Lifeway Foods, Inc. (LWAY) vs MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI)

A side-by-side comparison of Lifeway Foods, Inc. and MGP Ingredients, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — LWAY vs MGPI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
LWAY +18.6% (+1.7%/yr)MGPI -66.4% (-10.3%/yr)LWAY compounded faster over this window
0100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$119$34
LWAY MGPI

LWAY vs MGPI: by the numbers

  • •LWAY is the larger company ($316M vs $279M market cap).
  • •LWAY is profitable (4.48% net margin) while MGPI runs a net loss (-48.40%).
  • •LWAY grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.09% vs 0.52% CAGR).
  • •MGPI pays a dividend (3.71% yield), while LWAY is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLWAYMGPI
P/E ratio29.66N/A
Forward P/E39.847.92
PEG ratio0.89N/A
P/S ratio1.310.56
P/B ratio3.740.47
EV / EBITDA16.60N/A
FCF yieldN/A0.32%

Profitability

MetricLWAYMGPI
Gross margin26.01%35.55%
Operating margin6.49%-17.64%
Net margin4.48%-48.40%
ROE12.85%-40.96%
ROIC10.06%-27.09%

Dividends

MetricLWAYMGPI
Dividend yieldN/A3.71%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLWAYMGPI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)17.09%0.52%
EPS CAGR (5Y)34.09%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A17.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)30.78%-27.55%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, LWAY or MGPI?
Over the past five years, LWAY grew revenue faster — LWAY at a 17.09% CAGR versus MGPI at 0.52%.
Does LWAY or MGPI pay a bigger dividend?
MGPI pays a dividend (3.71% yield), while LWAY is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is LWAY or MGPI more profitable?
LWAY runs the higher net margin — LWAY at 4.48% versus MGPI at -48.40%.
How have LWAY and MGPI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, LWAY delivered 3.30% and MGPI delivered -10.49% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.