WallStSmart

Kroger Company (KR)vsNatural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc (NGVC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Kroger Company generates 10936% more annual revenue ($147.64B vs $1.34B). NGVC leads profitability with a 3.6% profit margin vs 0.7%. KR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.63. KR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

KR

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 6.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.88

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

KRUndervalued (+10.9%)

Margin of Safety

+10.9%

Fair Value

$72.60

Current Price

$62.23

$10.37 discount

UndervaluedFair: $72.60Overvalued
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

KR4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
50.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.9% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.638/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.80B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

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

KR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.2%4/10

1.2% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.4%3/10

Operating margin of 3.4%

P/E RatioValuation
42.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 : KR

The strongest argument for KR centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.63 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 : KR

The primary concerns for KR are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 42.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 4.16 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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.

KR is growing revenue faster at 1.2% — sustainability is the question.

KR generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KR scores higher overall (59/100 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.

Kroger Company

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · GROCERY STORES · USA

The Kroger Company, or simply Kroger, is an American retail company founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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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