🧾 What This Document Is

This is an 8-K filing, which is a report companies use to announce major news to investors. Attached to it is a press release (Exhibit 99.1) where Lifeway Foods is sharing two key pieces of information: its preliminary financial results for the first quarter of 2026 and the date it will officially report its full earnings.

👉 Why it matters: This gives investors an early, positive snapshot of the company's performance ahead of the detailed report, often to manage expectations and build market confidence.

🏢 What The Company Does

Lifeway Foods is America's leading maker of kefir—a tart, drinkable fermented dairy beverage packed with probiotics. They also make fermented cheeses and a probiotic drink line for kids called ProBugs®.

👉 In simple terms: They specialize in "gut-health" dairy products. Think of them as the big name in a growing category of foods that are both nutritious and functional, targeting health-conscious consumers.

💰 Financial Highlights (Preliminary)

The company is projecting very strong growth to start the year.

• Projected Q1 2026 Net Sales: $60.8 million to $62.3 million.
• Growth Rate: This represents an increase of 32% to 35% compared to Q1 2025.
• What's Driving It: The company credits "continued momentum" and strong consumer demand for its core kefir and farmer cheese products, which are rich in protein and probiotics.

👉 Why it matters: A 30%+ growth rate is significant for a food company. It signals that Lifeway's strategy and the market demand for its products are firing on all cylinders.

🚀 Key Moves & Strategy

The company's leadership, led by CEO Julie Smolyansky, highlighted their strategic focus.

• Priorities: They are focused on expanding distribution (getting into more stores), driving innovation (creating new products), and delivering consistent, profitable growth.
• Market Position: They aim to build on their established leadership in the "fermented dairy space."

👉 The Signal: This isn't just accidental growth. Management is executing a clear plan to grow the business systematically.

📅 Key Dates

• Official Earnings Report: May 14, 2026 (before the market opens).
• Earnings Call & Webcast: May 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A pre-recorded call with CEO Julie Smolyansky will be available on their Investor Relations website.

👉 Why it matters: May 14th is the date to circle. That's when you'll get the full, audited details behind these preliminary numbers and hear more color from management.

⚖️ Big Picture: Strengths & Risks

👍 Strengths:

• Market Leader: They are the top U.S. supplier of kefir, a recognized leader in a growing niche.
• Strong Momentum: Projected 32-35% growth indicates powerful consumer demand and effective execution.
• Positive Industry Trends: They operate in the "better-for-you" food space, which has long-term tailwinds as consumers seek healthy, probiotic-rich options.

⚠️ Risks & Considerations:

• Preliminary Numbers: These are not the final results. They could change when the official earnings are released.
• Competition & Scale: As a smaller public company, they must continue to defend their lead against larger dairy giants who may try to enter the probiotic space.
• Execution Risk: Sustaining 30%+ growth is challenging. The market will watch to see if they can maintain this pace.

🔮 What's Next

The company is clearly signaling that 2026 is starting off on a very strong foot. The next major milestone is the May 14th earnings release, which will provide a complete picture. Investors will be listening for details on profit margins, regional performance, and how they plan to fuel and fund this rapid expansion.

🧠 The Analogy

Lifeway is like the hot new fitness studio in a crowded gym. While big dairy companies are the full-service gyms, Lifeway has carved out a dedicated, loyal following with its specialized offering (kefir) in a fast-growing wellness trend. The preliminary results show their classes are packed, and people are loving the product.

📇 Key Contacts & People

• Julie Smolyansky: President and Chief Executive Officer (mentioned in the release).
• Company Website for Investor Info: https://lifewaykefir.com/webinars-reports/

🧩 Final Takeaway

Lifeway Foods is off to a blistering start in 2026, projecting over 30% sales growth fueled by strong demand for its probiotic kefir. This preliminary announcement builds excitement, but the full story will be told on May 14th. For now, it signals a company expertly riding the wave of functional, healthy foods.