Lifeway Foods Inc (LWAY)vsMcCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC)
LWAY
Lifeway Foods Inc
$23.04
+1.99%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $359.12M
MKC
McCormick & Company Incorporated
$47.24
+1.33%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $13.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McCormick & Company Incorporated generates 2999% more annual revenue ($7.11B vs $229.42M). MKC leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 6.5%. MKC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.88. MKC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
LWAY
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
MKC
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LWAY.
Margin of Safety
+25.2%
Fair Value
$94.33
Current Price
$47.24
$47.09 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 36.7% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 528.0% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.5% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LWAY
The strongest argument for LWAY centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 36.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MKC
The strongest argument for MKC centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 14.3%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : LWAY
The primary concerns for LWAY are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MKC
The primary concerns for MKC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LWAY profiles as a hypergrowth stock while MKC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MKC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.64 — expect wider price swings.
LWAY is growing revenue faster at 36.7% — sustainability is the question.
MKC generates stronger free cash flow (18M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MKC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
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.
McCormick & Company Incorporated
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · PACKAGED FOODS · USA
McCormick & Company is an American multinational food company that manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavoring products to retail outlets, food manufacturers, and foodservice businesses.
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