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8-K - VALMONT INDUSTRIES INCvmi8k_apr22.htm


News Release
For Immediate Release
   
Contact:  Jeff Laudin
April 22, 2014
Phone:  402-963-1158
 
Fax:  402-963-1198
 
   
Valmont Announces First Quarter 2014 Results
 
Highlights:
 
·
Quarterly diluted earnings per-share were $2.08, or $2.20 before accounting for the fair value adjustment of Delta EMD shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (see table on last page).
 
·
The March 3, 2014 acquisition of DS-SM, a Danish manufacturer of engineered steel structures, contributed $17.3 million in sales and $1.9 million of operating income.
 
·
Irrigation Segment operating income declined over 20% as a result of lower North American sales. Sales and profitability improved in international markets.
 
·
Utility Support Structures Segment operating income declined nearly 30% as a result of pricing pressure in North America and reduced volumes, primarily in international markets.
 
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 $751.7 million compared with $819.6 million for the same period of 2013. First quarter 2014 operating income was $98.8 million versus $118.2 million in 2013. First quarter diluted earnings per share were $2.08 compared with $2.89 in 2013.
 
First Quarter Review:
 
“In contrast to last year’s exceptional irrigation results driven by high farm income, this year’s significantly lower crop commodity prices and a projected decline in North American farm income led to a reduction in irrigation equipment sales,” said Mogens C. Bay, Valmont’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
“Lower sales in the Utility Support Structures Segment were the result of pricing pressure, slightly lower volumes due to harsh winter weather in North America and a significant decline in international projects.
 
“In the Engineered Infrastructure Products Segment, a slowdown in mining activity in Australia, plus weather disruptions in North American markets, were more than offset by the Valmont-SM acquisition.
 
“Weaker markets in Australia led to a decline in Coatings Segment sales.
 
“Operating income was significantly lower in the Irrigation and Utility Support Structures Segments and was slightly higher in both the Coatings and Engineered Infrastructure Products Segments.”
 
First Quarter Segment Review:
 
Utility Support Structures Segment (27% of 1st Quarter Sales)
Steel and concrete structures for the global electric utility industry.
 
Global sales of $214.7 million were 10% lower than 2013. In North American markets, harsher winter weather conditions than last year and a more competitive pricing environment contributed to the revenue decline. A reduction in project activity led to a decline in international sales, which last year made a significant contribution to first quarter results.
 
Operating income declined 29% to $32.8 million, which represents 15.3% of segment sales. Reduced volumes plus unfavorable pricing and sales mix led to a reduction in operating income.
 
Our outlook for the Utility Support Structures Segment for the year is for increased volumes, flat revenue and reduced profitability due to a less favorable pricing environment.
 
Our long-term demand outlook remains positive. Utilities are responding to the need to improve reliability and increase the interconnectivity of regional transmission grids with a number of large projects on the drawing board for 2015 and 2016. We expect additional demand to result from new renewable energy sources coming on stream. Coupled with a regulatory environment supportive of growth, these factors indicate strong, long-term market conditions.
 
Irrigation Segment (27% of 1st Quarter Sales)
Center pivot and linear move mechanized irrigation equipment and parts for agriculture in global markets.
 
Sales of $212.7 million were 13% below last year’s record levels. International sales increased while North American sales declined.
 
Increased ending inventories of crops after the 2013 harvest caused downward pressure on commodity prices. We believe in light of an expected decline in 2014 net farm income, North American farmers reduced purchases of mechanized irrigation equipment. The first quarter selling season unfolded in a more typical seasonal pattern, resulting in solid volumes, however below the exceptional first quarter levels of 2013.
 
The increase in international sales was broad-based, reflecting improved market demand and the Company’s sales initiatives in support of growth.
 
Operating income was 21% lower than last year at $43.1 million. International profitability improved, however the decline in operating income dollars was a consequence of lower North American volumes and associated operating deleverage. Despite the lower sales, the quality of operating income was high at 20.3% of sales due to effective operational management.
 
Engineered Infrastructure Products Segment (29% of 1st Quarter Sales)
Lighting, traffic and highway safety products, wireless communication structures and components, industrial gratings, access systems and wind energy and oil and gas exploration applications in global markets.
 
First quarter sales were $228.5 million, a 2% increase from last year. The March 3, acquisition of Valmont-SM contributed $17.3 million to quarterly sales and more than offset negative foreign exchange translation effects and a decline in intercompany sales to Valmont’s utility division.
 
In North American markets, increased U.S. lighting and traffic sales offset declines in Canada. Sales of lighting and traffic structures in Europe were comparable to last year. A reduction in Australian mining activity reduced demand for lighting, and engineered access systems. Sales of wireless communication products were flat in North American markets, but higher in China.
 
Operating income at $13.7 million rose 8% from 5.7% to 6.0% of segment sales. Valmont-SM contributed $1.9 million to operating income.
 
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 $82.2 million were 8% below last year, with most of the decline due to the impact of lower manufacturing and mining activity in Australia. Operating income was slightly higher despite lower sales, primarily due to improved operations in North America and Asia and the benefits of a capacity reduction made in Australia in 2013.
 
2014 Outlook:
 
“We currently expect a slight increase in 2014 sales for the Company,” Mr. Bay said. Included in this outlook is the contribution of the Valmont-SM acquisition, expectations for sales gains in other product lines within the Engineered Infrastructure Products Segment, and that segment profitability should continue to show improvement over last year. Our outlook for the Utility Support Structures Segment is for increased volumes, flat revenues and reduced profitability. We expect Coatings Segment sales and profitability to be in line with last year. Our outlook for the Irrigation Segment is for second quarter sales and profitability to be significantly lower and second half irrigation sales and profitability to be flat with last year. In summary, our current earnings outlook is for diluted earnings for the year in a range of $10.00 to $10.50 per share.”
 
