EX-99.1 2 vmi-20240501xex99d1.htm EX-99.1
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Exhibit 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Renee Campbell

Email:

renee.campbell@valmont.com

Date:

May 1, 2024

Valmont Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

and Raises Full-Year 2024 Guidance

OMAHA, Neb.-- Valmont® Industries, Inc. (NYSE: VMI), a global leader that provides vital infrastructure and advances agricultural productivity while driving innovation through technology, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024.

President and Chief Executive Officer Avner M. Applbaum commented, “We are pleased to have achieved strong quarterly results that reflect our team’s focus on execution and commitment to enhancing shareholder value. We meaningfully expanded margins year-over-year on lower sales through successful commercial execution, improved operational efficiencies in our facilities, and reduced SG&A expenses due to structural cost improvement actions taken in late 2023. In Infrastructure, our strong results reflect continued robust utility market demand and effective pricing strategies across the portfolio, and we achieved another quarter of operating margin improvement year-over-year even as telecommunications markets remain muted. In Agriculture, as expected, sales in North America and Brazil were lower as backlog levels in those regions normalized this year compared to the first quarter of 2023, and we continue to see soft but stable market demand amid lower grain prices. Our performance this quarter demonstrates the effectiveness of our Valmont Business Model, and we remain confident in our strategies, focusing on value creation and delivering outstanding results.”

First Quarter 2024 Highlights (all metrics compared to First Quarter 2023 unless otherwise noted)

Net Sales decreased 8.0% to $1.0 billion compared to $1.1 billion
Operating Income increased 11.0% to $131.6 million or 13.5% of net sales compared to $118.5 million or 11.1% of net sales
Diluted Earnings per Share grew 24.5% to $4.32 compared to $3.47
Generated operating cash flows of $23.3 million; cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter were $169.2 million
Completed the $120.0 million Accelerated Share Repurchase program resulting in the repurchase of approximately 96,200 additional shares of Company stock in the first quarter

Key Financial Metrics

First Quarter 2024

(000s except per-share amounts)

    

3/30/2024

    

4/1/2023

    

    

Q1 2024

Q1 2023

vs. Q1 2023

Net Sales

$

977,828

$

1,062,481

(8.0)

%  

Gross Profit

306,216

308,585

(0.8)

%  

Gross Profit as a % of Net Sales

31.3

%  

29.0

%  

Operating Income

131,553

118,466

11.0

%  

Operating Income as a % of Net Sales

13.5

%  

11.1

%  

Net Earnings Attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.

87,822

74,540

17.8

%  

Diluted Earnings per Share

4.32

3.47

24.5

%  

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

20,321

21,512

First Quarter 2024 Segment Review

Infrastructure (73.7% of Net Sales)

Products and solutions to serve the infrastructure markets of utility, solar, lighting and transportation, and telecommunications, along with coatings services to protect metal products

Sales of $723.6 million decreased 1.7% year-over-year. Higher volumes in the Transmission, Distribution, and Substation and Solar product lines were driven by continued strong utility market demand and ongoing investments in the global energy transition. These volume increases, and favorable pricing across the portfolio, were more than offset by significantly lower Telecommunications volumes.

Operating Income was $117.9 million or 16.4% of net sales compared to $94.4 million or 12.9% of net sales in the first quarter of 2023 driven by commercial and pricing strategies, deliberate actions that improved overall cost of goods sold, and lower SG&A expenses.

Agriculture (26.3% of Net Sales)

Center pivot components and linear irrigation equipment for agricultural markets, including parts and tubular products, and advanced technology solutions for precision agriculture

Sales of $258.7 million decreased 22.1% year-over-year. In North America, irrigation equipment volumes were lower as the first quarter of 2023 benefited from the ongoing delivery of elevated backlog. Average irrigation selling prices were slightly lower compared to last year.

International sales decreased compared to last year. Primary drivers were lower sales in Brazil due to more normalized backlog levels as compared to the first quarter of 2023 and softer soybean prices, along with a decrease in Middle East project sales. The sales contribution from the HR Products acquisition partially offset the lower sales.

Operating Income was $41.0 million or 15.9% of net sales compared to $53.3 million or 16.1% of net sales in the first quarter of 2023. Improvement in gross profit margins and the benefit of lower SG&A expenses were more than offset by the impact of lower volumes.

Balance Sheet, Liquidity, and Capital Allocation

The Company generated operating cash flows of $23.3 million, and cash and cash equivalents were $169.2 million at the end of the first quarter. During the quarter, Valmont completed the $120.0 million Accelerated Share Repurchase (“ASR”) program commenced in the fourth quarter of 2023. The total number of shares of Valmont common stock repurchased under the ASR program was 535,141 shares at an average price of $224.24 per share, and $136.1 million remains on the authorized share repurchase program. Fitch Ratings, Inc. reaffirmed the Company’s BBB-/Stable credit rating during the quarter. Valmont remains committed to maintaining its investment-grade rating.


