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VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC - Quarter Report: 2020 June (Form 10-Q)



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
 QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 27, 2020
or
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to
Commission file number 1-31429
_____________________________________
Valmont Industries, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
47-0351813
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One Valmont Plaza,
Omaha,Nebraska  68154-5215
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 (Zip Code)

(402) 963-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock $1.00 par value
VMI
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filerNon‑accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No x
21,361,581
Outstanding shares of common stock as of July 23, 2020

1


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019
and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 27, 2020 and December 28,
2019
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twenty-six weeks ended
 June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen and
twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6.
Exhibits
Signatures









2




VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
June 27,
2020
June 29,
2019
June 27,
2020
June 29,
2019
Product sales
$617,587  $609,516  $1,216,496  $1,224,480  
Services sales
71,221  91,355  146,512  168,530  
Net sales
688,808  700,871  1,363,008  1,393,010  
Product cost of sales
458,995  463,329  897,783  938,226  
Services cost of sales
45,876  59,366  95,039  111,981  
Total cost of sales
504,871  522,695  992,822  1,050,207  
Gross profit
183,937  178,176  370,186  342,803  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
123,859  116,702  243,213  226,727  
 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets16,638  —  16,638  —  
Operating income
43,440  61,474  110,335  116,076  
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense
(10,098) (10,117) (20,112) (19,995) 
Interest income
458  1,036  1,501  1,846  
Gain on investments (unrealized)
2,510  1,520  202  4,352  
Other
(694) 156  1,116  1,170  
(7,824) (7,405) (17,293) (12,627) 
Earnings before income taxes
35,616  54,069  93,042  103,449  
Income tax expense:
Current
21,645  17,353  27,954  19,993  
Deferred
(9,043) (3,952) (866) 5,710  
12,602  13,401  27,088  25,703  
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
23,014  40,668  65,954  77,746  
Equity in loss of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
(260) —  (479) —  
Net earnings
22,754  40,668  65,475  77,746  
Less: loss (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(147) (949) 61  (1,923) 
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$22,607  $39,719  $65,536  $75,823  
Earnings per share:
Basic
$1.06  $1.83  $3.06  $3.48  
Diluted
$1.06  $1.82  $3.05  $3.46  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Thirteen Weeks EndedTwenty-six Weeks Ended
June 27,
2020
June 29,
2019
June 27,
2020
June 29,
2019
Net earnings
22,754  40,668  65,475  77,746  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gain (loss)18,888  1,049  (30,493) 3,315  
         Gain (loss) on hedging activities:
      Net investment hedges
(1,427) 711  7,284  780  
Cash flow hedges(73) —  370  —  
Amortization cost included in interest expense(16) (16) (32) (32) 
     Commodity hedges
—  (2,109) —  (2,109) 
     Cross currency swaps
(2,007) (3,933) 4,295  (1,672) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
15,365  (4,298) (18,576) 282  
Comprehensive income
38,119  36,370  46,899  78,028  
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(130) (983) (427) (2,092) 
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$37,989  $35,387  $46,472  $75,936  











See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
June 27,
2020
December 28,
2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$353,348  $353,542  
 Receivables, net
500,838  480,000  
Inventories
449,516  418,370  
Contract asset - costs and profits in excess of billings
125,004  141,322  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
51,113  32,043  
     Refundable income taxes
—  6,947  
        Total current assets
1,479,819  1,432,224  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
1,269,231  1,245,261  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
705,448  687,132  
Net property, plant and equipment
563,783  558,129  
Goodwill
417,668  428,864  
Other intangible assets, net
169,744  175,742  
Other assets
200,828  212,257  
Total assets
$2,831,842  $2,807,216  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt
$2,587  $760  
Notes payable to banks
14,577  21,774  
Accounts payable
241,294  197,957  
Accrued employee compensation and benefits
91,857  83,528  
Contract liability - billings in excess of costs and earnings
138,820  117,945  
Other accrued expenses
89,093  83,736  
Income taxes payable
16,984  —  
      Dividends payable9,613  8,079  
Total current liabilities
604,825  513,779  
Deferred income taxes
49,906  58,906  
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
778,283  764,944  
Defined benefit pension liability
111,525  140,007  
Operating lease liabilities
79,799  85,817  
Deferred compensation
45,736  45,114  
Other noncurrent liabilities
9,066  8,904  
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value -
Authorized 75,000,000 shares; 27,900,000 issued
27,900  27,900  
Retained earnings
2,194,916  2,173,802  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(332,486) (313,422) 
Treasury stock
(763,495) (743,942) 
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity
1,126,835  1,144,338  
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
25,867  45,407  
Total shareholders’ equity
1,152,702  1,189,745  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$2,831,842  $2,807,216  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Twenty-six weeks ended
June 27,
2020
June 29,
2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings
$65,475  $77,746  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization
40,584  40,583  
Noncash loss on trading securities
34  28  
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
2,258  —  
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets
16,638  —  
Stock-based compensation
5,671  6,370  
Defined benefit pension plan benefit
(3,547) (259) 
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan
(17,138) (13,682) 
        (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment86  (278) 
Equity in loss in nonconsolidated subsidiaries
479  —  
Deferred income taxes
(866) 5,710  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables
(28,896) (19,633) 
Inventories
(39,313) (16,308) 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(13,984) (13,367) 
Contract asset - costs and profits in excess of billings
16,147  (11,400) 
Accounts payable
39,775  7,973  
Accrued expenses
42,197  62,467  
Other noncurrent liabilities
(1,210) (5,582) 
Income taxes refundable
26,354  (6,931) 
Net cash flows from operating activities
150,744  113,437  
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(48,165) (49,310) 
Proceeds from sale of assets
169  466  
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(15,862) (81,841) 
     Settlement of net investment hedges11,983  11,184  
Other, net
(1,137) 3,893  
Net cash flows from investing activities
(53,012) (115,608) 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term agreements
3,006  14,994  
Payments on short-term agreements
(9,261) (5,108) 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
88,872  31,000  
Principal payments on long-term borrowings
(75,568) (10,386) 
Dividends paid
(17,704) (16,425) 
Dividends to noncontrolling interest
(5,642) (4,459) 
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
(55,916) (27,845) 
Purchase of treasury shares
(20,481) (38,350) 
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans
724  1,744  
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises
(5) (827) 
Net cash flows from financing activities
(91,975) (55,662) 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(5,951) 1,567  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(194) (56,266) 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year
353,542  313,210  
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period
$353,348  $256,944  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Treasury
stock
Noncontrolling
interest in
consolidated
subsidiaries
Total
shareholders’
equity
Balance at 3/30/2019 (1)$27,900  $—  $2,089,276  $(298,740) $(700,333) $52,950  $1,171,053  
Net earnings—  —  39,719  —  —  949  40,668  
Other comprehensive income (loss)—  —  —  (4,332) —  34  (4,298) 
Cash dividends declared ($0.375 per share)
—  —  (8,126) —  —  —  (8,126) 
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
—  —  —  —  —  (3,621) (3,621) 
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
—  277  —  —  —  (5,040) (4,763) 
Purchase of treasury shares; 236,323 shares acquired
—  —  —  —  (28,929) —  (28,929) 
Stock plan exercises; 645 shares acquired
—  —  —  —  (80) —  (80) 
Stock options exercised; 2,642 shares issued
—  (2,575) 2,885  —  260  —  570  
Stock option expense
—  728  —  —  —  —  728  
Stock awards; 2,692 shares issued
—  1,570  —  —  402  —  1,972  
Balance at 6/29/2019 (1)$27,900  $—  $2,123,754  $(303,072) $(728,680) $45,272  $1,165,174  
Balance at March 28, 2020$27,900  $—  $2,171,329  $(347,868) $(763,950) $22,719  1,110,130  
Net earnings—  —  22,607  —  —  147  22,754  
Other comprehensive income (loss)—  —  —  15,382  —  (17) 15,365  
Cash dividends declared ($0.45 per share)
—  —  (9,598) —  —  —  (9,598) 
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
—  —  —  —  —  (300) (300) 
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
—  —  8,025  —  —  (207) 7,818  
Addition of noncontrolling interest
—  —  —  —  —  3,525  3,525  
Stock plan exercises; 14 shares acquired
—  —  —  —  (2) —  (2) 
Stock options exercised; 318 shares issued
—  (2,206) 2,553  —  317  —  664  
Stock option expense
—  612  —  —  —  —  612  
Stock awards; 6,204 shares issued
—  1,594  —  —  140  —  1,734  
Balance at June 27, 2020$27,900  $—  $2,194,916  $(332,486) $(763,495) $25,867  $1,152,702  

(1) The retained earnings balance has been revised from the amounts previously reported as a result of the change in inventory valuation method from     LIFO to FIFO. Refer to Note 1 for additional information.











