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North West Company (TSE:NWC)
TSX:NWC
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North West (NWC) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:NWC

North West

(TSX:NWC)

Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
C$56.00
▲(11.07% Upside)
North West's overall stock score is driven by its solid financial performance and effective cash flow management, which are significant strengths. Technical indicators suggest positive momentum, though caution is advised due to potential overbought conditions. Valuation is reasonable, with an attractive dividend yield. The earnings call provided a balanced outlook with optimism for future growth despite some challenges.
Positive Factors
Earnings
The Q4 earnings were higher than expected, driven by strong same-store sales growth and gross margin expansion.
Market Position
North West is rated as Outperform due to its attractive retail franchise with a high proportion of stores in defensive markets.
Strategic Initiatives
The company's Next 100 initiative is anticipated to contribute positively to earnings, outpacing investments through the coming years.
Negative Factors
Environmental Factors
Wildfires are seen as a factor that could hurt the company's performance.

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

North West Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNorth West Company (NWC) is a leading retailer catering primarily to underserved rural and remote communities across Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. The company operates through a network of retail stores, including Northern and NorthMart, offering a wide range of products such as food, general merchandise, pharmaceuticals, and services tailored to meet the unique needs of these communities.
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:Jun 10, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Sep 08, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture, with strong sales growth and benefits from the Next 100 program being offset by challenges such as the impact of wildfires and reduced funding for the Inuit Child First Initiative. While there were notable achievements in international operations and adjusted EBITDA growth, higher expenses and challenges in Canadian operations created a balanced outlook.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Consolidated Sales Increase
Consolidated sales in the quarter were up 3.9% and net earnings increased by 2.2% on top of a 22.3% increase last year.
International Operations Success
International Operations delivered strong results with same-store sales increasing 2.8%, driven by a 5.2% increase in general merchandise and 2.6% in food.
Next 100 Program Benefits
The Next 100 program drove effective data-driven promotions and cost savings, contributing to increased gross profit and labor productivity gains.
Adjusted EBITDA Growth
Adjusted EBITDA in Canadian Operations increased 5.8%, following an 11.3% increase in the first quarter of last year.
Negative Updates
Wildfire Impact on Northern Canada Operations
Wildfires have affected about 10% of North West's sites, significantly reducing sales at these locations.
Reduction in Inuit Child First Initiative Funding
Funding under the ICFI program has been limited to individual child-specific claims, reducing the distribution compared to 2024.
Higher Expenses
Expenses were up 8.7% due to higher staff and technology costs, as well as one-time costs for the Next 100 program.
Decreased Canadian Operations EBIT
EBIT in Canadian Operations decreased 6.2% for the quarter compared to a 20.9% increase in the first quarter last year.
Company Guidance
During the North West Company Inc.'s first quarter conference call for fiscal year 2025, key financial metrics indicated a strong start despite comparisons to an exceptionally robust prior year's quarter. Consolidated sales increased by 3.9%, while net earnings saw a 2.2% rise, building on a significant 22.3% increase the previous year. The company's performance was bolstered by a 4% gain in same-store food sales and a 7.2% increase in gross profit dollars, attributed to changes in sales blend and reduced markdowns. However, these gains were partially offset by an 8.7% rise in expenses, largely due to Next 100 program costs and higher share-based compensation. Adjusted net earnings, which exclude one-time costs, improved by 14.2%. In Canada, total sales grew by 2%, driven by a 5.1% increase in same-store food sales, while the International Operations reported a 2.8% rise in same-store sales. Despite challenges such as the wildfire situation in Northern Canada and potential impacts from reduced government payments and economic conditions, the company remains optimistic, with ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiencies through its Next 100 program and improved promotional strategies.

