Q4 2025 Valmont Industries Inc Earnings Call

February 17, 2026

Speaker #1: Greetings and welcome to the Valmont Industries Incorporated fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.

Speaker #1: A question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. We ask that you please limit yourself to one question and one brief follow-up question and return to the queue.

Speaker #1: If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press *0 on your telephone keypad. Please note, this conference is being recorded. I will now turn the conference over to your host, Renee Campbell, Senior Vice President, Capital Markets and Risk.

Speaker #1: Ms. Campbell, you may begin.

Speaker #2: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. With me today are Avner Applbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer; Tom Liguori, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Eric Johnson, Chief Accounting Officer.

Renee Campbell: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. With me today are Avner Applbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer; Tom Liguori, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Eric Johnson, Chief Accounting Officer. Earlier this morning, we issued a press release announcing our fourth quarter and full year 2025 results. Both the release and the presentation for today's webcast are available on the investors page of our website at valmont.com. A replay of the webcast will be available later this morning. To stay updated with Valmont's latest news releases and information, please sign up for email alerts on our investor site. We'll begin today's call with prepared remarks and then open it up for questions. Please note that this call is subject to our disclosure on forward-looking statements, which is outlined on slide 2 of the presentation and will be read in full after Q&A.

Speaker #2: Earlier this morning, we issued a press release announcing our fourth quarter and full year 2025 results. Both the release and the presentation for today's webcast are available on the Investors' Page of our website at valmont.com.

Speaker #2: A replay of the webcast will be available later this morning. To stay updated with Valmont's latest news releases and information, please sign up for email alerts on our Investor site.

Speaker #2: We'll begin today's call with prepared remarks and then open it up for questions. Please note that this call is subject to our disclosure on forward-looking statements, which is outlined on Slide 2 of the presentation and will be read in full after Q&A.

Speaker #2: With that, I'd now like to turn the call over to Avner.

Renee Campbell: With that, I'd now like to turn the call over to Avner.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Renee. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. I’d like to start with full-year highlights and key messages summarized on Slide 4.

Avner Applbaum: Thank you, Renee. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. I'd like to start with the full year highlights and key messages summarized on slide 4. 2025 was a solid year for Valmont. Our team delivered strong performance as they continued to navigate a mixed demand environment, delivering unique, value-added solutions for our customers. We strengthened our core to support future value creation. Our track record of success is grounded in a clear understanding of our customers' need and our core strength in serving them. They're managing multiple demand drivers, including load growth, aging infrastructure, and increasing complexity. In this environment, reliability, quality, and on-time delivery are critical to their financial and operational performance. Delivering consistently at scale requires disciplined execution, and that discipline guided our actions throughout the year.

Speaker #3: 2025 was a solid year for Valmont. Our team delivered strong performance as they continued to navigate a mixed demand environment, delivering unique value-added solutions for our customers.

Speaker #3: We strengthened our core to support future value creation. Our track record of success is grounded in a clear understanding of our customers' need and our core strength in serving them.

Speaker #3: They're managing multiple demand drivers, including load growth, aging infrastructure, and increasing complexity. In this environment, reliability, quality, and on-time delivery are critical to their financial and operational performance.

Speaker #3: Delivering consistently at scale requires disciplined execution and that discipline guided our actions throughout the year. We simplified the business, sharpened our priorities, and aligned capital and resources where execution drives the greatest positive impact.

Avner Applbaum: We simplified the business, sharpened our priorities, and aligned capital and resources where execution drives the greatest positive impact. As a result, Valmont is more resilient, more aligned, and better positioned to support our customers. I want to thank our nearly 11,000 employees around the world for their dedication and efforts throughout the year. Their work has strengthened the foundation of the business and positioned Valmont well for what we expect to be strong growth in 2026 and beyond. Turning to slide 5. I want to highlight how our actions in 2025 are providing us with momentum as we move into 2026. In utility, customer demand for large-scale projects to support grid expansion and rising electricity load remains strong. This past year, we increased capacity to serve that demand through targeted investments in equipment, layout optimization, and workflow redesign.

Speaker #3: As a result, Valmont is more resilient, more aligned, and better positioned to support our customers. I want to thank our nearly 11,000 employees around the world for their dedication and efforts throughout the year.

Speaker #3: Their work has strengthened the foundation of the business and positioned Valmont well for what we expect to be strong growth in 2026 and beyond.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide 5, I want to highlight how our actions in 2025 are providing us with momentum as we move into 2026. In utility, customer demand for large-scale projects to support grid expansion and rising electricity load remains strong.

Speaker #3: This past year, we increased capacity to serve that demand through targeted investments in equipment, layout optimization, and workflow redesign. We also began deploying AI-enabled scheduling and planning tools to improve throughput.

Avner Applbaum: We also began deploying AI-enabled scheduling and planning tools to improve throughput. Together, these actions position us to support continued growth in 2026 and beyond. In agriculture, we made progress this year on structural programs that improve profitability. In a challenging market, our customers are looking to their partners to help them do more with fewer resources. We'll continue to drive value through disciplined cost management and improving the customer experience with better parts availability and easier e-commerce ordering. We'll also advance integrated tech and innovation that improves efficiency for growers. Altogether, these efforts are positioning the business to emerge stronger when markets recover. Across the company, disciplined resource allocation, an unwavering commitment to safety, and continuous improvement remains foundational to our performance. Now turning to Slide 6 for an infrastructure market update, starting with utility.

Speaker #3: Together, these actions position us to support continued growth in 2026 and beyond. In agriculture, we made progress this year on structural programs that improve profitability.

Speaker #3: In a challenging market, our customers are looking to their partners to help them do more with fewer resources. We'll continue to drive value through disciplined cost management and improving the customer experience with better parts availability and easier e-commerce ordering.

Speaker #3: We'll also advance integrated tech and innovation that improves efficiency for growers. Altogether, these efforts are positioning the business to emerge stronger when markets recover.

Speaker #3: Across the company, disciplined resource allocation, an unwavering commitment to safety, and continuous improvement remain foundational to our performance. Now, turning to slide 6 for an infrastructure market update, starting with Utility.

Speaker #3: Utilities are planning multi-year increases in capital spending to support load growth, grid expansion, and resiliency. Data centers and AI-related infrastructure are contributing to that demand.

Avner Applbaum: Utilities are planning multi-year increases in capital spending to support load growth, grid expansion, and resiliency. Data centers and AI-related infrastructure are contributing to that demand. Customers trust Valmont for complex transmission, distribution, and substation projects, where execution and reliability are critical. We enter 2026 with $1.5 billion in backlog, up 22% from a year ago, largely driven by utility. As our incremental capacity comes online, we expect to convert that demand and support continued profitable growth. We remain a trusted partner of choice across the full project lifecycle due to our market expertise, engineering capabilities, and scale manufacturing. Our lighting and transportation business enters 2026 with a positive and improving outlook. Transportation markets are supported by ongoing DOT programs and infrastructure funding. In North America, lighting demand is stabilizing. International markets are also contributing to growth. Our focus remains on disciplined execution.

Speaker #3: Customers trust Valmont for complex, transmission, distribution, and substation projects where execution and reliability are critical. We enter 2026 with 1.5 billion in backlog, up 22% from a year ago.

Speaker #3: Largely driven by utility. As our incremental capacity comes online, we expect to convert that demand and support continued profitable growth. We remain a trusted partner of choice across the full project lifecycle due to our market expertise, engineering capabilities, and scale manufacturing.

