UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended:
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)
(
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has submitted electronically every Interactive Data file required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405
of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
| Large accelerated Filer ☐ | Accelerated Filer ☐ | |
| Smaller reporting company | ||
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
Number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding as of November 6, 2024: .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
| Item 1. | Financial Statements. | 3 |
| Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. | 20 |
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. | 26 |
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures. | 26 |
| PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | ||
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings. | 27 |
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors. | 27 |
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. | 27 |
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities. | 27 |
| Item 5. | Other Information. | 27 |
| Item 6. | Exhibits. | 27 |
| Signatures. | 28 | |
| 2 |
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, | |||||||
| (Unaudited) | 2023 | |||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses and discounts & allowances of $ | ||||||||
| Inventories, net | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Refundable income taxes | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset | ||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Current portion of note payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts payable | ||||||||
| Accrued expenses | ||||||||
| Accrued income taxes | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||
| Note payable | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | ||||||||
| Deferred income taxes, net | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, par value; shares authorized; shares issued or outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Common stock, par value; shares authorized; shares issued; and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively | ||||||||
| Paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Treasury stock, at cost | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Retained earnings | ||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | ||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | $ | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
| 3 |
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of goods sold | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling expense | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Gain on sale of property and equipment | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Total other income (expense) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Net earnings per common share: | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | ||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
| 4 |
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
| Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued | In treasury | Paid-In | Retained | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | $ | Shares | $ | Capital | Earnings | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2023 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2023 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with stock-based compensation | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2023 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with stock-based compensation | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2023 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
(continued)
| 5 |
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
| Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued | In treasury | Paid-In | Retained | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | $ | Shares | $ | Capital | Earnings | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2024 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2024 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with stock-based compensation | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock on exercise of stock options | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2024 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with stock-based compensation | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2024 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
| 6 |
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
| Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | ||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flow: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
| Non-cash interest expense | ||||||||
| Bad debt expense | ||||||||
| Gain on sale of equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| (Increase) decrease in operating assets: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventories | ||||||||
| Refundable income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | ||||||||
| Accrued expenses | ||||||||
| Accrued income taxes | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from sales or equipment | ||||||||
| Purchase of investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Repayment of note payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | ||||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes, net of (refunds) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-cash investing activities | ||||||||
| Accrued purchase of property and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
| Increase in right-of-use assets and operating lease obligations | $ | $ | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
| 7 |
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, and do not include certain information and footnote disclosures required for complete, audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of all interim periods reported herein. The consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 filed by Lifeway Foods, Inc. (together with all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company”). Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lifeway Foods, Inc. and all its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Our significant accounting policies, which are summarized in detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, have not materially changed. The following is a description of certain of our significant accounting policies.
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements include the reserve for promotional allowances, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, stock-based and incentive compensation, and deferred income taxes.
Cash and cash equivalents
Lifeway considers cash and all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates or equals fair value due to their short-term nature.
Lifeway from time to time may have bank deposits in excess of insurance limits of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality financial institutions. Lifeway has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes the financial risks associated with these financial instruments are minimal.
| 8 |
Advertising and promotional costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and
reported in Selling expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Total advertising expense was $
Segments
The Company is managed as a single reportable segment. The Chief Executive Officer, who is the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), reviews financial information on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and assessing financial performance, as well as for making strategic operational decisions and managing the organization. Substantially all of Lifeway’s consolidated revenues relate to the sale of cultured dairy products that it produces using the same processes and materials and are sold to consumers through a common network of distributors and retailers in the United States.
Recent accounting pronouncements
Issued but not yet effective
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07: Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The new standard requires entities to report incremental information about significant segment expenses included in a segment’s profit or loss measure as well as the name and title of the chief operating decision maker. The new standard also requires interim disclosures related to reportable segment profit or loss and assets that had previously only been disclosed annually. The new standard is effective for our annual period ending December 31, 2024 and our interim periods during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The new standard does not affect recognition or measurement in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09: Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures that requires entities to disclose additional information about federal, state, and foreign income taxes primarily related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The new standard also eliminates certain existing disclosure requirements related to uncertain tax positions and unrecognized deferred tax liabilities. The new standard is effective for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The guidance does not affect recognition or measurement in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Topic 220): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The new standard requires additional disclosure of certain amounts included in the expense captions presented on the Statement of Operations as well as disclosures about selling expenses. The new standard is effective on a prospective basis, with the option for retrospective application, for our annual period ending December 31, 2027 and our interim periods during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2028. The new standard does not affect recognition or measurement in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
| 9 |
Note 3 – Inventories, net
Inventories consisted of the following:
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Ingredients | $ | $ | ||||||
| Packaging | ||||||||
| Finished goods | ||||||||
| Total inventories, net | $ | $ | ||||||
Note 4 – Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Land | $ | $ | ||||||
| Buildings and improvements | ||||||||
| Machinery and equipment | ||||||||
| Vehicles | ||||||||
| Office equipment | ||||||||
| Construction in process | ||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total property, plant and equipment, net | $ | $ | ||||||
