Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE:NGVC) Short Interest Down 13.4% in January

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE:NGVC) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 738,208 shares, a decrease of 13.4% from the January 15th total of 852,491 shares. Currently, 7.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 229,339 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 229,339 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.2 days. Currently, 7.7% of the shares of the company are sold short.

Institutional Trading of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

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

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. 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 note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wall Street Zen raised Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $54.00.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:NGVC traded down $1.00 on Wednesday, hitting $25.38. 51,540 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 226,980. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $25.79 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $32.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $584.62 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.38 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a current ratio of 1.07. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has a one year low of $23.47 and a one year high of $61.22.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NYSE:NGVC) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The specialty retailer reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.46 by $0.03. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage had a return on equity of 23.11% and a net margin of 3.58%.The firm had revenue of $335.58 million for the quarter. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.000-2.150 EPS. Research analysts expect that Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage will post 1.61 earnings per share for the current year.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 18th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage’s payout ratio is currently 29.13%.

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.