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8-K - VALMONT INDUSTRIES INCvmi8k_apr18.htm
Exhibit 99.1

News Release
For Immediate Release
   
Contact:  Jeff Laudin
April 18, 2013
Phone:  402-963-1158
 
Fax:  402-963-1198
 
   



Valmont Announces First Quarter 2013 Results
 
Highlights:
 
 
·  
First quarter sales increased 14%, operating income rose 43%.
 
 
·  
First quarter net earnings increased 48%, fully diluted earnings per share climbed 47%.
 
 
·  
First quarter Utility Support Structures Segment sales rose 25%, operating income increased 84%.
 
 
·  
First quarter Irrigation Segment sales improved 25%, operating income increased 42%.
 
 
Omaha, NE - Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE: VMI), a leading global provider of engineered products and services for infrastructure and mechanized irrigation equipment for agriculture, reported first quarter sales of $819.6 million compared with $717.4 million for the same period of 2012. First quarter 2013 operating income was $118.2 million versus $82.8 million in 2012. First quarter net income was $77.6 million versus $52.3 million in 2012, which resulted in an increase in quarterly diluted earnings per share from $1.96 in 2012 to $2.89 in 2013.
 
 
During the quarter, the Company divested a non-consolidated South African subsidiary. As a consequence, a $3.2 million benefit, ($0.12 earnings per share), was realized due to the release of certain deferred tax liabilities and corresponding reduction in tax expense. This reduced the first quarter corporate tax rate to 31.0%. On February 4, 2013, the Company acquired Australian based Locker Group, a manufacturer of perforated and expanded metal and access systems. In addition, the first full quarter of results from the December 2012 acquisition of Pure Metal, a Canadian galvanizing operation, were realized during the quarter. Management estimates the positive collective impact of the above items on first quarter revenue and diluted earnings per share were approximately $19.8 million and $0.07 per-share respectively.
 
First Quarter Review:
 
Two of Valmont’s segments, Utility Support Structures and Irrigation, each had 25% year-over-year sales increases. Sales growth was also realized in our Engineered Infrastructure Products and Coatings segments, in part due to acquisitions.
 
Quarterly operating income rose primarily due to increased volumes combined with favorable mix in the Utility Support Structures and Irrigation Segments, where strong demand allowed efficient use of our manufacturing facilities.
 
Quarterly operating income as a percent of net sales increased to 14.4% from last year’s 11.5%, driven by higher gross profit margins and volume leverage.
 
 
First Quarter Segment Review:
 
Utility Support Structures Segment (27% of 1st Quarter Sales)
Steel and concrete structures for the global electric utility industry.
 
Sales of $239.6 million were 25% higher than 2012, driven by increased demand for transmission structures in North America, combined with higher international utility sales, which were largely driven by projects shipped during the quarter.
 
 
The greatest driver of North American demand is the ongoing expansion of the nation’s transmission grid. To increase the capacity of the grid while also improving its interconnectivity and reliability, electric utilities are making substantial investments in transmission infrastructure. Utility customers are drawing upon Valmont’s engineering capability and manufacturing capacity to support this substantial long-term undertaking. With 14 utility manufacturing facilities in North America, and a global network of large-pole plants, we believe Valmont is well positioned to maintain a leadership role as the utility industry continues to expand the grid.
 
 
The main drivers of international sales growth were utility structures demand in Australia, and project sales to developing markets.
 
Operating income rose 84% to $46.2 million, which represents 19.3% of sales. The increase in operating income was due to a favorable mix of sales and the positive impact of volume and SG&A leverage.
 
Irrigation Segment (28% of 1st Quarter Sales)
Center pivot and linear move mechanized irrigation equipment and parts for agriculture in global markets.
 
Sales rose 25% to $244.7 million, primarily led by increased North American demand. Historically high crop commodity prices and farm income helped drive record first quarter sales. Following last summer’s severe drought in North America, heightened appreciation of the benefits of mechanized irrigation lent additional support to demand.
 
 
In international markets, sales increased, although at a lower rate than in North America. Strong global crop demand and historically high farm income levels contributed to the sales increase.
 
 
The long-term drivers for the irrigation market remain compelling. World population growth and dietary improvement create a need for increased food supplies. Limits to water availability create pressures on agriculture to reduce its share of water use. Valmont’s mechanized irrigation equipment helps address these global dilemmas by improving farm production and using water more efficiently.
 
 
Operating income grew 42% to $54.6 million and was 22.3% of segment sales. The improvement in operating income was due to strong volumes and favorable margins.
 
