Avista Corporation (AVA) vs Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN)

AVA and NWN are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.

A side-by-side comparison of Avista Corporation and Northwest Natural Holding Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 28, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AVA vs NWN

growth of $100 · last 30y
AVA +124.2%NWN +110.3%AVA compounded faster
100200300Start $100200120062011201620212026$224$210
AVA NWN

AVA vs NWN: by the numbers

  • AVA is the larger company ($3.45B vs $2.14B market cap).
  • AVA trades at the lower earnings multiple (16.58 vs 17.07 P/E).
  • AVA converts more revenue to profit (10.75% vs 9.56% net margin).
  • NWN grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.83% vs 7.35% CAGR).
  • AVA pays the higher dividend yield (4.72% vs 3.88%).

Which is better, AVA or NWN?

Metric tally: AVA 8 · NWN 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueAVA(lower P/E)
GrowthNWN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeAVA(higher dividend yield)
QualityNWN(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAVANWN
P/E ratio16.5817.07
Forward P/E14.9115.74
P/S ratio1.791.62
P/B ratio1.241.32
PEG ratio3.690.46
EV / EBITDA10.357.76

Profitability

MetricAVANWN
Gross margin24.19%42.26%
Operating margin18.94%31.35%
Net margin10.75%9.56%
ROE7.42%7.79%
ROIC3.85%5.17%

Dividends

MetricAVANWN
Dividend yield4.72%3.88%
Payout ratio82.77%71.12%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAVANWN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.35%9.83%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.50%3.61%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-20.75%-24.53%
Total return CAGR (5Y)3.96%3.48%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AVA or NWN?
It depends on your goal. value: AVA (lower P/E); growth: NWN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: AVA (higher dividend yield); quality: NWN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is AVA or NWN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, AVA is cheaper: AVA trades at a 16.58 P/E and NWN at 17.07.
Which has grown faster, AVA or NWN?
Over the past five years, NWN grew revenue faster — AVA at a 7.35% CAGR versus NWN at 9.83%.
Does AVA or NWN pay a bigger dividend?
AVA yields 4.72% and NWN yields 3.88% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AVA or NWN more profitable?
AVA runs the higher net margin — AVA at 10.75% versus NWN at 9.56%.
Which has been the better investment, AVA or NWN?
Over the past 10-year, AVA delivered the higher annualized total return — AVA at 3.98% versus NWN at 1.82%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 28, 2026.