Table of Contents
UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
Commission file number 1-31429
Valmont Industries, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 402-963-1000
(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 section 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. ý Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý
26,242,577Outstanding shares of common stock as of April 22, 2009
VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESINDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 28, 2009 and December 27, 2008
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 6.
Exhibits
Signatures
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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating income
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense
Interest income
Miscellaneous
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings/(losses) ofnonconsolidated subsidiaries
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current
Deferred
Earnings before equity in earnings/(losses) of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Equity in earnings/(losses) of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Net earnings
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
Earnings per share attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.—Basic
Earnings per share attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.—Diluted
Cash dividends per share
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding—Basic (000 omitted)
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding—Diluted (000 omitted)
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables, net
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Refundable and deferred income taxes
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
Net property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt
Notes payable to banks
Accounts payable
Accrued employee compensation and benefits
Accrued expenses
Dividends payable
Total current liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
Other noncurrent liabilities
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock
Common stock of $1 par value
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Treasury stock
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
Total shareholders'equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Cash flows from operations:
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flow from operations:
Depreciation and amortization
Stock-based compensation
Loss/(gain) on sales of property, plant and equipment
Equity in losses of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Other
Changes in assets and liabilities, before acquisitions:
Receivables
Income taxes payable/refundable
Net cash flows from operations
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of assets
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
Other, net
Net cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net payments under short-term agreements
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
Principal payments on long-term obligations
Dividends paid
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises
Net cash flows from financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period
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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 28, 2009, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirteen week periods ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 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 28, 2009 and for all periods presented. Information related to noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries for 2008 has been reclassified to conform to the 2009 presentation, as required under SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, which was adopted effective December 28, 2008, the beginning of the Company's 2009 fiscal year . The effect of SFAS 160 was to classify noncontrolling interests on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as equity and to reclassify the related earnings in the condensed consolidated statements of operations 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 27, 2008. 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 27, 2008. The results of operations for the period ended March 28, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
At March 28, 2009, approximately 52.2% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market. 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 finished goods. The excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value was approximately $47,800 and $58,200 at March 28, 2009 and December 27, 2008, respectively.
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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Inventories consisted of the following:
Raw materials and purchased parts
Work-in-process
Finished goods and manufactured goods
Subtotal
LIFO reserve
Net inventory
Stock Plans
The Company maintains stock-based compensation plans approved by the shareholders, which provide that the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, non-vested stock awards and bonuses of common stock. At March 28, 2009, 1,340,374 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the plans. Shares and options issued and available are subject to changes in capitalization.
Under the plans, the exercise price of each option equals the 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 fifth anniversary of the grant. Expiration of grants is from six to ten years from the date of grant. The Company recorded $1,020 and $736 of compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) in the quarters ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively, related to stock options. The associated tax benefits recorded were $393 and $283, respectively.
Fair Value
The Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements("SFAS 157") which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. As defined in SFAS 157, 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.
SFAS 157 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 refers 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:
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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 represent mutual funds, invested in debt and equity securities, classified as trading securities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard No. 115, 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. Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input.
Assets:
Trading Securities
2. Acquisitions
In the first quarter of 2008, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Penn Summit LLC (Penn Summit), a manufacturer of steel utility and wireless communication poles located in Hazelton, Pennsylvania and 70% of the outstanding shares of West Coast Engineering Group, Ltd. (West Coast), a Canadian and U.S. manufacturer of steel and aluminum structures for the lighting, transportation and wireless communication industries headquartered in Delta, British Columbia for an aggregate amount of $89,376.
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2. Acquisitions (Continued)
The Company also acquired the following businesses subsequent to the first quarter of 2008:
In addition, Company acquired the assets of a provider of materials analysis, testing and inspection services, formed a 51% owned joint venture in Turkey with a Turkish company to manufacture and sell pole structures and acquired the assets of a galvanizing operation located near Louisville, Kentucky in 2008.
The Company's pro forma results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2008, assuming that these acquisitions occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2008 were as follows:
Net income
Earnings per share—diluted
3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company's annual impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets was performed during the third quarter of 2008. As a result of that testing, it was determined the goodwill and other intangible assets on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet were not impaired. The Company continues to monitor changes in the global economy that could impact future operating results of its reporting units and related components.
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3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Continued)
Amortized Intangible Assets
The components of amortized intangible assets at March 28, 2009 and December 27, 2008 were as follows:
Customer Relationships
Proprietary Software & Database
Patents & Proprietary Technology
Non-compete Agreements
Amortization expense for intangible assets during the first quarter of 2009 and 2008 was $2,045 and $1,385, respectively. Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets is as follows:
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
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.
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Non-amortized intangible assets
Under the provisions of SFAS 142, intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. The carrying values of trade names at March 28, 2009 and December 27, 2008 were as follows:
PiRod
Newmark
Tehomet
West Coast
Site Pro
Stainton
The PiRod, Newmark and Tehomet trade names were tested for impairment separately from goodwill in the third quarter of 2008. The values of the trade names were determined using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that its trade names were not impaired.
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 carrying amount of goodwill as of March 28, 2009 was as follows:
Balance December 27, 2008
Foreign currency translation
Balance March 28, 2009
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4. Cash Flows
The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds) for the thirteen weeks ended were as follows:
Interest
Income taxes
5. Earnings Per Share
The following table reconciles Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS):
Thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009:
Shares outstanding
Per share amount
Thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2008:
At March 28, 2009 there were 641,370 of outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock that were therefore excluded from the computation of fully diluted shares earnings per share for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009. At March 29, 2008, there were no outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock. Therefore, there were no shares contingently issuable upon exercise of stock options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2008.
6. Comprehensive Income
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. Currency translation adjustment is the Company's only component of accumulated other
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6. Comprehensive Income (Continued)
comprehensive income. The Company's total comprehensive income attributable to the Company for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively, were as follows:
Currency translation adjustment
Total comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
7. Business Segments
The Company aggregates its operating segments into four reportable segments. Aggregation is based on similarity of operating segments as to economic characteristics, products, production processes, types or classes of customer and the methods of distribution. Net corporate expense is net of certain service-related expenses that are allocated to business units generally based on employee headcounts and sales dollars.
Reportable segments are as follows:
ENGINEERED SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for the lighting and traffic and wireless communication industries, certain international utility industries and for other specialty applications;
UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures primarily for the North American utility industry;
COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services; and
IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services.
In addition to these four reportable segments, the Company has other businesses that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales. These businesses, which include the manufacture of tubular products and the distribution of industrial fasteners, are reported in the "Other" category.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1. The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based upon operating income and
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7. Business Segments (Continued)
invested capital. The Company does not allocate interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments.
SALES:
Engineered Support Structures segment:
Lighting & Traffic
Specialty
Utility
Engineered Support Structures segment
Utility Support Structures segment:
Steel
Concrete
Utility Support Structures segment
Coatings segment
Irrigation segment
Total
INTERSEGMENT SALES:
Engineered Support Structures
Utility Support Structures
Coatings
Irrigation
NET SALES:
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):
Net corporate expense
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8. Guarantor/Non-Guarantor Financial Information
On May 4, 2004, the Company completed a $150,000,000 offering of 67/8% Senior Subordinated Notes. The Notes are guaranteed, jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, on a senior subordinated basis by certain of the Company's current and future direct and indirect domestic 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.
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8. Guarantor/Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Continued)
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is as follows:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSFor the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 28, 2009
Earnings before income taxes, minority interest and equity in equity in earnings/(losses) of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Net Earnings
Net Earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSFor the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 2008
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSMarch 28, 2009
Other intangible assets
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts
Commitments and contingencies
Additional paid-in capital
Total shareholders' equity
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSDecember 27, 2008
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSFor the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 28, 2009
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
net cash flow from operations:
Depreciation
Loss on sales of property, plant and equipment
Other adjustments
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
Dividends to minority interests
Net repayments under short-term agreements
Purchase of common treasury shares
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSFor the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 2008
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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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 the 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 27, 2008. We aggregate our businesses into four reportable segments. See Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts
Consolidated
as a percent of sales
SG&A expense
as a percent of sales>
Net interest expense
Effective tax rate
Earnings per share attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc—diluted
Net Corporate expense
Operating loss
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Overview
On a consolidated basis, the sales increase in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, as compared with 2008, was mainly due to the impact of acquisitions completed after the close of the first quarter of 2008 (approximately $17.6 million) and higher selling prices due to steel cost increases that occurred throughout most of 2008. These increases were offset somewhat by currency translation effects (approximately $9.7 million), as the U.S. dollar was stronger in relation to the euro and Brazilian real in the first quarter of 2009, as compared with the same period in 2008. For the company as a whole our sales unit volumes were slightly lower in 2009, as compared with 2008. On a reportable segment basis, we realized a significant sales unit volume increase in the Utility Support Structures ("Utility") segment. This sales unit volume increase was more than offset by lower unit sales volumes in our other reportable segments. These decreases were mainly due to the global economic recession that began in late 2009, resulting in weaker sales demand for these businesses. While sales unit prices were higher in the first quarter of 2009, as compared with 2008, pricing levels have generally decreased as compared with late 2008, due to pricing pressures associated with weaker sales demand and lower raw material prices.
