Lamb Weston Begins Fiscal Year 2026 with Guarded Optimism Amid Mixed Market Conditions

Lamb Weston Kicks Off Fiscal Year 2026 with Guarded Optimism Amid Market Challenges

Eagle, Idaho — Lamb Weston, the renowned French fry maker, is stepping into its 2026 fiscal year with a sense of cautious optimism, as the company released its first-quarter results on September 30. Despite facing some declines compared to the same period last year, the company reported a slight uptick in net sales, adjusted income from operations, and earnings before other costs.

“The Lamb Weston team delivered a strong start to the fiscal year with solid volume growth and positive customer momentum, underscoring the strength of our value proposition and our operating model,” said Mike Smith, President and CEO of Lamb Weston. He emphasized that the company’s sharpened executional focus and strategic plans, encapsulated in their “Focus to Win” strategy, are beginning to yield results that position Lamb Weston for long-term growth and sustainable shareholder value.

In the first quarter, net sales increased by $5.2 million compared to the prior year, reaching a total of $206.5 million in adjusted income from operations—a 5% gain. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also saw a modest rise of 1%, totaling $302.2 million.

These improvements come despite a slight decline in Lamb Weston’s North American market, which has faced challenges over the past year. However, the company found a silver lining in increased demand from international customers, helping to offset domestic market weaknesses.

Looking ahead, Lamb Weston has reaffirmed its outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year, projecting net sales between $6.35 billion and $6.55 billion, with EBITDA expected to range from $1 billion to $1.2 billion.

As one of the largest employers in the Tri-Cities area, Lamb Weston employs approximately 2,600 individuals across its processing facilities and administrative offices. However, the company has faced significant challenges over the past year, including the closure of its Connell processing facility last fall and layoffs affecting hundreds of employees this past summer.

Despite these hurdles, Lamb Weston’s leadership remains hopeful that their strategic initiatives will pave the way for a more robust future. As the company navigates the complexities of the market, it continues to focus on delivering quality products and maintaining strong customer relationships, essential for its long-term success.