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Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX)
NASDAQ:NWPX

Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) AI Stock Analysis

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NWPX

Northwest Pipe Company

(NASDAQ:NWPX)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$83.00
▲(6.96% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/26/26
The score is driven primarily by improving financial performance (higher earnings and reduced leverage) and solid technical momentum (price above major moving averages with positive MACD). The latest earnings call adds support via record results and strong backlog, while valuation is more neutral with a ~20x P/E and no dividend yield provided.
Positive Factors
Scale & profitability improvement
The company has meaningfully scaled sales and profits over several years, lifting gross margins and delivering mid-single-digit net margins. Sustained revenue expansion and improved operating leverage support durable ability to invest, deleverage and absorb cost variability.
Robust WTS backlog and demand
A multi-hundred-million-dollar Water Transmission Systems backlog provides multi-quarter revenue visibility and underpins plant utilization. Strong WTS tons produced and record segment sales indicate structural demand that supports pricing leverage and predictable near-term cash conversion.
Improving cash generation
Recent positive operating cash flow and substantial free cash flow signal enhanced cash conversion and financial flexibility versus prior years. That recurring cash can fund capex, strategic M&A, and shareholder returns without relying on external financing.
Negative Factors
Historical cash-flow volatility
Past swings into negative operating and free cash flow demonstrate that working-capital cycles and timing of progress payments materially affect liquidity. If project timing shifts or bidding weakens, cash generation can reverse quickly and constrain reinvestment or buybacks.
Precast margin pressure
Margin compression in the Precast business, driven by product-mix shifts and higher depreciation from new equipment, weakens a key segment's profitability. If mix and asset utilization don't normalize, structural margin erosion could limit consolidated margin improvement.
Prior high leverage risk in weak cycles
Although leverage has improved recently, the company previously ran materially higher debt levels. In a downturn or if working capital swings recur, balance-sheet flexibility could tighten quickly, raising refinancing or covenant risks and limiting strategic optionality.

Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Northwest Pipe Company Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNWPX Infrastructure, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of water-related infrastructure products in North America and Canada. It operates through two segments, Engineered Steel Pressure Pipe (SPP) and Precast Infrastructure and Engineered Systems (Precast). The SPP segment provides large-diameter and high-pressure steel pipeline systems for use in water infrastructure applications, which are primarily related to drinking water systems. Its products are also used for hydroelectric power systems, wastewater systems, seismic resiliency, and other applications. In addition, this segment makes products for industrial plant piping systems and certain structural applications. The Precast segment offers stormwater and wastewater technology products, precast, and reinforced concrete products, including reinforced concrete pipe, manholes, box culverts, vaults and catch basins, pump lift stations, oil water separators, biofiltration units, steel casing pipes, and bar-wrapped concrete cylinder pipes, as well as pipeline system joints, fittings, specialized components, and other environmental and engineered solutions. The company sells its water infrastructure products under the ParkUSA, Geneva Pipe and Precast, Permalok, and Northwest Pipe Company brands primarily to installation contractors. The company was formerly known as Northwest Pipe Company and changed its name to NWPX Infrastructure, Inc. in June 2025. NWPX Infrastructure, Inc. was incorporated in 1966 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.
How the Company Makes MoneyNorthwest Pipe Company generates revenue through the sale of its engineered steel pipe products and related services. The primary revenue streams include the manufacturing and distribution of welded steel pipe and ductile iron pipe, which are essential for water transmission systems. The company also engages in the supply of custom-engineered solutions for industrial applications, enhancing its product offering. Significant partnerships with utility companies and government agencies for infrastructure projects contribute to steady demand for its products. Additionally, the company's focus on innovation and sustainability positions it favorably within the market, allowing it to capitalize on emerging opportunities in water management and environmental compliance.

