Lifeway Foods, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2010 September (Form 10-Q)

form10q_16954.htm

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

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

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

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

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

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 the 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.

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 sufficient 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

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.

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

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

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

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	)

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.

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

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

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	)

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.

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 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

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.

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.

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 period 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 report 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.

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

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.