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Lifeway Foods (LWAY)
NASDAQ:LWAY

Lifeway Foods (LWAY) AI Stock Analysis

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LWAY

Lifeway Foods

(NASDAQ:LWAY)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$27.00
▼(-0.52% Downside)
The score is driven primarily by strong financial fundamentals (rapid growth and a very low-debt balance sheet) and a highly positive earnings update with margin expansion and reaffirmed longer-term targets. Offsetting factors are weak recent cash flow conversion/zero free cash flow, a relatively high P/E with no dividend support, and mixed-to-neutral technical signals.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Sustained revenue growth indicates strong market demand and effective sales strategies, supporting long-term business expansion.
Balance Sheet Strength
A strong balance sheet with minimal leverage provides financial stability and flexibility for future investments and growth.
Product Innovation
Innovative product launches align with consumer trends, enhancing market position and driving future revenue streams.
Negative Factors
Cash Flow Challenges
Weak cash conversion indicates potential liquidity issues, impacting the ability to fund operations and growth initiatives.
Governance Concerns
Governance issues can undermine investor confidence and affect strategic decision-making, posing risks to long-term stability.
Increased Selling Expenses
Rising costs could pressure margins, requiring careful management to maintain profitability while supporting growth.

Lifeway Foods (LWAY) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Lifeway Foods Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLifeway Foods, Inc. produces and markets probiotic-based products in the United States and internationally. Its primary product is drinkable kefir, a cultured dairy product in various organic and non-organic sizes, flavors, and types, including low fat, non-fat, whole milk, protein, and BioKefir. The company also offers European-style soft cheeses; cream and other products; ProBugs, a line of kefir products designed for children; cupped kefir and Icelandic Skyr, a line of strained kefir and yogurt products; and frozen kefir in soft serve and pint-size containers. It sells its products under the Lifeway and Fresh Made brand names, as well as under private labels on behalf of customers primarily through direct sales force, brokers, and distributors. The company was founded in 1986 and is based in Morton Grove, Illinois.
How the Company Makes MoneyLifeway Foods generates revenue primarily through the sale of its probiotic dairy products across various distribution channels, including grocery stores, health food stores, and online platforms. The company has established key revenue streams through its diverse product portfolio, with kefir being the flagship item that drives sales. Additionally, Lifeway's strategic partnerships with retailers and distributors enhance its market reach and visibility. The company also explores new product innovations and seasonal offerings to capture consumer interest and drive repeat purchases. Marketing efforts focusing on health benefits, along with an increasing consumer trend towards functional foods, further contribute to Lifeway's earnings.

Lifeway Foods Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 12, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 19, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted LifeWay Foods' strong performance with record-breaking sales, profitability, and strategic recognition. The company is expanding its manufacturing capacity and product line to meet growing demand, despite some increased selling expenses.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Net Sales
LifeWay Foods delivered record net sales of $57.1 million, a 24% increase year over year, and a 29% increase on a comparable basis. This marks the 24th consecutive quarter of year-over-year net sales growth.
Strong Growth in Profitability
Gross profit margin in Q3 improved to 28.7%, up 300 basis points from last year. Net income increased to $3.5 million or 23¢ per share, compared to $3.0 million or 20¢ per share last year.
Nationwide Recognition
LifeWay Foods was named to the Time America's Growth Leader 2026 list, securing the 33rd position out of 101 companies, and ranked as the number two food and beverage company.
Expansion of Manufacturing Capacity
LifeWay Foods is on track to double its manufacturing capacity by 2026, with significant investments in the Waukesha facility. The total estimated investment is approximately $45 million.
Introduction of New Products
LifeWay Foods announced MuscleMase, a ready-to-drink functional beverage, and expanded their product line with probiotic smoothies containing collagen, tapping into growing market trends.
Negative Updates
Increased Selling Expenses
Selling expenses increased to $5 million as LifeWay Foods continues to invest in marketing, sales activations, and retail expansions. While this supports growth, it is a cost pressure.
Company Guidance
In the recent third-quarter conference call for 2025, LifeWay Foods shared several impressive metrics and strategic updates highlighting their robust growth trajectory. The company reported record net sales of $57.1 million, representing a 24% increase year-over-year and a 29% increase on a comparable basis, marking the 24th consecutive quarter of year-over-year net sales growth. Year-to-date, net sales reached $157.1 million, showcasing a remarkable 123% increase since 2019. LifeWay's gross profit margin improved to 28.7%, up 300 basis points from the previous year, driven by strong volume growth, operational efficiencies, and favorable milk pricing. Net income was reported at $3.5 million, or 23 cents per share, reflecting strong double-digit growth. The company is also investing significantly in expanding its manufacturing capabilities, with over $9 million invested so far in 2025, aiming to double manufacturing capacity by 2026 and eventually investing approximately $45 million in capital expenditures. Furthermore, LifeWay introduced new products like MuscleMase, a functional beverage with 20 grams of protein, and continued strategic partnerships and marketing initiatives to enhance brand reach and consumer engagement. The company reaffirmed its target to achieve $45-$50 million in adjusted EBITDA by fiscal year 2027, underscoring a commitment to maintaining its leadership in the functional dairy space.

