​

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024

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 001-31429

Valmont Industries, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(402) 963-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 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 ☐ No

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 ☐ No

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

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. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Company based on the closing sales price of the common shares as reported on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 29, 2024 was $5,423,157,249.

As of February 21, 2025, there were 20,045,509 of the Company’s common shares outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 28, 2025 (the “Proxy Statement”), to be filed within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

​

​

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

​

​

​

1

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Valmont Industries, Inc., along with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company,” “Valmont,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), is a diversified manufacturer of products and services for infrastructure and agriculture markets. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, our purpose is to conserve resources and improve life. We have been publicly traded since 1968, with our shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “VMI.”

Segments

Our reportable segments are as follows:

Infrastructure: This segment consists of the manufacture and distribution of products and solutions to serve the infrastructure markets of utility, solar, lighting and transportation, and telecommunications, along with coatings services to protect metal products.

Agriculture: This segment consists of the manufacture of center pivot and linear irrigation equipment components for agricultural markets, including aftermarket parts and tubular products, and advanced technology solutions for precision agriculture.

Included in the “Other” segment are the activities of the offshore wind energy structures business, which was divested in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.

Further information on the principal products, services, markets, competition, and distribution methods for each of our two reportable segments is provided below.

Infrastructure Segment

Products

Our scalable solutions feature innovative designs that address the growing demand for reliable energy, especially considering increasing concerns about grid resilience due to natural disasters like fires, storms, and floods. Each project is complex, requiring significant engineering expertise to address various loading conditions and environmental factors. By addressing factors such as wind speeds and specific power line requirements, we contribute to the development of resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of an evolving energy landscape.

Our offerings include traffic and sign structures that support traffic signals and overhead signage, specifically designed to facilitate efficient traffic flow and enhance public safety. Each structure is meticulously engineered to meet environmental conditions, such as wind and ice, as well as load requirements for lighting fixtures and signage. Additionally, our patented vibration mitigation technology improves roadway safety by reducing wind-induced vibrations and material fatigue, promoting long-term stability and durability.

We also provide comprehensive highway safety systems, including guardrail barriers, wire rope safety barriers, and crash attenuation barriers, primarily serving the Australian and Indian markets. These products are designed to enhance roadway safety, reduce the impact of collisions, and improve driver protection. Our L&T solutions

2

not only meet the technical, aesthetic, and safety requirements of modern infrastructure projects but also contribute to the development of cohesive and functional public spaces.

Markets

The key markets for our Infrastructure product lines benefit from various local, state, and federal government funding initiatives. Notably, the United States (“U.S.”) government is advancing long-term infrastructure improvements through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”) and the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”). These programs allocate resources to enhance the nation’s bridges, ensure public safety, update essential infrastructure, improve highway safety, and modernize the electrical grid to meet growing energy demands and support grid resiliency.

A significant market for our Infrastructure segment is the utility industry in North America, which is increasing investment in critical electrical grid upgrades to improve reliability, integrate renewable energy sources, and expand transmission capacity. Increasing electricity consumption, an aging grid, and the expansion of renewable energy sources have intensified the need for enhanced transmission infrastructure, which has historically struggled to keep pace with demand. According to the Edison Electric Institute, substantial investments will be required for the U.S. electrical transmission grid, particularly to replace aging assets and support electrification trends across industries. In response, we are strategically investing in our manufacturing capabilities and expanding our geographic presence to increase flexible production capacity. International markets are also experiencing rising electricity consumption, driven by urbanization, industrial growth, and electrification efforts, fueling demand for new electricity generation capacity and expanded transmission grids.

We also serve the transportation, commercial construction, and industrial markets. Our transportation product portfolio includes traffic structures, bridge systems, roadway and street lighting, and high-mast lighting. In the U.S., funding for transportation projects comes from a combination of state and federal sources, including the IIJA, which provides multi-year support for infrastructure investments. Public-private partnerships are also emerging as a viable funding option for major transportation projects. The U.S. has approximately four million miles of public roadways, with around 24% carrying over

3

80% of the nation’s traffic. As a result, improving traffic flow through efficient control measures and modern lighting solutions has become a key priority for many communities and government agencies.

The commercial construction market, which is predominantly privately funded, includes lighting for a variety of applications, such as parking lots, shopping centers, sports stadiums, and business parks. This market is influenced by macroeconomic factors, including overall economic growth, interest rates, and urban development trends. We have established long-term relationships with lighting and equipment manufacturers serving this market. Meanwhile, the industrial market is typically driven by investments in infrastructure, industrial facilities, and commercial construction.

Our Coatings business serves diverse markets and is not reliant on any single industry or external customer for profitability. A significant portion of demand comes from our internal operations, supporting other product lines. The demand for coatings services generally correlates with local industrial economic activity. Galvanizing remains essential for industrial applications that require corrosion protection for steel. Demand for painted products is more closely tied to consumer markets.