See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Treasury
stock
Noncontrolling
interest in
consolidated
subsidiaries
Total
shareholders’
equity
Balance at 12/29/2018 (1)$27,900  $—  $2,067,811  $(303,185) $(692,549) $75,761  $1,175,738  
Net earnings—  —  75,823  —  —  1,923  77,746  
Other comprehensive income (loss)—  —  —  113  —  169  282  
Cash dividends declared ($0.75 per share)
—  —  (16,339) —  —  —  (16,339) 
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
—  —  —  —  —  (4,459) (4,459) 
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
—  —  (8,886) —  —  —  (8,886) 
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
—  277  —  —  —  (28,122) (27,845) 
Purchase of treasury shares; 306,729 shares acquired
—  —  —  —  (38,350) —  (38,350) 
Stock plan exercises; 6,096 shares acquired
—  —  —  —  (827) —  (827) 
Stock options exercised; 15,637 shares issued
—  (5,242) 5,345  —  1,641  —  1,744  
Stock option expense
—  1,456  —  —  —  —  1,456  
Stock awards; 10,327 shares issued
—  3,509  —  —  1,405  —  4,914  
Balance at 6/29/2019 (1)$27,900  $—  $2,123,754  $(303,072) $(728,680) $45,272  $1,165,174  
Balance at 12/28/2019 (1)$27,900  $—  $2,173,802  $(313,422) $(743,942) $45,407  $1,189,745  
Net earnings—  —  65,536  —  —  (61) 65,475  
Other comprehensive income (loss)—  —  —  (19,064) —  488  (18,576) 
Cash dividends declared ($0.90 per share)
—  —  (19,223) —  —  —  (19,223) 
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
—  —  —  —  —  (5,642) (5,642) 
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
—  (30,661) (19,450) (50,111) 
Addition of noncontrolling interest
—  —  —  —  —  5,125  5,125  
Purchase of treasury shares; 190,491 shares acquired
—  —  —  —  (20,481) —  (20,481) 
Stock plan exercises; 37 shares acquired
—  —  —  —  (5) —  (5) 
Stock options exercised; 1,484 shares issued
—  (5,217) 5,462  —  479  —  724  
Stock option expense
—  1,223  —  —  —  —  1,223  
Stock awards; 8,704 shares issued
—  3,994  —  —  454  —  4,448  
Balance at June 27, 2020$27,900  $—  $2,194,916  $(332,486) $(763,495) $25,867  $1,152,702  

(1) The retained earnings balance has been revised from the amounts previously reported as a result of the change in inventory valuation method from     LIFO to FIFO. Refer to Note 1 for additional information.








See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
7


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 27, 2020, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income, and Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twenty-six week periods then ended have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) have been made to present fairly the financial statements as of June 27, 2020 and for all periods presented.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019. The accounting policies and methods of computation followed in these interim financial statements are the same as those followed in the financial statements for the year ended December 28, 2019 with the exception of the change in method of accounting for certain inventory, previously accounted for on the LIFO basis, so that now all inventory is valued on the FIFO basis. In addition, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) and early adopted Financial Disclosures About Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant's Securities as released by the Securities and Exchange Commission that are discussed further at the end of footnote 1. The results of operations for the period ended June 27, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
        Inventories
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. Finished goods and manufactured goods inventories include the costs of acquired raw materials and related factory labor and overhead charges required to convert raw materials to manufactured and finished goods.
Inventories consisted of the following:
June 27,
2020
December 28,
2019
Raw materials and purchased parts
$167,626  $158,314  
Work-in-process
32,535  38,088  
Finished goods and manufactured goods
249,355  221,968  
449,516  418,370  

Effective December 29, 2019, the first day of fiscal 2020, the Company changed its method of accounting for certain of its inventory, previously accounted for on the LIFO basis, so that now all inventory is valued on the FIFO basis. The Company believes this change is preferable as it provides a better matching of costs with the physical flow of goods, more accurately reflects the current value of inventory presented on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and standardizes the Company’s inventory valuation methodology.

In accordance with ASC 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, this change in method of accounting for certain inventories has been retrospectively applied to the earliest period presented. As a result of the retrospective change, the cumulative effect to retained earnings as of December 29, 2018 and December 28, 2019 was an increase of $40,215 and $32,854, respectively. This change did not affect the Company's previously reported cash flows from operating, investing, or financing activities.


8


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



The impact of the change from LIFO to FIFO on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2019 is as follows:

Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
(in 000's, except earnings per share)As Previously ReportedRetrospectively AdjustedAdjustmentAs Previously ReportedRetrospectively AdjustedAdjustment
Cost of sales520,457522,6952,2381,047,4671,050,2072,740
Operating income63,71261,474(2,238)118,816116,076(2,740)
Income tax expense13,96113,401(560)26,38825,703(685)
Net earnings attributed to Valmont Industries, Inc41,39739,719(1,679)77,87875,823(2,055)
Comprehensive (loss) income38,04836,370(1,679)80,08378,028(2,055)
Net earnings per diluted share1.901.82(0.08)3.563.46(0.10)
The Company applied this change retrospectively to the earliest period presented. The resulting impact to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 28, 2019 is as follows:

December 28, 2019
Consolidated Balance SheetAs Previously Reported AdjustmentRetrospectively Adjusted
Inventory374,56543,805418,370
Deferred income tax liability47,95510,95158,906
Retained earnings2,140,94832,8542,173,802

Income Taxes
Earnings before income taxes for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, were as follows: 
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
2020201920202019
United States
$54,237  $45,031  $107,737  $86,780  
Foreign
(18,621) 9,038  (14,695) 16,669  
$35,616  $54,069  $93,042  $103,449  
        

Pension Benefits

The Company incurs expenses in connection with the Delta Pension Plan ("DPP"). The DPP was acquired as part of the Delta plc acquisition in fiscal 2010 and has no members that are active employees. In order to measure expense and the related benefit obligation, various assumptions are made including discount rates used to value the obligation, expected return on plan assets used to fund these expenses and estimated future inflation rates. These assumptions are based on historical
9


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

experience as well as current facts and circumstances. An actuarial analysis is used to measure the expense and liability associated with pension benefits.

The components of the net periodic pension (benefit) expense for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 were as follows:
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
Net periodic (benefit) expense:2020201920202019
Interest cost
$3,160  $4,182  $6,284  $8,527  
Expected return on plan assets
(5,664) (4,943) (11,262) (10,078) 
Amortization of actuarial loss
720  634  1,431  1,292  
Net periodic (benefit) expense
$(1,784) $(127) $(3,547) $(259) 


        Stock Plans
The Company maintains stock-based compensation plans approved by the shareholders, which provide that the Human Resource Committee of the Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and bonuses of common stock. At June 27, 2020, 1,187,679 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the plans.
        Under the plans, the exercise price of each option equals the closing market price at the date of the grant. Options vest beginning on the first anniversary of the grant in equal amounts over three years to six years or on the grant's fifth anniversary. Expiration of grants is seven years from the date of grant. Restricted stock units and awards generally vest in equal installments over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant.
The Company's compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and associated income tax benefits related to stock options and restricted stock for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively, were as follows:
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
2020201920202019
Compensation expense
$2,346  $2,700  $5,671  $6,370  
Income tax benefits
587  675  1,418  1,593  
Fair Value
The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of ASC 820 apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
10


