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Black Hills Corp. (BKH)
NYSE:BKH
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Black Hills (BKH) AI Stock Analysis

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BKH

Black Hills

(NYSE:BKH)

Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$68.00
â–²(13.92% Upside)
Black Hills Corporation scores well due to strong technical momentum and positive corporate events, particularly the merger with NorthWestern Energy. While financial performance is solid, addressing revenue consistency and cash flow volatility could further enhance the company's prospects.
Positive Factors
Financial Stability
The Large Power Contract Service (LPCS) tariff provides predictability and visibility that investors value, without the operating, cash flow, and financing drag associated with traditional contracts.
Growth Prospects
The potential earnings contribution from large projects could significantly alter the company's growth profile, bolstering its long-term prospects.
Merger Benefits
The merger between Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy is expected to improve the strategic positioning and fundamental outlook of the combined company.
Negative Factors
Earnings Growth Uncertainty
It is incredibly difficult to assess accretion and the earnings profile without knowing details of the ramp, which could end well into the 2030s.
Financial Pressure
A larger capital expenditure program would increase pressure on an already tight balance sheet, potentially impacting financial stability.

Black Hills (BKH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Black Hills Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBlack Hills Corporation (BKH) is a diversified energy company based in the United States, primarily engaged in providing electric and natural gas services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. With operations spanning multiple states, the company operates through two main segments: utility operations, which include electric and gas distribution, and non-regulated operations, which encompass power generation and other energy-related services. BKH is committed to delivering reliable energy solutions while also focusing on renewable energy initiatives.
How the Company Makes MoneyBlack Hills Corporation generates revenue primarily through its utility operations by charging customers for the electricity and natural gas they consume. The company earns a return on investment through regulated rates set by state utility commissions, which allows them to recover costs and earn a profit margin. Additionally, BKH's non-regulated operations contribute to its revenue through the sale of electricity generated from renewable sources and other energy services. Significant partnerships with local governments and energy organizations further enhance its ability to expand its service offerings and optimize operations, thus contributing to its overall earnings.

Black Hills Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a positive sentiment with strong financial performance, effective regulatory execution, and notable growth in data center demand. Despite challenges with higher operating costs and unplanned outages, the company's strategic initiatives and capital projects are on track, and insurance costs are stable.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Earnings Growth and Financial Stability
Achieved a year-over-year earnings growth of 5% at the midpoint of guidance for 2025. Maintained a healthy balance sheet with a strong liquidity position of more than $600 million.
Regulatory and Growth Initiatives
Successfully executed regulatory strategy with the completion of 7 rate reviews since 2024, representing over $1.3 billion of new system investments. Approved Kansas Gas rate review and ongoing Nebraska rate review.
Data Center and Blockchain Demand
Significant growth in data center demand, contributing to industrial growth of 19% for the quarter. New customer Meta expected to begin data center load in 2026, with data center demand potentially contributing over 10% of EPS by 2028.
Major Capital Projects
Progress on Ready Wyoming transmission expansion, Lange II generation project, and Colorado Clean Energy Plan. $4.7 billion capital plan to support growth, including $1 billion investment in 2025.
Insurance Cost Stability
Insurance costs expected to remain flat from July 2025 through June 2026, providing financial stability.
Negative Updates
Higher Operating and Financing Costs
Faced $0.05 per share of higher O&M driven by increased insurance premiums and unplanned outages, $0.08 per share of higher financing costs, and $0.04 of higher depreciation expense.
Unplanned Generation Outages
Experienced $5 million in additional pretax O&M costs due to unplanned generation outages, though impacts were materially offset by benefits in margin and noncontrolling interest.
Company Guidance
During the Black Hills Corporation's Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company reaffirmed its financial guidance, projecting a 5% year-over-year earnings growth at the midpoint of its $4 to $4.20 EPS range for 2025. The company highlighted its strategic initiatives, including a $1 billion capital plan and regulatory progress, such as the recently approved Kansas Gas rate review that contributed to the recovery of over $1.3 billion in new system investments. Operationally, Black Hills made solid progress on key projects like the Ready Wyoming transmission expansion and the Lange II generation project. The company also emphasized its ongoing customer growth, particularly from data center and blockchain demands, which significantly increased peak loads in Wyoming Electric by 21% over last year. Despite challenges such as unplanned outages, the company maintained a strong financial position with liquidity exceeding $600 million and continued to target long-term EPS growth in the upper half of the 4% to 6% range starting in 2026.

