tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
North West Company (TSE:NWC)
TSX:NWC

North West (NWC) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
166 Followers

Top Page

TSE:NWC

North West

(TSX:NWC)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
C$53.00
â–²(4.04% Upside)
North West's overall stock score reflects stable financial performance and positive technical indicators. However, challenges in sales growth and cash flow management, along with mixed earnings call sentiment, moderate the score. The valuation is fair, providing a balance of growth and income potential.
Positive Factors
Operational Excellence
The Next 100 program's focus on operational excellence and cost efficiencies is likely to enhance long-term profitability and competitive positioning.
Stable Profitability
Consistent gross profit margins indicate effective cost management and pricing strategies, supporting sustained profitability.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships can drive market expansion and service enhancement, providing a durable competitive advantage.
Negative Factors
Sales Decline
Declining sales, particularly in same-store metrics, could indicate weakening market demand or competitive pressures, impacting future revenue growth.
Cash Flow Management
Weaknesses in cash flow management could limit the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities and maintain financial flexibility.
Funding Reductions Impact
Reduced funding from key sources can lead to sustained revenue pressure, necessitating strategic adjustments to mitigate long-term impacts.

North West (NWC) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

North West Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionThe North West Company Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the retail of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in northern Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. The company's Canadian operations comprise 118 Northern stores, which offers food, financial services, and general merchandise; 5 NorthMart stores that provides fresh foods, apparel, and health products and services; 26 Quickstop convenience stores that provides ready-to-eat foods, and fuel and related services; 5 Giant Tiger junior discount stores, which offers family fashion, household products, and food; 2 Valu Lots discount center and direct-to-customer food distribution outlet; 1 solo market, a store in remote market; 3 Pharmacy and Convenience stores; and 1 North West Company motorsports dealership offering sales, service, parts and accessories for Ski-doo, Honda, Can-am and other premier brands. The Canadian operations also provides contract tele-pharmacist services to rural hospitals and health centers; water and air-based transportation services; and produce and fresh meats to independent grocery stores. Its international operations include 30 Alaska Commercial Company stores that provides food and general merchandise to remote and rural regions; 12 Cost-U-Less mid-size warehouse stores, which offers discount food and general merchandise; 4 Quickstop convenience stores; 9 Riteway food markets; and Pacific Alaska wholesale, a distributor to independent grocery stores, commercial accounts, and individual households in rural Alaska. The North West Company Inc. was founded in 1668 and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyNWC generates revenue through its extensive network of retail stores, which serve as the primary sales channel for its diverse product offerings. The company earns money by selling groceries, general merchandise, and essential services to customers in remote locations where access to such goods and services is limited. Key revenue streams include the sale of food products, household items, and health-related products, along with financial services like check cashing and money transfers. Strategic partnerships with suppliers and efficient supply chain management contribute to cost-effectiveness and competitive pricing, enhancing profitability. NWC's presence in niche markets with little competition further solidifies its revenue generation capabilities.

North West Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Dec 09, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 15, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a mixed sentiment with strong net earnings growth and operational improvements countered by significant sales challenges and funding-related headwinds.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Net Earnings Increase
Despite a challenging quarter, net earnings increased by 12.9% compared to last year, driven by improved gross profit rates and lower expenses.
Gross Profit Growth
Gross profit increased by 1.4% for the quarter with the gross profit rate up 64 basis points compared to the third quarter last year.
Operational Excellence via Next 100 Program
The Next 100 program has contributed to operational improvements, including merchandise assortment refinement and private label expansion, resulting in cost efficiencies.
Lower Expenses
Expenses decreased by 1% for the quarter, largely due to reduced share-based compensation costs and decreased vessel repair costs.
Negative Updates
Sales Decline
Overall sales in the quarter decreased by 0.5% compared to last year, with consolidated same-store sales down 1.7%.
Canadian Sales Drop
Sales in Canadian operations decreased by 2%, with same-store sales down 2.8% due to reduced funding and consumer spending shifts.
International Sales Challenges
International operations saw a decrease in general merchandise sales by 9.9%, offsetting a modest 1% increase in food sales.
Funding Reductions Impact
Reductions in Child and Family services funding in Canada and lower permanent fund dividends in Alaska impacted sales negatively.
Challenges in Supply Chain Optimization
The implementation of new supply chain systems faced disruptions, affecting product availability and sales.
Company Guidance
During The North West Company Inc.'s third quarter results conference call, several key metrics and factors were discussed regarding the company's performance and outlook. The company experienced a 0.5% decrease in sales compared to the previous year, largely due to reduced Child and Family services funding in Canada and a lower permanent fund dividend in Alaska. Despite these challenges, net earnings increased by 12.9%, driven by an improved gross profit rate up by 64 basis points and a 1% reduction in expenses. Same-store sales in Canada declined by 2.8%, with a notable 11.1% decrease in general merchandise sales. Conversely, international operations saw a 1% increase in same-store food sales, offsetting a 9.9% drop in general merchandise sales. The company's gross profit grew by 1.4%, attributed to the Next 100 work, such as merchandise assortment refinement and private label expansion. Looking ahead, the company anticipates continued impacts from funding reductions but expects some offset from Child and Care settlement payments, which began distribution at the end of Q3. The Next 100 program remains a focus, with significant progress in operational excellence and cost efficiencies anticipated to continue delivering value.

