UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-QSB

(Mark One)

þ		QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006

o		TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from                                          to                                         

Commission file number: 0-17363

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.

(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in it charter)

Illinois		36-3442829
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

6431 WEST OAKTON, MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS 60053

(Address of principal executive offices)

(847) 967-1010

(Issuer’s telephone number)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No o

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: As of May 8, 2006, the issuer had 8,396,536 shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding.

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes o No þ

 

 

INDEX

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION			3
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			3
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION			18
ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES			20
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION			20
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION			20
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K			20
SIGNATURE			21
302 Certification
302 Certification
Section 1350 Certification
Section 1350 Certification
Press Release

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2006 and 2005

AND DECEMBER 31, 2005

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
March 31, 2006 and 2005 and December 31, 2005

		March 31,								December, 31
		2006				2005				2005
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	3,817,745			$	5,434,032			$	4,354,081
Marketable securities			8,337,907				6,895,472				7,478,697
Inventories			2,024,330				996,245				1,716,999
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,000 and $15,000 at March 31, 2006 and 2005 and $35,000 at December 31, 2005			3,054,017				2,522,971				2,517,615
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			15,247				—				9,144
Other receivables			55,404				105,759				56,435
Deferred income taxes			—				89,535				142,772
Refundable income taxes			40,388				103,451				11,562
Total current assets			17,345,038				16,147,465				16,287,305
Property and equipment, net			7,774,651				3,432,149				7,751,446
Intangible assets
Goodwill			75,800				75,800				75,800
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $108,958 and $26,990 at March 31, 2006 and 2005 and $92,432 at December 31, 2005			333,680				392,815				350,206
Total intangible assets			409,480				468,615				426,006
Total assets		$	25,529,169			$	20,048,229			$	24,464,757
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of notes payable		$	528,415			$	8,934			$	532,454
Accounts payable			453,022				789,247				426,253
Accrued expenses			245,168				125,017				355,011
Deferred income taxes			4,251				—				—
Total current liabilities			1,230,856				923,198				1,313,718
Notes payable			2,887,785				460,940				2,903,349
Deferred income taxes			345,709				406,468				348,923
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock			6,509,267				6,509,267				6,509,267
Paid-in-capital			98,712				72,089				90,725
Treasury stock, at cost			(1,015,146	)			(870,831	)			(1,024,659	)
Retained earnings			15,317,611				12,599,866				14,422,948
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes			154,375				(52,768	)			(99,514	)
Total stockholders’ equity			21,064,819				18,257,623				19,898,767
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	25,529,169			$	20,048,229			$	24,464,757

See accompanying notes to financial statements

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
and The Year Ended December 31, 2005

		Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Sales		$	6,003,023			$	4,656,860			$	20,131,654
Cost of goods sold			3,212,566				2,577,956				11,664,065
Gross profit			2,790,457				2,078,904				8,467,589
Operating expenses			1,384,085				1,155,180				5,066,227
Income from operations			1,406,372				923,724				3,401,362
Other income (expense):
Interest and dividend income			86,235				65,276				323,365
Interest expense			(50,226	)			(7,442	)			(100,762	)
Gain (loss) on sale of marketable securities, net			(36,878	)			198,140				445,327
Gain on marketable securities classified as trading			512				3,516				13,773
Total other income			(357	)			259,490				681,703
Income before provision for income taxes			1,406,015				1,183,214				4,083,065
Provision for income taxes			511,352				457,823				1,534,592
Net income		$	894,663			$	725,391			$	2,548,473
Basic and diluted earnings per common share			0.11				0.09				0.30
Weighted average number of shares outstanding			8,396,189				8,432,653				8,404,496
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income		$	894,663			$	725,391			$	2,548,473
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities (net of tax benefits)			275,537				(56,722	)			42,708
Less reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (net of taxes)			(21,648	)			(115,226	)			(261,402	)
Comprehensive income		$	1,148,552			$	553,443			$	2,329,779

