Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ:LWAY) Now Covered by Analysts at StockNews.com

StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ:LWAY) in a research report report published on Friday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

Lifeway Foods Price Performance

Shares of Lifeway Foods stock opened at $24.15 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $23.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $23.43. The stock has a market cap of $367.15 million, a P/E ratio of 28.08 and a beta of 0.75. Lifeway Foods has a 1-year low of $10.06 and a 1-year high of $28.61.

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ:LWAY) last issued its earnings results on Friday, March 14th. The company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.18 by ($0.19). Lifeway Foods had a net margin of 7.23% and a return on equity of 19.97%. The company had revenue of $46.93 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $48.00 million.

Insider Activity

In other news, major shareholder Edward Smolyansky sold 20,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.23, for a total value of $464,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,251,642 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,075,643.66. This represents a 1.57 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Ludmila Smolyansky sold 10,000 shares of Lifeway Foods stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.31, for a total transaction of $213,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 17,343 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $369,579.33. This trade represents a 36.57 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 75,885 shares of company stock valued at $1,766,840 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 18.86% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its holdings in shares of Lifeway Foods by 33.6% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 2,855 shares of the company’s stock valued at $71,000 after buying an additional 718 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG purchased a new stake in Lifeway Foods during the first quarter worth about $78,000. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in shares of Lifeway Foods by 23.3% during the fourth quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 5,606 shares of the company’s stock worth $139,000 after purchasing an additional 1,059 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC lifted its position in shares of Lifeway Foods by 40.5% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 6,420 shares of the company’s stock worth $167,000 after purchasing an additional 1,849 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sagefield Capital LP purchased a new position in shares of Lifeway Foods in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $211,000. 36.39% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Lifeway Foods

Lifeway Foods, Inc produces and markets probiotic-based products in the United States and internationally. Its primary product is drinkable kefir, a cultured dairy product in various organic and non-organic sizes, flavors, and types. The company offers European-style soft cheeses; cream and other products; ProBugs, a line of kefir products designed for children; drinkable yogurt; and fresh made butter and sour cream.