UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-31429
Valmont Industries, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(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 ý No o
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 ý No o
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 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
26,547,150 Outstanding shares of common stock as of April 24, 2012
Table of Contents
VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
Signatures
2
VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Product sales
Services sales
Net sales
Product cost of sales
Services cost of sales
Total cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating income
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense
Interest income
Other
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Income tax expense:
Current
Deferred
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Net earnings
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
Earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
Cash dividends declared 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.
3
VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains
Actuarial gain in defined benefit pension plan
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge
Other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
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
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
Defined benefit pension liability
Deferred compensation
Other noncurrent liabilities
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
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
5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization
Stock-based compensation
Defined benefit pension plan expense
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables
Income taxes payable
Net cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of assets
Other, net
Net cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
Principal payments on long-term borrowings
Dividends paid
Dividends to noncontrolling interest
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises
Purchase of treasury shares
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
6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Balance at December 25, 2010
Cash dividends declared
Purchase of 53,847 treasury shares
Stock plan exercises; 165,735 shares acquired
Stock options exercised; 253,133 shares issued
Tax benefit from stock option exercises
Stock option expense
Stock awards; 2,992 shares issued
Balance at March 26, 2011
Balance at December 31, 2011
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
Stock plan exercises; 69,376 shares acquired
Stock options exercised; 133,510 shares issued
Stock awards; 402 shares issued
Balance at March 31, 2012
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 31, 2012, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income, Cash Flows and Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen week periods ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011 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 31, 2012 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 31, 2011. 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 31, 2011. The results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
Approximately 37% and 40% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. 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 $52,062 and $49,536 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
Inventories consisted of the following:
Raw materials and purchased parts
Work-in-process
Finished goods and manufactured goods
Subtotal
Less: LIFO reserve
8
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Income Taxes
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries for the thirteen week periods ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011, were as follows:
United States
Foreign
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, non-vested stock awards and bonuses of common stock. At March 31, 2012, 861,939 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's compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and associated income tax benefits related to stock options for the thirteen week periods ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011, were as follows:
Compensation expense
Income tax benefits
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 refers broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including
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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 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. Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input.
Assets:
Trading Securities
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes net income, 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
10
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 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Loss on cash flow hedge
2. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Amortized Intangible Assets
The components of amortized intangible assets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:
Customer Relationships
Proprietary Software & Database
Patents & Proprietary Technology
Non-compete Agreements
11
2. Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Continued)
Amortization expense for intangible assets for the thirteen week periods ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011 was $3,545 and $3,532, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
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.
Non-amortized intangible assets
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. The carrying values of trade names at and were as follows:
Webforge
Newmark
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products
Donhad
PiRod
Industrial Galvanizers
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 2011. The values of the trade names were determined using the relief-from-royalty method. The Company determined that the value of its trade names were not impaired, except for the PiRod and Industrial Galvanizers of
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America trade names. The evaluations of these trade names were completed in the fourth quarter of 2011, which resulted in a write down of $3,779.
The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was as follows:
Balance December 31, 2011
Foreign currency translation
Balance March 31, 2012
The Company's goodwill was tested for impairment during the third quarter of 2011. As a result of that testing, the Company determined that it's goodwill was not impaired. The valuation of reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values by a substantial margin, except the Webforge reporting unit in the Engineered Infrastructures Products segment, which has goodwill of $64,500 and an excess of fair value over carrying value of $3.1 million. The Company continues to monitor changes in the global economy that could impact future operating results of its reporting units. If such conditions arise, the Company will test a given reporting unit for impairment prior to the annual test.
3. 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 week periods ended March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011 were as follows:
Interest
Income taxes
13
4. Earnings Per Share
The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS):
Thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2012:
Shares outstanding
Per share amount
Thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2011:
At March 31, 2012, there were no outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock. At March 26, 2011 there were 8,962 of outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2011.
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5. 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 on the basis of employee headcounts and sales dollars.
Reportable segments are as follows:
ENGINEERED INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for the global lighting and traffic, wireless communication, roadway safety and access systems applications;
UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility industry;
COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services on a global basis; and
IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the global agricultural industry.
In addition to these four reportable segments, the Company has other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales. These include the manufacture of forged steel grinding media for the mining industry, tubular products for industrial customers, the electrolytic manganese dioxide for disposable batteries and the distribution of industrial fasteners and 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 invested capital. The Company does not allocate interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments.