See accompanying notes to financial statements

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
and the Year Ended December 31, 2005

		Common Stock, No Par Value																												Accumulated
		10,000,000 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, 2004			8,636,888				8,441,438				195,450			$	6,509,267			$	64,314			$	(649,039	)		$	11,874,475			$	119,180			$	17,918,197
Issuance of treasury stock			—				3,817				(3,817	)			—				26,411				25,934				—				—				52,345
Redemption of stock			—				(50,000	)			50,000				—				—				(401,554	)			—				—				(401,554	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized losses on securities, net of taxes and reclassification adjustment			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(218,694	)			(218,694	)
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2005			—				—				—				—				—				—				2,548,473				—				2,548,473
Balances at December 31, 2005			8,636,888				8,395,255				241,633			$	6,509,267			$	90,725			$	(1,024,659	)		$	14,422,948			$	(99,514	)		$	19,898,767
Issuance of treasury stock			—				1,400				(1,400	)			—				7,987				9,513				—				—				17,500
Redemption of stock			—				—								—				—				—				—				—				—
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes and reclassification adjustment			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				253,889				253,889
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006			—				—				—				—				—				—				894,663				—				894,663
Balances at March 31, 2006			8,636,888				8,396,655				240,233			$	6,509,267			$	98,712			$	(1,015,146	)		$	15,317,611			$	154,375			$	21,064,819

See accompanying notes to financial statements

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
and the Year Ended December 31, 2005

		Three Months Ended								Years Ended
		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	894,663			$	725,391			$	2,548,473
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			143,437				140,742				650,945
(Gain)Loss on sale of marketable securities, net			36,878				(198,140	)			(445,327	)
Gain on marketable securities classified as trading			(512	)			(3,516	)			(13,773	)
Deferred income taxes			(34,822	)			(22,343	)			(100,236	)
Treasury stock issued for services			17,500				11,512				52,345
Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts			10,000				—				—
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Accounts receivable			(546,402	)			(498,935	)			(493,579	)
Other receivables			1,031				(33,622	)			15,702
Inventories			(307,331	)			(90,548	)			(811,302	)
Refundable income taxes			(28,826	)			155,166				247,055
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(6,103	)			7,260				(1,884	)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable			26,769				147,596				(215,398	)
Accrued expenses			(109,843	)			(70,524	)			159,470
Net cash provided by operating activities			96,439				270,039				1,592,491
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities			(1,423,859	)			(1,910,623	)			(6,460,561	)
Sale of marketable securities			960,801				1,665,869				5,810,391
Purchases of property and equipment			(150,114	)			(136,558	)			(4,916,811	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(613,172	)			(381,312	)			(5,566,981	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from note payable			—				—				3,000,000
Purchases of treasury stock			—				(225,529	)			(401,554	)
Repayment of notes payable			(19,603	)			(2,451	)			(36,522	)
Loan costs			—				—				(6,638	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(19,603	)			(227,980	)			2,555,286
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(536,336	)			(339,253	)			(1,419,204	)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period			4,354,081				5,773,285				5,773,285
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period			3,817,745			$	5,434,032			$	4,354,081

See accompanying notes to financial statements

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

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:

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, LFI Enterprises, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

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.

Revenue Recognition

Sales represent sales of Company produced dairy products that are recorded at the time of shipment. In addition, shipping costs invoiced to the customers are included in net sales and the related cost in cost of sales.

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. Deposits at each institution are insured up to $100,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Securities Investor Protector Corporation.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

Note 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

Bank balances of amounts reported by financial institutions are categorized as follows:

		March 31,								December 31
		2006				2005				2005
Amounts insured		$	478,025			$	500,000			$	462,571
Uninsured and uncollateralized amounts			3,823,916				5,303,533				4,331,179
Total bank balances		$	4,301,941			$	5,803,533			$	4,793,750

Marketable securities

All investment securities are classified as either as available-for-sale or trading, and are carried at fair value or quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and losses 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 interest income. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 59, Accounting for Noncurrent Marketable Equity Securities, provide guidance on determining when an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired. 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. 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 are 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 are 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 SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

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. The Company amortizes other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, as disclosed in the table below.

