Edgar Filing: LIFEWAY FOODS INC

WWW.EXFILE.COM, INC. -- 888-775-4789 -- LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. -- FORM 10-Q

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: March 31, 2009

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 o No x

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 April 30, 2009, the issuer had 16,819,920 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.	2

	NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	7

ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.	22

ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.	24

ITEM 4T.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.	24

PART II —	OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.	24

ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS.	24

ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.	24

ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.	25

ITEM 4.	SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.	25

ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION.	25

ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS.	25

SIGNATURES		26

EXHIBIT INDEX		27

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009 and 2008

AND DECEMBER 31, 2008

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

March 31, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008

	(Unaudited)
	March 31,						December 31,
	2009			2008			2008
ASSETS

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	607,098		$	392,790		$	277,248
Marketable securities		4,286,451			6,790,850			5,262,168
Inventories		3,641,748			3,669,990			3,097,542
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $35,011 and $39,460 at March 31, 2009 and 2008 and $110,011 at December 31, 2008		6,062,316			4,926,058			4,765,865
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		23,051			9,087			23,226
Other receivables		27,472			134,298			40,314
Deferred income taxes		862,607			467,695			919,649
Refundable income taxes		73,174			—			356,416
Total current assets		15,583,917			16,390,768			14,742,428

Property and equipment, net		13,723,923			9,854,945			11,062,714

Intangible assets
Goodwill and other non amortizable brand asset		12,253,845			5,414,858			5,414,858
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,092,112 and $681,837 at March 31, 2009 and 2008 and $921,422 at December 31, 2008		6,765,526			3,175,801			2,936,216
Total intangible assets		19,019,371			8,590,659			8,351,074

Other assets		500,000			500,000			500,000

Total assets	$	48,827,211		$	35,336,372		$	34,656,216


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities
Current maturities of notes payable	$	6,982,001		$	1,131,725		$	928,444
Accounts payable		2,368,732			1,966,926			2,260,272
Accrued expenses		486,718			392,384			458,282
Margin payable		423,032			—			—
Accrued income taxes		—			203,529			—
Total current liabilities		10,260,483			3,694,564			3,646,998

Notes payable		8,376,389			3,813,825			3,108,014

Deferred income taxes		1,763,059			1,679,859			1,607,155

Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 17,273,776 shares issued; 16,843,476 shares outstanding at March 31, 2009; 17,273,776 shares issued; 16,792,826 shares outstanding at March 31, 2008; and 17,273,776 shares issued; 16,720,842 shares outstanding at December 31, 2008		6,509,267			6,509,267			6,509,267
Paid-in-capital		1,886,375			1,137,709			1,202,009
Treasury stock, at cost		(3,056,859	)		(2,437,517	)		(3,302,025	)
Retained earnings		23,931,173			21,360,037			22,383,707
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes		(842,676	)		(421,372	)		(498,909	)
Total stockholders’ equity		28,427,280			26,148,124			26,294,049

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	48,827,211		$	35,336,372		$	34,656,216

See accompanying notes to financial statements

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

and the Year Ended December 31, 2008

	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended						Year Ended
	March 31,						December 31,
	2009			2008			2008

Sales	$	13,736,080		$	11,122,238		$	44,461,455

Cost of goods sold		8,000,052			7,442,083			30,926,114
Depreciation expense		216,774			189,424			777,715

Total cost of goods sold		8,216,826			7,631,507			31,703,829

Gross profit		5,519,254			3,490,731			12,757,626

Selling Expenses		1,307,925			1,059,166			4,098,176
General and Administrative		1,497,126			985,046			4,149,010
Amortization expense		170,690			79,861			319,446

Total Operating Expenses		2,975,741			2,124,073			8,566,632

Income from operations		2,543,513			1,366,658			4,190,994

Other income (expense):
Interest and dividend income		62,211			103,133			343,329
Rental Income		9,347			11,647			48,886
Interest expense		(154,383	)		(85,956	)		(298,619	)
Impairment of marketable securities								(958,879	)
Gain (loss) on sale of marketable securities, net		(149,790	)		51,029			(733,647	)
Total other income (Expense)		(232,615	)		79,853			(1,598,930	)

Income before provision for income taxes		2,310,898			1,446,511			2,592,064

Provision for income taxes		763,432			557,906			679,789

Net income	$	1,547,466		$	888,605		$	1,912,275

Basic and diluted earnings per common share		0.09			0.05			0.11


Weighted average number of shares outstanding		16,846,671			16,814,740			16,765,080

