$10,134$466 4.6
Retail Megawatt-hour (mwh) Sales 1,136,326 1,073,689 62,637 5.8
Heating Degree Days 675 420 255 60.7
Cooling Degree Days 228 96 132 137.5

The following table shows heating and cooling degree days as a percent of normal:

Three Months ended June 30,
20182017
Heating Degree Days133.7%80.9%
Cooling Degree Days221.4%90.6%

The following table summarizes the estimated effect on diluted earnings per share of the difference in retail mwh sales under actual weather conditions and expected retail mwh sales under normal weather conditions in the second quarter of 2018 and 2017 and between the quarters:

2018 vs Normal2017 vs Normal2018 vs 2017
Effect on Diluted Earnings Per Share$ 0.04$ (0.01)$ 0.05

The $1.6 million increase in retail electric revenues includes:

offset by:

Wholesale electric revenues increased $1.4 million due to a 111% increase in wholesale mwh sales and a 1.8% increase in wholesale electric prices. Increased demand and higher wholesale prices combined with increased availability of Otter Tail Power Company generating units provided greater opportunity for economic dispatch and wholesale energy sales in the second quarter of 2018 compared with the second quarter of 2017.

Other electric revenues decreased $1.4 million mainly due to a $1.1 million load resettlement payment received from another regional transmission provider in the second quarter of 2017 while no similar resettlement was recorded in the second quarter of 2018.

Production fuel costs increased $3.4 million, mainly due to a 46.9% increase in mwhs generated from Otter Tail Power Company’s fuel‑burning plants to provide electricity for the increase in retail and wholesale demand driven by greater deviations from normal weather in our service territory in the second quarter of 2018 compared with the second quarter of 2017.

The cost of purchased power to serve retail customers decreased $2.0 million in relation to a 19.4% decrease in mwhs purchased due to higher market prices and increased availability of and sourcing from company-owned generating units.

Electric operating and maintenance expenses increased $1.0 million due to increases of $1.4 million in labor related expenses, mainly pension and medical benefit costs for both retired and active employees, $0.5 million in CIP expenditures and $0.4 million in storm repair expenses related to damages caused by severe weather in June 2018, offset by a $1.2 million decrease in transmission service charges. The decrease in transmission service charges resulted from reductions of $0.8 million in Southwest Power Pool transmission costs and $0.4 million in MISO transmission costs incurred by Otter Tail Power Company between quarters.

Property tax expense decreased $0.4 million due to lower tax valuations.

Depreciation expense increased $0.9 million mainly due to an increase in transmission project unitization and the Big Stone South-Brookings transmission line being placed in service in September 2017.

Income tax expense in the Electric segment decreased $1.8 million mainly due to the reduction in the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% under the TCJA along with a $1.4 million decrease in Electric segment income before income taxes.

Manufacturing

Three Months ended June 30,
(in thousands)20182017Change% Change
Operating Revenues$68,154$59,304$8,85014.9
Net Income 3,583 2,955 62821.3

At BTD, a revenue increase of $8.3 million included increases in parts sales of $3.0 million to manufacturers of recreational vehicles, $2.7 million to manufacturers of agricultural equipment and $2.1 million to manufacturers of heavy construction equipment. The revenue increase also included a $0.5 million increase in revenue from scrap metal sales due to higher scrap volumes from increased production and a 5% increase in scrap metal pricing. Cost of products sold at BTD increased $6.6 million in relation to the increased sales. The $1.7 million increase in gross margins on sales was offset by a $1.8 million increase in operating expenses resulting from increases in labor and benefit costs due to additional employees and increases in contracted services and computer and software expenses. Although BTD’s income before tax decreased $0.1 million, income tax expense at BTD decreased $0.5 million, mainly due to the impact of the lower federal tax rate under the TCJA, resulting in a $0.4 million increase in quarter-over-quarter net income at BTD.

At T.O. Plastics, revenues improved $0.6 million due to increases of $0.4 million from sales of horticultural containers and $0.2 million from sales of industrial products. The revenue increase was partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in cost of products sold related to the increase in sales. Income before income taxes increased by $0.2 million quarter over quarter. The reduction in the federal tax rate under the TCJA provided for a slight reduction in income tax expense, leaving T.O. Plastics with a $0.2 million increase in net income.

