One of the Tri-Cities’ largest employers kicked off its new fiscal year on a high note largely due to a surge in its domestic business, according to its latest quarterly report. 

Lamb Weston’s overall net sales grew slightly compared to the first quarter of 2026, with its North American market seeing 5% growth to $1.14 billion compared to the same quarter the previous year. That was enough to offset declines in the company’s international business and other pressures such as inflation, President and CEO Mike Smith said in a statement. 

The company still experienced a decline of 5% in overall earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), with challenging market conditions affecting its international business. 

“At the same time, we continue to make meaningful progress advancing our Focus to Win strategy, including cross-functional efforts to sharpen our prioritization of markets and channels. We expect to complete this work in the coming months and look forward to sharing our roadmap for driving long-term shareholder value at our Investor Day in early calendar 2027.” 

Lamb Weston also reported stronger liquidity, with the company recording $166 million in cash and cash equivalents as of Aug. 30, an increase of $98 million compared to the end of fiscal year 2026. 

The quarterly results were strong enough to lead the company to revise its outlook upward, with adjusted EBITDA in fiscal year 2027 between $1.125 to $1.215 billion and net sales growing more than 1%. 

Lamb Weston has 2,806 employees working in its processing facilities and administrative offices within and outside the Tri-Cities, according to 2025 data in the Journal’s Book of Lists.