株探米国株
日本語 英語
エドガーで原本を確認する
0001993004false00019930042023-12-062023-12-06

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 14, 2024
Logo2.jpg
NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 000-56598 93-2020320
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3010 W. 69th Street Sioux Falls South Dakota   57108
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 605-978-2900

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Registrant Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. Common stock NWE Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging Growth Company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.



Item 2.02    Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On February 14, 2024, NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE) (the “Company”), issued a press release (the “Press Release”) discussing financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023, and affirming 2024 earnings guidance in the range of $3.42 to $3.62 per diluted share. The Press Release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K provided under Item 2.02 shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. The information provided under Item 2.02 in this Current Report shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
As previously announced and as stated in the Press Release, the Company will host an investor conference call and webcast on Friday, February 15, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern time to review its financial results for the year ending December 31, 2023. During the conference call, Brian Bird, president and chief executive officer, and Crystal Lail, vice president and chief financial officer of the Company, will make a slide presentation (the "Investor Call Presentation") concerning the Company's financial results.
The conference call will be webcast live on the Internet at www.northwesternenergy.com/earnings-registration. To participate, please go to the site at least 15 minutes in advance of the webcast to register. An archived webcast will be available shortly after the call and remain active for one year.
A copy of the Investor Call Presentation is being furnished pursuant to Regulation FD as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. The information in the presentation shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Furthermore, the presentation shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Company's filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except as set forth with respect thereto in any such filing.

Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Exhibit No. Description of Document
Press Release, dated February 14, 2024
Investor Call Presentation, dated February 15, 2024
* filed herewith






Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc.  
By: /s/ Timothy P. Olson
Timothy P. Olson  
Corporate Secretary  
Date: February 15, 2024

EX-99.1 2 ex991pressreleaseq42023.htm EX-99.1 EARNINGS RELEASE Q4 2023 Document

a2incolora27.jpg
NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc.
d/b/a NorthWestern Energy
3010 W. 69th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
www.northwesternenergy.com

NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results

Company reports GAAP diluted earnings per share of $3.22 for 2023, affirms its earning guidance and capital plan for 2024, its 4% to 6% long-term growth rate and a 1.6% increase to the quarterly dividend - to $0.65 per share - payable March 29, 2024

BUTTE, MT / SIOUX FALLS, SD - February 14, 2024 - NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE) reported financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net income for the period was $194.1 million, or $3.22 per diluted share, as compared with net income of $183.0 million, or $3.25 per diluted share, for the same period in 2022. This increase of $11.1 million in net income was primarily due to new base rates resulting from the Montana rate review, lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs and lower property and other taxes. These favorable impacts were partly offset by lower electric and natural gas retail volumes, higher depreciation and depletion expense, higher interest expense, higher operating, maintenance, and administrative expenses, and higher income tax expense. The $0.03 decline in per-share earnings in 2023 was primarily due to $0.23 of equity dilution from higher average shares outstanding largely offset by $0.20 higher per share net income.

Non-GAAP Adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2023 was $3.27 ($0.05 higher than GAAP adjusting for unfavorable weather during the year) and above our guidance range of $3.00 - $3.10 primarily due to lower operating costs, lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs and lower income tax expense. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Items” and “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” sections below for additional information on these measures, including a reconciliation of GAAP diluted earnings per share to Non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share.

“We are pleased to deliver earnings that exceeded our recently communicated expectations for 2023 during what was otherwise an incredibly productive year," said Brian Bird, President & Chief Executive Officer. "We remain committed to providing our customers with reliable, affordable and sustainable energy while operating a financially sound utility. Doing so requires adjusting customer rates on occasion to reflect the cost of providing that service. During the year, we worked closely with commission staffs and intervening parties to reach constructive resolutions in our Montana and South Dakota rate reviews. Building upon the thousands of pages of pre-filed testimony, hundreds of data responses, public input and two very well-run and robust public hearings, the respective Commissioners unanimously supported the settlements. We view both outcomes as striking a fair balance between mitigating impacts on our customers' rates and ensuring our financial health as a provider of critical energy infrastructure services. The increase in rates resulting from our Montana rate review was a primary driver of our improvement in net income for 2023. The new rates in South Dakota went into effect January 10th, 2024.”
“In 2023 we also made a strategic realignment to effectuate a holding company with the final phase completed on January 1st, 2024. This proactive move is part of our commitment to effectively manage risks, ensure the long-term sustainability of our operations and more closely align our organizational structure with our industry peers. Additionally, in 2023, we marked '100 Powerful Years!' This significant milestone symbolized a century of resilience, innovation, and steadfast commitment to fulfilling the energy needs of our valued customers. As we look forward to 2024 and the next century, we believe we are well-positioned to provide growth to our shareholders and continue our tradition of unwavering dedication to the customers and the communities we proudly serve," said Bird.

Additional information regarding this release can be found in the earnings presentation found at www.northwesternenergy.com/about-us/investors/financials/earnings Net income for the three months ending December 31, 2023 was $83.1 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, as compared with net income of $66.7 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, for the same period in 2022.


NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 2

FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

This increase of $16.4 million in net income was primarily due to new base rates resulting from the Montana rate review, lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs, lower Montana property tax expense and lower operating and income tax expense. These favorable impacts were partly offset by lower electric and natural gas retail volumes, higher depreciation and depletion expense and higher interest expense. The $0.21 increase in per-share earnings for the quarter was primarily due to $0.26 higher per share net income as discussed above partially offset by $0.05 equity dilution due to higher average shares outstanding.

Non-GAAP Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the quarter was $1.38 (or $0.01 higher than GAAP after adjusting for unfavorable weather mostly offset by removing and income tax benefit realized during the quarter) as compared to $1.13 for the same period last year. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Items” and “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” sections below for additional information on these measures, including a reconciliation of GAAP diluted earnings per share to Non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share.

COMPANY UPDATES

Affirming 2024 Earnings Guidance, Capital Plan and Long-Term EPS Growth
We are affirming 2024 diluted earnings guidance of $3.42 - $3.62 per diluted share and our $500 million capital plan. This guidance is based upon, but not limited to, the following major assumptions:
• Normal weather in our service territories;
• An effective income tax rate of approximately 12%-14%; and
• Diluted average shares outstanding of approximately 61.3 million.
We are also affirming our long-term (5 year) diluted earnings per share growth guidance of 4% to 6% from a 2022 base year of $3.18 diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis. We expect rate base growth of 4% to 6%. Our current capital investment program is sized to provide for no equity issuances. Future generation capacity additions or other strategic opportunities may require equity financing.

South Dakota Electric Rate Review
On June 15, 2023, we filed a South Dakota electric rate review filing (2022 test year) for an annual increase to electric rates totaling approximately $30.9 million. Our request was based on a 7.54% rate of return, a capital structure including 50.5 percent equity, and rate base of $787.3 million. On January 10, 2024, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SDPUC) issued a final order approving the settlement agreement between NorthWestern and SDPUC Staff for an annual increase in base rates of approximately $21.5 million and an authorized rate of return of 6.81%. The approved settlement is based on a capital structure of 50.5 percent equity and a rate base of $791.8 million. Final rates were effective January 10, 2024. In addition, the SDPUC approved a phase in rate plan rider that allows for the recovery of capital investments not yet included in base rates.

Dividend Declared
NorthWestern Energy Group's Board of Directors declared a quarterly common dividend of $0.65 per share (a 1.6% increase over the prior quarter's dividend) payable March 29, 2024 to common shareholders of record as of March 15, 2024. Over the longer-term, we expect to maintain a dividend payout ratio within a targeted 60-70% range.





NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2023 2022
Reconciliation of gross margin to utility margin:
Operating Revenues $ 1,422.1  $ 1,477.8 
Less: Fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense (exclusive of depreciation and depletion shown separately below) 420.2  492.0 
Less: Operating and maintenance 220.5  221.4 
Less: Property and other taxes 154.6  192.5 
Less: Depreciation and depletion 210.5  195.0 
Gross Margin 416.3  376.9 
Plus: Operating and maintenance 220.5  221.4 
Plus: Property and other taxes 154.6  192.5 
Plus: Depreciation and depletion 210.5  195.0 
Utility Margin(1)
$ 1,001.9  $ 985.8 

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts) 2023 2022
Consolidated Statements of Income
Revenues $ 1,422.1  $ 1,477.8 
Fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense (2)
420.2  492.0 
Utility Margin (1)
1,001.9  985.8 
  Operating and maintenance 220.5  221.4 
  Administrative and general 117.3  113.8 
  Property and other taxes (3)
153.1  192.5 
  Depreciation and depletion 210.5  195.0 
Operating Expenses 701.4  722.7 
Operating income 300.5  263.1 
Interest expense, net (114.6) (100.1)
Other income, net 15.8  19.4 
Income before income taxes 201.6  182.4 
Income tax (expense) benefit (7.5) 0.6 
Net Income 194.1  183.0 
Basic Shares Outstanding 60.3  55.8 
     Earnings per Share - Basic $ 3.22  $ 3.28 
Diluted Shares Outstanding 60.4  56.3 
     Earnings per Share - Diluted $ 3.22  $ 3.25 
Dividends Declared per Common Share $ 2.56  $ 2.52 
(1) Utility Margin is a Non-GAAP financial measure.
      See Reconciliation of Gross Margin to Utility Margin and Non-GAAP Financial Measure sections that follow.
(2) Exclusive of depreciation and depletion.
(3) 2023 Property and other taxes of $153.1 million includes a $1.5million expense benefit in the Other segment that is not included in the Property and other taxes amount of $154.6 million as shown in the Reconciliation table further above.


NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 4


RECONCILIATION OF PRIMARY CHANGES
Year Ended December 31, 2023 vs. 2022
Pre-tax
Income
Inc. Tax
Benefit (Expense)(3)
Net
Income
Diluted Earnings Per Share
(in millions)
Year ended December 31, 2022 $ 182.4  $ 0.6  $ 183.0  $ 3.25 
Variance in revenue and fuel, purchased supply, and direct transmission expense(1) items impacting net income:
Montana rate review - new base rates
32.6  (8.3) 24.3  0.43 
Lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs 14.2  (3.6) 10.6  0.19 
Montana property tax tracker collections 12.8  (3.2) 9.6  0.17 
Higher Montana natural gas transportation 2.2  (0.6) 1.6  0.03 
Higher electric transmission revenue 0.6  (0.2) 0.4  0.01 
Lower natural gas retail volumes (7.0) 1.8  (5.2) (0.10)
Lower electric retail volumes (1.8) 0.5  (1.3) (0.02)
Higher revenue from lower production tax credits, offset within income tax benefit (expense) 3.8  (3.8) —  — 
Other (1.7) 0.4  (1.3) (0.02)
— 
Variance in expense items(2) impacting net income:
— 
Higher depreciation expense (15.5) 3.9  (11.6) (0.21)
Higher interest expense (14.5) 3.7  (10.8) (0.19)
Higher operating, maintenance, and administrative expenses (14.4) 3.6  (10.8) (0.19)
Lower property and other taxes not recoverable within trackers 3.0  (0.8) 2.2  0.04 
Other 4.9  (1.5) 3.4  0.06 
Dilution from higher share count $ (0.23)
Year ended December 31, 2023 $ 201.6  $ (7.5) -7500000 $ 194.1  $ 3.22 
Change in Net Income $ 11.1  $ (0.03)
(1) Exclusive of depreciation and depletion shown separately below
(2) Excluding fuel, purchased supply, and direct transmission expense
(3) Income Tax (Expense) Benefit calculation on reconciling items assumes blended federal plus state effective tax rate of 25.3%.

SIGNIFICANT TRENDS AND REGULATION

Regulatory Update

Montana Rate Review Filing – On October 27, 2023, the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC) issued a final order approving the settlement agreement related to the increase in electric and natural gas utility rates. Final rates, adjusting from interim to settled rates, were effective November 1, 2023. The details of our settlement agreement are set forth below:



NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 5
Returns, Capital Structure & Revenue Increase Resulting From Approved Settlement Agreement ($ in millions)
Electric Natural Gas
Return on Equity (ROE) 9.65% 9.55%
Equity Capital Structure 48.02% 48.02%
Base Rates $67.4 $14.1
PCCAM(1)
$69.7 n/a
Property Tax (tracker base adjustment)(1)
$14.5 $4.2
Total Revenue Increase Through Approved Settlement Agreement $151.6 $18.3
(1) These items are flow-through costs. Power Costs and Credits Adjustment Mechanism (PCCAM) reflects our fuel and purchased power costs.

The approved settlement includes, among other things, agreement on electric and natural gas base revenue increases, allocated cost of service, rate design, updates to the base amount of revenues associated with property taxes and electric supply costs, and regulatory policy issues related to requested changes in regulatory mechanisms.

The approved settlement agreement provides for an update to the PCCAM by adjusting the base costs from $138.7 million to $208.4 million and providing for more timely quarterly recovery of deferred balances instead of annual recovery. It also provides for the deferral of incremental operating costs related to our Enhanced Wildfire Mitigation Plan.

Holding Company Reorganization – On October 2, 2023, NorthWestern Corporation (NW Corp) and NorthWestern Energy Group completed a merger transaction pursuant to which NorthWestern Energy Group became the holding company parent of NW Corp. In this reorganization, shareholders of NW Corp (the predecessor publicly held parent company) became shareholders of NorthWestern Energy Group, maintaining the same number of shares and ownership percentage as held in NW Corp immediately prior to the reorganization. NW Corp became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NorthWestern Energy Group. On January 1, 2024, we completed the second and final phase of the holding company reorganization. NW Corp contributed the assets and liabilities of its South Dakota and Nebraska regulated utilities to NorthWestern Energy Public Service Corporation (NWE Public Service), and then distributed its equity interest in NWE Public Service and certain other subsidiaries to NorthWestern Energy Group, resulting in NW Corp owning and operating the Montana regulated utility and NWE Public Service owning and operating the Nebraska and South Dakota utilities, each as a direct subsidiary of NorthWestern Energy Group.

Electric Resource Planning - Montana

Yellowstone County Generating Station (YCGS) 175 MW plant - Construction of the new generation facility continues to progress and we expect the plant to be operational no later than the end of the third quarter 2024. The lawsuit challenging the YCGS air quality permit, which required us to suspend construction activities for a period of time, as well as additional related legal and construction challenges, delayed the project timing and have increased costs. As of December 31, 2023, total costs of approximately $240.0 million have been incurred, with expected total costs of approximately $310.0 million to $320.0 million.

EARNINGS DRIVERS

Gross Margin

Consolidated gross margin in 2023 was $416.3 million as compared with $376.9 million in 2022, an increase of $39.4 million or 10.5 percent. This increase was primarily due to new base rates resulting from the Montana rate review, lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs, higher Montana property tax tracker collections, and lower property and other taxes not recoverable within trackers, partly offset by lower electric and natural gas retail volumes, higher depreciation and depletion expense, and higher operating and maintenance expense.



NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 6
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2023 2022
Reconciliation of gross margin to utility margin:
Operating Revenues $ 1,422.1  $ 1,477.8 
Less: Fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense (exclusive of depreciation and depletion shown separately below) 420.2  492.0 
Less: Operating and maintenance 220.5  221.4 
Less: Property and other taxes 154.6  192.5 
Less: Depreciation and depletion 210.5  195.0 
Gross Margin 416.3  376.9 
Operating and maintenance 220.5  221.4 
Property and other taxes 154.6  192.5 
Depreciation and depletion 210.5  195.0 
Utility Margin(1) $ 1,001.9  $ 985.8 
(1) Utility Margin is a Non-GAAP financial measure.

