Document



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
x    QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 30, 2019
or
o    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to
Commission file number 1-31429
_____________________________________
Valmont Industries, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
47-0351813 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One Valmont Plaza, 
Omaha, Nebraska 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
68154-5215 
(Zip Code)

(402) 963-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non‑accelerated filer o 
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company  o
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
21,856,613
Outstanding shares of common stock as of April 26, 2019




VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
Page No.
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018
 
 
 
weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2019 and December 29,
 
 
2018
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks ended
 
 
March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018

 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen
 
 
weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2




VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
March 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2018
Product sales
$
614,964

 
$
620,486

Services sales
77,175

 
78,198

Net sales
692,139

 
698,684

Product cost of sales
474,395

 
476,264

Services cost of sales
52,615

 
53,180

Total cost of sales
527,010

 
529,444

Gross profit
165,129

 
169,240

Selling, general and administrative expenses
110,025

 
105,280

Operating income
55,104

 
63,960

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
Interest expense
(9,878
)
 
(11,074
)
Interest income
810

 
1,267

Gain (loss) on investments (unrealized)
2,832

 
(172
)
Other
1,014

 
(969
)
 
(5,222
)
 
(10,948
)
Earnings before income taxes
49,882

 
53,012

Income tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
Current
2,765

 
7,713

Deferred
9,662

 
4,819

 
12,427

 
12,532

Net earnings
37,455

 
40,480

Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
(974
)
 
(1,199
)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
36,481

 
$
39,281

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.67

 
$
1.74

Diluted
$
1.66

 
$
1.72

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
March 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2018
Net earnings
$
37,455

 
$
40,480

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
Unrealized translation gain
2,266

 
6,804

         Gain (loss) on hedging activities:
 
 
 
      Net investment hedges
69

 
(789
)
Amortization cost included in interest expense
(16
)
 
19

     Commodity hedges

 
(93
)
     Cross currency swaps
2,261

 

Other comprehensive income
4,580

 
5,941

Comprehensive income
42,035

 
46,421

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1,109
)
 
(4,747
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
40,926

 
$
41,674














See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
March 30,
2019
 
December 29,
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
211,237

 
$
313,210

Receivables, net
512,852

 
483,963

Inventories
395,799

 
383,566

Contract asset - costs and profits in excess of billings
119,886

 
112,525

Prepaid expenses and other assets
54,379

 
42,800

    Refundable income taxes
4,747

 
4,576

        Total current assets
1,298,900

 
1,340,640

Property, plant and equipment, at cost
1,196,633

 
1,160,865

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
669,304

 
646,873

Net property, plant and equipment
527,329

 
513,992

Goodwill
416,996

 
385,207

Other intangible assets, net
192,897

 
175,956

Other assets
209,865

 
114,479

Total assets
$
2,645,987

 
$
2,530,274

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt
$
764

 
$
779

Notes payable to banks
19,816

 
10,678

Accounts payable
219,460

 
218,115

Accrued employee compensation and benefits
63,425

 
79,291

Accrued expenses
129,161

 
91,942

    Dividends payable
8,213

 
8,230

Total current liabilities
440,839

 
409,035

Deferred income taxes
46,440

 
43,489

Long-term debt, excluding current installments
741,629

 
741,822

Defined benefit pension liability
133,761

 
143,904

Operating lease liabilities
88,492

 

Deferred compensation
49,615

 
46,107

Other noncurrent liabilities
13,996

 
10,394

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock of $1 par value -
 
 
 
Authorized 500,000 shares; none issued

 

Common stock of $1 par value -
 
 
 
Authorized 75,000,000 shares; 27,900,000 issued
27,900

 
27,900

Retained earnings
2,049,438

 
2,027,596

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(298,740
)
 
(303,185
)
Treasury stock
(700,333
)
 
(692,549
)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity
1,078,265

 
1,059,762

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
52,950

 
75,761

Total shareholders’ equity
1,131,215

 
1,135,523

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,645,987

 
$
2,530,274

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
March 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
37,455

 
$
40,480

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
20,253

 
21,178

Noncash loss on trading securities
87

 
71

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 
1,145

Stock-based compensation
3,670

 
2,775

Defined benefit pension plan benefit
(132
)
 
(594
)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan
(13,943
)
 
(731
)
        Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
(227
)
 
(280
)
Deferred income taxes
9,662

 
4,819

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
(25,424
)
 
29,794

Inventories
(7,616
)
 
(1,201
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(7,310
)
 
(4,489
)
Contract asset - costs and profits in excess of billings
(7,361
)
 
(27,536
)
Accounts payable
(704
)
 
(29,449
)
Accrued expenses
4,585

 
(6,407
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
(234
)
 
440

Income taxes refundable
(4,848
)
 
3,033

Net cash flows from operating activities
7,913

 
33,048

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(21,109
)
 
(16,248
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
422

 
714

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(57,106
)
 
(4,800
)
    Settlement of net investment hedges

 
(863
)
Other, net
(1,667
)
 
(1,782
)
Net cash flows from investing activities
(79,460
)
 
(22,979
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from short-term agreements
9,327

 
219

Proceeds from long-term borrowings
10,000

 

Principal payments on long-term borrowings
(10,194
)
 
(249
)
Dividends paid
(8,213
)
 
(8,510
)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest
(838
)
 
(1,281
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
(23,082
)
 
(5,510
)
Purchase of treasury shares
(9,421
)
 
(14,790
)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans
1,174

 
2,972

Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises
(747
)
 
(1,504
)
Net cash flows from financing activities
(31,994
)
 
(28,653
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
1,568

 
5,442

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(101,973
)
 
(13,142
)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year
313,210

 
492,805

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period
$
211,237

 
$
479,663

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Retained
earnings
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Treasury
stock
 
Noncontrolling
interest in
consolidated
subsidiaries
 
Total
shareholders’
equity
Balance at December 29, 2017
$
27,900

 
$

 
$
1,954,344

 
$
(279,022
)
 
$
(590,386
)
 
$
38,959

 
$
1,151,795

Net earnings

 

 
39,281

 

 

 
1,199

 
40,480

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
2,393

 

 
3,548

 
5,941

Cash dividends declared ($0.375 per share)

 

 
(8,493
)
 

 

 

 
(8,493
)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 
(1,281
)
 
(1,281
)
Cumulative impact of ASC 606 adoption

 

 
9,771

 

 

 

 
9,771

Addition of noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 
3,200

 
3,200

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 
(5,510
)
 
(5,510
)
Purchase of treasury shares; 101,387 shares acquired

 

 

 

 
(14,790
)
 

 
(14,790
)
Stock plan exercises; 9,548 shares acquired

 

 

 

 
(1,504
)
 

 
(1,504
)
Stock options exercised; 27,904 shares issued

 
(2,545
)
 
1,571

 

 
3,946

 

 
2,972

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

 


 

 

 

 

 

Stock option expense

 
1,090

 

 

 

 

 
1,090

Stock awards; 1,840 shares issued

 
1,455

 

 

 
230

 

 
1,685

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
27,900

 
$

 
$
1,996,474

 
$
(276,629
)
 
$
(602,504
)
 
$
40,115

 
$
1,185,356

Balance at December 29, 2018
$
27,900

 
$

 
$
2,027,596

 
$
(303,185
)
 
$
(692,549
)
 
$
75,761

 
$
1,135,523

Net earnings

 

 
36,481

 

 

 
974

 
37,455

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
4,445

 

 
135

 
4,580

Cash dividends declared ($0.375 per share)

 

 
(8,213
)
 

 

 

 
(8,213
)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 
(838
)
 
(838
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 
(23,082
)
 
(23,082
)
Impact of ASC 842 adoption

 

 
(8,886
)
 

 

 

 
(8,886
)
Purchase of treasury shares; 70,406 shares acquired

 

 

 

 
(9,421
)
 

 
(9,421
)
Stock plan exercises; 5,451 shares acquired

 

 

 

 
(747
)
 

 
(747
)
Stock options exercised; 12,995 shares issued

 
(2,667
)
 
2,460

 

 
1,381

 

 
1,174

Stock option expense

 
728

 

 

 

 

 
728

Stock awards; 7,635 shares issued

 
1,939

 

 

 
1,003

 

 
2,942

Balance at March 30, 2019
$
27,900

 
$

 
$
2,049,438

 
$
(298,740
)
 
$
(700,333
)
 
$
52,950

 
$
1,131,215










See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 30, 2019, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen week periods then ended have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) have been made to present fairly the financial statements as of March 30, 2019 and for all periods presented.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018. The accounting policies and methods of computation followed in these interim financial statements are the same as those followed in the financial statements for the year ended December 29, 2018 with the exception of the lease accounting policy which changed from adopting ASU 2016-02 and is discussed in footnote 9. The results of operations for the period ended March 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
Inventories
Approximately 37% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018. All other inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. Finished goods and manufactured goods inventories include the costs of acquired raw materials and related factory labor and overhead charges required to convert raw materials to manufactured and finished goods. The excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value is approximately $53,118 and $53,619 at March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively.
Inventories consisted of the following:
 
March 30,
2019
 
December 29,
2018
Raw materials and purchased parts
$
194,396

 
$
190,115

Work-in-process
31,091

 
35,566

Finished goods and manufactured goods
223,430

 
211,504

Subtotal
448,917

 
437,185

Less: LIFO reserve
53,118

 
53,619

 
$
395,799

 
$
383,566



8


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Income Taxes
Earnings before income taxes for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, were as follows:    
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
2019
 
2018
United States
$
42,251

 
$
41,765

Foreign
7,631

 
11,247

 
$
49,882

 
$
53,012

Pension Benefits

The Company incurs expenses in connection with the Delta Pension Plan ("DPP"). The DPP was acquired as part of the Delta plc acquisition in fiscal 2010 and has no members that are active employees. In order to measure expense and the related benefit obligation, various assumptions are made including discount rates used to value the obligation, expected return on plan assets used to fund these expenses and estimated future inflation rates. These assumptions are based on historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. An actuarial analysis is used to measure the expense and liability associated with pension benefits.

