Black Hills and NorthWestern Energy to Combine, Enhancing Regional Utility Presence
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 19 2025
0mins
Source: Benzinga
Merger Announcement: Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy Group Inc. plan to merge in an all-stock, tax-free transaction, creating a utility company valued at approximately $7.8 billion.
Customer Base and Infrastructure: The combined entity will serve around 2.1 million customers across eight states and control extensive electric and gas line networks.
Financial Expectations: The merger is expected to enhance financial strength, improve efficiency, and increase capital expenditures, with projected earnings per share growth of 5 to 7% in the long term.
Leadership and Operations: Upon completion, Brian Bird will be CEO, with headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota, and a commitment to maintaining strong dividends and advancing clean energy initiatives.
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Analyst Views on BKH
Wall Street analysts forecast BKH stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 73.210
Low
73.00
Averages
80.00
High
87.00
Current: 73.210
Low
73.00
Averages
80.00
High
87.00
About BKH
Black Hills Corporation is a customer-focused, growth-oriented utility company. It serves 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Its segments include Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. Its Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 225,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Its Electric Utilities own 1,394 megawatts of generation and 9,196 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. Its Gas Utilities segment serves over 1,128,000 natural gas utility customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Its Gas Utilities own and operate 4,648 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines and 44,524 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines, seven natural gas storage sites, over 50,000 horsepower of compression, and 516 miles of gathering lines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Black Hills Corporation Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings and Strategic Developments
- Strong Financial Performance: Black Hills Corporation reported an adjusted EPS of $4.10 for 2025, reflecting a 5% increase from $3.91 in 2024 after adjusting for merger-related costs, indicating robust financial health and growth potential.
- Strategic Merger Progress: The merger with NorthWestern Energy is advancing smoothly, with management emphasizing that this combination will create a stronger competitive utility, expected to provide long-term value for stakeholders and further solidify market position.
- Data Center Expansion: The company has expanded its data center pipeline to over 3 gigawatts, with plans to serve 600 megawatts to major clients like Meta and Microsoft by 2030, which is anticipated to drive future earnings growth and contribute over 10% to consolidated EPS by 2028.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Black Hills has provided adjusted EPS guidance for 2026 in the range of $4.25 to $4.45, representing a projected 6% growth at the midpoint, indicating that ongoing customer growth and new rate recoveries will enhance profitability.
See More
Black Hills Corporation Reports Q4 2025 Earnings Results
- Earnings Performance: Black Hills Corporation (BKH) reported a Q4 2025 non-GAAP EPS of $1.41, meeting expectations, while revenue of $635.5 million, up 6.4% year-over-year, fell short by $174.38 million, indicating weak market demand.
- Future Guidance: The company initiated its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance in the range of $4.25 to $4.45, slightly below the consensus of $4.35, reflecting a cautious outlook with anticipated growth of 6% over 2025.
- Market Reaction: Despite missing revenue expectations, Black Hills is still viewed as a “Dividend King” worth investing in, particularly due to the potential of its data center operations, which may attract more investor interest.
- Analyst Ratings: Following the earnings report, Black Hills received an upgrade from Scotiabank, with analysts highlighting the potentially massive upside from its data center initiatives, which could support future performance.
See More
Major Earnings Reports Expected After Wednesday's Close
- Major Earnings Preview: After the market closes on Wednesday, key companies such as Alphabet, QUALCOMM, Snap, and T-Mobile US are set to report earnings, which are expected to impact market sentiment, particularly in the tech and telecom sectors.
- Diverse Company Reports: In addition to the major players, up to 70 companies including AFL, ALGN, and ALL will also release earnings, indicating heightened market activity and investor interest.
- Market Reaction Anticipation: Investors will closely monitor the outcomes of these earnings reports to assess company performance and future outlooks, which could influence stock market trends, especially in the current economic climate.
- Significance of Earnings Season: Earnings season serves as a crucial period for investors to gauge the financial health of companies and market trends, with analysts and investors leveraging this information to adjust their investment strategies.
See More
Analysts Favor These 3 High-Dividend Stocks Amid Market Volatility
Market Volatility Concerns: Investors are increasingly worried about potential volatility in the stock market due to rising gold and silver prices, alongside fears of international sell-offs of U.S. assets, prompting a shift towards more defensive investment strategies.
Ryman Hospitality Properties: Ryman Hospitality, focused on large hotel and resort investments, is noted for its strong dividend yield of 5.07% and a solid cash position, making it an attractive option for investors seeking dividend income.
Black Hills Corporation's Stability: Black Hills Corporation, a regulated utility company, offers reliable electric and natural gas services, with a dividend yield of 3.71% and a sustainable payout ratio, positioning it as a defensive investment in uncertain markets.
Essential Utilities Merger: Essential Utilities is set to merge with American Water Works, creating one of the largest U.S. water service firms, with expectations of significant earnings growth and a dividend yield of 3.55%, enhancing its appeal to investors.
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Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates Merger Violations
- Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Black Hills Corp. (BKH) for potential violations related to its merger with NorthWestern Energy Group, where Black Hills shareholders will own approximately 56% of the combined entity, potentially impacting shareholder rights.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: The firm may seek increased compensation for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other relief measures to ensure that shareholders' legal rights are protected during the merger process.
- Transaction Details: NorthWestern Energy Group shareholders will receive 0.98 shares of Black Hills for each share they own, resulting in them holding about 44% of the combined company, which is crucial for their future returns.
- Legal Consultation Services: Halper Sadeh LLC offers free legal consultations, encouraging affected shareholders to reach out to discuss their rights and options, demonstrating their commitment to investor rights.