Utility Margin(1)
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 Change % Change
(in millions)
Utility Margin        
Electric $ 806.1  $ 782.1  $ 24.0  3.1  %
Natural Gas 195.8  203.7  (7.9) (3.9)
Total Utility Margin $ 1,001.9  $ 985.8  $ 16.1  1.6  %

Consolidated utility margin in 2023 was $1,001.9 million as compared with $985.8 million in 2022, an increase of $16.1 million, or 1.6 percent.



NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 7
Primary components of the change in utility margin include the following:
(in millions) Utility Margin
2023 vs. 2022
Utility Margin Items Impacting Net Income
Montana rate review - new base rates
$ 32.6 
Lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs 14.2 
Montana property tax tracker collections 12.8 
Higher Montana natural gas transportation 2.2 
Higher electric transmission revenue due to market conditions 0.6 
Lower natural gas retail volumes (7.0)
Lower electric retail volumes (1.8)
Other (1.7)
Change in Utility Margin Impacting Net Income 51.9 
Utility Margin Items Offset Within Net Income
Lower property taxes recovered in revenue, offset in property tax expense (35.8)
Lower operating expenses recovered in revenue, offset in operating and maintenance expense (3.1)
Lower gas production taxes recovered in revenue, offset in property and other taxes (0.7)
Higher revenue from lower production tax credits, offset in income tax expense 3.8 
Change in Items Offset Within Net Income (35.8)
Increase in Consolidated Utility Margin(1) $ 16.1 
(1) Utility Margin is a Non-GAAP financial measure.

Lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs were driven by higher electric supply revenues, lower electric supply costs, and a $3.2 million deferral for the retroactive application of higher PCCAM base rates approved in the Montana rate review.

Lower electric retail volumes were driven by unfavorable weather in Montana impacting residential demand and lower commercial demand as compared to the prior year, partly offset by customer growth. Lower natural gas retail volumes were driven by unfavorable weather in Montana, partly offset by favorable weather in Nebraska and customer growth.

Total Operating Expenses
(in millions) Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 Change % Change
Operating Expenses (excluding fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense)
Operating and maintenance $ 220.5  $ 221.4  $ (0.9) (0.4) %
Administrative and general 117.3  113.8  3.5  3.1 
Property and other taxes 153.1  192.5  (39.4) (20.5)
Depreciation and depletion 210.5  195.0  15.5  7.9 
Total Operating Expenses (excluding fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense) $ 701.4  $ 722.7  $ (21.3) (2.9) %



NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 8

Consolidated operating expenses, excluding fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense, were $701.4 million in 2023, as compared with $722.7 million in 2022. Primary components of the change include the following:
(in millions) Operating Expenses
2023 vs. 2022
Operating Expenses (excluding fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense) Impacting Net Income
Higher depreciation expense due to plant additions $ 15.5 
Higher labor and benefits expense, partly offset by higher capitalization of labor and benefits costs(1)
6.1 
Higher insurance expense 2.1 
Increase in uncollectible accounts 1.1 
Higher expenses at our electric generation facilities 1.0 
Higher cost of materials 0.8 
Lower property and other taxes not recoverable within trackers (3.0)
Other 3.3 
Change in Items Impacting Net Income 26.9 
Operating Expenses Offset Within Net Income
Lower property and other taxes recovered in trackers, offset in revenue (35.8)
Lower pension and other postretirement benefits, offset in other income(1)
(8.7)
Lower operating expenses recovered in trackers, offset in revenue (3.1)
Lower natural gas production taxes recovered in trackers, offset in revenue (0.7)
Higher deferred compensation, offset in other income 0.1 
Change in Items Offset Within Net Income (48.2)
Decrease in Operating Expenses (excluding fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense) $ (21.3)
(1) In order to present the total change in labor and benefits, we have included the change in the non-service cost component of our pension and other postretirement benefits, which is recorded within other income on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. This change is offset within this table as it does not affect our operating expenses.

Operating Income
Consolidated operating income in 2023 was $300.5 million as compared with $263.1 million in 2022. This increase was primarily due to new base rates resulting from the Montana rate review, lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs, higher Montana property tax tracker collections, and lower property and other taxes not recoverable within trackers, partly offset by lower electric and natural gas retail volumes, higher depreciation and depletion expense, and higher operating, maintenance, and administrative expense.

Interest Expense
Consolidated interest expense in 2023 was $114.6 million, as compared with $100.1 million in 2022. This increase was due to higher borrowings and interest rates, partly offset by higher capitalization of Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC).

Other Income
Consolidated other income in 2023 was $15.8 million, as compared with $19.4 million in 2022. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in the non-service cost component of pension expense, partly offset by the prior year Community Renewable Energy Project (CREP) penalty and higher capitalization of AFUDC.



NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 9
Income Tax
Consolidated income tax expense in 2023 was $7.5 million, as compared to an income tax benefit of $0.6 million in 2022. Our effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was 3.7 percent as compared with (0.3) percent for the same period of 2022. Income tax expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, includes a one-time $3.2 million expense for the reduction of previously claimed alternative minimum tax credits as well as a $3.2 million benefit related to a reduction in our unrecognized tax benefits. We currently estimate our effective tax rate will range between 12.0 percent to 14.0 percent in 2024. Based on the significant NOL we generated during the year ended December 31, 2023, we anticipate paying minimal cash for income taxes into 2028.


The following table summarizes the differences between our effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate:
(in millions) Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
Income Before Income Taxes $ 201.6  $ 182.4 
Income tax calculated at federal statutory rate 42.4  21.0  % 38.3  21.0  %
Permanent or flow through adjustments:
State income taxes, net of federal provisions 0.6  0.3  0.6  0.3 
Flow-through repairs deductions (25.9) (12.9) (22.7) (12.4)
Production tax credits (10.3) (5.1) (13.2) (7.2)
Unregulated Tax Cuts and Jobs Act excess deferred income taxes (3.4) (1.7) —  — 
Release of unrecognized tax benefits (3.2) (1.6) —  — 
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes (2.2) (1.1) (1.7) (0.9)
Plant and depreciation of flow through items 6.6  3.3  (0.2) (0.1)
Reduction to previously claimed alternative minimum tax credit 3.2  1.6  —  — 
Prior year permanent return to accrual adjustments 0.0  0.0  (1.4) (0.8)
Other, net (0.3) (0.1) (0.3) (0.2)
(34.9) (17.3) (38.9) (21.3)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) $ 7.5  3.7  % $ (0.6) (0.3) %

Our effective tax rate typically differs from the federal statutory tax rate primarily due to the regulatory impact of flowing through federal and state tax benefits of repairs deductions, state tax benefit of accelerated tax depreciation deductions (including bonus depreciation when applicable) and production tax credits.

Net Income
Consolidated net income in 2023 was $194.1 million as compared with $183.0 million in 2022, an increase of $11.1 million. This increase was primarily due to new base rates resulting from the Montana rate review, lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs, and lower property and other taxes, partly offset by lower electric and natural gas retail volumes, higher depreciation and depletion expense, and higher operating, interest and income tax expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2023, our total consolidated net liquidity was approximately $241.2 million, including $9.2 million of cash and $232.0 million of revolving credit facility availability with no letters of credit outstanding. This compares to total net liquidity one year ago at December 31, 2022 of $108.5 million.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Items


NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 10
We reported GAAP earnings of $3.22 per diluted share for the year-ended December 31, 2023 and $3.25 per diluted share for the same period in 2022. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for the same periods are $3.27 and $3.18, respectively. A reconciliation of items factored into our non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are summarized below. The amount below represents a non-GAAP measure that may provide users of this data with additional meaningful information regarding the impact of certain items on our expected earnings. See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section below.
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Actual
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Q4 2023 Full Year 2023
Pre-tax
Income
Net(1)
Income
Diluted
EPS(2)
Pre-tax
Income
Net(1)
Income
Diluted
EPS(2)
Pre-tax
Income
Net(1)
Income
Diluted
EPS(2)
2023 Reported GAAP $125.1 $111.0 $1.85 $76.6 $83.1 $1.37 $201.6 $194.1 $3.22
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
(Remove) / add impact of (favorable) / unfavorable weather (0.9) (0.7) (0.01) 5.2  3.9  0.06  4.3  3.2  0.05 
Add back reduction related to Previously Claimed AMT Credit —  3.2  0.05  —  —  —  —  3.2  0.05 
Remove Release of Natural Gas Safe Harbor UTP Benefit —  —  —  —  (3.2) (0.05) —  (3.2) (0.05)
2023 Non-GAAP $124.2 $113.5 $1.89 $81.8 $83.8 $1.38 $205.9 $197.3 $3.27
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Q4 2022 Full Year 2022
Pre-tax
Income
Net(1)
Income
Diluted
EPS(2)
Pre-tax
Income
Net(1)
Income
Diluted
EPS(2)
Pre-tax
Income
Net(1)
Income
Diluted
EPS(2)
2022 Reported GAAP $118.6 $116.3 $2.09 $63.8 $66.7 $1.16 $182.4 $183.0 $3.25
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Remove impact of favorable weather (6.6) (4.9) (0.08) (2.3) (1.7) (0.03) (8.9) (6.6) (0.11)
Remove impact of CREP penalty (non-tax deductible) 2.5  2.5  0.04  —  —  —  2.5  2.5  0.04 
2022 Non-GAAP $114.5 $113.9 $2.05 $61.5 $65.0 $1.13 $176.0 $178.9 $3.18
(1) Income tax benefit or expense calculation on reconciling items assumes blended federal plus state effective tax rate of 25.3%.
(2) Due to changes in the quarterly diluted share count, full year EPS may be +/- $0.01 different than the sum of the quarters.

Company Hosting Investor Webinar
NorthWestern will host an investor webinar on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern time to review its financial results for the year ending December 31, 2023.

To register for the webinar, please visit www.northwesternenergy.com/earnings-registration. Please go to the site at least 15 minutes in advance of the webinar to register. An archived webcast will be available shortly after the event and remain active for one year.

NorthWestern Energy - Delivering a Bright Future
NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities.


NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 11
We work to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. We do this by providing low-cost and reliable service performed by highly-adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 775,300 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. Our operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through our subsidiary, NW Corp, and our operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through our subsidiary, NWE Public Service. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as other financial measures, such as Utility Margin, Adjusted Non-GAAP pretax income, Adjusted Non-GAAP net income and Adjusted Non-GAAP Diluted EPS that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

We define Utility Margin as Operating Revenues less fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense (exclusive of depreciation and depletion) as presented in our Consolidated Statements of Income. This measure differs from the GAAP definition of Gross Margin due to the exclusion of Operating and maintenance, Property and other taxes, and Depreciation and depletion expenses, which are presented separately in our Consolidated Statements of Income. A reconciliation of Utility Margin to Gross Margin, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is included in the press release above.

Management believes that Utility Margin provides a useful measure for investors and other financial statement users to analyze our financial performance in that it excludes the effect on total revenues caused by volatility in energy costs and associated regulatory mechanisms. This information is intended to enhance an investor's overall understanding of results. Under our various state regulatory mechanisms, as detailed below, our supply costs are generally collected from customers. In addition, Utility Margin is used by us to determine whether we are collecting the appropriate amount of energy costs from customers to allow recovery of operating costs, as well as to analyze how changes in loads (due to weather, economic or other conditions), rates and other factors impact our results of operations. Our Utility Margin measure may not be comparable to that of other companies' presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report.

Management also believes the presentation of Adjusted Non-GAAP pre-tax income, Adjusted Non-GAAP net income and Adjusted Non-GAAP Diluted EPS is more representative of normal earnings than GAAP pre-tax income, net income and EPS due to the exclusion (or inclusion) of certain impacts that are not reflective of ongoing earnings. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures is intended to supplement investors' understanding of our financial performance and not to replace other GAAP measures as an indicator of actual operating performance.  Our measures may not be comparable to other companies' similarly titled measures.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, the information under "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Items." Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. We caution that while we make such statements in good faith and believe such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in records and other data available from third parties, we cannot assure you that we will achieve our projections. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to:



NorthWestern Reports 2023 Financial Results
February 14, 2024
Page 12
•adverse determinations by regulators, as well as potential adverse federal, state, or local legislation or regulation, including costs of compliance with existing and future environmental requirements, and wildfire damages in excess of liability insurance coverage, could have a material effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition;
•the impact of extraordinary external events and natural disasters, such as a wide-spread or global pandemic, geopolitical events, earthquake, flood, drought, lightning, weather, wind, and fire, could have a material effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition;
•acts of terrorism, cybersecurity attacks, data security breaches, or other malicious acts that cause damage to our generation, transmission, or distribution facilities, information technology systems, or result in the release of confidential customer, employee, or Company information;
•supply chain constraints, recent high levels of inflation for product, services and labor costs, and their impact on capital expenditures, operating activities, and/or our ability to safely and reliably serve our customers;
•changes in availability of trade credit, creditworthiness of counterparties, usage, commodity prices, fuel supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, weather conditions, transportation problems or other developments, may reduce revenues or may increase operating costs, each of which could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations;
•unscheduled generation outages or forced reductions in output, maintenance or repairs, which may reduce revenues and increase operating costs or may require additional capital expenditures or other increased operating costs; and
•adverse changes in general economic and competitive conditions in the U.S. financial markets and in our service territories.

Our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, reports on Form 8-K and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact:                Media Contact:
Travis Meyer (605) 978-2967                Jo Dee Black (866) 622-8081
travis.meyer@northwestern.com                jodee.black@northwestern.com

EX-99.2 3 exh992q4earningspresenta.htm EX-99.2 INVESTOR CALL PRESENTATION exh992q4earningspresenta
2023 Year-End Earnings Webcast February 15, 2024 8-K February 15, 20241


 
NorthWestern Energy 2 Forward Looking Statements During the course of this presentation, there will be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward- looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” or “will.” The information in this presentation is based upon our current expectations as of the date of this document unless otherwise noted. Our actual future business and financial performance may differ materially and adversely from our expectations expressed in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly update our forward-looking statements or this presentation for any reason. Although our expectations and beliefs are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ materially. The factors that may affect our results are listed in certain of our press releases and disclosed in the Company’s 10-K and 10-Q along with other public filings with the SEC. NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. dba: NorthWestern Energy Ticker: NWE (Nasdaq) www.northwesternenergy.com Corporate Support Office 3010 West 69th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57108 (605) 978-2900 Investor Relations Officer Travis Meyer 605-978-2967 travis.meyer@northwestern.com


 
Recent Highlights • Reported GAAP diluted EPS of $3.22 o Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $3.271 • Affirming 2024 diluted EPS guidance of $3.42 - $3.622 • Affirming long-term (5 year) rate base and earnings per share growth rates targets of 4% - 6%2 • Unanimous approval of multi-party rate review settlements • Montana electric and natural gas rate reviews • South Dakota electric rate review • Completed second and final phase of holding company reorganization on Jan.1, 2024 • Dividend Declared: $0.65 per share payable March 29, 2024 to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2024 Celebrating 100 Powerful Years! 1.) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP adjustments on page 12 and “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in appendix 2.) Based on 2022 adjusted non-GAAP earnings of $3.18 per diluted share and 2022 estimated rate base of $4.54 billion 3


 
9%-11% Total Growth 11%+ Total Growth Incremental Opportunities: 6% + EPS Growth ~5% Dividend Yield Base Capital Plan: 4%-6% EPS Growth  FERC Transmission  Incremental generating capacity (subject to successful resource procurement bids)  Qualifying Facility and / or Power Purchase Agreement buyouts  Electrification supporting economic development Nearly $2.5 billion of highly executable and low-risk capital investment forecasted over the next five years. This investment is expected to drive annualized earnings and rate base growth of approximately 4% - 6%. See slide titled “Affirming Guidance and Growth Rate Targets” for additional information. + The NorthWestern Value Proposition + 4 = =