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually. Since the Company only has one reporting unit, the test is based on a fair value approach applied to the entire company.

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			8
Lease agreement			7

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 marketable securities, capitalization of indirect costs for tax purposes, and the recognition of an allowance for doubtful accounts for financial statement purposes.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

Note 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

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, 2005 and for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, approximately $1,176,440, $243,258 and $272,191 of such costs respectively, were expensed.

Earning 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 three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2005, diluted and basic earnings per share were the same, as the effect of dilutive securities options outstanding was not significant.

Note 3 — INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

		March 31, 2006								March 31, 2005								December 31, 2005
						Accumulated								Accumulated								Accumulated
		Cost				Amortization				Cost				Amortization				Cost				Amortization
Recipes		$	43,600			$	18,167			$	43,600			$	7,267			$	43,600			$	15,442
Customer lists and other customer related intangibles			305,200				69,033				305,200				27,613				305,200				58,678
Lease acquisition			87,200				20,762				87,200				8,305				87,200				17,648
Goodwill			75,800				—				75,800				—				75,800				—
Loan acquisition costs			6,638				996				—				—				6,638				664
		$	518,438			$	108,958			$	511,800			$	43,185			$	518,438			$	92,432

     Amortization expense is expected to be as follows for the 12 months ending March 31:

2007			66,222
2008			66,222
2009			51,572
2010			45,819
Thereafter			103,845
		$	333,680

Amortization expense during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2005 was $16,526, $16,195 and $65,442 , respectively.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

Note 4 — MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The cost and fair value of marketable securities classified as available for sale and trading are as follows:

														Loss on
														Marketable
														Securities
						Unrealized				Unrealized				Classified as				Fair
March 31, 2006		Cost				Gains				Losses				Trading				Value
Equities		$	2,565,132			$	470,019			$	(102,220	)		$	—			$	2,932,931
Mutual Funds			584,921				3,269				(38,806	)			—				549,384
Preferred Securities			1,119,577				993				(30,128	)			—				1,090,442
Private Investment LP			600,000				35,864				—				—				635,864
Certificates of Deposit			150,000				—				(1,410	)			—				148,590
Corporate Bonds			2,508,126				10,040				(84,182	)			—				2,433,984
Municipal Bonds, maturing within five years			61,275				839				(1,289	)			—				60,825
Government agency obligations, maturing after five years			488,088				—				—				(2,201	)			485,887
Total		$	8,077,119			$	521,024			$	(258,035	)		$	(2,201	)		$	8,337,907

														Loss on
														Marketable
														Securities
						Unrealized				Unrealized				Classified as				Fair
March 31, 2005		Cost				Gains				Losses				Trading				Value
Equities and Mutual Funds		$	3,824,477			$	152,989			$	(184,109	)			—			$	3,793,357
Preferred Securities			65,000				200				(2,262	)			—				62,938
Certificates of Deposit			150,000				—				(7,530	)			—				142,470
Corporate Bonds			2,333,986				50				(49,948	)			—				2,284,088
Municipal bonds, maturing within five years			24,875				715				—				—				25,590
Government agency obligations, maturing after five years			600,000				—				—				(12,971	)			587,029
Total		$	6,998,338			$	153,954			$	243,849				(12,971	)		$	6,895,472