Raising 2024 Full-Year Financial Outlook and Updating Key Assumptions

Considering current strong market demand and an expectation of continued positive performance in the Infrastructure segment, along with improved visibility of international agriculture projects, the Company is increasing its 2024 full-year net sales and diluted earnings per share outlook from the previous indications that were communicated last quarter and providing updated key assumptions for the year.

Metric

Previous Outlook

Current Outlook

Net Sales Change

(3.0%) to flat

(2.0%) to 0.5%

Infrastructure Net Sales

Growth Approaching Mid-Single Digits

No Change from Previous Outlook

Agriculture Net Sales

Down 15 to 20% vs. PY

Down 10 to 15% vs. PY

Diluted Earnings per Share

$14.25 to $15.50

$15.40 to $16.40

Effective tax rate of approximately 26%
Minimal expected foreign currency translation impact on net sales
Capital expenditures now expected to be in the range of $110.0 to $125.0 million to support strategic growth initiatives

Applbaum added, “We are raising our 2024 net sales and diluted earnings per share expectations as we remain focused on execution, commercial excellence, and operational efficiencies to drive margin expansion. Improved visibility to international agriculture projects supports a slightly more positive view of Agriculture sales for the full year. Demand for our Infrastructure products remains strong. We are making strategic capacity investments to meet the needs of our customers and take advantage of the visible opportunities ahead of us. Our broad exposure to infrastructure and agriculture markets helps us manage market cycles and share resources across businesses, improving efficiency and returns on investment. We believe these advantages will become increasingly important as the energy transition accelerates and agriculture markets recover, positioning us well to allocate resources to opportunities that strengthen our core businesses and deliver strong returns on invested capital. By effectively managing costs, we are further enhancing our ability to expand margins. We remain focused on driving sustainable growth while delivering superior value to our shareholders for years to come.”

A live audio discussion with Avner M. Applbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Timothy P. Francis, Interim Chief Financial Officer, will be accessible by telephone on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. CT by dialing +1 877.407.6184 or +1 201.389.0877 (no Conference ID needed), or via webcast by pointing browsers to this link: Valmont Industries 1Q 2024 Earnings Conference Call. A slide presentation will simultaneously be available for download on the Investors page of valmont.com. A replay of the event can be accessed three hours after the call at the above link or by telephone at +1 877.660.6853 or +1 201.612.7415. Please use access code 13742903. The replay will be available through 10:59 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

About Valmont Industries, Inc.

For nearly 80 years, Valmont has been a global leader in creating vital infrastructure and advancing agricultural productivity. Today, we remain committed to doing more with less by innovating through technology. Learn more about how we’re Conserving Resources. Improving Life.® at valmont.com.


Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management has made in light of experience in the industries in which Valmont operates, as well as management’s perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances. As you read and consider this release, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Valmont’s control), and assumptions. Although management believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect Valmont’s actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things, risk factors described from time to time in Valmont’s reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as future economic and market circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, operating efficiencies, availability and price of raw materials, availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing, domestic and international competitive environments, geopolitical risks, and actions and policy changes of domestic and foreign governments. The Company cautions that any forward-looking statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement.

Website and Social Media Disclosure

The Company uses its website and social media channels identified on its website as channels of distribution of Company information. The information that the Company posts through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and public conference calls and webcasts. The contents of the Company’s website and social media channels are not part of this press release.

###


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Thirteen weeks ended

March 30,

April 1,

2024

    

2023

Net sales

$

977,828

$

1,062,481

Cost of sales

671,612

753,896

Gross profit

306,216

308,585

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

174,663

190,119

Operating income

131,553

118,466

Other income (expenses):

  

  

Interest expense

(16,221)

(13,105)

Interest income

1,779

830

Gain on deferred compensation investments

1,431

1,194

Other

(105)

(2,376)

Total other income (expenses)

(13,116)

(13,457)

Earnings before income taxes and equity in loss of nonconsolidated subsidiaries

118,437

105,009

Income tax expense

29,988

31,843

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated subsidiaries

(20)

(821)

Net earnings

88,429

72,345

Loss (earnings) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

(607)

2,195

Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.

$

87,822

$

74,540

Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic

20,188

21,269

Earnings per share - Basic

$

4.35

$

3.50

Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted

20,321

21,512

Earnings per share - Diluted

$

4.32

$

3.47

Cash dividends per share

$

0.60

$

0.60


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUMMARY OPERATING RESULTS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

Thirteen weeks ended

March 30,

April 1,

2024

    

2023

    

Infrastructure

Net sales

$

720,733

$

732,140

Gross profit

217,617

200,432

as a percent of net sales

30.2

%

27.4

%

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

99,753

106,080

as a percent of net sales

13.8

%

14.5

%

Operating income

117,864

94,352

as a percent of net sales

16.4

%

12.9

%

Agriculture

Net sales

$

257,095

$

330,341

Gross profit

88,599

108,153

as a percent of net sales

34.5

%

32.7

%

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

47,626

54,830

as a percent of net sales

18.5

%

16.6

%

Operating income

40,973

53,323

as a percent of net sales

15.9

%

16.1

%

Corporate

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

$

27,284

$

29,209

Operating loss

(27,284)

(29,209)


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUMMARY OPERATING RESULTS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2024

    

Infrastructure

    

Agriculture

Intersegment

    

Consolidated

Geographical Market:

North America

$

568,572

$

159,915

$

(4,466)

$

724,021

International

155,042

98,820

(55)

253,807

Total sales

$

723,614

$

258,735

$

(4,521)

$

977,828

Product Line:

  

  

  

  

Transmission, Distribution, and Substation

$

325,256

$

$

$

325,256

Lighting and Transportation

222,096

222,096

Coatings

87,090

(2,826)

84,264

Telecommunications

53,961

53,961

Solar

35,211

(55)

35,156

Irrigation Equipment and Parts

233,120

(1,640)

231,480

Technology Products and Services

25,615

25,615

Total sales

$

723,614

$

258,735

$

(4,521)

$

977,828

Thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2023

    

Infrastructure

    

Agriculture

Intersegment

    

Consolidated

Geographical Market:

North America

$

584,083

$

182,869

$

(5,374)

$

761,578

International

152,023

149,294

(414)

300,903

Total sales

$

736,106

$

332,163

$

(5,788)

$

1,062,481

Product Line:

Transmission, Distribution, and Substation

$

314,820

$

$

$

314,820

Lighting and Transportation

229,136

229,136

Coatings

90,114

(3,552)

86,562

Telecommunications

68,137

68,137

Solar

33,899

(414)

33,485

Irrigation Equipment and Parts

299,181

(1,822)

297,359

Technology Products and Services

32,982

32,982

Total sales

$

736,106

$

332,163

$

(5,788)

$

1,062,481


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

March 30,

December 30,

2024

    

2023

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

169,195

$

203,041

Receivables, net

659,036

657,960

Inventories

668,743

658,428

Contract assets

191,483

175,721

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

91,114

92,479

Total current assets

1,779,571

1,787,629

Property, plant, and equipment, net

608,403

617,394

Goodwill and other non-current assets

1,077,407

1,072,425

Total assets

$

3,465,381

$

3,477,448

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS,

  

  

AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

  

  

Current installments of long-term debt

$

620

$

719

Notes payable to banks

2,029

3,205

Accounts payable

327,414

358,311

Accrued expenses

238,322

277,764

Contract liabilities

84,041

70,978

Income taxes payable

10,295

Dividends payable

12,113

12,125

Total current liabilities

674,834

723,102

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

1,107,644

1,107,885

Operating lease liabilities

157,279

162,743

Other non-current liabilities

71,353

66,646

Total liabilities

2,011,110

2,060,376

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

44,980

62,792

Shareholders' equity

1,409,291

1,354,280

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and shareholders' equity

$

3,465,381

$

3,477,448


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

Thirteen weeks ended

March 30,

April 1,

2024

    

2023

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net earnings

$

88,429

$

72,345

Depreciation and amortization

23,536

24,558

Contribution to defined benefit pension plan

(16,714)

(15,259)

Change in working capital

(88,924)

(83,206)

Other

17,005

22,761

Net cash flows from operating activities

23,332

21,199

Cash flows from investing activities:

  

  

Purchase of property, plant, and equipment

(15,010)

(22,361)

Other

(3,629)

572

Net cash flows from investing activities

(18,639)

(21,789)

Cash flows from financing activities:

  

  

Net proceeds (payments) on short-term borrowings

(1,136)

5,302

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

10

125,000

Principal payments on long-term borrowings

(175)

(10,796)

Dividends paid

(12,126)

(11,742)

Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests

(17,745)

Purchase of treasury shares

(111,115)

Other

(3,662)

(9,658)

Net cash flows from financing activities

(34,834)

(13,009)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

(3,705)

1,141

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

(33,846)

(12,458)

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

203,041

185,406

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

$

169,195

$

172,948