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
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501443062/en/
Renee Campbell renee.campbell@valmont.com
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