Black Hills Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Black Hills demonstrates solid financial performance with strong profitability and stable cash flows. However, challenges with revenue consistency and free cash flow volatility need addressing to enhance financial stability and growth prospects.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Black Hills shows a stable revenue growth with a slight increase in the TTM period. Gross profit and net profit margins are healthy, indicating efficient cost management. However, the revenue growth rate has been inconsistent over the years, which could pose a risk if not addressed.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company maintains a moderate debt-to-equity ratio, which is typical for the utilities industry. Return on equity is stable, reflecting consistent profitability. However, the equity ratio suggests a reliance on debt financing, which could impact financial stability if interest rates rise.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Operating cash flow remains strong, but free cash flow has been volatile, with significant negative growth in recent periods. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, but the free cash flow to net income ratio indicates potential cash flow management issues.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.24B2.13B2.33B2.55B1.95B1.70B
Gross Profit869.50M840.40M796.40M772.80M705.50M709.13M
EBITDA809.90M785.30M738.40M709.50M648.50M645.07M
Net Income284.30M273.10M262.20M258.40M236.70M227.61M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets10.09B10.02B9.62B9.62B9.13B8.09B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments8.10M16.10M86.60M21.43M8.92M6.36M
Total Debt4.38B4.38B4.40B4.67B4.55B3.77B
Total Liabilities6.37B6.44B6.31B6.53B6.24B5.43B
Stockholders Equity3.64B3.50B3.22B2.99B2.79B2.56B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow269.90M-24.90M388.80M-19.56M-742.06M-225.54M
Operating Cash Flow671.70M719.30M944.40M584.80M-64.56M541.86M
Investing Cash Flow-405.30M-746.00M-536.70M-603.88M-664.23M-761.66M
Financing Cash Flow-458.30M-42.90M-341.70M32.25M731.87M216.88M

Black Hills Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price59.69
Price Trends
50DMA
57.99
Positive
100DMA
57.85
Positive
200DMA
57.96
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.41
Positive
RSI
53.15
Neutral
STOCH
25.13
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BKH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 59.69 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 60.16, above the 50-day MA of 57.99, and above the 200-day MA of 57.96, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.41 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 53.15 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 25.13 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for BKH.

Black Hills Risk Analysis

Black Hills disclosed 20 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Black Hills reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Black Hills Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$3.54B12.3217.13%2.42%-3.69%-8.25%
77
Outperform
$4.34B15.028.13%4.49%5.41%-1.89%
77
Outperform
$3.54B15.577.93%4.54%3.78%7.48%
74
Outperform
$3.11B23.4710.75%2.15%8.47%12.76%
72
Outperform
$2.97B16.336.91%5.28%2.41%-9.85%
66
Neutral
$17.25B17.995.54%3.64%6.63%11.55%
62
Neutral
$3.70B20.126.46%4.54%-0.44%-17.46%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BKH
Black Hills
59.69
2.62
4.59%
ALE
Allete
63.65
2.93
4.83%
AVA
Avista
36.87
0.37
1.01%
MGEE
MGE Energy
84.75
0.04
0.05%
NWE
Northwestern
57.95
6.33
12.26%
OTTR
Otter Tail
83.88
8.29
10.97%

Black Hills Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Black Hills Announces Merger with NorthWestern Energy Group
Positive
Aug 19, 2025

On August 18, 2025, Black Hills Corporation entered into a merger agreement with NorthWestern Energy Group, creating a premier regional regulated utility company with a pro forma market capitalization of approximately $7.8 billion. The merger, unanimously approved by both companies’ boards, is expected to enhance operational scale, financial strength, and investment opportunities, supporting a long-term EPS growth rate of 5% to 7%. The combined entity will maintain a strong investment-grade credit profile, continue existing dividend policies, and focus on delivering value to customers and communities through improved operational efficiencies and a commitment to clean energy initiatives.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Black Hills and NorthWestern Energy Announce Merger
Positive
Aug 19, 2025

On August 19, 2025, Black Hills Corporation and NorthWestern Energy Group announced a merger agreement to create a premier regional regulated utility company. The merger, structured as an all-stock transaction, is expected to enhance the companies’ financial strength and operational scale, providing opportunities for increased investment in energy infrastructure and improved customer service. The combined entity will serve approximately 2.1 million customers across eight states, with a focus on sustainable growth and community support. The merger is anticipated to be accretive to earnings per share in the first year and aims to support a long-term EPS growth rate of 5% to 7%, benefiting shareholders and stakeholders alike.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 20, 2025