NorthWestern Energy Group Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
NorthWestern Energy Group's CEO is Brian Bird, appointed in Feb 2021, has a tenure of 5.5 years. total yearly compensation is $5.02M, comprised of 18.4% salary and 81.6% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.25% of the company’s shares, worth $10.77M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 7.8 years and 6.7 years respectively.
Key information
Brian Bird
Chief executive officer
US$5.0m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 18.36% |
| CEO tenure | 5.5yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.2% |
| Management average tenure | 7.8yrs |
| Board average tenure | 6.7yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Aug 06
NWE: Merger Progress And Execution Risks Will Shape Fairly Valued Outlook
Analysts have lifted the fair value estimate for NorthWestern Energy Group to $70.00 from $62.21, citing reduced deal risk around the pending Black Hills merger, potential benefits from greater scale and jurisdictional diversity, and updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E. Analyst Commentary Recent research on NorthWestern Energy Group has centered on the pending all stock merger with Black Hills and what it could mean for valuation, balance sheet strength and long term growth opportunities.Narrative Update • Jul 22
NWE: Merger Execution Risks Will Likely Limit Upside After Recent Repricing
Analysts have lifted their price target on NorthWestern Energy Group stock to $62 from $54, citing the pending all-stock merger with Black Hills and the reduced deal break risk, as well as potential benefits from greater scale, a stronger balance sheet, and broader infrastructure opportunities across data centers, transmission, generation, and gas. Analyst Commentary Recent research on NorthWestern Energy Group has centered on the pending all-stock merger with Black Hills, with analysts weighing the potential benefits of greater scale against execution and regulatory risks.Analysis Article • Jun 17
NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) Stock Could Be 31% Overvalued After FERC Tariff Filing
NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) stock is in focus after the company filed a revised Attachment K to its Open Access Transmission Tariff, aligning its NorthernGrid transmission planning framework with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order No. 1920 requirements. See our latest analysis for NorthWestern Energy Group. Against this regulatory backdrop, NorthWestern Energy Group’s share price has moved to US$70.56, with a 7.43% 7 day share price return and an 8.97% year to date share price...
Narrative Update • Jun 17
NWE: Merger Progress And Infrastructure Pipeline Will Shape Future Risk Reward
Analysts have adjusted their price target on NorthWestern Energy Group, citing a roughly unchanged fair value estimate around $71.42. This reflects perceived benefits from the planned all stock merger with Black Hills, including increased scale, a stronger balance sheet, a broader jurisdictional spread, and a larger long term infrastructure project pipeline.Narrative Update • Jun 02
NWE: Higher P/E Assumptions And Black Hills Merger Progress Will Shape Risk Reward
NorthWestern Energy Group’s analyst price target has been adjusted from $69.10 to about $71.42 as analysts factor in updated views on fair value, a slightly higher discount rate, modest tweaks to revenue growth and profit margin assumptions, and a revised future P/E estimate. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around NorthWestern Energy Group clusters around higher price targets and an upgraded rating, with analysts refining their models on discount rates, revenue trends and future P/E assumptions.New Narrative • May 02
Merger And Data Center Hurdles Will Expose Long Term Earnings Fragility
Catalysts About NorthWestern Energy Group NorthWestern Energy Group is a regulated utility that provides electricity and natural gas to customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?Narrative Update • Apr 25
NWE: Higher P/E Assumptions And Dividend Step Up Will Shape Risk Reward
Analysts have lifted the fair value estimate for NorthWestern Energy Group from $65.42 to $69.10, as recent price target increases and updated assumptions on revenue growth and future P/E expectations have contributed to a higher overall valuation view. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research has clustered around higher price targets and at least one upgrade, which feeds directly into a higher fair value estimate for NorthWestern Energy Group.