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Net income	$	1,547,466		$	888,605		$	1,912,275

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities (net of tax benefits)		(343,767	)		(182,376	)		(720,517	)
Less reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (net of taxes)					(29,954	)		430,651

Comprehensive income	$	1,203,699		$	676,275		$	1,622,409

See accompanying notes to financial statements

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

and the Year Ended December 31, 2008

	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, 2007		17,273,776		16,827,726			446,050			6,509,267		1,120,669		(2,078,165	)		20,471,432		(209,043	)		25,814,160

Redemption of stock		—		(112,009	)		112,009			—		—		(1,239,488	)		—		—			(1,239,488	)

Issuance of treasury stock for compensation		—		8,750			(8,750	)		—		81,340		15,628			—		—			96,968

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized losses on securities, net of taxes and reclassification adjustment		—		—			—			—		—		—			—		(289,866	)		(289,866	)

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2008		—		—			—			—		—		—			1,912,275		—			1,912,275


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		—		(15,195	)		15,195			—		—		(101,628	)		—		—			(101,628	)

Issuance of treasury stock for compensation		—		5,257			(5,257	)		—		39,628		11,532			—		—			51,160

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		—		—			—			—		—		—			—		(343,767	)		(343,767	)

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2009		—		—			—			—		—		—			1,547,466		—			1,547,466


Balances at March 31, 2009		17,273,776		16,843,476			430,300		$	6,509,267	$	1,886,375	$	(3,056,859	)	$	23,931,173	$	(842,676	)	$	28,427,280

See accompanying notes to financial statements

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

and the Year Ended December 31, 2008

	March 31,			March 31,			December 31,
	2009			2008			2008

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	1,547,466		$	888,605		$	1,912,275
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities, net of acquisition:
Depreciation and amortization		387,464			269,285			1,092,995
(Gain)Loss on sale of marketable securities, net		149,790			(51,029	)		733,647
Impairment of marketable securities		—			—			958,879
Deferred income taxes		8,549			(39,280	)		(509,386	)
Treasury stock issued for compensation		51,160			20,790			96,968
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts		—			—			70,551
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Accounts receivable		(1,136,258	)		(716,396	)		(626,754	)
Other receivables		106,826			(91,187	)		2,797
Inventories		28,242			(163,436	)		409,012
Refundable income taxes		(155,386	)		240,880			(115,536	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(13,965	)		12,166			(1,973	)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable		401,833			372,596			665,942
Accrued expenses		94,334			(21,655	)		44,243
Margin payable		423,032			—			—
Accrued income taxes		(197,694	)		203,529			—
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,695,393			924,868			4,733,660

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities		(1,757,574	)		(1,976,684	)		(5,782,452	)
Sale of marketable securities		2,318,620			1,864,617			5,323,423
Purchases of property and equipment		(349,849	)		(365,421	)		(2,157,315	)
Acquisition of Fresh Made, net of cash acquired		(2,850,888	)		—			—
Net cash used in investing activities		(2,639,691	)		(477,488	)		(2,616,344	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds of note payable		1,729,990			—			—
Purchases of treasury stock, net		(101,628	)		(363,102	)		(1,239,488	)
Repayment of notes payable		(354,214	)		(287,373	)		(1,196,465	)
Net cash used in financing activities		1,274,148			(650,475	)		(2,435,953	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		329,850			(203,095	)		(318,637	)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period		277,248			595,885			595,885

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$	607,098		$	392,790		$	277,248

See accompanying notes to financial statements

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

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 subsidiaries, LFI Enterprises, Inc., Helios Nutrition, Ltd., Pride of Main Street, L.L.C., Starfruit, L.L.C. and Fresh Made Dairy. 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. Significant estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts, the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and deferred taxes.

Revenue Recognition

Sales represent sales of Company produced dairy products that 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.

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.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

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

	March 31,				December 31,
	2009		2008		2008
Amounts insured	$	648,222	$	280,180	$	847,711
Uninsured and uncollateralized amounts		—		762,102		—
Total bank balances	$	648,222	$	1,042,282	$	847,711

Marketable securities

All investment securities are classified as available-for-sale, are carried at fair value or quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and on available-for-sale securities 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 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. 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.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

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

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 and is reviewed for impairment at least annually. Brand assets represent the fair value of brands acquired. Brand assets have an indefinite life, 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

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

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.