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
         Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
        Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
        Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
Trading Securities: The assets and liabilities recorded for the investments held in the Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan at June 27, 2020 of $37,035 ($36,290 at December 28, 2019) represent mutual funds, invested in debt and equity securities, classified as trading securities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, considering the employee's ability to change investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time. The Company's ownership of shares in Delta EMD Pty. Ltd. (JSE:DTA) is also classified as trading securities. The shares are valued at $170 and $210 as of June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019, respectively, which is the estimated fair value. Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input.
Derivative Financial Instruments: The fair value of foreign currency and commodity forward contracts, and cross currency contracts is based on a valuation model that discounts cash flows resulting from the differential between the contract price and the market-based forward rate.
Fair Value Measurement Using:
Carrying Value June 27, 2020Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Trading Securities
$37,205  $37,205  $—  $—  
Derivative financial instruments, net
7,268  —  7,268  —  

Fair Value Measurement Using:
Carrying Value December 28, 2019Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Trading Securities
$36,500  $36,500  $—  $—  
Derivative financial instruments, net
3,247  —  3,247  —  

11


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Long-Lived Assets
        The Company's other non-financial assets include goodwill and other intangible assets, which are classified as Level 3 items. These assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as part of annual impairment testing. Note 4 to these condensed consolidated financial statements contain additional information related to goodwill and intangible asset impairments recognized in fiscal 2020.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net earnings, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity and changes in net actuarial gains/losses from a pension plan. Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries are translated using the average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet dates. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following at June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019:
Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsGain on Hedging ActivitiesDefined Benefit Pension PlanAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at December 28, 2019$(232,575) $14,076  $(94,923) $(313,422) 
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)
(30,981) 11,917  —  (19,064) 
Balance at June 27, 2020$(263,556) $25,993  $(94,923) $(332,486) 

        Revenue Recognition
        The Company determines the appropriate revenue recognition for our contracts by analyzing the type, terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement with a customer. Contracts with customers for all businesses are fixed-price with sales tax excluded from revenue, and do not include variable consideration. Discounts included in contracts with customers, typically early pay discounts, are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the period in which the sale is recognized. Contract revenues are classified as product when the performance obligation is related to the manufacturing of goods. Contract revenues are classified as service when the performance obligation is the performance of a service. Service revenue is primarily related to the Coatings segment.
        Customer acceptance provisions exist only in the design stage of our products and acceptance of the design by the customer is required before the project is manufactured and delivered to the customer. The Company is not entitled to any compensation solely based on design of the product and does not recognize revenue associated with the design stage. There is one performance obligation for revenue recognition. No general rights of return exist for customers once the product has been delivered and the Company establishes provisions for estimated warranties. The Company does not sell extended warranties for any of its products.
        Shipping and handling costs associated with sales are recorded as cost of goods sold. The Company elected to use the practical expedient of treating freight as a fulfillment obligation instead of a separate performance obligation and ratably recognize freight expense as the structure is being manufactured, when the revenue from the associated customer contract is being recognized over time. With the exception of the Utility segment and the wireless communication structures product line, the Company’s inventory is interchangeable for a variety of each segment’s customers. The Company elected the practical expedient to not disclose the partially satisfied performance obligation at the end of the period when the contract has an original expected duration of one year or less. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient to not adjust the amount of consideration to be received in a contract for any significant financing component if payment is expected within twelve months of transfer of control of goods or services; the Company expects all consideration to be received in one year or less at contract inception.

12


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Segment and Product Line Revenue Recognition
        The global Utility segment revenues are derived from manufactured steel and concrete structures for the North America utility industry and offshore and other complex structures used in energy generation and distribution outside of the United States. Steel and concrete utility structures are engineered to customer specifications resulting in limited ability to sell the structure to a different customer if an order is canceled after production commences. The continuous transfer of control to the customer is evidenced either by contractual termination clauses or by our rights to payment for work performed to-date plus a reasonable profit as the products do not have an alternative use to the Company. Since control is transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment. For our steel and concrete utility and wireless communication structure product lines, we generally recognize revenue on an inputs basis, using total production hours incurred to-date for each order as a percentage of total hours estimated to produce the order. The completion percentage is applied to the order’s total revenue and total estimated costs to determine reported revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit. Production of an order, once started, is typically completed within three months. Revenue from the offshore and other complex structures business is also recognized using an inputs method, based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. External sales agents are used in certain sales of steel and concrete structures; the Company has chosen to use the practical expedient to expense estimated commissions owed to third parties by recognizing them proportionately as the goods are manufactured.
        The global ESS segment revenues are derived from the manufacture and distribution of engineered metal, composite structures and components for lighting and traffic and roadway safety, engineered access systems, and wireless communication. For the lighting and traffic and roadway safety product lines, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of goods to the customer depending on contract terms, which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. For Access Systems, revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The wireless communication product line has large regional customers who have unique product specifications for communication structures. When the customer contract includes a cancellation clause that would require them to pay for work completed plus a reasonable margin if an order was canceled, revenue is recognized over time based on hours worked as a percent of total estimated hours to complete production. For the remaining wireless communication product line customers which do not provide a contractual right to bill for work completed on a canceled order, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of the goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed.
        The global Coatings segment revenues are derived by providing coating services to customers’ products, which include galvanizing, anodizing, and powder coating. Revenue is recognized once the coating service has been performed and the goods are ready to be picked up or delivered to the customer which is the same time that the customer is billed.
        The global Irrigation segment revenues are derived from the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the agricultural industry and tubular products for industrial customers. Revenue recognition for the irrigation segment is generally upon shipment of the goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The remote monitoring subscription services are primarily billed annually and revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the subsequent twelve months.
        Disaggregation of revenue by product line is disclosed in the Segment footnote. A breakdown by segment of revenue recognized over time and at a point in time for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 is as follows:
13


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Point in TimeOver TimePoint in TimeOver Time
Thirteen weeks ended June 27, 2020Thirteen weeks ended June 27, 2020Twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020Twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020
Utility Support Structures$4,619  $223,854  $13,543  $437,878  
Engineered Support Structures
236,827  12,046  452,706  23,533  
Coatings
62,667  —  131,257  —  
Irrigation
144,988  3,807  296,730  7,361  
  Total
$449,101  $239,707  $894,236  $468,772  

Point in TimeOver TimePoint in TimeOver Time
Thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2019Thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2019Twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2019Twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2019
Utility Support Structures$9,932  $199,077  $40,224  $412,043  
Engineered Support Structures
244,604  12,961  461,074  24,460  
Coatings
81,089  —  151,320  —  
Irrigation
149,956  3,252  297,814  6,075  
  Total
$485,581  $215,290  $950,432  $442,578  

The Company's contract asset as of June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019 was $125,004 and $141,322,
respectively. Both steel and concrete utility customers are generally invoiced upon shipment or delivery of the goods to the customer's specified location with few customers that make up-front or progress payments. The offshore and complex steel structures business invoices customers a number of ways including advanced billings, progress billings, and billings upon shipment.