Speaker #3: Our lighting and transportation business enters 2026 with a positive and improving outlook. Transportation markets are supported by ongoing DOT programs and infrastructure funding. In North America, lighting demand is stabilizing, international markets are also contributing to growth.

Speaker #3: Our focus remains on disciplined execution. We are enhancing service level and operating performance as demand strengthens. Coatings is also positioned for growth in 2026.

Avner Applbaum: We are enhancing service level and operating performance as demand strengthens. Coatings is also positioned for growth in 2026. Demand is supported by infrastructure investment and expanding data center activity. This business remains a critical part of our value proposition. It protects steel structures, extends asset life, and supports the reliable long-term infrastructure performance. In telecommunications, carrier capital spending has normalized. Our components business continues to benefit from alignment with carrier programs and a high service operating model. During Q4, we acquired the remaining 40% of ConcealFab. Full ownership of ConcealFab adds control of differentiated technology and an innovative product pipeline to our portfolio. It strengthens our ability to support customers investing in 5G, broadband expansion, and next-generation wireless deployment. Overall, infrastructure enters 2026 from a position of strength. Demand trends are durable. Capacity investments are translating into better execution and improved throughput.

Speaker #3: Demand is supported by infrastructure investment and expanding data center activity. This business remains a critical part of our value proposition. It protects steel structures, extends asset life, and supports the reliable long-term infrastructure performance.

Speaker #3: In telecommunications, carrier capital spending has normalized. Our components business continues to benefit from alignment with carrier programs and a high service operating model. During the fourth quarter, we acquired the remaining 40% of concealed fab.

Speaker #3: Full ownership of concealed fab adds control of differentiated technology and an innovative product pipeline to our portfolio, strengthening our ability to support customers investing in 5G, broadband expansion, and next-generation wireless deployment.

Speaker #3: Overall, infrastructure enters 2026 from a position of strength. Demand trends are durable. Capacity investments are translating into better execution and improved throughput. Our focus on the right growth areas supports continued momentum.

Avner Applbaum: Our focus on the right growth areas support continued momentum. Turning to Slide 7. Looking at the demand outlook for agriculture in 2026, we see North America as stable. International is likely to be down compared to the first half of 2025, but broadly in line with the second half. USDA forecasts suggest a cautious grower environment. Thus, we are not assuming a near-term recovery in North American equipment demand, and our outlook reflects a disciplined view of market fundamentals. At the same time, profitability is supported by pricing and cost discipline. Targeted investments in technology and our aftermarket platform are helping mitigate the impact of lower equipment volumes, even in a softer market. In Brazil, tight credit availability and delays in government-backed financing continue to weigh on near-term demand. Over the longer term, Brazil remains an attractive growth market.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide 7, looking at the demand outlook for agriculture in 2026, we see North America as stable. International is likely to be down compared to the first half of 2025, but broadly in line with the second half.

Speaker #3: USDA forecasts suggest a cautious grower environment. Thus, we are not assuming a near-term recovery in North American equipment demand, and our outlook reflects a disciplined view of market fundamentals.

Speaker #3: At the same time, profitability is supported by pricing and cost discipline. Targeted investments in technology, in our aftermarket platform, are helping mitigate the impact of lower equipment volumes even in a softer market.

Speaker #3: In Brazil, tight credit availability and delays in government-backed financing continue to weigh a near-term demand. Over the longer term, Brazil remains an attractive growth market, strong agronomic conditions, multiple crop cycles, and a compelling ROI for irrigation equipment support future investment.

Avner Applbaum: Strong agronomic conditions, multiple crop cycles, and a compelling ROI for irrigation equipment support future investment. In the Middle East and Africa, project activity is driven by food security priorities. Government-led investment continue to support large-scale irrigation projects. We continue to advance our strategic priorities in technology, aftermarket, and international markets. These actions position agriculture to emerge stronger through the cycle. In January 2026, we acquired the remaining 80% of RationalMinds, a Canada-based engineering firm with expertise in advanced irrigation controls, communication, and connectivity. This acquisition strengthens the engineering capabilities of our Valley Irrigation platform and advances our technology roadmap, enhancing our digital capabilities that support our products, systems, and our global dealer network. Turning to Slide 8. As we look to 2026, Valmont is positioned for a strong year of growth, with the capabilities and scale to execute and create long-term value.

Speaker #3: In the Middle East and Africa, project activity is driven by food security priorities. Government-led investment continues to support large-scale irrigation projects. We continue to advance our strategic priorities in technology, aftermarket, and international markets.

Speaker #3: These actions position agriculture to emerge stronger through the cycle. In January 2026, we acquired the remaining 80% of rational mines, a Canada-based engineering firm with expertise in advanced irrigation controls, communication, and connectivity.

Speaker #3: This acquisition strengthens the engineering capabilities of our valley irrigation platform and advances our technology roadmap, enhancing our digital capabilities that support our products, systems, and our global dealer network.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide 8, as we look to 2026, Valmont is positioned for a strong year of growth with the capabilities and scale to execute and create long-term value.

Speaker #3: This year, we will celebrate our 80th anniversary. While the company has evolved significantly since its founding in 1946, the core values established at the beginning—passion, integrity, continuous improvement, and delivering results—remain central to who we are.

Avner Applbaum: This year, we will celebrate our 80th anniversary. While the company has evolved significantly since its founding in 1946, the core values established at the beginning, passion, integrity, continuous improvement, and delivering results, remain central to who we are. Guided by those values, we continue to invest in our people, capabilities, and products to deliver more for our customers. Finally, I'm pleased to announce that we plan to host an Investor Day on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, in New York City. We look forward to sharing a deeper view of our strategy and long-term financial targets. More details will follow, and we hope you'll join us.... I'll now turn the call over to Tom to review our financial results in 2026 outlook.

Speaker #3: Guided by those values, we continue to invest in our people, capabilities, and products to deliver more for our customers. Finally, I'm pleased to announce that we plan to host an Investor Day on Tuesday, June 16, in New York City.

Speaker #3: We look forward to sharing a deeper view of our strategy and long-term financial targets. More details will follow, and we hope you'll join us.

Speaker #3: I'll now turn the call over to Tom to review our financial results in 2026 outlook.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Avner. Good morning, everyone. And thank you for joining us today. Turning to slide 10, our fourth-quarter results include a few unusual items.

Tom Liguori: Thank you, Avner. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. Turning to Slide 10. Our Q4 results include a few unusual items, so I'll start with a summary of our top-level results and explain the impact of these items on our earnings per share. GAAP EPS of $9.05 includes a tax benefit of $78.5 million, or $3.98 per share, primarily due to a US tax deduction associated with the loss on our Prospera investment as we wound down business operations in 2025. The $78.5 million is excluded from adjusted EPS. It is also a cash flow benefit, approximately half of which is reflected in 2025 results, and the remainder is expected to benefit first half 2026 cash flows.

Speaker #1: So I'll start with a summary of our top-level results and explain the impact of these items on our earnings per share. GAAP EPS of $9.05 includes a tax benefit of $78.5 million.

Speaker #1: Or $3.98 per share. Primarily due to a U.S. tax deduction associated with the loss on our Prospero investment. As we wound down business operations in 2025, the 78.5 million is excluded from adjusted EPS.

Speaker #1: It is also a cash flow benefit. Approximately half of which is reflected in 2025 results, and the remainder is expected to benefit first half 2026 cash flows.

