Lamb Weston leaders are projecting guarded optimism as the french fry maker kicks off its 2026 fiscal year. 

The Eagle, Idaho-based company released its first quarter results on Sept. 30. While it continued to see some declines compared to the first quarter of 2025, net sales were up slightly as was 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, Lamb Weston president and CEO, in a statement. “We believe our sharpened executional focus and strategic plans behind our Focus to Win strategy are beginning to deliver and position us to drive long-term growth and sustainable value for our shareholders.” 

Net sales increased by $5.2 million compared to the prior year quarter. Adjusted income from operations came in at $206.5 million, a 5% gain. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $302.2 million, up 1%. 

The improvements came despite further weakening of Lamb Weston’s North American market, which declined slightly compared to the same quarter in the prior year. That decline was countered by increased demand for its products from international customers. 

The first quarter results led the company to affirm its outlook for the rest of the fiscal year, with net sales of between $6.35 billion to $6.55 billion and EBITDA of $1 billion to $1.2 billion. 

Lamb Weston is one of the Tri-Cities’ largest employers, with about 2,600 employees working in its processing facilities and administrative offices, according to data in the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business’ Book of Lists. 

The company has struggled over the past year, leading it to shutter its Connell processing facility last fall and laying off hundreds of employees across all its operations this past summer.