        At June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019, the contract liability for revenue recognized over time was $138,820 and $117,945, respectively. During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020, the Company recognized $21,037 and $39,277 of revenue that was included in the liability as of December 28, 2019. In the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2019, the Company recognized $897 and $1,928 of revenue that was included in the liability as of December 29, 2018. The revenue recognized was due to applying advance payments received for projects completed during the period.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Guarantors Disclosures

        In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses on instruments within its scope, including trade receivables. This update was intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2020. The adoption of the ASU No. 2016-13 did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The Company early adopted Financial Disclosures About Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities rules as released by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2020, which simplify the disclosure requirements related to the Company’s registered debt
14


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

securities, guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries, under Rule 3-10 and Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X. The final rules permit the simplified disclosures to be provided either in a footnote to the Company’s consolidated financial statements or in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. The Company has elected to provide the simplified disclosure within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

(2) ACQUISITIONS
        On May 29, 2020, the Company acquired 55% of Energia Solar do Brasil ("Solbras") for $4,308. Approximately $646 of the purchase price is contingent on seller representations and warranties that will be settled within 12 months of the acquisition date. Solbras is a leading provider of solar energy solutions for agriculture. In the preliminary purchase price allocation, goodwill of $3,341 and customer relationships of $3,718 were recorded and the remainder is net working capital. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes and the customer relationship will be amortized over 8 years. The acquisition of Solbras, located in Brazil, allows the Company to expand its product offerings in the Irrigation segment to include not only pivots, but also a sustainable and low-cost energy source to provide electricity to the units. The Company expects to finalize the purchase price allocation in the fourth quarter of 2020. Proforma disclosures were omitted as this business does not have a significant impact on the Company's financial results.
On May 13, 2019, the Company acquired the assets of Connect-It Wireless, Inc. ("Connect-It") for $6,034 in cash. Connect-It operates in Florida and is a manufacturer and distributor of wireless site components and safety products. In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $3,299 and customer relationships of $828 were recorded and the remainder is net working capital. A portion of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Connect-It is included in the ESS segment and was acquired to expand the Company's wireless component distribution network. The Company finalized the purchase price allocation in the fourth quarter of 2019.
        On February 11, 2019, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of United Galvanizing ("United"), a provider of coatings services with an agreed upon purchase price of $28,000, with $2,000 being contingent on seller representations and warranties that was settled in the first quarter of 2020 for $1,522. On December 31, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of Larson Camouflage ("Larson"), an industry leading provider of architectural and camouflage concealment solutions for the wireless telecommunication market with an agreed upon purchase price of $34,562, with 10% being held back for seller representations and warranties that was settled in the first quarter of 2020 for $3,481.
Acquisitions of Noncontrolling Interests
        In February 2020, the Company acquired the remaining 49% of AgSense that it did not own for $43,983, which includes a holdback payment of $2,200 that was made in the second quarter of 2020. The Company finalized the accounting for owning 100% of AgSense in the second quarter of 2020 which resulted in the recognition of a deferred tax asset of approximately $7,700. In the first quarter of 2020, the Company acquired 16% of the remaining 25% that it did not own of Convert Italia for a cash payment of $11,750. The purchase agreement also settled the escrow funds which the Company had paid at date of acquisition. In April 2019, the Company acquired the remaining 4.8% of Valmont SM that it did not own for $4,763.

As these transactions were for the acquisition of all or part of the remaining shares of a consolidated subsidiary with no change in control, they were recorded within shareholders' equity and as a financing activity in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


15


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

(3) RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES 
        During 2020, the Company executed certain regional restructuring activities (the "2020 Plan") primarily in the ESS, Utility, and Coatings segments to reduce employment levels and exit under-performing locations.

        The following pre-tax expenses were recognized during the second quarter of 2020:

ESSUtilityCoatingsCorporateTotal
Severance$399  $—  $135  $—  $534  
Other cash restructuring expenses48  803  32  —  883  
Asset impairments—  2,258  —  —  2,258  
   Total cost of sales447  3,061  167  —  3,675  
Severance242  613  55  221  1,131  
Other cash restructuring expenses773  —  0—  773  
  Total selling, general and administrative expenses1,015  613  55  221  1,904  
      Consolidated total$1,462  $3,674  $222  $221  $5,579  

        
        Liabilities recorded for the restructuring plans were as follows:
Recognized Restructuring ExpenseCosts Paid or Otherwise Settled Balance at June 27, 2020
Severance$1,665  $854  $811  
Other cash restructuring expenses1,656  853  803  
   Total $3,321  $1,707  $1,614  

(4) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Amortized Intangible Assets
The components of amortized intangible assets at June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019 were as follows:
June 27, 2020
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Weighted
Average
Life
Customer Relationships
$230,235  $142,425  13 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology
24,484  7,190  14 years
Other
7,362  6,604  4 years
$262,081  $156,219  

16


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

December 28, 2019
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Weighted
Average
Life
Customer Relationships
$237,626  $149,720  13 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology
24,068  6,358  14 years
Other
8,054  7,035  5 years
$269,748  $163,113  
Amortization expense for intangible assets for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively was as follows:
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
2020201920202019
$4,511  $4,632  $9,103  $9,022  
Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:
Estimated
Amortization
Expense
2020$17,214  
202114,838  
202212,959  
202311,116  
20249,389  
The useful lives assigned to finite-lived intangible assets included consideration of factors such as the Company’s past and expected experience related to customer retention rates, the remaining legal or contractual life of the underlying arrangement that resulted in the recognition of the intangible asset and the Company’s expected use of the intangible asset.
Non-amortized intangible assets
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized and consist solely of trade names. The carrying value of trade names at June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019 are as follows:
June 27,
2020
December 28,
2019
Year Acquired
Newmark$11,111  $11,111  2004
Webforge7,250  9,143  2010
Convert Italia S.p.A8,412  8,378  2018
Valmont SM8,010  7,966  2014
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products7,029  7,454  2010
Walpar3,500  3,500  2018
Shakespeare4,000  4,000  2014
Other14,570  17,555  
$63,882  $69,107  

17


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

In its determination of these intangible assets as indefinite-lived, the Company considered such factors as its expected future use of the intangible asset, legal, regulatory, technological and competitive factors that may impact the useful life or value of the intangible asset and the expected costs to maintain the value of the intangible asset. The Company expects that these intangible assets will maintain their value indefinitely. Accordingly, these assets are not amortized. 
The Company’s trade names were tested for impairment in the third quarter of 2019. The values of each trade name was determined using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this evaluation, no trade names were determined to be impaired. In conjunction with an interim second quarter 2020 goodwill impairment test, impairment indicators were noted for the Webforge and Locker trade names requiring an interim impairment test. As a result, an impairment charge of approximately $3,900 was recognized against these two trade names in fiscal 2020.
Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019 was as follows:
Engineered
Support
Structures
Segment
Utility
Support
Structures
Segment
Coatings
Segment
Irrigation
Segment
Total
Gross Balance December 28, 2019$228,634  $130,594  $93,747  $25,136  $478,111  
Accumulated impairment losses
(18,670) (14,355) (16,222) —  (49,247) 
Balance at December 28, 2019209,964  116,239  77,525  25,136  428,864  
Acquisitions
—  1,100  —  5,127  6,227  
Asset impairment
(12,575) —  —  —  (12,575) 
Foreign currency translation
(4,301) 141  (790) 102  (4,848) 
Balance at June 27, 2020$193,088  $117,480  $76,735  $30,365  $417,668  


The Company’s annual impairment test of goodwill was performed during the third quarter of 2019, using the discounted cash flow method. The estimated fair value of all of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying value, so no goodwill was impaired.
In April 2020, the price of a barrel of oil began a large decline and various economic forecasts show the lower price of oil will continue into the next few years. This lower price for oil and a revised assessment of the Australian market performed in conjunction with the executed restructuring activities required the Company to re-assess the financial projections for the access systems reporting unit. This resulted in lower projected net sales, operating income, and cash flows for this reporting unit, resulting in the need for an interim impairment test. The results of the test showed that the reporting unit's carrying value was higher than its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $12,575 impairment of access system's goodwill in the second quarter of 2020.
(5) CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
        The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds) for the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 were as follows:
20202019
Interest
$19,690  $19,411  
Income taxes
3,887  24,529  
18


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

(6) EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS):
Basic EPSDilutive
Effect of
Stock
Options
Diluted EPS
Thirteen weeks ended June 27, 2020:
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$22,607  $—  $22,607  
Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)
21,312  81  21,393  
Per share amount
$1.06  $—  $1.06  
Thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2019:
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$39,719$—  $39,719  
Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)
21,734  97  21,831  
Per share amount
$1.83  $(0.01) $1.82  
Twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$65,536  $—  $65,536  
Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)
21,383  88  21,471  
Per share amount
$3.06  $(0.01) $3.05  
Twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2019:
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$75,823  $—  $75,823  
Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)
21,810  87  21,897  
Per share amount
$3.48  $(0.02) $3.46  

        At June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, there were 296,490 and 297,170 outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, respectively.
19


