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 311% more annual revenue ($5.42B vs $1.32B). NGVC leads profitability with a 3.3% profit margin vs 1.8%. IMKTA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.85. IMKTA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

IMKTA

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 4.5Value: 10.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.46

NGVC

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IMKTAUndervalued (+63.0%)

Margin of Safety

+63.0%

Fair Value

$234.47

Current Price

$83.56

$150.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $234.47Overvalued
NGVCUndervalued (+71.9%)

Margin of Safety

+71.9%

Fair Value

$87.98

Current Price

$25.32

$62.66 discount

UndervaluedFair: $87.98Overvalued

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
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

Areas to Watch

IMKTA4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.66B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
5.9%3/10

ROE of 5.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.8%3/10

1.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

Operating margin of 3.2%

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%

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, Price/Book. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : IMKTA

The primary concerns for IMKTA are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : NGVC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

IMKTA is growing revenue faster at 6.6% — sustainability is the question.

NGVC generates stronger free cash flow (12M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

IMKTA scores higher overall (64/100 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.

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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