Lifeway Foods
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Lifeway Foods - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 

 
(Mark One)
 
x
 QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended:  September 30, 2010
 
o
 TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________
 
Commission File Number: 000-17363
 

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 

 
Illinois
36-3442829
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 6431 West Oakton, Morton Grove, IL 60053
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)
 
(847-967-1010)
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 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.   Yes  x   No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data file required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).   Yes  o   No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer  o
Smaller reporting company x
 
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes  o   No  x
 
As of September 30, 2010, the issuer had 16,597,749 shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding.
 
 


 
 
 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.
CONTENTS TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
PART I —
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Page(s)
       
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
  3
       
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
  7
       
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
  20
       
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
  24
       
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
  24
       
       
       
PART II —
OTHER INFORMATION
   
       
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
  25
       
   ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS.
  25
       
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
  25
       
ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
   
      25
ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION.
   
      25
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS.
   
      25
       
       
SIGNATURES
    26
       
EXHIBIT INDEX
    27
 
 
 
 
2

 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
September 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2009
 
 
 
   
(Unaudited)
    
   
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
ASSETS
         
           
Current assets
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 $849,657  $804,387  $630,407 
Investments
  3,488,502   4,321,337   4,392,125 
Certificates of deposits in financial institutions
  450,000   629,120   652,005 
Inventories
  4,509,153   4,106,631   3,296,976 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts
  7,795,659   7,311,856   5,999,738 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  37,120   45,565   40,697 
Other receivables
  62,290   37,715   49,758 
Deferred income taxes
  277,393   338,070   251,456 
Refundable income taxes
     26,276   1,308,978 
Total current assets
  17,469,774   17,620,957   16,622,140 
              
Property and equipment, net
  14,930,309   13,812,039   14,282,182 
              
Intangible assets
            
Goodwill and other non amortizable brand asset
  13,806,091   13,806,091   13,806,091 
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,125,489 and $1,429,509 at September 30, 2010 and 2009 and $1,598,208 at December 31, 2009
  5,732,149   6,428,129   6,259,430 
Total intangible assets
  19,538,240   20,234,220   20,065,521 
              
Other assets
  500,000   500,000   500,000 
              
Total assets
 $52,438,323  $52,167,216  $51,469,843 
              
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
            
              
Current liabilities
            
Checks written in excess of bank balances
 $1,002,101  $  $342,976 
Current maturities of notes payable
  3,608,978   6,231,204   4,842,315 
Accounts payable
  2,708,534   2,180,297   2,764,000 
Accrued expenses
  739,982   683,685   614,344 
Accrued income tax
  567,926       
Total current liabilities
  8,627,521   9,095,186   8,563,635 
              
Notes payable
  6,197,778   7,400,573   6,890,214 
              
Deferred income taxes
  3,120,432   3,662,273   3,444,664 
Total liabilities
  17,945,731   20,158,032   18,898,513 
              
Stockholders' equity
            
Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 17,273,776 shares issued;16,597,749 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010; 17,273,776 shares issued: 16,775,930 shares outstanding at September 30, 2009; 17,273,776 shares issued; 16,778,555 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009
  6,509,267   6,509,267   6,509,267 
Paid-in-capital
  2,018,727   1,939,316   1,965,786 
Treasury stock, at cost
  (5,897,308)  (3,851,462)  (3,846,773)
Retained earnings
  31,811,438   27,833,816   27,953,409 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
  50,468   (421,753)  (10,359)
Total stockholders' equity
  34,492,592   32,009,184   32,571,330 
              
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 $52,438,323  $52,167,216  $51,469,843 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements 

 
3

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
and for the Year Ended December 31, 2009

 
   
(Unaudited)
  
(Unaudited)
    
   
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended
  
Year Ended
 
   
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
                 
Sales
  15,908,784   15,433,876   47,419,499   43,649,383   58,115,878 
                      
Cost of goods sold
  9,837,171   8,892,088   27,730,041   24,994,778   36,083,553 
Depreciation expense
  349,017   288,613   1,033,612   859,044   1,134,404 
                      
Total cost of goods sold
  10,186,188   9,180,701   28,763,653   25,853,822   37,217,957 
                      
Gross profit
  5,722,596   6,253,175   18,655,846   17,795,561   20,897,921 
                      
Selling expenses
  2,308,740   1,231,216   7,019,517   3,176,162   5,987,917 
General and administrative
  1,329,803   1,613,828   4,298,024   5,173,724   5,294,550 
Amortization expense
  175,760   168,699   527,280   508,086   676,786 
                      
Total Operating Expenses
  3,814,303   3,013,743   11,844,821   8,857,972   11,959,253 
                      
Income from operations
  1,908,293   3,239,432   6,811,025   8,937,589   8,938,668 
                      
Other income (expense):
                    
Interest and dividend income
  97,697   34,180   205,381   144,899   199,047 
Rental Income
  4,050   12,047   8,085   33,340   35,240 
Interest expense
  (86,167)  (99,864)  (262,274)  (364,337)  (442,703)
Loss on Disposition of Equipment
           (2,825)  (2,826)
Gain (loss) on sale of marketable
                    
  securities, net
  (1,687)  (178,143)  53,097   (274,296)  (278,474)
Total other income (expense)
  13,893   (231,780)  4,289   (463,219)  (489,716)
                      
Income before provision for
                    
   income taxes
  1,922,186   3,007,652   6,815,314   8,474,370   8,448,952 
                      
Provision for income taxes
  1,017,349   1,636,911   2,957,285   3,024,261   2,879,250 
                      