Note 5 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill consisted of the following:
| Total | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | ||||
| Goodwill | $ | |||
| Accumulated impairment losses | ( | ) | ||
| $ | ||||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 | ||||
| Goodwill | $ | |||
| Accumulated impairment losses | ( | ) | ||
| $ | ||||
| 10 |
Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets, net consisted of the following:
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Net | Gross | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying | Accumulated | Carrying | Carrying | Accumulated | Carrying | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Amortization | Amount | Amount | Amortization | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recipes | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Customer lists and other customer related intangibles | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand names | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Formula | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total intangible assets, net | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
Estimated amortization expense on intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:
| Year | Amortization | |||
| Three months ended December 31, 2024 | $ | |||
| 2025 | $ | |||
| 2026 | $ | |||
| 2027 | $ | |||
| 2028 | $ | |||
The weighted-average remaining amortization expense
period for the customer relationship and brand name intangible assets is
Note 6 – Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Payroll and incentive compensation | $ | $ | ||||||
| Real estate taxes | ||||||||
| Utilities | ||||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| 11 |
Note 7 – Debt
Note payable consisted of the following:
September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Term loan due August 18, 2026. Interest payable monthly. | $ | $ | ||||||
| Unamortized deferred financing costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Total note payable | ||||||||
| Less current portion | ( | ) | ||||||
| Total long-term portion | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company paid the outstanding term loan balance
of $
Credit Agreement
The Company is party to an Amended and Restated
Loan and Security Agreement (as amended and modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) with its existing lender and
certain of its subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement provides for, among other things, a $
All outstanding amounts under the Credit Agreement
bear interest at the
The Credit Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.25 to 1.00, and a minimum working capital financial covenant, as defined, of no less than $11.25 million, in each of the fiscal quarters ending through the expiration date. The Credit Agreement provides for events of default, including failure to repay principal and interest when due and failure to perform or violation of the provisions or covenants of the agreement, as a result of which amounts due under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated. The loans and all other amounts due and owed under the Credit Agreement and related documents are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets.
Lifeway was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum working capital covenants at September 30, 2024.
Revolving Credit Facility
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $
| 12 |
Note 8 – Leases
The Company leases certain machinery and equipment with fixed base rent payments and variable costs based on usage. Remaining lease terms for these leases range from less than one year to five years. The Company includes lease extension options, if applicable and reasonably certain to be exercised, in the calculation of the right-of-use asset and lease liabilities. Lifeway includes only fixed payments for lease components in the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability. Variable lease payments are those that vary because of changes in facts or circumstances occurring after the commencement date, other than the passage of time. There are no residual value guarantees. Lifeway does not currently have leases which meet the finance lease classification as defined under ASC 842.
Lifeway treats contracts as a lease when the contract conveys the right to use a physically distinct asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration, it directs the use of the asset and obtains substantially all the economic benefits of the asset.
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are measured and recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Lifeway has elected the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components into a single component for all of its leases. When the Company is unable to determine an implicit interest rate, it uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments for those leases. Lifeway includes options to extend or terminate the lease in the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise such options. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company does not record leases with an initial
term of 12 months or less on the balance sheet. Expense for these short-term leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease
term. Total lease expense was $
Future maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
| Year | Operating Leases | |||
| Three months ended December 31, 2024 | $ | |||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| 2028 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total lease payments | ||||
| Less: Interest | ( | ) | ||
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | |||
The weighted-average remaining lease term for
its operating leases was
| 13 |
Note 9 – Commitments and contingencies
Litigation
Lifeway is involved in various legal proceedings, claims, disputes, regulatory matters, audits, and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of, or incidental to, the Company’s business, including commercial disputes, product liabilities, intellectual property matters and employment-related matters.
Lifeway records provisions in the consolidated financial statements for pending legal matters when it believes it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, on a periodic basis, developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of any accrual and developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. If a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, it does not establish an accrued liability. Currently, none of its accruals for outstanding legal matters are material individually or in the aggregate to its financial position and it is management’s opinion that the ultimate resolution of these outstanding legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, if the Company is ultimately required to make payments in connection with an adverse outcome, it is possible that such contingency could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 10 – Income taxes
Income taxes were recognized at effective rates
of
The Company calculates the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full year, excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items, and applies that rate to income (loss) before provision for income taxes for the period.
The Company’s effective tax rate may change from period to period based on recurring and non-recurring factors including the relative mix of pre-tax earnings (or losses), the jurisdictional mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, state income taxes, the impact of non-deductible items, changes in valuation allowances, settlement of tax audits, and the expiration of the statute of limitations in relation to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company records discrete income tax items such as enacted tax rate changes and completed tax audits in the period in which they occur. The Company consistently reflects non-deductible officer compensation expense, non-deductible compensation expense related to equity incentive awards and separate state tax rates from period to period. Although similar items were reflected in 2024, the percentage effect is different due to the difference in pre-tax income in 2024 compared to 2023.
Unrecognized tax benefits were $
Omnibus Incentive Plan
In December 2015, Lifeway stockholders approved the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which authorized the issuance of an aggregate of million shares to satisfy awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, unrestricted stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units to qualifying employees. Under the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Board of Directors or its Compensation Committee approves stock awards to executive officers and certain senior executives, generally in the form of restricted stock or performance shares. The number of performance shares that participants may earn depends on the extent to which the corresponding performance goals have been achieved. Stock awards generally vest over a three-year performance or service period. At September 30, 2024, no shares remain available for award under the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan as it was terminated on August 31, 2022. However, any outstanding awards under the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan are unaffected by the termination of the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan or by the approval of the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”) as described below.
| 14 |
On August 31, 2022, Lifeway stockholders approved the 2022 Plan. Under the 2022 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant awards of various types of compensation, including, nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards and other stock-based awards. The maximum number of shares authorized to be awarded under the 2022 Plan is million shares of common stock, which includes shares that remained available under the now terminated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
Awards granted under the 2022 Plan are generally subject to a minimum vesting period of at least one year. Awards may be subject to cliff-vesting or graded-vesting conditions, with graded vesting starting no earlier than one year after the grant date. The Plan Administrator may provide for shorter vesting periods in an award agreement for no more than five percent of the maximum number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2022 Plan. As of September 30, 2024, million shares remain available to award under the 2022 Plan.