Plastics

Three Months ended June 30,
(in thousands)20182017Change% Change
Operating Revenues$54,476$50,551$3,9257.8
Net Income 6,229 4,637 1,59234.3

Plastics segment revenues increased $3.9 million due to a 12.3% increase in polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) pipe prices offset by a 4.0% decrease in pounds of PVC pipe sold. The increase in revenue was partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in cost of products sold, despite the decrease in sales volume, due to a 10.6% increase in costs per pound of pipe sold. The increase in pipe prices in excess of the increase in cost of products sold resulted in a $1.5 million increase in gross margin. Plastics segment operating expenses increased by $0.6 million mainly due to an increase in incentives. Income before tax in the Plastics segment increased $0.9 million quarter over quarter. Income tax expense decreased $0.7 million due to the lower federal tax rate under the TCJA, resulting in the $1.6 million increase in net income.

Corporate

Corporate costs net-of-tax increased $0.7 million between the quarters including:

2018 Business Outlook

We are raising our 2018 consolidated diluted earnings per share guidance for a second time from our initial guidance range of $1.80 to $1.95 to be in the range of $1.95 to $2.10. On May 7, 2018 we increased our guidance range to $1.90 to $2.05. The revised guidance is due to stronger-than-expected results from our Plastics segment in the first six months of 2018 and reflects strategies for improving future operating results. We have taken into consideration the cyclical nature of some of our businesses as well as current regulatory factors and economic challenges facing our Electric, Manufacturing and Plastics segments. We currently expect capital expenditures for 2018 to be $106 million compared with actual cash used for capital expenditures of $133 million in 2017. Our planned expenditures for 2018 include $33 million for the Big Stone South-Ellendale transmission line project, which positively impacts earnings by providing an immediate return on invested funds through rider recovery mechanisms.

Segment components of our 2018 earnings per share guidance range compared with 2017 actual earnings are as follows:

Diluted Earnings Per Share2017 EPSbySegment2018 GuidanceFebruary 12, 20182018 GuidanceMay 7, 20182018 GuidanceAugust 6, 2018
LowHighLowHighLowHigh
Electric$1.24 $1.34 $1.37 $1.34 $1.37 $1.34 $1.37
Manufacturing$0.28 $0.26 $0.30 $0.26 $0.30 $0.26 $0.30
Plastics$0.54 $0.36 $0.40 $0.48 $0.52 $0.55 $0.59
Corporate($0.25)($0.16)($0.12)($0.18)($0.14)($0.20)($0.16)
Total – Continuing Operations$1.81 $1.80 $1.95 $1.90 $2.05 $1.95 $2.10
Return on Equity 10.6% 10.1% 10.9% 10.6% 11.5% 10.9% 11.8%

Contributing to our revised earnings guidance for 2018 are the following items:

• We expect 2018 Electric segment net income to be higher than 2017 segment net income based on:

offset by:

• We expect 2018 net income from our Manufacturing segment to increase over 2017 based on:

• We are increasing our earnings per share guidance from the Plastics Segment based on continued strong performance through the second quarter driven by higher than expected operating margins with business conditions expected to remain solid through the rest of the year. We now expect 2018 earnings to be in line with 2017 earnings and earnings per share. Earnings in 2017 included an estimated impact of $0.09 per diluted share due to market reaction to hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. Plastics segment net income for 2018 also will be positively affected by lower federal tax rates in the TCJA.

• Corporate costs, net of tax, are expected to be higher in 2018 than in 2017, when excluding the effect of revaluing deferred tax assets ($0.18 per share) related to tax reform on 2017 net losses. The higher net-of-tax costs expected in 2018 are due, in part, to the lower federal tax rate in effect in 2018 under the TCJA. As was the case in the first quarter, the change in the guidance range for corporate costs is due to an additional increase in employee benefit costs resulting from increased earnings.

The impact of 2017 tax reform legislation on future results is based on reasonable estimates and is subject to adjustment on obtaining additional information or to reflect any future legislation, rules, regulations or interpretations of the tax reform legislation. We will continue to analyze and assess the effects of the 2017 tax law changes on our future business projections.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST The corporation will host a live webcast on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. CDT to discuss its financial and operating performance.