Engineered Infrastructure Products Segment (26% of 1st Quarter Sales)
Lighting, traffic and highway safety products, wireless communication structures and components, and industrial gratings and access systems worldwide.
 
First quarter sales were $223.7 million, a 10% increase over 2012. While total segment sales rose, the increase essentially reflects the addition of Locker Group and higher intercompany sales.
 
In North America, lighting and traffic products sales were similar to last year. Lighting and traffic product sales in Europe were below last year’s levels mostly due to continued economic weakness in the region.
 
Webforge engineered access systems, and highway products sales were comparable to last year in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
Wireless communication structures and components sales rose in North America and declined in China.
 
The current global lighting and traffic market environment remains under pressure as government spending is constrained by austerity measures. This leads to a highly competitive market and a weak pricing environment. Wireless communication product sales are currently benefitting from increased deployment of 4G technologies. Other businesses within Engineered Infrastructure Products participate in diverse markets and are supported at historic demand levels.
 
Valmont believes that investments in infrastructure are necessary to drive economic growth. With its diverse mix of Engineered Infrastructure Products, Valmont is well positioned to participate in economic development around the globe.
 
Despite mostly weak markets, the quality of earnings in this segment improved. Operating income was $12.7 million, or 5.7% of segment sales compared with last year’s 4.0%. This increase was primarily driven by improvements in North American wireless communication products, intercompany sales and a lower cost structure than last year.
 
Coatings Segment (10% of 1st Quarter Sales)
Hot-dip galvanizing, and other coatings to protect against corrosion of steel and aluminum in global markets.
 
Sales of $89.2 million were 8% higher than last year driven by the acquisition of Pure Metal. In the Asia-Pacific region, sales declined due to reduced volumes and a more competitive market environment in Australia.
 
 
Operating income declined 19% to $13.4 million, or 15.0% of segment sales due to the reduction in Australian volumes, integration costs tied to the Pure Metal acquisition and unfavorable factory productivity in certain galvanizing plants.
 
 
2013 Outlook:
 
 
“Our outlook for the Utility Support Structures Segment is improving for the year,” said Mogens C. Bay, Valmont’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “As is always the case, Utility Support Structures operating margins may vary from quarter to quarter, depending on sales mix and the timing of shipments.
 
 
“In the Irrigation Segment, given the current backlog, we are expecting a strong second quarter. Second-half demand will largely be based on growing conditions, commodity prices and the expectations for farm income later in the year.
 
 
“In the Engineered Infrastructure Products Segment, we are moving into the seasonally stronger time of year. When combined with actions taken over the past few years to streamline costs, we expect improved sales and operating comparisons in the Engineered Infrastructure Products Segment for the rest of year.
 
 
“We expect Coatings Segment performance to improve over the balance of the year as we move to fully integrate the Pure Metal acquisition and expect improved demand in Australia.
 
 
“In summary, with the strong first quarter results, the continued strength in the utility markets and the anticipated improvement in Engineered Infrastructure Products, it should be possible for us to exceed our February guidance even if Irrigation results in the second half were below 2012’s record second half levels,” said Mr. Bay.
 
An audio discussion of Valmont’s first quarter results by Mogens C. Bay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Richard P. Heyse, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be available live by telephone by dialing 1-877-493-2981 and entering Conference ID#: 98701424 or via the Internet at 8:00 a.m. CDT April 19, 2013, by pointing browsers to: http://www.valmont.com/page.aspx?id=445&pid=21.  After the event you may listen by accessing the above link or by telephone. Dial 1-855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406, and enter the Conference ID#: 98701424 beginning April 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. CDT through 12:00 p.m. CDT on April 26, 2013.
 
Valmont is a global leader in designing and manufacturing poles, towers and structures for lighting and traffic, wireless communication and utility markets, industrial access systems, highway safety barriers and a provider of protective coating services. Valmont also leads the world in mechanized irrigation equipment for agriculture, enhancing food production while conserving and protecting natural water resources. In addition, Valmont produces a wide variety of tubing for commercial and industrial applications.
 
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 material, availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing, domestic and international competitive environments, 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.

 
 

 


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
First Quarter
13 Weeks Ended
 
30-Mar-13
 
31-Mar-12
Net sales
 $    819,630
 
 $     717,350
Cost of sales
       584,261
 
        531,036
          Gross profit
       235,369
 
        186,314
Selling, general and administrative expenses
       117,179
 
        103,496
          Operating income
       118,190
 
          82,818
Other income (expense):
     
     Interest expense
         (8,190)
 
           (7,807)
     Interest income
           1,353
 
            2,078
     Other
           1,556
 
            1,577
 
         (5,281)
 
           (4,152)
          Earnings before income taxes and equity in
     
          earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
       112,909
 
          78,666
Income tax expense
         34,973
 
          27,766
          Earnings before equity in earnings of
     
          nonconsolidated subsidiaries
         77,936
 
          50,900
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
              204
 
            1,688
          Net earnings
         78,140
 
          52,588
Less:  Earnings attributable to non-controlling interests
            (571)
 
              (263)
          Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
 $      77,569
 
 $       52,325
       
       
Average shares outstanding (000's) - Basic
         26,583
 
          26,396
Earnings per share - Basic
 $          2.92
 
 $           1.98
       
Average shares outstanding (000's) - Diluted
         26,859
 
          26,678
Earnings per share - Diluted
 $          2.89
 
 $           1.96
       
Cash dividends per share
 $        0.225
 
 $         0.180
       

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OPERATING RESULTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
First Quarter
13 Weeks Ended
 
30-Mar-13
 
31-Mar-12
Sales
     
     Engineered Infrastructure Products
 $    223,670
 
 $     203,927
     Utility Support Structures
       239,638
 
        191,232
     Coatings
         89,245
 
          82,847
     Irrigation
       244,707
 
        196,266
     Other
         77,869
 
          86,063
          Total
       875,129
 
        760,335
       
Intersegment sales
     
     Engineered Infrastructure Products
       (29,452)
 
         (18,420)
     Utility Support Structures
            (411)
 
           (1,980)
     Coatings
       (14,330)
 
         (12,697)
     Irrigation
                  -
 
              (425)
     Other
       (11,306)
 
           (9,463)
          Total
       (55,499)
 
         (42,985)
       
Net sales
     
     Engineered Infrastructure Products
       194,218
 
        185,507
     Utility Support Structures
       239,227
 
        189,252
     Coatings
         74,915
 
          70,150
     Irrigation
       244,707
 
        195,841
     Other
         66,563
 
          76,600
          Total
 $    819,630
 
 $     717,350
       
Operating Income
     
     Engineered Infrastructure Products
 $      12,734
 
 $         8,024
     Utility Support Structures
         46,155
 
          25,104
     Coatings
         13,420
 
          16,512
     Irrigation
         54,559
 
          38,408
     Other
         10,787
 
          11,411
     Corporate
       (19,465)
 
         (16,641)
          Total
 $    118,190
 
 $       82,818
       

Valmont has aggregated its business segments into four reportable segments as follows:
 
Engineered Infrastructure Products: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for global lighting and traffic, wireless communication, roadway safety and access systems applications.
 
Utility Support Structures: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility industry.
 
Coatings: This segment consists of global galvanizing, painting and anodizing services.
 
Irrigation: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services worldwide.
 
In addition to these four reportable segments, Valmont also has other businesses that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated net sales. These businesses, which include the manufacture of forged steel grinding media, tubular products, electrolytic manganese dioxide and industrial fasteners, are reported in the "Other" category.
 

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
       
 
30-Mar-13
 
31-Mar-12
ASSETS
     
Current assets:
     
     Cash and cash equivalents
 $     419,996
 
 $     339,568
     Accounts receivable, net
        503,933
 
        450,280
     Inventories
        451,257
 
        440,600
     Prepaid expenses
          33,555
 
          27,881
     Refundable and deferred income taxes
          61,745
 
          42,263
          Total current assets
     1,470,486
 
     1,300,592
Property, plant and equipment, net
        534,350
 
        469,332
Goodwill and other assets
        612,408
 
        613,045
 
 $  2,617,244
 
 $  2,382,969
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     
Current liabilities:
     
     Current installments of long-term debt
 $            189
 
 $            264
     Notes payable to banks
          13,324
 
          12,293
     Accounts payable
        211,572
 
        214,474
     Accrued expenses
        163,616
 
        151,386
     Income taxes payable
          16,061
 
          21,269
     Dividend payable
            6,020
 
            4,778
          Total current liabilities
        410,782
 
        404,464
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
        472,249
 
        474,015
Other long-term liabilities
        270,288
 
        223,487
Shareholders' equity
     1,463,925
 
     1,281,003
 
 $  2,617,244
 
 $  2,382,969