Lamb Weston(LW) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the second quarter, net sales increased by 1%, with a $24 million benefit from foreign currency translation, while on a constant currency basis, net sales were essentially flat compared to last year [14] - Volume rose by 8%, driven by customer wins and share gains, despite softer restaurant traffic [14] - Adjusted EBITDA declined by $9 million year-over-year to $286 million, while adjusted gross profit decreased by $16 million primarily due to unfavorable price mix [17][18] - Free Cash Flow was strong at $375 million, with capital expenditures down to $156 million in the first half, reflecting disciplined investment [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America net sales were essentially flat year-over-year, with an 8% increase in volume supported by recent customer contract wins [15] - International segment net sales increased by 4%, but declined by 1% on a constant currency basis, with volume growth of 7% [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA in North America increased by 7% to $288 million, while the international segment's adjusted EBITDA declined to $27 million due to pricing pressures and higher manufacturing costs [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, QSR traffic was flat, with QSR chicken growing while QSR burger traffic declined by 3% [14] - Internationally, restaurant traffic in most markets declined, including a 3% drop in the U.K., the largest international market [14] - Asia, including China, led volume growth in the quarter, with multinational chain customers also contributing to growth [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing its "Focus to Win" strategy, focusing on strengthening customer partnerships and driving cost savings [4][6] - The company is reopening previously curtailed capacity in North America to meet customer demand and maintain high fill rates [4][9] - The company is building a culture of continuous improvement and reducing volatility through customer contracting and raw procurement strategies [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a dynamic macroeconomic and competitive environment, particularly in international markets, but expressed confidence in their plans to control controllables for long-term growth [5][6] - The company expects continued volume growth and strong sales momentum for the second half of the fiscal year, with North America volumes expected to grow at or above first-half rates [24] - Price mix is anticipated to remain unfavorable in the second half, but to a lesser extent than the first half [25] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $40 million of shares during the second quarter and announced a 3% increase in the quarterly dividend [6][23] - The company is actively working to rebalance supply and demand within its network, ensuring the right assets are in place to serve priority markets [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding rebalancing supply and demand in Europe - Management confirmed that they are curtailing a single line in Europe and are looking across the global supply chain to balance supply and demand [28][29] Question: Volume drivers in North America for the back half of the year - Management indicated that a significant component of volume growth is driven by a higher proportion of business with multinational chain customers and a shift from branded to private label [30][31] Question: Update on international markets, particularly Asia - Management acknowledged increased competition in Asia but expressed confidence in future growth, particularly in Latin America [32][33] Question: Gross margin expectations for the second half - Management clarified that gross margins are expected to be flat to down in the second half, primarily due to mixed shifts and pricing headwinds [34][35] Question: Capacity decisions in North America - Management explained that high utilization rates necessitated reopening additional capacity to meet customer expectations, with no expected negative impact on profitability [39][40] Question: Execution improvements and metrics - Management highlighted the implementation of clear accountabilities and KPIs across the supply chain to enhance execution and predictability [42][43] Question: Capital allocation and share repurchases - Management reiterated their commitment to disciplined capital allocation, including opportunistic share repurchases while investing in business capabilities [61]