MORTON GROVE, Ill., Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic foods, today announced that the Company will participate in the ICR Conference on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Lifeway President and CEO Julie Smolyansky will discuss Lifeway's explosive growth and role as the leading brand in the U.S. kefir market. Building on strong Company performance and projecting yet another year ...

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company") a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented dairy products, today announced that Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") has recommended that shareholders vote FOR all of the Company's director nominees (the "Board Nominees") and WITHHOLD votes from nominees submitted by Edward Smolyansky (the "Dissident Nominees") at Lifeway's upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for De ...

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods has been recognized in the **Inc. Best in Business** list under the **Best Challenger Brands** category, highlighting its significant impact and achievements in the industry [1][1][1] Company Achievements - The recognition celebrates companies that have made profound contributions through exceptional execution, including customer expansion, key product launches, and increased market share [1][1] - Lifeway Foods has been acknowledged for its commitment to innovation and impact, with a mission to support everyday wellness by making probiotic foods accessible [1][1][1] Industry Recognition - The **Inc. Best in Business Awards** honor companies across various industries, including technology, health care, finance, and retail, that have achieved outstanding influence on their communities and industries [1][1] - The awards are open to all types of companies, including public, private, nonprofit, and international entities, emphasizing the broad scope of recognition [1][1]

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods, Inc. expresses strong opposition to the nomination of Edward Smolyansky and George Sent for the Board of Directors, citing serious ethical concerns and potential risks to shareholder value due to the nominees' backgrounds and personal financial issues [1][2][4][8]. Group 1: Dissident Nominees' Background - The track record of the Dissident Nominees raises significant ethical concerns, indicating they may be unfit to serve on the Board [2][8]. - George Sent's previous role as Lifeway's Lead Independent Director and his alignment with the Dissident is viewed as a troubling reversal of principle [3][8]. - The Dissident, Edward Smolyansky, has a history of misconduct, including being terminated for cause and defaulting on a $10.4 million mortgage [7][5]. Group 2: Financial Distress and Shareholder Interests - Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky's personal financial distress may be driving their push for a quick sale of Lifeway, potentially compromising the interests of other shareholders [4][5]. - The Smolyanskys have sold over 2.5 million shares of Lifeway stock in the last five years, with no purchases made, raising concerns about their commitment to the company [6][8]. Group 3: Company Performance and Governance - Lifeway has demonstrated strong financial performance, with a 788% total shareholder return over the past five years and a 29% increase in net sales in Q3 2025 [12][10]. - The Board is committed to refreshing its membership thoughtfully, aiming to enhance independence and effectiveness [11][14]. - Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has advised shareholders to reject the proposals from the Dissident group, indicating a lack of compelling case for change [9][12].

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods' decision to extend its shareholder rights plan has been criticized as a move to protect management rather than shareholders, with concerns about entrenchment and control over the company [1][2][4]. Group 1: Shareholder Rights Plan Extension - Lifeway's board approved a one-year extension of its shareholder rights plan to October 29, 2026, maintaining all other terms unchanged [1]. - The board cited the company's "highly concentrated share ownership" as a reason for the extension, noting that Edward Smolyansky and his mother own just over 25% of Lifeway, while Danone holds nearly 23% [4][5]. - The board expressed concerns about the potential for shareholders to gain control without compensating other shareholders fairly [5]. Group 2: Criticism and Management Control - Edward Smolyansky criticized the extension as a "shield for management," arguing it is a blatant example of management entrenchment [2][3]. - He suggested that the current board and management are overly concerned about losing control, effectively blocking any significant stake accumulation by investors like Danone [3]. - Tensions within the Smolyansky family are highlighted, as they previously attempted to replace the board to enhance accountability and shareholder value [6][7]. Group 3: Takeover Bids - Danone, a long-time investor in Lifeway, made a takeover bid of $25 per share in September 2024, later increasing it to $27 per share, both of which were rejected by Lifeway as undervaluing the business [6].

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods has entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Danone North America, which includes a board refreshment plan and a stay on pending litigation related to the Stockholders' Agreement, aimed at maximizing shareholder value and ensuring good governance practices [1][3][4]. Board Refreshment - Lifeway will appoint three independent directors by October 30, 2025, and one additional independent director by November 14, 2025, selected by the Board's Strategic Review Committee [4]. - The roles of Chair and CEO will be separated by the earlier of October 30, 2025, or the appointment of the third new independent director, with an independent director appointed as Chair [4]. - Current board members Pol Sikar and Jay Scher will step down by the 2025 and 2026 annual meetings, respectively [4]. Litigation and Stockholders' Agreement - Lifeway and Danone have agreed to jointly stay pending litigation related to the Stockholders' Agreement [4]. - Lifeway will comply with the Stockholders' Agreement without contesting its validity, while Danone waives certain rights under the agreement, including the right to appoint a board member [4]. Future Solicitations and Compensation - Danone will support the Board's recommendations regarding board composition and organizational documents if a special meeting or consent solicitation is called by Edward or Ludmila Smolyansky before June 30, 2026 [4]. - Lifeway's Compensation Committee is permitted to issue equity-based compensation to management, excluding Julie Smolyansky and her relatives, to attract and retain talent [4]. Capital Allocation and Growth - Lifeway is evaluating capital allocation alternatives to maximize shareholder value in light of the changes from the Cooperation Agreement [3]. - Julie Smolyansky, CEO, emphasized the importance of resilience, innovation, and community in moving forward with the agreement to enhance growth and shareholder value [5].