Lifeway Foods Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Lifeway Foods shows strong revenue growth and a solid balance sheet with minimal debt and substantial equity. However, cash flow management is a concern, with declining cash flow ratios and zero free cash flow in the latest year.
Income Statement
Lifeway Foods has demonstrated strong revenue growth, increasing from $93.66 million in 2019 to $186.82 million in 2024. The company has maintained a healthy gross profit margin, reaching 26% in 2024, indicating efficient cost management. However, the net profit margin has seen some fluctuations, dropping to 4.8% in 2024 from 7.1% in 2023, which suggests potential challenges in controlling non-operating expenses. The EBIT and EBITDA margins also reflect strong operational performance, with 7.4% each in 2024.
Balance Sheet
Lifeway Foods maintains a robust balance sheet, evidenced by a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.001 in 2024, indicating minimal leverage and financial risk. The equity ratio stands at 79.4%, demonstrating significant equity financing. Return on equity has remained solid at 12.5% in 2024, although it has declined from 18.8% in 2023, suggesting some pressure on profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Cash Flow
Lifeway Foods' cash flow performance shows areas for improvement. The operating cash flow to net income ratio was 0 in 2024, down from 1.49 in 2023, indicating challenges in converting income into cash. Free cash flow was also zero in 2024, impacted by capital expenditures and investing activities. The company needs to focus on enhancing cash generation and managing capital expenditures effectively.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue204.07M186.82M160.12M141.57M119.06M102.03M
Gross Profit55.65M48.57M42.44M26.79M28.71M26.93M
EBITDA20.66M17.46M20.20M5.08M8.61M8.19M
Net Income11.16M9.03M11.37M924.00K3.31M3.23M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets109.53M90.55M82.64M69.00M71.55M62.05M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments22.99M16.73M13.20M4.44M9.23M7.93M
Total Debt358.00K117.00K2.92M6.68M7.46M3.11M
Total Liabilities26.76M18.64M22.20M21.43M22.42M15.20M
Stockholders Equity82.76M71.91M60.44M47.57M49.13M46.85M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-2.83M6.26M12.59M538.00K3.64M4.49M
Operating Cash Flow8.10M12.96M16.94M3.99M5.56M6.38M
Investing Cash Flow-5.61M-6.68M-4.41M-4.03M-7.14M-1.89M
Financing Cash Flow-65.00K-2.75M-3.78M-4.75M2.88M-405.00K

Lifeway Foods Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price27.14
Price Trends
50DMA
23.53
Negative
100DMA
26.15
Negative
200DMA
25.37
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.35
Positive
RSI
42.71
Neutral
STOCH
15.21
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LWAY, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 27.14 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 23.40, above the 50-day MA of 23.53, and above the 200-day MA of 25.37, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.35 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 42.71 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 15.21 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for LWAY.

Lifeway Foods Risk Analysis

Lifeway Foods disclosed 20 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Lifeway Foods reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Lifeway Foods Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$377.73M27.119.52%6.62%-7.85%
76
Outperform
$512.23M109.1512.82%29.92%30.02%
73
Outperform
$335.95M31.2814.46%12.14%-17.80%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
54
Neutral
$357.76M22.483.20%5.88%-68.62%
49
Neutral
$359.22M-4.29-27.64%28.89%-13.96%
44
Neutral
$241.11M-7.25-35.78%-3.42%-85.49%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LWAY
Lifeway Foods
22.68
0.23
1.02%
NATR
Nature's Sunshine Products
22.00
7.78
54.71%
USNA
USANA Health
20.01
-13.86
-40.92%
MAMA
Mama's Creations
12.76
6.04
89.88%
BRCC
BRC
1.02
-2.06
-66.88%
WEST
Westrock Coffee
4.18
-1.94
-31.70%

Lifeway Foods Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Lifeway Foods Shareholders Reaffirm Board and Strategic Direction
Positive
Dec 31, 2025

At Lifeway Foods’ 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on December 29, 2025, investors elected the company’s slate of board nominees, including CEO Julie Smolyansky, and rejected opposition nominees George Sent and Edward Smolyansky, affirming current leadership and governance direction. Shareholders narrowly failed to approve proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation related to director exculpation, indemnification and expense advancement, but ratified Grant Thornton LLP as independent auditor for 2025, backed the company’s executive compensation on an advisory basis, endorsed holding say-on-pay votes annually, and decisively voted down a shareholder proposal to form a board committee to review management, the strategic plan and strategic alternatives, signaling support for the existing strategic course while withholding expanded legal protections for directors.