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
And December 31, 2005

Note 4 — MARKETABLE SECURITIES — Continued

														Loss on
														Marketable
														Securities
						Unrealized				Unrealized				Classified as				Fair
December 31, 2005		Cost				Gains				Losses				Trading				Value
Equities		$	2,432,964			$	212,336				(198,478	)			—			$	2,446,822
Mutual Funds			699,921				3,770				(74,148	)			—				629,543
Preferred Securities			1,002,738				1,468				(30,892	)			—				973,314
Private Investment LP			600,000				—				(5,146	)			—				594,854
Certificates of Deposit			240,000				—				(1,125	)			—				238,875
Corporate Bonds			2,514,044				809				(77,888	)			—				2,436,965
Municipal Bonds, maturing within five years			61,275				957				(1,195	)			—				61,037
Government agency obligations, maturing after five years			100,000				—				—				(2,713	)			97,287
Total		$	7,650,942			$	219,340			$	(388,872	)		$	(2,713	)		$	7,478,697

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities were $5,810,391, $960,801 and $1,665,869 during the year ended December 31, 2005 and for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Gross gains (loss) of $445,327, ($36,878) and $198,140 were realized on these sales during the year ended December 31, 2005 and for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of 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 March 31, 2006:

		Less Than 12 Months								12 Months or Greater								Total
						Unrealized								Unrealized								Unrealized
Description of Securites		Fair Value				Losses				Fair Value				Losses				Fair Value				Losses
Equities		$	477,869			$	(46,355	)		$	157,038			$	(55,865	)		$	634,907			$	( 102,220	)
Mutual Funds			230,250				(19,750	)			249,489				(19,056	)			479,739				(38,806	)
Preferred Securities			887,440				(29,598	)			24,470				(530	)			911,910				(30,128	)
Certificates of Deposit			—				—				148,637				(1,410	)			148,637				(1,410	)
Corporate Bonds			330,699				(13,684	)			1,634,162				(70,498	)			1,964,861				(84,182	)
Municipal Bonds			35,111				(1,289	)			—				—				35,111				(1,289	)
		$	1,961,369			$	( 110,676	)		$	2,213,796			$	( 147,359	)		$	4,175,165			$	( 258,035	)

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

Note 4 — MARKETABLE SECURITIES — Continued

Equities, Mutual Funds and Corporate Bonds — The Company’s investments in equity securities, mutual funds and corporate bonds consist of investments in common 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 March 31, 2006.

Preferred Securities — The Company’s investments in preferred securities consist of investments in preferred stock of companies in various industries. The Company evaluated the near-term prospects of the fund 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 March 31, 2006.

Private Investment Limited Partnership — The Company’s investments in private limited partnerships consist of one limited partnership interest. The partnership has only had five months of activity at March 31, 2006. 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 it’s investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2006.

Certificates of Deposit — The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in certificates of deposit were caused by interest rate increases since the date of purchase. The contractual terms of these investments do not permit the issuers to settle the securities at a price less than the face value of the investment. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2006.

Municipal Bonds — The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in mutual bonds were caused by interest rate increases since the date of purchase. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2006.

Note 5 — INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Finished goods		$	753,631			$	444,519			$	658,522
Production supplies			772,311				326,986				662,310
Raw materials			498,388				224,740				396,167
Total inventories		$	2,024,330			$	996,245			$	1,716,999

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

Note 6 — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Property and equipment consist of the following:

		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Land		$	909,232			$	470,900			$	909,232
Buildings and improvements			6,488,166				2,483,007				6,443,043
Machinery and equipment			5,911,844				5,476,656				5,806,853
Vehicles			513,670				459,815				513,670
Office equipment			78,763				80,930				78,763
			13,901,675				8,971,308				13,751,561
Less accumulated depreciation			6,127,024				5,539,159				6,000,115
Total property and equipment		$	7,774,651				3,432,149			$	7,751,446

Depreciation expense during the year ended December 31, 2005 and for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $585,503, $126,911 and $124,547, respectively.

