Item 1. Business
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Valmont Industries, Inc., along with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company,” “Valmont,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), is a diversified manufacturer of products and services for infrastructure and agriculture markets. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, our purpose is to conserve resources and improve life. We have been publicly traded since 1968, with our shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “VMI.”
Segments
Our reportable segments are as follows:
Infrastructure: This segment consists of the manufacture and distribution of products and solutions to serve the infrastructure markets of utility, solar, lighting and transportation, and telecommunications, along with coatings services to protect metal products.
Agriculture: This segment consists of the manufacture of center pivot and linear irrigation equipment components for agricultural markets, including aftermarket parts and tubular products, and advanced technology solutions for precision agriculture.
Included in the “Other” segment are the activities of the offshore wind energy structures business, which was divested in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Further information on the principal products, services, markets, competition, and distribution methods for each of our two reportable segments is provided below.
Infrastructure Segment
Products
● Utility: We design, engineer, and manufacture structures made of steel, pre-stressed concrete, and composites to support the infrastructure necessary for electrical transmission, substations, and distribution applications within the utility industry. Transmission involves moving high-voltage power from generation sources to consumption points, while substations play a crucial role in transforming electricity to make it suitable for both transmission and distribution to end-users.
Our scalable solutions feature innovative designs that address the growing demand for reliable energy, especially considering increasing concerns about grid resilience due to natural disasters like fires, storms, and floods. Each project is complex, requiring significant engineering expertise to address various loading conditions and environmental factors. By addressing factors such as wind speeds and specific power line requirements, we contribute to the development of resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of an evolving energy landscape.
● Lighting and Transportation (“L&T”): We design, engineer, and manufacture poles and structures made of steel, aluminum, wood, and composites to support a wide range of lighting and transportation needs. Our products serve infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects, creating well-lit environments for streets, highways, parking lots, and public spaces, including sports complexes. We prioritize structural requirements and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that our designs comply with local standards and preferences.
Our offerings include traffic and sign structures that support traffic signals and overhead signage, specifically designed to facilitate efficient traffic flow and enhance public safety. Each structure is meticulously engineered to meet environmental conditions, such as wind and ice, as well as load requirements for lighting fixtures and signage. Additionally, our patented vibration mitigation technology improves roadway safety by reducing wind-induced vibrations and material fatigue, promoting long-term stability and durability.
We also provide comprehensive highway safety systems, including guardrail barriers, wire rope safety barriers, and crash attenuation barriers, primarily serving the Australian and Indian markets. These products are designed to enhance roadway safety, reduce the impact of collisions, and improve driver protection. Our L&T solutions
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not only meet the technical, aesthetic, and safety requirements of modern infrastructure projects but also contribute to the development of cohesive and functional public spaces.
● Coatings: Our finishing services prevent corrosion, extend product lifespans, and enhance material aesthetics. We offer various finishing options, including galvanizing and painting, tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse applications. Our hot-dip galvanizing process applies a protective zinc coating to steel, creating a protective bond that prevents rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting durability. For underground steel installations, our CorroCote ® solution offers added protection against soil and moisture corrosion. Our painting services, including powder coating, provide both aesthetic appeal and durability for various industries. These coating solutions cater to a wide array of industry needs, enhancing performance and extending product life for our customers.
● Telecommunications: We design, manufacture, and distribute a broad range of products for the wireless communication market. Valmont Site Pro 1 ® supports wireless carriers and contractors through multiple nationwide warehouses and a catalog of wireless site components including antenna mounts and accessories. Our offering also includes towers, small cell structures, camouflage concealment solutions, and passive intermodulation (“PIM”) mitigation equipment, all essential for meeting the increasing demands of 5G networks and rising data consumption. A typical wireless communication cell site consists of a steel pole or tower, an enclosure for housing radio equipment, antennas for data and voice transmission, and mounting components that connect the antennas to cabling and equipment. Our steel mounting solutions and other products play a vital role in 5G infrastructure expansion. In urban areas, small cell applications help densify networks, enhancing signal strength and coverage. To blend telecommunication structures into their surroundings, we offer concealment solutions, such as faux trees. Our PIM mitigation technology addresses signal interference issues, improving network performance. Each structure is engineered to meet specific customer requirements, considering factors such as equipment and antenna specifications, wind and soil conditions, aesthetic demands, and compliance with safety standards.