Net income
 $904,837  $1,370,741  $3,858,029  $5,450,109  $5,569,702 
                      
Basic and diluted earnings
                    
per common share
  0.05   0.08   0.23   0.32   0.33 
                      
Weighted average number of
                    
  shares outstanding
  16,625,414   16,798,623   16,695,782   16,799,134   16,798,164 
                      
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                    
                      
Net income
 $904,837  $1,370,741  $3,858,029  $5,450,109  $5,569,702 
                      
Other comprehensive income
                    
(loss), net of tax:
                    
Unrealized gains (losses) on
                    
investments (net of tax)
  101,334   114,628   91,995   326,060   325,086 
Less reclassification adjustment
                    
for (gains) losses included in
                    
net income (net of taxes)
  990   104,609   (31,168  161,071   163,464 
                      
Comprehensive income
 $1,007,161  $1,589,978  $3,918,856  $5,937,240  $6,058,252 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements

 
4

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
and for the Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
  
Common Stock, No Par Value
                 
Accumulated
 
   20,000,000 Shares  
# of Shares
              
Other
 
   Authorized  
of
              
Comprehensive
 
   
# of Shares
  
# of Shares
  
Treasury
  
Common
  
Paid In
  
Treasury
  
Retained
  
Income (Loss),
 
   
Issued
  
Outstanding
  
Stock
  
Stock
  
Capital
  
Stock
  
Earnings
  
Net of Tax
  
Total
 
                             
                             
Balances at December 31, 2008
  17,273,776   16,724,467   549,309  $6,509,267  $1,202,009  $(3,302,025) $22,383,707  $(498,909) $26,294,049 
                                      
Redemption of stock
     (87,991)  87,991         (905,607)        (905,607)
                                      
Issuance of treasury stock for compensation
     13,132   ( 13,132)     119,039   25,597         144,636 
                                      
Issuance of treasury stock for Fresh Made
acquisition
     128,947   (128,947)     644,738   335,262         980,000 
                                      
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains on securities, net of
taxes and reclassification adjustment
                       488,550   488,550 
                                      
Net income for the year ended
                                    
December 31, 2009
                    5,569,702      5,569,702 
                                      
Balances at December 31, 2009
  17,273,776   16,778,555   495,221  $6,509,267  $1,965,786  $(3,846,773) $27,953,409  $(10,359) $32,571,330 
                                      
                                      
Balances at January 1, 2009
  17,273,776   16,724,467   549,309  $6,509,267  $1,202,009  $(3,302,025) $22,383,707  $(498,909) $26,294,049 
                                      
Redemption of stock
     (87,991)  87,991         (905,607)        (905,607)
                                      
Issuance of treasury stock for compensation
     10,507   (10,507)     92,569   20,908         113,477 
                                      
Issuance of treasury stock for Fresh Made
acquisition
     128,947   (128,947)     644,738   335,262         980,000 
                                      
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains on securities, net of
taxes and reclassification adjustment
                       77,156   77,156 
                                      
Net income for the nine months ended
September 30, 2009
                    5,450,109      5,450,109 
                                      
Balances at September 30, 2009
  17,273,776   16,775,930   497,846  $6,509,267  $1,939,316  $(3,851,462) $27,833,816  $(421,753) $32,009,184 
                                      
                                      
Balances at January 1, 2010
  17,273,776   16,778,555   495,221  $6,509,267  $1,965,786  $(3,846,773) $27,953,409  $(10,359) $32,571,330 
                                      
Redemption of stock
     (191,306)  191,306         (2,059,911)        (2,059,911)
                                      
Issuance of treasury stock for compensation
     10,500   (10,500)     52,941   9,376         62,317 
                                      
                                      
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains on securities, net of
taxes and reclassification adjustment
                    ---   60,827   60,827 
                                      
Net income for the nine months ended
September 30, 2010
                    3,858,029   ---   3,858,029 
                                      
Balances at September 30, 2010
  17,273,776   16,597,749   676,027  $6,509,267  $2,018,727  $(5,897,308) $31,811,438  $50,468  $34,492,592 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
 
5

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
and for the Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
   
(Unaudited)
    
   
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
           
Cash flows from operating activities:
         
Net income
 $3,858,029  $5,450,109  $5,569,702 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
            
cash flows from operating activities, net of acquisition:
            
Depreciation and amortization
  1,560,893   1,367,130   1,811,190 
(Gain) Loss on sale of investments, net
  (53,097)  274,296   278,474 
Loss on disposition of assets
     2,825   2,826 
Deferred income taxes
  (392,966)  236,063   389,754 
Treasury stock issued for compensation
  62,318   113,477   144,636 
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts
        (75,000)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
            
Accounts receivable
  (1,795,921)  (2,000,033)  (612,915)
Other receivables
  ( 12,532)  2,599   (7,758)
Inventories
  (1,212,177)  (636,236)  173,419 
Refundable income taxes
  1,308,978   807,067   (475,635)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  3,577   4,660   9,506 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
            
Accounts payable
  (55,466)  (284,927)  298,800 
Accrued expenses
  125,638   167,114   96,062 
Accrued income taxes
  567,926       
Net cash provided by operating activities
  3,965,200   5,504,144   7,603,061 
              
Cash flows from investing activities:
            