Note 7 — ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes		$	57,326			$	33,154			$	104,873
Accrued property tax			182,341				91,227				244,916
Other			5,501				636				5,222
		$	245,168			$	125,017			$	355,011

Note 8 — NOTES PAYABLE

     Notes payable consist of the following:

		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Mortgage note payable to a bank, payable in monthly installments of $3,273 including interest at 6.25%, with a balloon payment of $454,275 due September 25, 2006. Collateralized by real estate.		$	460,092			$	469,874			$	462,695
Mortgage note payable to a bank, payable in monthly installments of $19,513 including interest at 5.6%, with a balloon payment of $2,652,143 due July 14, 2010. Collateralized by real estate.			2,956,108				—				2,973,108
Total notes payable			3,416,200				469,874				3,435,803
Less current maturities			528,415				8,934				532,454
Total long-term portion		$	2,887,785			$	460,940			$	2,903,349

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

Note 8 — NOTES PAYABLE — Continued

     Maturities of notes payables are as follows:

As of March 31, 2007		$	528,415
2008			73,767
2009			78,005
2010			82,488
2011			2,653,525
Total		$	3,416,200

Note 9 — PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

										For the
		For the Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Current:
Federal		$	443,238			$	384,812			$	1,364,033
State and local			102,936				95,354				270,795
Total current			546,174				480,166				1,634,828
Deferred			(34,822	)			(22,343	)			(100,236	)
Provision for income taxes		$	511,352			$	457,823			$	1,534,592

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

										For The
		For The Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Federal income tax expense computed at the statutory rate		$	478,045			$	372,925			$	1,388,242
State and local tax expense, net			67,742				86,375				195,987
Permanent differences			(34,435	)			(1,477	)			(49,637	)
Provision for income taxes		$	511,352			$	457,823			$	1,534,592

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

Note 9 — PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES — Continued

     Amounts for deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

		March 31,								December 31
		2006				2005				2005
Non-current deferred tax liabilities arising from:
Temporary differences — accumulated depreciation		$	(345,709	)		$	(406,468	)		$	(348,923	)
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities) arising from:
Unrealized losses (gains) on marketable securities			(108,615	)			37,127				70,016
Inventory			85,779				52,408				72,756
Allowance for doubtful accounts			18,585				—				—
Total current deferred tax assets (liabilities)			(4,251	)			89,535				142,772
Net deferred tax liability		$	(349,960	)		$	(316,933	)		$	(206,151	)

Note 10 — SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

     Cash paid for interest and income taxes are as follows:

										For Year
		For the Three Months Ended								Ended
		March 31,								December 31,
		2006				2005				2005
Interest		$	50,226			$	7,442			$	100,762
Income taxes		$	575,000			$	325,372			$	1,425,600

Note 11 — 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 600,000 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. There were 468,000 shares available for issuance under the Plan at December 31, 2005 and at March 31, 2006 and 2005. 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, 2005 and at March 31, 2006 and 2005, there were no stock options outstanding or exercisable.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2006 and 2005
and December 31, 2005

Note 11 — STOCK OPTION PLANS — Continued

On February 12, 2004, Lifeway’s Board of Directors approved awards of an aggregate amount of 5,100 shares to be awarded under its Employee and Consulting Services and Compensation Plan to certain employees and consultants for services rendered to the Company. The stock awards were made on April 1, 2004 and have vesting periods that vary from six months to one year, depending upon the individual grantee. During 2005, 550 shares vested for a total expense of $11,512.

On May 23, 2005, Lifeway’s Board of Directors approved awards of an aggregate amount of 5,600 common shares to be awarded under its Employee and Consulting Services and Compensation Plan to certain employees and consultants for services rendered to the Company. The stock awards were made on June 1, 2005 and have vesting periods of one year. The expense for the awards is measured as of June 1, 2005 at $12.50 per share for 5,600 shares, or a total stock award expense of $70,000. This expense will be recognized as the stock awards vest in 12 equal portions of $5,833, or 466 shares per month for one year. During 2005, 3,267 shares vested and the Company recognized a related expense of $40,833. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, 1,400 shares vested for an expense of $17,500.

