NorthWestern Corporation (NWE)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
NWE
NorthWestern Corporation
$69.87
+0.06%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.21B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$11.93
-3.09%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
TransAlta Corp generates 34% more annual revenue ($2.27B vs $1.69B). NWE leads profitability with a 10.1% profit margin vs -1.0%. NWE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.70. NWE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
NWE
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
TAC
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-21.9%
Fair Value
$56.15
Current Price
$69.87
$13.72 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for TAC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 33.3%
Areas to Watch
ROE of 5.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 71.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NWE
The strongest argument for NWE centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : TAC
The strongest argument for TAC centers on Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NWE
The primary concerns for NWE are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.38 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NWE profiles as a value stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
TAC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.
NWE is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (17M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NWE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 43/100) and 14.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
NorthWestern Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Visit Website →TransAlta Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
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