Stock Options
The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
| Options | Weighted average exercise price |
Weighted contractual life |
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | – | – | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( |
) | – | – | ||||||||||||
| Forfeited | – | – | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Units
A Restricted Stock Unit (“RSU”) represents the right to receive one share of common stock in the future. RSUs have no exercise price. The grant date fair value of the awards is determined by the Company’s closing stock price on the grant date. Lifeway expenses RSUs over the vesting period. The following table summarizes RSU activity during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
| Restricted Stock Units | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||
| Granted | ||||||||
| Shares issued upon vesting | ( | ) | ||||||
| Forfeited | ||||||||
| Outstanding at September 30, 2024 | $ | |||||||
| Vested and deferred at September 30, 2024 | $ | |||||||
| 15 |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and
2023 total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $ and $, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 tax-related benefits of $
Long-Term Incentive Plan Compensation
Lifeway has established long-term incentive-based compensation programs for certain senior executives and key employees pursuant to the terms of its incentive plans.
2020 CEO Incentive Award
During the fourth quarter 2020, Lifeway awarded
a long-term equity-based incentive of $
2021 Equity Award
The 2021 long-term equity incentive plan compensation
is based on Lifeway’s achievement of adjusted EBITDA performance versus the respective target established by the Board of Directors
for 2021. Under the 2021 plan, collectively the participants earned equity-based incentive compensation of $
2022 Equity Award
Under the 2022 long-term incentive plan, participants can earn a specified number of target level Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) contingent upon the achievement of strategic milestones during the three-year Measurement Period, which is fiscal year 2022 to 2024. The strategic milestones are 1) 3-year cumulative net revenue, and 2) 3-year cumulative adjusted EBITDA. The target number of PSU awards are weighted 50% on net revenue and 50% on adjusted EBITDA. Collectively, the participants can earn 125,066 PSUs at the target level. Participants may earn more or less than the target number of shares based on actual results, however the minimum and maximum number of shares that can be earned are bound by minimum and maximum thresholds of net revenue and adjusted EBITDA. The PSU awards will be earned and will vest, if at all, after the end of the three-year measurement period based on achievement of the milestones. The PSU awards do not vest during the three-year measurement period. The PSUs have a grant date fair value of $6.25 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, $ and $ was expensed as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, $ and $ was expensed as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations, respectively.
The 2022 long-term incentive plan also granted restricted stock unit awards that contain only a service condition and vest on the passage of time in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the August 31, 2022 grant date. The stock-based compensation expense for these awards is included in the Restricted Stock Units section above.
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2023 Equity Award
Under the 2023 long-term incentive plan, participants can earn a specified number of target level Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) contingent upon the achievement of strategic milestones during the three-year Measurement Period, which is fiscal year 2023 to 2025. The strategic milestones are 1) 3-year cumulative net revenue, and 2) 3-year cumulative adjusted EBITDA. The target number of PSU awards are weighted 50% on net revenue and 50% on adjusted EBITDA. Collectively, the participants can earn 115,622 PSUs at the target level. Participants may earn more or less than the target number of shares based on actual results, however the minimum and maximum number of shares that can be earned are bound by minimum and maximum thresholds of net revenue and adjusted EBITDA. The PSU awards will be earned and will vest, if at all, after the end of the three-year measurement period based on achievement of the milestones. The PSU awards do not vest during the three-year measurement period. The PSUs have a grant date fair value of $6.88 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, $ and $ was expensed as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, $ and $ was expensed as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations, respectively.
The 2023 long-term incentive plan also granted restricted stock unit awards that contain only a service condition and vest on the passage of time in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the June 16, 2023 grant date. The stock-based compensation expense for these awards is included in the Restricted Stock Units section above.
2024 Equity Award
Under the 2024 long-term incentive plan, participants can earn a specified number of target level Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) contingent upon the achievement of strategic milestones during the three-year Measurement Period, which is fiscal year 2024 to 2026. The strategic milestones are 1) 3-year cumulative net revenue, and 2) 3-year cumulative adjusted EBITDA. The target number of PSU awards are weighted 50% on net revenue and 50% on adjusted EBITDA. Collectively, the participants can earn 64,986 PSUs at the target level. Participants may earn more or less than the target number of shares based on actual results, however the minimum and maximum number of shares that can be earned are bound by minimum and maximum thresholds of net revenue and adjusted EBITDA. The PSU awards will be earned and will vest, if at all, after the end of the three-year measurement period based on achievement of the milestones. The PSU awards do not vest during the three-year measurement period. The PSUs have a grant date fair value of $13.73 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, $ and $ was expensed as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, $ and $ was expensed as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations, respectively.
The 2024 long-term incentive plan also granted restricted stock unit awards that contain only a service condition and vest on the passage of time in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the January 10, 2024 grant date. The stock-based compensation expense for these awards is included in the Restricted Stock Units section above.