Core Viewpoint - Danone has decided to abandon its pursuit of acquiring Lifeway Foods and is now exploring options regarding its investment in the US kefir maker [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Attempts - Danone and Lifeway signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to evaluate a potential bid after two previous offers were rejected [1] - The initial acquisition proposal was made in September 2024 at $25 per share, which was later increased to $27 [2] - Lifeway rejected both offers, stating they undervalued the company [3] Group 2: Legal and Governance Issues - Danone filed a lawsuit against Lifeway, alleging a breach of a shareholder agreement, while Lifeway characterized Danone's offers as a "hostile takeover" [3] - A family dispute within Lifeway has intensified, with the company's chair and CEO facing opposition from her family members, who are also major shareholders [4] - The mother-son duo of Ludmila and Edward Smolyansky submitted a statement to the SEC seeking to replace Lifeway's board, including the CEO [4] Group 3: Financial Performance - Lifeway reported 22 consecutive quarters of growth, with second-quarter net sales reaching $53.9 million, an 18% increase year-over-year on a comparable basis [5] - In the first two months of Q3, Lifeway experienced a 20% growth in unaudited net sales, totaling $39.1 million [5]

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods remains focused on enhancing shareholder value following Danone's withdrawal of its acquisition proposal, emphasizing the execution of its strategic growth plan [1][2]. Financial Performance - Lifeway achieved record net sales of $53.9 million in Q2 2025, marking an 18% year-over-year increase on a comparable basis [6]. - In the first two months of Q3 2025, Lifeway recorded $39.1 million in unaudited net sales, representing a 20% year-over-year increase [6]. - The company has maintained a track record of 22 consecutive quarters of growth, solidifying its position as a retail dairy innovator [6]. Strategic Initiatives - A Strategic Review Committee has been formed, consisting solely of independent directors, to oversee the exploration of opportunities to maximize shareholder value [2]. - Lifeway is committed to executing its growth strategy and exploring value-enhancing opportunities for shareholders, employees, partners, and customers [1][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 that includes drinkable kefir and a ProBugs® line for children [4]. - The company's products are distributed across multiple countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the UAE, and France [4].

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has completed stage one of its strategic expansion plan to double production capacity in Waukesha, Wisconsin, as part of a nationwide growth initiative in the functional dairy sector [1][2][3] Company Expansion - The expansion involves a multi-million dollar investment aimed at doubling production capacity and increasing hiring to meet rising demand [2][3] - Lifeway currently utilizes nearly 100 million pounds of Wisconsin milk annually for kefir production, which is made through a fermentation process that creates billions of live probiotic cultures [2][3] Financial Performance - Lifeway achieved record net sales of $53.9 million in Q2 2025, marking an 18% year-over-year increase [6] - In the first two months of Q3 2025, the company recorded $39.1 million in unaudited net sales, a 20% year-over-year increase [6] - Year-to-date totals for 2025 reached $83.7 million, driven by expanded distribution in major retailers [6] Market Position - Lifeway commands over 90% of the U.S. kefir market and has nearly doubled its sales over the past five years, with 2024 revenue reported at $186.8 million [4] - The company has maintained a consistent growth trajectory with 22 consecutive quarters of growth, solidifying its position as a leader in the retail dairy sector [6]

Group 1 - Kraft Heinz has been struggling with stagnant growth, with shares down 17% over the past five years, raising concerns among investors [1][2] - The company is reportedly considering a breakup, potentially spinning off a segment valued at around $20 billion, while the total market cap is approximately $34 billion [4] - The proposed split may separate the business into one focusing on spreads and sauces and another on processed meats and cheeses, which could enhance growth potential for the more health-conscious segment [4][5] Group 2 - Kraft's annual revenue has remained steady at around $26 billion, but this lack of growth is not appealing to investors, especially as many brands are associated with unhealthy eating [6] - The stock currently offers a high dividend yield of 5.5%, but concerns about future declines in revenue and profit may jeopardize the sustainability of this dividend [8][9] - The stock is trading at 13 times its trailing earnings, appearing cheap, but uncertainty around the business necessitates a cautious approach before making investment decisions [10][12]