Does LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. have an economic moat?

Based on its FY2025 SEC filings, the Moat Index scores LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. (LWAY) 52.1 out of 100 — a Shallow moat. The four filters behind that score (each 0–100): pricing power 39, returns on capital 26, balance-sheet safety 73, capital discipline 91.

Is LWAY stock trading below its intrinsic value?

Against a deliberately conservative owner-earnings model (9% discount rate, 4% assumed growth, capped at 4%), estimated intrinsic value is $10.67 per share versus a recent price of $31.95 — 200% above value. This is an educational estimate computed from primary SEC filings, not investment advice.

How has LWAY's Moat Score changed over time?

The record logs 2 readings since Jul 17, 2026; the latest reads 52.1 out of 100 (shallow moat). No tier changes on record yet. The history is append-only — readings are only ever added, never rewritten.

The Moat Index

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.

LWAY · Consumer Staples · $486.7M mkt cap · FY2025 filings · Shallow moat ·

Doesn't clear the bar

Shallow moat

The four filters

Pricing power39

Median gross margin 25.9% over 10y, stable.

Returns on capital26

Median ROIC 8.5%, above the 9% hurdle in 30% of years.

Balance-sheet safety73

Net debt/EBITDA n/ax, interest coverage 210x.

Capital discipline91

Owner earnings +16.6%/yr, share count shrinking (buybacks).

Margin of safety

Above valueOn sale

200% above value

Owner earnings (normalized): $9.0M
Est. intrinsic value / share: $10.67
Recent price: $31.95
Discount to value: 200% above value

Conservative model: 9% discount rate, 4% assumed growth (capped at 4%), maintenance capex ≈ min(capex, D&A).

Fundamentals

There's no normalized fundamentals series for LWAY yet — it appears once ingest has processed its filings.

Moat Score history

Moat Score over timeLast scored reading of each day, on the 0–100 scale52.1 / 100

Score history begins Jul 17, 2026 — the record builds from here and can’t be backfilled.

Tier changesSame-methodology crossings of the Wide / Narrow / Shallow bars

None yet — LWAY has read Shallow moat for every logged capture since Jul 17, 2026.

Scores are logged append-only and never overwritten — this record can’t be backfilled, which is exactly why it’s worth keeping.

Consumer Staples context

#23 of 66 scored Consumer Staples companies, ranked by Moat Score.

Nearest peers by Moat Score

#21GIS GENERAL MILLS, INC.56.5 out of 100, Shallow moatShallow moat
#22TR TOOTSIE ROLL INDUSTRIES INC54.8 out of 100, Shallow moatShallow moat
#24JJSF J&J SNACK FOODS CORP.52.0 out of 100, Shallow moatShallow moat
#25STZ CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.49.1 out of 100, Shallow moatShallow moat

Compare LWAY with its nearest peers →All Consumer Staples companies on the Index →

Common questions about LWAY

Does LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. have an economic moat?: Based on its FY2025 SEC filings, the Moat Index scores LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. (LWAY) 52.1 out of 100 — a Shallow moat. The four filters behind that score (each 0–100): pricing power 39, returns on capital 26, balance-sheet safety 73, capital discipline 91.
Is LWAY stock trading below its intrinsic value?: Against a deliberately conservative owner-earnings model (9% discount rate, 4% assumed growth, capped at 4%), estimated intrinsic value is $10.67 per share versus a recent price of $31.95 — 200% above value. This is an educational estimate computed from primary SEC filings, not investment advice.
How has LWAY's Moat Score changed over time?: The record logs 2 readings since Jul 17, 2026; the latest reads 52.1 out of 100 (shallow moat). No tier changes on record yet. The history is append-only — readings are only ever added, never rewritten.

Embed this score on your site

One iframe, no script. The badge shows LWAY’s live Moat Score, updates itself as new filings are scored, and links back here. How it works.

<iframe
  src="https://buylikebuffett.com/embed/LWAY"
  width="340" height="150" style="border:0"
  title="LWAY Moat Score — The Moat Index"
  loading="lazy"></iframe>

Scored from primary SEC filings via the public methodology. Educational only — not a recommendation to buy or sell LWAY. See the disclaimer.