Purchases of investments
  (1,809,171)  (6,050,202)  (6,156,682)
Proceeds from sale of investments
  2,868,975   6,792,962   6,928,321 
Proceeds from redemption of certificates of deposit
  202,545       
Purchases of property and equipment
  (1,681,740)  (1,020,776)  (1,766,280)
Acquisition of Fresh Made, net of cash acquired
     (3,442,546)  (11,042,546)
Net cash used in investing activities
  (419,391)  (3,720,562)  (12,037,187)
              
Cash flows from financing activities:
            
Proceeds of note payable
  250,000   1,753,504   9,353,504 
Checks written in excess of bank balances
  659,125      342,976 
Purchases of treasury stock
  (2,059,911)  (905,607)  (905,607)
Repayment of notes payable
  (2,175,773)  (2,104,340)  (4,003,588)
Net cash (used in) provided by in financing activities
  (3,326,559)  (1,256,443)  4,787,285 
              
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  219,250   527,139   353,159 
              
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
  630,407   277,248   277,248 
              
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
 $849,657  $804,387  $630,407 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
6

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009


Note 1 – NATURE OF BUSINESS

 
Lifeway Foods, Inc. (The “Company”) commenced operations in February 1986 and incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois on May 19, 1986. The Company’s principal business activity is the production of dairy products. Specifically, the Company produces Kefir, a drinkable product which is similar to but distinct from yogurt, in several flavors sold under the name “Lifeway’s Kefir;” a plain farmer’s cheese sold under the name “Lifeway’s Farmer’s Cheese;” a fruit sugar-flavored product similar in consistency to cream cheese sold under the name of “Sweet Kiss;” and a dairy beverage, similar to Kefir, with increased protein and calcium, sold under the name “Basics Plus.”  The Company also produces several soy-based products under th e name “Soy Treat” and a vegetable-based seasoning under the name “Golden Zesta.” The Company currently distributes its products throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area and various cities in the East Coast through local food stores.  In addition, the products are sold throughout the United States and Ontario, Canada by distributors. The Company also distributes some of its products to Eastern Europe.


Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements follows:

Basis of presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  However, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of Management, necessary for fair statement of results for the interim periods.

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, LFI Enterprises, Inc., Helios Nutrition, Ltd., Pride of Main Street, L.L.C., Starfruit, L.L.C., Fresh Made, Inc and Starfruit Franchisor, L.L.C.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The financial statements include the results of operations from Fresh Made, Inc from February 6, 2009 through the end of the period (see Note 3).

Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 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 allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts, the valuation of investment securities, the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets, and deferred taxes.

Revenue Recognition
Sales of Company produced dairy products are recorded at the time of shipment and the following four criteria have been met: (i)  The product has been shipped and the Company has no significant remaining obligations; (ii)  Persuasive evidence of an agreement exists; (iii)  The price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and (iv)  Collection is probable.  In addition, shipping costs invoiced to the customers are included in net sales and the related cost in cost of sales.
 
7

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009


Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued


Cash and cash equivalents
All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.

The Company maintains cash deposits at several institutions located in the greater Chicago, Illinois and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan areas.

Investments
All investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Amortization, accretion, interest and dividends, realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are recorded in other income. All of the Company's securities are subject to a periodic impairment evaluation. This evaluation depends on the specific facts and circumstances. Factors that we consider in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the market value of the security in relation to its cost basis; the financial condition of the investee; and the intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficie nt period of time to allow for possible recovery in the market value of the investment.
 
Accounts receivable
Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business.  The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally requires no collateral.

Accounts receivable are recorded at invoice amounts, and reduced to their estimated net realizable value by recognition of an allowance for doubtful accounts and net of anticipated discounts.  The Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon historical experience, its evaluation of the current status of specific receivables, and unusual circumstances, if any.  Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s credit terms.  Accounts considered uncollectible are charged against the allowance.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined by the first-in, first-out method.
 
Property and equipment
Property and equipment is stated at depreciated cost or fair value where depreciated cost is not recoverable.  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income for the period.  The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to income as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.

Property and equipment is being depreciated over the following useful lives:

Category
 
Years
Buildings and improvements
 
31 and 39
Machinery and equipment
 
5 – 12
Office equipment
 
5 – 7
Vehicles
 
5
 
 
8

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009


Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued


Intangible assets
The Company accounts for intangible assets at historical cost.  Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded under the purchase method of accounting at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.  Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired.  Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually.  Brand assets represent the fair value of brands acquired.  Brand assets have an indefinite life and therefore are not amortized, rather are reviewed periodically for impairment.  The Company amortizes other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, as disclosed in the table below.

The Company reviews intangible assets and their related useful lives at least once a year to determine if any adverse conditions exist that would indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.   The Company conducts more frequent impairment assessments if certain conditions exist, including:  a change in the competitive landscape, any internal decisions to pursue new or different strategies, a loss of a significant customer, or a significant change in the market place including changes in the prices paid for the Company’s products or changes in the size of the market for the Company’s products.

If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life.

Intangible assets are being amortized over the following useful lives:

Category
 
Years
Recipes
 
4
Customer lists and other customer related intangibles
 
7-10
Lease agreement
 
7
Trade names
 
15
Formula
 
10
Customer relationships
 
12

Income taxes
Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences resulting from income and expense items reported for financial accounting and tax purposes in different periods. Deferred taxes are classified as current or non-current, depending on the classification of the assets and liabilities to which they relate.  Deferred taxes arising from temporary differences that are not related to an asset or liability are classified as current or non-current depending on the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
 
The principal sources of temporary differences are different depreciation and amortization methods for financial statement and tax purposes, unrealized gains or losses related to investments, capitalization of indirect costs for tax purposes, purchase price adjustments, and the recognition of an allowance for doubtful accounts for financial statement purposes.
 