Non-Employee Director Plan
On August 31, 2022, Lifeway stockholders approved the 2022 Non-Employee Director Equity and Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended by Amendment No. 1 approved by the Board on June 7, 2024 (the “2022 Director Plan”), which authorizes the grant of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), which will vest on such schedule as the Company, in its sole discretion, shall determine. Each non-employee director of the Company is eligible to be a participant in the 2022 Director Plan until they no longer serve as a non-employee director. As of the date of each annual shareholder meeting, or such other date as the Board shall determine, the Company may grant each director a number of RSUs for such year and set the vesting schedule for the RSUs granted. Whether and how many RSUs the Company will grant to directors in any year is subject to the sole discretion of the Company and shall in any event be subject to the 2022 Director Plan’s overall share limits. The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2022 Director Plan is 500 thousand shares. As of September 30, 2024, thousand shares remain available to award under the 2022 Director Plan. The aggregate fair market value of shares underlying RSU compensation that may be issued as RSU compensation to a director in any year shall not exceed $170. In addition to the grant of RSUs, the 2022 Director Plan also provides for the deferral by electing participants of all or part of their cash and/or RSU compensation (in 10% increments) into a deferred RSU account as RSUs. Deferred benefits are paid in a lump sum upon the applicable director’s departure from the Board of Directors.
Retirement Benefits
Lifeway has a defined contribution plan which
is available to all full-time employees. Under the terms of the plan, the Company matches employee contributions under a prescribed formula.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 total contribution expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations
was $
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The following table summarizes the effects of the share-based compensation awards on the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in calculating diluted earnings per share:
| Three Months Ended | Nine months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
| Assumed exercise/vesting of equity awards | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
Note 13 – Disaggregation of Revenue and Significant Customers
Lifeway’s primary product is drinkable kefir. The Company manufactures (directly or through a co-manufacturer) and markets products under the Lifeway, Fresh Made, and GlenOaks Farms brand names, as well as under private labels on behalf of certain customers.
The Company’s product categories are:
| · | Drinkable kefir, a cultured dairy product sold in a variety of organic and non-organic sizes, flavors, and types. | |
| · | European-style soft cheeses, including farmer cheese, white cheese, and Sweet Kiss. | |
| · | Cream and other, which primarily consists of cream, a byproduct of raw milk processing. | |
| · | Drinkable yogurt, sold in a variety of sizes and flavors. | |
| · | ProBugs, a line of kefir products designed for children. | |
| · | Other dairy, which primarily consists of Fresh Made butter and sour cream. |
Net sales of products by category were as follows for the nine months ended September 30:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| In thousands | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| Drinkable Kefir other than ProBugs | ||||||||||||||||
| Cheese | ||||||||||||||||
| Cream and other | ||||||||||||||||
| Drinkable Yogurt | ||||||||||||||||
| ProBugs Kefir | ||||||||||||||||
| Other dairy | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | ||||||||||||||||
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Net sales of products by category were as follows for the three months ended September 30:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| In thousands | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| Drinkable Kefir other than ProBugs | ||||||||||||||||
| Cheese | ||||||||||||||||
| Cream and other | ||||||||||||||||
| Drinkable Yogurt | ||||||||||||||||
| ProBugs Kefir | ||||||||||||||||
| Other dairy | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | ||||||||||||||||
Significant Customers
Sales are predominately to companies in the retail
food industry located within the United States. Two major customers accounted for a total of approximately
Geographic Information
Net sales outside the of the United States represented less than 1% of total consolidated net sales for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Net sales outside of the United States are determined based on where ownership transfers to the customer.
All the Company’s long-lived assets are in the United States.
Note 14 – Subsequent Events
On November 4, 2024, the Company entered into a Shareholder Rights Agreement with Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (the “Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, the Company’s board of directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (each a “Right”) for each outstanding share of Company common stock to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 18, 2024. Each Right entitles its holder, subject to the terms of the Rights Agreement, to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of one share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, of the Company at an exercise price of $130.00 per Right, subject to adjustment. Rights will attach to any shares of Company common stock that become outstanding after November 18, 2024 and prior to the earlier of the Distribution Time (as defined in the Rights Agreement) and the redemption or expiration of the Rights, and in certain other circumstances described in the Rights Agreement.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) in this Form 10-Q is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes, and the MD&A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Form 10-K”). Unless otherwise specified, any description of “our”, “we”, and “us” in this MD&A refer to Lifeway Foods, Inc. (“Lifeway”) and our wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this quarterly report contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “from time to time,” “intend,” “plan,” “ongoing,” “realize,” “should,” “may,” “could," "believe," "future," "depend," "expect," "will," "result," "can," "remain," "assurance," "subject to," "require," "limit," "impose," "guarantee," "restrict," "continue," "become," "predict," "likely," "opportunities," "effect," "change," "predict," and "estimate,” and similar terms or terminology, or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding:
| · | Expectations of the effect on our financial condition of claims, litigation, environmental costs, contingent liabilities and governmental and regulatory investigations and proceedings, if any; | |
| · | Strategy for acquisitions, customer retention, growth, product development, market position, financial results and reserves; | |
| · | Estimates of the amounts of sales allowances and discounts to our customers and consumers; | |
| · | Our belief that we will maintain compliance with our loan agreements and have sufficient liquidity to fund our business operations. |
Forward looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, estimates and observations of future events based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made and include any statements that do not relate to any historical or current fact. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecast by our forward-looking statements due in part to the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that include:
| · | Changes in the pricing of commodities; | |
| · | The actions and decisions of our competitors and customers, including those related to price competition; | |
| · | Our ability to successfully implement our business strategy; | |
| · | The effects of government regulation; | |
| · | Disruptions to our supply chain, or our manufacturing and distribution capabilities, including those due to cybersecurity threats; and | |
| · | Such other factors as discussed throughout Part I, Item 1 “Business”; Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors”; and Part II, Item 7 “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 , Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q and that are described from time to time in our other periodic reports filed with the SEC. |
These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on future results. The Company intends these forward-looking statements to speak only at the date made. Except as otherwise required to be disclosed in periodic reports required to be filed by public companies with the SEC pursuant to the SEC's rules, Lifeway has no duty to update these statements, and it undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Business Overview
Lifeway was founded in 1986 by Michael Smolyansky, ten years after he and his family emigrated from Eastern Europe to the United States. Lifeway was the first to successfully introduce kefir to the U.S. consumer on a commercial scale, initially catering to ethnic consumers in the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area. Lifeway has grown to become the largest producer and marketer of kefir in the U.S. and an important player in the broader market spaces of probiotic-based products and natural, “better for you” foods.
