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NorthWestern (NWE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 20:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP diluted EPS of $1.25 and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.22 for Q1 2025, compared to $1.06 in Q1 2024, reflecting a significant increase in earnings driven by rate recovery and colder weather [6][9][10] - The company affirmed its long-term rate base and earnings per share growth rate targets of 4% to 6% [6][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Electric and Gas segments contributed strongly to the earnings, with margin improvements driven by new rates and favorable weather conditions [9][10] - New rates contributed $0.20 to margin improvement, while favorable loads added $0.13, resulting in a total margin increase [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Montana rate review is nearing completion, with a full natural gas settlement and a partial electric settlement reached [7][14] - The average bill impact from the gas case is approximately 9%, maintaining rates below the national average [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on opportunities with data centers and new large load opportunities, potentially achieving greater than 6% EPS growth [8] - The company is committed to maintaining a 5% dividend yield and a total growth profile of 9% to 11% over the next five years [8][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering on earnings and rate-based growth commitments over the long term, despite not providing specific 2025 earnings guidance until the conclusion of the Montana rate review [19][20] - The company expects a lower contribution to overall earnings in Q2 2025 due to the timing of rate implementations [20] Other Important Information - The Montana legislature has passed wildfire and other constructive bills, which are pending the governor's approval, providing significant legal protections for the company [22][24] - The company has successfully priced $500 million of long-term debt to address its financing needs for 2025 [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the tariff proceeding and data centers - The company is in discussions with multiple parties regarding data centers and expects to finalize contracts with two parties, Atlas and Sabey, by the end of Q2 2025 [40][43][44] Question: EPS guidance for 2025 - Management expects to stay within the 4% to 6% EPS range long-term but acknowledges variability in achieving this target [50] Question: Changes in electric average customer counts - The change in customer counts was due to a new system for counting street lighting districts, with overall customer growth remaining around 1.5% [54][55] Question: Long-term capacity planning - The company is considering natural gas or nuclear as potential replacements for Colstrip, depending on regulatory timelines [64][66] Question: SB301 and approval processes - The 90-day cost prudency review is deemed appropriate, with no overlapping of approval processes expected [68]
NorthWestern (NWE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 19:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP diluted EPS of $1.25 and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.22 for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $1.06 in the same period last year, reflecting a significant increase in earnings driven by rate recovery and colder weather [5][9][10] - The company affirmed its long-term rate base and earnings per share growth rate targets of 4% to 6% [5][20] - A dividend of $0.66 per share was declared, payable on June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 13, 2025 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Electric and Gas segments contributed strongly to the earnings, with margin improvements driven by new rates and favorable weather conditions [9][10] - New rates contributed $0.20 to margin improvement, while favorable loads added $0.13, resulting in a total margin increase [10][12] - Transition revenues contributed approximately $0.05 to the quarter's earnings [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Montana rate review is nearing completion, with a full natural gas settlement and a partial electric settlement reached [6][19] - The average bill impact from the gas case is approximately 9%, maintaining rates below the national average [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve greater than 6% EPS growth through opportunities with data centers and new large load opportunities, alongside FERC regional transmission and incremental generating capacity [7][20] - The company is focused on maintaining reliability and affordability for customers while supporting long-term growth [19][22] - Legislative successes include a wildfire bill providing legal protections and a transmission bill facilitating the establishment of CPCNs for large transmission projects [23][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering on earnings and rate-based growth commitments over the long term, despite not providing specific 2025 earnings guidance until the conclusion of the Montana rate review [20][21] - The first