On the stock market since 2007, it operates in electricity, water and gas. It has 1,667 employees. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
That much dependence is a risk in itself: if this one line weakens, the whole company feels it directly.
The gap is $3.4B. In times of high interest rates, a gap like that can squeeze a company.
Executives buying with their own money is usually read as confidence in the company’s future.
We compared this company with its own sector across five subjects.
A score of 50 means class average.
Clearly below the class average.
Clearly below the class average.
The price isn’t cheap next to earnings — that’s why this grade sits in the middle.
Clearly below the class average.
The stock has been running stronger than the market lately.
Growth: Sales growth trails the sector average.
Financial Strength: The cash-and-debt balance is thin; the buffer for hard times is slim.
The stock trades near its peak today. For long-term holders the ride has paid off so far — though past performance guarantees nothing about the future.
Over the last 12 months, company executives reported 48 buys and 27 sells. Management buying with its own money is usually read as a good sign.
It pays out $2.66 per share each year — regular cash for whoever holds the stock.
Over the last 3 years, sales grew only 3% a year on average. At this size, speeding back up is not easy.
The growth engine is running at low revs right now. Report-card grade: 18/100.
The balance sheet offers little cushion against a rough stretch. Report-card grade: 44/100.
On our five-subject report card, NWE sits behind the class. A low grade doesn’t mean “doomed” — it means “big claim, small proof.”
The takeaway: NWE is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate isn’t the quality of the business — it’s what that quality should cost.