Lifeway Foods® Announces Strong Fourth Quarter and Record-Breaking Full Year 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Lifeway Foods (LWAY) reported record-breaking financial results for Q4 and full year 2024, with annual net sales reaching $186.8 million, marking a 17% year-over-year increase. The company achieved its 21st consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth, with Q4 net sales of $46.9 million.

Key financial highlights for FY2024 include:

• Gross profit margin of 26.0%
• SG&A expenses at 18.3% of net sales
• Net income of $9.0 million
• Earnings per share of $0.61 basic and $0.60 diluted

The company's growth was primarily driven by increased volumes of branded drinkable kefir products. Lifeway is expanding its production capabilities with upgrades at its Waukesha facility, which will nearly double production capacity and triple bottling speed. The company maintains its guidance for Adjusted EBITDA of $45-50 million by FY2027.

Positive

• Record net sales of $186.8M, up 17% YoY
• 21 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth
• Strong Q4 performance with $46.9M in net sales
• Net income of $9.0M for FY2024
• Planned production capacity expansion at Waukesha facility

Negative

• SG&A expenses increased to 18.3% of net sales
• Gross profit margin at 26.0% indicates cost pressures

Insights

Financial Analyst

Lifeway Foods' Q4 and full-year 2024 results show exceptional momentum with record-breaking annual sales of $186.8 million, representing 17% year-over-year growth. This marks their 21st consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth, demonstrating remarkable consistency in execution.

The company achieved net income of $9.0 million ($0.61 per basic share), with gross margins at 26.0% and SG&A expenses at 18.3% of net sales. This indicates an operating margin of approximately 7.7%, showing the company can maintain profitability while rapidly expanding.

The strategic expansion of their Waukesha facility represents a significant capacity enhancement that will nearly double production capacity and more than triple bottling speed. This proactive infrastructure investment positions them to support continued growth without supply constraints.

Management's confidence in maintaining their FY2027 Adjusted EBITDA target of $45-50 million suggests they see a clear path to scaling operations efficiently. The company's success in securing expanded distribution for key products like Farmer Cheese and ProBugs indicates strong retailer relationships and growing consumer demand.

The consistent performance across 21 consecutive quarters through various economic conditions demonstrates that Lifeway has established significant brand loyalty in the probiotic food category, which continues to benefit from increasing consumer interest in functional nutrition.

Company achieves 2024 net sales of $186.8 million; up 17% year-over-year

21^st consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth

Growing consumer interest in probiotic foods with bioavailable nutrients continues to drive strong demand for Lifeway products

MORTON GROVE, Ill., March 14, 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 fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

"I am pleased to report another record year of net sales for Lifeway, spearheaded by the continued, strong volume growth of our flagship drinkable Lifeway Kefir," commented Julie Smolyansky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifeway. "After an extremely successful year in 2023 where we saw sales grow by more than 13%, that growth accelerated in 2024 during which Lifeway delivered further year-over-year growth of 17% to achieve annual net sales of $186.8 million. Our remarkable results were capped off by our second highest-ever quarterly net sales of $46.9 million in the fourth quarter, marking our 21^st consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. This sustained performance underscores the loyalty of our expanding customer base, and the effectiveness of our sales and marketing strategies. We recognize the tailwind from growing consumer interest in protein-rich foods with probiotics and bioavailable nutrients and have meaningfully invested in our core branded offerings to drive trial and accelerate velocities to capture a greater share of that demand. We also regularly evaluate opportunities to elevate the presence of our key branded products through expanded distribution, and were thrilled to announce the recent incremental placements of our Lifeway Farmer Cheese and ProBugs with key accounts. The strategic focus on our branded Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese has delivered robust growth and brand recognition in 2024, and propels us into 2025 with very strong momentum," added Ms. Smolyansky.

Ms. Smolyansky continued, "The consumer focus on health and wellness continues to grow, and we remain focused on capitalizing on that heightened interest. As we build for the future, I'd like to celebrate the remarkable achievements our team has made in developing a state-of-the-art facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. We are strategically investing this year to further boost our growth, and our scheduled upgrades at the Waukesha plant will almost double our production capacity and more than triple our bottling speed. We also expect to drive further operational efficiency across the business as we ship higher volumes of our products. To complement our improved production capabilities, we are accelerating our investments behind key product lines to further enhance our market leading position and broaden our brand awareness. 2024 was an excellent year for Lifeway, and I am confident that we are extremely well positioned to deliver another phenomenal performance in 2025."

Full Year 2024 Results

Net sales were $186.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $26.7 million or 16.7% versus prior year. 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 26.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 18.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024.

The Company reported net income of $9.0 million or $0.61 per basic and $0.60 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2024.

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 Webcast

A 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 https://lifewaykefir.com/webinars-reports/.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.

