Lifeway Foods® Announces Strong Fourth Quarter and Record-Breaking Full Year 2025 Results Led by the Company's Flagship Kefir

Rhea-AI Summary

Lifeway Foods (Nasdaq: LWAY) reported record full year 2025 net sales of $212.5 million, up 13.7% year‑over‑year and ~19% on a comparable basis. Fourth quarter net sales were $55.4 million (+18.0%). Gross margin expanded 140 basis points for the year and net income grew 54% to $13.9 million. The company reiterated a long‑term Adjusted EBITDA target of $45–$50 million for FY2027 and highlighted new product innovation and marketing initiatives to broaden kefir visibility.

Positive

• Full year net sales of $212.5 million (+13.7% YoY; ~19% comparable)
• Net income grew 54% to $13.9 million year‑over‑year
• Gross margin expansion of 140 basis points for full year 2025
• Q4 net sales of $55.4 million (+18.0% YoY) and Q4 gross margin +250 bps
• Company reiterated $45–$50 million Adjusted EBITDA target for FY2027

Negative

• Selling, general and administrative expenses rose as a percent of sales to 19.6%
• Customer exit and distributor pickup shift in 2024 reduced reported net sales and freight in 2025 comparables

News Market Reaction – LWAY

-7.19% 2.5x vol

8 alerts

-7.19% News Effect

-2.7% Trough in 4 hr 11 min

-$23M Valuation Impact

$300M Market Cap

2.5x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, LWAY declined 7.19%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -2.7% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 8 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $23M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $300M at that time. Trading volume was elevated at 2.5x the daily average, suggesting increased selling activity.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

FY2025 Net Sales: $212.5M Q4 2025 Net Sales: $55.4M FY2025 Gross Margin: 27.4% +5 more

8 metrics

FY2025 Net Sales $212.5M Full year 2025; record, up 13.7% YoY and 19% on comparable basis

Q4 2025 Net Sales $55.4M Fourth quarter 2025; up 18.0% year-over-year

FY2025 Gross Margin 27.4% Full year 2025; up 140 basis points from 26.0% last year

Q4 2025 Gross Margin 27.8% Fourth quarter 2025; up 250 basis points from 25.3% last year

FY2025 Net Income $13.9M Full year 2025; up from $9.0M prior year (54% growth)

Q4 2025 Net Income $2.5M Fourth quarter 2025; vs net loss of $0.2M prior year

FY2025 Diluted EPS $0.89 Full year 2025 diluted EPS; up from $0.60 prior year

FY2027 Adj. EBITDA Target $45–$50M Reiterated long-term Adjusted EBITDA target for FY 2027

Market Reality Check

Price: $17.80 Vol: Volume 52,631 is 1.49x th...

normal vol

$17.80 Last Close

Volume Volume 52,631 is 1.49x the 20-day average of 35,284, indicating elevated trading interest ahead of earnings. normal

Technical Shares at $20.71 trade below the 200-day MA of $25.00 and sit 39.44% under the 52-week high of $34.20, but only 6.21% above the 52-week low of $19.50.

Peers on Argus

While LWAY was down 0.96% ahead of this report, several packaged food and nutrit...

1 Up

While LWAY was down 0.96% ahead of this report, several packaged food and nutrition peers like WEST (+5.85%), MAMA (+3.26%), and OTLY (+3.00%) were positive, and only one peer (BGS) appeared on the momentum scanner. This points to stock-specific dynamics rather than a broad sector move.

Previous Earnings Reports

5 past events · Latest: May 13 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
May 13	Q1 2025 earnings	Positive	-8.2%	Reported Q1 2025 growth with 44% EPS increase and higher net sales.
Mar 24	FY 2024 record earnings	Positive	+2.2%	Announced record FY2024 earnings and 22nd consecutive growth quarter.
Mar 14	FY 2024 results	Positive	-1.8%	Reported record FY2024 net sales of $186.8M with strong margins.
Nov 14	Q3 2024 earnings	Positive	-4.3%	Delivered strong Q3 2024 growth and higher year-to-date net income.
Aug 13	Q2 2024 earnings	Positive	+48.6%	Posted record Q2 2024 net sales of $49.2M and higher net income.

Pattern Detected

Earnings releases have generally been positive operationally, but price reactions have been mixed, with 3 divergences and 2 aligned moves over the last five earnings updates.

Recent Company History

Over the past few years, Lifeway has repeatedly reported record or strong results, including 19th–22nd consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth and rising net income. Prior earnings highlights featured record FY2024 sales of $186.8M, Q2 2024 sales of $49.2M, and Q1 2025 EPS growth of 44%. Management has consistently reiterated a $45–$50M FY2027 Adjusted EBITDA target. Today’s record FY2025 sales, margin expansion, and 54% net income growth extend this multi-year growth trajectory.

