May 30, 2021

Lamb Weston Q4 2021 Earnings Report

Lamb Weston reported an increase in net sales and income from operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, and provided fiscal year 2022 outlook.

Key Takeaways

Lamb Weston's Q4 2021 results showed a strong recovery with net sales increasing by 19% to $1,008 million and income from operations increasing by 220% to $99 million. Diluted EPS increased to $0.44 from a loss of $0.01. The company provided a positive outlook for fiscal year 2022, expecting net sales growth above its long-term target range.

Net sales increased 19% to $1,008 million.

Income from operations increased 220% to $99 million.

Net income increased to $66 million from a loss of $2 million.

Diluted EPS increased to $0.44 from a loss of $0.01.

Total Revenue
$1.01B
Previous year: $847M
+19.0%
EPS
$0.44
Previous year: -$0.01
-4500.0%
Gross Profit
$198M
Previous year: $111M
+78.2%
Cash and Equivalents
$784M
Previous year: $1.36B
-42.6%
Free Cash Flow
$123M
Previous year: $98.4M
+25.3%
Total Assets
$4.21B
Previous year: $4.66B
-9.7%

Lamb Weston

Lamb Weston

Forward Guidance

The Company expects fiscal 2022 net sales growth will be above its long-term target of low-to-mid single digits. Net income and Adjusted EBITDA including unconsolidated joint ventures to be pressured during the first half, and normalize in the second half

Positive Outlook

  • Net sales growth will be above its long-term target of low-to-mid single digits.
  • Net sales growth in the first half of fiscal year 2022 will be driven largely by higher volume, reflecting an ongoing recovery in frozen potato demand.
  • Net sales growth in the second half of its fiscal year will reflect more of a balance of higher volume and improved price/mix as recent pricing actions are fully implemented in the market.
  • Sales volumes in higher-margin channels approach pre-pandemic levels.
  • Strong balance sheet and ability to generate cash has it well-positioned to expand production capacity to support long-term growth

Challenges Ahead

  • Net income and Adjusted EBITDA including unconsolidated joint ventures to be pressured during the first half of fiscal 2022.
  • Volatility in the broader supply chain as the overall economy continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact.
  • Significant inflation for key production inputs, packaging and transportation compared to fiscal 2021 levels.
  • Continued investments in its manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial operations will increase operating expenses in the near term.
  • Ongoing impact of the pandemic is uncertain.