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).
Total return — AVA vs NWN
growth of $100 · last 30yAVA +124.2%NWN +110.3%AVA compounded faster
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 8It 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
| Metric | AVA | NWN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.58● | 17.07 |
| Forward P/E | 14.91● | 15.74 |
| P/S ratio | 1.79 | 1.62● |
| P/B ratio | 1.24● | 1.32 |
| PEG ratio | 3.69 | 0.46● |
| EV / EBITDA | 10.35 | 7.76● |
Profitability
| Metric | AVA | NWN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 24.19% | 42.26%● |
| Operating margin | 18.94% | 31.35%● |
| Net margin | 10.75%● | 9.56% |
| ROE | 7.42% | 7.79%● |
| ROIC | 3.85% | 5.17%● |
Dividends
| Metric | AVA | NWN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 4.72%● | 3.88% |
| Payout ratio | 82.77% | 71.12% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AVA | NWN |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Avista P/E ratioNorthwest Natural P/E ratioAvista dividend yieldNorthwest Natural dividend yieldAvista ROENorthwest Natural ROEAvista operating marginNorthwest Natural operating marginAvista revenue growthNorthwest Natural revenue growthAvista free cash flowNorthwest Natural free cash flow
Avista & Northwest Natural appear in these rankings
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.