New Narrative • Apr 17
Merger With Black Hills And Data Center Demand Will Transform Long Term Prospects
Catalysts About NorthWestern Energy Group NorthWestern Energy Group is a regulated electric and natural gas utility serving customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?Narrative Update • Apr 10
NWE: Mixed Rating Shifts And Dividend Move Will Shape Risk Reward Balance
Analysts have raised their fair value estimate for NorthWestern Energy Group from $63.40 to about $65.42, citing recent price target increases and mixed rating changes across firms as they reassess assumptions around growth, profitability and future P/E levels. Analyst Commentary Recent research on NorthWestern Energy Group reflects a mix of optimism and caution as analysts refresh their models around growth, execution and valuation.Narrative Update • Mar 27
NWE: Mixed Rating Shifts And Dividend Increase Will Shape Risk Reward Balance
Narrative Update on NorthWestern Energy Group The consensus analyst price target for NorthWestern Energy Group has been lifted by a few dollars, supported by recent $5 and $1 upward target revisions from BMO Capital and Barclays, even as another firm turned more cautious on the shares. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on NorthWestern Energy Group reflects a mix of optimism and caution, with some analysts lifting their price targets and others turning more skeptical on the risk and reward trade off at current levels.Narrative Update • Mar 12
NWE: Mixed Rating Shifts And Dividend Increase Will Shape Forward Outlook
The analyst price target for NorthWestern Energy Group has been raised by $5, with recent research citing updated views on fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E as key drivers behind the shift. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on NorthWestern Energy Group reflects a mix of optimism and caution, with some analysts lifting price targets and at least one turning more cautious on the shares.Narrative Update • Feb 24
NWE: Mixed Rating Shifts And Dividend Plans Will Shape Forward Outlook
NorthWestern Energy Group's fair value estimate has been adjusted to $63.40 from $62.60, as analysts factor in updated assumptions on growth, margins, and future P/E, following recent shifts in price targets at major firms, including raises from BMO Capital and Barclays, alongside a downgrade from Wells Fargo. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on NorthWestern Energy Group reflects a mix of optimism and caution around execution, growth expectations, and how the stock is valued against its updated fair value estimate of $63.40.Seeking Alpha • Feb 15
NorthWestern Energy: This Ignored Utility Could Profit From The Data Center Boom
Summary NorthWestern Energy Group offers a 3.84% yield, recently raised its dividend, and trades at an attractive valuation despite strong recent share price outperformance. NWE is positioned for growth as Montana and South Dakota attract data center development, driving significant capital investment and potential upside to earnings projections. The company targets 4%-6% annual EPS growth over five years, with total return potential of 8%-10% annually when including dividends. Dividend sustainability is solid on a cash flow basis, but the most recent increase lagged inflation, tempering income growth for shareholders. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Feb 09
NWE: Mixed Rating Shifts And Meeting Plans Will Shape Forward Outlook
Analysts have made a modest upward adjustment to their price target for NorthWestern Energy Group, tying the move, which includes at least one US$1 increase, to mixed recent research that combines a higher target from some firms with a more cautious stance from others. Analyst Commentary Recent research on NorthWestern Energy Group sends a mixed signal, with one firm lifting its price target by US$1 while another adopts a more cautious stance and downgrades the shares.Narrative Update • Jan 26
NWE: EPS Framework Capital Plan And Merger Steps Will Guide Outlook
Narrative Update on NorthWestern Energy Group Analysts have inched their average price target for NorthWestern Energy Group higher by about $0.40, pointing to slightly stronger assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E following recent earnings, reaffirmed long term EPS guidance, and updated capital investment plans. Analyst Commentary Recent research on NorthWestern Energy Group reflects a mix of optimism and caution as analysts react to updated guidance, capital plans, and the pending merger with Black Hills Corporation.Narrative Update • Jan 11
NWE: EPS Guidance Capital Plan And Merger Progress Will Shape Outlook
Analysts have made only a marginal adjustment to their price target framework for NorthWestern Energy Group, reflecting steady fair value assumptions around $62.20 per share and supported by the affirmed 4% to 6% long term EPS growth guidance, the ongoing $2.7b capital plan, and recent coverage initiation at Equal Weight with a $58 target. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on NorthWestern Energy Group focus on earnings visibility, capital plans, and the potential implications of the proposed merger with Black Hills Corporation.Narrative Update • Dec 27