The components of the net periodic pension (benefit) expense for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Net periodic (benefit) expense:
2019
 
2018
Interest cost
$
4,345

 
$
4,716

Expected return on plan assets
(5,135
)
 
(6,114
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
658

 
804

Net periodic expense (benefit)
$
(132
)
 
$
(594
)
Stock Plans

The Company maintains stock‑based compensation plans approved by the shareholders, which provide that the Human Resource Committee of the Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and bonuses of common stock. At March 30, 2019, 1,410,405 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the plans.
Under the plans, the exercise price of each option equals the closing market price at the date of the grant. Options vest beginning on the first anniversary of the grant in equal amounts over three to six years or on the grant's fifth anniversary. Expiration of grants is from seven years from the date of grant. Restricted stock units and awards generally vest in equal installments over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant.
The Company's compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and associated income tax benefits related to stock options and restricted stock for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively, were as follows:


9


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
2019
 
2018
Compensation expense
$
3,670

 
$
2,775

Income tax benefits
918

 
694

Fair Value
The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of ASC 820 apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
ASC 820 establishes a three‑level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
Trading Securities: The assets and liabilities recorded for the investments held in the Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan of $40,796 ($37,516 at December 29, 2018) represent mutual funds, invested in debt and equity securities, classified as trading securities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, considering the employee's ability to change investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time.     The Company's ownership of shares in Delta EMD Pty. Ltd. (JSE:DTA) is also classified as trading securities. The shares are valued at $2,410 and $2,508 as of March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively, which is the estimated fair value. Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input.
Derivative Financial Instruments: The fair value of foreign currency and commodity forward contracts, and cross currency contracts is based on a valuation model that discounts cash flows resulting from the differential between the contract price and the market-based forward rate.





10


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
Carrying Value March 30, 2019
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading Securities
$
43,206

 
$
43,206

 
$

 
$

Derivative financial instruments, net
13,743

 

 
13,743

 

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
Carrying Value December 29, 2018
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading Securities
$
40,024

 
$
40,024

 
$

 
$

Derivative financial instruments, net
9,147

 

 
9,147

 

Long-Lived Assets
The Company's other non-financial assets include goodwill and other intangible assets, which are classified as Level 3 items. These assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as part of annual impairment testing. Note 5 to these condensed consolidated financial statements contain additional information related to goodwill and intangible asset impairments.

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes net earnings, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity and changes in net actuarial gains/losses from a pension plan. Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries are translated using the average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet dates. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following at March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018:
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Gain/(Loss) on Hedging Activities
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at December 29, 2018
$
(230,261
)
 
$
11,171

 
$
(84,095
)
 
$
(303,185
)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)
2,131

 
2,314

 

 
4,445

Balance at March 30, 2019
$
(228,130
)
 
$
13,485

 
$
(84,095
)
 
$
(298,740
)






11


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Revenue Recognition
The Company determines the appropriate revenue recognition for our contracts by analyzing the type, terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement with a customer. Contracts with customers for all businesses are fixed-price with sales tax excluded from revenue, and do not include variable consideration. Discounts included in contracts with customers, typically early pay discounts, are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the period in which the sale is recognized. Contract revenues are classified as product when the performance obligation is related to the manufacturing of goods. Contract revenues are classified as service when the performance obligation is the performance of a service. Service revenue is primarily related to the Coatings segment.
Customer acceptance provisions exist only in the design stage of our products and acceptance of the design by the customer is required before the project is manufactured and delivered to the customer. The Company is not entitled to any compensation solely based on design of the product and does not recognize revenue associated with the design stage. There is one performance obligation for revenue recognition. No general rights of return exist for customers once the product has been delivered and the Company establishes provisions for estimated warranties. The Company does not sell extended warranties for any of its products.
Shipping and handling costs associated with sales are recorded as cost of goods sold. The Company elected to use the practical expedient of treating freight as a fulfillment obligation instead of a separate performance obligation and ratably recognize freight expense as the structure is being manufactured, when the revenue from the associated customer contract is being recognized over time. With the exception of the Utility segment and the wireless communication structures product line, the Company’s inventory is interchangeable for a variety of each segment’s customers. The Company elected the practical expedient to not disclose the partially satisfied performance obligation at the end of the period when the contract has an original expected duration of one year or less. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient to not adjust the amount of consideration to be received in a contract for any significant financing component if payment is expected within twelve months of transfer of control of goods or services; the Company expects all consideration to be received in one year or less at contract inception.
Segment and Product Line Revenue Recognition
The global Utility segment revenues are derived from manufactured steel and concrete structures for the North America utility industry and offshore and other complex structures used in energy generation and distribution outside of the United States. Steel and concrete utility structures are engineered to customer specifications resulting in limited ability to sell the structure to a different customer if an order is canceled after production commences. The continuous transfer of control to the customer is evidenced either by contractual termination clauses or by our rights to payment for work performed to-date plus a reasonable profit as the products do not have an alternative use to the Company. Since control is transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment. For our steel and concrete utility and wireless communication structure product lines, we generally recognize revenue on an inputs basis, using total production hours incurred to-date for each order as a percentage of total hours estimated to produce the order. The completion percentage is applied to the order’s total revenue and total estimated costs to determine reported revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit. Production of an order, once started, is typically completed within three months. Revenue from the offshore and other complex structures business is also recognized using an inputs method, based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. External sales agents are used in certain sales of steel and concrete structures; the Company has chosen to use the practical expedient to expense estimated commissions owed to third parties by recognizing them proportionately as the goods are manufactured.
The global ESS segment revenues are derived from the manufacture and distribution of engineered metal, composite structures and components for lighting and traffic and roadway safety, engineered access systems, and wireless communication. For the lighting and traffic and roadway safety product lines, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of goods to the customer depending on contract terms, which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. For Access Systems, revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The wireless communication product line has large regional customers who have unique product

12


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
specifications for communication structures. When the customer contract includes a cancellation clause that would require them to pay for work completed plus a reasonable margin if an order was canceled, revenue is recognized over time based on hours worked as a percent of total estimated hours to complete production. For the remaining wireless communication product line customers which do not provide a contractual right to bill for work completed on a canceled order, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of the goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed.
The global Coatings segment revenues are derived by providing coating services to customers’ products, which include galvanizing, anodizing, and powder coating. Revenue is recognized once the coating service has been performed and the goods are ready to be picked up or delivered to the customer which is the same time that the customer is billed.
The global Irrigation segment revenues are derived from the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the agricultural industry and tubular products for industrial customers. Revenue recognition for the irrigation segment is generally upon shipment of the goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The remote monitoring subscription services are primarily billed annually and revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the subsequent twelve months.
Disaggregation of revenue by product line is disclosed in the Segment footnote. A breakdown by segment of revenue recognized over time and at a point in time for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 is as follows:
 
Point in Time
 
Over Time
 
Point in Time
 
Over Time
 
Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019
 
Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019
 
Thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018
 
Thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018
Utility Support Structures
$
30,292

 
$
212,966

 
$

 
$
209,859

Engineered Support Structures
218,980

 
8,989

 
207,194

 
8,722

Coatings
70,231

 

 
68,458

 

Irrigation
147,858

 
2,823

 
183,234

 
2,818

Other

 

 
18,399

 

  Total
$
467,361

 
$
224,778

 
$
477,285

 
$
221,399

Both steel and concrete utility customers are generally invoiced upon shipment or delivery of the goods to the customer's specified location and there are normally no up-front or progress payments. The offshore and complex steel structures business invoices customers a number of ways including advanced billings, progress billings, and billings upon shipment.

At March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the contract liability for revenue recognized over time was $6,420 and $4,906, respectively. The contract liability is included in Accrued Expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, the Company recognized $1,030 and $2,824 of revenue that was included in the liability as of December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively. The revenue recognized was due to applying advance payments received for projects completed during the period.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides revised guidance on leases requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The Company implemented a lease management tool to support the new reporting requirements and adopted the ASU on the first day of fiscal 2019. The Company made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the balance sheet for all classes of underlying assets. The Company elected to not recast its comparative periods in transition

13


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

(the "Comparatives Under 840 Option") as allowed under ASU 2018-11. The new standard did not have an impact in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings; footnote 9 provides the impact on the condensed consolidated balance sheet including the transition adoption adjustment recorded to retained earnings.

2) ACQUISITIONS
On February 11, 2019, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of United Galvanizing ("United"), a provider of coatings services for $26,000 in cash. The agreed upon purchase price was $28,000, with $2,000 being held back for seller representations and warranties that will be settled within 12 months of the acquisition date. The acquisition of United, located in Houston, Texas further expands the Company's galvanizing footprint in North America and will be reported in the Coatings segment. The preliminary fair values assigned were $15,720 for goodwill, $3,092 for customer relationships, trade name of $894, $7,216 for property, plant, and equipment, and the remainder is net working capital. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes and the customer relationship will be amortized over 10 years. The trade name has an indefinite life. The Company expects the purchase price allocation to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2019, once the hold back payment is settled and management reviews are complete.
On December 31, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of Larson Camouflage ("Larson"), an industry leading provider of architectural and camouflage concealment solutions for the wireless telecommunication market for $31,106 in cash. The agreed upon purchase price was $34,562, with 10% being held back for seller representations and warranties and will be settled within 12 months of the acquisition date. Larson was acquired to grow our product offerings in the wireless communication market and will be reported in the ESS segment. The preliminary fair values assigned were $17,050 for customer relationships, $14,494 for goodwill, $1,151 for property, plant, and equipment and the remainder is net working capital. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes and the customer relationships will be amortized over 12 years. The Company expects the purchase price allocation to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2019, once the hold back payment is settled and management reviews are complete.
On October 18, 2018, the Company acquired CSP Coatings Systems of Auckland, New Zealand, a provider of a wide range of coatings services for $17,711 in cash. The acquisition further strengthens the Company's Asia-Pacific market position and is reported in the Coatings segment. The preliminary fair values assigned were $7,373 to property, plant, and equipment, $3,113 for customer relationships, $5,120 for goodwill, with the remainder net working capital. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes and the customer relationships will be amortized over 10 years. The Company expects the purchase price allocation to be finalized in the second quarter of 2019.
On August 3, 2018, the Company purchased approximately 72% of the outstanding shares of Walpar, LLC ("Walpar") for $57,805 in cash. Walpar is an industry leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of overhead sign structures for the North America transportation market. Walpar is located in Birmingham, Alabama and its operations are reported in the ESS segment. The transaction was funded with cash on hand. The acquisition of Walpar was completed to expand the Company's product offering in the sign structure market. The preliminary fair value measurement disclosed below is subject to management reviews and completion of the fair value measurements of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Customer relationships will be amortized over 14 years and the trade name has an indefinite life. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
In January 2019, the 28% non-controlling interest shares of Walpar, LLC were acquired for $23,082. The Company expects the purchase price allocation to be finalized in the second quarter of 2019.