quarter performance was solid and slightly ahead of expectations, with a lower contribution anticipated from the second quarter due to the timing of rate implementations [21][22] Other Important Information - The company completed $500 million in long-term debt financing to address its financing needs for 2025 [14][15] - The company is currently at over 60% carbon-free energy in Montana and is exploring opportunities for new large load customers [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about tariff proceedings and data center customers - Management indicated that there are nine parties in the early stages of data center requests, with two parties (Atlas and Sabey) in the contractual estimate phase, expecting contracts by the end of Q2 or early July [42][45] Question: EPS guidance for 2025 - Management acknowledged the inquiry about 2025 guidance, indicating expectations to remain within the 4% to 6% range but noted that it may not be linear [51] Question: Changes in electric average customer counts - Management clarified that changes in customer counts were due to a new system for counting street lighting districts, with overall customer growth remaining around 1.5% [55] Question: Long-term capacity planning and Colstrip - Management confirmed that there is adequate land around Colstrip for potential future capacity, including gas or nuclear options, depending on regulatory timelines [62][66]
NorthWestern (NWE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 19:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP diluted EPS of $1.25 and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.22 for Q1 2025, compared to $1.06 in Q1 2024, reflecting a solid earnings improvement driven by rate recovery and colder weather [6][9][10] - The company affirmed its long-term rate base and earnings per share growth rate targets of 4% to 6% [6][20] - A dividend of $0.66 per share was declared, payable on June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 13, 2025 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Electric and Gas segments contributed strong margins, with new rates driving a $0.20 margin improvement across all jurisdictions [10][12] - Favorable loads contributed an additional $0.13 to margins due to colder weather, customer growth, and increased usage [10] - Transition revenues added approximately $0.05 to the quarter's earnings [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Montana rate review is nearing completion, with a full natural gas settlement and a partial electric settlement reached [7][19] - The average bill impact from the gas case is approximately 9%, maintaining rates below the national average [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve greater than 6% EPS growth through opportunities with data centers and new large load customers, alongside FERC regional transmission and incremental generating capacity [8][20] - Legislative successes include a wildfire bill providing legal protections and a transmission bill facilitating the approval process for large transmission projects [23][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering on earnings and rate-based growth commitments over the long term, despite not providing specific 2025 earnings guidance until the conclusion of the Montana rate review [20][72] - The company anticipates a lower contribution to overall earnings in Q2 2025, estimating it to be approximately 10% of the full year due to the timing of rate implementations [21] Other Important Information - The company successfully priced $500 million of long-term debt in March 2025, addressing its financing needs for the year [14][15] - The company is focused on maintaining reliability and affordability for customers while supporting long-term growth [20][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How long do you think the tariff proceeding could go for? - Management indicated that there are five levels of process for data centers, with various parties at different stages, and they expect to finalize contracts with two parties by the end of Q2 or early July [40][43] Question: Do you still see yourself within the 4% to 6% EPS range for 2025? - Management acknowledged the question regarding 2025 guidance, indicating they expect to stay within the 4% to 6% range long-term, but noted that it may not be entirely linear [50] Question: Did you change the electric average customer counts? - Management confirmed that the change was due to the way street lighting districts were counted, but overall customer growth remained around 1.5% [54] Question: Is there adequate space at Colstrip for replacement capacity? - Management stated that there is adequate land for potential gas or nuclear plants near Colstrip, with ongoing discussions about nuclear options [61][63]
NorthWestern (NWE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-04-30 11:47
First Quarter Earnings Webcast April 30, 2025 8-K April 30, 2025 NorthWestern Energy Forward Looking Statements During the course of this presentation, there will be forward -looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 . Forward -looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," or "will . " ...
