Here's Why You Should Add NWN Stock to Your Portfolio Right Now

Northwest Natural Holding Company NWN continues to benefit from its investments in infrastructure upgrades. The company also gains from the consistent expansion of its customer base. Given its earnings growth opportunities, NWN makes for a solid investment option in the utility sector.Let’s focus on the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company a strong investment pick at the moment.NWN’s Growth Projections & Surprise HistoryThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has moved up 1.8% in the past 60 days to $2.88. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales is pinned at $1.30 billion, indicating a year-over-year increase of 13.1%. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 15.1% in the trailing four quarters.NWN’s SolvencyThe time-to-interest earned ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2025 was 2.6. The ratio, being greater than one, reflects the company’s ability to meet future interest obligations without difficulties.NWN’s LiquidityThe company’s current ratio of 1.05 is better than the industry’s average of 0.63. A current ratio greater than one indicates that the company has enough short-term assets to liquidate to cover all short-term liabilities, if necessary.NWN’s Dividend HistoryNorthwest Natural has been increasing shareholder value by paying dividends. The company has been increasing its dividends for the past 69 years. Currently, its quarterly dividend is 49 cents per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $1.96. The company’s current dividend yield is 4.77%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s 1.18%.  NWN’s Focus on Strategic InvestmentsNorthwest Natural continues to follow a systematic capital investment plan for infrastructure development and maintains the reliability of its gas and water delivery systems. The company expects 2025-2030 consolidated capital expenditure of $2.5-$2.7 billion, up 37% from the previous trajectory.NWN’s Customer GrowthNorthwest Natural is experiencing strong customer growth, which will continue to boost demand for its services. The company witnessed first-quarter 2025 organic customer growth of 2.2% (annualized) on a consolidated basis, with new meter sets on track for the year and growth driven by SiEnergy.NWN’s Stock Price PerformanceIn the past six months, shares of the company have risen 5% compared with the industry’s 0.3% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchOther Stocks to ConsiderA few other top-ranked stocks from the same industry are Atmos Energy ATO, ONE Gas OGS and UGI Corporation UGI, each holding a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.ATO’s long-term (three to five year) earnings growth rate is 7.19%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 EPS indicates a year-over-year improvement of 6%.OGS’ long-term earnings growth rate is 5.56%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS indicates a year-over-year improvement of 9.7%.UGI’s long-term earnings growth rate is 5.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 EPS indicates a year-over-year improvement of 2.3%. Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double"Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO): Free Stock Analysis Report Northwest Natural Gas Company (NWN): Free Stock Analysis Report UGI Corporation (UGI): Free Stock Analysis Report ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks