Lifeway Foods (LWAY) CEO adds 2,000 shares in open-market buy
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Lifeway Foods, Inc. (LWAY) CEO, President and Secretary Julie Smolyansky reported purchasing 2,000 shares of common stock on August 19, 2026 at $25.26 per share in an open-market or private transaction, bringing her directly held common stock position to 2,214,095 shares. She also reports direct and indirect holdings of restricted stock units (RSUs) tied to common stock, with various tranches scheduled to vest in 2027 and 2028 contingent on continued service by her or her spouse, plus additional common shares held for the benefit of minor children, by her spouse, and through Smolyansky Holding LLC.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insider Trade Summary
Net Buyer: 2,000 shares
Net Buy
8 txns
Insider
SMOLYANSKY JULIE
Role
CEO, President and Secretary
Bought
2,000 shs ($51K)
| Type | Security | Shares | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase | Common Stock, no par value | 2,000 | $25.26 | $51K |
| holding | Restricted Stock Units F4 | -- | -- | -- |
| holding | Restricted Stock Units F5 | -- | -- | -- |
| holding | Restricted Stock Units F6, F2 | -- | -- | -- |
| holding | Restricted Stock Units F7, F2 | -- | -- | -- |
| holding | Common Stock, no par value F1 | -- | -- | -- |
| holding | Common Stock, no par value F2 | -- | -- | -- |
| holding | Common Stock, no par value F3 | -- | -- | -- |
Holdings After Transaction:
Common Stock, no par value — 2,214,095 shares (Direct);
Restricted Stock Units — 9,467 shares (Direct);
Restricted Stock Units — 826 shares (Indirect, See footnote);
Common Stock, no par value — 527,925 shares (Indirect, See footnote)
Footnotes (7)
- F1. Held for the benefit of minor children.
- F2. Held by the Reporting Person's spouse.
- F3. Held by Smolyansky Holding LLC of which the reporting person is the beneficial owner of 50%. The reporting person disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
- F4. Each restricted stock unit has a value equal to one share of common stock. The remaining restricted stock units will vest on January 10, 2027, contingent on the Reporting Person's continued service on each applicable vesting date.
- F5. Each restricted stock unit has a value equal to one share of common stock. Of the remaining restricted stock units, 3,397 will vest on March 28, 2027 and 3,397 will vest on March 28, 2028, contingent on the Reporting Person's continued service on each applicable vesting date.
- F6. Each restricted stock unit has a value equal to one share of common stock. The remaining restricted stock units will vest on January 10, 2027, contingent on the Reporting Person's spouse's continued service on each applicable vesting date.
- F7. Each restricted stock unit has a value equal to one share of common stock. Of the remaining restricted stock units, 340 will vest on March 28, 2027 and 339 will vest on March 28, 2028, contingent on the Reporting Person's spouse's continued service on each applicable vesting date.
Key Figures
Shares purchased: 2,000 shares
Purchase price: $25.26 per share
Direct common shares after transaction: 2,214,095 shares
+4 more
7 metrics
Shares purchased
2,000 shares
Common Stock, no par value, purchased on August 19, 2026
Purchase price
$25.26 per share
Price for 2,000-share common stock purchase on August 19, 2026
Direct common shares after transaction
2,214,095 shares
Total directly held LWAY common stock following the reported purchase
Direct RSUs underlying shares (F4)
6,070 shares
Restricted Stock Units convertible into common stock, vesting through January 10, 2027
Direct RSUs underlying shares (F5)
3,397 shares
Restricted Stock Units convertible into common stock, vesting March 28, 2027 and March 28, 2028
Indirect RSUs underlying shares (F6)
486 shares
RSUs related to spouse, vesting through January 10, 2027
Indirect RSUs underlying shares (F7)
340 shares
RSUs related to spouse, vesting March 28, 2027 and March 28, 2028
Key Terms
Restricted Stock Units, beneficial owner, pecuniary interest
3 terms
Restricted Stock Units financial
"Each restricted stock unit has a value equal to one share of common stock."
Restricted stock units are a type of company reward where employees are promised shares of stock, but they only fully own these shares after meeting certain conditions, like staying with the company for a set time. They matter because they can become valuable assets and are often used to motivate employees to help the company succeed.
beneficial owner financial
"of which the reporting person is the beneficial owner of 50%."
A beneficial owner is the person who ultimately owns or controls a financial asset or property, even if their name isn't directly on official documents. Think of it like someone who secretly holds the keys to a safe deposit box—others may appear to have access, but the true owner is the one who benefits from what's inside. Identifying beneficial owners helps ensure transparency and prevent illegal activities like money laundering or fraud.
pecuniary interest financial
"disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein."
FAQ
What insider transaction did LWAY CEO Julie Smolyansky report on August 19, 2026?
Julie Smolyansky reported a purchase of 2,000 LWAY common shares on August 19, 2026 at $25.26 per share. This open-market or private transaction increased her directly held common stock position to 2,214,095 shares after the trade.
What restricted stock unit (RSU) awards tied to LWAY common stock are reported for Julie Smolyansky?
Julie Smolyansky reports RSUs convertible into 6,070 and 3,397 LWAY common shares held directly. According to the footnotes, these RSUs vest on specified dates in January 2027 and March 2027/2028, contingent on her continued service on each applicable vesting date.
Are any of the LWAY holdings on this Form 4 owned indirectly through family or entities?
Yes. Some LWAY common shares and RSUs are held for minor children, by Smolyansky’s spouse, and by Smolyansky Holding LLC. The filing notes she is a 50% beneficial owner of the LLC and disclaims beneficial ownership beyond any pecuniary interest.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