Historical Comparison

+7.3% avg move · Past five earnings releases saw an average move of ±7.33%, with mixed alignment between strong funda...

earnings

+7.3%

Average Historical Move earnings

Past five earnings releases saw an average move of ±7.33%, with mixed alignment between strong fundamentals and price reaction. This report continues the pattern of record sales and margin gains.

Earnings updates show sustained expansion: from record Q2 and Q3 2024 results and record FY2024 sales to Q1 2025 EPS up 44%, now advancing to a record FY2025 with six straight years of volume-led growth and improving margins.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-10-29

An effective resale shelf filed on Oct 29, 2025 registers up to 3,454,756 Lifeway common shares for potential sale by Danone North America PBC and affiliates. The company will not receive proceeds from these sales but will bear certain registration expenses, enabling the selling stockholder to exit positions more flexibly.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved -7.2% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite strong FY2025 ...

Analysis

The stock moved -7.2% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite strong FY2025 results would fit a pattern where earnings news sometimes diverged from price, with 3 of the last 5 earnings events seeing declines despite positive fundamentals. The stock already traded 39.44% below its 52-week high and under its 200-day MA into this report. Holders might also consider the existing resale shelf covering 3,454,756 shares as an overhang factor.

Key Terms

adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP financial measure, basis points, GLP-1

4 terms

adjusted EBITDA financial

"The Company reiterated its long-term target of $45–$50 million in Adjusted EBITDA1 for FY 2027"

Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.

non-GAAP financial measure financial

"Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure."

A non-GAAP financial measure is a way companies present their financial results that excludes certain expenses or income to show how they believe their core business is performing. It matters because it can give a clearer picture of how the company is really doing, but it can also be used to make results look better than they actually are.

basis points financial

"Annual gross margin expansion of 140 basis points and net income growth of 54%"

Basis points are a way to measure small changes in interest rates or percentages, where one basis point equals 0.01%. For example, if a loan's interest rate increases by 50 basis points, it's gone up by 0.50%. They help people understand tiny differences in rates that can add up over time, making financial comparisons clearer.

GLP-1 medical

"As awareness of GLP-1 medications and their impact on nutrition continues to surge"

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Its significance to investors lies in its role as the basis for a class of medications that address conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, which are large and growing markets. Advances or investments in GLP-1-based treatments can signal opportunities in healthcare innovation and potentially impact pharmaceutical companies’ growth.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Company achieves full year 2025 net sales of $212.5 million; up 19% year-over-year on a comparable basis

Record-breaking year marks six years of uninterrupted, volume-led annual net sales growth

Annual gross margin expansion of 140 basis points and net income growth of 54% reflect the Company's disciplined operational execution

MORTON GROVE, Ill., March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic foods, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025.

"2025 was a truly remarkable year for Lifeway, marked by exceptional growth and operational excellence," said Julie Smolyansky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifeway Foods. "We achieved record-breaking full year net sales of $212.5 million, up 13.7% year-over-year, with a 19% increase on a comparable basis, representing our sixth consecutive year of strong volume-led growth. This outstanding performance was capped off by a very strong fourth quarter, with net sales of $55.4 million, up 18.0% year-over-year, and gross margin expansion of 250 basis points. Our disciplined execution drove significant gross margin expansion of 140 basis points for the full year and net income growth of 54%, demonstrating the strength and scalability of our business model.

Ms. Smolyansky continued, "Our marketing investments are paying off exceptionally well, as consumers continue to embrace our flagship Lifeway Kefir and high-protein Lifeway Farmer Cheese, while also responding enthusiastically to our on-trend innovation announcements for Muscle Mates™ and Lifeway Kefir Butter™. We are particularly excited about the recent validation from the U.S. government, which specifically named kefir in the new dietary guidelines and emphasized the importance of fermented foods and gut health. Lifeway's products are completely aligned with these guidelines, positioning us perfectly to capitalize on the growing consumer focus on protein-rich, probiotic and bioavailable foods. As awareness of GLP-1 medications and their impact on nutrition continues to surge, Lifeway stands uniquely positioned to serve both active GLP-1 users seeking nutrient-dense, gut-friendly foods and consumers looking for products that naturally stimulate GLP-1 hormone production. We are thrilled about the year ahead in 2026 and confident in our ability to deliver another phenomenal performance as we continue to meet the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers."

Fourth Quarter 2025 Highlights

• Net Sales: $55.4 million, up 18.0% year-over-year.
• Gross Profit Margin: 27.8%, up 250 basis points from 25.3% last year.
• Selling, general and administrative expenses were $11.5 million, up slightly from last year, reflecting continued investment in marketing and brand awareness.
• Net Income: $2.5 million, or $0.17 per basic and $0.16 per diluted common share, compared to a net loss of $0.2 million, or net loss of $0.01 per basic and diluted common share in the prior year.