Note 12 — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is as follows at:

		March 31,								March 31,								December 31,
		2006								2005								2005
		Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair
		Amount				Value				Amount				Value				Amount				Value
Cash and cash equivalents		$	3,817,745			$	3,817,745			$	5,434,032			$	5,434,032			$	4,354,081			$	4,354,081
Marketable securities		$	8,337,907			$	8,337,907			$	6,895,472			$	6,895,472			$	7,478,697			$	7,478,697
Notes payable		$	3,416,200			$	3,397,690			$	469,874			$	466,069			$	3,435,803			$	3,416,969

Note 13 — LITIGATION SETTLEMENT

During 2005, the Company agreed to pay $95,000 in the settlement of a lawsuit regarding the alleged non payment of overtime wages.

Note 14 — RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In November 2005, FASB issued FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (“FSP FAS 115-1”), which provides guidance on determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered impaired, whether that impairment is other-than-temporary, and on measuring such impairment loss. FSP FAS 115-1 also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other-than temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. FSP FAS 115-1 is required to be applied to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company has adopted FSP FAS 115-1 in 2006.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION

Comparison of Quarter Ended March 31, 2006 to Quarter Ended March 31, 2005

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-KSB, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.

Results of Operations

Sales increased by $1,346,163 (approximately 29%) to $6,003,023 during the three month period ended March 31, 2006 from $4,656,860 during the same three month period in 2005. This increase is primarily attributable to increased sales and awareness of Lifeway existing drinkable dairy product including La Fruta, and its flagship line, Kefir.

Lifeway’s wholly-owned subsidiary, LFI Enterprises, Inc. (“LFIE”) accounted for $259,863.02 of total sales revenues during the first quarter 2006. Of the total $259,863 revenues from LFIE, $133,556 was earned due to sales of Lifeway’s Kefir and Farmer Cheese products sent from our Morton Grove, Illinois facility to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for distribution in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. The remaining $126,306.37 of LFIE revenues for the first quarter 2006 was earned from sales of the Cream Cheese Gourmet line of products acquired from Ilya’s Farms, Inc. in the third quarter of 2004. In comparison, during the first quarter 2005, LFIE total revenues were $213,644, of which $97,275 was earned due to sales of Lifeway’s Kefir and Farmer Cheese products sent from our Morton Grove, Illinois facility to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The remaining $116,369 of LFIE revenues for the first quarter 2006 were earned from sales of the Cream Cheese Gourmet line.

Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales was approximately 54% during the first quarter 2006, compared to about 55% during the same period in 2005. This decrease is directly related to the decreased cost of milk during this period. The average cost of milk, Lifeway’s largest cost of goods sold component decreased approximately 15% in the first quarter 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales was approximately 23% during the first quarter 2006, compared to about 25% during the same period in 2005. This decrease is primarily attributable to an increase in production efficiency. Even though oil related costs such as transportation, utilities, and certain raw materials all increased in the first quarter 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005, we were able to offset these higher costs by increased overall efficiency.

Provision for income taxes was $511,352 during the first quarter 2006 compared with $457,823 during the same period in 2005. Income taxes are discussed in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Net cash used in financing activities was $19,603 during the quarter ended March 31, 2006, which is a decrease of $208,377 compared to the same period in 2005. This decrease is primarily attributable to the purchase of treasury stock in 2005 which did not occur in the same period in 2006. In the first quarter of 2005, the Company purchased 29,600 shares of its treasury stock at a cost of $225,529.

As of March 31, 2006 Lifeway had $262,989 in net unrealized gains on marketable securities. Lifeway anticipates realizing approximately $200,000 of these gains in the second quarter 2006 as a result of rebalancing our portfolio.

