Ingles Markets, Incorporated (IMKTA) vs Strategic Education, Inc. (STRA)

A side-by-side comparison of Ingles Markets, Incorporated and Strategic Education, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Total return — IMKTA vs STRA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
IMKTA +143.1% (+9.3%/yr)STRA +118.6% (+8.1%/yr)IMKTA compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$243$219
IMKTA STRA

IMKTA vs STRA: by the numbers

  • •STRA is the larger company ($1.81B vs $1.62B market cap).
  • •STRA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.30 vs 15.62 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •STRA converts more revenue to profit (10.46% vs 1.92% net margin).
  • •STRA grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.25% vs 2.24% CAGR).
  • •STRA pays the higher dividend yield (3.02% vs 0.76%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIMKTASTRA
P/E ratio15.6213.30
Forward P/E31.0611.08
PEG ratioN/A1.77
P/S ratio0.301.41
P/B ratio0.961.11
EV / EBITDA6.427.74
FCF yield9.22%10.00%

Profitability

MetricIMKTASTRA
Gross margin24.49%49.06%
Operating margin2.63%14.41%
Net margin1.92%10.46%
ROE6.17%8.23%
ROIC4.69%7.51%

Dividends

MetricIMKTASTRA
Dividend yield0.76%3.02%
Payout ratio12.07%40.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIMKTASTRA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.24%3.25%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-13.06%7.93%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-3.98%10.07%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.88%4.97%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IMKTA or STRA?
STRA has the lower trailing P/E: IMKTA trades at 15.62 and STRA at 13.30. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, IMKTA or STRA?
Over the past five years, STRA grew revenue faster — IMKTA at a 2.24% CAGR versus STRA at 3.25%.
Does IMKTA or STRA pay a bigger dividend?
IMKTA yields 0.76% and STRA yields 3.02% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IMKTA or STRA more profitable?
STRA runs the higher net margin — IMKTA at 1.92% versus STRA at 10.46%.
How have IMKTA and STRA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IMKTA delivered 9.48% and STRA delivered 7.99% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.