OTTR
UtilitiesOtter Tail Corporation · Diversified Utilities · $4B
What is Otter Tail Corporation?
Otter Tail Corporation is a diversified mid-cap company operating across electric utility, manufacturing, and plastics segments in the upper Midwest. Headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, it serves residential and commercial customers across three states.
Otter Tail generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to roughly 133,000 customers in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota through a mix of coal, wind, hydro, and natural gas sources. Its manufacturing arm produces metal parts, plastic thermoformed containers, and industrial packaging for sectors ranging from agriculture to life sciences. The plastics segment manufactures polyvinyl chloride pipes sold to wholesalers serving municipal water, wastewater, and drainage systems.
Otter Tail Corporation was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
- Electric utility service across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota
- Contract machining, metal stamping, and fabrication for industrial clients
- Thermoformed plastic containers for horticulture and life sciences
- PVC pipe products for municipal water and wastewater systems
- Industrial and recreational packaging and material handling components
Is OTTR a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates OTTR as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed profile across its five quality pillars.
Otter Tail's strongest areas are Quality and Risk, both rated Good — suggesting the business maintains reasonable financial discipline and operates with a manageable risk profile relative to sector peers. Valuation is also rated Good, meaning the stock does not appear stretched compared to its fundamentals.
Growth is rated Weak, which is the primary drag on the overall score, and Moat is Neutral — indicating limited competitive differentiation beyond its regulated utility footprint.
Pro members can view the full pillar breakdown and underlying financial metrics to see exactly where OTTR stands on each dimension. Sign up free →
Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does OTTR pay dividends?
Yes — Otter Tail Corporation pays a dividend.
Otter Tail pays a regular dividend, consistent with the income-oriented character of regulated utility businesses. The company's diversified revenue base — spanning regulated electricity sales and manufacturing — supports its capacity to sustain distributions over time. Investors seeking income from utility-adjacent holdings often consider dividend continuity a key factor when evaluating OTTR.
When does OTTR report earnings?
Otter Tail Corporation reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, typical for US-listed equities.
The company's three-segment structure means quarterly results can reflect varying conditions across regulated utility operations, industrial manufacturing demand, and PVC pipe volumes. Growth has been rated Weak in the current UQS assessment, suggesting recent results have not demonstrated strong upward momentum in fundamentals.
For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit Otter Tail Corporation's investor relations page directly.
OTTR Price History
+104.4% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in Otter Tail Corporation?
Based on Otter Tail Corporation's historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
OTTR Long-term Outlook
Otter Tail's fundamental outlook is shaped by the tension between a stable, regulated utility core and weaker growth dynamics across its business segments. The Good Risk rating suggests the company is not facing acute financial stress, but the Weak Growth pillar indicates that meaningful earnings expansion may be limited in the near term. The Neutral Moat rating reflects that outside of its regulated service territory, competitive advantages are not strongly differentiated. Investors focused on stability rather than growth may find the profile more aligned with their objectives.
Growth drivers
- Expansion of renewable energy capacity within its regulated utility territory
- Steady demand from municipal infrastructure for PVC pipe products
- Diversified manufacturing exposure across agriculture, recreation, and industrial sectors
Key risks
- Weak growth trajectory limiting earnings upside across segments
- Regulatory changes affecting utility rate structures in served states
- Cyclical demand softness in manufacturing and plastics end markets
OTTR vs Peers
Otter Tail operates in a regional utility landscape alongside several similarly sized peers serving the northern and western United States.
Avista focuses on electric and natural gas utility services in the Pacific Northwest, with a more concentrated regulated utility model compared to Otter Tail's diversified segments.
Northwestern Energy serves Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska with a pure-play regulated utility approach, lacking the manufacturing and plastics exposure that characterizes Otter Tail.
MGE Energy operates primarily in Wisconsin with a strong focus on clean energy transition, distinguishing it from Otter Tail's broader multi-segment industrial footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Otter Tail Corporation do?
Otter Tail Corporation operates three business segments: an electric utility serving customers in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota; a manufacturing division producing metal parts and plastic containers for industrial and agricultural markets; and a plastics segment making PVC pipes for municipal water and wastewater systems.
Does OTTR pay dividends?
Yes, Otter Tail pays a regular dividend. This is consistent with the income-oriented profile of regulated utility companies. The company's diversified revenue streams across utility and industrial operations support its ability to maintain dividend payments over time.
