Financial Performance - NorthWestern Energy reported GAAP diluted EPS of $1.25 and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.22 for the first quarter of 2025[8] - First quarter GAAP net income increased by $11.8 million or 18.1% compared to the prior period[18] - First quarter non-GAAP net income increased by $8.1 million or 12.1% compared to the prior period[18] - Utility Margin increased by $30.7 million or 10.2% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the prior year[24] Growth and Investment - The company is affirming long-term rate base and earnings per share growth rates targets of 4% - 6%[8] - The company forecasts $2.74 billion of capital investment over the next five years, expected to drive annualized earnings and rate base growth of approximately 4% - 6%[11] - The company expects to maintain FFO to Debt ratio > 14% in 2025 and beyond[42] Regulatory and Strategic Updates - A full natural gas settlement and a partial electric settlement have been reached in Montana rate review[8] - Montana legislature has passed wildfire and transmission bills, pending the Governor's approval[8] - The company plans no cost acquisition of 592 MW of additional Colstrip capacity[61] - The company announced a memorandum of understanding to own 10% of the North Plains Connector project[70]

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]

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]

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].

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 ...

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].

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].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP diluted EPS of $0.76 for Q3 2024, an increase from $0.48 in the prior quarter, reflecting a growth of $0.28 [4][9] - Non-GAAP diluted EPS for the quarter was $0.65, with a revised 2024 non-GAAP EPS guidance of $3.32 to $3.47 due to delays in Montana interim rates [4][18] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $46.8 million, compared to $29.3 million in the prior quarter [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The earnings growth was primarily driven by rate review outcomes, increased transmission revenues, and an income tax benefit, partially offset by higher insurance costs related to wildfire coverage [10][11] - Adjusted earnings for Q3 2024 were $0.65, compared to $0.49 in the prior period on an adjusted basis [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is currently trading with a yield of approximately 5%, combined with an expected EPS growth rate of 4% to 6%, leading to a total growth proposition of 9% to 11% [7] - The company is exploring activities on the FERC transmission side to provide incremental generating capacity and load addition [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to support economic development in its service territories through electrification and is focused on regulatory execution to drive outcomes in rate cases [14][20] - The company is committed to a long-term growth target of 4% to 6% EPS growth with no equity needs, maintaining its capital investment plans [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a fair outcome in regulatory proceedings, emphasizing the importance of a strong regulatory framework for attracting capital and investment [20][26] - The company is navigating a complex regulatory landscape and anticipates interim rate relief in Montana by December, which is crucial for maintaining credit metrics [19][61] Other Important Information - The U.S. Department of Energy awarded a $700 million grant to the North Plains Connector Consortium project, with $21 million allocated for the Colstrip transmission system upgrades [6] - The Yellowstone County Generating Station began serving customers in October 2024 [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the delays in interim rates in Montana? - Management indicated that the delays are due to the commission dealing with multiple rate cases and expressed confidence in receiving interim rates by December [35][36] Question: How is the company positioned regarding capital expenditures and opportunities? - Management stated that they are actively working on various fronts for transmission and generation projects, but progress may take longer than initially expected [40][41] Question: What is the company's outlook on the North Plains Connector project? - Management confirmed they are well-positioned with good relationships with utilities and are evaluating the North Plains Connector seriously [54] Question: How does the election cycle impact the company's operations? - Management noted that federal elections could impact operations, but there has been strong legislative support for Colstrip at the state level [67] Question: What certainty is needed from the Montana Commission before embarking on large capital projects? - Management indicated that the existing rate review will provide a good indication of the commission's support for capital projects like the baghouse investment [70]

Group 1 - NorthWestern (NWE) reported quarterly earnings of $0.65 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.70 per share, but showing an increase from $0.49 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of -7.14% [1] - The company posted revenues of $345.2 million for the quarter ended September 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.33%, and compared to year-ago revenues of $321.1 million [2] - NorthWestern shares have increased approximately 7.1% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 21.8% [3] Group 2 - The earnings outlook for NorthWestern is mixed, with the current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter at $1.22 on revenues of $369.76 million, and for the current fiscal year at $3.49 on revenues of $1.51 billion [7] - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which NorthWestern belongs, is currently in the top 35% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8] - Another company in the same industry, MGE (MGEE), is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.17 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of +11.4% [9]

Core Viewpoint - Northwestern Energy Group, Inc. is a regulated electric and natural gas utility operating in rural areas of the U.S., particularly Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska, with a focus on stable cash flows and attractive dividend yields amidst recession fears [1][7][14] Company Overview - Northwestern Energy Group serves approximately 470,300 electric and 326,700 natural gas customers, with the majority located in Montana [4][9] - The company operates 25,274 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines and 7,390 miles of natural gas pipelines, indicating a significant infrastructure investment [4] - The customer base has shown growth, particularly in Montana, where the population is increasing at a rate of 1.5% annually [8][9] Financial Performance - The company's operating cash flow for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2024, was $419.1 million, up from $368.4 million the previous year, indicating growth [8][11] - Net income increased by 19% to $209.2 million for the same period, with diluted earnings per share rising from $2.99 to $3.42, a 14.38% increase [11][12] - Despite strong earnings growth, the stock price has underperformed compared to earnings, suggesting a potential investment opportunity [11][14] Market Context - The utility sector has been affected by recession fears, with the S&P 500 Index dropping 2.18% recently, which may enhance the appeal of stable utility investments like Northwestern Energy [6][7] - The company offers a dividend yield of 4.76%, which becomes more attractive as interest rates are expected to decline [1][11] Growth Prospects - Northwestern Energy Group plans to invest $2.5 billion in infrastructure from 2024 to 2028, which is expected to support growth in its rate base and earnings per share at a compound annual growth rate of 4% to 6% [8][11] - The company benefits from demographic trends, with a growing customer base reflecting the population increase in its service areas [8][9] Valuation - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for Northwestern Energy Group is 15.48, which is slightly undervalued compared to its peers, making it an attractive option for potential investors [12][13]