Speaker #1: Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $4.92, up 28.1% year over year. Adjusted EPS includes a 16.5 million legal reserve for our Brazil agriculture business.

Tom Liguori: Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $4.92, up 28.1% year-over-year. Adjusted EPS includes a $16.5 million legal reserve for our Brazil agriculture business, related to cases involving various disputes dating as far back as 2019. In the fourth quarter, we had an adverse court ruling on one of these cases and for the others, entered into settlement discussions with parties involved, both of which led to the reserves. Adjusted EPS also includes $11 million of credit losses in Brazil. As we explained last quarter, Brazil is operating in a tight credit environment, which unfortunately is causing financial distress for farmers. For total year, Brazil agriculture expenses include $24 million of legal reserves and $26 million of credit losses, for a total of $50 million.

Speaker #1: Related to cases involving various disputes, dating as far back as 2019. In the fourth quarter, we had an adverse court ruling on one of these cases.

Speaker #1: And for the others, we entered into settlement discussions with the parties involved, both of which led to the reserves. Adjusted EPS also includes $11 million of credit losses in Brazil.

Speaker #1: As we explained last quarter, Brazil is operating in a tight credit environment, which unfortunately is causing financial distress for farmers. For total year, Brazil agriculture expenses include $24 million of legal reserves and $26 million of credit losses.

Speaker #1: For a total of $50 million. We believe we have fully accrued and covered our financial exposures in Brazil and do not expect additional unusual expenses in the future.

Tom Liguori: We believe we have fully accrued and covered our financial exposures in Brazil and do not expect additional unusual expenses in the future. Combined, these expenses reduced adjusted EPS by $0.92 in the Q4 and $1.70 for the total year. The remainder of my comments will focus on the adjusted results, as outlined in the press release and in the Reg G disclosure in the presentation appendix. Moving to our segment results on Slide 11. Infrastructure sales of $819 million grew 7.2% compared to last year. Utility sales grew 21%, driven by strong market conditions, favorable pricing, and higher volumes as a result of the capacity increases we have deployed. Congratulations to the utility team on their strong performance.

Speaker #1: Combined, these expenses reduce adjusted EPS by 92 cents in the fourth quarter and $1.70 for the total year. The remainder of my comments will focus on the adjusted results.

Speaker #1: As outlined in the press release and in the REG-G disclosure in the presentation appendix, moving to our segment results on slide 11. Infrastructure sales of $819 million grew 7.2% compared to last year.

Speaker #1: Utility sales grew 21%. Driven by strong market conditions, favorable pricing, and higher volumes as a result of the capacity increases we have deployed. Congratulations to the utility team on their strong performance.

Speaker #1: Sales and lighting and transportation declined 5.3%. Due to continued weakness in the Asia-Pacific market, and North America production challenges that temporarily reduced output. In the fourth quarter, North America L&T orders were stable.

Tom Liguori: Sales in lighting and transportation declined 5.3% due to continued weakness in the Asia Pacific market and North America production challenges that temporarily reduced output. In Q4, North America LNT orders were stable. As we enter 2026, order rates are trending up, and we anticipate having the production challenges resolved in the first half of the year. Coatings sales increased 6.3%, supported by healthy, internal, and external infrastructure demand. Telecommunication sales were similar to prior years. Solar sales declined due to our decision to exit certain markets. Operating income was $149.6 million, or 18.3% of net sales, an increase of 230 basis points as a result of our pricing actions, volume growth in high-value offerings, and lower SG&A. Turning to Slide 12.

Speaker #1: As we entered 2026, order rates are trending up, and we anticipate having the production challenges resolved in the first half of the year. Coating sales increased 6.3%, supported by healthy internal and external infrastructure demand.

Speaker #1: Telecommunication sales were similar to prior year. Solar sales declined due to our decision to exit certain markets. Operating income was $149.6 million or $18.3% of net sales.

Speaker #1: An increase of 230 basis points. As a result of our pricing actions, volume growth, and high value offerings, and lower SG&A. Turning to slide 12.

Speaker #1: Fourth quarter agriculture sales decreased 19.9% year over year. To $222.7 million. North America markets remain challenged. International sales declined due to the weakened economic environment in Brazil and lower project sales in the Middle East.

Tom Liguori: Fourth quarter agriculture sales decreased 19.9% year-over-year to $222.7 million. North America markets remain challenged. International sales declined due to the weakened economic environment in Brazil and lower project sales in the Middle East. Our agriculture segment had an operating loss of $3.3 million in the fourth quarter. The loss includes the $27.5 million of legal reserves and credit losses mentioned earlier. Excluding these expenses, operating income was $24.1 million, or 10.9% of sales. We expect our agriculture segment to have double-digit operating margins in Q1 2026 and remain there for the full year. Turning to Slide 13 and our full-year income statement. Net sales of $4.1 billion increased slightly year-over-year.

Speaker #1: Our agriculture segment had an operating loss of $3.3 million in the fourth quarter. The loss includes the $27.5 million of legal reserves and credit losses mentioned earlier.

Speaker #1: Excluding these expenses, operating income was $24.1 million, or 10.9% of sales. We expect our agriculture segment to have double-digit operating margins in the first quarter of 2026 and remain there for the full year.

Speaker #1: Turning to slide 13, in our full-year income statement. Net sales of $4.1 billion increased slightly year over year. Sales growth in infrastructure particularly utility was offset by lower agriculture sales.

Tom Liguori: Sales growth in infrastructure, particularly utility, was offset by lower agriculture sales. Operating income increased to $538 million, or 13.1% of revenue. Operating income includes the $50 million of expenses for the two significant items discussed earlier in our Brazil agriculture business. Excluding these expenses, operating income would have been $588 million, or 14.3% of revenue. Below the line, interest expense decreased due to lower debt. Our adjusted tax rate declined to 23.2% due to the geographic mix of earnings. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $19.09, an increase of 11.1% over 2024. Moving to Slide 14 for cash, liquidity, and capital allocation. Q4 operating cash flows were $111 million, bringing our full year total to $457 million.

Speaker #1: Operating income increased to $538 million or $13.1% of revenue. Operating income includes the $50 million of expenses for the two significant items discussed earlier in our Brazil agriculture business.

Speaker #1: Excluding these expenses, operating income would have been $588 million, or 14.3% of revenue. Below the line, interest expense decreased due to lower debt. Our adjusted tax rate declined to 23.2% due to the geographic mix of earnings.

Speaker #1: And adjusted diluted earnings per share was $19.09. An increase of 11.1% over 2024. Moving to slide 14 for cash, liquidity, and capital allocation. Fourth quarter operating cash flows were $111 million.

Speaker #1: Bringing our full year total to $457 million. We ended the year with approximately $187 million of cash and net debt leverage of approximately 1 times.

Tom Liguori: We ended the year with approximately $187 million of cash and net debt leverage of approximately 1 times. We invested $145 million in CapEx, primarily for utility capacity expansion.... Free cash flow totaled $311 million, representing approximately 90% of net earnings. We deployed $102 million to acquire the minority shares from some of our joint venture partners. The majority of this was related to ConcealFab, though we also acquired the minority share of agriculture businesses in Brazil and Argentina. Buying out the minority partners provides us with greater control and flexibility to run these businesses. We returned $250 million to shareholders, including $52 million through dividends and $198 million through share repurchases at an average price of $327.65. Moving to slide 15.

