Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is set to report its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2025, on November 12, 2025, before market hours [1] - A conference call and webcast featuring Julie Smolyanksy, the President and CEO of Lifeway, will provide additional insights into the financial results [2] - Lifeway Foods has been recognized as a leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, with a diverse product line including drinkable kefir and children's products [3] Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is acknowledged as one of America's Growth Leaders by TIME and has received accolades such as Dairy Foods' Processor of the Year 2025 and one of Forbes' Best Small Companies [3] - The company’s products are distributed across multiple countries, including the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and France [3]

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has been recognized in the America's Growth Leaders 2026 list, ranking 33rd overall and 2nd among Food & Beverage companies, highlighting its exceptional growth performance and financial stability [1][2][3] Company Performance - The inclusion in the America's Growth Leaders list signifies Lifeway Foods' consistent market expansion, strong financial foundations, and shareholder value delivery [2] - Lifeway Foods has been acknowledged for its resilience through market fluctuations and its ability to create a lasting impact in the competitive landscape [2] Company Background - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, with a product range that includes drinkable kefir, various cheeses, and a ProBugs® line for children [3] - The company has a broad market presence, with products sold in the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and France [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's background as a freelance business writer with a focus on restaurants, retailers, and food manufacturers, emphasizing long-term investment opportunities and valuation metrics [1]. Group 1: Author's Background - The author has experience writing for the Motley Fool Blogging Network and has received several editor's choice awards [1]. - The focus areas include growth opportunities and valuation metrics within the restaurant and retail sectors [1]. - The author typically seeks long-term investment opportunities, planning to hold stocks for several years [1].

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's background as a freelance business writer with a focus on restaurants, retailers, and food manufacturers, emphasizing long-term investment opportunities and valuation metrics [1]. Group 1: Author's Background - The author has experience writing for the Motley Fool Blogging Network and has received several editor's choice awards [1]. - The focus areas include growth opportunities and valuation metrics within the restaurant and retail sectors [1]. - The author typically seeks long-term investment opportunities, planning to hold stocks for several years [1].

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has extended its Shareholder Rights Agreement for one year to protect against potential control acquisition by shareholders without fair compensation [2][3]. Group 1: Shareholder Rights Agreement - The Board of Directors approved an amendment to extend the expiration date of the Rights Plan to October 29, 2026, while all other terms remain unchanged [1][3]. - The decision to extend the Rights Plan was based on concerns about the company's concentrated share ownership, which could allow a shareholder or group to gain de facto control without paying a control premium [2][3]. - The Rights Plan aims to ensure that all shareholders can realize the full value of their investment and to guard against tactics that could lead to a transfer of control without premium payment [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Lifeway Foods is recognized as a leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products in the U.S., with a diverse product line including drinkable kefir and various cheeses [5]. - The company has received accolades such as being named one of America's Growth Leaders by TIME and Dairy Foods' Processor of the Year 2025 [5]. - Lifeway's products are distributed across multiple countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the UAE, and France [5].

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods has announced a strategic collaboration with Joe & The Juice to launch the Trust Your Gut smoothie, aimed at expanding its presence in the foodservice and functional beverage market [1][2][3] Company Overview - Lifeway Foods is recognized as the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, with a commitment to clean ingredients and functional nutrition [3][4] - Joe & The Juice operates over 400 locations globally, focusing on health-forward menu options and appealing to Gen Z and millennial consumers [4] Product Launch - The Trust Your Gut smoothie features Lifeway's probiotic-rich kefir, blended with strawberries, banana, fiber powder, date purée, beetroot powder, and pea protein, promoting gut health and overall vitality [2][3] - The smoothie is available at all Joe & The Juice locations across the U.S. for a limited time [4] Strategic Goals - This partnership is part of Lifeway's growth strategy to enhance brand visibility and innovation in the high-growth functional food and beverage segments [3] - The collaboration aims to meet rising consumer demand for convenient, nutrient-dense options that support digestive wellness and protein needs [2][3]

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:LWAY) is recognized as one of the most profitable consumer defensive stocks currently available for investment [1] - The company announced the immediate resignation of Jody Levy from its board of directors, clarifying that the resignation was not due to any disagreements regarding company operations or policies [1] - Lifeway Foods has entered into a multi-faceted agreement with Danone, which includes appointing four new directors and separating the roles of chair and CEO [2] - The agreement also involves a mutual decision to pause litigation between Lifeway and Danone, which is expected to ease tensions between the two companies [3] Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is based in Illinois and specializes in producing and marketing probiotic-based products, including drinkable kefir, European-style soft cheeses, cream, and drinkable yogurt [4]