Full Year 2025 Highlights

• Net Sales: $212.5 million, highest in Company history, up 13.7% year-over-year and approximately 19% on a comparable basis, adjusted for a customer relationship the Company strategically exited in the third quarter of 2024, and a distributor shifting from Lifeway delivered to customer pick-up in late 2024, resulting in lower net sales and lower freight expense.
• Gross Profit Margin: 27.4%, up 140 basis points from 26.0% last year.
• Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 19.6%, up slightly from last year, reflecting continued investment in marketing and brand awareness.
• Net Income: $13.9 million, or $0.91 per basic and $0.89 per diluted common share, compared to $9.0 million, or $0.61 per basic and $0.60 per diluted common share in the prior year.

Expanding Kefir Visibility

Lifeway recently announced social campaigns and partnerships with highly recognized names to spotlight Lifeway Kefir in front of a nationwide audience.

• The Company launched a social-first campaign with Chicago football stars Colston Loveland and D'Andre Swift designed to highlight the market-leading, protein-forward and probiotic-packed Lifeway drinkable kefir.
• The Company partnered with Barry's to launch the Lifeway Power Play shake at Barry's Fuel Bar locations nationwide, which features Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir and delivers a protein- and probiotic-packed boost to energize workouts and support recovery.

On-Trend Innovation

Lifeway continues to innovate and meet evolving consumer taste, expanding its product portfolio in adjacent product categories to its flagship kefir and Farmer Cheese. The Company recently announced Lifeway Kefir Butter, a probiotic, cultured butter pairing flavor with functional nutrition and available in Unsalted, Sea Salt and Honey Butter varieties. The butter category is experiencing renewed momentum, and Lifeway brings decades of experience in cultured dairy and butter production positioning the Company well to capitalize on the trend.

Outlook

The Company reiterated its long-term target of $45–$50 million in Adjusted EBITDA¹ for FY 2027 and is well positioned to deliver the strongest annual sales in Company history in FY 2026.

"Our momentum continues to build as we drive sustainable, profitable growth across the business," Smolyansky concluded. "We have laid a foundation for durable, long-term value creation, and the investments we are making today in capacity, marketing and innovation position us exceptionally well to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities ahead."

1. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Operating Income, as reported, plus Depreciation and Amortization, plus Stock-Based Compensation.

Conference Call and Webcast
A webcast with Lifeway's President and Chief Executive Officer discussing these results with additional comments and details is available through the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at https://lifewaykefir.com/webinars-reports/.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of America's Growth Leaders by TIME, as Dairy Foods' Processor of the Year 2025, one of Forbes' Best Small Companies and named to Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business list in the Best Challenger Brands category, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the Company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs® line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at lifewayfoods.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, unaudited estimated net sales. These statements use words, and variations of words, such as "anticipate," "plan," "project," "estimate," "potential," "forecast," "will," "continue," "future," "increase," "believe," "outlook," "expect," and "predict." You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, are based on current expectations of future events and thus are inherently subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances beyond Lifeway's control. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Lifeway's expectations and projections. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include: price competition; the decisions of customers or consumers; the actions of competitors; changes in the pricing of commodities; the effects of government regulation; possible delays in the introduction of new products; and customer acceptance of products and services. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and the Lifeway's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025, and September 30, 2025. Copies of these filings are available online at https://www.sec.gov, http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/, or on request from Lifeway. Lifeway expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or new information), except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release refers to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a financial measure that has not been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), and may exclude items that are significant to understanding and assessing financial results. This non-GAAP measure is provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of the Company's financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as supplements to GAAP measures reported, should not be considered replacements for, or superior to, GAAP measures reported and may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. The Company's calculation of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from methods used by other companies.

We are unable to reconcile our target fiscal year 2027 Adjusted EBITDA to projected net income, the most directly comparable projected GAAP financial measure, because certain information necessary to calculate such measures on a GAAP basis is unavailable or dependent on the timing of future events outside of our control. Due to this uncertainty, the Company cannot reconcile target fiscal year 2027 Adjusted EBITDA to the nearest GAAP financial measure without unreasonable effort.

