Lamb Weston(US:LW)2025-07-23 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter, net sales increased by 4% year-over-year, with volume up by 8% driven by contract wins across channels and regions [25][26] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $285 million, essentially flat compared to the prior year, with lower adjusted SG&A offsetting lower adjusted gross profit [30][31] - The company ended the year with approximately $1.24 billion in liquidity and a net debt of $4.1 billion, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA to net debt leverage ratio of 3.3 times [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment net sales declined by 1% year-over-year, primarily due to lower net selling prices, while volume increased by 4% [26][27] - International segment sales grew by 15% year-over-year, with volume up by 16%, driven by recent customer contract wins [28] - Adjusted EBITDA in the North America segment declined by 7% to $258 million, while the International segment's adjusted EBITDA increased by $22 million to $63 million [30][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global restaurant traffic trends were down low single digits in the US and UK, impacting overall sales despite positive consumption trends in the French fry category [25][26] - French fry attachment rates in the US remained approximately two points higher than pre-pandemic levels, indicating strong demand [26] - The international segment faced a 3% decline in restaurant traffic in the UK, yet still achieved significant volume growth [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a "Focus to Win" strategy, which includes zero-based budgeting and assessing non-core assets to drive targeted decision-making [11][21] - The strategic framework aims to prioritize investments in attractive growth opportunities across markets, channels, and product segments [15][17] - The company plans to strengthen customer partnerships and enhance execution excellence to differentiate itself in a competitive marketplace [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by macroeconomic and geopolitical factors but expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on customer momentum [22][38] - The outlook for fiscal 2026 anticipates revenue in the range of $6.35 billion to $6.55 billion, reflecting a 2% decline to 2% growth on a constant currency basis [39] - Management emphasized the importance of controlling operational aspects to ensure readiness for when restaurant traffic returns to growth [22][45] Other Important Information - The company announced a cost savings program targeting $250 million in annualized savings by the end of fiscal 2028 [21][42] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are expected to be approximately $500 million, focusing on maintenance and modernization [34][64] - The company plans to return cash to shareholders, having repurchased $282 million in shares and paid $207 million in dividends during the year [35][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: EBITDA margin target for the year - Management indicated that the EBITDA margin is expected to be below normalized levels in fiscal 2026 due to competitive pressures and pricing actions to support customers [49][50] Question: Working capital improvement specifics - Management highlighted efforts to improve inventory management and planning capabilities to enhance working capital efficiency [53][54] Question: International capacity and project delays - Management confirmed that while some international capacity projects have been announced, many are expected to be delayed or canceled, indicating a rational approach within the industry [60][61] Question: Capital expenditures guidance - Management explained the reduction in capital expenditure intensity as the focus shifts from growth investments to maintenance and modernization [62][64] Question: Sales outlook and pricing impacts - Management noted that the first half of fiscal 2026 will face pressure from carryover pricing actions, with stronger sales expected in the second half due to an additional week of sales [88][89]