 
2023 Financial Results 5 1.) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP adjustments on pages 8 & 12 and “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in appendix Fourth Quarter 2023 EPS vs Prior Period •GAAP: 21 cents or 18.1% •Non-GAAP1: 25 cents or 22.1% Full Year 2023 EPS vs Prior Period •GAAP: $0.03 or (0.9%) •Non-GAAP1: $0.09 or 2.8% Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share Full Year Earnings Per Share


 
Fourth Quarter Financial Review 6


 
After-tax EPS vs Prior Year Fourth Quarter Earnings Drivers 7 1 2 Improvement in Utility Margin and income tax impacts offset weather, depreciation, interest expense and share count dilution 1.) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure. See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. 2.) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP adjustments on page 8 and “Non- GAAP Financial Measures” in appendix


 
Fourth Quarter 2023 Non-GAAP Earnings (1) As a result of the adoption of Accounting Standard Update 2017-07 in March 2018, pension and other employee benefit expense is now disaggregated on the GAAP income statement with portions now recorded in both OG&A expense and Other (Expense) Income lines. To facilitate better understanding of trends in year-over-year comparisons, the non-GAAP adjustment above re-aggregates the expense in OG&A - as it was historically presented prior to the ASU 2017-07 (with no impact to net income or earnings per share). (2) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See the slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. " 8 We estimate weather to be a $5.2 million pre-tax detriment as compared to normal and a $7.5 million detriment as compared to fourth quarter 2022. The adjusted non-GAAP measures presented in the table reflect significant items that are non-recurring or a variance from normal weather, however they should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP.


 
Full Year Financial Review 9


 
Improvement in Utility Margin offset weather, inflationary impacts, depreciation, interest rates and share count dilution 1.) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure. See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. 2.) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP adjustments on page 12 and “Non- GAAP Financial Measures” in appendix After-tax EPS vs Prior YearYear Over Year Earnings Drivers 10 1 2


 
Year Over Year Utility Margin Bridge Pre-tax Millions vs. Prior Year 5.3% increase in Utility Margin NOTE: Utility Margin is a non- GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. 11


 
Full Year Non-GAAP Earnings We estimate weather to be a $4.3 million pre-tax detriment as compared to normal and a $13.2 million detriment as compared to 2022. The adjusted non-GAAP measures reflect significant items that are non-recurring or a variance from normal weather, however they should not be considered a substitute for financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. (1) As a result of the adoption of Accounting Standard Update 2017-07 in March 2018, pension and other employee benefit expense is now disaggregated on the GAAP income statement with portions now recorded in both OG&A expense and Other (Expense) Income lines. To facilitate better understanding of trends in year-over-year comparisons, the non-GAAP adjustment above re-aggregates the expense in OG&A - as it was historically presented prior to the ASU 2017-07 (with no impact to net income or earnings per share). (2) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See the slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. 12


 
Credit, Cash flow and Financing Plans 13 Credit Ratings 2024 Financing Plan No equity expected to fund the current 5-year | $2.5 billion capital plan Financing plans (targeting a FFO to Debt ratio > 14%) are expected to maintain our current credit ratings. We expect to pay minimal cash taxes into 2028 due to utilization of our NOL’s and tax credits. Financing plans and are subject to change. FFO / Total Debt


 
Strong Growth Outlook This guidance range is based upon, but not limited to, the following major assumptions: • Normal weather in our service territories; • An effective income tax rate of approximately 12%-14%; and • Diluted average shares outstanding of approximately 61.3 million. 2024 Non-GAAP EPS Guidance1 of $3.42 - $3.62  Affirming long-term (5 Year) expected growth rates • EPS growth of 4% to 6% from 2022 base year of $3.18 Non-GAAP • Rate base growth of 4% to 6% from 2022 base year $4.54 billion • Continued focus on earned returns driven by financial and operational execution  No equity expected to fund the current 5-year | $2.5 billion capital plan • Capital plan is expected to be funded by cash from operations (aided by net operating losses1) and secured debt • Any equity needs would be driven by opportunities incremental to the plan  Targeting FFO > 14% by end of 2024 and beyond  Earnings growth is expected to exceed dividend growth until we return to our targeted 60% to 70% payout ratio. 14 1.) See “Earnings Bridge” in the Appendix for additional detail.


 
$2.5 billion of highly-executable and low-risk capital investment Regulated Utility Five-Year Capital Forecast 15


 
South Dakota Electric Rate Review • First rate review since 2015 with base rate increase driven by more than $267 million invested in South Dakota critical electric infrastructure, while keeping operating costs below the rate of inflation, since our last electric rate review. • Received nearly 70% of our ask ($21.5M vs request of $30.9M) in base rates with 6.81% authorized rate of return vs 7.54% as requested. • Rates went into effect January 10, 2024 16 Category Pre‐Filing Rates Requested Rates Final Rates Test Year (Trailing Twelve Months) Sep. 30, 2014 Dec. 31, 2022 Effective Jan. 10, 2024 Equity Ratio 50.50% 50.50% Return on Equity 10.70% Cost of Debt 4.32% Rate of Return 7.24% 7.54% 6.81% Authorized Rate Base $557.3M $787.3M $791.8M Rate Relief  $30.9M $21.5M Unanimous approval from the South Dakota Public Utility Commission of a constructive settlement with the PUC staff


 
Holding Company Reorganization Completed 17


 
Conclusion Pure Electric & Gas Utility Solid Utility Foundation Best Practices Corporate Governance Attractive Future Growth Prospects Strong Earnings & Cash Flows 18


 
Appendix: 19


 
Full Year Appendix 20


 
Full Year Financial Results 21 Decrease in revenues is primarily related to pass-through property tax and supply trackers and non-cash regulatory amortizations. 1.) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure. See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. Appendix


 
NorthWestern maintains best- in-class expense efficiency among our regional peers. (See slide “Disciplined Expense Program” that follows in appendix) Pre-tax Millions vs Prior Year Year Over Year Operating & Administrative Costs 22 Appendix


 
Utility Margin (Full-Year) Increase in utility margin due to the following factors: $ 32.6 Higher Montana rate review – new base rates 14.2 Lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply costs 12.8 Higher Montana property tax tracker collections 2.2 Higher Montana natural gas transportation 0.6 Higher electric transmission revenue due to market conditions (7.0) Lower natural gas retail volumes (1.8) Lower electric retail volumes (1.7) Other $ 51.9 Change in Utility Margin Impacting Net Income (dollars in millions) Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Variance Electric $ 806.1 $ 782.1 $ 24.0 3.1% Natural Gas 195.8 203.7 (7.9) (3.9)% Total Utility Margin $ 1001.9 $ 985.8 $ 16.1 1.6% $ (35.8) Lower property taxes recovered in revenue, offset in property tax expense (3.1) Lower operating expenses recovered in revenue, offset in O&M expense (0.7) Lower natural gas production taxes recovered in revenue, offset in property & other taxes 3.8 Higher revenue from lower production tax credits, offset in income tax expense $ (35.8) Change in Utility Margin Offset Within Net Income $ 16.1 Increase in Utility Margin (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. 23 Appendix


 
Operating Expenses (Full-Year) Decrease in operating expenses due to the following factors: $ 15.5 Higher depreciation due to plant additions 6.1 Higher labor and benefits expense(1) 2.1 Higher insurance expense 1.1 Increase in uncollectible accounts 1.0 Higher expenses at our electric generation facilities 0.8 Higher cost of materials (3.0) Lower property and other taxes not recoverable within trackers 3.3 Other $ 26.9 Change in Operating Expense Items Impacting Net Income (dollars in millions) Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Variance Operating & maintenance $ 220.5 $ 221.4 $ (0.9) (0.4)% Administrative & general 117.3 113.8 3.5 3.1% Property and other taxes 153.1 192.5 (39.4) (20.5)% Depreciation and depletion 210.5 195.0 15.5 7.9% Operating Expenses $ 701.4 $ 722.7 $ (21.3) (2.9)% $ (35.8) Lower property and other taxes recovered in trackers, offset in revenue (8.7) Lower pension and other postretirement benefits, offset in other income(1) (3.1) Lower operating expenses recovered in trackers, offset in revenue (0.7) Lower natural gas production taxes recovered in trackers, offset in revenue (0.1) Higher deferred compensation, offset in other income $ (48.2) Change in Operating Expense Items Offset Within Net Income $ (21.3) Decrease in Operating Expenses (1) In order to present the total change in labor and benefits, we have included the change in the non- service cost component of our pension and other postretirement benefits, which is recorded within other income on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. This change is offset within this table as it does not affect our operating expenses. 24 Appendix


