Northwestern Posts Profit In Q3; Backs 2013 EPS View - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (NWE) reported third-quarter 2013 net profit of $15.6 million or $0.40 per share, compared with a loss of $3.8 million, or $0.10 per share, a year ago. On average, 4 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings per share of $0.42 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude one-time items.

Last year's loss was mainly related to the impairment of the Mountain States Transmission Intertie project and the revenue deferral due to the FERC ALJ's nonbinding decision regarding revenue allocation at our Dave Gates Generating Station, the company said.

Total revenues were $262.25 million in the quarter, versus $235.87 million in the prior-year period.

Looking ahead, NorthWestern confirmed the updated 2013 earnings guidance range of $2.45 - $2.60 per share, while 5 analysts project full-year earnings of $2.56 per share. Further, the board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share, payable December 31, 2013, to common shareholders of record as of December 13.