Speaker #1: We invested $145 million in CapEx, primarily for utility capacity expansion. Free cash flow totaled $311 million, representing approximately 90% of net earnings. We deployed $102 million to acquire the minority shares from some of our joint venture partners.

Speaker #1: The majority of this was related to concealed fab. Though we also acquired the minority share of agriculture businesses, in Brazil and Argentina. Buying out the minority partners provides us with greater control and flexibility to run these businesses.

Speaker #1: We returned $250 million to shareholders, including $52 million through dividends and $198 million through share repurchases, at an average price of $327.65. Moving to slide 15.

Speaker #1: We remained sharply focused on executing our key value drivers. To catch the infrastructure wave, we continued to invest in high-return capacity expansion. To drive revenue growth.

Tom Liguori: We remain sharply focused on executing our key value drivers. To catch the infrastructure wave, we continue to invest in high return on capacity expansion to drive revenue growth. During 2025, we deployed approximately $107 million of CapEx in our North America infrastructure business, which contributed to the $143 million of utility revenue growth. In agriculture, we continue to invest in our aftermarket and technology businesses. Both of these initiatives are contributing tangible productivity benefits to our agriculture customers as well as dealers. A milestone in Q4 was that we started shipping our ICON Plus control panels, which brings the AgSense 365 functionality to any pivot brand, allowing growers to easily connect older or competitive machines. Lastly, our disciplined resource allocation initiatives are progressing.

Speaker #1: During 2025, we deployed approximately $107 million of CapEx in our North America infrastructure business, which contributed to the $143 million of utility revenue growth.

Speaker #1: In agriculture, we continue to invest in our aftermarket and technology businesses. Both of these initiatives are contributing tangible productivity benefits to our agriculture customers as well as dealers.

Speaker #1: A milestone in the fourth quarter was that we started shipping our ICON Plus control panels. Which brings the Accents 365 functionality to any pivot brand allowing growers to easily connect older or competitive machines.

Speaker #1: Lastly, our disciplined resource allocation initiatives are progressing. Corporate expense for the full year declined $13 million. To $97.8 million or $2.4% of revenues. I want to congratulate the corporate team for their work to streamline the organization and manage cost.

Tom Liguori: Corporate expense for the full year declined $13 million to $97.8 million, or 2.4% of revenues. I want to congratulate the corporate team for their work to streamline the organization and manage cost. In the fourth quarter, corporate expense declined to 1.9% of revenues, compared to 2.9% last year. On the capital allocation front, we executed on our board-authorized $700 million share repurchase program with approximately $200 million repurchased in 2025. We also acquired the minority shares of our joint ventures in telecom and agriculture for $102 million. Bringing it all together, we are making progress toward our path to deliver $500 to 700 million in revenue growth and $25 to 30 in EPS over the next 3 to 4 years. Turning to our 2026 outlook on slide 16.

Speaker #1: In the fourth quarter, corporate expense declined to 1.9% of revenues compared to 2.9% last year. On the capital allocation front, we executed on our board-authorized $700 million share repurchase program.

Speaker #1: With approximately $200 million repurchased in 2025, we also acquired the minority shares of our joint ventures in telecom and agriculture for $102 million. Bringing it all together, we are making progress toward our path to deliver $500 to $700 million in revenue growth and $25 to $30 in EPS over the next three to four years.

Speaker #1: Turning to our 2026 outlook on slide 16. Net sales are projected to be between $4.2 to $4.4 billion. Diluted earnings per share are projected to be in the range of $20.50 to $23.50.

Tom Liguori: Net sales are projected to be between $4.2 to 4.4 billion. Diluted earnings per share are projected to be in the range of $20.50 to $23.50. At the midpoint, our guidance represents year-over-year revenue growth of 4.8% and EPS growth of 15.2%. Factors that would contribute to performance being at the top end of the range include additional utility revenue that could result from our initiative to enhance factory scheduling or bring on capacity faster than expected, and/or an improved market environment in agriculture during 2026. Factors that will contribute to being at the low end of these ranges include unanticipated delays in our capacity expansion plans, such as equipment or construction delays, or changes to tariff regulations that continue to evolve.

Speaker #1: At the midpoint, our guidance represents year-over-year revenue growth of 4.8% and EPS growth of 15.2%. Factors that would contribute to performance being at the top end of the range include additional utility revenue.

Speaker #1: That could result from our initiative to enhance factory scheduling or bring on capacity faster than expected, and/or an improved market environment in agriculture during 2026.

Speaker #1: Factors that would contribute to being at the low end of these ranges include unanticipated delays in our capacity expansion plans, such as equipment or construction delays, or changes to tariff regulations that continue to evolve.

Speaker #1: When tariffs change, we alter our supply chains and adjust pricing. Though both require time to take hold, and mitigate any increase in tariffs. Turning to slide 17.

Tom Liguori: When tariffs change, we alter our supply chains and adjust pricing. They'll both require time to take hold and mitigate any increase in tariffs. Turning to slide 17. These graphs illustrate the major drivers of our 2026 guidance at midpoint. Starting with net sales, we expect growth in infrastructure, both price and volume, primarily in utility. In agriculture, growth in aftermarket and technology, though a decrease in volume. For EPS, the drivers are: earnings growth in infrastructure, primarily utility. Improved earnings in Brazil as we covered our legal and credit exposures last year in 2025. Improved earnings from our decision last year to exit certain solar markets. Increased profits from the businesses we now wholly own, such as ConcealFab. A benefit from lower share count due to our share repurchase program. Reduced earnings from ag due to lower volumes.

Speaker #1: These graphs illustrate the major drivers of our 2026 guidance at midpoint. Starting with net sales, we expect growth in Infrastructure, both price and volume, primarily in Utility.

Speaker #1: In agriculture, growth in aftermarket and technology though a decrease in volume. For EPS, the drivers are earnings growth in infrastructure primarily utility, improved earnings in Brazil as we covered our legal and credit exposures last year in 2025.

Speaker #1: Improved earnings from our decision last year to exit certain solar markets, increased profits from the businesses we now wholly own such as concealed fab, a benefit from lower share count due to our share repurchase program.

Speaker #1: Reduced earnings from ag due to lower volumes, we expect our tax rate to return to a more normal 26%. And we have also adjusted for potential risk.

Tom Liguori: We expect our tax rate to return to a more normal 26%, and we have also adjusted for potential risk, which could include changes in global tariffs, commodity and steel costs, or other unforeseen events. All in all, we are confident in our ability to achieve the midpoint of guidance. For Q1 2026, we expect year-over-year growth in revenue and earnings per share. Before we close, we want to thank the entire Valmont team for their focus on moving our value drivers forward. With that, I will now turn the call over to Renee.

Speaker #1: Which could include changes in global tariffs, commodity and steel costs, or other unforeseen events. All in all, we are confident in our ability to achieve the midpoint of guidance.

Speaker #1: For the first quarter of 2026, we expect year-over-year growth and revenue and earnings per share. Before we close, we want to thank the entire Valmont team.

Speaker #1: For their focus on moving our value drivers forward. With that, I will now turn the call over to Renee.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Tom. At this time, the operator will open up the call for questions.

Renee Campbell: Thank you, Tom. At this time, the operator will open up the call for questions.

Speaker #3: Thank you. At this time, we will be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad.

Operator: Thank you. At this time, we will be conducting a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. To allow for as many questions as possible, please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. One moment, please, while we pull for questions. Our first question will come from Tomo Sano with JP Morgan.