9

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009


Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued


The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The only periods subject to examination for the Company’s federal return are the 2006 through 2009 tax years. The Company believes that its income tax filing positions and deductions would be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded.
 
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2010, the IRS completed a review of the Company’s 2007 and 2008 federal tax return filings, resulting in a liability of approximately $220,000 being recognized as of September 30, 2010.  The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with audits is to record such items as a component of income before taxes. There were no such items during the periods covered in this report.

Treasury stock
Treasury stock is recorded using the cost method.

Advertising costs
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.  During the year ended December 31, 2009 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, approximately $1,689,540, $3,377,757 and $1,288,844 of such costs respectively, were expensed.

Earnings per common share
Earnings per common share were computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2009, diluted and basic earnings per share were the same, as the effect of dilutive securities options outstanding was not significant.

Reclassification
Certain 2009 balance sheet amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.

Note 3 – ACQUISITION

On February 6, 2009, we completed a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Agreement”) under which Lifeway purchased all of the issued and outstanding stock (the “Shares”) of Fresh Made, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“Fresh”).  The consideration for the Shares was an aggregate of $8,048,000 in cash, a note in the principal amount of $2,735,000, due on August 1, 2010 as amended and restated, 128,948 shares of common stock of Lifeway valued at a total of $980,000 (“Lifeway’s Common Stock”), the cancellation of a loan in the principal amount of $265,000.  The issuance of Lifeway’s Common Stock was exempted from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Also on February 6, 2009, we entered into and consummated a Real Property Purchase Agreement (the “Real Property Agreement”) under which we acquired 1.1355 acres of land in Philadelphia, PA (the “Property”).  The consideration for the Property was approximately $2,000,000.

The acquisition was consummated to expand the geographic footprint of Lifeway as well as grow market share.  The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase accounting method of accounting, and accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the
 
10

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009

Note 3 – ACQUISITION - Continued

fair value as of the merger date.  Acquisition costs for legal and professional fees have been included in General and Administrative costs.  None of the goodwill resulting from the acquisition is tax deductible.

The estimated fair value of assets acquired, including the real property, and liabilities assumed consisted of the following:

Cash and cash equivalents
 $226,000 
Accounts receivable (contractual amounts totaling $545,958)
  546,000 
Other current assets
  361,000 
Building and other fixed assets
  2,617,000 
Customer list
  4,000,000 
Non amortizable goodwill and brand asset
  8,391,000 
Current liabilities
  (461,000)
Deferred tax liability associated with purchase adjustments
  (1,652,000)
       Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
 $14,028,000 


The following pro forma disclosures, including the effect of purchase accounting adjustments, depict the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2009 as though the merger with Fresh had taken place as of January 1, 2009:
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2009
  
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
Gross revenue
 $44,764,966  $59,231,461 
          
Net income
 5,498,878  $5,618,471 
          
Earnings per share
 $0.33  $0.33 

Note 4 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS


Intangible assets, and the related accumulated amortization, consist of the following:

   
September 30, 2010
  
September 30, 2009
  
December 31, 2009
 
   
Cost
  
Accumulated Amortization
  
Cost
  
Accumulated Amortization
  
Cost
  
Accumulated Amortization
 
Recipes
 $43,600  $43,600  $43,600  $43,600  $43,600  $43,600 
Customer lists and other customer related intangibles
  4,305,200   911,919   4,305,200   486,280   4,305,200   587,393 
Lease acquisition
  87,200   76,824   87,200   64,359   87,200   67,473 
Other
  6,638   6,638   6,638   6,638   6,638   6,638 
Customer relationship
  985,000   342,008   985,000   259,932   985,000   280,454 
Contractual backlog
  12,000   12,000   12,000   12,000   12,000   12,000 
Trade names
  1,980,000   550,000   1,980,000   418,000   1,980,000   451,000 
Formula
  438,000   182,500   438,000   138,700   438,000   149,650 
   $7,857,638  $2,125,489  $7,857,638  $1,429,509  $7,857,638  $1,598,208 


 
11

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009


Note 4 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Continued

Amortization expense is expected to be as follows for the 12 months ending September 30:

2011
   
700,964
 
2012
   
685,133
 
2013
   
657,883
 
                         2014
   
657,883
 
2015
   
657,883
 
Thereafter
   
2,372,403
 
    $
5,732,149
 

Amortization expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $527,281, $508,086 and $676,786, respectively.


