Core Viewpoint - Valmont Industries reported a strong second-quarter performance, beating earnings and sales estimates, and has raised its earnings outlook for 2025, indicating positive momentum in the company's financials [2][6]. Financial Performance - The adjusted profit for Q2 2025 was $97.2 million or $4.88 per share, slightly down from $99.7 million or $4.91 in the same quarter last year, but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.72 [2]. - Revenues for the quarter reached $1,050.5 million, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,038.8 million [2]. Segment Review - Infrastructure segment revenues totaled $763.1 million, showing a slight increase year-over-year but falling short of the estimate of $767.1 million. Utility sales increased due to higher volumes and favorable pricing, while telecommunications sales benefited from strategic positioning [3]. - Agriculture segment revenues were $287.5 million, up 2.9% year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $269.8 million. Strong international sales, particularly in the EMEA region and Brazil, contributed to this growth, although North American irrigation equipment sales declined [4]. Financials - Operating cash flows for the 26 weeks ended June 28, 2025, were $232.7 million, with cash and cash equivalents at $208.5 million at the end of Q2. The company returned $113.6 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter [5]. - Capital expenditures for growth initiatives amounted to $32 million [5]. 2025 Outlook - Valmont updated its net sales expectations to between $4 billion and $4.2 billion, with adjusted earnings per share now projected to be between $17.50 and $19.50, an increase from the previous guidance [6]. - Anticipated capital expenditures are in the range of $140-$160 million, with an effective tax rate expected around 26% [6]. Market Sentiment - There has been an upward trend in fresh estimates for Valmont, indicating positive market sentiment [7]. - The company holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [10]. VGM Scores - Valmont has a strong Growth Score of A, but a lower Momentum Score of C. The stock also has a B score on the value side, placing it in the top 40% for value investors [8][9].

Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the strategy of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps define momentum characteristics, with Valmont Industries (VMI) currently holding a Momentum Style Score of B [2][3] Group 2: Valmont Industries Performance - Valmont Industries has shown a 2.7% increase in shares over the past week, while the Zacks Steel - Pipe and Tube industry increased by 2.92% [5] - Over the past quarter, VMI shares increased by 21.49%, and over the last year, they gained 34.94%, outperforming the S&P 500's increases of 10.18% and 20.38% respectively [6] - The average 20-day trading volume for VMI is 177,740 shares, indicating a bullish sign if the stock is rising with above-average volume [7] Group 3: Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, four earnings estimates for VMI have moved higher, with no downward revisions, raising the consensus estimate from $18.12 to $18.63 [9] - For the next fiscal year, four estimates have also moved upwards without any downward revisions [9] Group 4: Conclusion - Valmont Industries is rated as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a potential candidate for near-term investment [11]

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's extensive experience in investment and research, focusing on medium-term investing strategies that target value unlocking catalysts and growth stories at reasonable prices [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investment strategy emphasizes medium-term investing in ideas with catalysts that can unlock value and drive upside, as well as short selling in the presence of downside catalysts [1]. - The author prefers to invest in growth stories that are available at reasonable prices, indicating a focus on value [1]. Group 2: Sector Preferences - The author identifies as a generalist but has a strong background in analyzing the industrial, consumer, and technology sectors, where higher conviction in investments is typically found [1].

Core Insights - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] - Valmont Industries (VMI) currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong potential for momentum-based investment [2][11] Company Performance - VMI shares have increased by 0.16% over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Steel - Pipe and Tube industry, which rose by 0.14% [5] - Over the last quarter, VMI shares have risen by 22.24%, and over the past year, they have increased by 32.31%, compared to the S&P 500's gains of 18.84% and 15.9% respectively [6] - The average 20-day trading volume for VMI is 200,999 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for VMI have been revised upwards, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $18.14 to $18.49 [9] - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have also moved higher, with no downward revisions noted [9] Investment Recommendation - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, VMI is rated as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a compelling option for near-term investment [11]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum methodologies, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform in the next 30 days [3][4] - Each stock receives a rating from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [4] Value Score - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [4] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses a company's financial health and future outlook based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [5] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score identifies optimal times to invest based on price trends and earnings estimate changes [6] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for stock selection [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to assist in portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.62% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8][9] - Investors are encouraged to focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal returns [10] Stock to Watch: Valmont Industries - Valmont Industries, Inc. is engaged in producing fabricated metal products and mechanized irrigation systems, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of B [12] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 10.3% over the past four weeks, and earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised upward [13]

