Valmont(VMI) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP EPS for the fourth quarter was $9.05, including a tax benefit of $78.5 million, or $3.98 per share, primarily due to a U.S. tax deduction related to the Prospera investment [20] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $4.92, up 28.1% year-over-year [21] - For the full year, adjusted diluted EPS was $19.09, an increase of 11.1% over 2024 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales grew 7.2% year-over-year to $819 million, with utility sales increasing by 21% due to strong market conditions and higher volumes [24] - Agriculture sales decreased 19.9% year-over-year to $222.7 million, with an operating loss of $3.3 million in the fourth quarter [27] - Coatings sales increased by 6.3%, supported by healthy infrastructure demand [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility market is experiencing strong demand driven by electrification, AI, and aging infrastructure replacement, with a backlog of $1.5 billion, up 22% from the previous year [10][44] - North American agriculture markets remain challenged, while international sales declined due to economic conditions in Brazil [27][15] - The telecommunications market has normalized, with ongoing investments in wireless and RAN [72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined resource allocation, safety, and continuous improvement to enhance performance [9] - Investments in technology and aftermarket services are aimed at improving efficiency and customer experience in agriculture [8][16] - The company plans to host an investor day to share deeper insights into its strategy and long-term financial targets [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the utility market's strength, citing multiple demand drivers and a robust backlog [44] - The agriculture segment is expected to see a meaningful recovery in Q1 2026, with a focus on improving margins [45][49] - The company anticipates net sales for 2026 to be between $4.2 billion and $4.4 billion, with diluted EPS projected in the range of $20.50 to $23.50 [35][36] Other Important Information - The company acquired the remaining 40% of ConcealFab, enhancing its technology and product pipeline [12] - A total of $250 million was returned to shareholders, including $198 million through share repurchases [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in utility demand and changes in customer investment - Management is confident in the utility market due to strong drivers like electrification and aging infrastructure, supported by a backlog of $1.5 billion [44] Question: Actions to restore agriculture margins and expected recovery timeline - Management expects a meaningful recovery in agriculture margins in Q1 2026, having taken steps to address previous challenges [45][46] Question: Capital spending increase for utility capacity expansions - The company plans to spend $170 million to $200 million in 2026 on utility capacity expansions, driven by durable demand [53][54] Question: Expected agriculture margins for Q1 and full year - Management anticipates low teens margins in Q1, potentially reaching mid-teens by year-end [51] Question: Growth expectations in non-utility infrastructure segments - Management expects growth across all infrastructure segments, including telecom, coatings, and lighting [72]