North West Financial Statement Overview

Summary
North West demonstrates stable profitability and efficient operations, as seen in its income statement. The balance sheet is well-managed with moderate leverage, but the recent increase in debt warrants caution. Cash flow management shows some weaknesses, particularly in free cash flow growth, which needs to be addressed to maintain financial health. Overall, the company is performing well but should focus on reversing the negative revenue growth trend and improving cash flow sustainability.
Income Statement
72
Positive
North West's income statement shows a stable gross profit margin of around 33-34% over the years, with a slight dip in the TTM period. The net profit margin remains consistent at approximately 5.3%, indicating stable profitability. However, the revenue growth rate has turned negative in the TTM period, which could be a concern if it continues. EBIT and EBITDA margins are stable, reflecting efficient operations, but the recent revenue decline needs attention.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of around 0.55-0.64, indicating a balanced approach to leverage. Return on equity is healthy at approximately 18%, showing effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is stable, suggesting a solid financial structure. However, the increase in total debt in the TTM period could pose a risk if not managed carefully.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals a decline in free cash flow growth in the TTM period, which is concerning. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong, indicating good cash generation relative to net income. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio has decreased, suggesting potential challenges in maintaining free cash flow levels. Overall, cash flow management needs improvement to ensure long-term sustainability.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.58B2.47B2.35B2.25B2.36B
Gross Profit868.32M809.42M747.91M737.75M774.55M
EBITDA325.61M301.93M279.69M312.48M302.13M
Net Income137.30M129.39M122.19M154.80M139.87M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.53B1.40B1.34B1.22B1.19B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments67.39M53.36M58.81M49.43M71.54M
Total Debt422.18M405.47M402.53M349.71M402.04M
Total Liabilities732.79M690.24M688.99M639.07M685.94M
Stockholders Equity772.01M684.69M629.22M563.63M491.30M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow114.27M107.02M65.73M130.06M263.47M
Operating Cash Flow260.63M230.43M182.84M224.13M338.72M
Investing Cash Flow-131.00M-107.70M-106.80M-75.86M-66.90M
Financing Cash Flow-119.05M-128.27M-68.30M-170.20M-227.06M

North West Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price50.94
Price Trends
50DMA
49.27
Positive
100DMA
48.13
Positive
200DMA
49.41
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.43
Negative
RSI
69.65
Neutral
STOCH
82.54
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:NWC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 50.94 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 49.68, above the 50-day MA of 49.27, and above the 200-day MA of 49.41, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.43 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 69.65 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 82.54 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for TSE:NWC.

North West Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
C$79.14B31.6121.51%1.52%4.21%14.03%
70
Outperform
C$38.95B26.1526.36%1.23%4.15%149.50%
69
Neutral
C$2.51B17.0318.69%3.27%2.08%9.31%
68
Neutral
C$11.09B15.9512.66%1.78%2.58%7.85%
66
Neutral
C$20.40B20.5814.48%1.50%3.71%12.40%
64
Neutral
C$53.47B39.76102.01%0.20%14.02%20.11%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:NWC
North West
52.57
7.24
15.96%
TSE:L
Loblaw Companies
67.00
22.47
50.47%
TSE:DOL
Dollarama
195.31
56.24
40.44%
TSE:EMP.A
Empire Co Cl A NV
48.62
6.36
15.06%
TSE:MRU
Metro Inc.
95.62
4.05
4.42%
TSE:WN
George Weston
102.63
28.98
39.34%

North West Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
North West Company Reports Earnings Growth Amid Sales Dip, Declares Dividend
Positive
Dec 10, 2025

North West Company Inc. reported a slight decrease in third-quarter sales but achieved double-digit earnings growth driven by improved margins and cost reductions from its Next 100 initiative. Despite a softer sales environment, the company’s strategic efforts led to increased gross profit and reduced expenses, contributing to a 12.9% rise in net earnings. The board declared a quarterly dividend, reflecting confidence in ongoing operational strength and shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:NWC) stock is a Buy with a C$53.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on North West stock, see the TSE:NWC 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: Dec 18, 2025