● Solar: Our single-axis solar tracker is a fully integrated system that combines steel structures, electric motors, and electronic controllers. This tracker adjusts the position of solar panels throughout the day to maintain optimal alignment with the sun, significantly enhancing energy production. Our trackers feature a modular design, enabling easy installation and minimal maintenance. Additionally, their flexible design maximizes site utilization, making them particularly advantageous for solar projects developed in challenging locations. Our customers include engineering, procurement, and construction firms specializing in solar energy projects, as well as solar developers, independent power producers, and utilities.
Markets
The key markets for our Infrastructure product lines benefit from various local, state, and federal government funding initiatives. Notably, the United States (“U.S.”) government is advancing long-term infrastructure improvements through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”) and the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”). These programs allocate resources to enhance the nation’s bridges, ensure public safety, update essential infrastructure, improve highway safety, and modernize the electrical grid to meet growing energy demands and support grid resiliency.
A significant market for our Infrastructure segment is the utility industry in North America, which is increasing investment in critical electrical grid upgrades to improve reliability, integrate renewable energy sources, and expand transmission capacity. Increasing electricity consumption, an aging grid, and the expansion of renewable energy sources have intensified the need for enhanced transmission infrastructure, which has historically struggled to keep pace with demand. According to the Edison Electric Institute, substantial investments will be required for the U.S. electrical transmission grid, particularly to replace aging assets and support electrification trends across industries. In response, we are strategically investing in our manufacturing capabilities and expanding our geographic presence to increase flexible production capacity. International markets are also experiencing rising electricity consumption, driven by urbanization, industrial growth, and electrification efforts, fueling demand for new electricity generation capacity and expanded transmission grids.
We also serve the transportation, commercial construction, and industrial markets. Our transportation product portfolio includes traffic structures, bridge systems, roadway and street lighting, and high-mast lighting. In the U.S., funding for transportation projects comes from a combination of state and federal sources, including the IIJA, which provides multi-year support for infrastructure investments. Public-private partnerships are also emerging as a viable funding option for major transportation projects. The U.S. has approximately four million miles of public roadways, with around 24% carrying over
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80% of the nation’s traffic. As a result, improving traffic flow through efficient control measures and modern lighting solutions has become a key priority for many communities and government agencies.
The commercial construction market, which is predominantly privately funded, includes lighting for a variety of applications, such as parking lots, shopping centers, sports stadiums, and business parks. This market is influenced by macroeconomic factors, including overall economic growth, interest rates, and urban development trends. We have established long-term relationships with lighting and equipment manufacturers serving this market. Meanwhile, the industrial market is typically driven by investments in infrastructure, industrial facilities, and commercial construction.
Our Coatings business serves diverse markets and is not reliant on any single industry or external customer for profitability. A significant portion of demand comes from our internal operations, supporting other product lines. The demand for coatings services generally correlates with local industrial economic activity. Galvanizing remains essential for industrial applications that require corrosion protection for steel. Demand for painted products is more closely tied to consumer markets.
The Telecommunications market is driven by growing demand for wireless communication and data services. Our customers include wireless carriers, cell site operators, and state and federal agencies that require products for two-way radio communication, radar, broadcasting, and security applications. The continued expansion of 5G networks and rising connectivity needs are fueling long-term growth, requiring higher network density.
The Solar market is driven by the global shift towards renewable energy adoption and incentives for clean energy investments. As utilities accelerate the development of large-scale solar power projects and micro-grid applications, our single-axis solar tracker solutions will play a crucial role in maximizing energy production. Government policies, corporate sustainability commitments, and technological advancements are expected to continue to drive demand for this product line.
Competition
Our competitive strategy focuses on delivering high-value, innovative solutions to customers at competitive prices, emphasizing product quality, engineering expertise, exceptional customer service, and the timely, accurate delivery of our products. To achieve this, we leverage the production capacity across our extensive network of facilities, ensuring both quality and efficient service delivery.
The competitive landscape is dynamic, with numerous players operating in both North American and international markets. Pricing competition can be particularly intense during periods of weak demand or when fluctuations in local currencies create advantages for imported products. In the Infrastructure sector, sales are often determined through competitive bidding processes, with contracts awarded to the lowest bidder that meets all necessary qualifications. To maintain strong customer relationships, we establish preferred-provider arrangements with certain key customers, typically lasting between three to five years and often renewed.