When does OTTR report earnings?
Otter Tail reports earnings on a quarterly basis, in line with standard US-listed company practice. For exact dates and the most recent results, check the investor relations section of Otter Tail's official website.
Is OTTR a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates OTTR as Below Average overall. While Quality and Risk are rated Good and Valuation is also Good, the Weak Growth pillar and Neutral Moat weigh on the composite score. Whether it fits your portfolio depends on your priorities — Pro members can access the full breakdown to evaluate each dimension.
Is OTTR overvalued?
The UQS Valuation pillar for OTTR is rated Good, suggesting the stock does not appear significantly overpriced relative to its fundamentals. That said, valuation should be considered alongside growth prospects and competitive positioning. The full valuation metrics are available to Pro members.
How does OTTR compare to its competitors?
Compared to peers like Avista, Northwestern Energy, and MGE Energy, Otter Tail stands out for its diversified structure — combining a regulated utility with manufacturing and plastics businesses. Most regional peers operate as pure-play utilities. This diversification adds complexity but also provides exposure to industrial end markets beyond electricity distribution.
What is OTTR's market cap bracket?
Otter Tail Corporation is classified as a mid-cap company. This places it in a size range that typically offers more liquidity than small-cap peers while remaining smaller than the large integrated utilities that dominate the sector.
Who founded Otter Tail Corporation?
Otter Tail Corporation traces its roots to electric utility operations in the upper Midwest. The company was incorporated in its current form in 1990. Detailed founding history is publicly available through the company's official corporate history and investor relations materials.
Is OTTR a long-term quality indicator?
From a long-term quality perspective, OTTR's Good ratings in Quality and Risk suggest a degree of financial stability. However, the Weak Growth pillar indicates limited fundamental expansion, which matters for long-term compounding. Investors prioritizing income and stability over growth may find the profile more suitable than those seeking high-growth exposure.
What is the main competitive advantage of Otter Tail Corporation?
Otter Tail's primary competitive advantage lies in its regulated electric utility territory, which provides a degree of revenue predictability and barriers to entry. Its diversification into manufacturing and plastics adds revenue variety, though the UQS Moat pillar is rated Neutral, reflecting that these advantages are not exceptionally strong relative to broader sector peers.
What sector does OTTR belong to?
Otter Tail Corporation is classified in the Utilities sector, primarily due to its electric utility segment. However, its manufacturing and plastics divisions give it exposure to industrial and infrastructure markets, making it more diversified than a typical pure-play utility.
Is OTTR a growth stock or value stock?
Based on UQS pillar ratings, OTTR leans toward a value-oriented profile. The Valuation pillar is rated Good while Growth is rated Weak, suggesting the stock may be reasonably priced but is not generating strong fundamental growth. It is more consistent with an income or value investor's framework than a growth-oriented one.
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Pro Analysis
OTTR — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | 45.6 | 57.6 | 42.0 | 12.4 | 59.3 | 62.2 | -1.8 |
| May 7, 2026 | 47.4 | 63.1 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 61.4 | +0.2 |
| May 3, 2026 | 47.2 | 63.1 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 60.4 | -0.3 |
| Apr 26, 2026 | 47.5 | 63.1 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 61.8 | +0.1 |
| Apr 19, 2026 | 47.4 | 63.1 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 61.8 | +0.2 |
| Apr 18, 2026 | 47.2 | 63.1 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 60.0 | +1.4 |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 45.8 | 63.1 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 51.0 | -0.1 |
| Apr 12, 2026 | 45.9 | 63.1 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 51.7 | -0.2 |
| Apr 9, 2026 | 46.1 | 63.1 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 53.0 | -0.1 |
| Apr 5, 2026 | 46.2 | 63.2 | 42.0 | 11.5 | 64.1 | 53.0 | 0.0 |
OTTR — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 57.6/100 (25%)Otter Tail Corporation shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 12.4/100 (20%)Otter Tail Corporation faces growth headwinds with declining or stagnant revenue trends.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 59.3/100 (15%)Otter Tail Corporation maintains a reasonable risk profile with manageable debt levels.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 61.5/100 (15%)Otter Tail Corporation trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 42/100 (25%)Otter Tail Corporation possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for OTTR.
Score Composition
Financial Data
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How is the OTTR UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Otter Tail Corporation is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses Otter Tail Corporation's competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether Otter Tail Corporation is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.