The Telecommunications market is driven by growing demand for wireless communication and data services. Our customers include wireless carriers, cell site operators, and state and federal agencies that require products for two-way radio communication, radar, broadcasting, and security applications. The continued expansion of 5G networks and rising connectivity needs are fueling long-term growth, requiring higher network density.

The Solar market is driven by the global shift towards renewable energy adoption and incentives for clean energy investments. As utilities accelerate the development of large-scale solar power projects and micro-grid applications, our single-axis solar tracker solutions will play a crucial role in maximizing energy production. Government policies, corporate sustainability commitments, and technological advancements are expected to continue to drive demand for this product line.

Competition

Our competitive strategy focuses on delivering high-value, innovative solutions to customers at competitive prices, emphasizing product quality, engineering expertise, exceptional customer service, and the timely, accurate delivery of our products. To achieve this, we leverage the production capacity across our extensive network of facilities, ensuring both quality and efficient service delivery.

The competitive landscape is dynamic, with numerous players operating in both North American and international markets. Pricing competition can be particularly intense during periods of weak demand or when fluctuations in local currencies create advantages for imported products. In the Infrastructure sector, sales are often determined through competitive bidding processes, with contracts awarded to the lowest bidder that meets all necessary qualifications. To maintain strong customer relationships, we establish preferred-provider arrangements with certain key customers, typically lasting between three to five years and often renewed.

The Coatings market is traditionally fragmented, consisting of many smaller, privately held companies competing on price and established customer relationships. Our strategy for this product line focuses on delivering high-quality coating finishes, superior service, and timely delivery of coated products.

In the Solar product line, we primarily compete with other mid-sized market participants. Our competitive edge lies in our service quality and our ability to integrate solutions from our Utility product line, enabling us to deliver comprehensive full-grid solutions. This integration allows us to offer complete, end-to-end solutions, distinguishing us from competitors that focus solely on a single product offering.

Distribution Methods

Our Infrastructure products are distributed through a combination of direct sales force and commissioned agents. Our sales team works closely with end-users and distributors, representing Valmont as well as light fixture and traffic signal manufacturers. This collaborative approach enables our agents to deliver a comprehensive package that includes poles, fixtures, and other equipment directly to the end-user. Commercial lighting, wireless communication, access systems, and highway safety products are sold by our internal sales teams or through independent commissioned agents. Utility and Solar products are typically sold directly to electrical utilities, developers, or energy providers, though some transactions are facilitated through commissioned sales agents.

4

Due to the high cost of freight, our galvanizing services are generally limited to a radius of about 300 to 500 miles. Although we are one of the world’s largest custom galvanizers, our sales account for only a small fraction of the overall galvanizing market. Each galvanizing location is supported by a dedicated sales team, ensuring personalized attention and responsiveness to our clients’ needs.

Agriculture Segment

Products

The most common type of mechanized irrigation machine is the center pivot, which rotates in a circular pattern. To accommodate different field shapes, we offer corner machines that irrigate the corners of square or rectangular fields. Additionally, linear machines move vertically across fields rather than rotating, offering versatility for a variety of field layouts. Our irrigation systems are highly customizable, capable of servicing fields from four to over 500 acres, with the standard configuration in the U.S. designed for a 160-acre tract. For international markets, our irrigation machines are largely consistent with those produced for North America, ensuring uniform quality and functionality. In addition to irrigation equipment, we also produce tubular products, primarily for industrial customers in the agriculture, transportation, and steel service sectors.

In fiscal 2021, we expanded our capabilities by acquiring Prospera Technologies, Ltd., a leading provider of artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for agronomic monitoring. We leverage this expertise to focus on irrigation optimization, machine health advancements, and predictive analytics. As pioneers of the mechanized irrigation industry, we maintain our leadership in innovation and remain at the forefront of integrating these technologies with our cloud-based platform. This approach delivers data-driven irrigation strategies tailored to each field and crop.

With AgSense^® remote monitoring and control, growers can manage irrigation and ancillary equipment in real time, optimizing operations based on weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and crop needs. These tools promote efficient water use, reduce waste, and help maintain optimal growing conditions. By providing actionable data insights, we empower growers to maximize productivity while conserving valuable resources.

Markets

The market drivers for mechanized irrigation systems are fundamentally similar across North American and international regions. Purchasing an irrigation system is a capital investment, with decisions based on the anticipated return on investment. Growers who invest in mechanized irrigation systems benefit from higher crop yields due to improved irrigation practices, reduced labor costs, and lower water and energy consumption. Key factors influencing these purchasing decisions include current and projected net farm income, commodity prices, interest rates, government support programs, financing availability, and regional water regulations. In many international markets, local currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar can impact net farm income, as export markets are often denominated in U.S. dollars. Additionally, government-sponsored irrigation initiatives aimed at food security further drive investments in mechanized irrigation systems.

The demand for mechanized irrigation arises from several sources: the conversion of traditional flood irrigation systems, the replacement of older mechanized systems that are beyond their useful life or technologically obsolete, and the transition from non-irrigated land to mechanized irrigation. Water scarcity is a key driver of demand in our Agriculture segment. It is estimated that only 2.5% of the world’s total water supply is freshwater, and of that, only 30% is accessible for human use. With agriculture consuming the majority of available freshwater, efficient irrigation is essential for sustainable food production.

