Shares of NorthWestern Energy Group (NASDAQ:NWE) were largely unchanged in after-hours trading on Thursday after the company reported first-quarter 2026 results that came in ahead of analyst expectations.
The utility posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.31, beating the consensus estimate of $1.23. Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 reached $497.6 million, up 7% year-over-year from $466.6 million and above the $484.06 million forecast.
Adjusted EPS rose from $1.22 in the same period last year, while on a GAAP basis diluted earnings per share were $1.03, compared with $1.25 a year earlier.
The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 earnings guidance, projecting diluted EPS in the range of $3.68 to $3.83, broadly in line with the $3.75 consensus estimate. NorthWestern also maintained its $683 million capital expenditure plan for 2026 and reiterated its long-term growth outlook of 4% to 6% for both EPS and rate base.
“The first quarter included several important developments across our regulatory and strategic priorities,” said President and CEO Brian Bird. “In South Dakota, the signing of Senate Bill 36 into law provided greater clarity around wildfire-related liabilities and strengthened our ability to manage risk associated with critical energy infrastructure.”
The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.67 per share, payable on June 30, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2026.
NorthWestern also provided an update on its planned merger with Black Hills Corporation. Shareholders from both companies approved the deal in April 2026, and the group has reached settlement agreements with key stakeholders in Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.