Latest news with #LifewayKefir
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Lifeway Foods expands distribution for several product lines
Lifeway Foods (LWAY) announced expanded distribution for several of its top-selling product lines at major retailers nationwide. The company also announced it has surpassed $37.6M in net sales for the first two months of the second quarter, from April 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025, representing a 10.7% increase from the comparable period in the prior year. Year-to-date net sales for the Company as of May 31, 2025 have reached $83.7M. Given the strong Company performance, Lifeway now expects that net sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, will be in the range of $52M to $56M. 'This expansion reflects the growing demand for functional foods that support gut health and overall wellness,' said Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods. 'Viral social posts on TikTok and Instagram about kefir related to anti-bloating hacks and skin health are creating robust demand for Lifeway's key product line. Additionally, we're seeing a 63% unit increase in measured channels year-to-date for Lifeway Farmer Cheese, signaling incredible potential at mass grocers for this cult favorite. We're excited to bring our probiotic-rich Lifeway Kefir and Lifeway Farmer cheese to even more families across the country, through trusted retail partners who are working with us to provide a great selection of America's favorite kefir and farmer cheese for their customers. ' Confident Investing Starts Here:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lifeway Foods Expands Retail Footprint with Thousands of New Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese Placements Across Major U.S. Retailers in 2025
Company has surpassed $37.6 million in net sales for the first two months of the second quarter, from April 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025, representing a 10.7% increase from the prior year Year-to-date net sales for the Company have reached $83.7 million as of May 31, 2025 Company provides net sales guidance for the second quarter of 2025 Consumer interest in probiotic, protein-packed nutrition brings additional focus to cultured dairy drinkables and soft cultured cheese categories MORTON GROVE, Ill., June 04, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented dairy products, today announced expanded distribution for several of its top-selling product lines at major retailers nationwide. The latest additions mark a significant step in the Company's mission to make probiotic-rich, gut-healthy foods more accessible to consumers across the country. The Company also announced it has surpassed $37.6 million in net sales for the first two months of the second quarter, from April 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025, representing a 10.7% increase from the comparable period in the prior year. Year-to-date net sales for the Company as of May 31, 2025 have reached $83.7 million. Given the strong Company performance, Lifeway now expects that net sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, will be in the range of $52 million to $56 million. Key upcoming retail expansions include: Amazon Fresh: Lifeway introduces new 8oz Lifeway Organic, Lactose Free Flavor Fusions (Coconut Pineapple, Passionfruit Lychee, Blueberry Lavender) and Lifeway Organic Kefir Shots (Strawberry, Mixed Berry) in 61 Amazon Fresh physical stores, plus availability through Amazon Fresh e-commerce distribution. BJ's Wholesale Club: Two new 8oz kefir SKUs will be available in 268 warehouse locations, offering convenient wellness drinks for families. CVS: Three 32oz Lifeway Kefir flavors are expanding across CVS stores, giving shoppers easy access to probiotic-rich options. HEB: Launching in June, Lifeway's Farmer Cheese will be available in HEB stores across Texas, delivering a high protein, cultured dairy option. Hy-Vee: Four Whole Milk Kefir items and Farmer Cheese are now available in 180 Hy-Vee locations, enhancing Lifeway's Midwest reach. King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Ralph's, QFC (Kroger Divisions): Lifeway's Farmer Cheese is now available in these key regional banners, expanding reach across the West and Pacific Northwest. Lowes Foods: Shoppers can now find Lifeway Farmer Cheese in Lowes Foods stores throughout the Carolinas. Publix: Two new 8oz Lifeway Kefir items are launching in over 1,400 Publix stores, bringing new convenience options to the Southeast. Target: Lifeway will expand the distribution of the three current 32oz items across over 1,100 new shelf slots, significantly expanding visibility and availability. Whole Foods Market: Beginning in July, Lifeway's organic 8oz kefir items will launch in Whole Foods locations nationwide. Winn-Dixie: Four 32oz Lifeway Kefir items are launching in 170 stores, building on Lifeway's growth in the Southeastern U.S. "This expansion reflects the growing demand for functional foods that support gut health and overall wellness," said Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods. "Viral social posts on TikTok and Instagram about kefir related to anti-bloating hacks and skin health are creating robust demand for Lifeway's key product line. Additionally, we're seeing a 63% unit increase in measured channels year-to-date for Lifeway Farmer Cheese, signaling incredible potential at mass grocers for this cult favorite. We're excited to bring our probiotic-rich Lifeway Kefir and Lifeway Farmer cheese to even more families across the country, through trusted retail partners who are working with us to provide a great selection of America's favorite kefir and farmer cheese for their customers. " Lifeway's continued distribution growth comes amid a rising consumer interest in fermented foods and functional nutrition. All Lifeway products are made with live and active cultures and are crafted to support immunity, digestion and long-term health. About Lifeway Foods, Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the drivers of demand for Lifeway's products, consumer trends, the anticipated effects of scheduled upgrades at the Waukesha plant, expected operating efficiencies and expectations regarding future operating and financial performance. These statements use words, and variations of words, such as "will," "continue," "future," "increase," "believe," "outlook," "expect," and "predict." You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, are based on current expectations of future events and thus are inherently subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances beyond Lifeway's control. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Lifeway's expectations and projections. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include: price competition; the decisions of customers or consumers; the actions of competitors; changes in the pricing of commodities; the effects of government regulation; possible delays in the introduction of new products; customer acceptance of products and services; and uncertainty regarding proposals or other actions taken by shareholders related to the unsolicited proposal made by Danone North America PBC ("Danone") to acquire all of the shares of Lifeway stock that Danone does not already own. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Copies of these filings are available online at or on request from Lifeway. Lifeway expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or new information), except as required by law. Perceptual AdvisorsDan TarmanEmail: dtarman@ Derek Miller Vice President of Communications, Lifeway FoodsEmail: derekm@ General inquiries:Lifeway Foods, 847-967-1010Email: info@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lifeway Foods EPS Increases 44% Year-Over-Year as Kefir Company Announces Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025