Northwest Pipe Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 29, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted record-setting results, strong performance in the Water Transmission Systems segment, robust backlog, and improved cash flow generation. However, challenges included a sequential decline in WTS backlog, margin compression in the Precast segment, and operational issues at the Geneva facility. Overall, the positive aspects of the performance outweigh the challenges, indicating strong execution and strategic growth positioning.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Setting Quarterly Results
NWPX Infrastructure reported its highest quarterly revenue, gross profit, and EPS in the company's history, with consolidated net sales reaching $151.1 million, a 16% increase year-over-year, and EPS growing by 35% compared to the prior year period.
Strong Performance in Water Transmission Systems (WTS)
WTS segment delivered record net sales of $103.9 million, up 20.9% year-over-year, driven by favorable market dynamics and sustained customer demand. Tons produced rose 14% year-over-year.
Robust Backlog and Bidding Activity
WTS backlog stood at $301 million, marking an increase from $282 million a year ago. The company expects strong bidding activity in the fourth quarter with about $200 million worth of work, setting up a strong entry into 2026.
Improved Cash Flow Generation
Generated $21 million in operating cash flow during the quarter, with a focus on cash flow sustainability and progress payments contributing positively to cash flow dynamics.
Environmental Product Declaration Published
NWPX published its first third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration for cement-mortar line welded steel pipe, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
Negative Updates
Sequential Decline in WTS Backlog
WTS backlog saw a sequential decline from $348 million in June to $301 million at quarter end due to elevated shipping activity.
Margin Compression in Precast Segment
Precast gross profit decreased 3.4% to $10 million due to changes in product mix and increased depreciation associated with new equipment investments.
Challenges with Geneva Facility
Geneva facility faced margin pressures due to increased depreciation and operational shifts, although improvements are expected as production stabilizes.
Company Guidance
During the Northwest Pipe Company's third-quarter 2025 earnings call, CEO Scott Montross highlighted a quarter of record-setting performance, marked by the highest quarterly revenue, gross profit, and EPS in the company's history. Consolidated net sales reached $151.1 million, reflecting a 13.4% sequential growth and a 16% year-over-year increase. The Water Transmission Systems (WTS) segment achieved record net sales of $103.9 million, up 20.9% year-over-year, with tons produced rising 14% due to robust customer demand. The WTS backlog stood at $301 million at quarter-end, anticipated to remain above this level through year-end. The Precast segment reported net sales of $47.2 million, a 6.6% year-over-year increase, with an 8% rise in average selling price. The company generated over $21 million in operating cash flow, and Montross emphasized strategic priorities including margin focus, strategic acquisitions, and shareholder value return. Despite seasonal and weather-related challenges, Northwest Pipe remains on track for a record year in 2025 and positions itself for sustained growth in 2026.

Northwest Pipe Company Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong improvement in scale and profitability (revenue up to $526M in 2025; net income $35.4M) with healthier leverage (debt-to-equity down to ~0.26 in 2025). Offsetting this is variability in revenue growth and historically uneven cash conversion, including negative free cash flow in 2021–2022.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Profitability and scale have improved meaningfully over the last several years, with annual revenue rising from $286M (2020) to $526M (2025) and net income increasing to $35.4M (2025). Gross margin has trended higher versus 2021–2023, and net margin remains solid in the ~5–7% range. The main weakness is volatility in growth (a decline in 2023 followed by strong acceleration in 2025) and some margin inconsistency year-to-year.
Balance Sheet
74
Positive
Leverage looks manageable and has improved, with debt-to-equity declining from ~0.68 (2021) to ~0.26 (2025) as equity expanded. Returns on equity are steady around ~9% in 2024–2025, indicating decent profitability on the capital base. The key drawback is that the business has carried higher leverage in prior years (2021–2023), suggesting balance-sheet risk can rise in weaker cycles, even though current positioning is healthier.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Cash generation is positive and improving recently, with operating cash flow up to $67.3M (2025) and free cash flow at $47.1M (2025). Cash flow generally tracks earnings reasonably well (free cash flow at ~62–70% of net income in 2023–2025). The weakness is historical volatility: 2021 and 2022 showed negative free cash flow (and negative operating cash flow in 2021), and free cash flow growth is uneven, indicating working-capital and reinvestment swings can materially impact cash conversion.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue526.00M492.55M444.36M457.67M333.31M
Gross Profit103.64M95.41M77.64M85.86M44.25M
EBITDA68.53M67.42M49.94M62.15M29.98M
Net Income35.41M34.21M21.07M31.15M11.52M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets579.63M589.65M597.88M601.34M547.68M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.27M5.01M4.07M3.68M3.00M
Total Debt102.80M136.70M162.94M188.63M192.06M
Total Liabilities184.85M215.65M257.52M283.07M264.30M
Stockholders Equity394.78M374.00M340.36M318.27M283.38M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow47.11M34.25M35.16M-5.62M-19.07M
Operating Cash Flow67.28M55.05M53.45M17.54M-5.81M
Investing Cash Flow-20.15M-20.74M-20.37M-23.05M-100.15M
Financing Cash Flow-49.87M-33.38M-32.70M6.19M71.03M