14


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


2) ACQUISITIONS (Continued)
The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Walpar as of the date of acquisition:
 
 
At August 3, 2018
Current assets
 
$
13,210

Customer relationships
 
32,000

Trade name
 
4,300

Goodwill
 
42,216

     Total fair value of assets acquired
 
$
91,726

Current liabilities
 
2,185

Deferred taxes
 
8,654

     Total fair value of liabilities assumed
 
$
10,839

Non-controlling interest
 
23,082

     Net assets acquired
 
$
57,805

On August 3, 2018, the Company acquired 75% of the outstanding shares of Convert Italia SpA ("Convert") for $43,504 in cash. Additional purchase price will be paid contingent on Convert realizing specific EBITDA and revenue targets in calendar years 2018 and 2020. The Company recorded $11,608 in estimated contingent consideration liability. Convert is a designer and provider of engineered solar tracker solutions that is headquartered in Italy, with offices in Brazil and Argentina. The Company acquired Convert to grow market adjacencies in the Utility Support Structures segment.
The preliminary fair value measurements disclosed below are subject to management reviews and completion of the fair value measurements of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Patents and proprietary technology will be amortized over 15 years and the trade name has an indefinite life. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company expects the fair value measurement process and purchase price allocation will be finalized in the third quarter of 2019. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Convert as of the date of acquisition:
 
 
At August 3, 2018
Current assets
 
$
18,349

Other assets
 
3,166

Patent and Proprietary Technology
 
16,554

Trade name
 
8,701

Goodwill
 
34,280

     Total fair value of assets acquired
 
$
81,050

Current liabilities
 
5,376

Contingent consideration liability
 
11,608

Deferred taxes
 
6,061

     Total fair value of liabilities assumed
 
$
23,045

Non-controlling interest
 
14,501

     Net assets acquired
 
$
43,504


15


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


2) ACQUISITIONS (Continued)
On August 1, 2018, the Company acquired the operational assets of Derit Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. ("Derit") for $14,700 in cash, net of assumed liabilities. The Company acquired the net assets at fair value with no value assigned to intangible assets in the preliminary purchase price allocation. Derit has a manufacturing facility in India with production capabilities for steel lattice structures for power transmission, wireless communication, and a provider of zinc galvanizing services. Derit was acquired to provide the Company with lattice structure manufacturing capabilities and to further expand the geographic footprint of the galvanizing business. The majority of the business will be reported in the Utility Support Structures segment, while the galvanizing business will be reported in the Coatings segment. The purchase price allocation was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2018. Proforma disclosures for Derit were omitted as this business does not have a significant impact on the Company's financial results.
On January 26, 2018, the Company acquired 60% of the assets of Torrent Engineering and Equipment ("Torrent") for $4,800 in cash. Torrent operates in Indiana and is an integrator of prefabricated pump stations that involves designing high pressure water and compressed air process systems. Torrent has annual sales of approximately $9,000. In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $3,922 and $4,020 of customer relationships and other intangible assets were recorded. A portion of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Torrent is included in the Irrigation segment and was acquired to expand the Company's water management capabilities. The purchase price allocation was finalized in the second quarter of 2018.     
The Company's condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 included net sales of $41,557 and $932 and net earnings of $647 and $86 resulting from the United, Larson, CSP Coatings, Walpar, Convert, and Torrent acquisitions. The proforma effect of these acquisitions on the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
 
Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019
Thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018
Net sales
$
694,558

$
713,686

Net earnings
36,719

39,879

Earnings per share-diluted
1.67

1.75

Acquisitions of Noncontrolling Interests
In March 2018, the Company acquired the remaining 10% of Valmont Industria e Commercio Ltda. that it did not own for $5,510. As this transaction was for the acquisition of all of the remaining shares of a consolidated subsidiary with no change in control, it was recorded within shareholders' equity and as a financing activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


16


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(3) DIVESTITURE
On April 30, 2018, the Company completed the sale of Donhad, its grinding media business in Australia, reported in the Other segment. The business was sold because it did not fit the long-term strategic plans for the Company. The grinding media business historical annual sales, operating profit, and net assets are not significant for discontinued operations presentation. The grinding media business had an operating loss of $913 for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018. The Company received Australian $82,500 (U.S. $62,518) in proceeds from the sale.
The pre-tax loss recorded during the second quarter of 2018 from the divestiture is reported in other income (expense). The loss is comprised of the proceeds from buyer, less deal-related costs, less the net assets of the business which resulted in a gain of $4,334. Offsetting this amount is a $(10,418) realized loss on foreign exchange translation adjustments and net investment hedges previously reported in shareholders' equity.
 
 
Pre-tax gain from divestiture, before recognition of currency translation loss
$
4,334

Recognition of cumulative currency translation loss and hedges (out of OCI)
(10,418
)
   Net pre-tax loss from divestiture of the grinding media business
$
(6,084
)
The transaction did not result in a taxable capital gain as the cash proceeds were less than the tax carrying value of the business. There is an insignificant tax benefit from the tax deductibility of deal related expenses.

17


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(4) RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES    
During 2018, the Company executed certain regional restructuring activities (the "2018 Plan") primarily in the ESS and Utility segments to transform its operational business model including exiting certain local markets. During the full year of 2018, the Company incurred $23,515 of cost of sales and $18,460 of selling, general, and administrative expense for the 2018 Plan.

The following pre-tax expense were recognized during the first quarter of 2018:
 
 
ESS
 
Utility
 
Total
Severance
 
$
423

 
$

 
$
423

Other cash restructuring expenses
 

 
772

 
772

Asset impairments/net loss on disposals
 
1,145

 

 
1,145

   Total cost of sales
 
1,568

 
772

 
2,340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance
 
1,978

 

 
1,978

Other cash restructuring expenses
 
82

 

 
82

  Total selling, general and administrative expenses
 
2,060

 

 
2,060

      Consolidated total
 
$
3,628

 
$
772

 
$
4,400


Liabilities recorded for the restructuring plans and changes therein for the first thirteen weeks of 2019 were as follows:
 
 
Balance at December 29, 2018
 
Recognized Restructuring Expense
 
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled
 
Balance at March 30, 2019
Severance
 
$
6,594

 
$

 
$
(2,620
)
 
$
3,974

Other cash restructuring expenses
 
3,462

 

 
(1,252
)
 
2,210

   Total
 
$
10,056

 
$

 
$
(3,872
)
 
$
6,184


18


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(5) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Amortized Intangible Assets
The components of amortized intangible assets at March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows:
 
March 30, 2019
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Weighted
Average
Life
Customer Relationships
$
240,786

 
$
136,961

 
13 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology
23,396

 
5,232

 
14 years
Other
7,918

 
6,887

 
5 years
 
$
272,100

 
$
149,080

 
 
 
December 29, 2018
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Weighted
Average
Life
Customer Relationships
$
219,508

 
$
132,180

 
13 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology
23,662

 
4,837

 
14 years
Other
7,971

 
6,891

 
5 years
 
$
251,141

 
$
143,908

 
 
Amortization expense for intangible assets for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively was as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
2019
 
2018
$
4,390

 
$
3,883

Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite‑lived intangible assets is as follows:
 
Estimated
Amortization
Expense
2019
$
18,238

2020
17,404

2021
15,378

2022
13,228

2023
11,483

The useful lives assigned to finite‑lived intangible assets included consideration of factors such as the Company’s past and expected experience related to customer retention rates, the remaining legal or contractual life of the underlying arrangement that resulted in the recognition of the intangible asset and the Company’s expected use of the intangible asset.


19


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(5) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)
Non-amortized intangible assets
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. The carrying values of trade names at March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows:
 
March 30,
2019
 
December 29,
2018
 
Year Acquired
Newmark
$
11,111

 
$
11,111

 
2004
Webforge
9,105

 
8,872

 
2010
Convert Italia S.p.A
8,414

 
8,580

 
2018
Valmont SM
7,999

 
8,155

 
2015
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products
7,423

 
7,233

 
2010
Walpar
4,300

 
4,300

 
2018
Shakespeare
4,000

 
4,000

 
2014
Other
17,525

 
16,472

 
 
 
$
69,877

 
$
68,723

 
 
In its determination of these intangible assets as indefinite‑lived, the Company considered such factors as its expected future use of the intangible asset, legal, regulatory, technological and competitive factors that may impact the useful life or value of the intangible asset and the expected costs to maintain the value of the intangible asset. The Company expects that these intangible assets will maintain their value indefinitely. Accordingly, these assets are not amortized.    
The Company’s trade names were tested for impairment in the third quarter of 2018. The values of each trade name was determined using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this evaluation, the value of the offshore and other complex steel structures (Valmont SM) trade name was deemed to be impaired and the Company recorded a charge of $1,425 in the third quarter of 2018. No other trade names were determined to be impaired.
Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018 was as follows:
 
Engineered
Support
Structures
Segment
 
Utility
Support
Structures
Segment
 
Coatings
Segment
 
Irrigation
Segment
 
Total
Gross Balance December 29, 2018
$
204,735

 
$
123,618

 
$
80,937

 
$
25,164

 
$
434,454

Accumulated impairment losses
(18,670
)
 
(14,355
)
 
(16,222
)
 

 
(49,247
)
Balance at December 29, 2018
186,065

 
109,263

 
64,715

 
25,164

 
385,207

Acquisitions
14,494

 

 
15,720

 

 
30,214

Foreign currency translation
1,930

 
(710
)
 