An audio discussion of Valmont’s first quarter results by Mogens C. Bay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Mark C. Jaksich, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be available live by telephone by dialing 1-877-493-2981 and entering Conference ID#: 50577343 or via the Internet at 8:00 a.m. CDT April 23, 2014, 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#: 50577343 beginning April 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. CDT through 12:00 p.m. CDT on April 30, 2014.
 
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
 
29-Mar-14
 
30-Mar-13
Net sales
 $    751,740
 
 $     819,630
Cost of sales
       544,758
 
        584,261
          Gross profit
       206,982
 
        235,369
Selling, general and administrative expenses
       108,134
 
        117,179
          Operating income
         98,848
 
        118,190
Other income (expense):
     
     Interest expense
         (8,197)
 
           (8,190)
     Interest income
           1,739
 
            1,353
     Unrealized loss in investment
         (3,386)
 
                    -
     Other
         (2,426)
 
            1,556
 
       (12,270)
 
           (5,281)
          Earnings before income taxes and equity in
     
          earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
         86,578
 
        112,909
Income tax expense
         30,015
 
          34,973
          Earnings before equity in earnings of
     
          nonconsolidated subsidiaries
         56,563
 
          77,936
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
                  -
 
               204
          Net earnings
         56,563
 
          78,140
Less:  Earnings attributable to non-controlling interests
            (583)
 
              (571)
          Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
 $      55,980
 
 $       77,569
       
       
Average shares outstanding (000's) - Basic
         26,715
 
          26,583
Earnings per share - Basic
 $          2.10
 
 $           2.92
       
Average shares outstanding (000's) - Diluted
         26,950
 
          26,859
Earnings per share - Diluted
 $          2.08
 
 $           2.89
       
Cash dividends per share
 $        0.250
 
 $         0.225
       

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OPERATING RESULTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
   
 
First Quarter
13 Weeks Ended
 
 
29-Mar-14
 
30-Mar-13
Sales
     
     Engineered Infrastructure Products
 $    228,462
 
 $     223,670
     Utility Support Structures
       214,727
 
        239,638
     Coatings
         82,171
 
          89,245
     Irrigation
       212,733
 
        244,707
     Other
         58,602
 
          77,869
          Total
       796,695
 
        875,129
       
Intersegment sales
     
     Engineered Infrastructure Products
       (19,565)
 
         (29,452)
     Utility Support Structures
            (495)
 
              (411)
     Coatings
       (14,953)
 
         (14,330)
     Irrigation
                (9)
 
                    -
     Other
         (9,933)
 
         (11,306)
          Total
       (44,955)
 
         (55,499)
       
Net sales
     
     Engineered Infrastructure Products
       208,897
 
        194,218
     Utility Support Structures
       214,232
 
        239,227
     Coatings
         67,218
 
          74,915
     Irrigation
       212,724
 
        244,707
     Other
         48,669
 
          66,563
          Total
 $    751,740
 
 $     819,630
       
Operating Income
     
     Engineered Infrastructure Products
 $      13,709
 
 $       12,734
     Utility Support Structures
         32,757
 
          46,155
     Coatings
         13,886
 
          13,420
     Irrigation
         43,146
 
          54,559
     Other
           8,550
 
          10,787
     Corporate
       (13,200)
 
         (19,465)
          Total
 $      98,848
 
 $     118,190
       

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, access systems and wind energy and oil and gas exploration 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)
 
         
 
29-Mar-14
 
30-Mar-13
 
ASSETS
       
Current assets:
       
     Cash and cash equivalents
 $     488,195
 
 $     419,996
     Accounts receivable, net
        529,693
 
        503,933
     Inventories
        424,825
 
        451,257
     Prepaid expenses
          57,913
 
          33,555
     Refundable and deferred income taxes
          57,935
 
          61,745
          Total current assets
     1,558,561
 
     1,470,486
Property, plant and equipment, net
        612,203
 
        534,350
Goodwill and other assets
        715,102
 
        612,408
 
 $  2,885,866
 
 $  2,617,244
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     
Current liabilities:
     
     Current installments of long-term debt
 $            188
 
 $            189
     Notes payable to banks
          14,860
 
          13,324
     Accounts payable
        234,218
 
        211,572
     Accrued expenses
        177,437
 
        163,616
     Income taxes payable
            9,967
 
          16,061
     Dividend payable
            6,721
 
            6,020
          Total current liabilities
        443,391
 
        410,782
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
        479,141
 
        472,249
Other long-term liabilities
        343,531
 
        270,288
Shareholders' equity
     1,619,803
 
     1,463,925
 
 $  2,885,866
 
 $  2,617,244
       

 
 

 


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF EFFECT OF SIGNIFICANT NON-RECURRING ITEMS ON REPORTED RESULTS
REGULATION G RECONCILIATION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

The schedule below relates to the non-cash after-tax loss associated with adjusting the fair value of Delta EMD Pty. Ltd (Delta EMD) shares owned to its quoted market price on March 29, 2014. Earnings per share for each item are calculated separately. Therefore, due to rounding, the sum of earnings per share amounts for each item below may not agree with the total.

 
Quarter ended March 29, 2014
Diluted earnings per share
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. -         as reported
 $       55,980
 $          2.08
     
Fair market value adjustment, Delta EMD - after-tax
            3,386
             0.13
     
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. - Adjusted
 $       59,366
 $          2.20