Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (LFCR)
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. is an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization specializing in pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (HA) and aseptically formulated products. The company also processes and sells olive oils, wine vinegars, guacamole, and avocado food products.
Company Overview
Lifecore Biomedical is a diversified healthcare and food company, leveraging its expertise in sodium hyaluronate manufacturing and aseptic formulation to drive growth in pharmaceuticals, while also capitalizing on consumer demand for healthy food products, creating a unique investment opportunity.
Investment Thesis
Lifecore Biomedical presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its diversified business model and strategic positioning in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. The company's expertise in HA manufacturing and aseptic formulation within the Lifecore segment provides a stable revenue stream and growth potential in the injectable products market. The Curation Foods segment offers diversification and exposure to the growing demand for healthy food products. Key value drivers include expanding the Lifecore segment's CDMO services, increasing market share in the HA market, and optimizing the Curation Foods segment's product portfolio. With a market capitalization of $0.28 billion and a beta of 0.59, LFCR offers a relatively stable investment profile with growth catalysts in both its pharmaceutical and food divisions.
Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $0.28B indicates a mid-sized company with potential for growth.
- Gross Margin of 31.6% reflects the company's ability to generate profit from its sales after accounting for the cost of goods sold.
- The company operates as an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization, providing a range of services from technology development to production of materials for clinical studies.
- Lifecore segment specializes in pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (HA), a high-value product with applications in various medical fields.
- Curation Foods segment diversifies revenue streams through the processing and selling of olive oils, wine vinegars, guacamole, and avocado food products.
Competitors
Strengths
- Expertise in HA manufacturing and aseptic formulation.
- Diversified business model with both pharmaceutical and food segments.
- Established customer relationships.
- Integrated CDMO services.
Weaknesses
- Negative Profit Margin of -24.0%.
- High dependence on key customers.
- Exposure to commodity price fluctuations in the food segment.
- Limited brand recognition compared to larger competitors.
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Expansion of CDMO service offerings to attract new pharmaceutical clients.
- Ongoing: Increasing demand for HA-based products in ophthalmology and orthopedics.
- Ongoing: Growing consumer demand for healthy and convenient food products.
Risks
- Potential: Intense competition in both the pharmaceutical and food industries could erode market share.
- Potential: Regulatory changes affecting pharmaceutical manufacturing and food processing could increase compliance costs.
- Potential: Economic downturn impacting consumer spending on food products could reduce sales.
- Ongoing: Supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability and costs could impact profitability.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion of CDMO Services: The global pharmaceutical CDMO market is projected to reach $160 billion by 2030, presenting a significant growth opportunity for Lifecore. By expanding its CDMO services, particularly in aseptic formulation and fill-finish capabilities, Lifecore can attract new clients and increase its market share. This expansion can be achieved through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and skilled personnel, positioning Lifecore as a preferred partner for pharmaceutical companies seeking specialized manufacturing solutions.
- Increased Market Share in HA Market: The market for sodium hyaluronate (HA) is expected to grow driven by its applications in ophthalmology, orthopedics, and aesthetics. Lifecore can increase its market share by developing innovative HA-based products, expanding its distribution network, and strengthening its relationships with key customers. Focusing on high-value applications and differentiated formulations will enhance Lifecore's competitive position and drive revenue growth.
- Product Innovation in Curation Foods: The market for healthy and convenient food products is experiencing rapid growth, driven by changing consumer preferences and lifestyles. Lifecore can capitalize on this trend by developing innovative products under its O, Yucatan, and Cabo Fresh brands. This includes introducing new flavors, formulations, and packaging options that appeal to health-conscious consumers. By focusing on product innovation and marketing, Lifecore can increase its market share and drive revenue growth in the Curation Foods segment.
- Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions: Lifecore can accelerate its growth by forming strategic partnerships and pursuing targeted acquisitions. Partnering with pharmaceutical companies can provide access to new markets and technologies, while acquiring complementary businesses can expand Lifecore's product portfolio and service offerings. These strategic initiatives can enhance Lifecore's competitive position and create synergies across its business segments.
- Geographic Expansion: Lifecore currently operates in the United States and internationally. Expanding its geographic reach can provide access to new markets and customers, driving revenue growth and diversification. This can be achieved through establishing new sales offices, distribution partnerships, or manufacturing facilities in key regions. Focusing on emerging markets with high growth potential will enhance Lifecore's global presence and competitiveness.
