Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend by 25% to $0.15 per Common Share
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) today announced results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 and provided its outlook for fiscal 2026.
Highlights for Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Compared to Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024
Net sales increased 4.2% to $336.1 million;
Daily average comparable store sales increased 4.2%, and 11.3% on a two-year basis;
Net income increased 31.0% to $11.8 million, with diluted earnings per share of $0.51; and
Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.7% to $24.4 million.
Highlights for Fiscal 2025 Compared to Fiscal 2024
Net sales increased 7.2% to $1.33 billion;
Daily average comparable store sales increased 7.3%, and increased 14.3% on a two-year basis;
22nd consecutive year of positive comparable store sales growth;
Net income increased 36.9% to $46.4 million, with diluted earnings per share of $2.00;
Adjusted EBITDA increased 17.5% to $97.9 million; and
Opened two new stores and relocated/remodeled three stores.
"We are pleased with our fourth quarter performance, with sales in-line with guidance and diluted earnings per share exceeding our outlook, resulting in record sales and earnings for fiscal year 2025," said Kemper Isely, Co-President. "Consumers continued to be drawn to our differentiated offering of high-quality, natural and organic products reflecting their resilient prioritization of health and wellness, including food and nutrition. Moreover, we believe that our commitment to Always AffordableSM prices provides compelling value for our customers, strengthening our competitive position during periods of economic uncertainty."
Mr. Isely continued, "Accelerated store growth is a core element of our strategy, and we are reiterating our plan to open six to eight new stores in fiscal 2026, underscoring the quality of our pipeline and execution capabilities. We also remain committed to enhancing value for our stockholders by maintaining a balanced approach to capital allocation. In addition to investing in our business to accelerate unit growth, we are proud to announce that we are increasing our quarterly cash dividend by 25% to $0.15 per common share, reflecting our strong fiscal 2025 operating performance and financial position, as well as confidence in our ability to create long-term stockholder value."
In addition to presenting the financial results of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company is also presenting EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation from GAAP to these non-GAAP financial measures is provided at the end of this earnings release.
Operating Results, Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Compared to Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024
Net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 increased $13.5 million, or 4.2%, to $336.1 million, compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, due to a $13.3 million increase in comparable store sales and a $2.9 million increase in new store sales, partially offset by a $2.7 million decrease in net sales related to closed stores. Daily average comparable store sales increased 4.2% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, comprised of a 2.4% increase in daily average transaction count and a 1.8% increase in daily average transaction size.
Gross profit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 increased $3.7 million, or 3.8%, to $99.0 million. Gross profit reflects earnings after product and store occupancy costs. Gross margin decreased by 10 basis points to 29.5% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to 29.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The decrease in gross margin was driven by lower product margin.
Store expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 decreased 0.2% to $72.5 million, primarily driven by lower long-lived asset impairment charges partially offset by higher compensation expenses. Store expenses as a percentage of net sales were 21.6% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, down from 22.5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The decrease in store expenses as a percentage of net sales was driven by lower long-lived asset impairment charges and expense leverage.
Administrative expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 increased 6.1% to $10.9 million, driven by higher technology expenses and compensation expenses. Administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 3.2% for each of the fourth quarters of fiscal 2025 and 2024.
Operating income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 increased 28.5% to $15.5 million. Operating margin during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 was 4.6%, up from 3.7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 was $11.8 million, or $0.51 diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $9.0 million, or $0.39 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 was $24.4 million, compared to $22.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Operating Results, Fiscal 2025 Compared to Fiscal 2024
Net sales during fiscal 2025 increased $89.3 million, or 7.2%, to $1.33 billion, compared to fiscal 2024, due to an $86.1 million increase in comparable store sales and a $12.7 million increase in new store sales, partially offset by a $9.6 million decrease in sales related to closed stores. Daily average comparable store sales increased 7.3% in fiscal 2025, comprised of a 4.6% increase in daily average transaction count and a 2.6% increase in daily average transaction size.
