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NWE Earnings Beat: Weather Woes Offset by Rate Hikes
1 May
Summary
- Q1 2026 non-GAAP EPS of $1.31 surpassed forecasts by 6.5%.
- Revenue of $497.6 million exceeded projections by 2.8%.
- Company reaffirmed 2026 earnings guidance of $3.68-$3.83 per share.
NorthWestern Energy announced robust financial performance for the first quarter of 2026. The company's non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.31, a 6.5% positive surprise against analyst expectations of $1.23.
Revenue for the quarter stood at $497.6 million, surpassing the anticipated $484.06 million by 2.8%. This strong showing was achieved despite the warmest winter in over a century impacting volumetric loads in Montana.
Strategic initiatives, including new rate recovery in Montana and increased sales from the Puget Colstrip interest, effectively bolstered margins. The company also declared a dividend of $0.67 per share, payable on June 30, 2026.
NorthWestern Energy reaffirmed its 2026 earnings guidance, projecting between $3.68 and $3.83 per share. The company also reiterated its long-term growth targets of a 4%-6% annual increase in its rate base and EPS.
The company's stock saw a positive market reaction, rising by 1.42% to close at $71.34 following the earnings release, indicating investor optimism about its performance and future prospects.