 
Operating to Net Income (Full-Year) (dollars in millions) Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Variance Operating Income $ 300.5 $ 263.1 $ 37.4 14.2% Interest expense (114.6) (100.1) (14.5) (14.5)% Other income, net 15.8 19.4 (3.6) (18.6)% Income Before Taxes 201.6 182.4 19.2 10.5% Income tax (expense) / benefit (7.5) 0.6 (8.1) (1350)% Net Income $ 194.1 $ 183.0 $ 11.1 6.1% $14.5 million increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher borrowings and interest rates, partly offset by higher capitalization of AFUDC. $3.6 million decrease in other income, net was primarily due to an increase in the non- service cost component of pension expense, partly offset by the prior year CREP penalty and higher capitalization of AFUDC. $8.1 million increase in income tax expense was primarily due to higher pre-tax income and lower permanent or flow through adjustments. 25 Appendix


 
Tax Reconciliation (Full-Year) 26 Appendix


 
27 Segment Results (Full-Year) Appendix (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure.


 
Electric Segment (Full-Year) 28 (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. Appendix 2023 2022 $ % 2023 2022 2023 2022 Montana 408,341$ 357,384$ 50,957$ 14.3 % 2,795 2,868 322,489 316,968 South Dakota 67,888 69,809 (1,921) (2.8) % 603 596 51,261 51,069 Residential 476,229 427,193 49,036 11.5 % 3,398 3,464 373,750 368,037 Montana 431,357 368,634 62,723 17.0 % 3,238 3,237 74,438 73,093 South Dakota 103,194 108,202 (5,008) (4.6) % 1,101 1,114 12,973 12,897 Commercial 534,551 476,836 57,715 12.1 % 4,339 4,351 87,411 85,990 Industrial 45,958 39,773 6,185 15.6 % 2,660 2,590 79 76 Other 32,756 31,007 1,749 5.6 % 134 161 6,443 6,406 Total Retail Electric 1,089,494 974,809 114,685 11.8 % 10,531 10,566 467,683 460,509 Regulatory amortization (105,608) 46,382 (151,990) (327.7) % Transmission 78,436 77,791 645 0.8 % Wholesale and other 6,511 7,583 (1,072) (14.1) % Total Revenues 1,068,833 1,106,565 (37,732) (3.4) % Total fuel, purchased supply & direct transmission expense* 262,755 324,434 (61,679) (19.0) % Utility Margin 806,078$ 782,131$ 23,947$ 3.1 % * Direct transmission expense is exclusive of depreciation and depletion expense Megawatt Hours (MWH) Average Customer Counts Twelve Months Ended December 31,  (in thousands) Revenues Change 1


 
Natural Gas Segment (Full-Year) (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. 29 Appendix 2023 2022 $ % 2023 2022 2023 2022 Montana 136,097$ 152,343$ (16,246)$ (10.7) % 14,008 15,319 183,810 181,879 South Dakota 36,638 39,178 (2,540) (6.5) % 3,179 3,280 42,053 41,524 Nebraska 35,539 35,756 (217) (0.6) % 2,581 2,558 37,793 37,693 Residential 208,274 227,277 (19,003) (8.4) % 19,768 21,157 263,656 261,096 Montana 73,721 79,274 (5,553) (7.0) % 8,036 8,329 25,725 25,319 South Dakota 25,869 28,487 (2,618) (9.2) % 3,169 2,981 7,232 7,058 Nebraska 22,114 22,071 43 0.2 % 1,916 1,846 5,023 5,003 Commercial 121,704 129,832 (8,128) (6.3) % 13,121 13,156 37,980 37,380 Industrial 1,392 1,520 (128) (8.4) % 157 163 232 232 Other 1,681 1,932 (251) (13.0) % 209 232 190 178 Total Retail Electric 333,051$ 360,561$ (27,510)$ (7.6) % 33,255 34,708 302,058 298,886 Regulatory amortization (25,012) (27,964) 2,952 (10.6) % Wholesale and other 45,271 38,675 6,596 17.1 % Total Revenues 353,310$ 371,272$ (17,962)$ (4.8) % Total fuel, purchased supply & direct transmission expense* 157,507$ 167,577$ (10,070)$ (6.0) % Utility Margin 195,803$ 203,695$ (7,892)$ (3.9) % * Direct transmission expense is exclusive of depreciation and depletion expense (in thousands) Change Dekatherms (Dkt) Average Customer CountsRevenues Twelve Months Ended December 31,  1


 
Balance Sheet Debt to Total Capitalization remains at the bottom of our targeted 50% - 55% range. 30 Appendix


 
(dollars in millions) 2023 2022 Operating Activities Net Income 194.1$ 183.0$ Non-Cash adjustments to net income 210.1 183.1 Changes in working capital 115.6 (37.0) Other non-current assets & liabilities (30.6) (21.9) Cash provided by Operating Activities 489.2 307.2 Cash used in Investing Activities (570.8) (516.8) Cash provided by Financing Activities 84.3 213.3 Cash provided by Operating Activities 489.2$ 307.2$ Less: Changes in working capital 115.6 (37.0) Funds from Operations 373.6$ 344.2$ PP&E additions 566.9 515.1 Capital expenditures included in trade accounts payable (22.4) 35.7 AFUDC Credit 17.6 14.2 Total Capital Investment 562.1$ 565.0$ Twelve Months Ending December 31, Cash from Operating Activities increased by $182.0 million driven primarily by a $123.9 million increase in collection of energy supply costs from customers and Montana rates. Funds from Operations increased by $29.4 million over prior period. Net Under-Collected Supply Costs (in millions) Beginning (Jan. 1) Ending (Dec. 31) (Outflow) / Inflow 2022 $99.1 $115.4 $(16.3) 2023 $115.4 $7.8 $107.6 2023 Improvement $123.9 Equity Issuances in 2023 • Issued remaining $73.6 million of common stock under our At-the-Market program Financing plans (targeting a FFO to Debt ratio > 14%) are expected to maintain our current credit ratings and are subject to change. Debt financing in 2023 • Issued $239 million, 5.57% coupon, 10 year Montana FMBs priced in Q1 • Issued $31 million, 5.57% coupon, 10 year South Dakota FMB’s priced in Q1 • Issued $30 million, 5.42% coupon, 10 year, South Dakota FMBs in Q2 • Refinanced $144.7 million, 3.88% coupon, 5 year Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds in Q2 Full Year Cash Flow 31 Appendix


 
32 Disciplined Expense Program Source: FERC Form 1 Reports - 2022 expenses and company filings through S&P Global IQ Electric Non-Fuel O&M excludes fuel and steam costs for power generation, water costs for hydro operations and purchased power cost unless identified in company disclosures, electric employees are allocated by electric rate base weighting to total rate base Per Customer… Per Employee… Per Rate Base… NorthWestern maintains best-in-class expense efficiency among our regional peers. Appendix


 
2024 Earnings Bridge This guidance range is based upon, but not limited to, the following major assumptions: • Normal weather in our service territories; • An effective income tax rate of approximately 12%- 14%; and • Diluted average shares outstanding of approximately 61.3 million. 33 Appendix


