WallStSmart

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc (NGVC)vsSprouts Farmers Market LLC (SFM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Sprouts Farmers Market LLC generates 568% more annual revenue ($8.81B vs $1.32B). SFM leads profitability with a 6.0% profit margin vs 3.3%. SFM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.13. SFM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

NGVC

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0

SFM

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.14
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NGVCUndervalued (+71.9%)

Margin of Safety

+71.9%

Fair Value

$87.98

Current Price

$25.32

$62.66 discount

UndervaluedFair: $87.98Overvalued
SFMUndervalued (+65.9%)

Margin of Safety

+65.9%

Fair Value

$192.43

Current Price

$81.80

$110.63 discount

UndervaluedFair: $192.43Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NGVC4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
23.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
25.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY

SFM3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
38.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 38 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
15.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

NGVC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$730.40M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
3.3%3/10

3.3% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.7%3/10

Operating margin of 4.7%

SFM3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
6.0%3/10

6.0% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.393/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NGVC

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

Bull Case : SFM

The strongest argument for SFM centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.13 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : NGVC

The primary concerns for NGVC are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : SFM

The primary concerns for SFM are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NGVC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

SFM is growing revenue faster at 7.6% — sustainability is the question.

SFM generates stronger free cash flow (65M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

SFM scores higher overall (62/100 vs 60/100). NGVC offers better value entry with a 71.9% 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.

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.

Sprouts Farmers Market LLC

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · GROCERY STORES · USA

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. offers fresh, natural and organic food products in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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