NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) vs Pinnacle West Capital (PNW)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) has outperformed Pinnacle West Capital (PNW) over the past year, gaining 26.5% versus a gain of 6.6%. Over five years, PNW leads with a +44.0% price change compared with +30.6% for NWE. Pinnacle West Capital is the larger company by market cap ($11.87 billion vs $4.59 billion), about 2.6 times the size, while NorthWestern Energy Group is growing revenue faster (+6.4% vs +4.2%).
On valuation, Pinnacle West Capital trades at a lower forward P/E (17.5x vs 18.8x for NorthWestern Energy Group). Pinnacle West Capital offers the higher dividend yield (3.70% vs 3.56%). Pinnacle West Capital converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.8% versus 11.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | NWE | PNW |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $74.63 | $97.98 |
| Market cap | $4.59B | $11.87B |
| 1-day change | +0.89% | +0.45% |
| YTD return | +15.63% | +10.46% |
| 1-year return | +26.49% | +6.56% |
| 5-year return | +30.56% | +44.05% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 26.94 | 18.81 |
| Forward P/E | 18.85 | 17.54 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.77 | $5.21 |
| Dividend yield | 3.56% | 3.70% |
| Annual dividend | $2.66 | $3.63 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.61B | $5.34B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.38% | +4.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $181.09M | $631.64M |
| Gross margin | — | 63.79% |
| Operating margin | 20.23% | 19.99% |
| Net margin | 11.24% | 11.83% |
| 52-week high | $76.00 | $111.16 |
| 52-week low | $57.12 | $86.18 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -1.80% | -11.86% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | -2.52% | +5.05% |
| Average volume | 441.94K | 1.18M |
| Shares outstanding | 61.52M | 121.20M |
| Employees | 1,667 | 6,610 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Utilities - Regulated Electric | Utilities - Regulated Electric |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Pinnacle West Capital is about 2.6 times larger than NorthWestern Energy Group by market value ($11.87B vs $4.59B).
- NWE has outperformed PNW by 19.9 percentage points over the past year.
- NorthWestern Energy Group trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.9x vs 18.8x trailing P/E).
About NorthWestern Energy Group
NWE stock →NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and diversified industrial customers. It generates, purchases, transmits, and distributes electricity; and produces, purchases, stores, transmits, and distributes natural gas, as well as owns municipal franchises to provide natural gas service in the communities.
Utilities · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 1,667 employees
About Pinnacle West Capital
PNW stock →Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, through its subsidiary, provides retail and wholesale electric services in the state of Arizona. The company engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity using nuclear, gas, oil, coal, and solar generating facilities.
Utilities · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 6,610 employees
NWE vs PNW FAQ
Which is bigger, NorthWestern Energy Group or Pinnacle West Capital?
Pinnacle West Capital (PNW) is larger, with a market capitalization of $11.87B compared with $4.59B for NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NWE or PNW?
NWE returned +26.49% over the past 12 months, compared with +6.56% for PNW (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NWE or PNW?
PNW has the lower trailing P/E at 18.8, versus 26.9 for NWE. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, NorthWestern Energy Group or Pinnacle West Capital?
Pinnacle West Capital has the higher yield at 3.70%, compared with 3.56% for NorthWestern Energy Group.
Are NorthWestern Energy Group and Pinnacle West Capital in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Utilities - Regulated Electric industry within the Utilities sector.