Summary by Business Segment
Sales:
Engineered Infrastructure Products segment:
Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products
Communication Products
Access Systems
Engineered Infrastructure Products segment
Utility Support Structures segment:
Steel
Concrete
Utility Support Structures segment
15
5. Business Segments (Continued)
Coatings segment
Irrigation segment
Total
Intersegment Sales:
Engineered Infrastructure Products
Utility Support Structures
Coatings
Irrigation
Net Sales:
Operating Income:
Corporate
6. Guarantor/Non-Guarantor Financial Information
The Company has $450,000 principal amount of senior unsecured notes outstanding at a coupon interest rate of 6.625% per annum. The notes are guaranteed, jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally 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.
16
6. Guarantor/Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Continued)
Consolidated financial information for the Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is as follows:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEFor the Thirteen Weeks ended March 31, 2012
Cost of sales
Other income (expense):
Income tax expense (benefit):
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc
17
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEFor the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2011
18
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSMarch 31, 2012
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock of $1 par value
Additional paid-in capital
19
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSDecember 31, 2011
20
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSFor the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2012
Income taxes payable (refundable)
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises:
21
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSFor the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2011
Cash flows from operations:
Net cash flows from operations
22
VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESPART 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 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 31, 2011.
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Results of Operations
Dollars in millions, except per share amounts
Consolidated
as a percent of sales
SG&A expense
Net interest expense
Effective tax rate
Diluted earnings per share
Engineered Infrastructure Products Segment
Utility Support Structures Segment
Coatings Segment
Irrigation Segment
Net corporate expense
Operating loss
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Overview
On a consolidated basis, the increase in net sales in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, reflected improved sales in all reportable segments. For the company as a whole, the increase in net sales in 2012, as compared with 2011, was due to the following factors:
Foreign currency translation, in the aggregate, did not have a significant effect on 2012 sales and operating profit, as compared with 2011.
The increase in gross profit margin (gross profit as a percent of sales) in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was primarily due to moderating raw material costs in 2012 as compared with 2011. In general, steel prices in the first quarter of 2012 were comparable with the same period in 2011. Average zinc costs were somewhat lower in 2012, as compared with 2011. In addition, LIFO expense in the first quarter of 2012 was $7.9 million lower than the same period in 2011, contributing to comparatively higher gross profit margin in 2012, as compared with 2011.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) spending in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, increased mainly due to the following factors:
The increase in operating income on a reportable segment basis in 2012, as compared with 2011, was due to improved operating performance in all reportable segments. The "Other" category also reported improved operating profit in 2012, as the grinding media and tubing operations were improved over 2011.
The decrease in net interest expense in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was attributable to interest savings realized from the refinancing of our $150 million of senior subordinated debt in June 2011 and a slight increase in interest income from our invested cash balances. Average borrowing levels in 2012 were comparable with 2011.
The decrease in "Other" expenses in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was mainly due to increased investment gains in the assets held in our deferred compensation plan of $1.2 million. The increase in the value of these assets was offset by a corresponding increase in our deferred compensation liabilities, which was reflected as an increase in SG&A expense. Accordingly, there was no effect on net earnings from these investment gains.
Our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2012 was higher than 2011, mainly due to a higher percentage of our total pre-tax earnings realized from U.S. operations. Income tax rates in the U.S. are
25
higher than in other countries where we operate. As our share of earnings before income taxes from U.S. operations increases, the effective income tax rate normally increases as well.
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was lower in 2012, as compared with 2011, mainly due to our purchase of the noncontrolling interest in our grinding media operation in June 2011. This operation was previously 40% owned by noncontrolling interests. Earnings in non-consolidated subsidiaries improved in 2012, as compared with 2011, as our 49% owned manganese materials operation experienced improved profitability.
The improvement in net earnings and earnings per share in 2012, as compared with 2011, were mainly attributed to the improved operating income.
Our cash flows used by operations were approximately $12.9 million in 2012, as compared with $5.7 million provided by operations in 2011. The slight decrease in operating cash flow resulted from increased working capital associated with higher sales levels and the annual contribution to the Delta Pension Plan being made in the first quarter of 2012 of $10.8 million (the 2011 contribution was made in the second quarter), offset somewhat by higher net earnings in 2012, as compared with 2011.
Engineered Infrastructure Products (EIP) segment
The increase in net sales in fiscal 2012 as compared with 2011 was due to improved sales volumes of approximately $20 million and $3 million of favorable pricing and sales mix changes. Global lighting sales were higher is fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, mainly due to improved sales in North America. While North American order rates for lighting and traffic structures were stable as compared with 2011, sales volumes in 2012 were positively affected by generally mild weather conditions throughout much of the U.S. The transportation market for lighting and traffic structures continues to be challenging, as the lack of long-term highway funding legislation and state budget challenges we believe are limiting roadway project activity. Sales in other market channels such as sales to lighting fixture manufacturers and commercial construction projects were stronger in 2012, as compared with 2011. In Europe, sales in fiscal 2012 were comparable with 2011, as stronger sales in France, Scandinavia and the U.K. were offset by a decrease of $5.5 million in sales from our Turkish and Italian operations that were discontinued late in 2011 and weaker sales volumes in northern Europe.