Our primary product is drinkable kefir, a cultured dairy product. Lifeway Kefir is tart and tangy, high in protein, calcium and vitamin D. The Company manufactures (directly or through a co-manufacturer) and markets products under the Lifeway, Fresh Made, and GlenOaks Farms brand names, as well as under private labels on behalf of certain customers.
The Company’s product categories are:
| · | Drinkable Kefir, a cultured dairy product sold in a variety of organic and non-organic sizes, flavors, and types. | |
| · | European-style soft cheeses, including farmer cheese, white cheese, and Sweet Kiss. | |
| · | Cream and other, which primarily consists of cream, a byproduct of raw milk processing. | |
| · | Drinkable Yogurt, sold in a variety of sizes and flavors. | |
| · | ProBugs, a line of kefir products designed for children. | |
| · | Other Dairy, which primarily consists of Fresh Made butter and sour cream. |
Products
In October 2024, we began to roll out our first products with 100% lactose free labeling. Our products were already up to 99% lactose free, so we are pleased to further attract consumers with our new Organic Whole Milk Flavor Fusion items that have this added benefit, along with decreased sugar content. New on-trend flavors like Hot Honey, Matcha Latte, and Passionfruit Lychee – just to name a few – are amazing additions to our portfolio. The entire lineup is loaded with high-quality bioavailable nutrients, and plays to our strengths, as our organic products have been incredibly successful to date.
We expect health and wellness trends to continue to be a tailwind for our entire premium product portfolio. We plan to continue to invest behind our key products to capture more and more of this growing market,
Distribution Strategy
In September 2024, we announced our first expansion of Kefir distribution in the South African market. In November 2024, we announced our expansion within Dubai and the UAE. The offering of 32oz Lifeway Kefir, 8oz Lactose-Free Lifeway Kefir, ProBugs and farmer cheese, exported from the United States, is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will become available in supermarkets and hypermarkets in Dubai and across the Emirates. We are taking a measured, and thoughtful approach to global expansion, as we seek markets that are primed for success and can be accessed without a major initial investment.
Unsolicited Offer
On November 5, 2024, we announced that our board of directors (our “Board”) determined after careful and thorough consideration, in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, that the unsolicited proposal made on September 23, 2024 by Danone North America PBC (“Danone”) to acquire all of the shares of the Company that it does not already own for $25.00 per share substantially undervalues the Company and is not in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders or other stakeholders. In connection with that determination, we entered into a Shareholder Rights Agreement with Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (the “Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, our Board declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (each a “Right”) for each outstanding share of Company common stock to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 18, 2024. Each Right entitles its holder, subject to the terms of the Rights Agreement, to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of one share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, of the Company at an exercise price of $130.00 per Right, subject to adjustment. Rights will attach to any shares of Company common stock that become outstanding after November 18, 2024 and prior to the earlier of the Distribution Time (as defined in the Rights Agreement) and the redemption or expiration of the Rights, and in certain other circumstances described in the Rights Agreement.
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Trends and Uncertainties
Current Macroeconomic Environment
We have not experienced significant supply chain disruptions or labor supply shortages and have continued to satisfy customer and consumer demand for our products. Management continues to proactively manage the supply and transportation of materials used to produce and package our products, staffing, and transportation of our products to customers. This proactive planning has allowed the Company to meet increased demand.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
The following table presents certain information concerning our financial results, including information presented as a percentage of consolidated net sales:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | 46,095 | 100.0% | 40,896 | 100.0% | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 33,508 | 72.7% | 29,099 | 71.2% | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 720 | 1.6% | 654 | 1.6% | ||||||||||||
| Total cost of goods sold | 34,228 | 74.3% | 29,753 | 72.8% | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 11,867 | 25.7% | 11,143 | 27.2% | ||||||||||||
| Selling expense | 3,979 | 8.6% | 2,884 | 7.1% | ||||||||||||
| General & administrative expense | 3,564 | 7.7% | 3,085 | 7.5% | ||||||||||||
| Amortization expense | 135 | 0.3% | 135 | 0.3% | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 7,678 | 16.6% | 6,104 | 14.9% | ||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 4,189 | 9.1% | 5,039 | 12.3% | ||||||||||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (4 | ) | (0.0% | ) | (109 | ) | (0.3% | ) | ||||||||
| Gain on sale of property and equipment | 3 | 0.0% | – | 0.0% | ||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 138 | 0.3% | (1 | ) | 0.0% | |||||||||||
| Total other income (expense) | 137 | 0.3% | (110 | ) | (0.3% | ) | ||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 4,326 | 9.4% | 4,929 | 12.0% | ||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 1,350 | 2.9% | 1,517 | 3.7% | ||||||||||||
| Net income | 2,976 | 6.5% | 3,412 | 8.3% | ||||||||||||
Net Sales
Net sales were $46,095 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $5,199 or 12.7% versus prior year. The net sales increase was primarily driven by higher volumes of our branded drinkable kefir.