Core Insights - Valmont Industries, Inc. (VMI) reported a second-quarter 2025 profit of $97.2 million or $4.88 per share, slightly down from $99.7 million or $4.91 in the same quarter last year, but exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.72 [1] - The company's revenues reached $1,050.5 million, marking a 1% year-over-year increase and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,038.8 million [1] Segment Review - Infrastructure segment revenues totaled $763.1 million, showing a marginal increase year-over-year but falling short of the estimate of $767.1 million; utility sales increased due to higher volumes and favorable pricing, while telecommunications sales rose due to strategic positioning in carrier capex spending plans; however, solar sales declined significantly due to lower volumes [2] - Agriculture segment revenues amounted to $287.5 million, up 2.9% year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $269.8 million; international sales, particularly in the EMEA region and Brazil, showed strong growth, while North American irrigation equipment sales fell due to fewer storm-related replacements and a weak agriculture market [3] Financials - Operating cash flows for the 26 weeks ended June 28, 2025, totaled $232.7 million; cash and cash equivalents at the end of the second quarter were $208.5 million; the company returned $113.6 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the second quarter and invested $32 million in capital expenditures for growth initiatives [4] 2025 Outlook - Valmont expects net sales to be between $4 billion and $4.2 billion; adjusted earnings per share are now projected to be between $17.50 and $19.50, an increase from the previous guidance of $17.20 to $18.80; capital expenditures are anticipated in the range of $140-$160 million, with an effective tax rate expected around 26% [5] Stock Performance - VMI's shares have increased by 31.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry's rise of 25.7% [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the second quarter of 2025 were $1,050 million, a 1% increase year-over-year [20] - Adjusted operating income was $141.4 million, or 13.5% of net sales, a 70 basis point decrease from the prior year [22] - GAAP diluted loss per share was $1.53, while adjusted EPS declined slightly to $4.88 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales were $765.5 million, similar to last year, with utility sales increasing by 5.4% [23] - Solar sales declined nearly 50%, reflecting lower volumes, while telecommunications saw over 40% growth [23] - Agriculture sales increased by 2.7% to $289.4 million, driven by strong international market performance [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The infrastructure backlog approached $1.5 billion, indicating strong demand for products [10] - U.S. capital expenditures in utilities are expected to exceed $212 billion in 2025, a 22% increase [10] - International sales in agriculture increased by 22%, particularly in the EMEA region [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has completed a realignment strategy initiated in July 2023, exiting unprofitable solar segments and focusing on core strengths [7][8] - Future priorities include accelerating growth, driving efficiency, and advancing innovation [8] - The company aims to capture the infrastructure wave, with utility representing about 35% of total revenue [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term market fundamentals driven by megatrends such as energy transition and infrastructure investment [6][14] - The company expects to see revenue and EPS improvements starting in Q4 2025, with a smooth growth trajectory anticipated [53] - Management highlighted a strong production week and positive outlook for the second half of the year [76] Other Important Information - The company reported nonrecurring charges totaling $138.3 million due to realignment actions, with expected annualized savings of $22 million in 2026 [19] - Operating cash flows reached $167.6 million, with a significant reduction in net working capital days [25][26] - The company maintains a balanced capital allocation strategy, investing in growth while returning capital to shareholders [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the decision to exit the solar business? - Management stated the exit was due to an inability to provide strong returns in a competitive and fragmented market, while maintaining profitable operations in Italy and Brazil [41][42][44] Question: How does the increased tariff on steel impact your outlook? - Management indicated that steel pricing is stable and they have not seen any impact on demand, with a strong value proposition for customers [46][48] Question: What is the visibility for telecom growth for the rest of the year? - Management noted strong growth driven by carrier technology upgrades and expects continued strength into 2026 [70][71] Question: What are the drivers for growth in the lighting and transportation business? - Management acknowledged softer market conditions but emphasized ongoing execution improvements and strong DOT spending as positive indicators [98][100] Question: Can you elaborate on the expected revenue and EPS growth over the next few years? - Management confirmed expectations for low double-digit earnings growth, aligning with their long-term financial model [101][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $1,050 million, a 1% increase year-over-year [22] - Adjusted operating income was $141.4 million, or 13.5% of net sales, a 70 basis point decrease from the prior year [24] - GAAP diluted loss per share was $1.53, while adjusted EPS declined slightly to $4.88 [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales were $765.5 million, similar to last year, with utility sales increasing by 5.4% [25] - Solar sales declined nearly 50%, reflecting lower volumes [25] - Agriculture sales increased by 2.7% to $289.4 million, driven by strong execution in international markets [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The infrastructure backlog approached $1.5 billion, with U.S. CapEx expected to exceed $212 billion in 2025, a 22% increase [10][11] - International agriculture sales increased by 22%, led by strength in the EMEA region [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has completed a realignment strategy, exiting unprofitable solar segments and focusing on infrastructure and international agriculture [7][19] - Future priorities include accelerating growth, driving efficiency, and advancing innovation [8][34] - The company aims to capture the infrastructure wave, with utility representing about 35% of total revenue [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term growth drivers such as energy transition and infrastructure investment [6] - The company expects to see revenue and EPS growth starting in Q4 2025, with a strong outlook for 2026 [53][55] - Management highlighted the importance of customer alignment and market demand in driving future growth [88][90] Other Important Information - The company reported nonrecurring charges totaling $138.3 million due to realignment actions, with expected annualized savings of $22 million in 2026 [21] - Operating cash flows reached $167.6 million, with a strong focus on cash and working capital management [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the decision to exit the solar business? - Management stated the exit was due to an inability to provide strong returns in a competitive and fragmented market, while maintaining profitable operations in Italy and Brazil [42][44] Question: How does the increased tariff on steel impact your outlook? - Management indicated that steel pricing is stable and they have not seen any impact on demand, with a strong value proposition for their products [47][49] Question: What is the visibility for telecom growth? - Telecom saw over 40% year-over-year growth, driven by increased carrier activity and technology upgrades, with expectations for continued strength into 2026 [67][68] Question: What are the signs of demand in infrastructure? - Management highlighted strong customer alignment and a $1.5 billion backlog as indicators of future demand in the infrastructure sector [90][91] Question: What is the outlook for the lighting and transportation business? - Management acknowledged softer market conditions but expressed confidence in future performance driven by infrastructure needs and execution improvements [94][96]