NWE: EPS Guidance And Merger Progress Will Shape Moderate Multiyear Outlook
Analysts have nudged their price target on NorthWestern Energy Group modestly higher to reflect slightly stronger revenue growth expectations, supported by reaffirmed 4% to 6% EPS growth guidance, a $2.7 billion 2025 to 2029 capital plan, and consistent earnings outperformance. Analyst Commentary Analysts highlight that NorthWestern Energy's reaffirmed guidance and capital plan support a stable, modest growth profile but also note execution and financing risks that could weigh on valuation if not managed carefully.Narrative Update • Dec 13
NWE Q3 Momentum And Merger Progress Will Shape Moderate Outlook
Analysts have modestly raised their price target on NorthWestern Energy Group to approximately $62 from about $59. They cite the company’s better than expected recent results, slightly improved margin outlook, and reaffirmed earnings and capital investment plans as key supports for a higher fair value, despite a marginally higher discount rate and somewhat slower projected revenue growth.Seeking Alpha • Mar 22
Northwestern Energy Group: A Moment In The Sun
Summary Northwestern Energy is benefiting from investors looking to utilities as one way of investing for the AI surge. Management aims for 4-6% earnings growth, but faces uncertainties due to pending rate reviews and reliance on external energy sources. Northwestern's $2.74 billion capital plan is a baseline to be funded by operating cash and debt, however opportunities beyond the specific scope of the plan would likely require new equity. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 17
NorthWestern Energy: Financially Strong Utility Appears Fairly Valued At Best
Summary NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. serves sparsely populated areas but enjoys stable revenues and high dividend yield, appealing to income-focused investors. The company’s customer base is growing, particularly in Montana, which supports incremental revenue growth going forward. Montana has a lower unemployment rate than the US average, but the Philadelphia Fed casts doubt on the official figures. This could suggest weakness among NWE's customers. NorthWestern Energy has managed to limit its exposure to rising interest rates better than many peers, maintaining a relatively low net debt-to-equity ratio. NWE stock may underperform peers due to lower growth expectations, but its stable cash flows and essential services provide a reliable income source. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Sep 04
Expanding Market Reach And Calculated Investments Propel Future Growth And Stability
Strategic acquisitions and rate base growth indicate an emphasis on expanding market presence and ensuring steady revenue through increased customer base and infrastructure investments.Seeking Alpha • Jun 30
Northwestern Energy Group: Risk To Capital Plan From Regulation
Summary Northwestern Energy does not have sufficient capacity, but is attempting to efficiently deploy $2.5 billion in capital to expand its production. A significant part of the plan involved taking over coal-based power generation with limited capital deployment. However, an EPA regulation has put this in potential jeopardy. Northwestern Energy is fairly valued, and shares identical types of risks as many others in the utility sector. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 24
NorthWestern Energy Group: Attractive Yield But Limited Growth
Summary NorthWestern Energy has received regulatory approvals to increase rates in Montana and South Dakota. It is currently unable to generate all the energy necessary to serve its customers, leading to significant capex investments and higher debt expected in the future. Shares are in a fair value range, but the dividend offers a strong yield, and shares can be considered in a defensive or income-oriented portfolio. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jul 11
A Look At The Intrinsic Value Of NorthWestern Corporation (NASDAQ:NWE)
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, NorthWestern fair value estimate is US$69.99 With US$56.16...Analysis Article • May 23
Returns On Capital At NorthWestern (NASDAQ:NWE) Have Stalled
Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key...Analysis Article • May 02
NorthWestern (NASDAQ:NWE) Is Increasing Its Dividend To $0.64
NorthWestern Corporation's ( NASDAQ:NWE ) dividend will be increasing from last year's payment of the same period to...Analysis Article • Apr 10
Calculating The Fair Value Of NorthWestern Corporation (NASDAQ:NWE)
Key Insights NorthWestern's estimated fair value is US$64.42 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity With US$61.07...Analysis Article • Feb 22
Industry Analysts Just Made A Notable Upgrade To Their NorthWestern Corporation (NASDAQ:NWE) Revenue Forecasts
NorthWestern Corporation ( NASDAQ:NWE ) shareholders will have a reason to smile today, with the analysts making...Analysis Article • Feb 21