Opportunities
- Expansion of CDMO services in the growing pharmaceutical market.
- Increased market share in the HA market.
- Product innovation in the Curation Foods segment.
- Strategic partnerships and acquisitions.
Threats
- Intense competition in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.
- Regulatory changes affecting pharmaceutical manufacturing and food processing.
- Economic downturn impacting consumer spending on food products.
- Supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability and costs.
Competitive Advantages
- Specialized expertise in sodium hyaluronate (HA) manufacturing and aseptic formulation.
- Integrated business model with both pharmaceutical and food processing capabilities.
- Established relationships with pharmaceutical and food industry customers.
- Diversified product portfolio across multiple market segments.
About
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc., established in 1986 and formerly known as Landec Corporation until November 2022, operates as an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) serving the pharmaceutical and food industries. Headquartered in Santa Maria, California, Lifecore focuses on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a diverse range of products. The company's core strength lies in the Lifecore segment, which specializes in pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (HA) in bulk form. This segment also produces formulated and filled syringes and vials for injectable products, addressing various medical conditions and procedures. Lifecore further extends its services to partners by offering technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation, and production of materials for clinical studies, catering to both HA-based and non-HA based aseptically formulated and filled products. Beyond HA, the Lifecore segment sells non-HA products for medical applications, primarily in the ophthalmic, orthopedic, and other specialized markets. Complementing its pharmaceutical endeavors, the Curation Foods segment engages in the processing, marketing, and selling of olive oils and wine vinegars under the O brand, as well as guacamole and avocado food products under the Yucatan and Cabo Fresh brands, alongside various private label agreements. This diversified approach allows Lifecore to tap into both the high-growth pharmaceutical CDMO market and the expanding market for healthy and convenient food options.
What They Do
- Manufactures pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (HA) in bulk form.
- Produces formulated and filled syringes and vials for injectable products.
- Provides technology development services for HA-based and non-HA based products.
- Offers analytical method development, formulation development, and pilot studies.
- Conducts stability studies, process validation, and production of materials for clinical studies.
- Processes, markets, and sells olive oils and wine vinegars under the O brand.
- Processes, markets, and sells guacamole and avocado food products under the Yucatan and Cabo Fresh brands.
- Provides private label food processing services.
Business Model
- Contract manufacturing of pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (HA).
- Sale of formulated and filled syringes and vials for injectable products.
- Providing contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services to pharmaceutical companies.
- Processing and selling branded and private label food products.
Industry Context
Lifecore Biomedical operates within the specialty pharmaceutical and food processing industries. The pharmaceutical CDMO market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for specialized manufacturing services and complex formulations. The market for HA-based products is also expanding, fueled by the aging population and growing demand for minimally invasive procedures. The food processing industry is characterized by intense competition and evolving consumer preferences for healthy and convenient options. Lifecore's competitive advantage lies in its integrated business model, which allows it to leverage its expertise in both pharmaceutical manufacturing and food processing.
Key Customers
- Pharmaceutical companies requiring HA and aseptic formulation services.
- Healthcare providers using injectable products for various medical conditions.
- Retail consumers purchasing olive oils, wine vinegars, guacamole, and avocado food products.
- Private label customers seeking food processing services.
Financials
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | $35M | -$17M | $0.00 |
| Q4 2024 | $33M | -$9M | $0.00 |
| Q3 2024 | $25M | -$16M | $0.00 |
| Q2 2024 | $38M | -$7M | $0.00 |
Source: Company filings
Chart & Info
Price Chart
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (LFCR) stock price: $7.80 (+0.06, +0.78%)
Why Bull
- •Insider buying has increased recently, indicating confidence in Lifecore's future prospects.
- •Community sentiment has shifted positively as recent product developments have garnered attention.
- •Analysts are highlighting Lifecore's unique position in the biomedical sector, suggesting potential growth opportunities.
- •Increased partnerships and collaborations have been reported, enhancing market perception of Lifecore's innovations.
Why Bear
- •Concerns about competition in the biomedical space are rising, with other companies launching similar products.
- •Recent earnings reports have not met market expectations, leading to skepticism among investors.
- •Social sentiment shows some volatility, with mixed opinions about Lifecore's long-term viability.
- •Regulatory challenges in the biomedical sector could pose risks to Lifecore's operational strategies.
