Lifeway Food Stock Price, News & Analysis

Lifeway Foods reported robust Q1 2021 results, achieving a 15.7% increase in net sales to $29.4 million, driven by higher volumes of drinkable kefir and USDA's Food Box program. Net income soared nearly 800%, rising to $1.3 million from $150,000 in Q1 2020. Gross profit margin improved to 27.4% from 23.6% due to operating leverage and favorable milk pricing. Despite a 25.1% increase in selling expenses related to advertising, general and administrative expenses decreased by 8.1%, leading to a promising outlook for 2021.

Lifeway Foods (Nasdaq: LWAY) has highlighted a recent study published in Microbiome that identifies molecules in kefir as potential drug candidates to combat pathogenic bacteria and treat inflammatory conditions, including those caused by COVID-19. The study reveals how a compound secreted by the probiotic yeast K. marxianus modulates bacterial communication and reduces virulence in V. cholerae. Lifeway emphasizes the significance of this research amid the ongoing pandemic, aiming to provide consumers with insights on maintaining health through probiotics.

Lifeway Foods reported a strong financial performance for the year ending December 31, 2020, with net sales increasing 8.9% year-over-year to $102 million. The company's net income rose significantly from $0.5 million in 2019 to $3.2 million in 2020. Factors contributing to this growth included higher sales of branded drinkable kefir and improved gross profit margins, which increased to 26.4%. Lifeway decreased selling and administrative expenses, showcasing effective cost management. The company aims to expand retail partnerships and focus on digital engagement.

Lifeway Foods, a leading supplier of kefir and probiotic products, will report its financial results for Q4 and the full year ended December 31, 2020, on March 25, 2021, before market hours. A conference call featuring CEO Julie Smolyansky will follow at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results, available via the Company’s Investor Relations website. The company is recognized for its line of probiotic beverages sold across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe.

Lifeway Foods has expanded its probiotic product portfolio with the addition of two new lines: 3.5oz Functional Shot Multipacks and Organic Grassfed Kefir. With growing consumer interest in functional foods, these products are designed to promote health by providing essential nutrients and probiotics. Each item contains 12 active cultures, while the Functional Shots offer convenience for on-the-go consumers.

Lifeway Foods (Nasdaq: LWAY) has announced its holiday initiatives, emphasizing community support during the festive season. The company launched a holiday commercial aimed at promoting positivity and resilience. Lifeway has ramped up production to meet rising retail demand and donated over 250,000 servings of their kefir this year. Additionally, monetary contributions will be made to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Meals on Wheels Northern Illinois, along with over $30,000 worth of product donations to various food pantries and nonprofit organizations.

Lifeway Foods, Inc. (LWAY) supports a new review published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, suggesting that kefir may inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines linked to COVID-19. The review claims kefir's probiotics enhance immune responses, potentially mitigating infections like COVID-19. With rising consumer demand for immune-boosting products, Lifeway emphasizes kefir’s health benefits. The company aims to educate the public on gut health's role in immunity, honoring the legacy of immunologist Élie Metchnikoff in its mission.

Lifeway Foods reported a 14.6% increase in net sales for Q3 2020, reaching $26 million, driven by improved product velocities and successful digital engagement strategies. Gross profit increased to 29.1% due to favorable milk pricing and lower selling expenses, which decreased by 21%. Despite a rising effective income tax rate of 29.3%, earnings per diluted share rose to $0.12, up from $0.06 in Q2 2020 and $0.00 in Q3 2019. Lifeway aims to expand partnerships and focus on immunity-supporting products amidst changing consumer preferences.

Lifeway Foods, a leader in probiotic products, reported a strong second quarter for 2020 with net sales of $25.0 million, reflecting an 8% increase from the same period in 2019. Gross profit percentage rose to 27.7%, up from 24.0% a year prior, attributed to favorable milk pricing despite rising salaries due to COVID-19. The company reported earnings of $0.06 per diluted share, improving from a loss of $0.01 a year ago. Lifeway anticipates continued growth driven by increased demand for health-focused products amid the pandemic.