300

 
55

 
1,575

Balance at March 30, 2019
$
202,489

 
$
108,553

 
$
80,735

 
$
25,219

 
$
416,996






20


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(5) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)
The Company’s annual impairment test of goodwill was performed during the third quarter of 2018, using the discounted cash flow method. The Company previously highlighted significant, adverse challenges in the wind energy market in Northern Europe that impacts our offshore and other complex steel structures business. A lack of protective tariffs has led to an extremely competitive environment in that region. Lower near-term financial projections and an approximately 15% decline in the undiscounted terminal value, when compared to the 2017 annual impairment test, is a result of challenging onshore wind and energy transmission structures pricing that is difficult to predict when it will recover. This resulted in an estimated fair value of the offshore and other complex steel structures reporting unit below the Company’s investment in this business.  As a result, a goodwill impairment was recorded in the third quarter of 2018 totaling $14,355, which represents all of the goodwill of the offshore and other complex steel reporting unit.  
For the remaining reporting units, the Company determined that its goodwill was not impaired, as the valuation of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values.
(6) CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds) for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
2019
 
2018
Interest
$
586

 
$
439

Income taxes
2,852

 
2,912


(7) EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS):
 
Basic EPS
 
Dilutive
Effect of
Stock
Options
 
Diluted EPS
Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
36,481

 
$

 
$
36,481

Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)
21,886

 
78

 
21,964

Per share amount
$
1.67

 
$
0.01

 
$
1.66

Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
39,281

 
$

 
$
39,281

Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)
22,609

 
187

 
22,796

Per share amount
$
1.74

 
$
0.02

 
$
1.72

At March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, there were 297,412 and 147,554 outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, respectively.

21


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company manages interest rate risk, commodity price risk, and foreign currency risk related to foreign currency denominated transactions and investments in foreign subsidiaries. Depending on the circumstances, the Company may manage these risks by utilizing derivative financial instruments. Some derivative financial instruments are marked to market and recorded in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, while others may be accounted for as fair value, cash flow, or net investment hedges. Derivative financial instruments have credit and market risk. The Company manages these risks of derivative instruments by monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that can be taken, and by entering into transactions with counterparties who are recognized, stable multinational banks.
Fair value of derivative instruments at March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018 are as follows:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Balance sheet location
 
March 30, 2019
 
December 29, 2018
Commodity forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
$

 
$
(285
)
Foreign currency forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
9,000

 
8,357

Cross currency swap contracts
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
4,743

 
1,075

 
 
 
$
13,743

 
$
9,147

Gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 are as follows:
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Statements of earnings location
 
March 30, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Foreign currency forward contracts
Other income (expenses)
 
552

 

Cross currency swap contracts
Interest expense
 
653

 

 
 
 
$
1,205

 
$

Cash Flow Hedges
In 2019 and 2018, the Company entered into steel hot rolled coil (HRC) forward contracts that qualified as a cash flow hedge of the variability in cash flows attributable to future steel purchases. In 2019, the forward contracts had a notional amount of $12,128 for the purchase of 3,500 short tons for each month from May 2019 to September 2019. In 2018, the forward contracts entered into had a notional amount of $8,469 for the purchase of 3,500 short tons for each month from July 2018 to September 2018 and a notional amount of $15,563 for the purchase of 6,500 short tons for each month from October 2018 to December 2018. The gain/(loss) realized upon settlement is recorded in product cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings over average inventory turns.
On June 19, 2018, the Company issued and sold $200,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 5.00% senior notes due 2044 and $55,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 5.25% senior notes due 2054. During the second quarter of 2018, the Company executed contracts to hedge the risk of potential fluctuations in the treasury rates on the 2044 Notes and 2054 Notes which would change the amount of net proceeds received from the debt offering. These contracts had a combined notional amount of $175,000. On June 8, 2018, these contracts were settled with the Company paying $2,467 to the counterparties which was recorded in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") and will be amortized as an increase to interest expense over the term of the debt. Due to the retirement of the 2020 bonds in July 2018, the Company wrote off the remaining $411 unamortized loss on the related cash flow hedge.

22


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)
Net Investment Hedges
The Company previously executed two six-month foreign currency forward contracts which qualified as net investment hedges, in order to mitigate foreign currency risk on the grinding media business that is denominated in both Australian dollars and British pounds. Due to the sale of the grinding media business in the second quarter of 2018, the Company reclassified the net investment hedge loss of $1,621 ($1,215 after tax) from OCI to loss from divestiture of grinding media business in the Statements of Earnings.
In the second quarter of 2018, the Company entered into two foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate foreign currency risk of the Company's investment in its Australian dollar and Euro denominated businesses. The forward contracts, which qualify as net investment hedges, have a maturity date of May 2020 and notional amounts to sell Australian dollars and Euro to receive $100,000 and $50,000, respectively.
Effective in the third quarter of 2018, the Company elected as an accounting policy to change its method of assessing effectiveness for all net investment hedges from the forward method to the spot method. As a result of this election, all existing and future net investment hedges will be accounted for under the spot method. As an additional accounting policy election to be applied to similar hedges under this new standard, the initial value of any component excluded from the assessment of effectiveness will be recognized in income or expense using a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument.
Due to the change in the method used to assess effectiveness from the forward to the spot method in the third quarter of 2018, the Euro and Australian dollar net investment hedges were de-designated. The forward contracts were then re-designated as net investment hedges under the spot method and the initial excluded component value related to the Australian dollar and Euro net investment hedges were $538 and $3,190, respectively, which the Company has elected to amortize in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings using the straight-line method over the remaining term of the contracts.
On August 24, 2018, the Company entered into three fixed-for-fixed cross currency swaps (“CCS”), swapping U.S. dollar principal and interest payments on a portion of its 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 for Danish krone (DKK) and Euro denominated payments. The CCS were entered into in order to mitigate foreign currency risk on the Company's Euro and DKK investments and to reduce interest expense. Interest is exchanged twice per year on April 1 and October 1.
Key terms of the three CCS are as follows:
Currency
Notional Amount
Termination Date
Swapped Interest Rate
Set Settlement Amount
Danish Kroner, DKK
$
60,000

October 1, 2023
2.52%
DKK 386,118
Euro
$
25,000

October 1, 2020
2.14%
€21,580
Euro
$
10,000

October 1, 2021
2.29%
€8,631
The Company designated the full notional amount of the three CCS ($95,000) as a hedge of the net investment in certain Danish and European subsidiaries under the spot method, with all changes in the fair value of the CCS that are included in the assessment of effectiveness (changes due to spot foreign exchange rates) are recorded as cumulative foreign currency translation within OCI, and will remain in OCI until either the sale or substantially complete liquidation of the related subsidiaries. Net interest receipts will be recorded as a reduction of interest expense over the life of the CCS.

23


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(9) LEASES
The Company has operating leases for plant locations, corporate offices, sales offices, and certain equipment. Outstanding leases at March 30, 2019 have remaining lease terms of one year to fifteen years, some of which include options to extend leases for up to five years. The Company does not have any financing leases. The Company elected practical expedients not to reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess the lease classification of any existing leases, to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, to use hindsight in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment of the right-of-use asset, and to not separate lease and non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets.
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets, accrued expenses, and operating lease liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make future lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the date of adoption in determining the present value of future lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes any lease incentives and impairments. Some of the Company's facility leases include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Lease cost and other information related to the Company's operating leases are as follows:

 
Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019
Operating lease cost
$
5,296

Short-term lease cost
600

    Total lease cost
$
5,896

 
 
Operating cash outflows from operating leases
$
6,046

ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
$
1,236

Weighted average remaining lease term
10 years

Weighted average discount rate
3.9
%

As part of the adoption of ASC 842, the Company evaluated at the historical and projected cash flow generation of the operations at each of its long-term leased facilities.  One of those facilities, a galvanizing operation in Melbourne, Australia, will not generate sufficient cash flows on an undiscounted cash flow basis to recover the carrying value of the right of use asset.  The Company then estimated a value for this operation using a discounted cash flow model.  The result was an impairment of the right-of-use lease asset of approximately $12,063. The after-tax balance of $8,444 was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings for the transition adjustment of adoption.





24


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



(9) LEASES (Continued)

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases for the first quarter of 2019 is as follows:
 
Classification
March 30, 2019
Operating lease assets
Other assets
$
93,871

 
 
 
Operating lease short-term liabilities
Accrued expenses
15,145

Operating lease long-term liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
88,492

    Total lease liabilities
 
$
103,637


Minimum lease payments under operating leases expiring subsequent to March 30, 2019 are as follows:
Fiscal year ending
 
2019 (excluding the three months ended March 30, 2019)
$
14,443

2020
17,190

2021
14,333

2022
11,894

2023
9,183

Subsequent
59,860

Total minimum lease payments
$
126,903


The below table as of December 29, 2018 is carried forward, including certain amounts that were historically included in the table as a result of the historical lease term conclusions but were not included in the initial ROU asset and lease liability measurement as of December 30, 2018 due to the Company's election of the hindsight practical expedient. The Company also determined one of its leases with escalating rent payments should be expensed using the straight-line method over a longer-term and the result was an additional reduction to retained earnings of $442 for a transition adjustment. Minimum lease payments for operating leases under ASC 840 expiring subsequent to December 29, 2018 are as follows:

Fiscal year ending
 
2019
$
18,757

2020
16,830

2021
13,992

2022
11,932

2023
8,866

Subsequent
76,438

Total minimum lease payments
$
146,815




25


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(10) BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company has four reportable segments based on its management structure. Each segment is global in nature with a manager responsible for segment operational performance and the allocation of capital within the segment. Net corporate expense is net of certain service‑related expenses that are allocated to business units generally on the basis of employee headcounts.

Reportable segments are as follows:

ENGINEERED SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal and composite poles, towers, and components for global lighting, traffic, and wireless communication markets, engineered access systems, integrated structure solutions for smart cities, and highway safety products;

UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility transmission, distribution, and generation applications, renewable energy generation equipment, and inspection services;
COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, painting, and anodizing services; and
IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment, parts, services, tubular products, water management solutions, and technology for precision agriculture.
In addition to these four reportable segments, the Company had other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales, operating income or assets. This includes the manufacture of forged steel grinding media for the mining industry and is reported in the "Other" category.
The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based upon operating income and invested capital. The Company does not allocate LIFO expense, interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments.