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

(7) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
        The Company manages interest rate risk, commodity price risk, and foreign currency risk related to foreign currency denominated transactions and investments in foreign subsidiaries. Depending on the circumstances, the Company may manage these risks by utilizing derivative financial instruments. Some derivative financial instruments are marked to market and recorded in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, while others may be accounted for as fair value, cash flow, or net investment hedges. Derivative financial instruments have credit and market risk. The Company manages these risks of derivative instruments by monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that can be taken, and by entering into transactions with counterparties who are recognized, stable multinational banks.
        Fair value of derivative instruments at June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019 are as follows:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:Balance sheet locationJune 27, 2020December 28, 2019
Foreign currency forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and other assets
$425  $2,119  
Cross currency swap contracts
Prepaid expenses and other assets
6,843  1,128  
$7,268  $3,247  
        Gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 are as follows:
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
Statements of earnings locationJune 27, 2020June 29, 2019June 27, 2020June 29, 2019
Commodity forward contracts
Product cost of sales
$—  $(96) $—  $(96) 
Foreign currency forward contracts
Other income (expenses)
$(93) $152  30  704  
Foreign currency forward contracts
Product sales
99  —  152  —  
Interest rate hedge amortization
Interest expense
(16) (16) (32) (32) 
Cross currency swap contracts
Interest expense
719  674  1,462  1,327  
$709  $714  $1,612  $1,903  
        
Cash Flow Hedges
        In 2019, the Company entered into steel hot rolled coil (HRC) forward contracts that qualified as a cash flow hedge of the variability in cash flows attributable to future steel purchases. The forward contracts had a notional amount of $12,128 for the purchase of 3,500 short tons for each month from May 2019 to September 2019. The gain/(loss) realized upon settlement is recorded in product cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings over average inventory turns. The forward contracts were closed out in the third quarter of 2019.
        In May 2020, a Brazilian subsidiary with a Real functional currency entered into foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate foreign currency risk related to a customer order with components purchased in Euros. The forward contract, which qualifies as a cash flow hedge, has a final maturity date of December 2020 and a notional amount to buy 4,500 euros in exchange for a stated amount of Brazilian Real. In March 2020, a subsidiary with a Euro functional currency entered into foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate foreign currency risk related to a large customer order denominated in U.S. dollars. The forward contract, which qualifies as a cash flow hedge, has a final maturity date of June 2021 and a notional amount to sell $27,500 in exchange for a stated amount of Euros.
        Net Investment Hedges
20


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

        In the second quarter of 2020, the Company early settled their Australian dollar denominated forward currency contracts and received proceeds of $11,983. In the second quarter of 2019, all existing net investment hedges were early settled and the Company received proceeds of $11,184. The proceeds/gain from these settlements will remain in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) until either the sale or substantially complete liquidation of the related subsidiaries.
        In the second quarter of 2019, the Company entered into two fixed-for-fixed cross currency swaps (“CCS”), swapping U.S. dollar principal and interest payments on a portion of its 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 for Danish krone (DKK) and Euro denominated payments. The CCS were entered into in order to mitigate foreign currency risk on the Company's Euro and DKK investments and to reduce interest expense. Interest is exchanged twice per year on April 1 and October 1.
        Key terms of the two CCS are as follows:
CurrencyNotional AmountTermination DateSwapped Interest RateSet Settlement Amount
Danish Krone (DKK)$50,000  April 1, 20242.68%DKK 333,625
Euro$80,000  April 1, 20242.825%€71,550

        The Company designated the full notional amount of the two CCS ($130,000) as a hedge of the net investment in certain Danish and European subsidiaries under the spot method, with all changes in the fair value of the CCS that are included in the assessment of effectiveness (changes due to spot foreign exchange rates) are recorded as cumulative foreign currency translation within OCI, and will remain in OCI until either the sale or substantially complete liquidation of the related subsidiaries. Net interest receipts will be recorded as a reduction of interest expense over the life of the CCS.

21


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) BUSINESS SEGMENTS
        The Company has four reportable segments based on its management structure. Each segment is global in nature with a manager responsible for segment operational performance and the allocation of capital within the segment. Net corporate expense is net of certain service-related expenses that are allocated to business units generally on the basis of employee headcounts.

Reportable segments are as follows:

        ENGINEERED SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture and distribution of engineered metal and composite poles, towers, and components for global lighting, traffic, and wireless communication markets, engineered access systems, integrated structure solutions for smart cities, and highway safety products;

        UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment;
        COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, painting, and anodizing services to preserve and protect metal products; and
        IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment, parts, services and tubular products, water management solutions, and technology for precision agriculture.
        The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based upon operating income and invested capital. The Company does not allocate interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments.
22


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Summary by Business
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
June 27,
2020
June 29,
2019
June 27,
2020
June 29,
2019
SALES:
Engineered Support Structures segment:
Lighting, Traffic, and Highway Safety Products
$181,027  $181,575  $353,014  $338,759  
    Communication Products
50,886  47,454  89,082  90,319  
Access Systems
21,472  29,719  42,031  59,958  
Engineered Support Structures segment
253,385  258,748  484,127  489,036  
Utility Support Structures segment:
Steel
159,817  147,116  326,348  306,876  
Concrete
45,653  30,560  81,438  60,404  
Engineered Solar Tracker Solutions
4,619  9,932  13,543  40,224  
Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures
21,235  22,221  35,456  46,247  
Utility Support Structures segment
231,324  209,829  456,785  453,751  
Coatings segment
80,005  98,406  168,090  185,185  
Irrigation segment:
—  
    North America
99,034  102,810  205,594  211,287  
    International
51,605  52,375  101,765  96,714  
        Irrigation segment
150,639  155,185  307,359  308,001  
Total
715,353  722,168  1,416,361  1,435,973  
INTERSEGMENT SALES:
Engineered Support Structures segment
4,512  1,183  7,888  3,502  
Utility Support Structures segment
2,851  820  5,364  1,484  
Coatings segment
17,338  17,317  36,833  33,865  
Irrigation segment
1,844  1,977  3,268  4,112  
Total
26,545  21,297  53,353  42,963  
NET SALES:
Engineered Support Structures segment
248,873  257,565  476,239  485,534  
Utility Support Structures segment
228,473  209,009  451,421  452,267  
Coatings segment
62,667  81,089  131,257  151,320  
Irrigation segment
148,795  153,208  304,091  303,889  
Total
$688,808  $700,871  $1,363,008  $1,393,010  
OPERATING INCOME:
Engineered Support Structures segment
$4,818  $20,882  $20,749  $33,327  
Utility Support Structures segment
21,650  16,033  49,374  41,081  
Coatings segment
10,148  15,032  21,202  25,172  
Irrigation segment
22,351  21,530  46,014  41,664  
Corporate
(15,527) (12,003) (27,004) (25,168) 
Total
$43,440  $61,474  $110,335  $116,076  

23


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management has made in light of experience in the industries in which the Company operates, as well as management’s perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) and assumptions. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. Many factors could affect the Company’s actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things, the continuing and developing effects of COVID-19 including the effects of the outbreak on the general economy and the specific effects on the Company's business and that of its customers and suppliers, risk factors described from time to time in the Company’s reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as future economic and market circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, operating efficiencies, availability and price of raw materials, availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing, domestic and international competitive environments, and actions and policy changes of domestic and foreign governments.
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto, and the management's discussion and analysis included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019. Segment net sales in the table below and elsewhere are presented net of intersegment sales. See Note 8 of our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on segment sales and intersegment sales.
24


