NorthWestern (US:NWE)2025-04-30 19:30Financial 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]