Lifeway 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 lifewayfoods.com.

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 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Copies of these filings are available online at https://www.sec.gov, http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/, 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 Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com

Derek Miller 
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
Email: derekm@lifeway.net 

General inquiries:
Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Phone: 847-967-1010
Email: info@lifeway.net

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2024 and 2023 (In thousands)
		December 31,
		2024				2023
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	16,728			$	13,198
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses and discounts & allowances of    $1,590 and $1,270 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively			15,424				13,875
Inventories, net			8,678				9,104
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			2,144				2,019
Refundable income taxes			631				–
Total current assets			43,605				38,196
Property, plant and equipment, net			26,862				22,764
Operating lease right-of use asset			118				192
Goodwill			11,704				11,704
Intangible assets, net			6,358				6,898
Other assets			1,900				1,900
Total assets		$	90,547			$	81,654
Current liabilities
Current portion of note payable		$	–			$	1,250
Accounts payable			10,401				9,976
Accrued expenses			5,103				4,916
Accrued income taxes			–				474
Total current liabilities			15,504				16,616
Note payable			–				1,483
Operating lease liabilities			70				118
Deferred income taxes, net			3,062				3,001
Total liabilities			18,636				21,218
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)			–				–
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; 15,100    and 14,691 shares outstanding at 2024 and 2023			6,509				6,509
Paid-in capital			4,632				4,825
Treasury stock, at cost			(14,052)				(16,695)
Retained earnings			74,822				65,797
Total stockholders' equity			71,911				60,436
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	90,547			$	81,654

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations For the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023  (In thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve months Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net sales		$	46,934			$	42,093			$	186,820			$	160,123
Cost of goods sold			34,273				29,632				135,400				115,060
Depreciation expense			764				669				2,846				2,622
Total cost of goods sold			35,037				30,301				138,246				117,682
Gross profit			11,897				11,792				48,574				42,441
Selling expenses			3,487				2,802				14,743				11,776
General and administrative			7,562				3,102				19,439				13,130
Amortization expense			135				135				540				540
Total operating expenses			11,184				6,039				34,722				25,446
Income from operations			713				5,753				13,852				16,995
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(3)				(62)				(105)				(384)
Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment			(11)				1				(8)				34
Other income			77				5				230				4
Total other income (expense)			63				(56)				117				(346)
Income before provision for income taxes			776				5,697				13,969				16,649
Provision for income taxes			936				1,728				4,944				5,282
Net income (loss)		$	(160)			$	3,969			$	9,025			$	11,367
Net earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic		$	(0.01)			$	0.27			$	0.61			$	0.77
Diluted		$	(0.01)			$	0.26			$	0.60			$	0.75
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic			14,857				14,691				14,769				14,667
Diluted			15,060				15,174				14,956				15,103

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (In thousands)
		2024				2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	9,025			$	11,367
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flow:
Depreciation and amortization			3,386				3,162
Non-cash interest expense			17				6
Bad debt expense			–				2
Stock-based compensation			2,446				1,497
Deferred income taxes			61				(28)
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment			8				(34)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Accounts receivable			(1,550)				(2,463)
Inventories			426				527
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(125)				(574)
Refundable income taxes			(631)				44
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable			156				1,859
Accrued expenses			217				1,102
Accrued income taxes			(474)				474
Net cash provided by operating activities			12,962				16,941
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment			(6,697)				(4,351)
Proceeds from sale of equipment			15				41
Purchase of investments			–				(100)
Net cash used in investing activities			(6,682)				(4,410)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of line of credit			–				(2,777)
Repayment of note payable			(2,750)				(1,000)
Net cash used in financing activities			(2,750)				(3,777)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			3,530				8,754
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period			13,198				4,444
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period		$	16,728			$	13,198
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of (refunds)		$	5,987			$	4,792
Cash paid for interest		$	98			$	415
Non-cash investing activities
Accrued purchase of property and equipment		$	407			$	137
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations		$	–			$	94

 

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What was Lifeway Foods (LWAY) revenue growth in 2024?

Lifeway Foods achieved net sales of $186.8 million in 2024, representing a 16.7% increase from 2023.

What was LWAY's earnings per share (EPS) for full year 2024?

Lifeway reported earnings of $0.61 per basic share and $0.60 per diluted share in 2024.

How many consecutive quarters of growth has LWAY achieved as of Q4 2024?

Lifeway Foods achieved its 21st consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in Q4 2024.

What is Lifeway's (LWAY) projected Adjusted EBITDA target for 2027?

Lifeway Foods maintains its guidance for Adjusted EBITDA of $45-50 million for FY2027.

What expansion plans does LWAY have for its Waukesha facility?

Lifeway is upgrading its Waukesha facility to almost double production capacity and more than triple bottling speed.