Otter Tail Power Company Seeks Rate Hike in Minnesota
Rate Increase Request: Otter Tail Power Company has filed a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to increase electric rates for its customers, initiating an 18- to 24-month review process. If approved, interim rates could lead to a 12.6% increase starting January 1, 2026.
Infrastructure and Reliability Investments: The company plans to invest in infrastructure improvements, including replacing aging equipment and expanding underground lines, to enhance reliability and reduce service disruptions.
Transition to Renewable Energy: Otter Tail Power is transitioning to a higher percentage of renewable energy resources, which includes phasing out coal-fired power generation by the end of 2031, while managing inflation-related cost increases.
Customer Impact and Future Rates: If the final rate request is approved, residential bills could increase by approximately $18.14 per month, while business bills may rise by about $73.20. Customers will receive refunds if final rates are lower than interim rates.
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- Earnings Release Schedule: Otter Tail Corporation will announce its 2025 financial results after market close on February 16, 2026, highlighting its diversified operations in electric utility and manufacturing sectors.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call on February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss its financial and operational performance, aiming to bolster investor confidence in its future prospects.
- Webcast Access: Participants can access the live webcast via the company's website, ensuring they download any necessary software prior to the call, reflecting the company's commitment to effective investor communication.
- Investor Information Availability: Otter Tail Corporation offers multiple channels for obtaining the latest investor and corporate information, further enhancing transparency and investor relations.
- High Short Interest: Within the utilities sector, Otter Tail (OTTR) and Hawaiian Electric Industries (HE) have the highest short interest at 11.91% and 11.29%, respectively, indicating a significant bearish sentiment among investors towards these stocks.
- Divergent Analyst Ratings: While Seeking Alpha rates Otter Tail as a Hold, Wall Street analysts are bullish, giving it a Buy rating, highlighting a split in market sentiment regarding the stock's future performance.
- Most Shorted Stocks: Among utilities stocks with a market cap over $2B, Otter Tail and Hawaiian Electric Industries rank as the most shorted, whereas Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) and NextEra Energy (NEE) are the least shorted at 0.21% and 1.55%, respectively, indicating varying investor confidence across the sector.
- Market Trend Insights: With NextEra Energy gaining for seven consecutive sessions, there is strong market interest in large-cap utility stocks' earnings momentum, potentially signaling future investment opportunities.
- Jefferies Dividend Announcement: Jefferies' Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share, payable on February 27, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 17, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
- Enterprise Products Distribution Growth: Enterprise Products Partners announced a quarterly cash distribution of $0.55 per unit for Q4 2025, or $2.20 annualized, representing a 2.8% increase over Q4 2024, indicating the company's positive performance in maintaining cash flow and shareholder returns.
- AZZ Cash Dividend: AZZ's Board of Directors authorized a cash dividend of $0.20 per share for Q3, payable on February 26, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 5, 2026, demonstrating the company's efforts in sustaining profitability and creating shareholder value.
- TD SYNNEX Dividend Declaration: TD SYNNEX's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per share, payable on January 30, 2026, to stockholders of record as of January 16, 2026, showcasing the company's determination in maintaining financial performance and rewarding shareholders.
- Dividend Increase: Otter Tail Corporation announced an increase in its quarterly common stock dividend to $0.5775 per share, raising the annual indicated dividend rate to $2.31, which represents a $0.21 or 10% increase over the 2025 rate, reflecting the company's ongoing financial strength.
- Commitment to Shareholders: President and CEO Chuck MacFarlane highlighted that this marks the second consecutive year of double-digit dividend growth, underscoring the company's dedication to delivering shareholder value and enhancing investor confidence.
- Historical Achievement: The year 2026 will mark the 88th consecutive year of dividend payments on common stock, showcasing a stable dividend payment history that attracts long-term investors.
- Payment Schedule: The first-quarter dividend is set to be paid on March 10, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 13, 2026, ensuring timely returns for shareholders and further solidifying the relationship between the company and its investors.
- Dividend Increase: Otter Tail Corporation has raised its quarterly common stock dividend to $0.5775 per share, resulting in an annual indicated dividend rate of $2.31, which represents a $0.21 or 10% increase over the 2025 rate, showcasing the company's ongoing financial strength and commitment to shareholder value.
- Consecutive Payment Record: The year 2026 will mark the 88th consecutive year of dividend payments on common stock, reflecting the company's stable profitability and long-term commitment to returning value to shareholders, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Management Statement: CEO Chuck MacFarlane emphasized that this dividend increase reflects the company's commitment to shareholder returns, indicating a strong financial position that allows for continued value delivery to shareholders.
- Shareholder Return Strategy: This dividend increase not only enhances direct returns for shareholders but also helps attract more investor attention, further solidifying the company's position in the small-cap market.
Earnings Report: OTTER TAIL CORP reported a third-quarter profit of $78.29 million, or $1.86 per share, down from $85.48 million, or $2.03 per share, in the previous year, missing analyst expectations of $1.87 per share.
Revenue Decline: The company's revenue decreased by 3.7% to $325.56 million compared to $338.03 million last year.
Earnings Guidance Update: OTTER TAIL CORP raised its FY25 diluted earnings per share guidance to a range of $6.32 to $6.62, up from the previous range of $6.06 to $6.46.
Analyst Expectations: The reported earnings and revenue figures fell short of market expectations, which typically exclude special items.









