Avista Corporation (AVA) vs Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN)
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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AVA
Avista Corporation
$35.11UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NWN
Northwest Natural Holding Company
$47.04UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AVA vs NWN
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAVA +33.1% (+2.9%/yr)NWN +17.7% (+1.6%/yr)AVA compounded faster over this window
AVA NWN
AVA vs NWN: by the numbers
- •AVA is the larger company ($2.94B vs $1.98B market cap).
- •AVA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.63 vs 15.40 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AVA converts more revenue to profit (11.83% vs 9.75% net margin).
- •NWN grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.58% vs 7.06% CAGR).
- •AVA pays the higher dividend yield (5.35% vs 4.07%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AVA | NWN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 12.63 | 15.40 |
| Forward P/E | 13.49 | 15.26 |
| P/S ratio | 1.53 | 1.53 |
| P/B ratio | 1.04 | 1.27 |
| EV / EBITDA | 9.68 | 7.62 |
Profitability
| Metric | AVA | NWN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 24.19% | 45.17% |
| Operating margin | 18.76% | 31.63% |
| Net margin | 11.83% | 9.75% |
| ROE | 8.05% | 8.08% |
| ROIC | 4.27% | 5.11% |
Dividends
| Metric | AVA | NWN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 5.35% | 4.07% |
| Payout ratio | 70.77% | 64.50% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AVA | NWN |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.06% | 9.58% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 4.50% | 3.61% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -24.53% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.55% | 4.17% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AVA or NWN?
- AVA has the lower trailing P/E: AVA trades at 12.63 and NWN at 15.40. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AVA or NWN?
- Over the past five years, NWN grew revenue faster — AVA at a 7.06% CAGR versus NWN at 9.58%.
- Does AVA or NWN pay a bigger dividend?
- AVA yields 5.35% and NWN yields 4.07% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AVA or NWN more profitable?
- AVA runs the higher net margin — AVA at 11.83% versus NWN at 9.75%.
- How have AVA and NWN total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AVA delivered 3.25% and NWN delivered 1.82% annualized total return. 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 September 13, 2026.