26


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(10) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued)
Summary by Business
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
March 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2018
SALES:
 
 
 
Engineered Support Structures segment:
 
 
 
Lighting, Traffic, and Highway Safety Products
$
157,184

 
$
160,444

    Communication Products
42,865

 
34,113

Access Systems
30,239

 
30,397

Engineered Support Structures segment
230,288

 
224,954

Utility Support Structures segment:
 
 
 
Steel
159,760

 
163,983

Concrete
29,844

 
23,662

Engineered Solar Tracker Solutions
30,292

 

Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures
24,026

 
22,217

Utility Support Structures segment
243,922

 
209,862

Coatings segment
86,779

 
84,947

Irrigation segment:
 
 
 
    North America
108,477

 
109,854

    International
44,339

 
78,099

        Irrigation segment
152,816

 
187,953

Other

 
18,399

Total
713,805

 
726,115

INTERSEGMENT SALES:
 
 
 
Engineered Support Structures segment
2,319

 
9,038

Utility Support Structures segment
664

 
3

Coatings segment
16,548

 
16,489

Irrigation segment
2,135

 
1,901

Other

 

Total
21,666

 
27,431

NET SALES:
 
 
 
Engineered Support Structures segment
227,969

 
215,916

Utility Support Structures segment
243,258

 
209,859

Coatings segment
70,231

 
68,458

Irrigation segment
150,681

 
186,052

Other

 
18,399

Total
$
692,139

 
$
698,684

 
 
 
 
OPERATING INCOME:
 
 
 
Engineered Support Structures segment
$
12,445

 
$
6,947

Utility Support Structures segment
25,048

 
23,367

Coatings segment
10,140

 
11,867

Irrigation segment
20,134

 
33,887

Other

 
(579
)
Adjustment to LIFO inventory valuation method
502

 
(1,081
)
Corporate
(13,165
)
 
(10,448
)
Total
$
55,104

 
$
63,960


27


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


11) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company has two tranches of senior unsecured notes. All of the senior notes are guaranteed, jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally (subject to certain customary release provisions, including sale of the subsidiary guarantor, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets) by certain of the Company’s current and future direct and indirect domestic and foreign subsidiaries (collectively the “Guarantors”), excluding its other current domestic and foreign subsidiaries which do not guarantee the debt (collectively referred to as the “Non-Guarantors”). All Guarantors are 100% owned by the parent company.

Consolidated financial information for the Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is as follows:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Net sales
$
299,002

 
$
139,507

 
$
312,291

 
$
(58,661
)
 
$
692,139

Cost of sales
225,127

 
103,312

 
257,607

 
(59,036
)
 
527,010

Gross profit
73,875

 
36,195

 
54,684

 
375

 
165,129

Selling, general and administrative expenses
57,846

 
7,109

 
45,070

 

 
110,025

Operating income
16,029

 
29,086

 
9,614

 
375

 
55,104

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(9,583
)
 
(3,541
)
 
(295
)
 
3,541

 
(9,878
)
Interest income
111

 
12

 
4,228

 
(3,541
)
 
810

Other
3,537

 
10

 
299

 


 
3,846

 
(5,935
)
 
(3,519
)
 
4,232

 

 
(5,222
)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
10,094

 
25,567

 
13,846

 
375

 
49,882

Income tax expense (benefit)
462

 
5,950

 
5,959

 
56

 
12,427

Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
9,632

 
19,617

 
7,887

 
319

 
37,455

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
26,849

 
3,944

 

 
(30,793
)
 

Net earnings
36,481

 
23,561

 
7,887

 
(30,474
)
 
37,455

Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(974
)
 

 
(974
)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
36,481

 
$
23,561

 
$
6,913

 
$
(30,474
)
 
$
36,481



28


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(11) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Net sales
$
315,992

 
$
121,171

 
$
332,136

 
$
(70,615
)
 
$
698,684

Cost of sales
235,596

 
94,459

 
271,716

 
(72,327
)
 
529,444

Gross profit
80,396

 
26,712

 
60,420

 
1,712

 
169,240

Selling, general and administrative expenses
46,531

 
11,917

 
46,832

 

 
105,280

Operating income
33,865

 
14,795

 
13,588

 
1,712

 
63,960

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(10,881
)
 
(3,880
)
 
(193
)
 
3,880

 
(11,074
)
Interest income
176

 
10

 
4,961

 
(3,880
)
 
1,267

Other
(106
)
 
12

 
(1,047
)
 

 
(1,141
)
 
(10,811
)
 
(3,858
)
 
3,721

 

 
(10,948
)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
23,054

 
10,937

 
17,309

 
1,712

 
53,012

Income tax expense (benefit)
8,360

 
2,677

 
1,358

 
137

 
12,532

Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
14,694

 
8,260

 
15,951

 
1,575

 
40,480

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
24,587

 
2,729

 

 
(27,316
)
 

Net earnings
39,281

 
10,989

 
15,951

 
(25,741
)
 
40,480

Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(1,199
)
 

 
(1,199
)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
39,281

 
$
10,989

 
$
14,752

 
$
(25,741
)
 
$
39,281



29


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Net earnings
$
36,481

 
$
23,561

 
$
7,887

 
$
(30,474
)
 
$
37,455

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Unrealized translation gain (loss)

 
5,629

 
(3,363
)
 

 
2,266

Gain (loss) on hedging activities
2,314

 

 

 

 
2,314

Equity in other comprehensive income
2,131

 

 

 
(2,131
)
 

Other comprehensive income (loss)
4,445

 
5,629

 
(3,363
)
 
(2,131
)
 
4,580

Comprehensive income (loss)
40,926

 
29,190

 
4,524

 
(32,605
)
 
42,035

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(1,109
)
 

 
(1,109
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
40,926

 
$
29,190

 
$
3,415

 
$
(32,605
)
 
$
40,926


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2018
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Net earnings
$
39,281

 
$
10,989

 
$
15,951

 
$
(25,741
)
 
$
40,480

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Unrealized translation gain (loss)

 
(8,680
)
 
15,484

 

 
6,804

Gain (loss) on hedging activities
(863
)
 

 

 

 
(863
)
Equity in other comprehensive income
3,256

 

 

 
(3,256
)
 

Other comprehensive income (loss)
2,393

 
(8,680
)
 
15,484

 
(3,256
)
 
5,941

Comprehensive income (loss)
41,674

 
2,309

 
31,435

 
(28,997
)
 
46,421

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(4,747
)
 

 
(4,747
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
41,674

 
$
2,309

 
$
26,688

 
$
(28,997
)
 
$
41,674







30


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



(11) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
March 30, 2019
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
58,146

 
$
7,731

 
$
145,360

 
$

 
$
211,237

Receivables, net
148,952

 
91,153

 
272,747

 

 
512,852

Inventories
133,792

 
38,993

 
225,041

 
(2,027
)
 
395,799

Contract asset - costs and profits in excess of billings
58,485

 
35,086

 
26,315

 

 
119,886

Prepaid expenses and other assets
12,288

 
13,079

 
29,012

 

 
54,379

Refundable income taxes
4,747

 

 

 

 
4,747

Total current assets
416,410

 
186,042

 
698,475

 
(2,027
)
 
1,298,900

Property, plant and equipment, at cost
590,577

 
188,120

 
417,936

 

 
1,196,633

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
398,031

 
101,322

 
169,951

 

 
669,304

Net property, plant and equipment
192,546

 
86,798

 
247,985

 

 
527,329

Goodwill
20,108

 
140,775

 
256,113

 

 
416,996

Other intangible assets
63

 
47,561

 
145,273

 

 
192,897

Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts
1,336,332

 
1,031,430

 
1,277,773

 
(3,645,535
)
 

Other assets
99,721

 
4,028

 
106,116

 

 
209,865

Total assets
$
2,065,180

 
$
1,496,634

 
$
2,731,735

 
$
(3,647,562
)
 
$
2,645,987

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt
$

 
$

 
$
764

 
$

 
$
764

Notes payable to banks

 

 
19,816

 

 
19,816

Accounts payable
63,348

 
22,967

 
133,145

 

 
219,460

Accrued employee compensation and benefits
30,829

 
4,633

 
27,963

 

 
63,425

Accrued expenses
44,779

 
9,516

 
74,866

 

 
129,161

Dividends payable
8,213

 

 

 

 
8,213

Total current liabilities
147,169

 
37,116

 
256,554

 

 
440,839

Deferred income taxes
18,505

 

 
27,935

 

 
46,440

Long-term debt, excluding current installments
734,114

 
125,685

 
7,515

 
(125,685
)
 
741,629

Defined benefit pension liability

 

 
133,761

 

 
133,761

Other noncurrent liabilities
87,127

 
3,440

 
61,536

 

 
152,103

Shareholders’ equity:


 


 


 
 
 
 
Common stock of $1 par value
27,900

 
457,950

 
648,682

 
(1,106,632
)
 
27,900

Additional paid-in capital

 
162,906

 
1,107,536

 
(1,270,442
)
 

Retained earnings
2,049,438

 
634,175

 
810,599

 
(1,444,774
)
 
2,049,438

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(298,740
)
 
75,362

 
(375,333
)
 
299,971

 
(298,740
)
Treasury stock
(700,333
)
 

 

 

 
(700,333
)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity
1,078,265

 
1,330,393

 
2,191,484

 
(3,521,877
)
 
1,078,265

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries

 

 
52,950

 

 
52,950

Total shareholders’ equity
1,078,265

 
1,330,393

 
2,244,434

 
(3,521,877
)
 
1,131,215

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,065,180

 
$
1,496,634

 
$
2,731,735

 
$
(3,647,562
)
 
$
2,645,987


31


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(11) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 29, 2018
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
104,256

 
$
5,518

 
$
203,436

 
$

 
$
313,210

Receivables, net
134,943

 
75,204

 
273,816

 

 
483,963

Inventories
138,158

 
37,019

 
210,791

 
(2,402
)
 
383,566

Contract asset - costs and profits in excess of billings
50,271

 
35,200

 
27,054

 