See More
Black Hills Corp. Increases Quarterly Dividend to $0.703, Marking 56 Years of Growth
- Dividend Increase: Black Hills Corp. announces an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.703 per share, up $0.027 from the previous quarter, reflecting the company's confidence in its long-term strategy and growth, which is expected to attract more investor interest.
- Sustained Record: This dividend adjustment marks 56 consecutive years of dividend increases for Black Hills, making it the second-longest record in the electric and natural gas utility industry, further solidifying its leadership position in the sector.
- Historical Legacy: Having paid annual dividends since 1942, Black Hills has maintained this practice for 84 consecutive years, demonstrating a strong commitment to shareholder returns, which enhances investor trust.
- Customer Base: Serving 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states, including Arkansas and Colorado, Black Hills' robust customer base provides solid support for its continued growth.
See More
Black Hills Corporation Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings and Strategic Developments
- Strong Financial Performance: Black Hills Corporation reported an adjusted EPS of $4.10 for 2025, reflecting a 5% increase from $3.91 in 2024 after adjusting for merger-related costs, indicating robust financial health and growth potential.
- Strategic Merger Progress: The merger with NorthWestern Energy is advancing smoothly, with management emphasizing that this combination will create a stronger competitive utility, expected to provide long-term value for stakeholders and further solidify market position.
- Data Center Expansion: The company has expanded its data center pipeline to over 3 gigawatts, with plans to serve 600 megawatts to major clients like Meta and Microsoft by 2030, which is anticipated to drive future earnings growth and contribute over 10% to consolidated EPS by 2028.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Black Hills has provided adjusted EPS guidance for 2026 in the range of $4.25 to $4.45, representing a projected 6% growth at the midpoint, indicating that ongoing customer growth and new rate recoveries will enhance profitability.
See More
Black Hills Corporation Reports Q4 2025 Earnings Results
- Earnings Performance: Black Hills Corporation (BKH) reported a Q4 2025 non-GAAP EPS of $1.41, meeting expectations, while revenue of $635.5 million, up 6.4% year-over-year, fell short by $174.38 million, indicating weak market demand.
- Future Guidance: The company initiated its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance in the range of $4.25 to $4.45, slightly below the consensus of $4.35, reflecting a cautious outlook with anticipated growth of 6% over 2025.
- Market Reaction: Despite missing revenue expectations, Black Hills is still viewed as a “Dividend King” worth investing in, particularly due to the potential of its data center operations, which may attract more investor interest.
- Analyst Ratings: Following the earnings report, Black Hills received an upgrade from Scotiabank, with analysts highlighting the potentially massive upside from its data center initiatives, which could support future performance.
See More
Major Earnings Reports Expected After Wednesday's Close
- Major Earnings Preview: After the market closes on Wednesday, key companies such as Alphabet, QUALCOMM, Snap, and T-Mobile US are set to report earnings, which are expected to impact market sentiment, particularly in the tech and telecom sectors.
- Diverse Company Reports: In addition to the major players, up to 70 companies including AFL, ALGN, and ALL will also release earnings, indicating heightened market activity and investor interest.
- Market Reaction Anticipation: Investors will closely monitor the outcomes of these earnings reports to assess company performance and future outlooks, which could influence stock market trends, especially in the current economic climate.
- Significance of Earnings Season: Earnings season serves as a crucial period for investors to gauge the financial health of companies and market trends, with analysts and investors leveraging this information to adjust their investment strategies.
See More
Analysts Favor These 3 High-Dividend Stocks Amid Market Volatility
Market Volatility Concerns: Investors are increasingly worried about potential volatility in the stock market due to rising gold and silver prices, alongside fears of international sell-offs of U.S. assets, prompting a shift towards more defensive investment strategies.
Ryman Hospitality Properties: Ryman Hospitality, focused on large hotel and resort investments, is noted for its strong dividend yield of 5.07% and a solid cash position, making it an attractive option for investors seeking dividend income.
Black Hills Corporation's Stability: Black Hills Corporation, a regulated utility company, offers reliable electric and natural gas services, with a dividend yield of 3.71% and a sustainable payout ratio, positioning it as a defensive investment in uncertain markets.
Essential Utilities Merger: Essential Utilities is set to merge with American Water Works, creating one of the largest U.S. water service firms, with expectations of significant earnings growth and a dividend yield of 3.55%, enhancing its appeal to investors.
See More
Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates Merger Violations
- Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Black Hills Corp. (BKH) for potential violations related to its merger with NorthWestern Energy Group, where Black Hills shareholders will own approximately 56% of the combined entity, potentially impacting shareholder rights.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: The firm may seek increased compensation for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other relief measures to ensure that shareholders' legal rights are protected during the merger process.
- Transaction Details: NorthWestern Energy Group shareholders will receive 0.98 shares of Black Hills for each share they own, resulting in them holding about 44% of the combined company, which is crucial for their future returns.
- Legal Consultation Services: Halper Sadeh LLC offers free legal consultations, encouraging affected shareholders to reach out to discuss their rights and options, demonstrating their commitment to investor rights.
See More
Black Hills Corp. Increases Quarterly Dividend to $0.703, Marking 56 Years of Growth
- Dividend Increase: Black Hills Corp. announces an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.703 per share, up $0.027 from the previous quarter, reflecting the company's confidence in its long-term strategy and growth, which is expected to attract more investor interest.
- Sustained Record: This dividend adjustment marks 56 consecutive years of dividend increases for Black Hills, making it the second-longest record in the electric and natural gas utility industry, further solidifying its leadership position in the sector.
- Historical Legacy: Having paid annual dividends since 1942, Black Hills has maintained this practice for 84 consecutive years, demonstrating a strong commitment to shareholder returns, which enhances investor trust.
- Customer Base: Serving 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states, including Arkansas and Colorado, Black Hills' robust customer base provides solid support for its continued growth.
See More