As of January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions, as defined. Pursuant to FIN 48, 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 2004 through 2007 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 pursuant to FIN 48. In addition, the Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of FIN 48.

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, 2008 and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, approximately $1,530,207, $347,247 and $403,623 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, 2009 and 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2008, diluted and basic earnings per share were the same, as the effect of dilutive securities options outstanding was not significant.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 3 – Acquisition

On February 6, 2009, the Company completed a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Agreement”) by and among Lifeway, Ilya Mandel, an individual and Michael Edelson, an individual (each a “Seller” and collectively “Sellers”).

Lifeway purchased from Sellers 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, less certain offsets for any selling expenses in excess of certain limits set forth in the Stock Agreement and other payments and funded debt all as set forth in the Stock Agreement, a note in the principal amount of $2,735,000, due on February 6, 2011, 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 and not more than $98,000 in funds held in Fresh’s two accounts with Vist Financial Corp. 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, Lifeway entered into and consummated a Real Property Purchase Agreement (the “Real Property Agreement”) by and among Sellers and Lifeway. Pursuant to the Real Property Agreement, Lifeway acquired 1.1355 acres of land in Philadelphia, PA (the “Property”) from Sellers. The consideration for the Property was $2,000,000.

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 fair value as of the merger date. Acquisition costs for legal and professional fees have been included in General and Administrative costs.

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 $546,000)		546,000
Other current assets		373,000
Building and other fixed assets		2,528,000
Customer list		4,000,000
Non amortizable goodwill and brand asset		6,816,000
Current liabilities		(461,000	)
Total fair value of assets acquired and laiblities assumed	$	14,028,000

Note 4 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

	March 31, 2009				March 31, 2008				December 31, 2008
	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Cost		Accumulated Amortization
Recipes	$	43,600	$	43,600	$	43,600	$	38,831	$	43,600	$	43,600
Customer lists and other customer related intangibles		4,305,200		284,052		305,200		151,873		305,200		182,938
Lease acquisition		87,200		58,133		87,200		45,676		87,200		55,019
Other		6,638		6,638		6,638		3,651		6,638		4,647
Customer relationship		985,000		218,889		985,000		136,806		985,000		198,368
Contractual backlog		12,000		12,000		12,000		12,000		12,000		12,000
Trade names		1,980,000		352,000		1,980,000		220,000		1,980,000		319,000
Formula		438,000		116,800		438,000		73,000		438,000		105,850
	$	7,857,638	$	1,092,112	$	3,857,638	$	681,837	$	3,857,638	$	921,422

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

2010	$	672,614
2011		669,375
2012		661,402
2013		635,450
2014		624,550
Thereafter		3,502,135
	$	6,765,526

Amortization expense during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $170,690, $79,861 and $319,446, respectively.

Goodwill and brand assets increased during the period ending March 31, 2009 due to the acquisition of Fresh Made (See Note 3).

Note 5 – MARKETABLE SECURITIES

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

March 31, 2009	Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value

Equities	$	1,429,461	$	46,956	$	( 363,537	)	$	1,112,880
Mutual Funds		704,256		160		( 376,113	)		328,303
Preferred Securities		826,295		—		( 397,324	)		428,971
Corporate Bonds		506,165		2,959		( 25,193	)		483,931
Government agency Obligations		1,929,788		6,539		( 3,961	)		1,932,366
Total	$	5,395,965	$	56,614	$	( 1,166,128	)	$	4,286,451

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 5 – MARKETABLE SECURITIES - Continued

March 31, 2008	Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value

Equities	$	3,074,223	$	114,067	$	( 481,142	)	$	2,707,148
Mutual Funds		927,055		3,744		( 144,622	)		786,177
Preferred Securities		1,655,421		7,680		( 167,259	)		1,495,842
Corporate Bonds		1,249,426		1,585		( 55,070	)		1,195,942
Municipal Bonds		4,586		330		—			4,916
Government agency Obligations		597,978		2,956		( 108	)		600,825
Total	$	7,508,689	$	130,362	$	( 848,201	)	$	6,790,850

December 31, 2008	Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value

Equities	$	2,116,004	$	75,333	$	( 279,487	)	$	1,911,850
Mutual Funds		888,182		202		( 339,970	)		548,414
Preferred Securities		1,541,423		13,075		( 308,963	)		1,245,535
Corporate Bonds		783,761		1,559		( 19,289	)		766,031
Municipal Bonds		4,586		414		—			5,000
Government agency Obligations		778,140		8,668		( 1,470	)		785,338
Total	$	6,112,096	$	99,251	$	( 949,179	)	$	5,262,168

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities were $5,323,423, $2,318,620 and $1,864,617 during the year ended December 31, 2008 and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively.

