Lifeway Foods Inc (LWAY)vsMcCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC)
LWAY
Lifeway Foods Inc
$18.78
+3.99%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $284.78M
MKC
McCormick & Company Incorporated
$52.78
+1.29%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $13.99B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McCormick & Company Incorporated generates 3119% more annual revenue ($6.84B vs $212.50M). MKC leads profitability with a 11.5% profit margin vs 6.5%. MKC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. MKC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
LWAY
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
MKC
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.4%
Fair Value
$36.10
Current Price
$18.78
$17.32 discount
Margin of Safety
-41.3%
Fair Value
$49.93
Current Price
$52.78
$2.85 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
18.0% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 21.1% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.5% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.9% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LWAY
The strongest argument for LWAY centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 18.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MKC
The strongest argument for MKC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : LWAY
The primary concerns for LWAY are Market Cap, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MKC
The primary concerns for MKC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LWAY profiles as a growth stock while MKC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MKC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — expect wider price swings.
LWAY is growing revenue faster at 18.0% — sustainability is the question.
MKC generates stronger free cash flow (458M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MKC scores higher overall (58/100 vs 51/100). LWAY offers better value entry with a 40.4% margin of safety. Both earn "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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