Derek Miller
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
Email: derekm@lifeway.net 

Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com

General inquiries:
Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Phone: 847-967-1010
Email: info@lifeway.net

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2025 and 2024 (In thousands)
		December 31,
		2025				2024
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	5,571			$	16,728
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses and discounts & allowances of      $1,730 and $1,590 at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively			16,643				15,424
Inventories, net			11,890				8,678
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			2,627				2,144
Refundable income taxes			325				631
Total current assets			37,056				43,605
Property, plant and equipment, net			48,282				26,862
Operating lease right-of use asset			465				118
Goodwill			11,704				11,704
Intangible assets, net			5,818				6,358
Other assets			2,285				1,900
Total assets		$	105,610			$	90,547
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		$	11,008			$	10,401
Accrued expenses			5,413				5,103
Accrued income taxes			218				–
Total current liabilities			16,639				15,504
Operating lease liabilities			360				70
Deferred income taxes, net			2,792				3,062
Total liabilities			19,791				18,636
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)			–				–
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, no par value; 2,500 shares authorized; none issued			–				–
Common stock, no par value; 40,000 shares authorized; 17,274 shares issued; 15,232      and 15,100 shares outstanding at 2025 and 2024			6,509				6,509
Treasury stock, at cost			(13,214)				(14,052)
Paid-in capital			3,843				4,632
Retained earnings			88,681				74,822
Total stockholders' equity			85,819				71,911
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	105,610			$	90,547

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations For the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024  (In thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve months Ended December 31,
		2025				2024				2025				2024
Net sales		$	55,361			$	46,934			$	212,496			$	186,820
Cost of goods sold			39,106				34,273				150,850				135,400
Depreciation expense			892				764				3,440				2,846
Total cost of goods sold			39,998				35,037				154,290				138,246
Gross profit			15,363				11,897				58,206				48,574
Selling expenses			5,428				3,487				19,891				14,743
General and administrative			6,037				7,562				21,603				19,439
Amortization expense			135				135				540				540
Total operating expenses			11,600				11,184				42,034				34,722
Income from operations			3,763				713				16,172				13,852
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(21)				(3)				(77)				(105
Fair value loss on investment			(75)				–				(95)				–
Gain on sale of investment			–				–				3,407				–
Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment			–				(11)				–				(8
Other income			50				77				279				230
Total other income (expense)			(46)				63				3,514				117
Income before provision for income taxes			3,717				776				19,686				13,969
Provision for income taxes			1,176				936				5,827				4,944
Net income (loss)		$	2,541			$	(160)			$	13,859			$	9,025
Net earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic		$	0.17			$	(0.01)			$	0.91			$	0.61
Diluted		$	0.16			$	(0.01)			$	0.89			$	0.60
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic			15,230				14,857				15,200				14,769
Diluted			15,577				15,060				15,539				14,956

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (In thousands)
		2025				2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	13,859			$	9,025
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flow:
Depreciation and amortization			3,980				3,386
Stock-based compensation			1,947				2,446
Non-cash interest expense			19				17
(Gain) loss on sale of equipment			(115)				8
Gain on sale of investments			(3,407)				–
Fair value loss on investment			96				–
Deferred income taxes			(270)				61
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Accounts receivable			(1,219)				(1,550
Inventories			(3,212)				426
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			151				(125
Refundable income taxes			306				(631
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable			238				156
Accrued expenses			(1,643)				217
Accrued income taxes			218				(474
Net cash provided by operating activities			10,948				12,962
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment			(27,361)				(6,697
Proceeds from sale of equipment			115				15
Proceeds from sale of investments			5,206				–
Net cash used in investing activities			(22,040)				(6,682
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of note payable			–				(2,750
Payment of deferred financing costs			(65)				–
Net cash used in financing activities			(65)				(2,750
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(11,157)				3,530
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period			16,728				13,198
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period		$	5,571			$	16,728
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of (refunds)		$	5,588			$	5,987
Cash paid for interest		$	58			$	98
Non-cash investing activities
Accrued purchase of property and equipment		$	774			$	407
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations		$	426			$	–

 

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What were Lifeway Foods' (LWAY) full year 2025 net sales and growth rates?

Lifeway reported full year 2025 net sales of $212.5 million, up 13.7% year‑over‑year. According to the company, comparable net sales rose ~19% after adjusting for a customer exit and a distributor pickup change in 2024.

How did LWAY perform in the fourth quarter of 2025 versus prior year?

Lifeway posted Q4 2025 net sales of $55.4 million, an 18.0% increase year‑over‑year. According to the company, Q4 delivered strong volume growth and a 250 basis point improvement in gross margin versus prior year.

What profitability improvements did Lifeway (LWAY) report for 2025?

The company reported full year gross margin expansion of 140 basis points and net income growth of 54% to $13.9 million. According to the company, disciplined execution and marketing investments drove margin and income gains.

What is Lifeway Foods' Adjusted EBITDA target and timeline (LWAY)?

Lifeway reiterated a long‑term target of $45–$50 million in Adjusted EBITDA for FY 2027. According to the company, this target reflects expected benefits from capacity, marketing, and product innovation investments.

What new products and marketing actions did Lifeway (LWAY) announce to boost kefir visibility?

Lifeway highlighted new innovations like Muscle Mates and Kefir Butter, plus social campaigns and partnerships with athletes and Barry's. According to the company, these initiatives aim to expand consumer awareness and distribution nationwide.