NorthWestern Energy maintains 2026 earnings guidance

NorthWestern Energy (NASDAQ:NWE) reported third-quarter 2026 net income of $30.7 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, compared with $38.2 million, or $0.62 per share, a year earlier.

Adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings fell to $0.58 per share from $0.79, while adjusted net income declined to $35.6 million from $48.4 million in the third quarter of 2025.

The company attributed the earnings decline partly to a $6.1 million net loss associated with its additional ownership interests in Colstrip Units 3 and 4, depreciation and interest expenses, partly offset by lower electricity supply costs and merger-related expenses.

NorthWestern reaffirmed its 2026 non-GAAP earnings guidance of $3.68–$3.83 per diluted share, its $683 million 2026 capital expenditure plan and its 4%–6% long-term earnings growth target, while declaring a $0.67 quarterly dividend payable December 1 to shareholders of record November 17.

NorthWestern provides electricity and natural gas to customers across Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, operating regulated utility networks that generate, transmit and distribute energy to residential, commercial and industrial users.

The company is also pursuing an all-stock merger of equals with Black Hills Corporation, which shareholders of both companies approved in April 2026, with federal, Nebraska and South Dakota regulatory approvals secured and final Montana approval still pending.