Core Viewpoint - NorthWestern (NWE) is expected to report a year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues for the quarter ended September 2025, with the market closely watching how actual results compare to consensus estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is anticipated to show earnings of $0.75 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +15.4%, while revenues are expected to reach $380.96 million, up 10.4% from the previous year [3]. - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 4.31% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive reassessment by analysts [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model suggests that the Most Accurate Estimate for NorthWestern is lower than the consensus estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -0.67%, indicating a bearish outlook from analysts [12]. - NorthWestern currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4, which complicates the prediction of an earnings beat [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, NorthWestern exceeded the consensus EPS estimate of $0.38 by delivering earnings of $0.40, resulting in a surprise of +5.26% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times [14]. Industry Comparison - NextEra Energy (NEE), another player in the electric utility sector, is expected to report earnings of $1.04 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of +1%, with revenues projected at $8.12 billion, up 7.3% [18]. - The consensus EPS estimate for NextEra has been revised 3.8% lower in the last 30 days, resulting in an Earnings ESP of 0% and a Zacks Rank of 3, making predictions of an earnings beat challenging [19][20].

Core Insights - During market turbulence, investors often seek dividend-yielding stocks, which typically have high free cash flows and offer substantial dividends [1] Company Summaries Edison International (NYSE:EIX) - Dividend Yield: 6.17% - Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith downgraded the stock from Buy to Hold, reducing the price target from $70 to $57 on Oct. 2, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 67% [7] - Morgan Stanley analyst David Arcaro maintained an Underweight rating and lowered the price target from $61 to $60 on Sept. 25, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 71% [7] - Recent News: A quarterly common stock dividend of $0.8275 per share was declared on Sept. 22 [7] AES Corp (NYSE:AES) - Dividend Yield: 4.89% - Evercore ISI Group analyst Nicholas Amicucci initiated coverage with an In-Line rating and a price target of $15 on Oct. 7, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 74% [7] - Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $12 to $14 on July 22, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69% [7] - Recent News: AES will host a conference call on Nov. 5 to review its third quarter financial results [7] NorthWestern Energy Group Inc (NYSE:NWE) - Dividend Yield: 4.48% - Ladenburg Thalmann analyst Paul Fremont downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral, cutting the price target from $57.5 to $56 on June 2, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 62% [7] - Barclays analyst Eric Beaumont maintained an Overweight rating and increased the price target from $56 to $59 on April 22, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 71% [7] - Recent News: NorthWestern Energy announced an investor webinar on Oct. 30 to review its financial results for the quarter ending Sept. 30 [7]

Core Viewpoint - NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. will host an investor webinar on October 30, 2025, to discuss its financial results for Q3 2025, with a news release to be issued on October 29, 2025 [1]. Company Overview - NorthWestern Energy provides essential energy infrastructure and services, delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions to approximately 842,100 customers across Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park [3]. - The company operates through subsidiaries: NorthWestern Corporation in Montana and Yellowstone National Park, and NorthWestern Energy Public Service Corporation in South Dakota and Nebraska, with service in these regions dating back to 1923 and 2002 respectively [3].

Economic Overview - Consumer confidence fell to 94.2 in September, a decline of 3.6 points month over month, missing the consensus estimate of 96 [4] - The Present Situation Index dropped 7 points to 125.4, indicating a negative assessment of current business and labor market conditions [4] - Short-term expectations for income, business conditions, and employment declined to 74.8, with readings below 80 suggesting a higher risk of recession [5] - Concerns over a shrinking labor market have negatively impacted consumer confidence, with job availability assessments declining for nine consecutive months [5] - High prices of goods, exacerbated by tariffs, continue to pressure consumer spending, while inflation remains a concern [6] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility sector, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO), NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (NWE), and Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN), all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [2] - Recommended stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1), suggesting a focus on low-beta stocks with high dividend yields and favorable Zacks Ranks [3] Company Profiles - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states. Expected earnings growth rate is 7.3% for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 2.05% and a beta of 0.75 [7][8] - **Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO)**: Focuses on seawater desalination and water distribution in areas with scarce potable water. Expected earnings growth rate is 0.9% for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 1.60% and a beta of 0.58 [9][10] - **NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (NWE)**: Provides reliable energy to customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Expected earnings growth rate is 5.6% for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 4.54% and a beta of 0.40 [11][12] - **Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN)**: Builds and maintains natural gas distribution systems, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Expected earnings growth rate is 25.3% for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 4.37% and a beta of 0.59 [13][14]