Gross profit during fiscal 2025 increased $33.1 million, or 9.1%, to $397.9 million. Gross profit reflects earnings after product and store occupancy costs. Gross margin increased by 50 basis points to 29.9% during fiscal 2025, compared to 29.4% in fiscal 2024. The increase in gross margin was driven by higher product margin primarily attributed to effective promotions, and store occupancy cost leverage.
Store expenses during fiscal 2025 increased 4.7% to $290.5 million, primarily driven by higher compensation expenses partially offset by lower long-lived asset impairment charges. Store expenses as a percentage of net sales were 21.8% during fiscal 2025, down from 22.3% in fiscal 2024. The decrease in store expenses as a percentage of net sales was driven by expense leverage and lower long-lived asset impairment charges.
Administrative expenses during fiscal 2025 increased 14.6% to $44.4 million, primarily driven by higher compensation expenses and technology expenses. Administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 3.3% during fiscal 2025, up from 3.1% in fiscal 2024.
Operating income for fiscal 2025 increased 32.0% to $62.0 million. Operating margin for fiscal 2025 was 4.7%, compared to 3.8% in fiscal 2024.
Net income for fiscal 2025 was $46.4 million, or $2.00 diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $33.9 million, or $1.47 diluted earnings per share, for fiscal 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025 was $97.9 million, compared to $83.3 million in fiscal 2024.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $17.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and no outstanding borrowings on its $72.5 million revolving credit facility.
During fiscal 2025, the Company generated $55.3 million in cash from operations and invested $31.0 million in net capital expenditures, primarily for new and relocated/remodeled stores.
Dividend Announcement
Today, the Company announced the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, a 25% increase over the Company's previous quarterly dividend. The dividend will be paid on December 10, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2025.
Growth and Development
During fiscal 2025 the Company opened two new stores, ending the fiscal year with 169 stores in 21 states.
Fiscal 2026 Outlook
The Company is confirming its fiscal 2026 outlook for the number of new stores and introducing the remainder of its fiscal 2026 outlook.
Fiscal 2026
Outlook
Number of new stores
6 to 8
Number of relocations/remodels
2 to 3
Daily average comparable store sales growth
1.5% to 4.0%
Diluted earnings per share
$2.00 to $2.15
Capital expenditures (in millions)
$50 to $55
Earnings Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call today at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) to discuss this earnings release. The dial-in number is 1-888-347-6606 (US) or 1-412-902-4289 (International). The conference ID is "Natural Grocers Q4 FY 2025 Earnings Call." A simultaneous audio webcast will be available at http://Investors.NaturalGrocers.com and archived for a minimum of 20 days.
About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE:NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products and dietary supplements. The grocery products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners (as defined in its standards), synthetic colors, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. The Company, founded in 1955, has 168 stores in 21 states.
Visit www.NaturalGrocers.com for more information and store locations.
Forward-Looking Statements
The following constitutes a "safe harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except for the historical information contained herein, statements in this release are "forward-looking statements" and are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, national, regional or local political, economic, inflationary, disinflationary, recessionary, business, interest rate, labor market, competitive, market, regulatory, trade policy, supply chain and other factors, and other risks detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, except as may be required by the securities laws.
For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, please refer to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections of the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Form 10-K and the Company's subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Investor Relations at 303-986-4600 or by visiting the Company's website at http://Investors.NaturalGrocers.com.
Investor Contact:
Reed Anderson, ICR, 646-277-1260,
NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Three months endedSeptember 30,
Year endedSeptember 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net sales
$
336,141
322,661
1,330,836
1,241,585
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs
237,115
227,299
932,959
876,775
Gross profit
99,026
95,362
397,877
364,810
Store expenses
72,491
72,605
290,491
277,396
Administrative expenses
10,867
10,241
44,353
38,715
Pre-opening expenses
166
450
1,043
1,722
