Lifeway Foods (LWAY)
NASDAQ:LWAY
Earnings Data
Report Date
May 14, 2026TBA (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.2Last Year’s EPS
0.23Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 1 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call conveyed a strongly positive operational and financial trajectory: record sales, meaningful margin expansion and a 54% increase in net income underpin a clear growth story. The company is investing aggressively in capacity, marketing and innovation to sustain momentum (Farmer Cheese distribution gains, new product launches, and strategic partnerships). Notable risks include higher SG&A due to investment spend, large ongoing capex with execution risk, exposure to milk-price movements, and transitional effects from strategic customer modifications. On balance, the positive top-line growth, margin gains and profitability improvements outweigh the listed challenges.Company Guidance
Record-Breaking Full Year Net Sales
Full year net sales of $212.5 million, up 13.7% year-over-year. On a comparable basis (adjusting for two strategic customer-relationship modifications begun in late 2024), growth was approximately 19%. This marks the sixth consecutive full year of volume-led annual net sales growth.
Strong Q4 Performance and Sales Momentum
Fourth quarter net sales of $55.4 million, up 18% year-over-year. This was the company's 25th consecutive quarter of year-over-year net sales growth, providing momentum into 2026.
Substantial Net Income Improvement and Q4 Profitability
Full year net income of $13.9 million ($0.91 basic, $0.89 diluted) versus $9.0 million the prior year — a 54% increase. Fourth quarter net income was $2.5 million ($0.17 basic, $0.16 diluted) versus a $0.2 million net loss in the prior-year quarter, demonstrating a swing to meaningful profitability.
Gross Margin Expansion
Full year gross profit margin of 27.4%, up 140 basis points versus prior year; fourth quarter gross profit margin of 27.8%, up 250 basis points year-over-year. Margin expansion driven by higher branded product volumes, manufacturing efficiencies, Waukesha investments and favorable conventional milk pricing.
Strategic Capacity Expansion Underway
Celebrated ribbon cutting for Phase 2 of a $45 million Waukesha expansion; on track to double manufacturing capacity, expand production hours and staffing. Phase 2 (state-of-the-art cooling system) targeted for completion by end of 2026 to support fermentation and bottling.
Product Innovation and Distribution Wins
Expanded Lifeway Farmer Cheese distribution to 2,000 Walmart stores; extended rotation at Costco in the San Diego region. Launched and rolled out on-trend innovations including Probiotic Smoothie with Collagen, Muscle Mates (rolling out to grocery/fitness/retail), and Lifeway Kefir Butter. Announced first licensing/royalty agreement with Open Farm (GoodGut pet product).
Marketing Momentum and Industry Recognition
Strong experiential and digital marketing initiatives (partnerships with Barry's, Joe & The Juice, Erewhon, viral social engagement, Chicago Bears ad campaign). Company and CEO received notable recognitions: TIME #2 in food & beverage Growth Leaders (2026), Inc.'s Best in Business (2025), and Dairy Foods Processor of the Year.
Reiterated Long-Term Financial Target
Company reiterated long-term target of $45 million to $50 million in adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2027 and stated it is poised to deliver record-breaking sales in fiscal year 2026.
LWAY Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
LWAY Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Mar 17, 2026 | $20.71 | $19.22 | -7.19% |
Nov 12, 2025 | $23.33 | $22.75 | -2.49% |
Aug 12, 2025 | $27.62 | $29.50 | +6.81% |
May 13, 2025 | $24.41 | $22.42 | -8.15% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Lifeway Foods (LWAY) report earnings?
Lifeway Foods (LWAY) is schdueled to report earning on May 14, 2026, TBA (Confirmed).
What is Lifeway Foods (LWAY) earnings time?
Lifeway Foods (LWAY) earnings time is at May 14, 2026, TBA (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is LWAY EPS forecast?
LWAY EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q1) is 0.2.