The presentation will be posted on our website before the webcast. To access the live webcast go to www.ottertail.com/presentations.cfm and select “Webcast.” Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download any software needed to listen to the webcast. An archived copy of the webcast will be available on our website shortly following the call.

If you are interested in asking a question during the live webcast, the Dial-In Number is 877-312-8789. The listen only mode can be accessed by dialing 866-634-1342.

Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Statements that Could Affect Future ResultsThe information in this release includes certain forward-looking information, including 2018 expectations, made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ materially from those expectations. The following factors, among others, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements:

For a further discussion of other risk factors and cautionary statements, refer to reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About the Corporation: Otter Tail Corporation has interests in diversified operations that include an electric utility and manufacturing businesses. Otter Tail Corporation stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol OTTR. The latest investor and corporate information is available at www.ottertail.com. Corporate offices are in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota.

See Otter Tail Corporation’s results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 in the following financial statements: Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets – Assets, Consolidated Balance Sheets – Liabilities and Equity, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
In thousands, except share and per share amounts
(not audited)
Quarter Ended June 30,Year-to-Date June 30,
2018201720182017
Operating Revenues by Segment
Electric
Revenues from Contracts with Customers$105,290 $102,660 $229,130 $222,450
Changes in Accrued Revenues under Alternative Revenue Programs (1,565) (424) (2,440) (1,663)
Total Electric Revenues 103,725 102,236 226,690 220,787
Manufacturing 68,154 59,304 136,816 117,721
Plastics 54,476 50,551 104,129 87,708
Intersegment Eliminations (7) (5) (21) (13)
Total Operating Revenues 226,348 212,086 467,614 426,203
Operating Expenses
Fuel and Purchased Power 30,290 28,853 70,589 64,423
Nonelectric Cost of Products Sold (depreciation included below) 93,545 84,013 182,330 159,290
Electric Operating and Maintenance Expense 37,741 36,748 77,216 74,025
Nonelectric Operating and Maintenance Expense 12,649 9,859 25,143 19,994
Depreciation and Amortization 18,745 17,908 37,508 35,762
Property Taxes - Electric 3,273 3,709 7,108 7,507
Total Operating Expenses 196,243 181,090 399,894 361,001
Operating Income (Loss) by Segment
Electric 18,442 19,832 43,876 48,672
Manufacturing 5,111 5,049 11,005 8,805
Plastics 8,557 7,635 17,896 11,591
Corporate (2,005) (1,520) (5,057) (3,866)
Total Operating Income 30,105 30,996 67,720 65,202
Interest Charges 7,676 7,527 15,048 14,989
Postretirement Benefits – Nonservice Costs 1,386 1,407 2,803 2,812
Other Income 707 552 1,890 1,105
Income Tax Expense – Continuing Operations 3,054 5,897 6,848 12,260
Net Income (Loss) by Segment – Continuing Operations
Electric 10,600 10,134 27,268 25,694
Manufacturing 3,583 2,955 7,747 5,127
Plastics 6,229 4,637 13,073 7,074
Corporate (1,716) (1,009) (3,177) (1,649)
Net Income from Continuing Operations 18,696 16,717 44,911 36,246
Income from Discontinued Operations - net of Income Tax Expense of $0, $40, $0 and $78 for the respective periods -- 61 -- 117
Net Income$18,696 $16,778 $44,911 $36,363
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
Basic 39,605,717 39,462,865 39,578,296 39,406,834
Diluted 39,879,069 39,702,499 39,871,376 39,671,612
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
Continuing Operations$0.47 $0.43 $1.13 $0.92
Discontinued Operations -- -- -- --
$0.47 $0.43 $1.13 $0.92
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
Continuing Operations$0.47 $0.42 $1.13 $0.92
Discontinued Operations -- -- -- --
$0.47 $0.42 $1.13 $0.92

Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Assets
in thousands
(not audited)
June 30,December 31,
20182017
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents$1,036$16,216
Accounts Receivable:
Trade—Net 91,780 68,466
Other 10,224 7,761
Inventories 90,435 88,034
Unbilled Receivables 18,278 22,427
Income Taxes Receivable -- 1,181
Regulatory Assets 17,914 22,551
Other 9,574 12,491
Total Current Assets 239,241 239,127
Investments 8,649 8,629
Other Assets 36,519 36,006
Goodwill 37,572 37,572
Other Intangibles—Net 13,075 13,765
Regulatory Assets 123,631 129,576
Plant
Electric Plant in Service 1,993,738 1,981,018
Nonelectric Operations 223,323 216,937
Construction Work in Progress 168,372 141,067
Total Gross Plant 2,385,433 2,339,022
Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 832,873 799,419
Net Plant 1,552,560 1,539,603
Total$2,011,247$2,004,278

Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Liabilities and Equity
in thousands
(not audited)
June 30,December 31,
20182017
Current Liabilities
Short-Term Debt$20,977 $112,371
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 167 186
Accounts Payable 95,082 84,185
Accrued Salaries and Wages 18,460 21,534
Accrued Federal and State Income Taxes 673 --
Other Accrued Taxes 10,963 16,808
Regulatory Liabilities 7,248 9,688
Other Accrued Liabilities 12,665 11,389
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations -- 492
Total Current Liabilities 166,235 256,653
Pensions Benefit Liability 89,424 109,708
Other Postretirement Benefits Liability 70,203 69,774
Other Noncurrent Liabilities 25,060 22,769
Deferred Credits
Deferred Income Taxes 104,382 100,501
Deferred Tax Credits 20,676 21,379
Regulatory Liabilities 228,163 232,893
Other 2,563 3,329
Total Deferred Credits 355,784 358,102
Capitalization
Long-Term Debt—Net 589,960 490,380
Cumulative Preferred Shares -- --
Cumulative Preference Shares -- --
Common Equity
Common Shares, Par Value $5 Per Share 198,257 197,787
Premium on Common Shares 342,690 343,450
Retained Earnings 179,605 161,286
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (5,971) (5,631)
Total Common Equity 714,581 696,892
Total Capitalization 1,304,541 1,187,272
Total$2,011,247 $2,004,278

Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
In thousands
(not audited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
In thousands20182017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income$44,911 $36,363
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Net Income from Discontinued Operations -- (117)
Depreciation and Amortization 37,508 35,762
Deferred Tax Credits (703) (734)
Deferred Income Taxes 2,076 8,666
Change in Deferred Debits and Other Assets 10,309 8,075
Discretionary Contribution to Pension Plan (20,000) --
Change in Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Credits (759) (695)
Allowance for Equity/Other Funds Used During Construction (1,060) (401)
Stock Compensation Expense – Equity Awards 2,253 1,920
Other—Net (193) 39
Cash (Used for) Provided by Current Assets and Current Liabilities:
Change in Receivables (25,677) (12,832)
Change in Inventories (2,401) (3,527)
Change in Other Current Assets 2,428 2,095
Change in Payables and Other Current Liabilities 1,433 (5,878)
Change in Interest and Income Taxes Receivable/Payable 3,470 590
Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operations 53,595 69,326
Net Cash Used in Discontinued Operations (200) (54)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 53,395 69,272
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures (49,094) (56,354)
Proceeds from Disposal of Noncurrent Assets 1,477 2,167
Cash Used for Investments and Other Assets (2,102) (2,431)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (49,719) (56,618)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Changes in Checks Written in Excess of Cash 2,236 1,043
Net Short-Term (Repayments) Borrowings (91,394) 15,234
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock -- 4,266
Common Stock Issuance Expenses (108) --
Payments for Retirement of Capital Stock (2,450) (1,799)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt 100,000 --
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Issuance Expenses (441) --
Payments for Retirement of Long-Term Debt (107) (6,114)
Dividends Paid (26,592) (25,284)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (18,856) (12,654)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (15,180) --
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 16,216 --
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$1,036 $--

Media contact: Stephanie Hoff, Director of Corporate Communications, (218) 739-8535 or (218) 205-6179Investor contact: Loren Hanson, Manager of Investor Relations, (218) 739-8481 or (800) 664-1259

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