Short Interest in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE:NGVC) Decreases By 40.1%

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

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, October 25th. Finally, Northcoast Research set a $54.00 price target on shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $54.00.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Trading Down 0.8%

NGVC traded down $0.23 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $26.66. 241,651 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 236,196. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $26.89 and its 200-day moving average price is $34.32. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has a 1-year low of $23.47 and a 1-year high of $61.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $613.86 million, a P/E ratio of 13.33 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NYSE:NGVC) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The specialty retailer reported $0.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.42 by $0.09. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage had a return on equity of 23.75% and a net margin of 3.49%.The company had revenue of $336.14 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $348.11 million. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.000-2.15 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage will post 1.61 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.3%. This is a boost from Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage’s dividend payout ratio is currently 30.00%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. State of Alaska Department of Revenue bought a new stake in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage in the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 136.5% in the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,114 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 643 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 36.2% during the third quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 1,154 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 307 shares in the last quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. raised its position in shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 48.9% during the second quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 1,303 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 428 shares during the period. Finally, Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 130.9% in the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 1,307 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 741 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 31.99% of the company’s stock.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Company Profile

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.