WallStSmart

Ingles Markets Incorporated (IMKTA)vsNatural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc (NGVC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ingles Markets Incorporated generates 303% more annual revenue ($5.40B vs $1.34B). NGVC leads profitability with a 3.6% profit margin vs 1.9%. IMKTA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.85. IMKTA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

IMKTA

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.0Value: 6.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.46

NGVC

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.90
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IMKTASignificantly Overvalued (-85.0%)

Margin of Safety

-85.0%

Fair Value

$46.89

Current Price

$91.15

$44.26 premium

UndervaluedFair: $46.89Overvalued
NGVCUndervalued (+19.8%)

Margin of Safety

+19.8%

Fair Value

$30.83

Current Price

$30.10

$0.73 discount

UndervaluedFair: $30.83Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IMKTA5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
70.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 70.1% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.4610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.858/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
16.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

NGVC2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
20.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

IMKTA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.4%4/10

3.4% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.68B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
6.3%3/10

ROE of 6.3% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

1.9% margin — thin

NGVC4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.5%4/10

0.5% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.6%4/10

3.6% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$693.53M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

3.6% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IMKTA

The strongest argument for IMKTA centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 0.85 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NGVC

The strongest argument for NGVC centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : IMKTA

The primary concerns for IMKTA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : NGVC

The primary concerns for NGVC are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NGVC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.

IMKTA is growing revenue faster at 3.4% — sustainability is the question.

IMKTA generates stronger free cash flow (67M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor GROCERY STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

IMKTA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 53/100). NGVC offers better value entry with a 19.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Ingles Markets Incorporated

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · GROCERY STORES · USA

Ingles Markets, Incorporated operates a chain of supermarkets in the southeastern United States. The company is headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina.

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Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · GROCERY STORES · USA

Natural Grocers of Vitamin Cottage, Inc., sells natural and organic foods and dietary supplements in the United States. The company is headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado.

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