Results of Operations (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
June 27, 2020June 29, 2019% Incr. (Decr.)June 27, 2020June 29, 2019% Incr. (Decr.)
Consolidated
Net sales
$688.8  $700.9  (1.7)%$1,363.0  $1,393.0  (2.2)%
Gross profit
183.9  178.2  3.2 %370.2  342.8  8.0 %
as a percent of sales 
26.7 %25.4 %27.2 %24.6 %
SG&A expense (1)
140.5  116.7  20.4 %259.9  $226.7  14.6 %
as a percent of sales 
20.4 %16.7 %19.1 %16.3 %
Operating income
43.4  61.5  (29.4)%110.3  116.1  (5.0)%
as a percent of sales 
6.3 %8.8 %8.1 %8.3 %
Net interest expense
9.6  9.1  5.5 %18.6  18.1  2.8 %
Effective tax rate
35.4 %24.8 %29.1 %24.9 %
Net earnings
$22.6  $39.7  (43.1)%$65.5  $75.8  (13.6)%
Diluted earnings per share
$1.06  $1.82  (41.8)%$3.05  $3.46  (11.8)%
Engineered Support Structures (ESS)
Net sales
$248.8  $257.5  (3.4)%$476.2  $485.5  (1.9)%
Gross profit
68.4  63.5  7.7 %130.1  115.4  12.7 %
SG&A expense
63.6  42.7  48.9 %109.4  82.1  33.3 %
Operating income
4.8  20.8  (76.9)%20.7  33.3  (37.8)%
Utility Support Structures (Utility)
Net sales
$228.5  $209.1  9.3 %$451.4  $452.3  (0.2)%
Gross profit
47.9  40.9  17.1 %101.5  89.6  13.3 %
SG&A expense
26.2  24.9  5.2 %52.1  48.5  7.4 %
Operating income
21.7  16.0  35.6 %49.4  41.1  20.2 %
Coatings
Net sales
$62.7  $81.1  (22.7)%$131.3  $151.3  (13.2)%
Gross profit
19.8  27.1  (26.9)%41.6  47.7  (12.8)%
SG&A expense
9.7  12.0  (19.2)%20.4  22.5  (9.3)%
Operating income
10.1  15.1  (33.1)%21.2  25.2  (15.9)%
Irrigation
Net sales
$148.8  $153.2  (2.9)%$304.1  $303.9  0.1 %
Gross profit
47.8  46.7  2.4 %97.0  90.1  7.7 %
SG&A expense
25.5  25.1  1.6 %51.0  48.4  5.4 %
Operating income
22.3  21.6  3.2 %46.0  41.7  10.3 %
Net corporate expense
SG&A
$15.5  $12.0  29.2 %$27.0  $25.2  7.1 %
Operating loss
(15.5) (12.0) (29.2)%(27.0) (25.2) (7.1)%
(1) The second quarter and first half of 2020 include impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.
25


Overview
On a consolidated basis, net sales were lower in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 2019 due to lower sales in ESS, Coatings, and Irrigation segments that were partially offset by increased sales for the Utility segment. Excluding the effect from foreign currency translation, second quarter 2020 sales for ESS and Irrigation were similar to 2019. In the first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, sales decreased due to lower sales in the ESS and Coatings segments. The change in net sales in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2020, as compared with the same periods in 2019, is as follows:
Second quarter
TotalESSUtilityCoatingsIrrigation
Sales - 2019$700.9  $257.5  $209.1  $81.1  $153.2  
Volume(2.1) (5.8) 14.3  (13.9) 3.3  
Pricing/mix0.8  2.0  3.6  (2.8) (2.0) 
Acquisition/(divestiture)2.9  1.2  1.8  —  (0.1) 
Currency translation(13.7) (6.1) (0.3) (1.7) (5.6) 
Sales - 2020$688.8  $248.8  $228.5  $62.7  $148.8  
        
Year-to-date
TotalESSUtilityCoatingsIrrigation
Sales - 2019$1393.0  $485.5  $452.3  $151.3  $303.9  
Volume(9.0) (3.6) (7.0) (13.3) 14.9  
Pricing/mix0.6  3.2  5.3  (3.6) (4.3) 
Acquisition/(divestiture)2.3  2.6  1.8  —  (2.1) 
Currency translation(23.9) (11.5) (1.0) (3.1) (8.3) 
Sales - 2020$1,363.0  $476.2  $451.4  $131.3  $304.1  

Volume effects are estimated based on a physical production or sales measure. Since products we sell are not uniform in nature, pricing and mix relate to a combination of changes in sales prices and the attributes of the product sold. Accordingly, pricing and mix changes do not necessarily result in operating income changes.
        Average steel prices for both hot rolled coil and plate were lower in North America and China in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, contributing to lower cost of sales and improved gross profit.
        
        The Company acquired the following businesses:

Connect-It Wireless, Inc. ("Connect-It") in the second quarter of 2019, a domestic communication components business (ESS).
In the first quarter of 2020, we acquired the remaining 49% of AgSense that the Company did not own (Irrigation).
In the first quarter of 2020, we acquired 16% of the remaining 25% of Convert Italia that the Company did not own (Utility).
Energia Solar Do Brasil ("Solbras") in the second quarter of 2020, a leading provider of solar energy solutions for agriculture (Irrigation).

COVID-19 Impact on Financial Results and Liquidity

We are considered an essential business because of the products and services that serve critical infrastructure sectors as defined by many governments around the world. Our manufacturing facilities in Argentina, France, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, and South Africa closed late in the first quarter of 2020 due to government mandates, have all resumed
26


operations. All our manufacturing facilities are open and fully operational as of July 28, 2020. We continue to monitor incidence of COVID-19 on a continuous basis, particularly in areas reporting recent increases in infection. To protect the safety, health and well-being of employees, customers, suppliers and communities, CDC and WHO guidelines are being followed in all facilities.

We generated positive cash flows from operating activities during the first half of 2020 and expect positive cash flows from operating activities for the full fiscal 2020 year. Our main focus is to maintain liquidity to support the working capital needs of our operations and maintain our investment grade credit rating.
Our capital spending for the 2020 fiscal year has been reduced from the previously announced approximately $100 million to $125 million to approximately $80 to $90 million.
We have suspended repurchase of shares to preserve financial liquidity until the COVID-19 impact is clearer.

As a result of the evolving impact of COVID-19 on the global economy, we anticipate and are planning for slowdown in customer demand and business disruption, primarily in the Coatings and Irrigation segments. Consolidated operating income and specifically operating margin in the third quarter of 2020, is expected to be lower than the same period of 2019 as a result of the lower sales in these two segments. The ultimate magnitude of COVID-19, including the extent of its impact on the Company’s financial and operational results, cash balances and available borrowings on our line of credit, will be determined by the length of time the pandemic continues, its effect on the demand for the Company’s products and services and supply chain, as well as the effect of governmental regulations imposed in response to the pandemic.
        
Currency Translation

        In the second quarter and first half of 2020, we realized a decrease in operating profit, as compared with 2019, due in part to currency translation effects associated with a stronger U.S. dollar against most foreign currencies. The breakdown of this effect by segment was as follows:
        
TotalESSUtilityCoatingsIrrigationCorporate
Second quarter$(0.6) $(0.4) $0.2  $(0.1) $(0.3) $—  
 
Year-to-date$(1.2) $(0.6) $0.2  $(0.3) $(0.6) $0.1  

Gross Profit, SG&A, and Operating Income

        At a consolidated level, gross profit as a percent of sales was higher in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared with the same periods in 2019, due to lower raw material costs across the Company, improved selling prices across our infrastructure businesses, and improved volumes for the Irrigation segment and associated operating leverage of fixed costs. Gross profit improved for all operating segments, with the exception of Coatings that had lower sales volumes.
        SG&A expenses increased in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to the same periods in 2019. The increase was due to recording a partial impairment of goodwill and tradename for the Access Systems business, higher compensation related costs including sales commissions for the North American infrastructure businesses, higher incentives due to improved operations, and salary merit increases. These increases were partially offset by lower travel costs, foreign currency translation effects, and reduced SG&A deferred compensation expense in the first half of 2020 (offset by an increase of the same amount in other expense).

 In the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to the same periods in 2019, operating income was higher in the Utility and Irrigation segments and lower for the ESS and Coatings segments. The overall decrease in operating income in the second quarter and first half of 2020 can be attributed to the goodwill and tradename impairment for the Access Systems business, certain restructuring activities, and lower volumes for the Coatings business. The decrease was offset by lower raw material costs, improved sales pricing for the infrastructure businesses, and improved sales volumes in the Irrigation segment.