During the three month period ended March 31, 2006, Lifeway experienced negative investing cash flows in the amount of $613,172 due to a rebalancing of our portfolio. Our efforts in this regard during the first calendar quarter of 2005 also are reflected by a gain of

$198,140 on the sale of marketable securities evident on the Company’s consolidated income statement, which appears in this quarterly report. During the first quarter 2006, Lifeway realized a loss of $36,878 due to selling certain under-performing securities.

A significant portion of our assets are held in marketable securities. The majority of our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale on our balance sheet, while the mortgage-backed securities are classified as trading. 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 May 23, 2005, Lifeway’s Board of Directors approved awards of an aggregate amount of 5,600 shares to be awarded under its Employee and Consulting Services and Compensation Plan to certain employees and consultants for services rendered to the Company. The stock awards were made on June 1, 2005 and have vesting periods of one year. The expense for the awards is measured as of June 1, 2005 at $12.50 per share for 5,600 shares, or a total stock award expense of $70,000. This expense will be recognized as the stock awards vest in 12 equal portions of $5,833, or 466 shares per month for one year.

Critical Accounting Policies

Lifeway’s analysis and discussion of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon its consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. US GAAP provides the framework from which to make these estimates, assumptions and disclosures. Lifeway chooses accounting policies within US GAAP that management believes are appropriate to accurately and fairly report Lifeway’s operating results and financial position in a consistent manner. Management regularly assesses these policies in light of current and forecasted economic conditions and has discussed the development and selection of critical accounting policies with its audit committee of the Board of Directors. For further information concerning accounting policies, refer to Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Forward Looking Statements

In this report, in reports subsequently filed by Lifeway with the SEC on Form 10-QSB and filed or furnished on Form 8-K, and in related comments by management, our use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “objective,” “plan,” “goal,” “project,” “explore,” “priorities/targets,” and similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. While these statements represent our current judgment on what the future may hold, and we believe these judgments are reasonable, actual results may differ materially due to numerous important factors that are described in this report and other factors that may be described in subsequent reports which Lifeway may file with the SEC on Form 10-QSB and filed or furnished on Form 8-K, including but not limited to:

•		Changes in economic conditions, commodity prices;
•		Shortages of and price increase for fuel, labor strikes or work stoppages, market acceptance of the Company’s new products;
•		Significant changes in the competitive environment;
•		Changes in laws, regulations, and tax rates; and
•		Management’s ability to achieve reductions in cost and employment levels, to realize production efficiencies and to implement capital expenditures, all at of the levels and times planned by management.

ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial and Accounting Officer conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of March 31, 2006. The Company has historically operated on strictly monitored cost constraints; with that perspective, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial and Accounting Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them. However, based upon the Company’s recent growth and improved cash position, as well as consultation with its auditors, management intends to implement additional procedures to improve internal controls over financial reporting in 2006. Specifically, an enhanced accounting software package has been identified and continues to be evaluated which will permit enhanced data recording and internal reporting as well as additional on-site accounting staff and some changes to the Company’s internal control procedures over financial reporting.

     As of the date of this quarterly report, there have been no known significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subject to the date of such evaluation.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

On May 15, 2006, the Company announced its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006 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 AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number		Description
3.4		Amended and Restated By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.5 of Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-dated and filed on December 10, 2002). (File No. 000-17363)
3.5		Articles of Incorporation, as amended and currently in effect (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of Lifeway’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 and filed on August 8, 2000). (File No. 000-17363)
11		Statement re: Computation of per share earnings (incorporated by reference to Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
31.1		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Julie Smolyansky.
31.2		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Edward P. Smolyansky.
32.1		Section 1350 Certification of Julie Smolyansky.
32.2		Section 1350 Certification of Edward P. Smolyansky.
99.1		Press Release dated May 15, 2006- “Lifeway Foods Reports 1st Quarter 2006 Results.”

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

     Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 15, 2006

SIGNATURE

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Company caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 15, 2006

		LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.
		By: /s/ Julie Smolyansky
		Julie Smolyansky
		Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director
		/s/ Edward P. Smolyansky
		Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
		and Treasurer