North West Financial Statement Overview

Summary
North West demonstrates solid financial health with stable revenue growth and profitability. The company maintains a balanced leverage level and offers strong returns to shareholders. Cash flow management is effective, with growth in free cash flow and a robust cash conversion rate.
Income Statement
75
Positive
North West has demonstrated consistent revenue growth with a TTM gross profit margin of 33.94%. The net profit margin stands at 5.29%, showing stable profitability. Revenue growth is observed at 0.93% from the previous year, indicating moderate growth. The EBIT margin is 8.08%, and the EBITDA margin is 12.60%, reflecting efficient operational performance.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is 0.55, suggesting a balanced leverage position. The return on equity is 18.11%, indicating strong returns for shareholders. The equity ratio is 50.45%, reflecting a solid financial structure with a good proportion of equity in total assets.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Free cash flow has grown by 3.11% compared to the prior year, showcasing effective cash management. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.96, suggesting strong cash flow generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.86, showing adequate cash conversion.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.60B2.58B2.47B2.35B2.25B2.36B
Gross Profit882.67M868.32M809.42M747.91M737.75M774.55M
EBITDA327.69M325.61M301.93M279.69M312.48M302.13M
Net Income137.60M137.30M129.39M122.19M154.80M139.87M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.51B1.53B1.40B1.34B1.22B1.19B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments74.28M67.39M53.36M58.81M49.43M71.54M
Total Debt419.99M422.18M405.47M402.53M349.71M402.04M
Total Liabilities722.55M732.79M690.24M688.99M639.07M685.94M
Stockholders Equity759.73M772.01M684.69M629.22M563.63M491.30M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow117.83M114.27M107.02M65.73M130.06M263.47M
Operating Cash Flow269.37M260.63M230.43M182.84M224.13M338.72M
Investing Cash Flow-135.02M-131.00M-107.70M-106.80M-75.86M-66.90M
Financing Cash Flow-141.84M-119.05M-128.27M-68.30M-170.20M-227.06M

North West Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price50.42
Price Trends
50DMA
48.66
Positive
100DMA
51.29
Negative
200DMA
49.45
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.48
Positive
RSI
55.28
Neutral
STOCH
21.02
Neutral
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 50.42 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 49.96, above the 50-day MA of 48.66, and above the 200-day MA of 49.45, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.48 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 55.28 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 21.02 is Neutral, 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 (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
67
Neutral
C$2.41B17.3118.85%3.17%4.19%2.56%
63
Neutral
$20.42B14.64-2.96%3.11%2.04%-6.12%
$48.65B27.9721.77%0.92%
73
Outperform
C$12.34B17.9113.02%1.54%1.77%0.77%
69
Neutral
C$21.35B21.0914.60%1.47%2.26%12.56%
66
Neutral
C$1.63B19.466.30%4.27%6.01%
62
Neutral
C$33.82B33.6617.72%1.27%3.21%-12.20%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:NWC
North West
50.42
3.03
6.39%
LBLCF
Loblaw Companies
41.45
9.36
29.17%
TSE:EMP.A
Empire Co Cl A NV
53.29
15.39
40.61%
TSE:MRU
Metro Inc.
98.47
14.44
17.18%
TSE:SPB
Superior Plus
7.38
0.07
0.96%
TSE:WN
George Weston
88.24
15.14
20.71%

North West Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
North West Company Appoints Aviation Expert Gregg Saretsky to Board
Positive
Aug 1, 2025

North West Company Inc. has appointed Gregg Saretsky, a veteran in the aviation industry, as a director. Saretsky’s extensive experience, including leadership roles at WestJet Airlines and board positions at InterGlobe Aviation and Southwest Airlines, is expected to enhance North West’s strategic direction, particularly in developing its subsidiary, North Star Air.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:NWC) stock is a Buy with a C$60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on North West stock, see the TSE:NWC Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
North West Company Announces Successful Election of Directors
Positive
Jun 13, 2025

The North West Company Inc. announced that its shareholders voted in favor of all items at the annual general meeting, including the election of all nominee directors. This decision reflects strong shareholder support and ensures continuity in the company’s leadership, potentially reinforcing its market position and strategic direction.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:NWC) stock is a Buy with a C$58.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on North West stock, see the TSE:NWC Stock Forecast page.

DividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
North West Company Reports Strong Q1 Earnings and Declares Dividend
Positive
Jun 11, 2025

North West Company Inc. reported a strong first quarter with a 3.9% increase in consolidated sales, driven by same-store sales growth and strategic initiatives under the Next 100 program. The company declared a quarterly dividend, reflecting confidence in its operational strategy, despite increased expenses due to investments in staff and technology. The company’s focus on operational excellence and improved merchandise assortment has positively impacted its earnings and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:NWC) stock is a Buy with a C$58.00 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: Aug 19, 2025