 
112,525

Prepaid expenses and other assets
21,858

 
746

 
20,196

 

 
42,800

Refundable income taxes
4,576

 

 

 

 
4,576

Total current assets
454,062

 
153,687

 
735,293

 
(2,402
)
 
1,340,640

Property, plant and equipment, at cost
579,046

 
172,050

 
409,769

 

 
1,160,865

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
390,438

 
93,374

 
163,061

 

 
646,873

Net property, plant and equipment
188,608

 
78,676

 
246,708

 

 
513,992

Goodwill
20,108

 
110,562

 
254,537

 

 
385,207

Other intangible assets
76

 
27,452

 
148,428

 

 
175,956

Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts
1,286,545

 
1,161,612

 
932,982

 
(3,381,139
)
 

Other assets
47,674

 

 
66,805

 

 
114,479

Total assets
$
1,997,073

 
$
1,531,989

 
$
2,384,753

 
$
(3,383,541
)
 
$
2,530,274

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt
$

 
$

 
$
779

 
$

 
$
779

Notes payable to banks

 

 
10,678

 

 
10,678

Accounts payable
68,304

 
21,081

 
128,730

 

 
218,115

Accrued employee compensation and benefits
41,418

 
7,186

 
30,687

 

 
79,291

Accrued expenses
25,936

 
10,132

 
55,874

 

 
91,942

Dividends payable
8,230

 

 

 

 
8,230

Total current liabilities
143,888

 
38,399

 
226,748

 

 
409,035

Deferred income taxes
14,376

 

 
29,113

 

 
43,489

Long-term debt, excluding current installments
733,964

 
166,729

 
7,858

 
(166,729
)
 
741,822

Defined benefit pension liability

 

 
143,904

 

 
143,904

Other noncurrent liabilities
45,083

 
620

 
10,798

 

 
56,501

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock of $1 par value
27,900

 
457,950

 
648,682

 
(1,106,632
)
 
27,900

Additional paid-in capital

 
162,906

 
1,107,536

 
(1,270,442
)
 

Retained earnings
2,027,596

 
624,394

 
467,699

 
(1,092,093
)
 
2,027,596

Accumulated other comprehensive income
(303,185
)
 
80,991

 
(333,346
)
 
252,355

 
(303,185
)
Treasury stock
(692,549
)
 

 

 

 
(692,549
)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity
1,059,762

 
1,326,241

 
1,890,571

 
(3,216,812
)
 
1,059,762

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries

 

 
75,761

 

 
75,761

Total shareholders’ equity
1,059,762

 
1,326,241

 
1,966,332

 
(3,216,812
)
 
1,135,523

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,997,073

 
$
1,531,989

 
$
2,384,753

 
$
(3,383,541
)
 
$
2,530,274



32


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



(11) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2019
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
36,481

 
$
23,561

 
$
7,887

 
$
(30,474
)
 
$
37,455

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
6,476

 
3,390

 
10,387

 

 
20,253

Noncash gain on trading securities

 

 
87

 

 
87

  Stock-based compensation
3,670

 

 

 

 
3,670

Defined benefit pension plan benefit

 

 
(132
)
 

 
(132
)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan

 

 
(13,943
)
 

 
(13,943
)
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment
132

 
(2
)
 
(357
)
 

 
(227
)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries
(26,849
)
 
(3,944
)
 

 
30,793

 

Deferred income taxes
5,320

 

 
4,342

 

 
9,662

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net working capital
(8,136
)
 
(28,699
)
 
(6,621
)
 
(374
)
 
(43,830
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
2,046

 
(5,461
)
 
3,181

 

 
(234
)
Income taxes payable (refundable)
(1,440
)
 
(1,819
)
 
(1,589
)
 

 
(4,848
)
Net cash flows from operating activities
17,700

 
(12,974
)
 
3,242

 
(55
)
 
7,913

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(10,214
)
 
(1,854
)
 
(9,041
)
 

 
(21,109
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
1

 
2

 
419

 

 
422

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 
(57,106
)
 

 

 
(57,106
)
Settlement of net investment hedge

 

 

 

 

Other, net
(60,869
)
 
69,124

 
(9,977
)
 
55

 
(1,667
)
Net cash flows from investing activities
(71,082
)
 
10,166

 
(18,599
)
 
55

 
(79,460
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from short-term agreements

 

 
9,327

 

 
9,327

Proceeds from long-term borrowings
10,000

 

 

 

 
10,000

Principal payments on long-term borrowings
(10,000
)
 

 
(194
)
 

 
(10,194
)
Principal payments on long-term intercompany note

 
(42,575
)
 
42,575

 

 

Dividends paid
(8,213
)
 

 

 

 
(8,213
)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest

 

 
(838
)
 

 
(838
)
Intercompany dividends
60,845

 
47,541

 
(108,386
)
 

 

Purchase of noncontrolling interest
(23,082
)
 

 

 

 
(23,082
)
Intercompany capital contribution
(13,284
)
 

 
13,284

 

 

Purchase of treasury shares
(9,421
)
 

 

 

 
(9,421
)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans
1,174

 

 

 

 
1,174

Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises
(747
)
 

 

 

 
(747
)
Net cash flows from financing activities
7,272

 
4,966

 
(44,232
)
 

 
(31,994
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 
55

 
1,513

 

 
1,568

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(46,110
)
 
2,213

 
(58,076
)
 

 
(101,973
)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year
104,256

 
5,518

 
203,436

 

 
313,210

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period
$
58,146

 
$
7,731

 
$
145,360

 
$

 
$
211,237


33


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(11) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
39,281

 
$
10,989

 
$
15,951

 
$
(25,741
)
 
$
40,480

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
6,444

 
3,478

 
11,256

 

 
21,178

Noncash loss on trading securities

 

 
71

 

 
71

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 

 
1,145

 

 
1,145

  Stock-based compensation
2,775

 

 

 

 
2,775

Defined benefit pension plan expense

 

 
(594
)
 

 
(594
)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan

 

 
(731
)
 

 
(731
)
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment

 
4

 
(284
)
 

 
(280
)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries
(24,587
)
 
(2,729
)
 

 
27,316

 

Deferred income taxes
5,591

 
1,791

 
(2,563
)
 

 
4,819

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net working capital
(8,850
)
 
(21,761
)
 
(7,529
)
 
(1,148
)
 
(39,288
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
861

 

 
(421
)
 

 
440

Income taxes payable (refundable)
(7,862
)
 
(514
)
 
11,409

 

 
3,033

Net cash flows from operating activities
13,653

 
(8,742
)
 
27,710

 
427

 
33,048

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(3,928
)
 
(5,241
)
 
(7,079
)
 

 
(16,248
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
5

 

 
709

 

 
714

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 
(4,800
)
 

 
(4,800
)
Settlement of net investment hedge
(863
)
 

 

 

 
(863
)
Other, net
4,551

 
8,633

 
(14,539
)
 
(427
)
 
(1,782
)
Net cash flows from investing activities
(235
)
 
3,392

 
(25,709
)
 
(427
)
 
(22,979
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Payments under short-term agreements

 

 
219

 

 
219

Principal payments on long-term borrowings

 

 
(249
)
 

 
(249
)
Dividends paid
(8,510
)
 

 

 

 
(8,510
)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest

 

 
(1,281
)
 

 
(1,281
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 

 
(5,510
)
 

 
(5,510
)
Purchase of treasury shares
(14,790
)
 

 

 

 
(14,790
)
Intercompany capital contribution
(3,492
)
 
3,492

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercises under stock plans
2,972

 

 

 

 
2,972

Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises
(1,504
)
 

 

 

 
(1,504
)
Net cash flows from financing activities
(25,324
)
 
3,492

 
(6,821
)
 

 
(28,653
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 
(37
)
 
5,479

 

 
5,442

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(11,906
)
 
(1,895
)
 
659

 

 
(13,142
)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year
83,329

 
5,304

 
404,172

 

 
492,805

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period
$
71,423

 
$
3,409

 
$
404,831

 
$

 
$
479,663


34



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s discussion and analysis 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 the Company 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. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) and assumptions. Management believes that these forward‑looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. Many factors could affect the Company’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 the Company’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, and actions and policy changes of domestic and foreign governments.
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto, and the management's discussion and analysis included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018. Segment net sales in the table below and elsewhere are presented net of intersegment sales. See Note 10 of our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on segment sales and intersegment sales.

35



Results of Operations (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
March 30, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
% Incr. (Decr.)
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
692.1

 
$
698.7

 
(0.9
)%
Gross profit
165.1

 
169.2

 
(2.4
)%
as a percent of sales    
23.9
%
 
24.2
%
 
 
SG&A expense
110.0

 
105.3

 
4.5
 %
as a percent of sales    
15.9
%
 
15.1
%
 
 
Operating income
55.1

 
64.0

 
(13.9
)%
as a percent of sales    
8.0
%
 
9.2
%
 
 
Net interest expense
9.1

 
9.8

 
(7.1
)%
Effective tax rate
24.9
%
 
23.6
%
 
 
Net earnings
$
36.5

 
$
39.3

 
(7.1
)%
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.66

 
$
1.72

 
(3.5
)%
Engineered Support Structures (ESS)
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
228.0

 
$
215.9

 
5.6
 %
Gross profit
51.9

 
49.3

 
5.3
 %
SG&A expense
39.4

 
42.4

 
(7.1
)%
Operating income
12.5

 
6.9

 
81.2
 %
Utility Support Structures (Utility)
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
243.2

 
$
209.9

 
15.9
 %
Gross profit
48.7

 
43.6

 
11.7
 %
SG&A expense
23.6

 
20.3

 
16.3
 %
Operating income
25.1

 
23.3

 
7.7
 %
Coatings
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
70.2

 
$
68.5

 
2.5
 %
Gross profit
20.6

 
20.6

 
 %
SG&A expense
10.5

 
8.7

 
20.7
 %
Operating income
10.1

 
11.9

 
(15.1
)%
Irrigation
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
150.7

 
$
186.0

 
(19.0
)%
Gross profit
43.4

 
56.0

 
(22.5
)%
SG&A expense
23.3

 
22.1

 
5.4
 %
Operating income
20.1

 
33.9

 
(40.7
)%
Other
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$

 
$
18.4

 
(100.0
)%
Gross profit

 
0.8

 
(100.0
)%
SG&A expense

 
1.4

 
(100.0
)%
Operating income

 
(0.6
)
 
