Welcome to our dedicated page for Lifeway Food news (Ticker: LWAY), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Lifeway Food stock.
Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) is a U.S. manufacturer of probiotic, cultured and fermented dairy foods best known for its drinkable kefir, cheeses and ProBugs products for kids. This news page aggregates coverage of the company’s announcements, regulatory disclosures and shareholder communications so readers can follow developments affecting the LWAY stock and the underlying business.
Company news releases highlight Lifeway’s role as America’s leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir and as a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic foods. Recent items include product innovation such as the planned launch of Probiotic Kefir Butter™, which extends the company’s cultured dairy expertise into spreadable European-style butter, as well as updates on sales trends and volume growth for its kefir portfolio.
Investors can also find governance and capital markets news, including details of a Cooperation Agreement with Danone North America PBC, board refreshment steps, amendments to a shareholder rights plan and proxy-related communications involving Institutional Shareholder Services and significant shareholders. These stories provide context on how Lifeway’s board structure, shareholder base and strategic options are evolving.
In addition, Lifeway’s news flow covers participation in investor conferences, commentary on federal dietary guidelines that reference kefir and fermented foods, and other corporate updates. By reviewing this page, readers can see how product initiatives, governance developments and financial disclosures intersect for Lifeway Foods, Inc. and its LWAY listing on the Nasdaq Global Market.
Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, controlling approximately 28% of Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) shares, have demanded CEO Julie Smolyansky withdraw her lawsuit against Edward Smolyansky. This follows a $2 million retention bonus awarded to Julie Smolyansky by the Compensation Committee in December 2024.
The Founding Shareholders question the independence of directors Jason Scher and Pol Sikar, citing their personal ties to Julie Smolyansky. They plan to expand their investigation that began in 2019, following the departure of two CFOs in 2018 and subsequent departures of two independent directors and the company's general counsel.
Ludmila Smolyansky began selling shares on January 3 to defend Edward after Lifeway's legal counsel allegedly refused to provide paperwork for Edward to monetize his holdings under their 1999 Shareholders Agreement with Group Danone. The activist campaign launched in 2022 has reportedly increased LWAY's share price, despite ongoing management conflicts.
Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, who control approximately 28% of Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) shares, have requested the Board force CEO Julie Smolyansky to withdraw her lawsuit against Edward Smolyansky. This comes after a controversial $2 million retention bonus awarded to Julie Smolyansky on December 23, 2024.
The Founding Shareholders express concerns about directors Jason Scher and Pol Sikar, citing potential conflicts of interest due to their personal ties to Julie Smolyansky. The Smolyanskys plan to expand their ongoing investigation that began in 2019, following the departure of two CFOs in 2018.
Ludmila Smolyansky revealed she began selling shares on January 3 to defend Edward after Julie filed suit on January 23. The activist campaign launched by the Smolyanskys in 2022 has reportedly increased LWAY's share price, though they claim the current board is obstructing asset monetization and charitable efforts. Their stated goal remains implementing new management and an independent slate of Directors.
Lifeway Foods (LWAY), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, will ring the Nasdaq closing bell on February 3, 2025, celebrating significant business achievements. The company has announced projected record Q4 2024 net sales between $45.1-46.6 million and full year 2024 preliminary net sales of $185.0-186.5 million, compared to $160.1 million in 2023.
CEO Julie Smolyansky anticipates the Q4 2024 results to mark their twenty-first consecutive quarter of year-over-year topline growth. The company has demonstrated community engagement through support for Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts, partnering with initiatives like BStrong and Chicago Chefs Cook for LA.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker commended Lifeway's contribution to the state's business community, highlighting their impact on jobs and investments in the nutrition industry.
Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) has rejected Danone's takeover offer, stating it severely undervalues the company. The Board emphasized it would consider a sale at a price reflecting the company's true value. Lifeway is also challenging the validity of a 1999 Stockholders agreement with Danone, claiming it violates Illinois law.
The company announced strong preliminary results, projecting 2024 net sales between $185.0-186.5 million, up from $160.1 million in 2023. Fourth quarter net sales are estimated between $45.1-46.6 million. Under CEO Julie Smolyansky's leadership, Lifeway has achieved 21 consecutive quarters of growth through Q4 2024, with total shareholder returns of 788% and 270% over five and three years respectively, measured through September 23, 2024.
Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) has rejected Danone's revised unsolicited proposal of $27.00 per share, stating it substantially undervalues the company. The Board highlighted Lifeway's strong performance, including 20 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth and a 788% total shareholder return over five years. From 2019 to 2023, revenue grew 71% to $160 million, with gross profit increasing 92%. The company forecasts Adjusted EBITDA to grow from $22 million in 2023 to $45-50 million by 2027. The Board believes their standalone plan offers superior value compared to Danone's proposal.
Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, controlling approximately 29.7% of Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) shares, have called for the board to establish an independent special committee to evaluate Danone's $27 per share cash offer. The founding shareholders criticize Lifeway's quick rejection of the proposal and CEO Julie Smolyansky's stated opposition to any sale. They raise concerns about conflicts of interest, as the CEO reportedly refuses to allow a sale unless specific share transfers occur. The founders also request disclosure of Kroll's valuation analysis and question the board's reliance on Jason Burdeen, whose credibility was criticized by a federal judge.
Lifeway Foods (Nasdaq: LWAY) has announced its latest innovation: Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen made with kefir cultures. The new product line features 5 grams of collagen per serving, 12 live and active cultures, and 25-30 billion beneficial CFUs. Available in Matcha Latte, Berry Blast, Tropical Fruit, and Plain flavors, the lactose-free beverage is designed to support skin health, immune system, and microbiome through the gut-skin axis. The product will begin shipping in December and hit select stores nationwide by year-end as part of the brand's New Year New You Campaign for 2025.
Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) has rejected Danone North America's revised unsolicited proposal to acquire all remaining shares for $27.00 per share. The Board determined the offer substantially undervalues the company. Lifeway recently achieved its 20th consecutive quarter of growth, with double-digit year-over-year revenue growth and improved profit margins in Q3 2024. The company has delivered total shareholder returns of 788% and 270% over five and three years respectively, outperforming peers and the S&P 500. Management remains focused on executing its strategic plan to expand kefir market presence and enter adjacent categories.
Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) has received a revised, unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Danone to acquire all outstanding shares it doesn't already own for $27.00 per share in cash. Danone currently owns approximately 23.3% of Lifeway's outstanding common stock. This follows Lifeway's Board's rejection of Danone's initial proposal of $25.00 per share on November 5, 2024, which was deemed to undervalue the company. The Board, with independent advisors, will review the revised proposal. Evercore is serving as financial advisor and Sidley Austin LLP as legal counsel to Lifeway.
Lifeway Foods (LWAY) reported strong Q3 2024 results with net sales of $46.1 million, up 12.7% year-over-year, marking their 20th consecutive quarter of growth. Year-to-date net sales reached $139.9 million, an 18.5% increase from 2023. The company achieved a net income of $3.0 million ($0.20 per basic share) for Q3 and $9.2 million ($0.62 per basic share) year-to-date. Growth was primarily driven by higher volumes of branded drinkable kefir and cheese products. The company secured new retail placements, including strawberry banana kefir in 1,000 stores and Farmer Cheese in 1,400 stores by Q1 2025. Gross profit margin improved to 26.2% year-to-date due to manufacturing efficiencies.