 
PCCAM Impact by Quarter 34 In 2017, the Montana legislature revised the statute regarding our recovery of electric supply costs. In response, the MPSC approved a new design for our electric tracker in 2018, effective July 1, 2017. The revised electric tracker, or PCCAM established a baseline of power supply costs and tracks the differences between the actual costs and revenues. Variances in supply costs above or below the baseline are allocated 90% to customers and 10% to shareholders, with an annual adjustment. From July 2017 to May 2019, the PCCAM also included a "deadband" which required us to absorb the variances within +/- $4.1 million from the base, with 90% of the variance above or below the deadband collected from or refunded to customers. In 2019, the Montana legislature revised the statute effective May 7, 2019, prohibiting a deadband, allowing 100% recovery of QF purchases, and maintaining the 90% / 10% sharing ratio for other purchases. In 2023, the PCCAM base increased from the Montana rate review, supporting a benefit in 2023 as compared to expense in 2021 & 2022. Appendix Pretax millions – shareholder (detriment) benefit


 
Qualified Facility Earnings Adjustment Our electric QF liability consists of unrecoverable costs associated with contracts covered under PURPA that are part of a 2002 stipulation with the MPSC and other parties. Risks / losses associated with these contracts are born by shareholders, not customers. Therefore, any mitigation of prior losses and / or benefits of liability reduction also accrue to shareholders. 35 Appendix


 
Reconciling Gross Margin to Utility Margin Management believes that Utility Margin provides a useful measure for investors and other financial statement users to analyze our financial performance in that it excludes the effect on total revenues caused by volatility in energy costs and associated regulatory mechanisms. This information is intended to enhance an investor's overall understanding of results. Under our various state regulatory mechanisms, as detailed below, our supply costs are generally collected from customers. In addition, Utility Margin is used by us to determine whether we are collecting the appropriate amount of energy costs from customers to allow recovery of operating costs, as well as to analyze how changes in loads (due to weather, economic or other conditions), rates and other factors impact our results of operations. Our Utility Margin measure may not be comparable to that of other companies' presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure. 36 Appendix


 
Fourth Quarter Appendix 37


 
Financial Results (Q4) 38 Decrease in revenues is primarily related to pass- through property tax and supply trackers and non-cash regulatory amortizations. 1.) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure. See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. Appendix


 
Utility Margin (Q4) (dollars in millions) Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Variance Electric $ 200.0 $ 205.6 $ (5.6) (2.7)% Natural Gas 57.8 66.7 (8.9) (13.3)% Total Utility Margin $ 257.8 $ 272.3 $ (14.5) (5.3)% (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. Decrease in utility margin due to the following factors: $ 9.2 Higher Montana rates 8.0 Higher Montana property tax tracker collection 5.9 Lower non-recoverable Montana electric supply 1.6 Higher electric transmission revenue 0.4 Higher Montana natural gas transportation revenue (6.0) Lower natural gas retail volumes (3.8) Lower electric retail volumes (0.6) Other $ 14.7 Change in Utility Margin Impacting Net Income $ (28.1) Lower property taxes recovered in revenue, offset in property tax expense (1.7) Lower operating expenses recovered in revenue, offset in operating expense (0.1) Lower natural gas production taxes recovered in revenue, offset in property & other taxes 0.7 Higher revenue from production tax credits, offset in income tax expense $ (29.2) Change in Utility Margin Offset Within Net Income $ (14.5) Decrease in Utility Margin 39 Appendix


 
Operating Expenses (Q4) Decrease in operating expenses due to the following factors: $ 3.4 Higher depreciation expense 0.6 Higher insurance expense 0.2 Higher materials expense (2.1) Lower property and other taxes not recovered in trackers (1.9) Lower electric generation facilities expense (1.4) Lower labor and benefits expense (0.3) Decrease in uncollectible accounts 2.2 Other $ 0.7 Change in Operating Expense Items Impacting Net Income (dollars in millions) Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Variance Operating & maintenance $ 56.6 $ 60.7 $ (4.1) (6.8)% Administrative & general 23.3 26.8 (3.5) (13.1)% Property and other taxes 22.0 52.2 (30.2) (57.9)% Depreciation and depletion 52.7 49.3 3.4 6.9% Operating Expenses $ 154.6 $ 189.0 $ (34.4) (18.2)% $ (28.1) Lower property taxes recovered in trackers, offset in revenue (5.5) Lower pension and other postretirement benefits, offset in other income (1) (1.7) Lower operating expenses recovered in trackers, offset in revenue (0.1) Lower natural gas production taxes recovered in trackers, offset in revenue 0.3 Higher deferred compensation, offset in other income $ (35.1) Change in Operating Expense Items Offset Within Net Income $ (34.4) Decrease in Operating Expenses (1) In order to present the total change in labor and benefits, we have included the change in the non- service cost component of our pension and other postretirement benefits, which is recorded within other income on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. This change is offset within this table as it does not affect our operating expenses. 40 Appendix


 
Operating to Net Income (Q4) (dollars in millions) Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Variance Operating Income $ 103.2 $ 83.3 $ 19.9 23.9% Interest expense (29.5) (27.1) (2.4) (8.9)% Other income, net 2.9 7.6 (4.7) (61.8)% Income Before Taxes 76.6 63.8 12.8 20.1% Income tax benefit 6.5 2.9 3.6 (124.1)% Net Income $ 83.1 $ 66.7 $ 16.4 24.6% $2.4 million increase in interest expenses was primarily due to higher interest rates and higher borrowings, partly offset by higher capitalization of AFUDC. $4.7 million decrease in other income, net was primarily due to an increase in the non- service component of pension expense, partly offset by higher capitalization of AFUDC. $3.6 million increase in income tax benefit was primarily due to higher permanent or flow through adjustments partially offset by higher pre-tax income. 41 Appendix


 
Tax Reconciliation (Q4) 42 Appendix


 
Three Months Ending December 31, 2023 Electric Gas Other Total Operating revenues 264,229$ 91,780$ -$ 356,009$ Fuel, purchased supply & direct transmission* 64,263 33,986 - 98,249 Utility margin 199,966 57,794 - 257,760 Operating and maintenance 42,257 14,326 - 56,583 Administrative and general 16,236 6,321 745 23,302 Property and other taxes 17,276 4,747 2 22,025 Depreciation & depletion 43,624 9,063 52,687 Operating income (loss) 80,573 23,337 (747) 103,163 Interest expense (22,505) (3,552) (3,416) (29,473) Other income (expense) 1,880 (543) 1,569 2,906 Income tax (expense) benefit (830) 4,807 2,569 6,546 Net income (loss) 59,118$ 24,049$ (25)$ 83,142$ Three Months Ending December 31, 2022 Electric Gas Other Total Operating revenues 299,150$ 126,133$ -$ 425,283$ Fuel, purchased supply & direct transmission* 93,562 59,455 - 153,017 Utility margin 205,588 66,678 - 272,266 Operating and maintenance 46,561 14,081 - 60,642 Administrative and general 18,814 7,245 707 26,766 Property and other taxes 40,577 11,736 2 52,315 Depreciation & depletion 41,148 8,167 - 49,315 Operating income (loss) 58,488 25,449 (709) 83,228 Interest expense (18,389) (3,079) (5,561) (27,029) Other income 5,246 1,730 667 7,643 Income tax benefit (expense) 3,588 (1,845) 1,159 2,902 Net income (loss) 48,933$ 22,255$ (4,444)$ 66,744$ * Direct Transmission expense excludes depreciation and depletion (in thousands) 1 1 Segment Results (Q4) (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. 43 Appendix


 
Electric Segment (Q4) (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure. 44 Appendix


 
Natural Gas Segment (Q4) 45 Appendix (1) Utility Margin is a non-GAAP Measure See appendix slide titled “Explaining Utility Margin” for additional disclosure.


