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Rhea-AI Summary

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) anticipates a $5 million net gain from the sale of Simple Mills to Flowers Foods, following their early investment in 2015. The total expected proceeds for Lifeway will reach $6.5 million, including a previously realized gain of $1.5 million in 2019.

The acquisition deal values Simple Mills at $795 million and is expected to close in Q1 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Lifeway's Board of Directors has expressed support for CEO Julie Smolyansky, who was responsible for the initial Simple Mills investment decision.

Positive

• Expected $5 million net gain from Simple Mills sale
• Total investment return of $6.5 million including previous gains
• Successful early-stage investment strategy validation

Negative

• Sale proceeds represent a one-time gain, not recurring revenue

Insights

Financial Analyst

Lifeway Foods' announcement of a $5 million net gain from the Simple Mills sale represents a significant financial windfall for a company of Lifeway's size. This gain, combined with the $1.5 million already realized in 2019, brings total proceeds to $6.5 million from what appears to be a relatively small early-stage investment made in 2015.

The $795 million acquisition price by Flowers Foods indicates Simple Mills has achieved substantial valuation growth since Lifeway's initial investment. While we don't know Lifeway's exact ownership percentage, the $6.5 million total return suggests this was an exceptionally successful capital allocation decision that has delivered meaningful shareholder value.

This one-time gain provides Lifeway with increased financial flexibility, potentially funding growth initiatives in their core probiotic products business, reducing debt, or returning capital to shareholders. The board's explicit endorsement of CEO Julie Smolyansky specifically highlights this investment win, suggesting management has demonstrated skill in identifying high-potential opportunities outside their core operations.

For investors, this represents pure upside - an unexpected cash infusion that strengthens Lifeway's financial position without diluting existing shareholders or taking on additional debt obligations.

Corporate Strategy Expert

Lifeway's successful exit from Simple Mills demonstrates exceptional strategic foresight in their capital allocation decisions. By identifying Simple Mills as a promising investment opportunity in 2015, well before the current boom in clean-label and better-for-you food products, Lifeway positioned itself to capture significant value outside its core operations.

This investment approach shows management's ability to recognize adjacent growth opportunities in the broader natural foods ecosystem. Rather than solely focusing internal investment on their kefir products, this diversified approach allowed Lifeway to participate in the growth of complementary categories without the execution risk of developing new product lines themselves.

The $6.5 million total return over the investment period delivers immediate value and validates this strategic approach. While this appears to be an opportunistic investment rather than a systematic venture program, it demonstrates management's understanding of emerging consumer trends and ability to identify promising brands early in their lifecycle.

The timing is particularly advantageous, as this cash infusion comes during a period when many food companies face margin pressures. This additional capital provides Lifeway strategic flexibility at an opportune moment, potentially funding innovation, manufacturing improvements, or marketing initiatives in their core probiotic business.

03/26/2025 - 09:30 AM

In the news release, LIFEWAY FOODS EXPECTS TO REALIZE $5 MILLION NET GAIN FROM SALE OF SIMPLE MILLS TO FLOWERS FOODS, issued 11-Feb-2025 by Lifeway Foods, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that two instances of "Simple Foods" in the first paragraph have been updated to "Simple Mills." The complete, corrected release follows:

LIFEWAY FOODS EXPECTS TO REALIZE $5 MILLION NET GAIN FROM SALE OF SIMPLE MILLS TO FLOWERS FOODS

Gain comes as a result of early investment in Simple Mills made by Lifeway in 2015

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Feb. 11, 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, expects to realize approximately $5 million of net profit as a result of the recently announced sale of Simple Mills to Flowers Foods. Lifeway was an early investor in Simple Mills in 2015 and since that time, the Company has already realized a $1.5 million gain in 2019, bringing the total expected net proceeds to Lifeway of approximately $6.5 million.

"We extend our congratulations to Simple Mills and its CEO Katlin Smith for its successful exit based on the impending $795 million acquisition by Flowers Foods," said Julie Smolyansky, Lifeway's CEO. "When we first invested in Simple Mills we saw the potential growth of the company and we are delighted that Lifeway's shareholders will benefit from our early investment," added Ms. Smolyansky.

The acquisition of Simple Mills is subject to regulatory approval and is projected to close during the first quarter of 2025.

Lifeway's Board of Directors affirms its support for the management of the Company by Julie Smolyansky who was responsible for the early investment in Simple Mills.

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 release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding our intent, belief or expectations for our business, operations, financial performance or condition. These statements use words such as "continue," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "project," "estimate," "outlook," and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may" and "could." 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 other factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. 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.

Contacts:
Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com

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

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

How much will Lifeway Foods (LWAY) gain from the Simple Mills sale to Flowers Foods?

Lifeway Foods will realize approximately $5 million in net profit from the sale, bringing total proceeds to $6.5 million including a previous $1.5 million gain from 2019.

What is the total acquisition value of Simple Mills by Flowers Foods?

Simple Mills is being acquired by Flowers Foods for $795 million.

When did Lifeway Foods initially invest in Simple Mills?

Lifeway Foods made its early investment in Simple Mills in 2015.

When is the Simple Mills acquisition expected to close?

The acquisition is projected to close during the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.