The increase in gross profit margin (gross profit as a percent of sales) in the first quarter of 2009 over the same period in 2008 was mainly due to the strong sales and operational performance of the Utility segment and improved gross margins in the Coatings segment. The Engineered Support Structures (ESS) and Irrigation segments reported weaker gross margins in 2009, as compared with 2008, mainly due to lower sales and production levels.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) spending increased mainly due to increased salary and benefit costs (approximately $3.1 million), the effect of acquisitions completed after March 29, 2008 (approximately $2.3 million), higher group medical expenses in 2009, as compared with 2008 (approximately $1.1 million) and increased deferred compensation expense related to the improved investment performance in the marketable securities underlying the deferred compensation plan as compared with the first quarter of 2008 (approximately $0.9 million). We recorded the investment gains and losses in these securities as "Miscellaneous" in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively. These increases were somewhat offset by currency translation effects of approximately $1.5 million.
On a reportable segment basis, the substantial increase in operating income in the Utility segment more than offset decreased operating income of our other segments, resulting in an overall increase in 2009 first quarter operating income of $7.9 million, or 15.6%, as compared with the first quarter of 2008.
Net interest expense in the first quarter of 2009 was comparable to the same period of 2008. While our first quarter 2009 average borrowing levels were approximately $90 million higher than the same period in 2008, we benefited from lower interest rates on our variable rate debt. "Miscellaneous" expense was higher in 2009, as compared with 2008, mainly due to foreign currency transaction losses, offset to a degree by improved investment performance in assets in our deferred compensation plan.
The decrease in the effective income tax rate in the first quarter of 2009, as compared with the same period in 2008, was mainly due to reduced income tax contingency liabilities. Our cash flows provided by operations was $37.5 million in the first quarter of 2009, as compared with $15.9 million in the first quarter of 2008. Improved net earnings and a smaller increase working capital in 2009, as compared with 2008, were the main reasons for the improved operating cash flow in 2008.
Engineered Support Structures (ESS) segment
The decrease in ESS segment sales in the first quarter of 2009, as compared with 2008, was mainly due to weaker sales demand in worldwide markets and foreign currency translation effects
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(approximately $5.3 million). These decreases were offset somewhat by the impact of acquisitions (approximately $16.9 million) and higher selling prices, as compared with the first quarter of 2008.
In North America, lighting and traffic structure sales were lower than 2008 levels due to decreased demand for lighting and traffic control support structures. In particular, sales demand for lighting structures for residential and commercial outdoor lighting applications were lower in 2009, as compared with 2008, due to weaker residential and commercial construction activity that resulted from the global economic recession and tightness in credit markets. Net sales in the transportation market channel likewise were lower in 2009 as compared with 2008. In addition to the recession in the U.S. economy, we believe that state budget deficits and uncertainty over the U.S. economic stimulus plan also contributed to weaker sales order flows in late 2008 and early 2009, which impacted first quarter 2009 shipments. We believe that any positive impact from the U.S. economic stimulus plan directed towards street and highway construction projects will likely be realized beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009. In Europe, sales in the first quarter of 2009 were comparable with 2008, as the impact from the Mitas and Stainton acquisitions in late 2008 were offset by lower sales demand due to economic weakness in Europe and currency translation effects.
Sales of Specialty Structures products in the first quarter of 2009 increased as compared with the same period in 2008. In North America, market conditions for sales of structures and components for the wireless communication market in 2009 were comparable to 2008, but sales were higher due mainly to the acquisition of Site Pro 1 (Site Pro) in July 2008. Sales of wireless communication poles in China in the first quarter of 2009 were stronger as compared with a relatively weak 2008, when there was some delay in demand for wireless communication structures due to industry reorganization.