Speaker #3: A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue.

Speaker #3: For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. To allow for as many questions as possible, please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up.

Speaker #3: One moment, please, while we pull for questions. Our first question will come from Tomo Sano with JP Morgan.

Speaker #4: Good morning, everyone.

Tomo Sano: Good morning, everyone.

Speaker #5: Good morning.

Avner Applbaum: Morning.

Speaker #6: Good morning.

Tom Liguori: Morning.

Speaker #4: Thank you for taking my questions. On the utility side, could you talk us through your confidence in the continued strong demand for this segment, and have you seen any changes in customer investment appetite or the competitive landscape, please?

Tomo Sano: Thank you for taking my questions. On the utility side, could you talk us through your confidence in the continuous strong demand for this segment? And have you seen any changes in customer investment, appetite, or competitive landscape, please?

Tom Liguori: Thank you for taking my questions. On the utility side, could you talk us through your confidence in the continuous strong demand for this segment? And have you seen any changes in customer investment, appetite, or competitive landscape, please?

Speaker #5: Yeah, well, thank you for your question. We feel very confident with the strength in the utility market that has several strong drivers, such as we're seeing electrification, we're seeing the AI and data centers, industrial onshoring, and aging infrastructure replacement.

Avner Applbaum: Well, thank you for your question. We feel very confident with the strength in the utility market that has several strong drivers, such as, we're seeing electrification, we're seeing the AI and data centers, industrial onshoring, aging infrastructure replacement. So there are many drivers that support our outlook. On top of that, we have daily conversations with our customers, and we're tied in to their multi-year plans to make sure we're strongly aligned overall with their growth investments. And, you know, it's evident by when you look at our backlog, roughly $1.5 billion. It gives a pretty strong support for our 2026 outlook. We're booking into 2027.

Speaker #5: So there are many drivers that support our outlook on top of that, we have daily conversations with our customers and we're tied in to their multi-year plans to make sure we're strongly aligned overall with their growth investments and it's evident by when you look at our backlog, roughly 1.5 billion it gives a pretty strong support for our 2026 outlook.

Speaker #5: We're booking into 2027. And the utility customers are looking out to plans going through 2030 and beyond. So overall, to sum it up, we are very bullish about the utility market over the near and midterm future.

Avner Applbaum: And the utility customers are looking out to plans going, you know, through 2030 and beyond. So overall, to sum it up, we are very bullish about the utility market over the near and midterm future.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Avner. Follow-up on Ag—could you talk about excluding one-time items? What specific actions are you taking to restore agriculture margins, and when do you expect to see a meaningful recovery?

Tomo Sano: Thank you, Avner. Follow up on ag. Could you talk about excluding one-time items, what specific actions are you being taken to restore agricultural margins, and when do you expect to see a meaningful recovery? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Speaker #6: Thanks, Tomo. Well, we expect to see a meaningful recovery in this current quarter, Q1 of 2026. And we did take some charges in the fourth quarter.

Tom Liguori: Thanks, Tomo. Well, we expect to see a meaningful recovery in this current quarter, Q1 of 2026. You know, we did take some charges in Q4. The goal was to get these problems behind us. Let me add some color on this. I think it'll be helpful. You know, we spent a lot of time with the Brazil team and did a deep dive of their balance sheet, their receivables, customer by customer, inventory. You know, Avner and I went down to São Paulo. We met with our outside legal counsel to go through these cases. We feel like we understand these exposures, and we feel like we have them covered. Now, that said, you know, the Brazil economy still has high interest rates, crop prices are low.

Speaker #6: The goal was to get these problems behind us. Let me add some color on this—I think it'll be helpful. We spent a lot of time with the Brazil team.

Speaker #6: And did a deep dive—their balance sheet, their receivables customer-by-customer, inventory—and Avner and I went down to São Paulo. We met with our outside legal counsel to go through these cases.

Speaker #6: So we feel like we understand these exposures, and we feel like we have them covered. Now, that said, the Brazil economy still has high interest rates, and crop prices are low.

Tom Liguori: So we're not saying there will be none, but we feel we have covered it in our guidance going forward. We've taken a number of steps in Brazil to strengthen the foundation. You know, Tomo, in the end, Brazil is an excellent market for us, which we believe is gonna grow for years to come. You know, they have multiple crop cycles. So the things we have taken, we did hire a new outside legal counsel, we added a lawyer, we've replaced our finance leader there. So I think we've taken the appropriate steps there. So given that those are behind us, you know, in Q4, we were at 10%, excluding those. You know, North America is doing quite well.

Speaker #6: So, we're not saying there will be none, but we feel we have covered it in our guidance going forward. We've taken a number of steps in Brazil to strengthen the foundation.

Speaker #6: Tomo, in the end, Brazil is an excellent market for us, which we believe is going to grow for years to come. They have multiple crop cycles.

Speaker #6: So the things we have taken, we did hire a new outside legal counsel. We added a lawyer. We replaced our finance leader there. So I think we've taken the appropriate steps there.

Speaker #6: So, given that those are behind us, in the fourth quarter, we're at 10%, excluding those. North America is doing quite well. I do want to bring out that the North America team in ag, they've been at a double-digit operating margin throughout 2025.

Tom Liguori: I do want to bring out that the North America team in ag, they've been at a double-digit operating margin throughout 2025, so we think that's gonna continue. In the Middle East, we expect to get more project wins as we get into the middle year. That will help our margins. And we think, you know, Brazil, you know, we're not expecting a lot from Brazil in our guidance for 2026, but, you know, we have a great team there and things going forward. So we think, we believe, and we're confident you will see a substantial uptick in our op margins in agriculture in our Q1.

Speaker #6: So we think that's going to continue. In the Middle East, we expect to get more project wins as we get into the middle of the year that will help our margins.

Speaker #6: And we think Brazil—we're not expecting a lot from Brazil in our guidance for 2026, but we have a great team there and things going forward.

Speaker #6: So, we think, we believe, and we're confident you will see a substantial uptick in our margins in Agriculture in our first quarter.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Tom.

Tomo Sano: Thank you, Tom.

Speaker #6: You bet.

Tom Liguori: You bet.

Speaker #3: And our next question comes from Nathan Jones with Stifel.

Operator: Our next question comes from Nathan Jones with Stifel.

Speaker #7: Good morning, everyone. I guess I'll start with trying to put a final point on the ag margins. Double-digit a pretty big range there, Tom.

Nathan Jones: Good morning, everyone.

Avner Applbaum: Morning.

Nathan Jones: I guess I'll start with trying to put a finer point on the ag margins. Double digits are a pretty big range there, Tom. Is there any kind of finer point you can put on where you expect them to be in Q1 and where you expect them to be for the full year?

Speaker #7: Is there any kind of final point you can put on where you expect them to be in the first quarter, and where you expect them to be for the full year?

Tom Liguori: We think we'll be in the low teens in Q1, maybe approaching the mid-teens by the end of the year.

Speaker #6: We think we'll be in the low teens in the first quarter, maybe approaching the mid-teens by the end of the year.

Tom Liguori: We think we'll be in the low teens in Q1, maybe approaching the mid-teens by the end of the year.

Speaker #4: That's helpful. I guess the second question I'd be interested in is the increasing capital spending in 2026 over 2025, which is probably a good thing, right?

