Lamb Weston (LW-N)
NYSE:LW
54.15
0.84
(1.58%) 1d
Financials
Technical Analysis
This summary was created by AI, based on 5 opinions in the last 12 months.
Lamb Weston (LW) is currently facing significant challenges, having reported two consecutive disappointing quarters, with a staggering 30% drop in share price over the past week and 48% this year. The emergence of weight-loss drugs has adversely affected the demand for its core products, particularly french fries and fast-potato offerings. Analysts have noted a revenue miss of $1.61 billion against the expected $1.71 billion, coupled with an EPS miss of $0.78 compared to an anticipated $1.26. Although the company operates in a fundamentally stable industry with growth potential, the prevailing weak momentum and guidance for FY2025 growth between 3%-5% has led to a lack of confidence among experts. Despite these issues, some view the current valuation as an opportunity, given its relatively low forward PE of 12.5x and historical revenue and EPS growth, suggesting that recovery could be on the horizon if executed correctly.
LW reported misses on both top and bottom lines, revenue came at $1.61B compared to the consensus estimate of $1.71B, While EPS came at $0.78 missing the expectation of $1.26. Management also gave out weak guidance for FY2025 growth in the range of 3%-5%. The recent weakness management mentioned is largely due to restaurants raising menu prices, which can negatively affect consumer demand.
LW operates in a stable industry, but the recent earnings and guidance have been concerning, momentum in LW has also been poor, and it could take quite some time before LW starts to recover. We would not be in a rush here to add but wait until there is a clear sign of a recovery in place and better stock momentum
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Our PAST TOP PICK with LW has triggered its stop at $76. To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time. When combined with our previous recommendations, this will result in a net investment loss of 8%.
We reiterate LW, North America's leading supplied of fries to McDonalds, as a TOP PICK. Revenue is up over 12% over the year, EPS growth over the past three years has averaged 23% annually and supports a ROE of 88%. The company is prudently using some cash reserves to retire debt. We recommend trailing up the stop (from $69) to $76, looking to achieve $109 -- upside potential of 28%.
(Analysts’ price target is $108.62)LW provides french fries and other potato products to over 100 countries and McDonald's is their largest customer. Recently reported earnings negatively surprised analysts as a transition to a new internal planning system did not go smoothly -- resulting in $135 million decline in sales. This is very likely temporary and provides a good buying opportunity. It trades at 16x earnings and supports a robust ROE. Its modest dividend is backed by a payout ratio under 20% of cash flow. We recommend setting a stop-loss at $69, looking to achieve $129 -- upside potential of 57%. Yield 1.1%
(Analysts’ price target is $129.34)LW produces and distributes frozen potato products globally and is now trading at 18.4x times' Forward P/E. In the last few years, LW’s revenue grew at a healthy double-digit rate. The balance sheet is leveraged, with a net debt of $3.3B, net debt/EBITDA is around 2.9x. The company has been reinvesting quite heavily to grow organically over the last few years. The debt adds risk, but considering the business it is probably at a manageable level. We would not like to see it increase, though. LW also pays consistently increasing dividends, which we like. Overall, a solid consumer staple name, debt is high, but the business is quite stable to support the leverage, ROE (113%!) is a bit inaccurate metric to use here, we prefer to use Return on total capital (26.7%) (debt + equity), we think that metrics reflect the return of the underlying business more accurately.
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Lamb Weston(LW-N) Rating
Ranking : 4 out of 5
Bullish - Buy Signals / Votes : 2
Neutral - Hold Signals / Votes : 0
Bearish - Sell Signals / Votes : 0
Total Signals / Votes : 2
Lamb Weston(LW-N) Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lamb Weston stock symbol?
Lamb Weston is a American stock, trading under the symbol LW-N on the New York Stock Exchange (LW). It is usually referred to as NYSE:LW or LW-N
Is Lamb Weston a buy or a sell?
In the last year, 2 stock analysts published opinions about LW-N. 2 analysts recommended to BUY the stock. 0 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst recommendation is . Read the latest stock experts' ratings for Lamb Weston.
Is Lamb Weston a good investment or a top pick?
Lamb Weston was recommended as a Top Pick by on . Read the latest stock experts ratings for Lamb Weston.
Why is Lamb Weston stock dropping?
Earnings reports or recent company news can cause the stock price to drop. Read stock experts’ recommendations for help on deciding if you should buy, sell or hold the stock.
Is Lamb Weston worth watching?
2 stock analysts on Stockchase covered Lamb Weston In the last year. It is a trending stock that is worth watching.
What is Lamb Weston stock price?
On 2025-04-02, Lamb Weston (LW-N) stock closed at a price of $54.15.
They just reported their second heinous quarter in a row. Shares fell 30% the past week and 48% this year. It used to be a top packaged food company. Trouble began a year ago with the new weight-loss drugs taking off, so it impacted LW's french fries and other fast-potato foods. Their April report was a disaster and now earnings are down 40% year over year. That said, this is an opportunity. It trades at 12.5x forward PE. The great potato gut will come to an end eventually.