In the utility product line, China's sales of utility structures in the China market were lower in 2009, as compared with 2008, offset somewhat by stronger sales of products exported from China.
The decrease in the operating income of the ESS segment in the first quarter of 2009 as compared with the same period in 2008 was mainly due to the decrease in sales volumes in worldwide markets, offset to a degree by the impact of acquisitions (approximately $1.5 million). For the segment, SG&A expense in the first quarter of 2009 was comparable with the same period in 2008, as the impact from acquisitions (approximately $2.1 million) was offset by currency translation impacts (approximately $1.0 million) and lower management incentive expenses (approximately $1.1 million).
In the Utility Support Structures segment, the sales increase in the first quarter of 2009 as compared with the first quarter of 2008 was due to continued strong demand for steel and concrete transmission and substation structures and higher average sales prices. We entered the 2009 fiscal year with a record backlog and the strong first quarter 2009 sales performance relates directly to the large backlogs from year-end 2008. Our customers, who are mainly utility companies, are continuing their investment commitments in transmission and substation structures over the past several years to improve the reliability and capacity of the electrical grid in the U.S. Sales demand for pole structures for electrical distribution was weaker in 2009, as compared with 2008. This weakness relates directly to the downturn in residential and commercial construction in the U.S. that started in late 2008 due to the economic recession and credit crisis.
The improved operating earnings for this segment in 2009, as compared with 2008, related to the increased sales levels, improved operating leverage associated with higher sales volumes and a more favorable sales mix than the first quarter of 2008. The increase in SG&A spending was principally due to higher salary and employee benefit costs ($0.8 million) to support the higher sales volumes and higher employee incentives (approximately $0.8 million) associated with improved operating earnings of this segment.
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The decrease in Coatings segment sales in the first quarter of 2009 as compared with the first quarter of 2008 was predominantly due to decreased sales volumes from both internal and external customers along with lower selling prices due to lower per pound zinc costs in 2009, as compared with 2008. The decrease in sales volumes in our galvanizing operations in the first quarter of 2009 was approximately 15%, as compared with the same period in 2008. The decrease in sales demand was related to industrial economic conditions in our served markets due to the U.S. economic recession.
Operating income in the first quarter of 2009 was modestly below the same period in 2008, mainly as a result of lower sales demand. The impact of lower sales volumes was mitigated by cost reductions in factory operations, which included reduced utilization of contracted temporary workers. SG&A spending in the first quarter of 2009 was comparable with the first quarter of 2008, as the impact of an acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2008 was offset by lower management incentive expense.
The sales decrease in the Irrigation segment for the first quarter of 2009, as compared with the same period in 2008, was mainly due to weaker sales volumes in both domestic and international markets. In 2009, lower farm commodity prices and lower anticipated farm income, as compared with the first quarter of 2008, resulted in decreased demand for mechanized irrigation machines in global markets. In addition, we believe that the global economic recession and an uncertain outlook for world economies caused some customers to delay capital investments in irrigation technology in 2009. In North America, average selling prices were slightly higher than last year, in response to increasing raw material prices that we experienced throughout most of 2008. In 2009, selling prices have decreased somewhat from the fourth quarter of 2008, due to price competition in our various markets and lower raw material prices. International irrigation sales in the first quarter of 2009 were down in most markets, as compared with the first quarter of 2008, although sales in China and Brazil in 2009 were comparable with 2008. Sales pricing in international markets in the first quarter of 2009 was similar to the same period in 2008.
The decrease in operating income for the first quarter of 2009, as compared with the same period in 2008, was due to the effect of lower sales unit volumes and the associated operating deleverage realized as a result of lower sales and production levels. SG&A spending in 2009 was comparable with 2008, as lower incentive expense accruals related to decreased operating income this year were essentially offset by higher salary and employee benefits costs.
This mainly includes our tubing and industrial fastener operations. The decrease in sales and operating income in the first quarter of 2009, as compared with the same period in 2008, mainly related to weaker sales of industrial tubing due to the economic recession in the U.S. this year.