Company Performance - Valmont Industries reported quarterly earnings of $4.88 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.72 per share, and showing an increase from $4.76 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +3.39% [1] - The company posted revenues of $1.05 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.13%, and compared to year-ago revenues of $1.04 billion [2] - Over the last four quarters, Valmont has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Outlook - Valmont shares have increased by approximately 8.2% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 7.2% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $4.50 on revenues of $1.03 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $18.12 on revenues of $4.08 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Valmont was favorable ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) for the stock, indicating expected outperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Steel - Pipe and Tube industry, to which Valmont belongs, is currently in the top 40% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook for stocks within this sector [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5]

Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 1% to $1.05 billion[9, 23] - GAAP operating margin was 2.8%[9] - Adjusted operating margin decreased by 70 BPS to 13.5%[9] - Operating cash flows increased by 28.1% to $167.6 million[9] - Adjusted diluted EPS decreased by 0.6% to $4.88[23] Strategic Initiatives and Outlook - The company completed organizational realignment work, expecting $22 million in annualized savings in 2026, with $8 million in 2H 2025[8, 16] - The company is investing $100 million of growth capex in 2025 to add capabilities and capacity[11] - The company repurchased $100 million of shares in Q2 at an average price of $279.35 per share[38] - Full-year 2025 adjusted diluted EPS outlook is raised from $17.20-$18.80 to $17.50-$19.50[41] Segment Results - Infrastructure sales increased by 0.4% to $765.5 million, while adjusted operating income decreased by 6.7% to $124.6 million[28] - Agriculture sales increased by 2.7% to $289.4 million, and adjusted operating income increased by 12.2% to $44.8 million[33]