5

These conditions—along with a growing global population, improving diets, and government-backed food security programs—highlight the need for water efficient farming solutions and increased food production. We believe that mechanized irrigation can improve water application efficiency by 40% to 90% compared to traditional methods by delivering water uniformly to the root zone and minimizing runoff. Reduced runoff not only conserves water but also improves the quality of adjacent rivers, aquifers, and streams, contributing environmental benefits and supporting vital water conservation efforts.

Competition

In North America, several companies provide irrigation products and services for agricultural customers. Our company is recognized as the leader among the four main participants in the mechanized irrigation industry. Competitors differentiate themselves based on product durability, reliability, pricing and value proposition, quality, and the service capabilities of local dealers. To help growers improve crop yields, we continuously innovate and expand our technology offerings to meet evolving customer needs.

Pricing in the industry can become highly competitive, particularly during periods of low demand. In international markets, our competition includes both major U.S. companies and privately owned local businesses. While the global competitive landscape is similar to that of North America, pricing often plays a more critical role. Recognizing the local nature of competition in international markets, we maintain manufacturing facilities in key regions, which enables us to compete effectively and meet region-specific demands.

Distribution Methods

We market our irrigation machines, technology offerings, and service parts through an extensive network of independent dealers. In North America, approximately 250 dealer locations serve our customers, with around 400 dealers covering international markets across more than 60 countries. Dealers assess growers’ needs, customize machine configurations, manage installation (including water and power systems), and provide ongoing support.

To ensure dealers can meet customer needs effectively, our technical and sales teams provide ongoing training and support. Internationally, our dealers receive additional support through regional operations in South America, South Africa, Western Europe, Australia, China, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as our manufacturing facility in Valley, Nebraska. This support structure allows us to deliver tailored solutions and maintain strong, lasting relationships with customers worldwide.

General

Certain information generally applicable to our two reportable segments is outlined below.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

We have achieved growth both organically and through acquisitions. Additionally, we continually refine our portfolio to enhance our operational focus. Our significant business acquisitions and divestitures during the past three fiscal years included the following (with the relevant segment noted):

2024

6

2023

2022

Suppliers and Availability of Raw Materials

Our primary raw materials include hot-rolled steel coil and plate, zinc, and other carbon steel products, all essential for manufacturing across our segments. We source these materials from steel mills, steel service centers, and zinc producers, where they are generally readily available. However, recently proposed trade policies and tariffs could increase the cost of goods purchased from Canada, China, and Mexico, potentially disrupting the availability of these key raw materials. While we may experience longer lead times and price fluctuations, we do not anticipate extended shortages of steel, zinc, or natural gas. Over the past several years, we have maintained strong relationships with major steel producers and have strategically sourced steel within the same continent as our manufacturing locations, helping us avoid significant or widespread shortages.

Patents, Licenses, Franchises, and Concessions

We hold patents for a variety of products, including manufacturing machinery, structures, solar trackers, highway guardrails, and irrigation systems. Additionally, we have registered trademarks associated with our products and services. While these intellectual properties are valuable to our business, we do not believe that the loss of any single patent or trademark would materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Seasonal Factors in Business

Sales in our business can be influenced by seasonal patterns tied to the agricultural growing season and the infrastructure construction season. For mechanized irrigation equipment, sales typically peak in spring and fall, aligning with farmers’ planting and harvesting periods, and are generally lower in the summer. In contrast, sales of infrastructure products tend to increase during the summer and fall, in line with the construction season, and are usually lower in the winter.

Customers

Our business does not depend on a single customer or a limited number of customers to generate a significant portion of revenue in any segment. As such, the loss of any one customer would not materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

7

Backlog

As of December 28, 2024, our backlog of orders for principal products was $1,436.7 million, compared to $1,465.5 million as of December 30, 2023. Backlog includes confirmed customer purchase orders and executed sales order contracts. We expect the majority of the fiscal 2024 backlog to be fulfilled in fiscal 2025. The total backlog by segment as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 was as follows:

Environmental Protection

We are subject to a range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment. Although we regularly incur expenses and make capital expenditures related to environmental compliance, we do not anticipate that these future expenditures will materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Number of Employees

As of December 28, 2024, we had a total of 10,986 employees.

Human Capital Resources

Our approach to human capital resources is outlined in our Code of Business Conduct, in our Human Rights Policy, and on our website at www.valmont.com. A company-wide commitment to customer service and innovation is essential to our success, enabling us to deliver the best value to our customers. Our employees are the foundation of our achievements, and we take pride in fostering a culture of passion and integrity that encourages everyone to excel and deliver results. We expect each employee to act responsibly and to treat one another with fairness and respect.

To meet customer demands, grow sales, and maintain a competitive edge, we rely on a skilled workforce and effective management. Essential skills include engineering, welding, equipment maintenance, and the operation of complex manufacturing machinery. