Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage reported third quarter fiscal year 2026 net sales of $334.7 million, a 1.8% increase driven by a $4 million rise in comparable store sales and $3.1 million from new stores. Daily average comparable store sales grew 1.2%, accelerating from 0.5% in the second quarter, with basket size up 3.1% offsetting a 1.8% decline in transaction counts. Gross margin declined 60 basis points to 29.3% due to unfavorable sales mix, higher inventory shrink, and elevated freight costs, while net income was $11.1 million or $0.48 diluted EPS compared to $11.6 million or $0.50 in the prior year. The company refined fiscal 2026 guidance to 6 to 7 new stores, comp sales growth of 1.5% to 2.0%, and diluted EPS of $2.07 to $2.11, and declared a $0.15 per share dividend payable September 2, 2026.
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage IncQ3 earnings show lower EPS and gross margin decline, with guidance refined but not raised.