(100.0
)%
Adjustment to LIFO inventory valuation method
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
$
0.5

 
$
(1.1
)
 
NM
Operating income
0.5

 
(1.1
)
 
NM
Net corporate expense
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
$

 
$

 
NM
SG&A expense
13.2

 
10.4

 
26.9
 %
Operating loss
(13.2
)
 
(10.4
)
 
(26.9
)%
NM=Not meaningful

36



Overview
On a consolidated basis, net sales were slightly lower in the first quarter of 2019, as compared with the first quarter of 2018, due to lower sales in the Irrigation and Other segments that were offset by higher net sales in the Coatings, Utility, and ESS segments. The changes in net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, as compared with the same period in fiscal 2018, is as follows:
 
First quarter
 
Total
ESS
Utility
Coatings
Irrigation
Other
Sales - 2018
$
698.7

$
215.9

$
209.9

$
68.5

$
186.0

$
18.4

Volume
(54.9
)
7.5

(14.1
)
(6.7
)
(41.6
)

Pricing/mix
36.3

9.5

18.1

2.9

5.8


Acquisition/(divestiture)
29.2

5.4

31.0

7.5

3.7

(18.4
)
Currency translation
(17.2
)
(10.3
)
(1.7
)
(2.0
)
(3.2
)

Sales - 2019
$
692.1

$
228.0

$
243.2

$
70.2

$
150.7

$

Volume effects are estimated based on a physical production or sales measure. Since products we sell are not uniform in nature, pricing and mix relate to a combination of changes in sales prices and the attributes of the product sold. Accordingly, pricing and mix changes do not necessarily result in operating income changes.

Average steel index prices for both hot rolled coil and plate were higher in North America and China in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to the first quarter of 2018, resulting in higher average cost of material.
    
The Company acquired the following businesses during 2018 and 2019:

A majority ownership stake in Torrent Engineering and Equipment ("Torrent") in the first quarter of 2018 (Irrigation).
Derit Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. ("Derit") in the third quarter of 2018, which operates a lattice steel manufacturing facility located in India (Utility and Coatings).
A majority ownership stake in Convert Italia SpA ("Convert") in the third quarter of 2018, a provider of engineered solar tracker solutions (Utility).
Walpar in the third quarter of 2018, a domestic manufacturer of overhead sign structures (ESS).
CSP Coating Systems ("CSP Coatings") in the fourth quarter of 2018, a coatings provider in New Zealand (Coatings).
Larson Camouflage ("Larson") in the first quarter of 2019, an industry leading provider of architectural and camouflage concealment solutions for the wireless telecommunication market (ESS).
United Galvanizing ("United") in the first quarter of 2019, a domestic coatings provider (Coatings).

The Company divested of its grinding media business, which was reported in Other, during the second quarter of 2018.

Restructuring Plan

In February 2018, the Company announced a restructuring plan related to certain operations in 2018, primarily in the ESS and Utility segments, through consolidation and other cost-reduction activities (the "2018 Plan"). The Company incurred pre-tax expenses from the 2018 Plan of $4.4 million in the first quarter of 2018. The decrease in the first quarter of 2018 gross profit and operating income due to restructuring expense by segment is as follows:

                
Gross Profit
Total
ESS
Utility
First quarter
$
2.3

$
1.5

$
0.8


37



                
Operating Income
Total
ESS
Utility
First quarter
$
4.4

$
3.6

$
0.8


Currency Translation

In the first quarter of 2019, we realized a decrease in operating profit, as compared with 2018, due in part to currency translation effects. The breakdown of this effect by segment was as follows:
 
Total
ESS
Utility
Coatings
Irrigation
Corporate
First quarter
$
(0.8
)
$
(0.3
)
$

$
(0.1
)
$
(0.4
)
$


Gross Profit, SG&A, and Operating Income

At a consolidated level, the reduction in gross margin (gross profit as a percent of sales) in the first quarter of 2019, as compared with 2018, was primarily due to lower sales volumes and associated operating deleverage of fixed costs for the Irrigation segment. In the first quarter of 2019, all other operating segments realized an increase in gross profit.
  
The Company saw an increase in SG&A expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2018, due to SG&A expenses from acquired businesses and higher deferred compensation expenses that are offset by an increase of the same amount in other income.

    In the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, operating income was lower in the Irrigation and Coatings segments and higher in the ESS and Utility segments. The overall decrease in operating income in the first quarter of 2019 is primarily attributable to lower sales volumes for the irrigation segment, partially offset by improvements in the ESS and Utility segments due in part to recent acquisitions.

Net Interest Expense
    
Net interest expense in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, was lower due to retiring $250.2 million senior unsecured notes due 2020 at 6.625% in the third quarter of 2018 and issuing new senior unsecured notes of $200.0 million due 2044 and $55.0 million due 2054 at 5.0% and 5.25%, respectively. In addition, the Company entered into certain cross currency swaps in 2018, which effectively swaps the Company's U.S. denominated debt for euro and Danish kroner debt at lower interest rates. Interest income was lower in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, due to having less cash on hand to invest.

Other Income/Expenses

The change in other income/expenses in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, was primarily due to the change in valuation of deferred compensation assets which resulted in additional other income of $3.0 million. This amount is offset by an increase of the same amount in SG&A expense. The remaining change was due to more favorable foreign currency transaction gains/losses in 2019 as compared to 2018.

Income Tax Expense
    
Our effective income tax rate in the first quarter of 2019 was 24.9%, compared to 23.6% in the first quarter of 2018. The increase in effective tax rate is a result of the change in the foreign mix of earnings.

Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was lower in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, due primarily to the purchase of the 10% noncontrolling interest of the Brazilian subsidiary in March 2018.


38



Cash Flows from Operations
 
Our cash flows provided by operations was $7.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, as compared with $33.0 million provided by operations in the first quarter of 2018. The decrease in operating cash flow in the first quarter of 2019, as compared with 2018, was primarily due to the annual Delta pension plan contribution (the 2018 annual payment was contributed early in December 2017) and higher working capital in 2019.

ESS segment
The increase in sales in the first quarter of 2019, as compared with 2018, was due to higher sales pricing, sales volume increases, and recent acquisitions partially offset by $10.3 million of unfavorable currency translation effects.
Global lighting and traffic, and highway safety product sales in the first quarter of 2019 were $3.3 million lower as compared to the same period in fiscal 2018, due primarily to currency translation effects. Offsetting it was improved sales pricing and the sales contribution from the 2018 acquisition of Walpar. In the first quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, sales pricing improved in North America across commercial and transportation markets. Our largest manufacturing facility was impacted by weather in the first quarter of 2019 which disrupted shipments for one week leading to slightly lower sales volumes when compared to first quarter of 2018. Lower sales volumes and unfavorable currency translation effects contributed to lower sales in Europe. Highway safety product sales volumes decreased in 2019, as compared to 2018, due to lower demand in Australia following a record year in 2018.
Communication product line sales were higher by $8.8 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compared with 2018. In North America, communication structure and component sales increased in the first quarter of 2019 due to higher demand from the network expansion by providers and the acquisition of Larsen Camouflage. In Asia-Pacific, sales volumes decreased due to lower demand in China and Australia.
Access Systems product line net sales were consistent when comparing first quarter of 2019 and 2018. Sales volumes improvement in Australia in the first quarter of 2019 was offset by unfavorable currency translation effects.
Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, and operating income for the segment were higher in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, due to improved pricing and restructuring costs incurred in 2018. In the first quarter of 2018, the segment incurred $1.5 million of restructuring costs within product cost of sales and $2.1 million within SG&A expenses. SG&A spending was lower in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, due to foreign currency translation effects and restructuring costs incurred in 2018 and benefits realized in 2019 related to those activities. The decrease in SG&A expense was offset by SG&A expenses of the recently acquired Larsen Camouflage and Walpar.
Utility segment
In the Utility segment, sales increased in the first quarter of 2019, as compared with 2018, due to sales price increases to cover higher steel costs, improved sales mix, and the $31.0 million contribution from the 2018 acquisition of Convert and Derit. A number of our sales contracts in North America contain provisions that tie the sales price to published steel index pricing at the time our customer issues their purchase order. The average sales price increase was partially offset by lower sales volumes. Sales volumes for steel utility structures in North America were lower whereas concrete utility structure sales volumes were higher in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018. Some of the volume decrease can be attributed to a large project in the first quarter of 2018 that did not repeat in 2019.
Offshore and other complex structures sales increased in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, due to higher volumes that were partially offset by a less favorable sales pricing and currency translation effects.
Gross profit increased in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, due to recent acquisitions and improved sales mix and pricing. SG&A expense was higher in the first quarter of 2019, as compared with 2018, due to expenses of the recently acquired Derit and Convert. Operating income increased in 2019 as compared to 2018 due to the contributions from acquisitions and improved pricing and sales mix.