Nathan Jones: That's helpful. I guess the second question I'm interested in is the increasing capital spending in 2026 over 2025, which is probably a good thing, right? I assume that's going to utility capacity expansions. So can you talk about kind of what you're doing there? I think you guys had talked about $100 million CapEx in that business to add $100 million capacity per year for the next few years. Is that now not enough to keep up with the demand? We need to ramp that up a little bit. And you know, are you expecting to stay you know, above that $100 million for the next few years? Thanks.

Speaker #4: Assuming that's going to utility capacity expansions so can you talk about kind of what you're doing there? I think you guys had talked about $100 million CapEx in that business to add $100 million capacity per year for the next few years.

Speaker #4: Is that now not enough to keep up with the demand? We need to ramp that up a little bit. And are you expecting to stay above that $100 million for the next few years?

Speaker #4: Thanks.

Speaker #5: Thank you, Nathan. Let me start off with what's behind the step-up in capital. In our guidance, we said we're going to spend $170 to $200 million in 2026, primarily directed towards Utility.

Avner Applbaum: Thank you, Nathan. Let me start off with what's behind the step up in capital. And, you know, in our guidance, we said we're gonna spend $170 to 200 million in 2026, primarily directed towards utility. We continue to see by durable multi-year demand, as I mentioned earlier, by load growth, grid expansion, and resiliency. The approach we took, right? We're doing brownfields, we're adding equipment, we're modernizing our lines, we're improving our flow, increasing automation, using AI, and all that is in our existing footprint, which will increase our throughput. And it is all supported by, you know, the industry, our customer commitments, our customers' view. And that's the disciplined approach we're taking. Yeah, we're gonna see TDNS.

Speaker #5: We continue to see durable, multi-year demand, as I mentioned earlier, driven by load growth, grid expansion, and resiliency. The approach we took, right? We're doing brownfields.

Speaker #5: We're adding equipment. We're modernizing our lines. We're improving our flow, increasing automation, using AI—and all that is in our existing footprint, which will increase our throughput.

Speaker #5: And it is all supported by the industry, our customer commitments, our customers' view. And that's the disciplined approach we're taking. We're going to see TDNS.

Speaker #5: We're going to see the utility business grow high single digits, low double digits over the foreseeable future, probably to the end of this decade. And when we take those investments, they're adding incremental capacity, right?

Avner Applbaum: We're gonna see the utility business grow high single digits, low, low double digits over the foreseeable future, probably to the end of this decade. And when we take those investments, they're adding incremental capacity, right? We're getting in excess of 20% on each one of those investments. And as we continue to optimize, we're even gonna see more than that. So they're overall, they're, they're very high return projects. We believe that's the number one area for us to invest. It supports our OIC, it supports our path to 30. Now, specifically about your questions, about $100 million, driving $100 million, we're actually very pleased with the output we're getting from their capital. And I can say that we're doing considerably better than one dollar of investment for one dollar in sale.

Speaker #5: We're getting an excess of 20% on each one of those investments. And as we continue to optimize, we're even going to see more than that.

Speaker #5: So, overall, they're very high-return projects. We believe that's the number one area for us to invest. It supports our ROIC. It supports our path to 30.

Speaker #5: Now, specifically about your questions about $100 million driving $100 million, we're actually very pleased with the output we're getting from their capital. And I can say that we're doing considerably better than $1 of investment for $1 in sale.

Avner Applbaum: And it's multiple projects are a little differently, but we're getting very strong ROI from our investment. Just to sum it up, right, it's disciplined scaling. We're adding the capacity where the demand is visible, and it has very strong returns.

Speaker #5: And it's multiple projects. They're a little differently, but we're getting very strong ROI from our investments. So just to sum it up, right? It's discipline scaling.

Speaker #5: We're adding the capacity to where the demand is visible. And it has a very strong returns.

Speaker #4: Great. Thanks for taking my questions.

Chris Moore: Great. Thanks for taking my questions.

Nathan Jones: Great. Thanks for taking my questions.

Speaker #3: Moving next to Chris Moore with CJS Securities.

Operator: Moving next to Chris Moore with CJS Securities.

Speaker #4: Hey, good morning, guys. Maybe just talk a little bit about the balance sheet. Are there certain areas—perhaps product lines—where Valmont is using, or could be using, its balance sheet to trade better price for less prepayments?

Chris Moore: Hey, good morning, guys. Maybe just talk a little bit about balance sheet. Are there certain areas, you know, perhaps product lines, where Valmont is using, could be using its balance sheet to trade better price for less prepayments?

Speaker #8: Well, we're a leader in the markets for differentiator. We get good pricing, so we're not really looking at doing that. What we do see is we see opportunities to use our balance sheet. Number one, we have low leverage, which gives us the cash to really explore all different types of opportunities.

Tom Liguori: Well, we're a leader in the markets. We're differentiated, we get good pricing, so we're not really looking at doing that. What we do see is we see opportunities to use our balance sheet to, you know, number one, we have low leverage, gives us the cash to really explore all the different types of opportunities. And, Chris, actually, we see an opportunity in things like our working capital to continue to make improvements. You know, I wanna say, I think our team has done an excellent job on the inventory, receivables, and bringing those down. You know, we have some elevated, what we call, on the balance sheet, contract assets, which is basically the work in process for our utility customers.

Speaker #8: And Chris, actually, we see an opportunity in things like our working capital to continue to make improvements. I want to say I think our team has done an excellent job on the inventory and receivables, and bringing those down.

Speaker #8: We have some elevated, what we call on the balance sheet, contract assets, which is basically the work in process for our utility customers. That's been kind of elevated because of the volume going through, and we have some growing pains there.

Tom Liguori: You know, that's been kind of elevated because of the volume going through and, you know, we have some growing pains there. But we see an opportunity to bring down our working capital. Long term, it should be 90, 95 days. So I wouldn't say we're gonna trade our balance sheet for price. I would say we're gonna use our balance sheet for growth.

Speaker #8: But we see an opportunity to bring down our working capital long-term. It should be 90, 95 days. So I wouldn't say we're going to trade our balance sheet for price.

Speaker #8: I would say we're going to use our balance sheet for growth.

Speaker #4: Got it. That makes sense. And maybe just on the ag side, in terms of obviously still a soft market, but what types of things can you do, perhaps, to get a higher share on the aftermarket parts side of a soft ag market?

Chris Moore: Got it. Makes sense. And maybe just on the ag side, in terms of obviously still, you know, a soft market, but, what types of things can you do, perhaps to get a higher share of, on the aftermarkets, parts side of, of a soft ag market? You guys are... You know, the replacement process is, I guess, one of your strengths, making things very easy for the farmers and dealers. Maybe could you just talk in terms of kind of the aftermarket side of things and, you know, kind of momentum that you might have there?

Speaker #4: You guys, the replacement process is, I guess, one of your strengths, making things very easy for the farmers and dealers. Maybe could you just talk in terms of the aftermarket side of things and kind of momentum that you might have there?

Speaker #8: Yeah, we've put a lot of resources into this. And I’ve got to say, the ag team did an excellent job with the e-commerce system—the farmer can be in their field.

Tom Liguori: Yeah. We, you know, we've put a lot of resources into this, and the – I got to say, the ag team did an excellent job with the e-commerce system. The farmer can be in the field, they can figure out what part they need, they can place an order with the dealer and hopefully get it in the next day or so. That's just job well done. What we're working on is making sure we have the proper inventory positioned, you know, through the field. And, you know, I think the latest one is, we wanna take this and do more of it on our international regions. So, you know, more to come and there's more upside on that.

