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On Monday, Ladenburg Thalmann analysts downgraded Northwestern Corp. (NASDAQ:NWE) stock rating from Buy to Neutral, citing concerns over the company’s ability to earn its authorized return on equity in a timely manner. The firm’s analysts set a new price target of $56.00. Currently trading at a P/E ratio of 15.15 with an 8% return on equity, InvestingPro data shows the stock is slightly overvalued at current levels.
The decision to downgrade Northwestern stock comes as the company faces challenges related to rate exposure and regulatory lag. Analysts noted that while the partial stipulation is a positive step, the company continues to face hurdles in establishing a PCCAM baseline and recovering YCGS costs. According to InvestingPro, six analysts have recently revised their earnings estimates downward, though the company maintains a strong dividend yield of 4.77% and has raised dividends for 20 consecutive years.
Northwestern is also expected to encounter regulatory delays in recovering additional operating and maintenance expenses associated with acquiring more ownership in the Colstrip plant from Avista (NYSE:AVA) and Puget Sound. These factors have led Ladenburg Thalmann analysts to adjust their financial estimates for the company for the years 2026 and 2027.
Furthermore, the analysts introduced a new estimate for 2028, reflecting the anticipated impact of the regulatory lag on the company’s financial performance. Despite the downgrade, the partial stipulation remains a positive development for Northwestern, though challenges persist in other areas.
In other recent news, NorthWestern Corporation reported its Q1 2025 earnings, posting an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.22, which exceeded analysts’ expectations of $1.14. Despite this positive result, the company’s revenue fell short, coming in at $466.6 million compared to the anticipated $491.64 million. NorthWestern also reported a GAAP diluted EPS of $1.25, up from $1.06 in the same quarter last year. The company completed $500 million in debt financing for 2025, which it considers a crucial step in meeting its financial obligations for the year. NorthWestern is also exploring growth opportunities, including increased ownership in the Colstrip facility and potential data center ventures. Additionally, the company reaffirmed its long-term EPS growth target of 4-6%. On the regulatory front, NorthWestern has reached a full natural gas settlement and a partial electric settlement in Montana, with hearings expected to commence in June. The company continues to advance its carbon-free initiatives, achieving over 60% carbon-free energy in Montana.
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