Communication product line sales in fiscal 2012 were improved over 2011. North America sales were $7.0 million higher in 2012, as compared with 2011. The increase in sales was attributable to improved market conditions, mild weather conditions in 2012 and the resolution of the proposed AT&T/T-Mobile merger, which we believe slowed sales activity for structures and components in 2011. In China, sales of wireless communication structures in 2012 were comparable with 2011.
Sales in the access systems product line in 2012 were improved as compared with 2011, as industrial production investments in the mining and energy economic sectors are increasing in the Asia Pacific region.
Sales of highway safety products in 2012 were higher as compared with 2011. Floods in parts of Australia affected infrastructure spending in the first quarter of 2011, as public spending priorities shifted from roadway development to supporting recovery from the floods. The improvement in 2012 reflects a more normal demand pattern for this product line.
Operating income for the segment in fiscal 2012 was higher than 2011. Improved operating income resulted from higher sales volumes and moderating raw material costs (including $1.1 million of lower LIFO expense). The increase in SG&A spending mainly was attributable to higher compensation costs of $1.4 million and increased employee incentives of $0.7 million.
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Utility Support Structures (Utility) segment
In the Utility segment, the sales increase in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was due to improved unit sales volumes in the U.S., offset to a degree by an unfavorable sales mix in the U.S. (approximately $5 million) and slightly lower sales volumes in international markets. In U.S. markets, electrical utility companies are increasing their investment in the electrical grid, as evidenced by a very high order rate throughout 2011 and record backlogs at December 31, 2011. Sales pricing on new orders is slowly improving but continues to be very competitive. In international markets, the sales decrease was mainly due to lower sales through our European operations, offset to a degree by higher sales in the Asia Pacific region.
Operating income in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, increased due to the substantial increase in North America sales volume and associated operational leverage. Gross profit margins were negatively affected by the unfavorable sales mix in North America and increased outsourcing of manufactured products in light of the strong sales demand. The increase in SG&A expense for the segment in fiscal 2012 was higher than in 2011, mainly due to increased employee compensation ($0.9 million) and incentives ($0.6 million) associated with the increase in business levels and operating income.
Net sales in the Coatings segment increased in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, and improved sales unit volumes in North America and Asia Pacific. In North America, we experienced improved demand from customers in the agriculture and energy economic sectors. Asia Pacific volumes in 2011 were negatively affected by severe weather events in Australia that hampered its economy. Unit pricing effects on sales for the segment were modestly favorable in 2012, as compared with 2011.
The increase in segment operating income in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was mainly due to improved productivity and operating leverage through volume increases and lower zinc costs. The effect of lower zinc costs on operating income for the segment was approximately $2.4 million. SG&A expenses for the segment in fiscal 2012 were higher than the comparable periods in 2011, mainly due to employee incentives associated with improved operating income.
The increase in Irrigation segment net sales in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was mainly due to improved sales volumes of approximately $38 million, favorable pricing and sales mix of approximately $8 million, offset by a modest unfavorable currency translation effect. The pricing and sales mix effect was generally due to sales price increases that took effect after the first quarter of 2011 to recover higher material costs in early 2011. In global markets, the sales growth was due to very strong agricultural economies around the world. Farm commodity prices continue to be favorable, with a positive outlook for net farm income in most markets around the world. We believe that farm commodity prices have been favorable due to strong demand, including consumption in the production of ethanol and other fuels, and traditionally low inventories of major farm commodities. In addition, weather conditions in North America in 2012 were generally favorable, further enhancing delivery schedules for irrigation machines and demand for related service parts. In international markets, the sales improvement in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was realized in most markets, especially Europe.
Operating income for the segment improved in 2012 over 2011, due to improved sales unit volumes in North America and the associated operational leverage. Moderating raw material prices in light of higher selling prices (including $4.9 million in lower LIFO expenses) also contributed to improved operating income in 2012, as compared with 2011. The most significant reason for the increase in SG&A expense in 2012, as compared with 2011, was related to employee compensation
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costs to support the increase in sales activity ($1.5 million) and increased product development expenses of $0.6 million.