The Coatings market is traditionally fragmented, consisting of many smaller, privately held companies competing on price and established customer relationships. Our strategy for this product line focuses on delivering high-quality coating finishes, superior service, and timely delivery of coated products.
In the Solar product line, we primarily compete with other mid-sized market participants. Our competitive edge lies in our service quality and our ability to integrate solutions from our Utility product line, enabling us to deliver comprehensive full-grid solutions. This integration allows us to offer complete, end-to-end solutions, distinguishing us from competitors that focus solely on a single product offering.
Distribution Methods
Our Infrastructure products are distributed through a combination of direct sales force and commissioned agents. Our sales team works closely with end-users and distributors, representing Valmont as well as light fixture and traffic signal manufacturers. This collaborative approach enables our agents to deliver a comprehensive package that includes poles, fixtures, and other equipment directly to the end-user. Commercial lighting, wireless communication, access systems, and highway safety products are sold by our internal sales teams or through independent commissioned agents. Utility and Solar products are typically sold directly to electrical utilities, developers, or energy providers, though some transactions are facilitated through commissioned sales agents.
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Due to the high cost of freight, our galvanizing services are generally limited to a radius of about 300 to 500 miles. Although we are one of the world’s largest custom galvanizers, our sales account for only a small fraction of the overall galvanizing market. Each galvanizing location is supported by a dedicated sales team, ensuring personalized attention and responsiveness to our clients’ needs.
Agriculture Segment
Products
● Irrigation Equipment and Parts: Under our Valley ® brand, we manufacture and distribute center pivot and lateral move irrigation equipment, along with service parts, to enhance agricultural productivity. Our irrigation machines, powered by electricity—whether sourced from the grid, solar panels, or diesel generators—are engineered to move across farm fields, while conserving water, energy, and labor. These machines typically consist of a pipeline supported by a series of towers, each equipped with a drivetrain and tires for mobility.
The most common type of mechanized irrigation machine is the center pivot, which rotates in a circular pattern. To accommodate different field shapes, we offer corner machines that irrigate the corners of square or rectangular fields. Additionally, linear machines move vertically across fields rather than rotating, offering versatility for a variety of field layouts. Our irrigation systems are highly customizable, capable of servicing fields from four to over 500 acres, with the standard configuration in the U.S. designed for a 160-acre tract. For international markets, our irrigation machines are largely consistent with those produced for North America, ensuring uniform quality and functionality. In addition to irrigation equipment, we also produce tubular products, primarily for industrial customers in the agriculture, transportation, and steel service sectors.
● Technology Products and Services: We offer a comprehensive suite of technology solutions designed to enhance agricultural efficiency through advanced monitoring, analysis, and automation. With over 150,000 connected devices, our technology solutions help farmers detect potential crop issues early while optimizing water and energy use.
In fiscal 2021, we expanded our capabilities by acquiring Prospera Technologies, Ltd., a leading provider of artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for agronomic monitoring. We leverage this expertise to focus on irrigation optimization, machine health advancements, and predictive analytics. As pioneers of the mechanized irrigation industry, we maintain our leadership in innovation and remain at the forefront of integrating these technologies with our cloud-based platform. This approach delivers data-driven irrigation strategies tailored to each field and crop.
With AgSense ® remote monitoring and control, growers can manage irrigation and ancillary equipment in real time, optimizing operations based on weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and crop needs. These tools promote efficient water use, reduce waste, and help maintain optimal growing conditions. By providing actionable data insights, we empower growers to maximize productivity while conserving valuable resources.
Markets
The market drivers for mechanized irrigation systems are fundamentally similar across North American and international regions. Purchasing an irrigation system is a capital investment, with decisions based on the anticipated return on investment. Growers who invest in mechanized irrigation systems benefit from higher crop yields due to improved irrigation practices, reduced labor costs, and lower water and energy consumption. Key factors influencing these purchasing decisions include current and projected net farm income, commodity prices, interest rates, government support programs, financing availability, and regional water regulations. In many international markets, local currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar can impact net farm income, as export markets are often denominated in U.S. dollars. Additionally, government-sponsored irrigation initiatives aimed at food security further drive investments in mechanized irrigation systems.