Gross Profit
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 25.7% and 27.2% in the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease versus the prior year was primarily due to unfavorable milk pricing, partially offset by favorable transportation costs.
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Selling Expense
Selling expenses increased by $1,095 to $3,979 during the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 from $2,884 during the same period in 2023. Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 8.6% in the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 from 7.1% during the same period in 2023. The increase is primarily driven by our continued investments in marketing activities.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expenses increased $479 to $3,564 during the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 from $3,085 during the same period in 2023. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 7.7% in the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 from 7.5% during the same period in 2023.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was $1,350 and $1,517 during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 31.2% compared to 30.8% in the same period last year. The statutory Federal and state tax rates remained consistent from 2024 to 2023. The Company has items that are nondeductible or are discrete adjustments to tax expense. The Company consistently reflects non-deductible officer compensation expense, non-deductible compensation expense related to equity incentive awards and separate state tax rates from period to period. Although similar items were reflected in 2023, the percentage effect is different due to the difference in pre-tax income in 2024 compared to 2023.
The Company’s effective tax rate may change from period to period based on recurring and non-recurring factors including the relative mix of pre-tax earnings (or losses), the jurisdictional mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, state income taxes, the impact of non-deductible items, changes in valuation allowances, settlement of tax audits, and the expiration of the statute of limitations in relation to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company records discrete income tax items such as enacted tax rate changes and completed tax audits in the period in which they occur.
Income taxes are discussed in Note 10 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Nine months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
The following table presents certain information concerning our financial results, including information presented as a percentage of consolidated net sales:
| Nine months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | 139,886 | 100.0% | 118,030 | 100.0% | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 101,127 | 72.3% | 85,428 | 72.4% | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 2,082 | 1.5% | 1,953 | 1.7% | ||||||||||||
| Total cost of goods sold | 103,209 | 73.8% | 87,381 | 74.1% | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 36,677 | 26.2% | 30,649 | 25.9% | ||||||||||||
| Selling expense | 11,256 | 8.0% | 8,974 | 7.6% | ||||||||||||
| General & administrative expense | 11,877 | 8.5% | 10,028 | 8.5% | ||||||||||||
| Amortization expense | 405 | 0.3% | 405 | 0.3% | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 23,538 | 16.8% | 19,407 | 16.4% | ||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 13,139 | 9.4% | 11,242 | 9.5% | ||||||||||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (102 | ) | (0.1% | ) | (322 | ) | (0.3% | ) | ||||||||
| Gain on sale of property and equipment | 3 | 0.0% | 33 | 0.0% | ||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 153 | 0.1% | (1 | ) | 0.0% | |||||||||||
| Total other income (expense) | 54 | 0.0% | (290 | ) | (0.3% | ) | ||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 13,193 | 9.4% | 10,952 | 9.2% | ||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 4,008 | 2.9% | 3,554 | 3.0% | ||||||||||||
| Net income | 9,185 | 6.5% | 7,398 | 6.2% | ||||||||||||
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Net Sales
Net sales were at $139,886 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $21,856 or 18.5% versus prior year. The net sales increase was primarily driven by higher volumes of our branded drinkable kefir.
Gross Profit
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 26.2% and 25.9% during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase versus the prior year was primarily due to the higher volumes of our branded products, which provided manufacturing efficiencies and favorable fixed cost absorption.
Selling Expense
Selling expense increased by $2,282 to $11,256 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 from $8,974 during the same period in 2023. Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 8.0% in the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 from 7.6% during the same period in 2023.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense increased $1,849 to $11,877 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 from $10,028 during the same period in 2023. The increase is primarily driven by stock-based incentive compensation and non-routine stockholder action expense.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was $4,008 and $3,554 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 30.4% compared to 32.5% in the same period last year. The statutory Federal and state tax rates remained consistent from 2024 to 2023. The Company has items that are nondeductible or are discrete adjustments to tax expense. The Company consistently reflects non-deductible officer compensation expense, non-deductible compensation expense related to equity incentive awards and separate state tax rates from period to period. Although similar items were reflected in 2023, the percentage effect is different due to the difference in pre-tax income in 2024 compared to 2023.
The Company’s effective tax rate may change from period to period based on recurring and non-recurring factors including the relative mix of pre-tax earnings (or losses), the jurisdictional mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, state income taxes, the impact of non-deductible items, changes in valuation allowances, settlement of tax audits, and the expiration of the statute of limitations in relation to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company records discrete income tax items such as enacted tax rate changes and completed tax audits in the period in which they occur.