Net Interest Expense and Debt
        
        Net interest expense in the second quarter and first half of 2020 was similar to the same periods in 2019. Interest income was lower in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, due to lower interest rates.
27



Other Income/Expenses

        The change in other income/expenses in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, was due to the change in valuation of deferred compensation assets which resulted in additional other income of $1.0 million and reduced other income of $4.2 million, respectively. This amount is shown as Gain on investments (unrealized) on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. The change related to deferred compensation assets are offset by an opposite change of the same amount in SG&A expense. The remaining change was due to fluctuations in foreign currency transaction gains/losses that was less favorable in 2020.

Income Tax Expense
        
        Our effective income tax rate in the second quarter and first half of 2020 was 35.4% and 29.1%, compared to 24.8% and 24.9% in the second quarter and first half of 2019. The increase in the effective tax rate is a result of the partial impairment of goodwill and tradename for the Access Systems business that is not fully tax deductible.

        Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was lower in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019. The decrease can be attributed to the acquisition of the remaining noncontrolling interests of AgSense and partial acquisition of the noncontrolling interest of Convert in the first quarter of 2020.

Cash Flows from Operations
        Our cash flows provided by operations was $150.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2020, as compared with $113.4 million provided by operations in the first half of 2019. The increase in operating cash flow in the first half of 2020, as compared with 2019, was due to improved working capital management. The lower working capital is primarily attributed to an increase in accounts payable and a larger contract liability for customer billings in excess of costs and earnings.

ESS segment
        Net sales were lower in the second quarter and first half of 2020 as compared to 2019, primarily driven by unfavorable foreign currency translation effects of $6.1 million and $11.5 million, respectively. Lighting, traffic, and highway safety product sales were relatively flat in the second quarter of 2020 as compared to 2019, while communication product sales volumes were higher and sales volumes of access systems were lower. In the first half of 2020, sales were higher for the lighting, traffic, and highway safety product business and lower for communication products and access systems.
         Global lighting, traffic, and highway safety product sales in the second quarter and first half of 2020 was lower by $0.5 million and higher by $14.3 million, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2019. Sales volumes improved in North America due to a strong backlog in transportation markets, while sales volumes were down slightly in commercial markets. Europe sales volumes were lower due to the ceasing of operations in Morocco, the temporary plant shutdowns in France and India due to COVID-19, and unfavorable foreign currency translation effects. In addition, COVID-19 contributed to tempered demand for other locations that contributed to the decrease in sales. Lighting, traffic, and highway safety product sales in the Asia-Pacific region decreased in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, due primarily to temporary shutdowns in India due to COVID-19.
Communication product line sales were higher by $3.4 million in the second quarter and lower by $1.2 million in the first half of 2020, as compared with 2019. In North America, communication structure sales volumes increased in the second quarter of 2020 due to improved demand and the acquisition of Connect-It. Communication product sales in Europe improved due to new project work and Asia-Pacific sales volumes decreased primarily due to lower market activity in China.
Access Systems product line net sales decreased in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, by $8.2 million and $17.9 million. Sales volumes declines were driven by Australia engineering construction spending that remained subdued negatively impacting all product lines. The business also exited the detention center and portions of the industrial product line that contributed to the sales declined along with unfavorable foreign currency translation effects.

Gross profit was higher in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, due to lower cost of raw materials across the segment and sales volume improvements in the U.S. lighting and traffic businesses. SG&A spending was higher in the second quarter and first half of 2020 due to recording a partial goodwill and tradename impairment for the
28


Access Systems business of $16.6 million and higher sales commissions and incentives due to improved operations in North America. Operating income decreased due to the goodwill and tradename impairment of the Access Systems business partially offset by lower raw material costs for all businesses and sales volume improvements in North America.
        Utility segment
        In the Utility segment, sales increased in the second quarter, as compared with 2019, due to improved sales volumes for steel and concrete structures in North America and an improved sales mix. Sales for the first half of 2020 were comparable to 2019. A number of our sales contracts in North America contain provisions that tie the sales price to published steel index pricing at the time our customer issues their purchase order but that did not result in a meaningful decrease to the average selling prices for our steel utility structures product line for the first half of 2020, as compared with 2019.
        Offshore and Solar sales decreased in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, due to lower volumes and unfavorable currency translation effects. The decrease for both businesses can be attributed to large projects in the prior year that did not recur.
        Gross profit increased in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, due to an improved sales mix, higher sale volumes and its associated operating leverage of fixed costs, as well as lower costs of steel while average selling prices were similar to prior year. In addition, the business incurred approximately $3.0 million of inspection costs during 2019 to finalize the requirements from a 2015 commercial settlement that did not recur in 2020. Partially offsetting that was a $2.2 million impairment of a facility that is classified as an asset held for sale. SG&A expense was higher in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared with 2019, due to higher incentives due to improved operating results in North America and $0.6 million of restructuring expenses incurred for the offshore and other complex steel structures' product line. Operating income increased due to an improved mix of product line sales and higher sales volumes.  
Coatings segment
        Coatings segment sales decreased in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to the same periods in 2019, due to lower volumes in North America and Asia, reduced sales pricing attributed to lower zinc costs, and unfavorable foreign currency translation. Sales volumes decreased in North America in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, due primarily to the slowdown caused by COVID-19. In Asia-Pacific region, sales volumes improved in Australia, but was more than offset by decreased volumes in Asia that were impacted by sites temporarily closed during second quarter 2020 due to COVID-19. Sales pricing also declined in Asia-Pacific due to lower zinc costs and customer mix.
        SG&A expense was lower in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, due to one-time expenses associated with a legal settlement in 2019. Operating income was lower in the second quarter and first half of 2020, compared to the same periods in 2019, due to sales volume decreases in North America and Asia and the associated operating deleverage of fixed costs. The decrease was partially offset by a one-time expenses associated with a legal settlement in 2019.
        Irrigation segment
        The decrease in Irrigation segment net sales in the second quarter of 2020, as compared to 2019, is primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency translation effects that were partially offset by sales volume improvements in both North America and international markets. Brazil drove the sales volume improvements for international irrigation that were partially offset by unfavorable currency translation effects from a weaker Brazil real and South African rand. Sales volumes increased in North America, primarily due to increased service part sales resulting from drier weather conditions in 2020. Sales increased slightly in the first half of 2020 as compared to 2019, due to higher sales volumes in North America and international markets that were offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation effects and lower sales pricing in our tubing business. Sales of technology-related products and services continue to increase, as growers are increasing adoption of technology to reduce costs and enhance profitability.
        SG&A was higher in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, due to higher product development expenses. Operating income for the segment increased in the second quarter and first half of 2020 over the same periods in 2019, as a result of lower raw material costs and higher sales volumes in international markets.
        Net corporate expense
Corporate SG&A expense was higher in the second quarter and first half of 2020, as compared to 2019. The increase the second quarter is attributed to a change in valuation of deferred compensation assets which resulted in higher expense of $1.0 million. In addition, there were higher incentive accruals related to improved business performance. The increase in the first half of 2020 is due to higher incentive, partially offset by the change in valuation of deferred compensation assets which
29


resulted in lower expense of $4.2 million. The change in deferred compensation plan assets is offset by the same amount in other income/expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
Working Capital and Operating Cash Flows-Net working capital was $875.0 million at June 27, 2020, as compared to $918.4 million at December 28, 2019. The decrease in net working capital in 2020 is attributed to an increase in accounts payable of $43.3 million and contract liability for customer billings in excess of costs and earnings of $20.9 million. Cash flow provided by operations was $150.7 million in the first half of 2020, as compared with $113.4 million in the first half of 2019. The increase in operating cash flows in the first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, was primarily the result of improved working capital management.
Investing Cash Flows-Capital spending in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 was $48.2 million, as compared to $49.3 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in investing cash outflows in the second quarter of 2020, as compared to 2019, can be attributed to a reduction in cash paid for acquisitions.
Financing Cash Flows-Our total interest-bearing debt was $795.4 million at June 27, 2020 and $787.5 million at December 28, 2019. Financing cash flows changed from an outflow of $55.7 million in the first half of 2019 to an outflow of $92.0 million for the first half of 2020. The increase in financing cash outflows in the first half of 2020, as compared to 2019, was due to the higher amounts paid to purchase noncontrolling interests.
Guarantor Summarized Financial Information

We are providing the following information in compliance with Rule 3-10 and Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X with respect to our two tranches of senior unsecured notes. All of the senior notes are guaranteed, jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally (subject to certain customary release provisions, including sale of the subsidiary guarantor, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets) by certain of the Company’s current and future direct and indirect domestic and foreign subsidiaries (collectively the “Guarantors”). The Parent is the Issuer of the notes and consolidates all Guarantors.

