The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsLifeway Foods Inc (LWAY)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$89.37
+1.22%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $379.87B
LWAY
Lifeway Foods Inc
$24.61
-0.89%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $387.64M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 20580% more annual revenue ($50.13B vs $242.41M). KO leads profitability with a 28.6% profit margin vs 4.5%. LWAY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.50. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
KO
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
LWAY
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-40.1%
Fair Value
$63.02
Current Price
$89.36
$26.34 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LWAY.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 34.9%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 5.1B in free cash flow
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 24.1% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Trading at 10.6x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.6% and operating margin at 34.9%.
Bull Case : LWAY
The strongest argument for LWAY centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 24.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : LWAY
The primary concerns for LWAY are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 4.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KO profiles as a mature stock while LWAY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LWAY carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.
LWAY is growing revenue faster at 24.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (5.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (63/100 vs 43/100), backed by strong 28.6% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
Visit Website →Lifeway Foods Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · PACKAGED FOODS · USA
Lifeway Foods, Inc. produces and markets probiotic-based products in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Morton Grove, Illinois.
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