Note 5 – INVESTMENTS

The cost and fair value of investments classified as available for sale are as follows:

September 30, 2010
 
Cost
  
Unrealized
Gains
  
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair
Value
 
              
Equities
 $689,639  $27,867  $(55,041) $662,465 
Mutual Funds
  96,537   6,323   (1,014)  101,846 
Preferred Securities
  243,264   10,020   (11,764)  241,520 
Corporate Bonds
  2,313,081   127,867   (19,777)  2,421,171 
Government Agency Obligations
  60,005   1,495      61,500 
Total
 $3,402,526  $173,572  $(87,596) $3,488,502 


September 30, 2009
 
Cost
  
Unrealized
Gains
  
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair
Value
 
              
Equities
 $1,383,083  $127,024  $(137,790) $1,372,317 
Mutual Funds
  178,166   2,018   (25,885)  154,299 
Preferred Securities
  388,705   7,080   (135,301)  260,484 
Corporate Bonds
  1,559,094   48,181   (9,246)  1,598,029 
Government Agency Obligations
  933,760   9212   (6,764)  936,208 
Total
 $4,442,808  $193,515  $(314,986) $4,321,337 




 
12

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009

Note 5 – INVESTMENTS - Continued


December 31, 2009
 
Cost
  
Unrealized
Gains
  
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair
Value
 
              
Equities
 $1,385,524  $177,024  $(128,547) $1,434,001 
Mutual Funds
  172,543   7,453   (22,833)  157,163 
Preferred Securities
  388,705   6,700   (95,753)  299,652 
Corporate Bonds
  1,569,245   65,226   (6,772)  1,627,699 
Government Agency Obligations
  893,755   2,989   (23,134)  873,610 
Total
 $4,409,772  $259,392  $(277,039) $4,392,125 

Proceeds from the sale of investments were $6,928,321, $2,868,975 and $6,792,962 during the year ended December 31, 2009 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Gross gains of $351,419, $245,890 and $346,407 and gross losses of $629,893, $193,333 and $620,702 were realized on these sales during the year ended December 31, 2009 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company's investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at September 30, 2010 and 2009 and at December 31, 2009:

   
Less Than 12 Months
  
12 Months or Greater
  
Total
 
September 30, 2010
 
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
 
                    
Equities
 $59,879  $(5,726) $79,962  $(49,315) $139,841  $(55,041)
Mutual Funds
        17,970   (1,014)  17,970   (1,014)
Preferred Securities
        216,750   (11,764)  216,750   (11,764)
Corporate Bonds
  625,104   (17,357)  176,352   (2,420)  801,456   (19,777)
Government Agency Obligations
                  
   $684,983  $(23,083) $491,034  $(64,513) $1,176,017  $(87,596)

 
 
13

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009


Note 5 – INVESTMENTS - Continued


   
Less Than 12 Months
  
12 Months or Greater
  
Total
 
September 30, 2009
 
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
 
                    
Equities
 $304,784  $(82,750) $87,596  $(55,040) $392,380  $(137,790)
Mutual Funds
  86,194   (17,854)  39,061   (8,031)  125,255   (25,885)
Preferred Securities
  3,264   (1,101)  235,390   (134,200)  238,654   (135,301)
Corporate Bonds
  409,307   (6,405)  101,403   ( 2,841)  510,710   ( 9,246)
Government Agency
   Obligations
  259,936   (5,085)  76,297   (1,679)  336,233   (6,764)
   $1,063,485  $(113,195) $539,747  $(201,791) $1,603,232  $(314,986)

   
Less Than 12 Months
  
12 Months or Greater
  
Total
 
December 31, 2009
 
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
 
                    
Equities
 $128,959  $(27,142) $230,502  $(101,405) $359,461  $(128,547)
Mutual Funds
  1,694   (321)  131,870   (22,512)  133,564   (22,833)
Preferred Securities
        278,202   (95,753)  278,202   (95,753)
Corporate Bonds
  178,874   (3,176)  124,395   (3,596)  303,269   (6,772)
Government Agency
   Obligations
  564,941   (20,096)  161,466   (3,038)  726,407   (23,134)
   $874,468  $(50,735) $926,435  $(226,304) $1,800,903  $(277,039)


Equities, Mutual Funds, Corporate Bonds and Government Agency Obligations - The Company's investments in equity securities, mutual funds, corporate bonds and government agency obligations consist of investments in common stock, preferred stock and debt securities of companies in various industries.  The Company evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuer in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment. Based on that evaluation and the Company's ability and intent to hold these investments for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, the Company does not consider any material investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010.

Preferred Securities - The Company's investments in preferred securities consist of investments in preferred stock of companies in various industries.  The Company evaluated the continuing performance of the securities, the credit worthiness of the issuers as well as the near-term prospects of the security in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment. Based on that evaluation and the Company's ability and intent to hold these investments for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, the Company does not consider any material investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010.

 
14

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009

Note 6 – INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

   
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
Finished goods
 $1,523,234  $1,626,092  $1,101,885 
Production supplies
  1,745,308   1,718,779   1,367,457 
Raw materials
  1,240,611   761,760   827,634 
Total inventories
 $4,509,153  $4,106,631  $3,296,976 


Note 7 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:
        
   
September 30,
  
December 31
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
Land
 $1,178,160  $1,178,160  $1,178,160 
Buildings and improvements
  11,219,047   9,967,295   10,380,393 
Machinery and equipment
  13,256,649   12,292,030   12,525,241 
Vehicles
  976,745   961,245   961,245 
Office equipment
  299,823   238,029   255,616 
Construction in process
  133,579      81,608 
    27,064,003   24,636,759   25,382,263 
Less accumulated depreciation
  12,133,694   10,824,720   11,100,081 
Total property and equipment
 $14,930,309  $13,812,039  $14,282,182 

Depreciation expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $1,033,611, $859,044, and $1,134,404 respectively.