Gross gains of $384,574, $103,520 and $217,112 and gross losses of $1,118,221, $243,310 and $166,083 were realized on these sales during the year ended December 31, 2008 and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, 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, 2009:

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 5 – MARKETABLE SECURITIES - Continued

	Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or Greater					Total
Description of Securities	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses

Equities	$	872,423	$	( 316,691	)	$	59,422	$	( 46,846	)	$	931,845	$	( 363,537	)
Mutual Funds		148,400		( 71,155	)		172,520		( 304,958	)		320,920		( 376,113	)
Preferred Securities		180,313		( 15,874	)		248,658		( 381,450	)		428,971		( 397,324	)
Corporate Bonds		24,233		( 714	)		274,811		( 24,479	)		299,044		( 25,193	)
Government Agency Obligations		—		—			695,308		( 3,961	)		695,308		( 3,961	)
	$	1,225,369	$	( 404,434	)	$	1,450,719	$	( 761,694	)	$	2,676,088	$	( 1,166,128	)

For the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded other than temporary impairments related to investments in marketable securities in certain investments of $958,879. The impairments recognized relate to securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2008 that were subsequently sold and equity holdings that we consider other than temporarily impaired due to the recent performance of the issuers of those securities.

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 March 31, 2009.

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 March 31, 2009.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 6 – INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

	March 31,				December 31,
	2009		2008		2008
Finished goods	$	1,397,435	$	1,201,472	$	1,343,811
Production supplies		1,661,817		1,357,834		1,291,484
Raw materials		582,496		1,110,684		462,247
Total inventories	$	3,641,748	$	3,669,990	$	3,097,542

Note 7 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:


	March 31,				December 31,
	2009		2008		2008
Land	$	969,232	$	969,232	$	969,232
Buildings and improvements		9,569,074		6,772,762		7,138,042
Machinery and equipment		9,605,436		8,166,465		8,229,202
Vehicles		964,956		581,458		610,558
Office equipment		184,609		102,830		180,351
Construction in process		2,630,334		1,047,623		2,309,045
		23,923,641		17,640,370		19,436,430
Less accumulated depreciation		10,199,718		7,785,425		8,373,716
Total property and equipment	$	13,723,923	$	9,854,945	$	11,062,714

Depreciation expense during the year ended December 31, 2008 and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $777,715, $216,774 and $189,424, respectively.

Note 8 – ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:


	March 31,				December 31,
	2009		2008		2008
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes	$	181,384	$	101,670	$	98,089
Accrued property tax		225,303		220,253		291,819
Other		80,031		70,461		68,374
	$	486,718	$	392,384	$	458,282

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 9 – NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consist of the following:

	March 31,				December 31,
	2009		2008		2008
Mortgage note payable to a bank, payable in monthly installments of $3,273 including interest at 7%, with a balloon payment of $416,825 due September 25, 2011. Collateralized by real estate.		—	$	444,499	$	438,926

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.		—		2,816,481		2,760,288

Note payable to Amani Holding LLC, payable in quarterly installments of $262,500 plus interest at the floating prime rate per annum (7.25% at December 31, 2007) due September 1, 2010 secured by letter of credit.		574,308		1,684,570		837,244

Note payable to Private Bank in monthly installments of $42,222, plus variable interest rate, currently at 2.945%, with a balloon payment of $5,066,667 due February 6, 2014. Collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company.		7,515,555		—		—

Line of credit with Private Bank at variable interest rate, currently at 2.945%, due on February 6, 2010. Collateralized by real estate.		2,600,000		—		—

Line of credit with Morgan Stanley at variable interest rate, currently at 2.40%. Secured by marketable securities.		1,933,527		—		—

