Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE:NGVC) Sees Large Drop in Short Interest

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE:NGVC) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 864,011 shares, a decrease of 40.1% from the December 15th total of 1,441,265 shares. Approximately 9.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 313,607 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.8 days. Based on an average daily volume of 313,607 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.8 days. Approximately 9.1% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on NGVC shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Northcoast Research set a $54.00 target price on shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $54.00.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Price Performance

Shares of NGVC traded down $0.23 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $26.66. The stock had a trading volume of 241,651 shares, compared to its average volume of 236,196. The stock has a market capitalization of $613.94 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.33 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.22. The company’s fifty day moving average is $26.89 and its two-hundred day moving average is $34.35. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has a 52 week low of $23.47 and a 52 week high of $61.22.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NYSE:NGVC) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The specialty retailer reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.42 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $336.14 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $348.11 million. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage had a net margin of 3.49% and a return on equity of 23.75%. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.000-2.15 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage will post 1.61 EPS for the current year.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a $0.15 dividend. This is an increase from Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage’s payout ratio is presently 30.00%.

Institutional Trading of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Empirical Finance LLC acquired a new position in shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage during the second quarter valued at $1,895,000. Hussman Strategic Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage during the 2nd quarter worth about $412,000. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd lifted its position in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 104.2% during the 2nd quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 25,425 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $998,000 after purchasing an additional 12,976 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 494,542 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $19,411,000 after purchasing an additional 27,732 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC bought a new position in shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage in the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,652,000. 31.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc operates a chain of specialty grocery stores focused on natural and organic products. Founded in 1955 by Margaret and Philip Isely in Lakewood, Colorado, the company has built a reputation on strict product standards, including certified organic produce, non-GMO groceries and dietary supplements. Natural Grocers emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and carries a broad assortment of private-label and national brands that meet its quality guidelines.

The company’s core offerings include fresh fruits and vegetables, bulk foods, vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements, as well as natural body care and household items.