On the stock market since 1988, it operates in the everyday-essentials business. It has 293 employees. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
Average growth of 16% a year over the last 4 years. Every year shown ended in profit.
If every debt were paid off today, $5.1M would still be left in the vault — a solid cushion for hard times.
We compared this company with its own sector across five subjects.
A score of 50 means class average.
Clearly above the class average — a step short of the very top.
Clearly above the class average — a step short of the very top.
Clearly below the class average.
Sales are growing strongly for its sector.
The stock has been running stronger than the market lately.
Valuation: The stock trades at a price that looks expensive next to its earnings; that can cap future returns.
The stock trades below its recent peak — about 8% off the top. A pullback, not a collapse.
Over the last 3 years, sales grew about 14% a year on average.
There is $5.6M in the vault; even if every debt were paid off, $5.1M would remain.
It pays out $0.08 per share each year — regular cash for whoever holds the stock.
The company’s market value is 34 times its annual profit. Even a small disappointment could hit the price hard.
Today’s price already includes part of tomorrow’s optimism. Report-card grade: 23/100.
On our five-subject report card, LWAY sits near the top of the class. A high grade doesn’t mean “guaranteed win” — it means “the evidence looks strong for now.”
The takeaway: LWAY is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate isn’t the quality of the business — it’s whether the price paid for the stock is too high.