The financial information of Issuer and Guarantors is presented on a combined basis with intercompany balances and transactions between Issuer and Guarantors eliminated. The Issuer’s or Guarantors' amounts due from, amounts due to, and transactions with non-guarantor subsidiaries are separately disclosed.

Combined financial information is as follows:
Supplemental Combined Parent and Guarantors Financial Information
For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019
Thirteen weeks endedTwenty-six weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJune 27, 2020June 29, 2019June 27, 2020June 29, 2019
Net sales
$470,667  $446,568  $938,347  $880,575  
Gross Profit
134,963116,537270,198226,107
Operating income
55,47147,883114,60592,497
Net earnings
37,15029,39373,47558,266
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.37,16529,39373,49058,266



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Supplemental Combined Parent and Guarantors Financial Information
June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019

Dollars in thousandsJune 27, 2020December 28, 2019
Current assets
$804,098  $728,457  
Noncurrent assets
370,145  354,173  
Current liabilities
344,983  312,984  
Noncurrent liabilities
1,083,920  1,076,491  
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
1,585  —  
Included in noncurrent assets is a due from non-guarantor subsidiaries receivable of $68,508 and $54,915 at June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019. Included in noncurrent liabilities is a due to non-guarantor subsidiaries payable of $246,920 and $249,056 at June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019.
Financing and Capital
The Board of Directors authorized the purchase of $250 million of the Company's shares without an expiration date in October 2018. The share purchases will be funded from available working capital and short-term borrowings and will be made subject to market and economic conditions. We are not obligated to make any share repurchases under the share repurchase program and we may discontinue the share repurchase program at any time. We acquired 190,491 treasury shares for approximately $20.5 million under our share repurchase program during the first half of 2020. As of June 27, 2020, we have approximately $184.0 million open under this authorization to repurchase shares in the future. We suspended repurchase of shares at the end of the first quarter to preserve financial liquidity until the COVID-19 impact is clearer.

        Our capital allocation philosophy announcement included our intention to manage our capital structure to maintain our investment grade debt rating. Our most recent ratings were Baa3 by Moody's Investors Services, Inc., BBB- rating by Fitch Rating Services, and BBB+ rating by Standard and Poor's Rating Services. We expect to maintain a leverage ratio which will support our current investment grade debt rating.

Our debt financing at June 27, 2020 is primarily long-term debt consisting of:
$450 million face value ($436.5 million carrying value) of senior unsecured notes that bear interest at 5.00% per annum and are due in October 2044.
$305 million face value ($297.6 million carrying value) of unsecured notes that bear interest at 5.25% per annum and are due in October 2054.
We are allowed to repurchase the notes at specified prepayment premiums. Both tranches of these notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries.

        At June 27, 2020 and December 28, 2019, we had $40.4 million and $29.0 million outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit agreement, respectively. The revolving credit agreement contains certain financial covenants that may limit our additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At June 27, 2020, we had the ability to borrow $544.5 million under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $15.1 million associated with certain insurance obligations and international sales commitments. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $132.3 million, $117.8 million of which was unused at June 27, 2020.

Our senior unsecured notes and revolving credit agreement each contain cross-default provisions which permit the acceleration of our indebtedness to them if we default on other indebtedness that results in, or permits, the acceleration of such other indebtedness.
The debt agreements contain covenants that require us to maintain certain coverage ratios and may limit us with respect to certain business activities, including capital expenditures. The debt agreements allow us to add estimated EBITDA from acquired businesses for periods we did not own the acquired business. The debt agreements also provide for an adjustment to EBITDA, subject to certain limitations, for non-cash charges or gains that are non-recurring in nature.
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Our key debt covenants are as follows:
Leverage ratio - Interest-bearing debt is not to exceed 3.5X Adjusted EBITDA (or 3.75X Adjusted EBITDA after certain material acquisitions) of the prior four quarters; and
Interest earned ratio - Adjusted EBITDA over the prior four quarters must be at least 2.5X our interest expense over the same period.

        At June 27, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the debt agreements. The key covenant calculations at June 27, 2020 were as follows (in 000's):

Interest-bearing debt$795,447  
Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters339,824  
Leverage ratio2.34  
Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters$339,824  
Interest expense-last four quarters40,270  
Interest earned ratio8.44  
The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters (June 30, 2019 through June 27, 2020) is as follows. The last four quarters information ended June 27, 2020 is calculated by taking the full fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, subtracting the first two quarters ended June 27, 2019, and adding the first two quarters ended June 27, 2020.
Net cash flows from operations$344,921  
Interest expense40,270  
Income tax expense51,591  
Impairment of property, plant and equipment(2,258) 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets(16,638) 
Change in investment163  
Deferred income tax benefit2,637  
Noncontrolling interest(3,713) 
Stock-based compensation(10,888) 
Pension plan expense3,801  
Contribution to pension plan21,917  
Changes in assets and liabilities(115,865) 
Other1,669  
EBITDA 317,607  
Cash restructuring expenses3,321  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets16,638  
Impairment of property, plant and equipment2,258  
Adjusted EBITDA$339,824  

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Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$143,482  
Interest expense40,270  
Income tax expense51,591  
Depreciation and amortization expense82,264  
EBITDA317,607  
Cash restructuring expenses3,321  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets16,638  
Impairment of property, plant, and equipment2,258  
Adjusted EBITDA$339,824  

Our businesses are cyclical, but we have diversity in our markets from a product, customer and a geographical standpoint. We have demonstrated the ability to effectively manage through business cycles and maintain liquidity. We have consistently generated operating cash flows in excess of our capital expenditures. Based on our available credit facilities, recent issuance of senior unsecured notes and our history of positive operational cash flows, we believe that we have adequate liquidity to meet our needs.
        We have cash balances of $353.3 million at June 27, 2020, approximately $169.7 million is held in our non-U.S. subsidiaries. If we distributed our foreign cash balances certain taxes would be applicable. At June 27, 2020, we have a liability for foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes of $3.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Financial Obligations and Financial Commitments
        There have been no material changes to our financial obligations and financial commitments as described on page 34-35 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
There have been no material changes in our off balance sheet arrangements as described on page 35 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.
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Critical Accounting Policies
There were no changes in our critical accounting policies as described on pages 37-40 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 during the three months ended June 27, 2020, with the exception of the change in method of accounting for certain inventory, previously accounted for on the LIFO basis, so that now all inventory is valued on the FIFO basis.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
        There were no material changes in the company's market risk during the quarter ended June 27, 2020. For additional information, refer to the section "Risk Management" in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.
        No changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A – Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. See the discussion of the Company’s risk factors under Part I, Item 1A in each of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2020.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
PeriodTotal Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
paid per share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Program (1)
March 29, 2020 to April 25, 2020—  $—  —  $183,969,000  
April 26, 2020 to May 30, 2020—  —  —  183,969,000  
May 31, 2020 to June 27, 2020—  —  —  183,969,000  
Total
—  $—  —  $183,969,000  
(1) On May 13, 2014, we announced a new capital allocation philosophy which included a share repurchase program. Specifically, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500 million of the Company's outstanding common stock from time to time over twelve months at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. On February 24, 2015 and again on October 31, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $250 million of the Company's outstanding common stock with no stated expiration date. As of June 27, 2020, we have acquired 6,112,945 shares for approximately $816.0 million under this share repurchase program.

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Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit No.Description
List of Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries. This document was filed as Exhibit 22.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 001-31429) for the quarter ended March 28, 2020 and is incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 302 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer
Section 302 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer
Section 906 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
101The following financial information from Valmont's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and (vii) document and entity information.
104Cover Page Interactive File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
_____________________________________________

* Filed herewith
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf and by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ AVNER M. APPLBAUM
Avner M. Applbaum
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dated this 28th day of July, 2020.









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