Net sales of $46.1 million; up 3.3% year-over-year Consumer demand for probiotic Lifeway products drives 22nd consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales growth MORTON GROVE, Ill., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. "We're thrilled to begin 2025 with continued topline momentum, delivering our 22nd consecutive quarter of year-over-year net sales growth," commented Julie Smolyansky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifeway Foods. "Our Q1 performance builds on the foundation of our record-breaking 2024, as we continued to see consistent volume growth in our flagship drinkable Lifeway Kefir. Our topline growth follows a very strong first quarter in 2024 in which we delivered 18% growth. There are several important factors that highlight the underlying strength of the business that led to year-over-year growth. First, in the second half of last year we strategically eliminated a retail relationship to prioritize our branded offerings over private label and enhance our margins. Additionally, a sizeable distributor adjusted orders from delivery to direct pick-ups in late 2024, this leads to lower billed sales and correspondingly lower freight costs. Excluding the impact from both of these strategic adjustments, on a like-for-like basis, we delivered nearly 11% volume-led growth in the quarter, underscoring the power of our Lifeway branded products and the loyalty of our growing customer base." added Ms. Smolyansky. Ms. Smolyansky continued, "The accelerating consumer focus on health and wellness continues to be a tailwind for our business, with demand rising for protein-rich, probiotic and bioavailable foods, including our Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese. Our strategic sales and marketing investments are clearly paying dividends, driving increased brand recognition, strong product velocities, and introducing the Lifeway brand to more and more customers who value premium, nutritious offerings. We see no impact of tariffs on our business at this time or in the foreseeable future. We expect consumer visits to grocery and club stores to increase amid tightening consumer spending, as shoppers seek better-for-you and nutritionally valuable foods and beverages, such as the highly bioavailable protein options and gut-healthy products that Lifeway offers. This focus on protein, gut health and select nutrients is especially true for consumers currently using GLP-1 medications and those who are looking for foods that naturally stimulate GLP-1 hormone production. As a result, our target addressable market has rapidly grown, and we are successfully capitalizing on that trend alongside our retailer partners through expanded distribution of our key products. This year we have received commitments at key retailers for more than 2,000 total incremental points of distribution across our product lines, including Lifeway Farmer Cheese, our new Flavor Fusions and our Probiotic Smoothies with Collagen. Lifeway products can also now be found in 40 airports across the country. Notably, in the last full week of April, we surpassed $5 million in gross sales, a record week for our business, propelled by demand for Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese. The second quarter is off to a good start, and we plan to continue our investments behind our core branded products in 2025 to further capitalize on the tremendous market opportunity in front of us and extend upon the vast momentum we have achieved." First Quarter 2025 Results Net sales were $46.1 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $1.5 million or 3.3% from the same period in 2024. The net sales increase was primarily driven by higher volumes of Lifeway's branded drinkable kefir. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 24.0% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was 20.2% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company reported net income of $3.5 million or $0.23 per basic and diluted common share for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. We remain confident that the Company is on track to deliver Adjusted EBITDA1 of $45 - $50mm in FY2027. 1. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Operating Income, as reported, plus Depreciation and Amortization, plus Stock-Based Compensation. The Company does not provide guidance for GAAP Operating Income, nor a reconciliation of any forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis, because it is unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. These forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures do not include certain items, which may be significant, including, without limitation, non-recurring or non-operational expenses such as stock-based compensation, gain/loss on sale of equipment, deferred revenue and gain/loss on investments prior to payment of bonuses to employees. Conference Call and WebcastA webcast with Lifeway's President and Chief Executive Officer discussing these results with additional comments and details is available through the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at About Lifeway Foods, Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the drivers of demand for Lifeway's products, consumer trends, the anticipated effects of scheduled upgrades at the Waukesha plant, expected operating efficiencies and expectations regarding future operating and financial performance. These statements use words, and variations of words, such as "will," "continue," "future," "increase," "believe," "outlook," "expect," and "predict." You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, are based on current expectations of future events and thus are inherently subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances beyond Lifeway's control. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Lifeway's expectations and projections. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include: price competition; the decisions of customers or consumers; the actions of competitors; changes in the pricing of commodities; the effects of government regulation; possible delays in the introduction of new products; customer acceptance of products and services; and uncertainty regarding proposals or other actions taken by shareholders related to the unsolicited proposal made by Danone North America PBC ("Danone") to acquire all of the shares of Lifeway stock that Danone does not already own. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Copies of these filings are available online at or on request from Lifeway. Lifeway expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or new information), except as required by law. Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release refers to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a financial measure that has not been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), and may exclude items that are significant to understanding and assessing financial results. This non-GAAP measure is provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of the Company's financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as supplements to GAAP measures reported, should not be considered replacements for, or superior to, GAAP measures reported and may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. The Company's calculation of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from methods used by other companies. Perceptual AdvisorsDan TarmanEmail: dtarman@ Derek Miller Vice President of Communications, Lifeway FoodsEmail: derekm@ General inquiries:Lifeway Foods, 847-967-1010Email: info@ LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (In thousands) March 31, 2025 December 31,(Unaudited) 2024Current assets Cash and cash equivalents$ 19,446 $ 16,728Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses and discounts & allowances of $2,030 and $1,590 at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 16,68415,424Inventories, net 9,2418,678Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,0072,144Refundable income taxes –631Total current assets 47,37843,605 Property, plant and equipment, net 28,11226,862Operating lease right-of-use asset 109118Goodwill 11,70411,704Intangible assets, net 6,2236,358Other assets 1411,900Total assets$ 93,667 $ 90,547 Current liabilities Accounts payable$ 11,635 $ 10,401Accrued expenses 3,9395,103Accrued income taxes 795–Total current liabilities 16,36915,504Operating lease liabilities 6870Deferred income taxes, net 3,0623,062Total liabilities 19,49918,636 Stockholders' equity Preferred stock, no par value; 2,500 shares authorized; none issued ––Common stock, no par value; 40,000 shares authorized; 17,274 shares issued; 15,203 and 15,100 outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 6,5096,509Treasury stock, at cost (13,383)(14,052)Paid-in capital 2,6804,632Retained earnings 78,36274,822Total stockholders' equity 74,16871,911 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$ 93,667 $ 90,547 LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Operations For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share data) 2025 2024 Net Sales$ 46,091 $ 44,634 Cost of goods sold 34,25432,438Depreciation expense 802661Total cost of goods sold 35,05633,099 Gross profit 11,03511,535 Selling expense 4,6983,700General and administrative expense 4,6284,136Amortization expense 135135Total operating expenses 9,4617,971 Income from operations 1,5743,564 Other income (expense): Interest expense (14)(51)Gain on sales of investments 3,352–Other income (expense), net 54(5)Total other income (expense) 3,392(56) Income before provision for income taxes 4,9663,508 Provision for income taxes 1,4261,082 Net income$ 3,540 $ 2,426 Net earnings per common share: Basic$ 0.23 $ 0.17Diluted$ 0.23 $ 0.16 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 15,13414,691Diluted 15,33315,222 LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In thousands) Three months ended March 31,2025 2024Cash flows from operating activities: Net income$ 3,540 $ 2,426Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flow: Depreciation and amortization 937796Stock-based compensation 326673Non-cash interest expense 32Gain on sale of investments (3,352)–Fair value loss on investment 20–(Increase) decrease in operating assets: Accounts receivable (1,259)(1,189)Inventories (563)974Prepaid expenses and other current assets 13631Refundable income taxes 631(378)Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities: Accounts payable 1,401(6)Accrued expenses (2,765)(1,309)Accrued income taxes 795(474)Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (150)1,546 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (2,219)(2,469)Proceeds from sale of investments 5,152–Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 2,933(2,469) Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of note payable –(250)Payment of deferred financing costs (65)–Net cash used in financing activities (65)(250) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,718(1,173) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 16,72813,198 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period$ 19,446 $ 12,025 Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for income taxes, net of (refunds)$ – $ 1,934Cash paid for interest$ 11 $ 50 Non-cash investing activities Accrued purchase of property and equipment$ 239 $ 192Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations$ 8 $ – View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc. 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Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
She Media's SXSW 2025 activation brings free vibrators, a hyperbaric chamber and more
Where exactly at the South by Southwest Conference and Festival can you pick up a free vibrator? Yes, that's right, a free vibrator and lubricant. Personal pleasure company Plus One is handing them out at She Media's Co-lab activation space at 304 E. Third St. All you have to do is scan a QR code and create a profile. On Friday, women of all ages, and some men, were picking up the vibrators as well as stickers that said, "Feel the Beat" and "Glide and Vibe." You also could try a hyperbaric chamber from New York-based MD Hyperbaric, get professional headshots through Edward Jones, and try Lifeway Kefir and Doctor Death water drinks. Can't make it to SXSW 2025 in Austin? See full schedule, how to watch livestream The Co-Lab is open Friday through Sunday with its own women's health programming track. Speakers include Katie Couric, whom we spotted in the lobby, as well as Stacy London, Christy Turlington Burns, Naomi Watts, and Chelsea Handler. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: She Media brings free vibrators, hyperbaric chamber and more to SXSW
