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Upturn AI SWOT - About
LWAY 
Lifeway Foods Inc (LWAY)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: LWAY (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
1 Analysts rated it
Very few follow this stock; limited insights, higher-risk early investing.
1 Year Target Price $33
1 Year Target Price $33
| 1 | Strong Buy |
| 0 | Buy |
| 0 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 7.16% | Avg. Invested days 46 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | Stock Returns Performance  2.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 08/14/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 456.57M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 42.84 | 1Y Target Price 33 |
Price to earnings Ratio 42.84 | 1Y Target Price 33 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 1 | Beta 0.68 | 52 Weeks Range 17.82 - 31.00 | Updated Date 08/15/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 17.82 - 31.00 | Updated Date 08/15/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 0.7 |
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-08-12 | When - | Estimate 0.27 | Actual 0.28 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 5.49% | Operating Margin (TTM) 10.75% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 8.37% | Return on Equity (TTM) 14.46% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 42.84 | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 435625202 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.37 |
Enterprise Value 435625202 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.37 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 2.26 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 22.14 | Shares Outstanding 15226500 | Shares Floating 5509564 |
Shares Outstanding 15226500 | Shares Floating 5509564 | ||
Percent Insiders 65.29 | Percent Institutions 23.22 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Lifeway Foods Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
Lifeway Foods, Inc. was founded in 1986 by Michael and Ludmila Smolyansky and is based in Morton Grove, Illinois. It is the largest manufacturer of kefir in the United States. Initially focused on selling kefir locally, Lifeway expanded nationally, pioneering the probiotic drink's presence in major grocery chains.
Core Business Areas
- Kefir Products: Production and sale of kefir, a cultured dairy drink known for its probiotic benefits. This includes various flavors, sizes, and formats, such as drinkable kefir, frozen kefir, and protein kefir.
Leadership and Structure
Lifeway Foods is led by Julie Smolyansky (CEO), and Edward Smolyansky (CFO). The company has a board of directors overseeing strategic decisions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Organic Kefir: Lifeway's flagship product, a probiotic-rich cultured milk beverage. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint precisely due to variations in reporting and the breadth of the yogurt/probiotic beverage market. Competitors include Danone (Activia), Chobani (yogurt drinks), and other smaller kefir brands. Revenue from this product comprises the majority of Lifeway's sales.
- Probiotic Oat: Lifeway Probiotic Oat. The drink contains 10 different strains of probiotics and is lactose-free, gluten-free and vegan. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint precisely due to variations in reporting and the breadth of the yogurt/probiotic beverage market. Competitors include Danone (Activia), Chobani (yogurt drinks), and other smaller kefir brands. Revenue from this product comprises a smaller percentage of Lifeway's sales.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The market for probiotic foods and beverages is experiencing growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of gut health and the benefits of probiotics. The category includes yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and other fermented products.
Positioning
Lifeway is positioned as a leading kefir brand in the US. Its competitive advantages include its brand recognition, established distribution network, and focus on probiotic health benefits. They are perceived as a health-focused beverage company.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global probiotic market is estimated at approximately $65 billion to $75 billion, with the probiotic dairy segment contributing a significant portion. Lifeway, with its strong kefir brand, captures a small but significant percentage of this TAM. Its position is expanding with new product lines.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition in the kefir category
- Established distribution network
- Focus on health and wellness trends
- Innovative product development
Weaknesses
- Dependence on the kefir category, limiting diversification
- Relatively smaller scale compared to larger food and beverage companies
- Susceptibility to fluctuations in dairy prices
- Limited international presence
Opportunities
- Expanding product lines beyond traditional kefir
- Increased marketing and education to drive consumer awareness of kefir benefits
- Strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand market reach
- Growth in demand for plant-based and non-dairy probiotic options
Threats
- Competition from larger food and beverage companies
- Changing consumer preferences and dietary trends
- Economic downturns impacting consumer spending
- Regulatory scrutiny and labeling requirements
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- DANO
- BYND
- OATLY
Competitive Landscape
Lifeway's advantages include its kefir specialization, but it faces competition from larger companies with greater resources and broader product portfolios.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Lifeway has experienced growth driven by increasing consumer demand for probiotic foods and beverages. Volatility exists from consumer discretionary spending and price fluctuations.
Future Projections: Future growth projections depend on continued innovation, market expansion, and strategic partnerships. Analysts estimate growth rates which need to be researched to provide.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include new product launches (e.g., probiotic oat), marketing campaigns, and distribution agreements.
Summary
Lifeway Foods holds a strong position within the kefir market, leveraging its brand recognition and established distribution. However, its smaller scale compared to larger competitors and dependence on a single product category pose challenges. Successful expansion into adjacent categories and strategic partnerships will be crucial for sustained growth. Monitoring consumer trends and adapting to changing dietary preferences are also critical.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Lifeway Foods Investor Relations
- Market research reports on the probiotic foods and beverages market
- Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Various online news sources
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a financial advisor. Market share data is estimated and may vary across sources. Financial data requires access to SEC reports to fill in the gaps.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Lifeway Foods Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Morton Grove, IL, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1987-09-29 | Chairperson of the Board, CEO, President & Secretary Ms. Julie Smolyansky | ||
Sector Consumer Defensive | Industry Packaged Foods | Full time employees 291 | Website https://lifewaykefir.com |
Full time employees 291 | Website https://lifewaykefir.com | ||
Lifeway Foods, Inc. produces and markets probiotic-based products in the United States and internationally. The company's primary product is drinkable kefir, a cultured dairy product in various organic and non-organic sizes, flavors, and types. It offers European-style soft cheeses, including farmer and white cheeses, and sweet kiss; cream and other products; drinkable yogurt; ProBugs, a kefir products designed for children; and butter and sour cream. The company sells its products under the Lifeway, Fresh Made, and GlenOaks Farms brand names, as well as under private labels on behalf of customers primarily through direct sales force, brokers, and distributors. Lifeway Foods, Inc. was incorporated in 1986 and is based in Morton Grove, Illinois.
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