Note 8 ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:
        
   
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes
 $303,436  $234,269  $191,744 
Accrued property tax
  375,972   376,840   306,707 
Other
  60,574   72,576   115,893 
   $739,982  $683,685  $614,344 


 
 
15

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009

 Note 9 – NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consist of the following:

   
September 30,
  
December 31
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
           
Note payable to Private Bank in monthly installments of $42,222, plus variable interest rate, currently at 2.756%, with a balloon payment of $5,066,667 due February 6, 2014.  Collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company.
 $6,735,556  $7,262,222  $7,135,556 
              
Line of credit with Private Bank at variable interest rate, currently at 2.781%, due on February 6, 2011.  Collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company.
  750,000   2,400,000   500,000 
              
Line of credit with Morgan Stanley at variable interest rate, currently at 2.23% due on demand.  Collateralized by investments with a fair value of $3,488,502 at September 30, 2010.
  2,321,200   1,957,040   2,468,151 
              
Notes payable to Ilya Mandel & Michael Edelson, subordinated to Private Bank, payable in quarterly installments of $341,875, plus interest at the floating rate per annum (3.25% at September 30, 2010). This balance was paid in full during August 2010.
     2,012,515   1,628,822 
Total notes payable
  9,806,756   13,631,777   11,732,529 
Less current maturities
  3,608,978   6,231,204   4,842,315 
Total long-term portion
 $6,197,778  $7,400,573  $6,890,214 


Maturities of notes payables are as follows:

For the Period Ended September 30,
  
     
2011
 $3,608,978 
2012
  506,664 
2013
  506,664 
2014
  5,184,440 
Total
 $9,806,756 


 
 
16

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009


Note 10 – PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

      
For the
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
  
Year Ended
 
   
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
Current:
         
Federal
 $2,489,227  $2,293,323  $2,045,904 
State and local
  861,024   494,875   443,592 
Total current
  3,350,251   2,788,198   2,489,496 
Deferred
  (392,966)  236,063   389,754 
Provision for income taxes
 $2,957,285  $3,024,261  $2,879,250 

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes and the income tax computed at the statutory rate is as follows:

      
For the
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
  
Year Ended
 
   
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
Federal income tax expense
  computed at the statutory rate
 $2,317,207  $2,881,286  $2,872,644 
State and local tax expense, net
  327,135   406,770   405,550 
Permanent differences
  312,943   (263,795)  (178,160)
Tax credits and other
        (220,784)
Provision for income taxes
 $2,957,285  $3,024,261  $2,879,250 


Amounts for deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
        
   
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities)
arising from:
Temporary differences -
         
Accumulated depreciation
 $(1,872,114) $(2,010,273) $(2,129,680)
   Purchase accounting adjustments
  (1,585,334  (1,652,000  (1,652,000)
   Capital loss carry-forwards
  337,016      337,016 
Total non-current net deferred tax liabilities
  (3,120,432)  (3,662,273  (3,444,664)
Current deferred tax assets arising from:
            
Unrealized (gains) losses on investments
  (35,509  59,619   7,288 
Impairment of investments
  4,234   59,003   59,003 
Inventory
  190,958   174,013   139,730 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts and
       discounts
  117,710   45,435   45,435 
Total current deferred tax assets
  277,393   338,070   251,456 
Net deferred tax liability
 $(2,843,039) $(3,324,203) $(3,193,208)


 
17

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009



Note 11 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid for interest and income taxes are as follows:
        
   
For the Nine Months Ended
  
For the
Year Ended
 
   
September 30,
  
December 31,
 
   
2010
  
2009
  
2009
 
Interest
 $314,578  $330,095  $419,186 
Income taxes
 $1,479,092  $2,458,149  $3,432,228 

Note 12 – STOCK AWARD AND STOCK OPTION PLANS

The Company has a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with a Consulting Service Compensation Plan covering up to 1,200,000 of the Company’s common stock shares. Pursuant to such Plan, the Company may issue common stock or options to purchase common stock to certain consultants, service providers, and employees of the Company.  The option price, number of shares, grant date, and vesting terms are determined at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

As of December 31, 2009 and at September 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no stock options outstanding or exercisable.  There were approximately 940,000 shares available for issuance under the Plan at September 30, 2010.

On May 28, 2009, Lifeway's Board of Directors approved awards of an aggregate amount of 18,000 shares to be awarded under its Employee and Consulting Services and Compensation Plan to certain key employees and consultants for services rendered to the Company.  The stock awards were made on May 28, 2009 and have vesting periods of one year. The expense for the awards is measured as of July 14, 2009 at $14.69 per share for 18,000 shares, or a total stock award expense of $264,420. This expense was recognized as the stock awards vested in 12 equal portions of $22,035, or 1500 shares per month for one year.

On June 13, 2008, Lifeway's Board of Directors approved awards of an aggregate amount of 10,500 shares to be awarded under its Employee and Consulting Services and Compensation Plan to certain key employees and consultants for services rendered to the Company.  The stock awards were made on June 13, 2008 and had vesting periods of one year. The expense for the awards was measured as of July 1, 2008 at $11.87 per share for 10,500 shares, or a total stock award expense of $124,635. This expense was recognized as the stock awards vested in 12 equal portions of $10,386, or 875 shares per month for one year.

Note 13 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Generally accepted accounting principles define fair value as the exchange price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell an asset or transfer a liability at the measurement date.  The standards emphasize that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement and establish the following fair value hierarchy used in fair value measurements:

Level 1 – Inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

Level 2 – Inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.  These inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
 
18

 
LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 and 2009
and December 31, 2009

Note 13 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Continued

Level 3 – Inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability.

In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels in the above fair value hierarchy, fair value measurements in their entirety are categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of particular inputs to these fair measurements requires judgment and considers factors specific to each asset or liability.

