Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE:NGVC) Position Increased by Lord Abbett & CO. LLC

Lord Abbett & CO. LLC lifted its position in shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE:NGVC - Free Report) by 64.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 449,007 shares of the specialty retailer's stock after buying an additional 176,361 shares during the period. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC owned 1.97% of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage worth $13,331,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 28.3% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 304,382 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $6,453,000 after purchasing an additional 67,187 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 11.4% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 219,301 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $6,513,000 after buying an additional 22,413 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC acquired a new position in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage in the second quarter valued at $353,000. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new stake in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage during the third quarter valued at about $430,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP increased its stake in Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage by 49.3% during the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 43,437 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $921,000 after acquiring an additional 14,338 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 31.99% of the company's stock.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of NGVC stock traded down $0.47 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $41.53. The company's stock had a trading volume of 117,614 shares, compared to its average volume of 79,012. The company has a quick ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $946.63 million, a PE ratio of 28.06 and a beta of 1.40. The company's 50 day simple moving average is $34.65 and its 200-day simple moving average is $28.04. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. has a 12-month low of $14.31 and a 12-month high of $47.56.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.16%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 2nd. This is a boost from Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage's previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage's payout ratio is currently 32.43%.

Insider Activity

In other Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage news, insider Charity Isely sold 2,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.73, for a total value of $87,460.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 12,290 shares of the company's stock, valued at $537,441.70. This represents a 14.00 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Lark Isely sold 4,000 shares of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.66, for a total transaction of $178,640.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 8,682 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $387,738.12. This trade represents a 31.54 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 59.40% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Friday, November 22nd.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Company Profile

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, retails natural and organic groceries, and dietary supplements in the United States. The company's stores offer natural and organic grocery products, such as organic produce; private label repackaged bulk products, including dried fruits, nuts, grains, granolas, teas, herbs, and spices, as well as peanut and almond butters; private label products comprising grocery staples, household products, bulk foods, and vitamins and dietary supplements, as well as organic eggs, organic flavored coffee, and organic mustard; dry, frozen, and canned groceries; meat and seafood products; dairy products, dairy substitutes, and eggs; prepared foods; bread and baked products; beverages; and beer, wine, and hard cider products.