The demand for mechanized irrigation arises from several sources: the conversion of traditional flood irrigation systems, the replacement of older mechanized systems that are beyond their useful life or technologically obsolete, and the transition from non-irrigated land to mechanized irrigation. Water scarcity is a key driver of demand in our Agriculture segment. It is estimated that only 2.5% of the world’s total water supply is freshwater, and of that, only 30% is accessible for human use. With agriculture consuming the majority of available freshwater, efficient irrigation is essential for sustainable food production.
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These conditions—along with a growing global population, improving diets, and government-backed food security programs—highlight the need for water efficient farming solutions and increased food production. We believe that mechanized irrigation can improve water application efficiency by 40% to 90% compared to traditional methods by delivering water uniformly to the root zone and minimizing runoff. Reduced runoff not only conserves water but also improves the quality of adjacent rivers, aquifers, and streams, contributing environmental benefits and supporting vital water conservation efforts.
Competition
In North America, several companies provide irrigation products and services for agricultural customers. Our company is recognized as the leader among the four main participants in the mechanized irrigation industry. Competitors differentiate themselves based on product durability, reliability, pricing and value proposition, quality, and the service capabilities of local dealers. To help growers improve crop yields, we continuously innovate and expand our technology offerings to meet evolving customer needs.
Pricing in the industry can become highly competitive, particularly during periods of low demand. In international markets, our competition includes both major U.S. companies and privately owned local businesses. While the global competitive landscape is similar to that of North America, pricing often plays a more critical role. Recognizing the local nature of competition in international markets, we maintain manufacturing facilities in key regions, which enables us to compete effectively and meet region-specific demands.
Distribution Methods
We market our irrigation machines, technology offerings, and service parts through an extensive network of independent dealers. In North America, approximately 250 dealer locations serve our customers, with around 400 dealers covering international markets across more than 60 countries. Dealers assess growers’ needs, customize machine configurations, manage installation (including water and power systems), and provide ongoing support.
To ensure dealers can meet customer needs effectively, our technical and sales teams provide ongoing training and support. Internationally, our dealers receive additional support through regional operations in South America, South Africa, Western Europe, Australia, China, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as our manufacturing facility in Valley, Nebraska. This support structure allows us to deliver tailored solutions and maintain strong, lasting relationships with customers worldwide.
General
Certain information generally applicable to our two reportable segments is outlined below.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
We have achieved growth both organically and through acquisitions. Additionally, we continually refine our portfolio to enhance our operational focus. Our significant business acquisitions and divestitures during the past three fiscal years included the following (with the relevant segment noted):
2024
● Acquired an additional 9% of ConcealFab, Inc., a 5G infrastructure and PIM mitigation solutions company in Colorado (Infrastructure)
● Acquired the remaining 25% of Valmont Substations, LLC, a utility substation product provider in Kansas (Infrastructure)
● Divested our extractive business, which included the manufacturing and distribution of screening products for the mining and quarrying sectors in Australia and New Zealand (Infrastructure)
● Divested George Industries, a coating and anodizing company in California (Infrastructure)
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2023
● Acquired HR Products, a leading wholesale supplier of irrigation parts in Australia (Agriculture)
● Divested Torrent Engineering and Equipment Company, LLC, an integrator of prepackaged pump stations in Indiana (Agriculture)
2022
● Acquired 51% of ConcealFab, Inc., a 5G infrastructure and PIM mitigation solutions company in Colorado (Infrastructure)
● Acquired the remaining 9% of Convert Italia S.p.A., a designer and provider of engineered solar tracker solutions in Italy (Infrastructure)
● Acquired the remaining 20% of Valmont West Coast Engineering, Ltd., a manufacturer of steel and aluminum structures for the lighting, transportation, and wireless communication industries in Canada (Infrastructure)
● Divested Valmont SM, an offshore wind energy structures business in Denmark (Other)
Suppliers and Availability of Raw Materials
Our primary raw materials include hot-rolled steel coil and plate, zinc, and other carbon steel products, all essential for manufacturing across our segments. We source these materials from steel mills, steel service centers, and zinc producers, where they are generally readily available. However, recently proposed trade policies and tariffs could increase the cost of goods purchased from Canada, China, and Mexico, potentially disrupting the availability of these key raw materials. While we may experience longer lead times and price fluctuations, we do not anticipate extended shortages of steel, zinc, or natural gas. Over the past several years, we have maintained strong relationships with major steel producers and have strategically sourced steel within the same continent as our manufacturing locations, helping us avoid significant or widespread shortages.