This unit includes the grinding media, industrial tubing, electrolytic manganese and industrial fasteners operations. The increase in sales and operating income in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was mainly due improved sales volumes in the tubing and grinding media operations. The tubing operation benefited from improved demand from steel service centers and agricultural equipment manufacturers and the grinding media operation realized increased demand from mining industry customers in Australia.
Net corporate expense in fiscal 2012 increased over 2011, due to higher employee incentives associated with improved net earnings and share price, which affected long-term incentive plans (approximately $2.1 million). Net corporate expense also increased due to higher deferred compensation expenses of $1.2 million and stamp duties incurred in Australia related to the 2011 Delta legal restructuring of $1.2 million. These increases were offset somewhat by lower expenses related to the Delta Pension Plan of $0.5 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
Working Capital and Operating Cash Flows—Net working capital was $896.1 million at March 31, 2012, as compared with $844.9 million at December 31, 2011. The increase in net working capital in 2012 mainly resulted from increased receivables and inventories to support the increase in sales. Cash flow used by operations was $12.9 million in fiscal 2012, as compared with $5.7 million provided by operations in fiscal 2011. The decrease in operating cash flow in 2012 was the result of increased net working capital and the annual contribution of $10.8 million to the Delta Pension Plan (the 2011 contribution was made in the second quarter), offset to an extent by higher net earnings in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011.
Investing Cash Flows—Capital spending in the fiscal 2012 was $20.1 million, as compared with $12.6 million in 2011. The most significant capital spending projects in 2012 included certain capacity expansions in the Utility segment. We expect our capital spending for the 2012 fiscal year to be approximately $100 million. The increase in expected capital spending over 2011 is mainly due to capacity increases to meet the growing need for utility structures in the U.S. and additional manufacturing investment in the Irrigation segment.
Financing Cash Flows—Our total interest-bearing debt increased slightly to $486.6 million at March 31, 2012 from $486.1 million at December 31, 2011. Financing cash flows overall were similar in 2012, as compared with 2011.
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 31, 2012, our long-term debt to invested capital ratio was 25.6%, as compared with 26.8% at December 31, 2011. 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 2012.
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Our debt financing at March 31, 2012 consisted primarily of long-term debt. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $51.9 million, $48.6 million of which was unused at March 31, 2012. Our long-term debt principally consists of:
At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. 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 31, 2012, we had the ability to borrow an additional $264.9 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 as follows:
At March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all covenants related to these debt agreements. The key covenant calculations at March 31, 2012 were as follows:
Interest-bearing debt
EBITDA—last 12 months
Leverage ratio
Senior Interest-bearing debt
Senior debt ratio
Interest expense—last 12 months
Interest earned ratio
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The calculation of EBITDA—last 12 months (March 26, 2011—March 31, 2012) is as follows:
Income tax expense
Deferred income tax benefit
Noncontrolling interest
Pension plan expense
Contribution to pension plan
Changes in assets and liabilities
EBITDA
Depreciation and amortization expense
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 have not made any provision for U.S. income taxes in our financial statements on approximately $531 million of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as we intend to reinvest those earnings. Of our cash balances at March 31, 2012, approximately $310 million is held in entities outside the United States. If we need to repatriate foreign cash balances to the United States to meet our cash needs, income taxes would be paid to the extent that those cash repatriations were undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. The income taxes that we would pay if cash were repatriated depends on the amounts to be repatriated and from which country. If all of our cash outside the United States were to be repatriated to the United States, we estimate that we would pay approximately $38.4 million in income taxes to repatriate that cash.
Financial Obligations and Financial Commitments
There have been no material changes to our financial obligations and financial commitments as described on page 39 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
There have been no changes in our off balance sheet arrangements as described on page 39 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies as described on pages 41-44 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.
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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 31. 2012. For additional information, refer to the section "Risk Management" on page 40 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
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.
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
January 1, 2012 to January 28, 2012
January 29, 2012 to March 3, 2012
March 4, 2012 to March 31, 2012
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 5. Other Information
Valmont's annual meeting of stockholders was held on April 24, 2012. The stockholders elected four directors to serve three-year terms, ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP to audit the Company's financial statements for fiscal 2012 and approved, on an advisory basis, a resolution approving our named executive officer compensation. For the annual meeting there were 26,527,445 shares outstanding and eligible to vote of which 24,746,565 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:
Glen A. Barton
Daniel P. Neary
Kenneth E. Stinson
Catherine James Paglia
Proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2012:
For
Against
Abstain
Advisory vote on executive compensation:
Broker non-votes
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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 27th day of April, 2012.
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Index of Exhibits
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