Income taxes are discussed in Note 10 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Management assesses the Company's liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund its operating, investing, and financing activities. The Company remains in a strong financial position, and while it has been impacted by the macroeconomic challenges with commodity inflation and other input cost increases, the Company believes that its cash flow from operations, revolving credit, and cash and cash equivalents will continue to provide sufficient liquidity for its working capital needs, capital resource requirements, and growth initiatives and to ensure the continuation of the Company as a going concern.
| 25 |
If additional borrowings are needed, $5,000 was available under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2024 (see Note 7, Debt). We are in compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and expect to meet foreseeable financial requirements. The success of our business and financing strategies will continue to provide us with the financial flexibility to take advantage of various opportunities as they arise. To date, we have been successful in generating cash and obtaining financing as needed. However, if a serious economic or credit market crisis ensues, it could have a negative effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s most significant ongoing short-term cash requirements relate primarily to funding operations (including expenditures for raw materials, labor, manufacturing and distribution, trade and promotions, advertising and marketing, and income tax liabilities) as well as expenditures for property, plant and equipment.
Long-term cash requirements primarily relate to funding deferred income taxes (see Note 10, Income Taxes, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Cash Flow
The following table is derived from our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:
| Nine months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| Net Cash Flows Provided By (Used In): | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 15,541 | $ | 12.144 | ||||
| Investing activities | $ | (5,431 | ) | $ | (3,206 | ) | ||
| Financing activities | $ | (2,750 | ) | $ | (750 | ) | ||
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $15,541 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 compared to $12,144 in the same period in 2023. The increase is primarily due to higher cash earnings driven by increased product volumes.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $5,431 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 compared to $3,206 in the same period in 2023. The increase in cash used reflects our planned capital spending increase during 2024 compared to 2023. Our capital spending is focused in three core areas: growth, cost reduction, and facility improvements. Growth capital spending supports capacity expansion and new product innovation and enhancements. Cost reduction and facility improvements support manufacturing efficiency, safety, and productivity. We continue to make capital expenditures primarily to modernize manufacturing facilities and support productivity initiatives.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $2,750 and $750 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The cash used represents the quarterly principal payments under the term loan. The Company paid the outstanding term loan balance of $2,250 in full during the second quarter of 2024.
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Debt Obligations
The Company is party to an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (as amended and modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) with its existing lender and certain of its subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement provides for, among other things, a $5 million term loan to be repaid in quarterly installments of principal and interest over a term of five years, a revolving line of credit up to a maximum of $5 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and an incremental facility not to exceed $5 million. The termination date of the term loan is August 18, 2026, unless earlier terminated. The term loan was terminated during the second quarter of 2024 upon payment of the outstanding loan balance in full. The termination date of the revolving credit facility is June 30, 2025, unless earlier terminated.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $0 outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and note payable. The Company had $5,000 available for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2024.
All outstanding amounts under the loans bear interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), plus 2.07%. Interest is payable monthly in arrears. Lifeway is also required to pay a quarterly unused line fee of 0.20% on the Revolving Credit Facility, and in conjunction with the issuance of any letters of credit, a letter of credit fee of 0.20%.
The Company is in compliance with all applicable financial debt covenants as of September 30, 2024. See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our indebtedness and related agreements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements is provided in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
A description of the Company's critical accounting policies and estimates is contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. There were no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates in the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, together with our CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2024. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2024.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that has materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Information regarding legal proceedings is available in Note 9, Commitment and Contingencies.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
The risk factors disclosed under Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 should be considered together with the information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and should not be limited to those referenced herein or therein. The following risks and uncertainties supplement the risk factors found under Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Our business could be adversely affected as a result of uncertainty regarding proposals or other actions taken by stockholders related to the consideration of a possible future transaction.
On September 23, 2024, Danone North America PBC made an unsolicited proposal to acquire all of the shares of Company common stock that Danone does not already own for $25.00 per share (the “Proposal”). On November 4, 2024, we announced that our Board determined that the proposal substantially undervalues the Company and is not in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders or other stakeholders. Addressing the Proposal, similar future proposals and any other actions by stockholders or others relating to a potential change of control transaction involving the Company could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plans, make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified executives and employees, cause management distraction, require us to utilize more resources than anticipated towards review of strategic alternatives and result in the loss of potential business opportunities, any of which could have a material negative impact on the Company. In addition, our business and operations may be harmed to the extent that our customers, suppliers and others believe that we cannot effectively compete in the marketplace without completing a transaction, or there is customer, supplier or employee uncertainty surrounding the future direction of our product offerings and our strategy on a continued basis. There can be no assurance that any transaction will be completed now or in the future.
We have had to, and may continue to be forced to, incur fees and other expenses related to the Proposal, including for third-party advisors. Further, the Proposal, similar future proposals and any actual or perceived actions by our stockholders or others relating to a potential transaction involving the Company may cause significant fluctuations in our stock price based upon temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the Company’s underlying fundamentals and prospects.
Our shareholder rights plan includes terms and conditions that could discourage a takeover or other transaction that stockholders may consider favorable.