Patents, Licenses, Franchises, and Concessions
We hold patents for a variety of products, including manufacturing machinery, structures, solar trackers, highway guardrails, and irrigation systems. Additionally, we have registered trademarks associated with our products and services. While these intellectual properties are valuable to our business, we do not believe that the loss of any single patent or trademark would materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
Seasonal Factors in Business
Sales in our business can be influenced by seasonal patterns tied to the agricultural growing season and the infrastructure construction season. For mechanized irrigation equipment, sales typically peak in spring and fall, aligning with farmers’ planting and harvesting periods, and are generally lower in the summer. In contrast, sales of infrastructure products tend to increase during the summer and fall, in line with the construction season, and are usually lower in the winter.
Customers
Our business does not depend on a single customer or a limited number of customers to generate a significant portion of revenue in any segment. As such, the loss of any one customer would not materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
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Backlog
As of December 28, 2024, our backlog of orders for principal products was $1,436.7 million, compared to $1,465.5 million as of December 30, 2023. Backlog includes confirmed customer purchase orders and executed sales order contracts. We expect the majority of the fiscal 2024 backlog to be fulfilled in fiscal 2025. The total backlog by segment as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 was as follows:
December 28,
December 30,
Dollars in millions
2024
2023
Infrastructure
$
1,273.3
$
1,299.6
Agriculture
163.4
165.9
Total backlog
$
1,436.7
$
1,465.5
Environmental Protection
We are subject to a range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment. Although we regularly incur expenses and make capital expenditures related to environmental compliance, we do not anticipate that these future expenditures will materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
Number of Employees
As of December 28, 2024, we had a total of 10,986 employees.
Human Capital Resources
Our approach to human capital resources is outlined in our Code of Business Conduct, in our Human Rights Policy, and on our website at www.valmont.com. A company-wide commitment to customer service and innovation is essential to our success, enabling us to deliver the best value to our customers. Our employees are the foundation of our achievements, and we take pride in fostering a culture of passion and integrity that encourages everyone to excel and deliver results. We expect each employee to act responsibly and to treat one another with fairness and respect.
To meet customer demands, grow sales, and maintain a competitive edge, we rely on a skilled workforce and effective management. Essential skills include engineering, welding, equipment maintenance, and the operation of complex manufacturing machinery. Strong management talent is crucial for business growth and for succession planning, especially as key employees retire. As of December 28, 2024, we employed 6,355 individuals in the U.S. and 4,631 internationally.
When job openings arise, we prioritize internal candidates, rewarding dedicated members of our Valmont community with new opportunities. Our employees represent our richest talent resource. We give the highest level of attention to our succession and management development programs, with our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) reporting directly to the Board of Directors on these initiatives.
We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in bringing different perspectives to our global organization. We value the unique insights and experiences that a diverse workforce brings, and we actively seek employees who share our commitment to profitable development, improving corporate culture, and delivering sustainable business results. Our Human Rights Policy, available on our website, reflects our expectation that employees, suppliers, vendors, dealers, and distributors uphold our commitment to human rights. We prohibit discrimination based on age, race, disability, ethnicity, marital or family status, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.
We are dedicated to voluntary employment and strictly prohibit all forms of compulsory labor, including child labor, forced labor, slavery, and human trafficking. Our respect for human rights is guided by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We fully comply with wage, work hours, overtime, and benefits laws. Our culture emphasizes the importance of a healthy and safe workplace, and we provide employees with confidential reporting channels through a secure third-party website. Employees also have access to health insurance, paid and unpaid leave, retirement plans, and coverage for life, disability, and accidents.
For more information, please refer to the “Governance” and “Sustainability” sections on our website, as well as the “Governance, Human Capital and Sustainability Highlights” section in our 2025 Proxy Statement.
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Available Information
We provide a variety of financial reports and disclosures free of charge on the “Investors” page of our website at www.valmont.com. These materials include our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Reports are made available as soon as reasonably practicable after being electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Additionally, our website serves as a primary channel for distributing important information, including news releases, analyst presentations, and financial data. Please note that the information on our website is not, and will not be considered, part of this annual report on Form 10-K or incorporated into any other SEC filings.