The increase in net corporate expense in the first quarter of 2009 as compared with the first quarter of 2008 was mainly due to higher group medical benefit costs in 2009 (approximately $1.1 million) and increased deferred compensation liabilities related to higher investment returns on the assets of the deferred compensation plan of approximately $0.9 million. The investment gains and losses were recorded in "Miscellaneous" in our condensed consolidated statement of earnings for the thirteen-week periods ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
Working Capital and Operating Cash Flows—Net working capital was $499.6 million at March 28, 2009, as compared with $475.2 million at December 27, 2008. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.93:1 at March 28, 2009, as compared with 2.69:1 at December 27, 2008. Operating cash flow was $37.5 million for the thirteen week period ended March 28, 2009, as compared with $15.9 million for the same period in 2008. The improved operating cash flow in 2009 was the result of higher net earnings and a lower increase in working capital in 2009, as compared with 2008. Accounts receivable turnover in the first quarter of 2009 was slightly lower than the same period in 2008, due mainly to a shift in our sales mix from irrigation to other product lines. Inventory levels increased modestly in the first quarter of 2009, as compared to December 27, 2008, mainly due to higher inventories in the Utility segment to support the sales volume in that segment. Other reportable segments reported modestly lower inventory levels. We plan to continue to reduce inventories throughout the balance of 2009, depending on business conditions and provided that vendor delivery performance is at acceptable levels.
Investing Cash Flows—Capital spending during the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009 was $14.0 million, as compared with $10.9 million for the same period in 2008. We expect our capital spending for the 2009 fiscal year to be approximately $50 million. Investing cash flows in 2008 reflected the aggregate of $89.4 million of cash paid for the West Coast and Penn Summit acquisitions.
Financing Cash Flows—Our total interest-bearing debt decreased from $357.6 million at December 27, 2008 to $345.6 million as of March 28, 2009. The decrease in borrowings in the first quarter of 2009 was predominantly associated with payments on our borrowings under our revolving credit agreement and short-term notes payable.
Sources of Financing and Capital
We have historically funded our growth, capital spending and acquisitions through a combination of operating cash flows and debt financing. We have an internal long-term objective to maintain long-term debt as a percent of invested capital at or below 40%. At March 28, 2009, our long-term debt to invested capital ratio was 30.5%, as compared with 31.7% at December 27, 2008. Subject to our level of acquisition activity and steel industry operating conditions (which could affect the levels of inventory we need to fulfill customer commitments), we plan to maintain this ratio below 40% in 2009.
Our debt financing at March 28, 2009 consisted primarily of long-term debt. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $33.2 million, $30.0 million of which was unused at March 28, 2009. Our long-term debt principally consists of:
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At March 28, 2009, we had $163.0 in outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement, at an interest rate of 1.74%. The revolving credit agreement has a termination date of October 16, 2013 and contains certain financial covenants that may limit our additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At March 28, 2009, we had the ability to borrow an additional $91 million under this facility.
These 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. Our key debt covenants are that interest-bearing debt is not to exceed 3.75x EBITDA of the prior four quarters and that our EBITDA over our prior four quarters must be at least 2.50x our interest expense over the same period. At March 28, 2009, we were in compliance with all covenants related to these debt agreements.
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 and our history of positive operational cash flows, we believe that we have adequate liquidity to meet our needs.
Financial Obligations and Financial Commitments
There have been no material changes to our financial obligations and financial commitments as described beginning on page 35 in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2008.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
There have been no changes in our off balance sheet arrangements as described on page 36 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008.
Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies during the quarter ended March 28, 2009. We described these policies on pages 38-41 in our Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 27, 2008.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
There were no material changes in the company's market risk during the quarter ended March 27, 2009. For additional information, refer to the section "Risk Management" beginning on page 37 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008.
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.
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.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
December 28, 2008 to January 24, 2009
January 25, 2009 to February 28, 2009
March 1, 2009 to March 28, 2009
During the first quarter, the only shares reflected above were those delivered to the Company by employees as part of stock option exercises, either to cover the purchase price of the option or the related taxes payable by the employee as part of the option exercise. The price paid per share was the market price at the date of exercise.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Valmont's annual meeting of stockholders was held on April 27, 2009. The stockholders elected three directors to serve three-year terms and ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP to audit the Company's financial statements for fiscal 2009. For the annual meeting there were
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26,237,084 shares outstanding and eligible to vote of which 23,310,651 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:
Proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2009:
Item 6. Exhibits
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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.
Dated this 29th day of April, 2009.
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Index of Exhibits