Subordinated notes payable to Ilya Mandel & Michael Edelson, payable in quarterly installments of $341,875, plus interest at the floating rate per annum (3.3% at March 31, 2009) due February 6, 2011.		2,735,000		—		—

Total notes payable		15,358,390		4,945,550		4,036,458
Less current maturities		6,982,001		1,131,725		928,444

Total long-term portion	$	8,376,389	$	3,813,825	$	3,108,014

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 9 – NOTES PAYABLE - Continued

Maturities of notes payables are as follows:

For the Period Ended March 31,
2010	$	6,982,001
2011		1,874,167
2012		506,667
2013		506,667
2014		5,488,888
Total	$	15,358,390

Note 10 – 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,
	2009		2008			2008
Current:
Federal	$	610,611	$	488,599		$	1,005,159
State and local		144,272		108,587			184,016
Total current		754,883		597,186			1,189,175
Deferred		8,549		( 39,280	)		( 509,386	)
Provision for income taxes	$	763,432	$	557,906		$	679,789

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,
	2009			2008			2008
Federal income tax expense computed at the statutory rate	$	828,045		$	491,814		$	881,302
State and local tax expense, net		116,900			69,433			124,419
Permanent differences		( 181,513	)		( 3,341	)		( 150,772	)
Other		—			—			( 175,160	)
Provision for income taxes	$	763,432		$	557,906		$	679,789

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 10 – PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES - Continued

Amounts for deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:


	March 31,						December 31,
	2009			2008			2008
Non-current deferred tax liabilities arising from: Temporary differences -
accumulated depreciation and amortization	$	( 1,763,059	)	$	( 1,679,859	)	$	( 1,607,155	)
Current deferred tax assets arising from:
Unrealized losses on marketable securities		458,320			296,468			351,020
Impairment of marketable securities		204,537			—			396,017
Inventory		154,315			154,930			127,177
Allowance for doubtful accounts		14,460			16,297			14,460
Allowance for promotions		30,975			—			30,975
Total current deferred tax assets (liabilities)		862,607			467,695			919,649
Net deferred tax liability	$	( 900,452	)	$	( 1,212,164	)	$	( 687,506	)

Note 11 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid for interest and income taxes are as follows:


	For the Three Months Ended March 31,				For the Year Ended December 31,
	2009		2008		2008
Interest	$	74,743	$	85,956	$	307,620
Income taxes	$	454,526	$	133,250	$	1,288,428

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, 2008 and at March 31, 2009 and 2008, there were no stock options outstanding or exercisable. There were approximately 940,000 shares available for issuance under the Plan at March 31, 2009.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 12 – STOCK AWARD AND STOCK OPTION PLANS - Continued

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 have vesting periods of one year. The expense for the awards is 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 will be recognized as the stock awards vest in 12 equal portions of $10,386, or 875 shares per month for one year.

On May 18, 2007, Lifeway’s Board of Directors approved awards of an aggregate amount of 8,400 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 1, 2007 and have vesting periods of one year. The expense for the awards is measured as of June 1, 2007 at $9.90 per share for 8,400 shares, or a total stock award expense of $83,160. This expense will be recognized as the stock awards vest in 12 equal portions of $6,930, or 700 shares per month for one year.

Note 13 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Statement clarifies that the exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell an asset or transfer a liability at the measurement date. The statement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement. The statement establishes a fair value hierarchy used in fair value measurements and expands the required disclosures of assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

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.

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.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 13 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Continued

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 at March 31, 2009
Assets
Investment securities- available - for - sale	$	4,286,251		—		—	$	4,286,251

Note 14 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) states that all business combinations (whether full, partial or step acquisitions) will result in all assets and liabilities of an acquired business being recorded at their acquisition date fair values. Earn-outs and other forms of contingent consideration and certain acquired contingencies will also be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. SFAS No. 141(R) also states acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred; in-process research and development will be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset at the acquisition date; changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense; and restructuring costs will be expensed in periods after the acquisition date. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company will apply the provisions of this standard to any acquisitions that it completes on or after December 15, 2008.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51.” This statement amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Upon its adoption, noncontrolling interests will be classified as equity in the consolidated balance sheets. This statement also provides guidance on a subsidiary deconsolidation as well as stating that entities need to provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009 and 2008

and December 31, 2008

Note 14 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - Continued

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). This statement requires enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 also requires that objectives for using derivative instruments be disclosed in terms of underlying risk and accounting designation and requires cross-referencing within the footnotes. This statement also suggests disclosing the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Comparison of Quarter Ended March 31, 2009 to Quarter Ended March 31, 2008

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, 2008.