Northwest Pipe Company Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price77.60
Price Trends
50DMA
68.66
Positive
100DMA
62.65
Positive
200DMA
53.98
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.43
Negative
RSI
61.76
Neutral
STOCH
64.17
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For NWPX, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 77.6 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 73.41, above the 50-day MA of 68.66, and above the 200-day MA of 53.98, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.43 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 61.76 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 64.17 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for NWPX.

Northwest Pipe Company Risk Analysis

Northwest Pipe Company disclosed 27 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Northwest Pipe Company reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Northwest Pipe Company Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$742.96M21.659.78%7.61%25.35%
68
Neutral
$723.10M15.3413.77%3.49%22.39%112.75%
63
Neutral
$426.69M36.555.06%-12.38%-0.71%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
54
Neutral
$320.48M27.851.26%-3.42%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NWPX
Northwest Pipe Company
82.07
39.53
92.92%
IIIN
Insteel Industries
36.56
10.53
40.45%
TG
Tredegar
9.55
2.34
32.45%
MEC
Mayville Engineering Company
21.54
7.64
54.96%

Northwest Pipe Company Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Northwest Pipe Announces Executive Leadership Transition and Compensation Changes
Neutral
Jan 22, 2026

On January 15, 2026, NWPX Infrastructure, Inc. announced that Executive Vice President Miles Brittain will retire on April 3, 2026, and that Mike Wray has been appointed Executive Vice President effective January 19, 2026, ensuring operational continuity through a planned leadership transition. The board simultaneously raised Wray’s annual base salary to $450,000 and approved a revised change-in-control agreement extending to July 31, 2026 and doubling his payout multiple, underscoring the company’s intention to solidify executive leadership and retention as it navigates potential strategic or ownership changes.
On January 15, 2026, NWPX Infrastructure, Inc. announced that Executive Vice President Miles Brittain will retire on April 3, 2026, and that Mike Wray has been appointed Executive Vice President effective January 19, 2026, ensuring operational continuity through a planned leadership transition. The board simultaneously raised Wray’s annual base salary to $450,000 and approved a revised change-in-control agreement extending to July 31, 2026 and doubling his payout multiple, underscoring the company’s intention to solidify executive leadership and retention as it navigates potential strategic or ownership changes.

The most recent analyst rating on (NWPX) stock is a Hold with a $50.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Northwest Pipe Company stock, see the NWPX Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Northwest Pipe Announces New Share Repurchase Program
Positive
Dec 16, 2025

On December 10, 2025, NWPX Infrastructure, Inc. approved a performance-based cash incentive program for the 2026 fiscal year, focusing on income before taxes, free cash flow, and safety performance. Executive bonuses are tied to achieving these goals, with varying percentages of base salary as potential bonuses. On December 11, 2025, the company’s Board authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $10 million, complementing a previous $30 million program. This initiative allows for flexible stock buybacks based on market conditions and company liquidity.

The most recent analyst rating on (NWPX) stock is a Buy with a $60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Northwest Pipe Company stock, see the NWPX Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 26, 2026