NorthWestern Energy (NWE)
NASDAQUtilitiesRegulated ElectricSnapshot 2026-09-04
$70.78-0.17%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQUtilitiesRegulated ElectricSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · NWE
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within utilities on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks NWE against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 1 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Utilities names rated neutral grew net income 67% of the time over the next year (vs 64% for the rest of the cohort, n=1452).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Finalize regulatory approvals and close the all-stock merger with Black Hills Corporation to form Bright Horizon Energy, targeting second half of 2026.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management reported merger approvals from FERC, Nebraska, and South Dakota, with Montana approval pending and a targeted closing by year-end 2026. The timeline remains on track with regulatory milestones achieved and hearings completed, indicating delivering progress toward closing.
“We anticipate the transaction closing by year-end 2026, subject to satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions.”
“We anticipate the transaction closing in the second half of 2026, subject to satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions.”
“Filed joint applications for approval in Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota in Q4 2025; hearings and settlements ongoing.”
Maintain 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance range and long-term EPS growth target of 4% to 6% based on 2024 baseline.
Stated as a priority in 5 of last 5 quarters. Management consistently affirmed 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance range of $3.68 to $3.83 per diluted share and a long-term EPS growth target of 4% to 6% from a 2024 baseline of $3.40. The guidance has remained stable and management is delivering consistent reaffirmations, indicating steady commitment.
“Affirms 2026 earnings guidance range of $3.68 to $3.83 per diluted share.”
Implement a diversified and executable capital investment plan to support 4% to 6% rate base growth and long-term earnings growth.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management affirmed a $3.2 billion capital investment plan for 2026-2030 to support 4% to 6% rate base growth from a 2024 base of approximately $5.4 billion. The plan is consistent across quarters and aligns with the targeted long-term growth, indicating delivering progress on capital allocation.
“Affirms record $683 million capital plan for 2026 and 4% to 6% long-term EPS and rate base growth rate.”
Sustain quarterly dividends and target a long-term payout ratio of 60% to 70% of earnings.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management declared quarterly dividends of $0.67 per share in 2026-Q2 and 2026-Q1, up slightly from $0.66 in 2025-Q3, and reiterated commitment to maintain a dividend payout ratio within 60-70%. Dividend payments are consistent with stated targets, indicating delivering on capital return.
“Announces $0.67 per share quarterly dividend payable September 1, 2026; committed to 60-70% payout ratio.”
Seek regulatory approval and cost recovery mechanisms for operating costs from acquired interests in Colstrip Units 3 and 4.
Stated as a priority in 2 of last 2 quarters. Management filed for and received interim approval of a PCCAM tariff waiver to recover approximately $18 million in annual incremental operating costs for Avista Interests acquired in 2026. Power prices have been insufficient to fully recover these costs so far, indicating limited progress but ongoing regulatory focus.
“MPSC approved PCCAM tariff waiver on interim basis; awaiting final approval; power prices insufficient to recover Avista Interests costs.”
Over the trailing year it converted 1.86x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Utilities names rated neutral grew net income 68% of the time over the next year (vs 64% for the rest of the cohort, n=1211).
Most sensitive to real (inflation-adjusted) rates and long-term interest rates.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the broad stock market, the US dollar, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
18 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Utilities names rated neutral grew net income 71% of the time over the next year (vs 64% for the rest of the cohort, n=224).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Affirms 2026 earnings guidance range of $3.68 to $3.83 per diluted share.”
“Initiating 2026 non-GAAP earnings guidance of $3.68 to $3.83 per diluted share.”
“Affirming 2026 Non-GAAP EPS Guidance of $3.68 - $3.83 per diluted share.”
“Affirming 2026 Non-GAAP EPS Guidance of $3.68 - $3.83 per diluted share.”
“Affirms record $683 million capital plan for 2026 and 4% to 6% long-term EPS and rate base growth rate.”
“Affirming $3.2 billion capital investment plan for 2026-2030 to support rate base growth of 4% to 6%.”
“Announces $0.67 per share quarterly dividend payable June 30, 2026; committed to 60-70% payout ratio.”
“Dividend per share was $0.66; management committed to maintaining payout ratio within 60-70%.”
“Filed temporary PCCAM tariff waiver request with MPSC to recover $18 million annual incremental operating costs for Avista Interests.”