Lifeway Foods(US:LWAY) Globenewswire·2025-12-11 21:15Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods, Inc. expresses strong opposition to the nomination of George Sent and Edward Smolyansky for the Board of Directors, citing their questionable backgrounds and potential risks to shareholder value [1][2][3]. Group 1: Dissident Nominees' Background and Concerns - The Dissident Nominees have ethical concerns and a track record that suggests they are unfit for the Board [2]. - George Sent's previous role as Lifeway's Lead Independent Director raises questions about his alignment with the Dissident, indicating a troubling reversal of principle [3]. - Edward Smolyansky's personal financial issues and those of his mother, Ludmila Smolyansky, may be driving their push for a quick sale of Lifeway at any price, which could conflict with the interests of other shareholders [4][5]. Group 2: Financial and Operational Performance - Lifeway has achieved a total shareholder return of 788% over the past five years, significantly outperforming peers and the S&P 500 [10]. - The company reported a 29% increase in net sales for Q3 2025, reaching $57.1 million, driven by its flagship product, Lifeway Kefir [10]. - Lifeway's gross margin expanded by 300 basis points, and net income grew by 19%, reflecting effective operational execution [10]. Group 3: Board Composition and Governance - Lifeway's Board is committed to thoughtful refreshment, replacing long-serving directors and adding new independent members to enhance governance [10][11]. - The dissident group has not presented a compelling case for change or a clear plan for governance and operational improvement [10]. - New independent board members have been appointed, bringing expertise in business growth, accounting, and corporate governance [14].