    

39



Coatings segment
Coatings segment sales increased in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to increased sales prices to recover higher zinc costs globally and higher sales volumes. Sales volume demand decreased in North America in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, but was offset by price actions to recover zinc cost increases and recent acquisitions. In the Asia-Pacific region, recent acquisitions and price increases to recover zinc cost increases drove improved sales in the first quarter of 2019.
SG&A expense was higher in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, due to SG&A expenses of recent acquisitions and an accrual for a non-recurring legal settlement. Operating income was lower in the first quarter of 2019 compared to 2018, due to lower sales volumes and the associated operating leverage of fixed costs and a one-time legal expense. One large facility was impacted by weather in the first quarter of 2019 which disrupted services (and therefore reduced sales) for approximately two weeks.
Irrigation segment
The decrease in Irrigation segment net sales in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, is primarily due to sales volume decreases in international markets. The decrease in international sales can be attributed to lower overall large project work across certain regions. North America sales volumes of irrigation and service parts decreased slightly in the first quarter of 2019. Recent proposed tariffs also caused uncertainly leading farmers to delay irrigation purchases. North America sales decreases were partially offset by higher sales pricing tied to recovering higher cost of steel.
SG&A was higher in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due to SG&A expenses incurred by recent acquisitions of $0.8 million. Operating income for the segment decreased in the first quarter of 2019 over the same period in 2018, due to lower sales volumes and associated operating deleverage of fixed costs.
Other
At the end of April 2018, the Company completed its previously announced sale of Donhad, a mining consumable business with operations in Australia. There are no remaining businesses recorded within Other.
LIFO expense
Unit costs of raw materials in the U.S. decreased in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2018, resulting in a LIFO benefit during first quarter of 2019. In the first quarter of 2018, unit costs of raw materials in the U.S. increased, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, resulting in LIFO expense during the first quarter of 2018.
Net corporate expense
Corporate SG&A expense was higher in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due to $3.0 million of appreciation of deferred compensation plan assets. The increase in deferred compensation plan assets is offset by the same amount in other income/expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
Working Capital and Operating Cash Flows-Net working capital was $858.1 million at March 30, 2019, as compared to $931.6 million at December 29, 2018. The decrease in net working capital in 2019 is attributed to lower cash due to amounts paid for acquisitions and the purchase of treasury shares under our share repurchase program and higher accrued expenses due in part to the current portion of lease liabilities attributed to the adoption of ASC 842 in the first quarter of 2019. Cash flow provided by operations was $7.9 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compared with $33.0 million in first quarter of 2018. The decrease in operating cash flow in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, was primarily the result of a larger pension contribution payment and higher working capital in 2019.
Investing Cash Flows-Capital spending in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 was $21.1 million, as compared to $16.2 million for the same period in 2018. The increase in investing cash outflows in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, was primarily due to business acquisitions totaling $57.1 million in 2019 compared to $4.8 million in 2018. Capital spending projects in 2019 and 2018 related to investments in machinery and equipment across all businesses. We expect our capital spending for the 2019 fiscal year to be approximately $90 million.

40



Financing Cash Flows-Our total interest‑bearing debt was $762.2 million at March 30, 2019 and $753.3 at December 29, 2018. Financing cash flows changed from an outflow of $28.7 million in the first quarter of 2018 to an outflow of $32.0 million for the first quarter of 2019. The increase in financing cash outflows in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 2018, was primarily due to the purchase of certain noncontrolling interest for $23.1 million in 2019 and $5.5 million in 2018. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in short-term borrowings in the first quarter of 2019.
Financing and Capital
The Board of Directors authorized the purchase of $250 million of the Company's shares without an expiration date in both February 2015 and again in October 2018. The share purchases will be funded from available working capital and short-term borrowings and will be made subject to market and economic conditions. We are not obligated to make any share repurchases under the share repurchase program and we may discontinue the share repurchase program at any time. We acquired 70,406 treasury shares for approximately $9.4 million under our share repurchase program during the first quarter of 2019. As of March 30, 2019, we have approximately $257.9 million open under this authorization to repurchase shares in the future.
Our capital allocation philosophy announcement included our intention to manage our capital structure to maintain our investment grade debt rating. Our most recent ratings were Baa3 by Moody's Investors Services, Inc., BBB- rating by Fitch Rating Services, and BBB+ rating by Standard and Poor's Rating Services. We expect to maintain a leverage ratio which will support our current investment grade debt rating.

Our debt financing at March 30, 2019 is primarily long-term debt consisting of:
$450 million face value ($436.1 million carrying value) of senior unsecured notes that bear interest at 5.00% per annum and are due in October 2044.
$305 million face value ($297.4 million carrying value) of unsecured notes that bear interest at 5.25% per annum and are due in October 2054.
We are allowed to repurchase the notes at specified prepayment premiums. Both tranches of these notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries.

At March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018, we had $5.6 million and $5.7 million outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit agreement, respectively. The revolving credit agreement contains certain financial covenants that may limit our additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At March 30, 2019, we had the ability to borrow $585.4 million under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $14.6 million associated with certain insurance obligations and international sales commitments. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $138.3 million, $118.8 million of which was unused at March 30, 2019.

Our senior unsecured notes and revolving credit agreement each contain cross-default provisions which permit the acceleration of our indebtedness to them if we default on other indebtedness that results in, or permits, the acceleration of such other indebtedness.
The debt agreements contain covenants that require us to maintain certain coverage ratios and may limit us with respect to certain business activities, including capital expenditures. The debt agreements allow us to add estimated EBITDA from acquired businesses for periods we did not own the acquired business. The debt agreements also provide for an adjustment to EBITDA, subject to certain limitations, for non-cash charges or gains that are non-recurring in nature.
Our key debt covenants are as follows:
Leverage ratio - Interest-bearing debt is not to exceed 3.5X Adjusted EBITDA (or 3.75X Adjusted EBITDA after certain material acquisitions) of the prior four quarters; and
Interest earned ratio - Adjusted EBITDA over the prior four quarters must be at least 2.5X our interest expense over the same period.


41



At March 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the debt agreements. The key covenant calculations at March 30, 2019 were as follows (in 000's):

Interest-bearing debt
$
762,209

Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters
327,255

Leverage ratio
2.33

 
 
Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters
$
327,255

Interest expense-last four quarters
43,041

Interest earned ratio
7.60

The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters (April 1, 2018 through March 30, 2019) is as follows. The last four quarters information ended March 30, 2019 is calculated by taking the full fiscal year ended December 29, 2018, subtracting the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, and adding the first quarter ended March 30, 2019.
Net cash flows from operations
$
127,873

Interest expense
43,041

Income tax expense
43,029

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
(3,855
)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
(15,780
)
Loss on investment
46

Deferred income tax benefit
(3,183
)
Loss on sale of grinding media business
(6,084
)
Noncontrolling interest
(5,730
)
Stock-based compensation
(11,287
)
Pension plan expense
1,789

Contribution to pension plan
14,749

Changes in assets and liabilities
74,744

Other
173

EBITDA
259,525

Cash restructuring expenses
25,776

EBITDA from acquisitions (months not owned)
8,291

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
15,780

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
11,799

Loss on sale of grinding media business
6,084

Adjusted EBITDA
$
327,255

Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$
91,551

Interest expense
43,041

Income tax expense
43,029

Depreciation and amortization expense
81,904

EBITDA
259,525

Cash restructuring expenses
25,776

EBITDA from acquisitions (months not owned)
8,291

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
15,780

Impairment of property, plant, and equipment
11,799

Loss on sale of grinding media business
6,084

Adjusted EBITDA
$
327,255


42



Our businesses are cyclical, but we have diversity in our markets, from a product, customer and a geographical standpoint. We have demonstrated the ability to effectively manage through business cycles and maintain liquidity. We have consistently generated operating cash flows in excess of our capital expenditures. Based on our available credit facilities, recent issuance of senior unsecured notes and our history of positive operational cash flows, we believe that we have adequate liquidity to meet our needs.
We previously considered the earnings in our non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, recorded no related deferred income taxes. At the end of the first quarter of 2019, the unremitted foreign earnings were approximately $288 million as a result of dividends that were paid. While the tax on these foreign earnings resulted in the reduction of the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis in our foreign subsidiaries, an actual repatriation from our non-U.S. subsidiaries may still be subject to foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes.
Our earnings in our non-U.S. subsidiaries are not indefinitely reinvested. Of our cash balances of $211.2 million at March 30, 2019, approximately $144.0 million is held in our non-U.S. subsidiaries. We recorded deferred income taxes for foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes of $3.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Financial Obligations and Financial Commitments
There have been no material changes to our financial obligations and financial commitments as described on page 34-35 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
There have been no changes in our off balance sheet arrangements as described on page 35 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018.
Critical Accounting Policies
There were no changes in our critical accounting policies as described on pages 37-40 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 during the three months ended March 30, 2019.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There were no material changes in the company's market risk during the quarter ended March 30, 2019. For additional information, refer to the section "Risk Management" in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2019.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.
During the first quarter of 2019, the Company implemented new internal controls to support adoption of the new lease accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842).
Other than implementation new controls for the lease standard mentioned above, no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


43




PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price
paid per share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Program (1)
December 30, 2018 to January 26, 2019
3,413

 
$
124.68

 
3,413

 
$
266,941,000

January 27, 2019 to March 2, 2019
20,535

 
135.10

 
20,535

 
264,166,000

March 3, 2019 to March 30, 2019
46,458

 
133.91

 
46,458

 
257,945,000

Total
70,406

 
$
133.81

 
70,406

 
$
257,945,000

(1) On May 13, 2014, we announced a new capital allocation philosophy which included a share repurchase program. Specifically, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500 million of the Company's outstanding common stock from time to time over twelve months at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. On February 24, 2015 and again on October 31, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $250 million of the Company's outstanding common stock with no stated expiration date. As of March 30, 2019, we have acquired 5,501,815 shares for approximately $742.1 million under this share repurchase program.

Item 5. Other Information
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Valmont's annual meeting of stockholders was held on April 30, 2019. The stockholders elected three directors to serve three-year terms, approved, on an advisory basis, a resolution approving Valmont's named executive officer compensation, and ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2019. For the annual meeting there were 21,951,957 shares outstanding and eligible to vote of which 20,759,978 were present at the meeting in person or by proxy. The tabulation for each matter voted upon at the meeting was as follows:

Election of Directors:

 
For
 
Withheld
 
Broker Non-Votes
Kaj den Daas
19,075,632

 
204,307

 

James B. Milliken
18,860,131

 
419,808

 

Catherine James Paglia
19,199,958

 
79,981

 





44



Advisory vote on executive compensation:

For
19,010,831

Against
247,566

Abstain
21,542

Broker non-votes
1,480,039



Proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2019:

For
20,469,116

Against
244,123

Abstain
46,739






45



Item 6. Exhibits
(a)
Exhibits
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Section 302 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer
 
Section 302 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer
 
Section 906 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
101
 
The following financial information from Valmont's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and (vii) document and entity information.


46



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf and by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Registrant)
 
/s/ MARK C. JAKSICH
 
Mark C. Jaksich
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dated this 2nd day of May, 2019.


























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