 
Weather and Hydro Conditions (Q4) Snow water equivalents 42% to 73% of the 30-year medians for our hydro territory. We estimated a $5.2 million pre-tax detriment as compared to normal and a $7.5 million detriment as compared to Q4 2022. Snow Water Equivalent vs. 30-Year Median 46 Appendix


 
(1) The revenue requirement associated with the FERC regulated portion of Montana electric transmission and ancillary services are included as revenue credits to our MPSC jurisdictional customers. Therefore, we do not separately reflect FERC authorized rate base or authorized returns. (2) The Montana gas revenue requirement includes a step down which approximates annual depletion of our natural gas production assets included in rate base. (3) For those items marked as "n/a," the respective settlement and/or order was not specific as to these terms. (4) On June 15, 2023, we filed a South Dakota electric rate review filing (2022 test year) with the South Dakota Public Utility Commission Coal Generation Rate Base as a percentage of Total Rate Base Revenue from coal generation is not easily identifiable due to the use of bundled rates in South Dakota and other rate design and accounting considerations. However, NorthWestern is a fully regulated utility company for which rate base is the primary driver for earnings. The data to the left illustrates that NorthWestern only derives approximately 9 -14% of earnings from its jointly owned coal generation rate base. Rate Base & Authorized Return Summary Appendix 47


 
$2.3 billion invested into our operations over the last five years of which 65% was transmission and distribution. Historic 5-Year Capital Investment Appendix 48


 
Montana General Rate Review 49 Unanimous MPSC approval of a constructive multi-party settlement Appendix


 
South Dakota Electric Rate Review Electric $13.67 Per month Increase for an average residential electric customer that uses 750 kWh with our new rates. 50 Appendix


 
Colstrip Transfer 51


 
Colstrip Transfer Overview NorthWestern Energy executed an agreement with Avista Corporation (Exit Agreement) for the transfer of Avista’s ownership interests in Colstrip Units 3 and 4. • Effective date of transfer: December 31, 2025 • Generating capacity: 222 MW (bringing our total ownership to 444 MW) • Transfer price: $0.00 • NorthWestern will be responsible for operational and capital costs beginning January 1, 2026. • The agreement does not require approval by the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC). We expect to work with the MPSC in a future docket for cost recovery in 2026. • NorthWestern will have the right to exercise Avista’s vote with respect to capital expenditures1 between now and 2025 with Avista responsible for its pro rata share2. • Avista will retain its existing environmental and decommissioning obligations through life of plant. • Under the Colstrip Ownership & Operating Agreement, each of the owners will have a 90-day period in which to evaluate the transaction between NorthWestern and Avista to determine whether to exercise their respective right of first refusal. • We filed our Montana Integrated Resource Plan on April 28, 2023. This transaction is expected to satisfy our capacity needs in Montana for at least the next 5 years. 1. Avista retains the vote related to remediation activities. 2. Avista bears its current project share (15%) costs through 2025, other than “Enhancement Work Costs” for which it bears a time-based pro-rata share. Enhancement Work Costs are costs that are not performed on a least-costs basis or are intended to extend the life of the facility beyond 2025. See the Exit Agreement for additional detail. 52 Appendix


 
Colstrip Facility Ownership Overview NorthWestern is actively working with the other owners to resolve outstanding issues, including the associated pending legal proceedings. Additionally, the owners intend to pursue a mutually beneficial reallocation (swap) of megawatts between the two units that would ideally provide NorthWestern with a controlling (> 370 megawatts) share of Unit 4. 53 Appendix


 
Why Colstrip? Reliable  Existing resource, ready to serve our Montana customers. Avoids lengthy planning, permitting and construction of a new facility that would stretch in-service beyond 2026.  Reduces reliance on imported power and volatile markets, providing increased energy independence.  In-state and on-system asset mitigating the transmission constraints we experience importing capacity.  Adds critical long-duration, 24/7 on-demand generation necessary for balancing our existing portfolio. Affordable  222 MW of capacity with no upfront capital costs and stable operating costs going forward. o Equivalent new build would cost in excess of $500 million. o Incremental operating costs are known and reasonable. Resulting variable generation costs represent a 90%+ discount to market prices incurred during December’s polar vortex.  In addition to no upfront capital, low and stably priced mine-mouth coal supply costs. Sustainable  We remain committed to our net zero goal by 2050. This additional capacity, with a remaining life of up to 20 years, helps bridge the interim gap and will likely lead to less carbon post 2040.  Yellowstone County Generating Station is potentially our last natural gas resource addition in Montana.  Partners are committed to evaluate non-carbon long-duration alternative resources for the site.  Keeps the existing plant open and retains its highly skilled jobs vital to the Colstrip community.  Protects existing ownership interests with an ultimate goal of majority ownership of Unit 4. NorthWestern Energy executed an agreement with Avista Corporation for the transfer of Avista’s ownership interests in Colstrip Units 3 & 4. • Effective date of transfer: 12/31/2025 • Generating capacity: 222 MW • Transfer price: $0.00 54 Appendix


 
Why Colstrip? Reduces Risk  We are in a supply capacity crisis due to lack of resource adequacy, with approx. 40% of our customers’ peak needs on the market. This transaction will reduce our need to import expensive capacity during critical times.  Establishes clarity regarding operations past 2025 Washington state legislation deadline.  Reduces PCCAM risk sharing for customers and shareholders. 55 Appendix Bill Headroom  Stable pricing reduces impact of market volatility and high energy prices on customers. Aligned with ‘All of the Above’ energy transition in Montana  Supports our generating portfolio that is nearly 60% carbon-free today.  Provides future opportunity at the site while supporting economic development in Montana.  Agreement considers the appropriate balance of reliability, affordability and sustainability.


 
January 2024 Cold Weather Event - Montana 56 Appendix The above charts illustrate our resource nameplate capacity, the actual resource specific contribution of energy, the capacity deficit we faced, and the market price of power during the January 2024 multi-day cold weather event in Montana. As a result of our capacity deficit, we were reliant upon the high and volatile power market a majority of the time to meet customer demand.


 
Our Net-Zero Vision Over the past 100 years, NorthWestern Energy has maintained our commitment to provide customers with reliable and affordable electric and natural gas service while also being good stewards of the environment. We have responded to climate change, its implications and risks, by increasing our environmental sustainability efforts and our access to clean energy resources. But more must be done. We are committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. • Committed to achieving net-zero by 2050 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions • Must balance Affordability, Reliability and Sustainability in this transition • No new carbon emitting generation additions after 2035 • Pipeline modernization, enhanced leak detection and development of alternative fuels for natural gas business • Electrify fleet and add charging infrastructure • Carbon offsets likely needed to ultimately achieve net-zero • Please visit www.NorthWesternEnergy.com/NetZero to learn more about our Net Zero Vision. 57 Appendix


 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures 58 Appendix


 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures This presentation includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as other financial measures, such as Utility Margin, Adjusted Non-GAAP pretax income, Adjusted Non-GAAP net income and Adjusted Non-GAAP Diluted EPS that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We define Utility Margin as Operating Revenues less fuel, purchased supply and direct transmission expense (exclusive of depreciation and depletion) as presented in our Consolidated Statements of Income. This measure differs from the GAAP definition of Gross Margin due to the exclusion of Operating and maintenance, Property and other taxes, and Depreciation and depletion expenses, which are presented separately in our Consolidated Statements of Income. A reconciliation of Utility Margin to Gross Margin, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is included in this presentation. Management believes that Utility Margin provides a useful measure for investors and other financial statement users to analyze our financial performance in that it excludes the effect on total revenues caused by volatility in energy costs and associated regulatory mechanisms. This information is intended to enhance an investor's overall understanding of results. Under our various state regulatory mechanisms, as detailed below, our supply costs are generally collected from customers. In addition, Utility Margin is used by us to determine whether we are collecting the appropriate amount of energy costs from customers to allow recovery of operating costs, as well as to analyze how changes in loads (due to weather, economic or other conditions), rates and other factors impact our results of operations. Our Utility Margin measure may not be comparable to that of other companies' presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. Management also believes the presentation of Adjusted Non-GAAP pre-tax income, Adjusted Non-GAAP net income and Adjusted Non-GAAP Diluted EPS is more representative of normal earnings than GAAP pre-tax income, net income and EPS due to the exclusion (or inclusion) of certain impacts that are not reflective of ongoing earnings. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures is intended to supplement investors' understanding of our financial performance and not to replace other GAAP measures as an indicator of actual operating performance. Our measures may not be comparable to other companies' similarly titled measures. 59 Appendix


 
Delivering a bright future 60