Core Insights - The article highlights the features of Ian's Insider Corner, which provides access to investment reports, trade alerts, and direct communication with the analyst [1]. Group 1 - Ian Bezek has a decade of experience as a hedge fund analyst and has conducted extensive research in Latin American markets, focusing on countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Chile [2]. - The investment group emphasizes high-quality compounders and growth stocks available at reasonable prices in both the US and developed markets [2].

Core Viewpoint - NorthWestern (NWE) is currently positioned as a more attractive investment option compared to Pinnacle West (PNW) for value investors, based on earnings estimate revisions and valuation metrics [3][7]. Valuation Metrics - NWE has a forward P/E ratio of 15.85, while PNW has a forward P/E of 19.02, indicating that NWE is relatively undervalued [5]. - The PEG ratio for NWE is 2.31, compared to PNW's PEG ratio of 8.97, suggesting that NWE offers better value when considering expected earnings growth [5]. - NWE's P/B ratio stands at 1.22, whereas PNW's P/B ratio is 1.51, further supporting NWE's valuation advantage [6]. Analyst Outlook - NWE holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), reflecting a positive earnings estimate revision activity, while PNW has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating a less favorable outlook [3][7]. - The Value grade for NWE is B, while PNW has a Value grade of C, reinforcing the conclusion that NWE is the superior choice for value investors [6].

Core Viewpoint - The Ademi Firm is investigating NorthWestern for potential breaches of fiduciary duty and legal violations related to its going-private transaction [1] Group 1 - NorthWestern shareholders will receive 0.98 shares of Black Hills for each share of NorthWestern owned [1]

Core Viewpoint - NorthWestern (NWE) is currently positioned as a more attractive investment compared to Pinnacle West (PNW) based on various valuation metrics and earnings outlook [3][7]. Valuation Metrics - NWE has a forward P/E ratio of 15.70, while PNW has a forward P/E of 19.31, indicating that NWE may be undervalued relative to PNW [5]. - The PEG ratio for NWE is 2.29, compared to PNW's PEG ratio of 9.11, suggesting that NWE's expected earnings growth is more favorable [5]. - NWE's P/B ratio stands at 1.21, while PNW's P/B ratio is 1.53, further supporting NWE's valuation advantage [6]. Analyst Outlook - NWE holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings estimate revision trend, while PNW has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), reflecting a less favorable analyst outlook [3][6]. - The overall Value grade for NWE is B, whereas PNW has a Value grade of C, reinforcing NWE's position as the superior value option [6].

Core Viewpoint - NorthWestern (NWE) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system reflects changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations by institutional investors, resulting in stock price movements [4]. Company Performance and Outlook - The upgrade for NorthWestern suggests an improvement in the company's underlying business, which is expected to be recognized by investors through a potential increase in stock price [5][10]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, NorthWestern is projected to earn $3.61 per share, with a 0.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks based on earnings estimate revisions, with only the top 20% of stocks receiving a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revision features [9][10]. - Historically, Zacks Rank 1 stocks have generated an average annual return of +25% since 1988, showcasing the effectiveness of the rating system [7].

Group 1 - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Dayforce, Inc. for potential violations related to its sale to Thoma Bravo at $70.00 per share in cash [1] - NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. is being investigated regarding its sale to Black Hills Corp. for 0.98 shares of Black Hills for each share of NorthWestern, resulting in NorthWestern shareholders owning approximately 44% of the combined company [2] - The firm may seek increased consideration for shareholders and additional disclosures concerning the proposed transactions [3] Group 2 - Shareholders are encouraged to contact Halper Sadeh LLC to discuss their legal rights and options at no charge [4] - Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors globally who have experienced securities fraud and corporate misconduct, recovering millions for defrauded investors [4]