The most recent analyst rating on (LWAY) stock is a Buy with a $26.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lifeway Foods stock, see the LWAY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Lifeway Foods amends credit facility to support expansion
Positive
Dec 30, 2025

On December 29, 2025, Lifeway Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries Fresh Made, Inc. and Lifeway Wisconsin, Inc. entered into a Sixth Modification to their Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement with CIBC Bank USA, revising certain financial and governance terms while extending the facility. The amendment temporarily adjusts the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio calculation through June 30, 2027 to exclude up to $50 million of unfinanced capital expenditures tied to plant optimization and manufacturing capacity expansion in Waukesha, Wisconsin, refines the definition of Change of Control so that specified board changes will not trigger it, and extends the credit agreement’s termination date to February 5, 2029, thereby providing Lifeway additional financial flexibility to support its growth initiatives without altering other material terms; the company had no outstanding borrowings when the modification was signed.

The most recent analyst rating on (LWAY) stock is a Buy with a $26.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lifeway Foods stock, see the LWAY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresShareholder Meetings
Lifeway Foods Highlights Strong Growth and Expansion Strategy
Positive
Dec 29, 2025

At the December 29, 2025 annual shareholders meeting, CEO Julie Smolyansky highlighted Lifeway Foods’ strong multi-year growth, with U.S. multi-outlet kefir and farmer cheese sales rising an estimated 151% between 2019 and 2025 to about $188 million, driven by a 20% dollar and 24% unit increase in the latest period and rising household penetration, repeat purchases and brand loyalty. The presentation detailed how new product launches, expanded distribution into retailers such as club stores and convenience channels, and grab-and-go 8oz formats are broadening Lifeway’s consumer base—especially among Gen Z and Millennials seeking high-protein, functional foods—while capacity expansion at its Waukesha, Wisconsin plant and ongoing sustainability measures are expected to further support growth and reinforce its leadership in the gut-health segment of the dairy market.

The most recent analyst rating on (LWAY) stock is a Buy with a $26.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lifeway Foods stock, see the LWAY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Lifeway Foods Opposes Dissident Director Nominations
Negative
Dec 1, 2025

Lifeway Foods has issued a statement addressing the nomination of dissident directors Edward Smolyansky and George Sent, citing their disqualifying track records and ethical concerns. The company highlights the dissidents’ financial distress and questionable motives, which may not align with shareholder interests. Institutional Shareholder Services has advised against supporting the dissident nominees, emphasizing Lifeway’s strong financial performance and shareholder returns. The company remains committed to board refreshment with a focus on independence and effectiveness.

The most recent analyst rating on (LWAY) stock is a Hold with a $26.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lifeway Foods stock, see the LWAY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Lifeway Foods Reports Record Q3 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Nov 12, 2025

On September 30, 2025, Lifeway Foods entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Danone North America, leading to the disclosure of financial projections initially shared during a due diligence process. These projections, covering the years 2025 to 2029, were not intended for public release but were disclosed to provide transparency to stakeholders. Lifeway Foods also reported record financial results for Q3 2025, with net sales reaching $57.1 million, marking a 29% increase on a comparable basis. The company achieved significant gross margin expansion and net income growth, driven by strong consumer demand for its kefir products and strategic expansions, such as the Waukesha plant. Lifeway continues to innovate with new product offerings like Muscle Mates™ and partnerships to enhance kefir visibility, positioning itself to capitalize on health trends and sustain growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (LWAY) stock is a Hold with a $25.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lifeway Foods stock, see the LWAY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Lifeway Foods Amends Bylaws for Flexible Board Size
Neutral
Nov 4, 2025

On October 29, 2025, Lifeway Foods‘ Board approved an amendment to its Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, allowing for a Board size ranging from five to ten directors. The Board has currently set the number of directors at eight, indicating a strategic decision to potentially accommodate future growth or changes in governance.

The most recent analyst rating on (LWAY) stock is a Hold with a $25.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lifeway Foods stock, see the LWAY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Lifeway Foods Extends Shareholder Rights Agreement
Neutral
Oct 30, 2025

On October 29, 2025, Lifeway Foods, Inc. announced an extension of its Shareholder Rights Agreement by one year, now expiring on October 29, 2026. The decision was made to protect against potential acquisition of control by shareholders without paying a premium, given the company’s concentrated share ownership and the potential for a substantial number of shares to become available for sale. This move aims to ensure that all shareholders can realize the full value of their investment and safeguard against control tactics without fair compensation.

The most recent analyst rating on (LWAY) stock is a Hold with a $25.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lifeway Foods stock, see the LWAY Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder Meetings
Lifeway Foods Schedules 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting
Neutral
Oct 9, 2025

Lifeway Foods, Inc. announced that its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders is scheduled for December 16, 2025. Shareholder proposals or nominations must be submitted by October 20, 2025, adhering to the company’s by-laws and Rule 14a-8 requirements.

The most recent analyst rating on (LWAY) stock is a Buy with a $33.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lifeway Foods stock, see the LWAY Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 31, 2025