Disclosures concerning assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:

   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
  
Balance
 
Assets
            
Investment securities- available - for – sale September 30, 2010
 $3,488,502        $3,488,502 
December 31, 2009
 $4,392,125        $4,392,125 
September 30, 2009
 $4,321,337        $4,321,337 


Note 14 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS


In June 2009, FASB issued FASB ASC 810, Consolidation. The objective of FASB ASC 810 is to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements. FASB ASC 810 shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operation.
 
Note 15 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 

On October 20, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets of First Juice, Inc., a producer of organic fruit and vegetable juice beverages designed for children, for a purchase price of approximately $271,000.  The acquisition was consummated to expand the Company’s presence in the children’s market, increase distribution channels for existing Lifeway products, and increase diversification of the Company’s products.  Assets acquired included all recipes, customer lists, trademarks, and other related intellectual property.  No liabilities were assumed through this acquisition.  Net sales of First Juice, Inc. (unaudited) were approximately $290,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, $910,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and $1,720,000 fo r the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
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ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Comparison of Quarter Ended September 30, 2010 to Quarter Ended September 30, 2009
 
The following analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements of the Company and related notes included elsewhere in this quarterly report and the audited financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our Form 10-Q, for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010.
 
Results of Operations
 
Total consolidated group sales increased by $474,908 (approximately 3%) to $15,908,784 during the three month period ended September 30, 2010 from $15,433,876 during the three month period ended September 30, 2009. This increase is primarily attributable to increased sales and awareness of Lifeway’s flagship line, Kefir, as well as ProBugs® Organic Kefir for kids.
 
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales, excluding depreciation, were approximately 62% during the third quarter 2010, compared to about 58% during the same period in 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to the higher cost of conventional milk, our largest raw material, and the cost of transportation and other petroleum based production supplies. The cost of milk was approximately 50% higher during the third quarter 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.  Gross profit decreased approximately 8% during the third quarter of 2010, when compared with the same period in 2009.
Operating expenses as a percentage of sales were approximately 24% during the third quarter of 2010 compared to approximately 20% during the same period in 2009. This increase is primarily attributable to an 88% increase in selling expenses.  This is related to our increased advertising efforts.  Advertising costs were $2,272,520, a 117% increase compared to the same period in 2009.
 
Total operating income decreased by $1,331,139 (approximately 41%) to $1,908,293 during the third quarter 2010, from $3,239,432 during the same period in 2009.
 
Interest expense during the third quarter 2010 decreased to $86,167 compared to interest expense of $99,864 during the same period a year ago. This lower interest expense is primarily attributable to the repayment of notes that were issued in February 2009 as part of the Fresh Made Dairy acquisition. Notes payable are discussed in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Total income before taxes decreased by $1,085,466 (approximately 36%) to $1,922,186 during the third quarter 2010, from $3,007,652 during the same period in 2009.
 
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Provision for income taxes was $1,017,349, or a 53% tax rate, for the 2010 third quarter compared with $1,636,911, or a 54% tax rate, during the same period in 2009.
 
Total net income was $904,837, or $0.05 per share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010 compared to $1,370,741, or $0.08 per share, for the same period in 2009. This represents a 34% decrease in net income from the third quarter 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.
 
Comparison of Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2010 to Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2009
 
Results of Operations
 
Sales increased by $3,770,116, (approximately 9%) to $47,419,499 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from $43,649,383 during the same nine-month period in 2009. This increase is primarily attributable to increased sales and awareness of Lifeway’s flagship line, Kefir, as well as Lifeway’s kids Kefir drink, ProBugs®.
 
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales, excluding depreciation expense, was approximately 58% during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, this compares to about 57% for the same period in 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to the higher cost of conventional milk, our largest raw material, which was approximately 25% higher during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009. Lifeway was able to offset the increases in milk prices through other operational efficiencies.
 
Operating expenses as a percentage of sales for Lifeway Foods were approximately 25% during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010, compared to 20% during the same period in 2009. This increase is primarily attributable to a 121% increase in selling expenses.  This is related to our increased advertising efforts.  Advertising costs were $3,377,757, a 162% increase compared to the same period in 2009.
 
Total operating income decreased by $2,126,564, (approximately 24%) to $6,811,025, during the nine-month period ending September 30, 2010, from $8,937,589 during the same period in 2009.
 
Total other income during the nine-month period ending September 30, 2010 was $4,289 compared with total other expenses of $463,219 during the same period in 2009.  This increase is primarily attributable to a lower interest expense related to the February 6, 2009 Fresh Made Dairy acquisition.  Interest expenses during the nine-month period ending September 30, 2010 were $262,274 compared to $364,337 in the year ago period. The company also had gains on the sale of marketable securities, which was $53,097 during the nine-month period ending September 30, 2010, compared with a loss of $274,296 during the same period in 2009.  Marketable securities are discussed in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
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Total income before taxes decreased by $1,659,056, (approximately 20%) to $6,815,314, during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010, from $8,474,370 during the same period in 2009.
 
Provision for income taxes was $2,957,285, or a 43% tax rate, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $3,024,261, or a 36% tax rate, during the same period in 2009.
 
Total net income was $3,858,029, or $0.23 per share for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 compared to $5,450,109, or $0.32 per share, for the same period in 2009. This represents a 29% decrease in net income from the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.
 
