NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWEC) today announced that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") upgraded NorthWestern's long-term corporate credit rating, senior secured ratings and senior unsecured rating as follows: From To
Senior Secured Rating -- Montana BBB A-
Senior Secured Rating -- South Dakota BBB BBB+
Senior Unsecured Rating BB- BBB-
Corporate Rating BB+ BBB
Outlook Positive Stable
S&P cited a steady improvement in the financial profile of the Company as well as a paring of nonregulated operations. S&P also noted that the Company has shown a commitment to focus on regulated utility operations, including managing regulatory risk and resolving pending litigation.