Valmont(US:VMI)2026-02-17 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP EPS for Q4 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] - Full-year net sales were $4.1 billion, slightly increasing year-over-year, with operating income at $538 million, or 13.1% of revenue [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales grew 7.2% 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 Q4 [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, with a backlog of $1.5 billion, up 22% from the previous year [10] - North American agriculture markets remain challenged, while international sales declined due to economic conditions in Brazil [27][15] - The telecommunications market has normalized capital spending, with ongoing demand for 5G and broadband expansion [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined resource allocation and continuous improvement to enhance operational performance [9] - Investments in technology and aftermarket services are aimed at improving efficiency and customer experience in agriculture [8] - The company plans to host an investor day to share deeper insights into its strategy and long-term financial targets [19] 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 [46] - The agriculture segment is expected to see a meaningful recovery in Q1 2026, with North America maintaining double-digit operating margins [50][52] - 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] Other Important Information - The company acquired the remaining 40% of ConcealFab, enhancing its technology and product pipeline [12] - Full-year operating cash flows totaled $457 million, with free cash flow at $311 million, representing approximately 90% of net earnings [30] - The company returned $250 million to shareholders through dividends and 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 AI, with a backlog of $1.5 billion supporting the outlook [46] Question: Actions to restore agriculture margins and expected recovery - Management expects a meaningful recovery in agriculture margins in Q1 2026, with steps taken to strengthen the foundation in Brazil [50][52] Question: Expected ag margins for Q1 and full year - Management anticipates low teens for Q1 margins, potentially reaching mid-teens by year-end [58] Question: Increasing capital spending for utility capacity expansions - Capital spending is projected to be $170 million-$200 million in 2026, primarily for utility, driven by durable demand [61] Question: Balance sheet utilization for pricing - The company plans to use its strong balance sheet for growth rather than trading for better pricing [66] Question: Aftermarket share in a soft ag market - The company is enhancing its e-commerce system to improve aftermarket services for farmers [71] Question: Utility growth potential and pricing - Management sees potential upside in utility growth, with expectations of more volume than price contributing to growth in 2026 [82]