Speaker #8: They can figure out what part they need. They can place an order with the dealer and hopefully get it in the next day or so.

Speaker #8: That's just a job well done. What we're working on is making sure we have the proper inventory positioned throughout the field, and I think the latest one is we want to take this and do more of it in our international regions.

Speaker #8: So, more to come, and there's more upside in that.

Speaker #4: Sounds good. I will leave it there. Appreciate it, guys.

Chris Moore: Sounds good. I will leave it there. Appreciate it, guys.

Speaker #8: Thanks, Chris.

Tom Liguori: Thanks, Chris.

Speaker #3: Again, that is star one if you would like to ask a question. And we'll go next to Brent Teelman with DA Davidson.

Operator: Again, that is star one if you would like to ask a question. We'll go next to Brent Thielman with D.A. Davidson.

Speaker #5: Hey, thanks, good morning. Yeah, I wanted to follow up on utility. Appreciate the outlook bridge as well and the DAC. But the $150 million in growth assumed for the utility piece, 26 versus 25.

Avner Applbaum: Hey, thanks. Good morning. Yeah, I wanted to follow up on utility, appreciate the outlook bridge as well and the deck. But the $150 million in growth assumes for the utility piece, 2026 versus 2025. I guess if we assume sort of a stable fuel price environment, is there still sort of a higher potential ceiling for that business this year? Or does that sort of limit out just based on the capacity you'll have in place this year?

Brent Thielman: Hey, thanks. Good morning. Yeah, I wanted to follow up on utility, appreciate the outlook bridge as well and the deck. But the $150 million in growth assumes for the utility piece, 2026 versus 2025. I guess if we assume sort of a stable fuel price environment, is there still sort of a higher potential ceiling for that business this year? Or does that sort of limit out just based on the capacity you'll have in place this year?

Speaker #5: I guess if we assume sort of a stable fuel price environment, is there still sort of a higher potential ceiling for that business this year, or does that sort of limit out just based on the capacity you'll have in place this year?

Speaker #8: Well, I’ve got to say the operations team is doing a great job of getting the capacity in place. And I think you’re asking, is there some upside in the utility?

Tom Liguori: Well, you know, I got to say, the operations team is doing a great job of getting the capacity in place. And, I think you're asking, is there some upside in the utility? And definitely, we think there's some upside there.

Speaker #8: And definitely, we think there’s some upside there.

Speaker #5: Okay. Okay. And then on the ag side, Tom, I think I heard you mention looking towards maybe some potential wins on the project side, maybe more mid-year.

Avner Applbaum: Okay. Okay. Then on the ag side, Tom, I think I heard you mention you know, looking towards maybe some potential wins on the project side, maybe more mid-year. Does the outlook for that business sort of assume kind of pressure through first half than a you know, a stronger second half contingent on winning these projects? Maybe if you could just clarify that.

Speaker #5: Does the outlook for that business sort of assume kind of pressure through the first half, then a stronger second half, contingent on winning these projects?

Speaker #5: Maybe if you could just clarify that.

Speaker #8: Yeah. I think we'll have a slower first quarter, probably a slower first half that has these come in. That'll improve. But.

Tom Liguori: Yeah. I think we'll have a slower first quarter, probably a slower first half, and as these come in, you know, that'll improve. But-

Avner Applbaum: Yeah.

Tom Liguori: Have their-

Speaker #5: Yeah, yeah. Let me just add a little bit, right? The underlying demand drivers for that region are intact, right? Food security, domestic production, but we take a very disciplined and selective approach to the projects.

Avner Applbaum: Yeah, let me just add a little bit, right? The underlying demand drivers for that regions are intact, right? Food security, domestic production, but we take a very disciplined and selective approach to the projects. It's important that we meet our financial thresholds. There are several opportunities. They didn't reach the final the finish line yet. We're pretty confident in the pipeline, our ability to convert them in line with our financial criteria. So we're gonna make sure when we win these projects, we're happy with the returns. Overall, as you know, it's a lumpy business, but the long-term drivers are solid.

Speaker #5: It's important that we meet our financial thresholds. There are several opportunities. They didn't reach the final, the finish line yet. We're pretty confident in the pipeline.

Speaker #5: Our ability to convert them within line with our financial criteria. So we're going to make sure when we win these projects, we're happy with the returns.

Speaker #5: Overall, as you know, it's a lumpy business, but the long-term drivers are solid. Okay. Hey, great. Thank you.

Operator: Okay, great. Thank you. Moving next to Brian Drab with William Blair.

Speaker #3: Moving next to Brian Drab with William Blair.

Speaker #4: Hi, thank you. I just wanted to say hi. Thank you. I just wanted to follow up on that utility growth. This bridge is really helpful.

Brian Drab: Hi, thank you. I just wanted to follow up on that, utility growth. This bridge is really helpful, and of course, I think $150 million incremental in utility indicates about 10% growth in the outlook for utility for 2026. I'm just wondering, is that how to think about it? And then how do you expect price and volume to contribute to that 10% growth proportionally?

Speaker #4: And of course, I think $150 million incremental in Utility indicates about 10% growth in the outlook for Utility for 2026. I'm just wondering, is that how to think about it?

Speaker #4: And then, how do you expect price and volume to contribute to that 10% growth, proportionally?

Speaker #8: Yeah, so you're correct in your assumptions. And most in '25, I would say there was more price than volume. In '26, there's more volume than price.

Tom Liguori: Yeah. So, you're correct in your assumptions. And, you know, most in 25, I would say there was more price than volume. In 26, there's more volume than price.

Speaker #8: And has Avner said, we're starting to see drop-through from these capacity expansions in the mid to upper 20%. Even approaching 30%. So we feel really good about where the utility business is.

Brian Drab: Okay.

Tom Liguori: It, you know, has averaged, you know, we're starting to see drop through from these capacity expansions in the mid- to upper-20%, you know, even approaching 30%. So, you know, we feel really good about where the utility business is.

Speaker #5: Yeah, yeah. And I'll just add, right, when you think about the volume and price, it really represents the strength in the market. But when you think of price, we have a very strong value proposition for our customers in a constrained environment.

Avner Applbaum: Yeah. Yeah, and I'll just add, right, when you think about the volume and price, right, it really represents the strength in the market. But when you think of price, we have a very strong value proposition for our customers in a constrained environment. It is mission-critical parts with high level of complexity, and needs to deliver on time with the highest quality, to make sure we could support their operational needs. And it's significant value to our customers, and that is the price that we command in the market.

Speaker #5: It is mission-critical parts with a high level of complexity. It needs to deliver on time, with the highest quality, to make sure we can support their operational needs.

Speaker #5: And it's significant value to our customers, and that is the price that we command in the market.

Speaker #4: Got it, thank you. And then on the non-utility infrastructure piece, it looks like that'll be up about 3%. I'm just wondering, is it fair to assume that you get some more growth, maybe in telecom, but lighting and transportation and coatings is roughly flat?

Brian Drab: Got it. Thank you. Then on the non-utility infrastructure piece, it looks like that'll be up about 3%. You know, I'm just wondering, is it fair to assume that, you know, you get some more growth maybe in telecom, but lighting and transportation, and coatings is roughly flat? Or do you see any growth in those other pieces?

Speaker #4: Or do you see any growth in those other pieces?

Speaker #8: I think we still have growth in all three. I mean, coatings as well. So coatings, telecom, L&T.

Tom Liguori: We, we-

Avner Applbaum: Yeah.