NorthWestern (NWE) Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-04-30 01:15
Core Viewpoint - NorthWestern (NWE) reported quarterly earnings of $1.22 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.16 per share, and showing an increase from $1.09 per share a year ago, indicating a 5.17% earnings surprise [1] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $466.6 million for the quarter ended March 2025, which was 4.17% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a decrease from $475.3 million year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, NorthWestern has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - NorthWestern shares have increased approximately 10% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a -6% decline in the S&P 500 [3] Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for investors, as it includes current consensus earnings expectations for upcoming quarters and any recent changes to these expectations [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.66 on revenues of $338.33 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.58 on revenues of $1.58 billion [7] Industry Context - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which NorthWestern belongs, is currently ranked in the top 14% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8]
Northwestern Energy Group: A Moment In The Sun
Seeking Alpha· 2025-03-22 14:36
Core Points - The article does not provide any relevant information regarding companies or industries Group 1 - No relevant company or industry information is present in the documents [1][2][3]
NorthWestern (NWE) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-02-13 21:52
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted GAAP EPS of $3.65 for the full year 2024, an increase from $3.22 in 2023, representing a 13% growth [10][22]. - For Q4 2024, GAAP earnings were $1.31 compared to $1.37 in the same quarter last year, with adjusted earnings of $1.13 after accounting for weather and tax impacts [17][20]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed over $550 million in capital investments, including the launch of the Yellowstone County generating station [9]. - The full-year impact of new base rates contributed $62.4 million to earnings, with continued improvement in transmission revenues [26]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a significant impact from mild weather, which reduced Q4 results by $0.10 compared to normal and $0.04 versus the prior period [20][22]. - The company noted that the Montana rate review process is ongoing, which could affect future earnings [41]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is affirming long-term EPS growth targets of 4% to 6% and has announced a $2.74 billion five-year capital plan, an 11% increase over the previous plan [11][36]. - The strategy includes focusing on data centers and large load opportunities, which are expected to drive future growth [12][49]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by the lack of interim rate support in Montana, which impacted earnings in 2024 [62]. - The company remains optimistic about future growth opportunities, particularly in regional transmission and large load development [33][34]. Other Important Information - The company has a strong focus on credit quality and plans to improve its financial position to support future growth [30]. - Regulatory updates indicate that the company reached a settlement with the South Dakota PUC regarding gas rates, while the Montana rate review is still in progress [38][39]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is 2024 the base year for growth? - Management clarified that 2024 was chosen as it is the most recent completed year, despite being impacted by interim rate issues [61][62]. Question: What is attracting data centers to Montana? - The company highlighted capacity, a cooler climate, and a carbon-free energy portfolio as key factors attracting data centers to Montana [81][82]. Question: When will the company earn its authorized return in Montana? - Management indicated that due to regulatory lag, it is difficult to predict when the authorized return will be achieved, but they are focused on constructive outcomes in the ongoing rate review [95][96]. Question: What are the drivers of the capital expenditure increases? - The capital plan is driven by the need for reliability improvements and system renewals, particularly in Montana Electric and gas transmission systems [129][130]. Question: What is the timeline for the Northpointe Connector project? - The company aims to move from a letter of intent to commercial agreements by mid-year 2025 [90].
NorthWestern (NWE) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-02-13 20:32
1 8-K February 13, 2025 NorthWestern Energy Forward Looking Statements During the course of this presentation, there will be forward -looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 . Forward -looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," or "will . " 2024 Year-End Earnings Webcast February ...
NorthWestern (NWE) Q4 Earnings Match Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-02-13 02:26
Core Viewpoint - NorthWestern (NWE) reported quarterly earnings of $1.13 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but down from $1.38 per share a year ago [1]. Financial Performance - NorthWestern posted revenues of $373.5 million for the quarter ended December 2024, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.07% and up from $356 million year-over-year [2]. - The company has surpassed consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters [2]. Stock Performance and Outlook - NorthWestern shares have increased by approximately 2.3% since the beginning of the year, compared to a 3.2% gain for the S&P 500 [3]. - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for assessing future stock performance, with current consensus EPS estimates at $1.29 for the coming quarter and $3.63 for the current fiscal year [7]. Industry Context - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which NorthWestern belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 46% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8].
NorthWestern Energy: Financially Strong Utility Appears Fairly Valued At Best
Seeking Alpha· 2024-12-17 18:43
Core Viewpoint - The focus is on generating a 7%+ income yield through investments in energy stocks while minimizing principal loss risk [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investment strategy involves a portfolio of energy stocks and closed-end funds (CEFs) [1]. - The approach includes managing risk through options [1]. Group 2: Research and Analysis - The leader of the investment group provides both micro and macro analysis of domestic and international energy companies [1]. - Subscribers gain access to in-depth research and early insights that are not available to the general public [1].