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LW Stock Analysis 2026 - Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. AI Rating

LW NYSE Canned, Frozen & Preservd Fruit, Veg & Food Specialties DE CIK: 0001679273
Recently Updated • Analysis: Apr 1, 2026 • SEC Data: 2025-11-23
HOLD
62% Conf
Pending
Analysis scheduled

📊 LW Key Takeaways

Revenue: $3.3B
Net Margin: 3.9%
Free Cash Flow: $375.4M
Current Ratio: 1.43x
Debt/Equity: 2.13x
EPS: $0.90
AI Rating: HOLD with 62% confidence

Is LW a Good Investment? Thesis Analysis

Claude

Lamb Weston demonstrates solid operational execution with strong free cash flow generation ($375.4M) and excellent interest coverage (35.6x), indicating financial stability despite a significant 50.8% net income decline YoY. However, flat revenue growth combined with margin compression and declining profitability raise concerns about business momentum, suggesting a mature, capital-intensive business facing headwinds.

Why Buy LW? Key Strengths

Claude
  • + Strong free cash flow of $375.4M with 11.5% FCF margin supports debt service and capital allocation flexibility
  • + Excellent interest coverage ratio of 35.6x indicates very low financial distress risk despite high leverage
  • + Consistent operating cash generation of $530.4M demonstrates reliable cash earnings despite bottom-line pressure
  • + Reasonable current ratio of 1.43x provides adequate short-term liquidity coverage

LW Investment Risks to Consider

Claude
  • ! Net income declined 50.8% YoY with diluted EPS down 49.8%, indicating severe profitability deterioration
  • ! Flat revenue growth (0.0% YoY) combined with declining margins suggests loss of pricing power or volume pressure
  • ! High leverage with 2.13x debt/equity ratio and $3.7B long-term debt limits financial flexibility despite strong coverage
  • ! Thin net margin of 3.9% and weak ROE of 7.2% reflect low returns on shareholder capital in a competitive commodity-like industry
  • ! Quick ratio of 0.64x is weak, indicating potential working capital stress and reliance on inventory conversion

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Quarterly revenue trend and market share dynamics to assess whether flat growth reflects market conditions or company-specific issues
  • * Operating margin trajectory and gross margin sustainability amid input cost pressures
  • * Free cash flow sustainability and debt reduction capacity given the current profitability headwinds
  • * Insider buying/selling patterns given 8 Form 4 filings in last 90 days

LW Financial Metrics

Revenue
$3.3B
Net Income
$126.4M
EPS (Diluted)
$0.90
Free Cash Flow
$375.4M
Total Assets
$7.3B
Cash Position
$82.7M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.

LW Profitability Ratios

Gross Margin 20.3%
Operating Margin 9.0%
Net Margin 3.9%
ROE 7.2%
ROA 1.7%
FCF Margin 11.5%

LW vs Consumer Sector

How Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. compares to Consumer sector averages

Net Margin
LW 3.9%
vs
Sector Avg 8.0%
LW Sector
ROE
LW 7.2%
vs
Sector Avg 18.0%
LW Sector
Current Ratio
LW 1.4x
vs
Sector Avg 1.5x
LW Sector
Debt/Equity
LW 2.1x
vs
Sector Avg 0.8x
LW Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is LW Overvalued or Undervalued?

Based on fundamental analysis, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
7.2%
Sector avg: 18%
Net Profit Margin
3.9%
Sector avg: 8%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
2.13x
Sector avg: 0.8x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

LW Balance Sheet & Liquidity

Current Ratio
1.43x
Quick Ratio
0.64x
Debt/Equity
2.13x
Debt/Assets
34.2%
Interest Coverage
35.63x
Long-term Debt
$3.7B

LW 5-Year Financial Trend & Growth Analysis

LW 5-year financial data: Year 2025: Revenue $6.5B, Net Income $1.0B, EPS $6.95.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.'s revenue has remained relatively flat over the 5-year period, with a 0% decline. The most recent EPS of $6.95 reflects profitable operations.

LW Growth Metrics (YoY)

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
11.5%
Free cash flow / Revenue

LW Quarterly Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q2 2026 $1.6B -$36.1M $-0.25
Q1 2026 $1.7B $64.3M $0.46
Q3 2025 $1.5B $146.0M $1.01
Q2 2025 $1.6B -$36.1M $-0.25
Q1 2025 $1.7B $127.4M $0.88
Q3 2024 $1.3B $146.1M $1.01
Q2 2024 $1.3B $103.1M $0.71
Q1 2024 $1.1B $231.9M $1.60

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

LW Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$530.4M
Cash generated from operations
Capital Expenditures
$155.0M
Investment in assets
Dividends Paid
$103.3M
Returned to shareholders

LW SEC 10-K & 10-Q Filing Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (CIK: 0001679273)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
Feb 6, 2026 4 xslF345X05/form4-02062026_100204.xml View →
Feb 6, 2026 4 xslF345X05/form4-02062026_100220.xml View →
Feb 6, 2026 4 xslF345X05/form4-02062026_100242.xml View →
Feb 6, 2026 4 xslF345X05/form4-02062026_100208.xml View →
Feb 6, 2026 4 xslF345X05/form4-02062026_100221.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about LW

What is the AI rating for LW?

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) has an AI rating of HOLD with 62% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are LW's key strengths?

Claude: Strong free cash flow of $375.4M with 11.5% FCF margin supports debt service and capital allocation flexibility. Excellent interest coverage ratio of 35.6x indicates very low financial distress risk despite high leverage.

What are the risks of investing in LW?

Claude: Net income declined 50.8% YoY with diluted EPS down 49.8%, indicating severe profitability deterioration. Flat revenue growth (0.0% YoY) combined with declining margins suggests loss of pricing power or volume pressure.

What is LW's revenue and growth?

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. reported revenue of $3.3B.

Does LW pay dividends?

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. pays dividends, with $103.3M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find LW SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (CIK: 0001679273) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is LW's EPS?

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. has a diluted EPS of $0.90.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

Is LW a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. has a HOLD rating with 62% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.

Is LW stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for LW: ROE of 7.2% (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 3.9% (sector avg: 8%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

Should I buy LW stock in 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is LW's free cash flow?

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.'s operating cash flow is $530.4M, with capital expenditures of $155.0M. FCF margin is 11.5%.

How does LW compare to other Consumer stocks?

Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin 3.9% (avg: 8%), ROE 7.2% (avg: 18%), current ratio 1.43 (avg: 1.5).

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: Apr 1, 2026 | Data as of: 2025-11-23 | Powered by Claude AI