Northwestern Corp. (NWE)
NASDAQ:NWE
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Earnings Data
Report Date
Aug 05, 2026After Close (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.52Last Year’s EPS
0.4Same Quarter Last Year
Based on 6 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call contained several material positive developments: solid adjusted EPS growth (+7.4% YoY), reaffirmed 2026 guidance, strong shareholder approval for the merger (99.7% in favor), progress on data center development agreements (notably Quantica scaling to 1.1 GW), a maintained $3.2B capital plan with no 2026 equity need, dividend declaration, and favorable wildfire legislation. Offsetting these positives were near-term execution and recovery headwinds including a significant weather-driven volume shortfall (–$0.17/share), incremental Colstrip costs (~$48M annual) with partial unrecovered impacts, higher operating/depreciation/interest expense, regulatory timing uncertainty (Montana rate case), and execution risk on some data center projects (Zevi land issues) plus lack of sales tax relief in South Dakota. Overall, positive operational and strategic momentum (merger and large-load pipeline) outweighs the near-term cost and timing headwinds.Company Guidance
Adjusted and GAAP EPS with Guidance Reaffirmed
GAAP diluted EPS of $1.03 and non-GAAP (adjusted) diluted EPS of $1.31 for Q1 2026; adjusted EPS rose 7.4% versus Q1 2025. Company reaffirmed 2026 EPS guidance of $3.68–$3.83 and long-term EPS and rate base growth target of 4%–6%.
Strong Shareholder Support for Merger
Shareholder vote turnout ~86% with 99.7% of votes in favor of the pending merger with Black Hills; settlements reached with key intervenors in Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota, advancing regulatory approvals.
Data Center Pipeline Expansion (Quantica)
Signed a development agreement with Quantica, bringing total development agreements to three. Quantica’s project increased the large-load scale to 1.1 GW (up from prior ~500 MW framing), targeting an initial ramp in early 2029 and full ramp around 2031 (roughly two years to achieve full ramp).
Dividend and Total Return Profile
Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.67 per share payable 06/30/2026 (June 15 record date). Standalone company cited a ~4% dividend yield and a target 8%–10% total return (4%–6% EPS growth plus dividend), with upside if incremental opportunities are realized.
Capital Plan and No 2026 Equity Needs
Maintained capital plan of $3.2 billion for 2026–2030 (unchanged from Q4). Management expects no common equity issuance in 2026; potential equity needs may arise in 2027 tied to incremental generation in South Dakota.
Regulatory and Legislative Wins on Wildfire Protections
South Dakota passed Senate Bill 36 providing utility wildfire protections (notably prohibiting strict liability), aligning protections with existing Montana legislation—improves legal certainty for utility operations in two electric states.
Progress on Regulatory Filings and FERC Timeline
Filed merger notice with FERC in December; 180-day timeline could yield a decision by June. Hart-Scott-Rodino review period completed. Hearings scheduled and management expects necessary approvals in 2026 if state dockets move.
Transmission and Margin Drivers
Improved margin from new Montana rates, Puget Colstrip sales and continued growth in transmission revenues in the bulk electric system helped offset some cost pressures in the quarter.
NWE Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
NWE Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Apr 29, 2026 | $71.34 | $72.34 | +1.40% |
Feb 11, 2026 | $67.67 | $67.77 | +0.15% |
Oct 29, 2025 | $58.66 | $58.82 | +0.28% |
Jul 30, 2025 | $50.98 | $52.04 | +2.07% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Northwestern Corp. (NWE) report earnings?
Northwestern Corp. (NWE) is schdueled to report earning on Aug 05, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
What is Northwestern Corp. (NWE) earnings time?
Northwestern Corp. (NWE) earnings time is at Aug 05, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
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What is NWE EPS forecast?
NWE EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q2) is 0.52.