Latest News
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Earnings Scheduled For November 6, 2025
benzinga · Nov 6, 2025
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Earnings Scheduled For August 7, 2025
benzinga · Aug 7, 2025
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Why CohBar Shares Are Trading Lower By 161%? Here Are Other Stocks Moving In Tuesday's Mid-Day Session
benzinga · May 23, 2023
Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for LFCR including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for LFCR.
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Current price: $7.80
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for LFCR.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for LFCR.
Insider Flow (30d)
No insider trades in the last 30 days.
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 6/100
Revenue increased 24.2% YoY, reflecting moderate but steady business growth.
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Gross Margin 6/100
Gross margin of 31.3% is acceptable but leaves limited room for R&D and marketing investment.
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Operating Leverage 6/100
Revenue growth is driving operating leverage, meaning profits can grow faster than costs.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Cash position data is currently unavailable for this company.
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R&D Intensity 5/100
R&D spending data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 5/100
Float and volume data unavailable for liquidity analysis.
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Price Momentum 0/100
No bullish technical signals detected. The stock lacks upward price momentum currently.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates LFCR's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. do?
Lifecore Biomedical operates as an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), primarily focusing on the production of pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (HA) and aseptically formulated products. The company manufactures HA in bulk form and produces filled syringes and vials for injectable products used in various medical procedures. Additionally, Lifecore provides CDMO services to pharmaceutical companies, including technology development, formulation, and manufacturing support. Through its Curation Foods segment, Lifecore also processes and sells olive oils, wine vinegars, guacamole, and avocado food products, diversifying its revenue streams and market reach.
Is LFCR stock a good buy?
LFCR stock presents a mixed investment profile. While the company has a diversified business model and expertise in HA manufacturing, its negative profit margin of -24.0% raises concerns. The company's growth potential lies in expanding its CDMO services and capitalizing on the growing demand for HA-based products and healthy food options. Investors should carefully consider the company's financial performance, competitive landscape, and growth catalysts before making an investment decision. A thorough analysis of the company's valuation and future prospects is essential to determine if LFCR is a suitable investment.
What are the main risks for LFCR?
Lifecore Biomedical faces several risks, including intense competition in both the pharmaceutical and food industries, which could erode market share and profitability. Regulatory changes affecting pharmaceutical manufacturing and food processing could increase compliance costs and impact operations. An economic downturn could reduce consumer spending on food products, affecting the Curation Foods segment. Supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability and costs could also negatively impact profitability. Additionally, the company's reliance on key customers poses a risk if those relationships are disrupted.
Is LFCR a good stock to buy?
Whether LFCR is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Review the Investment Thesis, SWOT analysis, and Risk sections on this page. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor before investing.
What is the LFCR MoonshotScore?
MoonshotScore is our proprietary AI-powered rating system that evaluates stocks based on growth potential, financial health, market momentum, and risk factors. It helps investors quickly identify high-potential opportunities. Check the MoonshotScore badge on this page for the current rating.
How often is LFCR data updated?
Stock prices are updated in real-time during market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET). Company fundamentals, analyst ratings, and AI insights are refreshed daily. News is updated continuously throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for LFCR?
Growth catalysts vary by company and may include new product launches, market expansion, earnings surprises, partnerships, or industry tailwinds. Check the Catalysts section on this page for specific drivers relevant to Lifecore Biomedical, Inc..
Who are LFCR's main competitors?
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc.'s competitors depend on its industry and market segments. Check the Competitors section on this page for a list of direct competitors and how LFCR compares.
What do analysts say about LFCR?
Analyst ratings and price targets for LFCR are aggregated from multiple sources. Check the Analyst Consensus tab for buy/hold/sell ratings and the current consensus price target.
What is LFCR's market cap?
Market capitalization reflects the total market value of LFCR's outstanding shares. Check the Key Statistics section at the top of this page for the current market cap and other key financial metrics.
How has LFCR stock performed recently?
Check the Chart & Info tab for LFCR's recent price action, including daily, weekly, and monthly performance charts with technical indicators.
What are the risks of investing in LFCR?
Every stock carries risk. Check the Risks and Weaknesses sections on this page for LFCR-specific risk factors. Consider macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, and company-specific challenges.
Are insiders buying or selling LFCR?
Insider activity can signal management confidence. Check the Insider Flow tab for recent insider buys, sells, and exercise transactions for LFCR.
Is LFCR a good stock for beginners?
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (LFCR) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is LFCR for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (LFCR). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like LFCR.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- The information provided is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Investment decisions should be based on individual risk tolerance and financial circumstances.