Core Insights - The company reported a strong performance in H1 2025, with like-for-like sales growth of +4.2% driven by a volume/mix increase of +2.6% and price growth of +1.7% [7][9] - Recurring operating income increased by +3.7% to €1,811 million, with a recurring operating margin of 13.2%, up +49 basis points from the previous year [17] - The company confirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting like-for-like sales growth between +3% and +5%, with recurring operating income anticipated to grow faster than sales [22] Financial Performance - H1 2025 sales were reported at €13,737 million, a slight decrease of -0.1% on a reported basis, primarily due to negative currency impacts [9][21] - Recurring net income attributable to the Group increased by +5.9% to €1,231 million, while total net income decreased by -14.7% to €1,040 million due to non-recurring expenses [19][20] - Free cash flow for H1 2025 was €1,172 million, down -6.1% from the previous year [21] Segment Performance - Sales in Europe increased by +2.3% in H1 2025, with strong growth in Dairy and Plant-based products [10][11] - North America saw a decline in sales by -4.6% on a reported basis, but like-for-like sales grew by +3.0% [10][11] - China, North Asia & Oceania experienced robust growth, with sales up +11.3% on a like-for-like basis, driven by strong performance in Specialized Nutrition [12][13] Strategic Developments - The company is actively investing in its portfolio, including the acquisition of Kate Farms and The Akkermansia Company, to enhance its health-focused offerings [4][30] - The CEO emphasized the importance of a consumer-centric and science-based strategy to drive future growth [5][3] - The company remains committed to its Renew Danone strategy, focusing on high protein, medical nutrition, and plant-based products [4][3]

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has received a recommendation from Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) advising shareholders to "DO NOT VOTE" in the ongoing dissident-led consent solicitation, indicating that the dissident group has not made a compelling case for change [1][2]. Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is recognized as a leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products in the U.S. and has been listed among 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, the UAE, and France [3]. Financial Performance - Lifeway's financial performance has been directionally positive, with its share price rallying over the past year due to multiple positive earnings announcements [5]. - The total shareholder return has significantly outperformed peers in the Russell 3000 Food Producers Index [5]. Dissident Group Analysis - The critiques from the dissident group are viewed as lacking adequate context and do not clearly establish how their proposed changes would impact shareholder returns [5]. - The dissident nominees have a history of governance concerns during their previous tenures at the company [5]. Management's Position - The management team, led by CEO Julie Smolyansky, remains focused on maximizing shareholder value and encourages shareholders to follow ISS's guidance by taking no action on the consent solicitation [5].

Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is a leading U.S. supplier of Kefir and fermented probiotic products, recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies [4] - The company offers a variety of products including drinkable Kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for children, with sales across multiple countries [4] Financial Performance - Lifeway has achieved approximately 100% revenue growth from FY '19 through FY '24 [1] - The company has delivered strong shareholder returns of 788% over the past 5 years prior to Danone's unsolicited proposal [1] Shareholder Communication - Lifeway emphasizes the importance of investor feedback and is focused on maximizing shareholder value [1] - The company urges shareholders to disregard the Smolyanskys' consent solicitation statement, which is deemed legally deficient [2][3] Proxy Statement Information - Lifeway intends to file a proxy statement and accompanying documents with the SEC for the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders [5] - Shareholders are encouraged to read the definitive proxy statement and related documents carefully when available, as they will contain important information [5] Participants in the Solicitation - The company and its independent directors, along with certain executive officers, are considered participants in the solicitation of proxies for the upcoming shareholder meeting [6] - Information regarding the interests and compensation of the company's directors and officers is available in the SEC filings [7]