Sources and Uses of Cash
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $3,965,200 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, which is a decrease of $1,538,944 when compared to the same period in 2009. This decrease is primarily attributable to the decrease in net income of $1,592,080.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $419,391 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, which is a decrease of $3,301,171when compared to the same period in 2009.  This decrease is primarily due to the Company’s acquisition of Fresh Made Dairy, net of cash acquired in the previous year.  The Company purchased $1,681,740 of property, plant and equipment during the first nine months of 2010 when compared to the purchases of $1,020,776 during the same period in 2009.  This represents an increase of $660,964 in the purchase of equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the same p eriod in 2009.
 
Lifeway had a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $219,250 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $527,139 during the same period in 2009.  Lifeway had cash and cash equivalents at the end September 30, 2010 of $849,657, compared to cash and cash equivalents at the end September 30, 2009 of $804,387.
 
Assets and Liabilities
 
Total assets were $52,438,323 during the nine-months ended September 30, 2010, which is an increase of $271,107 when compared to the same period in 2009.  Additionally, the value of the Company’s property, plant and equipment was $14,930,309 as of September 30, 2010, which is an increase of $1,118,270 from September 30, 2009.
 
Total current liabilities were $8,627,521 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, which is a decrease of $467,665 when compared to the same period in 2009.  This is primarily due to a decrease in current maturities of notes payable of $2,622,226 when compared to September 30, 2009. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in checks written in excess of bank balances and accrued income taxes of $1,002,101 and $567,926, respectively, when compared to September 30, 2010.
 
 
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Significant portions of our assets are held in marketable securities. All of our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale on our balance sheet.  All of these securities are stated thereon at market value as of the end of the applicable period. Gains and losses on the portfolio are determined by the specific identification method.
 
We anticipate being able to fund the Company’s foreseeable liquidity requirements internally. We continue to explore potential acquisition opportunities in our industry in order to boost sales while leveraging our distribution system to consolidate and lower costs.
 
Other Developments
 
On August 24, 2010 the USDA ruled to exempt Kefir beverages from the Class I milk classification, which provides exemptions from the Class I definition for Kefir and other drinkable yogurt products containing at least 20 percent yogurt (by weight) as well as products intended to be meal replacements. The final rule will take effect January 01, 2011.
 
This change from Class 1 to Class 2 costing should have a positive impact on what Lifeway pays for its key milk ingredient, which is about 80 percent of the products' cost of goods sold.
 
In addition to having a positive effect on gross margins, the improved input costs will allow all of Lifeway’s Kefir-based products to be more competitive with other non-Class I milk products, such as yogurts in the marketplace. This expected increase in cash flow will provide greater financial flexibility, enabling the Company to expand marketing efforts or retain cash for future initiatives. Lifeway expects to see this improvement in the 2011 first quarter.
 
The company reported that in September 2010, it purchased approximately 4.3 million pounds of Class 1 conventional milk at an average price of $0.18 per pound. Under the new pricing structure, the company would have paid about $0.16 per pound and saved approximately $85,000.  Historically, the price of Class 2 milk is typically 10-to-20 percent lower than the price of Class 1 milk.
 
 
 
 
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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not applicable.

 
ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2010, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2010 in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under the Exchange Act rules and forms due to the material weaknesses described in our Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2010.   As a result, we performed additional analysis and other post-closing procedures to ensure our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, management believes the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

None.
 
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS.

Not applicable.
 
ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
 
(c)           PURCHASES OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES

Period
 
(a) Total
Numbers of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased
 
(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1, 2010 to July 31, 2010 
  18,500  10.14  18,500  151,659
August 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010 
  35,465  10.57  35,465  116,194
Sept. 1, 2010 to Sept. 30, 2010*
  7,500  10.30    7,500  108,694
*Total 
  61,465  10.34  61,465  108,694
 
The Company established a share repurchase program approved December 17, 2009 (for 100,000 shares with a plan expiration date of one year) and on May 7, 2010, the Company approved a new share repurchase program of up to 200,000 shares with a plan expiration date of one year from the date of the first purchase.  
 
ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.
 
ITEM 4.    REMOVED AND RESERVED.
 
ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION.
 
On November 15,  2010, the Company announced its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010 and certain other information. A copy of the Company’s press release announcing these financial results and certain other information is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto. The information contained in Exhibit 99.1 hereto is being furnished, and should not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities imposed by that Section. The information contained in Exhibit 99.1 shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document or filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as may be expressly set forth in a specific filing. The press release filed as an exhibit to this r eport includes “safe harbor” language pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, indicating that certain statements about the Company’s business and other matters contained in the press release are “forward-looking.” The press release also cautions investors that “forward-looking” statements may be different from actual operating results. Finally, the press release states that a more thorough discussion of risks and uncertainties which may affect the Company’s operating results is included in the Company’s reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS.

Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document
     
31.1
 
 Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
 Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
 Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
 Certfication of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
 Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
99.1
 
 Press Release dated November 15,  2010. 
 
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
In accordance with 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.
 
 
 (Registrant)
 
     
       
Date:  November 15,  2010
By:
 /s/ Julie Smolyansky
 
   
 Julie Smolyansky
 
   
 Chief Executive Officer, President
 and Director
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
Date: November 15,  2010
By:
 /s/ Edward P. Smolyansky
 
   
 Edward P. Smolyansky
 
   
 Chief Financial and Accounting
 Officer and Treasurer
 
       
       
       
       
 

 
 
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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document
     
31.1
 
 Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
 Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
 Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant
 to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
99.1
 
 Press Release dated November 15, 2010. 
 
 
 
 
 
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