On November 4, 2024, in response to the Proposal and Danone’s substantial ownership position in the Company, our Board approved and adopted the Rights Agreement and declared a dividend of one Right for each outstanding share of Company common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 18, 2024. Each Right entitles its holder, subject to the terms of the Rights Agreement, to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, of the Company at an exercise price of $130.00 per Right, subject to adjustment. Rights will generally become exercisable only if any person or entity (or any persons or entities acting as a group) acquires 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Company common stock (or, to the extent any person, entity or group beneficially owned 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Company common stock as of immediately prior to the first public announcement of the adoption of the Rights Agreement, such person, entity or group acquires any additional shares). If Rights become exercisable, all holders of Rights (other than the person, entity or group triggering the Rights Agreement, whose Rights will become void and will not be exercisable) will have the right to purchase from the Company for $130.00, subject to certain potential adjustments, shares of Company common stock having a market value of twice that amount. The Rights Agreement expires on November 4, 2025, unless earlier terminated or the Rights are redeemed or exchanged by the Board. Additional information regarding the Rights Agreement is contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 5, 2024.
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The Rights Agreement will cause substantial dilution to any person, entity or group that acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Company common stock (or, to the extent any person, entity or group beneficially owned 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Company common stock as of immediately prior to the first public announcement of the adoption of the Rights Agreement, such person, entity or group acquires any additional shares). As a result, the overall effect of the Rights Agreement and the issuance of the Rights may be to discourage any person, entity or group from gaining a control or control-like position in the Company or engaging in other tactics, potentially disadvantaging the interests of the Company’s stockholders, without negotiating with the Board and without paying an appropriate control premium to all stockholders. The Rights Agreement has similar provisions to those of other plans adopted by publicly-held companies in comparable circumstances. It is intended to protect stockholders’ interests, including by providing the Board sufficient time to make informed judgments and take actions that are in the best interests of all of the Company’s stockholders and other stakeholders. Nevertheless, the Rights Agreement may be considered to have certain anti-takeover effects, including potentially discouraging a third party from attempting to obtain a substantial position in the Company common stock or seeking to obtain control of the Company and discouraging a takeover attempt that stockholders may consider favorable or that could result in a premium over the market price of Company common stock. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the Rights Agreement may adversely affect the prevailing market price of Company common stock if it is viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future.
The actions of certain of our stockholders could cause us to incur significant expense, disrupt our business, result in a proxy contest or litigation and adversely impact our stock price.
We value constructive input from investors and regularly engage in dialogue with our stockholders regarding strategy and performance. Our Board and management team are committed to acting in the best interests of all of our stockholders.
Two of the Company’s stockholders, Edward Smolyansky (our former Chief Operations Officer and the son of our founder) and Ludmila Smolyansky (a former member of our Board and the widow of our founder (together with Mr. Smolyansky (the “Family Stockholders”)), filed a Schedule 13D/A with the SEC on August 14, 2024 announcing their intention, among other things, to nominate seven director candidates for election to our Board and replace seven of the eight members of our Board. The Family Stockholders subsequently filed a preliminary consent solicitation statement with the SEC in furtherance of this objective, and they have made public statements critical of our Board, management and strategy and repeatedly called for the sale of the Company. A contested election with respect to the Company’s directors could require us to incur substantial legal, public relations and other advisory fees and proxy solicitation expenses. Further, we may choose to initiate, or may become subject to, litigation as a result of proposals by the Family Stockholders or other stockholders or proxy contests or matters relating thereto, which would serve as a further distraction to our Board and management and could require us to incur significant additional costs.
We may be subject to continued or similar activism in the future, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of our business strategy and adversely impact the market price of Company common stock. Stockholder actions, including potential proxy contests, require significant time and attention by management and our Board, potentially interfering with our ability to execute our strategic plan. Such stockholder action could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with our employees, customers or suppliers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners. These perceived uncertainties may also be exploited by our competitors and/or other stockholders, which could result in lost business opportunities and make it more difficult to execute on our long-term strategic plan. If customers choose to delay, defer or reduce transactions with us or do business with our competitors instead of us, then our business, financial condition and operating results would be adversely affected. We may be required to incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to stockholder actions, and the attention of our management may be diverted by such actions. Any of these impacts could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, and the market price of Company common stock could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected. If individuals are elected or appointed to our Board with a specific agenda or who do not agree with our strategic plan, the ability of our Board to function effectively could be adversely affected, which could in turn adversely affect our ability to effectively and timely implement our strategic plan and create additional value for our stockholders, and/or adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, no
director or officer of the Company
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
| No. | Description | Form | Period Ending | Exhibit | Filing Date | |||||
| 3.1 | Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Lifeway Foods, Inc. | Filed Herewith | ||||||||
| 4.1 | Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2024, by and between Lifeway Foods, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (which includes the Form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B thereto) | 8-A | 4.1 | 11/5/2024 | ||||||
| 31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Julie Smolyansky | Filed Herewith | ||||||||
| 31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Eric Hanson | Filed Herewith | ||||||||
| 32.1 | Section 1350 Certification of Julie Smolyansky* | Furnished Herewith | ||||||||
| 32.2 | Section 1350 Certification of Eric Hanson* | Furnished Herewith | ||||||||
| 99.1 | Press release dated November 14, 2024 reporting Lifeway’s financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024* | Furnished Herewith | ||||||||
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in IXBRL, and included in exhibit 101). | |||||||||
| * | The exhibits deemed furnished with this Form 10-Q and are not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q and irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. | ||
| Date: Nov 14, 2024 | By: | /s/ Julie Smolyansky |
| Julie Smolyansky | ||
| Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director | ||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
| Date: Nov 14, 2024 | By: | /s/ Eric Hanson |
| Eric Hanson | ||
| Chief Financial & Accounting Officer | ||
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||
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