Results of Operations

Total consolidated group sales increased by $2,613,842, (approximately 24%) to $13,736,080 during the three month period ended March 31, 2009 from $11,122,238 during the same three month period in 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to increased sales and awareness of Lifeway’s flagship line, Kefir, as well as ProBugs™ Organic Kefir for kids. Additionally, Lifeway recorded revenues from its February 6, 2009 acquisition of Fresh Made Dairy. Included in the total group sales was $1,390,873 of revenue related to this acquisition and recorded from the period of February 7, 2009 to March 31, 2009.

Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales was approximately 60% during the first quarter 2009, compared to about 69% during the same period in 2008. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decreased cost of conventional milk, our largest raw material, and the cost of transportation and other petroleum based production supplies. Gross profit increased approximately 58% during the first quarter 2009, when compared with the same period in 2008.

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales were approximately 22% during the first quarter 2009, compared to about 19% during the same period in 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to the increase in professional fees related to the February 6, 2009 acquisition of Fresh Made Dairy and a 114% increase in amortization expense, a non cash expense, also related to the Fresh Made acquisition. Many of the acquisition related professional fees are non recurring expenses.

Total operating income increased by $1,176,855, (approximately 86%) to $2,543,513 during the first quarter 2009, from $1,366,658 during the same period in 2008.

Total other expenses for the first quarter 2009 were $232,615 compared with total other income of $79,853 during the same period in 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to a higher interest expense related to the February 6, 2009 Fresh Made acquisition. Interest expenses during the first quarter 2009 were $154,383, which includes approximately a $55,000 pre -payment penalty on one of Lifeway’s real estate mortgages related to the financing of the acquisition. This pre-payment expense is a non recurring expense. Additionally, interest income decreased by $40,922 to $62,211 during the first quarter 2009 from $103,133 during the same period in 2008 primarily due to lower interest rates.

Total net income was $1,547,466 or $.09 per share for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, compared with $888,605 or $.05 per share in the same period in 2008. This represents a 74% increase in net income from the first quarter 2009 when compared to the same period in 2008.

Total intangible assets increased $10,428,712 to $19,019,371 as of March 31, 2009, up from $8,590,659 as of March 31, 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in goodwill and other intangible assets related to the February 6, 2009 acquisition of Fresh Made Dairy. Intangible assets are discussed in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Total current liabilities increased $6,565,919 to $10,260,483 as of March 31, 2009, up from $3,694,564 as of March 31, 2008. Additionally, the long term portion of notes payable increased $4,562,564 to $8,376,389 as of March 31, 2009, up from $3,813,825. These increases are primarily attributable to increases in notes payable related to the February 6, 2009 acquisition of Fresh Made Dairy. Notes payable are discussed in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,695,393 during the three months ended March 31, 2009, which is an increase of $770,525 when compared to the same period in 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to the increase in net income of $658,861.

Net cash used in investing activities was $2,639,691 during the three months ended March 31, 2009, which is an increase of $2,162,203 when compared to the same period in 2008. This increase is primarily due to the Company’s acquisition of Fresh Made, net of cash acquired.

Lifeway had a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $329,850 during the first quarter of 2009 when compared to the same period in 2008.

Significant portions 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.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not applicable.

ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2009, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 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 Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2009 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 as disclosed in our Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2009. 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
January 1, 2009 to January 31, 2009	—		—	—	87,991
February 1, 2009 to February 28, 2009	—		—	—	87,991
March 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009*	15,195		6.69	15,195	72,796
*Total	15,195	$	6.69	15,195	72,796

* Pursuant to the share repurchase program approved November 20, 2008 for 100,000 split adjusted shares with a plan expiration date of one year.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

Exhibit Number		Description of Document

3.4		Amended and Restated By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.5 of Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K 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)

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.

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:	May 15, 2009	By:	/s/ Julie Smolyansky
			Julie Smolyansky Chief Executive Officer, President and Director


Date:	May 15, 2009	By:	/s/ Edward P. Smolyansky
			Edward P. Smolyansky Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Treasurer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number		Description of Document

3.4		Amended and Restated By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.5 of Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K 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)

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.