[Filing Information](index=1&type=section&id=Filing%20Information) This section provides essential filing details for the Form 8-K, identifying the registrant and its registered securities [General Company and Filing Details](index=1&type=section&id=General%20Company%20and%20Filing%20Details) This section details the basic filing information for the Form 8-K, including the registrant, report date, and registered securities - Registrant: **LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.**[2](index=2&type=chunk) - Date of Report: **October 6, 2025**[2](index=2&type=chunk) Registered Securities | Title of each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | | :------------------ | :------------- | :---------------------------------------- | | Common Stock | LWAY | Nasdaq Global Market | | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights | None | Nasdaq Global Market | [Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition](index=2&type=section&id=Item%202.02.%20Results%20of%20Operations%20and%20Financial%20Condition) This section presents estimated third-quarter net sales and outlines cautionary statements regarding forward-looking information and associated risks [Third Quarter 2025 Estimated Net Sales](index=2&type=section&id=Third%20Quarter%202025%20Estimated%20Net%20Sales) Lifeway Foods, Inc. announced estimated unaudited net sales for Q3 2025, projecting a significant year-over-year increase Estimated Net Sales for Q3 2025 | Metric | Q3 2025 Estimated Net Sales (million USD) | YoY Increase (%) | | :-------- | :---------------------------------------- | :--------------- | | Net Sales | $55.8 - $57.0 | 21-24 | [Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors](index=2&type=section&id=Forward-Looking%20Statements%20and%20Risk%20Factors) This section includes cautionary language regarding forward-looking statements, highlighting potential risks and disclaiming any obligation to update them - Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, including **price competition**, **customer decisions**, **competitor actions**, **commodity pricing**, **government regulation**, and **delays in new product introduction**[8](index=8&type=chunk) - The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as legally required[8](index=8&type=chunk) [Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits](index=2&type=section&id=Item%209.01.%20Financial%20Statements%20and%20Exhibits) This section provides a comprehensive list of exhibits furnished with the Form 8-K, including the press release and interactive data file [Exhibits List](index=2&type=section&id=Exhibits%20List) This section lists all exhibits furnished with the Form 8-K, primarily the press release and interactive data file List of Exhibits | Exhibit No. | Description | | :------------ | :-------------------------------------------------- | | 99.1 | Press Release dated October 6, 2025 | | 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | [Signature](index=3&type=section&id=Signature) The report is duly signed by Eric Hanson, Chief Financial Officer of Lifeway Foods, Inc., confirming its official authorization - The report was signed by **Eric Hanson**, Chief Financial Officer of **LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.**, on **October 6, 2025**[13](index=13&type=chunk)

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. reported estimated unaudited net sales of between $55.8 million and $57.0 million for Q3 2025, reflecting an increase of 21% to 24% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for Lifeway Kefir and the high-protein Lifeway Farmer Cheese line [1][2] Company Overview - Lifeway Foods is recognized as the leading supplier of kefir in the U.S. and has been acknowledged as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies [3] - The company offers a variety of products including drinkable kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for children, with distribution across the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, UAE, and France [3] Market Position and Growth Strategy - The CEO of Lifeway stated that kefir is a rapidly growing category in U.S. grocery, with Lifeway being the clear market leader [2] - Lifeway has expanded its product availability significantly, launching new products and increasing distribution channels, including major retailers, corner stores, airports, and universities [2] - The company is executing a project to nearly double production capacity at its Waukesha facility to support its growth trajectory [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses the most profitable consumer defensive stocks to consider for investment, emphasizing their resilience in various economic conditions [1][2] - Consumer defensive stocks are characterized by their sustainability, reliability, and lower vulnerability to economic shocks, making them attractive for investors [2] - The consumer staples sector has shown consistent performance, outperforming the MSCI World Index by an average of 5.9% [2] Methodology - A list of profitable consumer defensive stocks was compiled using Finviz stock screener, focusing on those with an EPS growth of over 15% in the last three years and an ROE of at least 5% [4] - Stocks are ranked based on the number of hedge fund holdings, utilizing data from Insider Monkey's Q2 2025 database [4] Hedge Fund Interest - The article highlights the strategy of following hedge fund stock picks, which has historically led to market outperformance, with a reported return of 373.4% since May 2014 [5] Company Highlights - **LifeVantage Corporation (NASDAQ:LFVN)**: Recently completed the acquisition of LoveBiome, enhancing its position in the microbiome health market and expanding its product offerings [6][8] - **Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:LWAY)**: Announced the resignation of a board member and signed a multi-faceted agreement with Danone, which includes appointing new directors and resolving litigation, aimed at improving operational clarity and stability [9][10][11]