Wells Fargo lifts Northwestern Energy rating to Overweight with $90 price target

Wells Fargo raised its rating on Northwestern Energy (NASDAQ:NWE) to Overweight and increased the price target from $70 to $90. The upgrade was driven by a staff draft order that reduces the risk of the pending merger with Black Hills, which is expected to create a larger, more diversified utility. The firm projects the combined company will deliver about 8.5% earnings‑per‑share growth. Shares moved higher after the announcement.

The higher rating and target suggest investors may price in stronger earnings growth and dividend upside from the merger, potentially supporting the stock’s near‑term rally.

  • 1Wells Fargo upgraded Northwestern Energy to Overweight and raised the price target to $90 from $70.
  • 2The upgrade was prompted by a staff draft order that reduces the closing risk of the pending merger with Black Hills.
  • 3The merger is expected to generate roughly 8.5% earnings‑per‑share growth for the combined entity.
  • 4Northwestern Energy’s shares rose 0.6% on Monday following the upgrade.
  • 5The Black Hills merger is valued at $15.4 billion and would combine operations across eight states serving 2.1 million customers.

Sources