NorthWestern's (NASDAQ:NWE) Shareholders Will Receive A Bigger Dividend Than Last Year
NorthWestern Corporation ( NASDAQ:NWE ) will increase its dividend from last year's comparable payment on the 31st of...Analysis Article • Jan 19
Some Investors May Be Worried About NorthWestern's (NASDAQ:NWE) Returns On Capital
Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key...Analysis Article • Dec 08
A Look At The Fair Value Of NorthWestern Corporation (NASDAQ:NWE)
Does the December share price for NorthWestern Corporation ( NASDAQ:NWE ) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 30 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$171m |
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$168m |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$5m | US$921k | US$181m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$217m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$226m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$236m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$5m | US$873k | US$224m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$227m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$209m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$197m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$3m | US$795k | US$194m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$178m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$176m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$186m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$3m | US$511k | US$183m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$168m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$175m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$183m |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$2m | US$495k | US$187m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$189m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$183m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$168m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$1m | US$475k | US$155m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$162m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$154m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$180m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$1m | US$445k | US$202m |
Compensation vs Market: Brian's total compensation ($USD5.02M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD6.99M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Brian's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Brian Bird (66 yo)
5.5yrs
Tenure
US$5,016,745
Compensation
Mr. Brian B. Bird was Chief Operating Officer at NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (formerly known as NorthWestern Corporation) since February 05, 2021 and served as its Chief Financial Officer since Decembe...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO, President & Director | 5.5yrs | US$5.02m | 0.25% $ 10.8m | |
| VP & CFO | 5.5yrs | US$1.70m | 0.033% $ 1.4m | |
| VP of Federal Government Affairs & General Counsel | 2.8yrs | US$1.02m | 0.0062% $ 267.3k | |
| Vice President of Customer Care | 20.9yrs | US$908.79k | 0.044% $ 1.9m | |
| Vice President of Operations | less than a year | no data | 0.0091% $ 396.8k | |
| Director of Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Officer | 9.2yrs | no data | no data | |
| Vice President of Technology | 13.7yrs | no data | 0.023% $ 1.0m | |
| Chief Audit & Compliance Officer | 16.6yrs | no data | no data | |
| Treasurer & Corporate Development Officer | 13.7yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Corporate Counsel & Corporate Secretary | 16.6yrs | no data | no data | |
| Controller | 6.3yrs | no data | 0.0076% $ 329.9k | |
| VP of Asset Management & Business Development | 3.2yrs | no data | 0.0026% $ 112.6k |
7.8yrs
Average Tenure
56yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: NWE's management team is seasoned and experienced (7.8 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO, President & Director | 3.6yrs | US$5.02m | 0.25% $ 10.8m | |
| Independent Director | 11.3yrs | US$255.04k | 0.012% $ 503.3k | |
| Independent Director | 6.7yrs | US$255.04k | 0.037% $ 1.6m | |
| Independent Director | 4yrs | US$240.04k | 0.020% $ 850.6k | |
| Independent Chairman | 9.3yrs | US$369.96k | 0.024% $ 1.0m | |
| Independent Director | 1.7yrs | US$240.04k | 0.0091% $ 397.2k | |
| Independent Director | 9.3yrs | US$255.04k | 0.0051% $ 220.4k | |
| Independent Director | 6.8yrs | US$255.04k | 0.0016% $ 70.8k | |
| Independent Director | 3.3yrs | US$240.04k | 0.016% $ 705.0k |
6.7yrs
Average Tenure
66yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: NWE's board of directors are considered experienced (6.7 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/08/12 22:25 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/08/12 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/06/30 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. is covered by 16 analysts. 6 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| David Parker | Baird |
| Eric Beaumont | Barclays |
| Nicholas Campanella | Barclays |