Tom Liguori: We still have growth in all three.

Avner Applbaum: Yeah.

Tom Liguori: I mean, in coatings as well. So coatings, telecom, LNT.

Avner Applbaum: So yeah, you know, at the highest level, right, at telecom, we see our carriers continue to invest in, you know, they are in the execution phase. They're investing in wireless and RAN, so we kind of see that growing in the low to mid-single digits. Coatings has a very strong driver around data centers and AI. And on the lighting and transportation, we're seeing good progress about the initiatives that we took in 2025 around enhancing our leadership, investing in the operations, deselecting of non-core products, and overall seeing growth driven by DOT spend and stabilization in the international market. So at a high level, we should see growth across the infrastructure segment.

Speaker #5: Yeah, and at the highest level, right, in telecom, we see our carriers continue to invest. In the end, they are in the execution phase. They're investing in wireless and RAN.

Speaker #5: So we kind of see that growing in the low- to mid-single digits. Coatings has a very strong driver around data centers and AI. And on the Lighting and Transportation side, we're seeing good progress with the initiatives that we took in 2025 around enhancing our leadership, investing in operations, and deselecting non-core products.

Speaker #5: And overall, seeing growth driven by DOT spend and stabilization in the international market. So, at the high level, we should see growth across the Infrastructure segment.

Speaker #4: Okay. Thanks, Avner. For coatings, obviously, tailwind within your own, the inner segment work that you do for your utility business and data center AI, what other tailwinds does that business see from data center and AI?

Brian Drab: Okay, thanks, Avner. For coatings, obviously, some, you know, tailwind within your own, you know, the intersegment work that you do for your utility business and data center AI. What other tailwinds does that business see from data center and AI?

Speaker #8: Yeah. So, right, structurally, the coatings business supports our internal business, which is a strong value proposition for our customers. But we have a strong third-party business within the coatings, with the highest net promoter score in the industry.

Avner Applbaum: Yeah. So, right. Structurally, the coatings business supports our internal business, which is a strong value proposition for our customers. But we have a strong third-party business within the coatings, with the highest Net Promoter Score in the industry, and it's broad-based. But we are taking a strategic approach to support the states, the regions, the industry where we're seeing growth. If you look at the Midwest or Southwest, where you're seeing a lot of a good investments around infrastructure growth and data centers and AI. So we're aligned well, and we should see that business contribute to our growth in 2026.

Speaker #8: And it's broad-based, but we are taking a strategic approach to support the states, the regions, the industry where we're seeing growth. You look at the Midwest or Southwest, where you're seeing a lot of good investment around infrastructure growth and data centers and AI.

Speaker #8: So we're aligned well. And we should see that business contribute to our growth in 2026.

Speaker #4: And can I just sneak in one more to Tom? Tom, I think on the last call, it was when you mentioned that the incremental margins, operating margins, on the additional capacity in Utility were coming in.

Brian Drab: Can I just sneak in one more to Tom? You know, Tom, I think on the last call, it was when you mentioned that the incremental margins, operating margins on the additional capacity and utility were coming in. I think your phrasing was something like well, well above 20%. How is that incremental margin on that additional capacity looking lately?

Speaker #4: I think your phrasing was something like, 'well above 20%.' How is that incremental margin on that additional capacity looking lately?

Speaker #8: It's in the mid to upper 20% range. And actually, we think through 2026 it's approaching 30%. So it's looking very positive. And why is that? That's because when we're adding this capacity, the whole approach is add incremental capital, get more throughput through that journey, improve the flow.

Tom Liguori: It's mid- to upper 20% range, and, you know, actually, we think through 2026, it's approaching 30%. So it's looking very positive. And you know, why is that? That's because when we're adding this capacity, you know, the whole approach is add incremental capital, get more throughput. Through that journey, improve the flow, so we're getting a lower unit cost as well as just covering fixed overhead. So, you know, my hat's off to the ops team for the work they're doing.

Speaker #8: So we're getting a lower unit cost, as well as it's covering things over. So, my applause to the ops team for the work they're doing.

Speaker #4: Perfect. Thanks very much.

Brian Drab: Perfect. Thanks very much.

Speaker #8: Thank you, Brian.

Tom Liguori: Thank you, Brian.

Speaker #3: And we have reached the end of the question and answer session. I will now turn the call over to Renee Campbell for closing remarks.

Operator: We have reached the end of the question and answer session. I will now turn the call over to Renee Campbell for closing remarks.

Speaker #1: Thank you for joining us today. A replay of this call will be available for playback on our website and by phone for the next seven days.

Renee Campbell: Thank you for joining us today. A replay of this call will be available for playback on our website and by phone for the next seven days. We look forward to speaking with you again next quarter.

Speaker #1: We look forward to speaking with you again next quarter.

Speaker #3: These slides and the accompanying oral discussion contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions made by management considering its experience in the industries where Valmont operates.

[Company Representative] (Valmont Industries): These slides and the accompanying oral discussion contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions made by management considering its experience in the industries where Valmont operates, perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other relevant factors. It is important to note that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties, some of which are beyond Valmont's control, and assumptions. While management believes these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

Speaker #3: Perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other relevant factors. It is important to note that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or results.

Speaker #3: They involve risks, uncertainties—some of which are beyond Valmont's control—and assumptions. While management believes these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

Speaker #3: These factors include, among other things, risks described in Valmont's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); the company's actual cash flows and net income; future economic and market circumstances; industry conditions; company performance and financial results; operational efficiencies; availability and price of raw materials; availability and market acceptance of new products; product pricing; domestic and international competitive environments; geopolitical risks; and actions and policy changes by domestic and foreign governments, including tariffs.

[Company Representative] (Valmont Industries): These factors include, among other things, risks described in Valmont's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, the company's actual cash flows and net income, future economic and market circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, operational efficiencies, availability and price of raw materials, availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing, domestic and international competitive environments, geopolitical risks, and actions and policy changes by domestic and foreign governments, including tariffs. The company cautions that any forward-looking statements in this release are made as of its publication date and does not undertake to update these statements except as required by law. The company's guidance includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and adjusted effective tax rate, presented on a forward-looking basis.

Speaker #3: The company cautions that any forward-looking statements in this release are made as of its publication date and does not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law.

Speaker #3: The company's guidance includes certain non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted diluted earnings per share and adjusted effective tax rate, presented on a forward-looking basis. These measures are typically calculated by excluding the impact of items such as foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, realignment or restructuring expenses, goodwill or intangible asset impairment, changes in tax laws or rates, change in redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests, and other non-recurring items.

[Company Representative] (Valmont Industries): These measures are typically calculated by excluding the impact of items such as foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, realignment or restructuring expenses, goodwill or intangible asset impairment, changes in tax laws or rates, change in redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests, and other non-recurring items. Reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are not provided, as the company cannot do so without unreasonable effort due to the inherent uncertainty and difficulty in predicting the timing and financial impact of such items. For the same reasons, the company cannot assess the likely significance of unavailable information, which could be material to future results.

Speaker #3: Reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are not provided, as the company cannot do so without unreasonable effort due to the inherent uncertainty and difficulty in predicting the timing and financial impact of such items.

Speaker #3: For the same reasons, the company cannot assess the likely significance of unavailable information, which could be material to future results.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your participation. This does conclude today's teleconference. You may disconnect your lines and have a wonderful day.

Q4 2025 Valmont Industries Inc Earnings Call

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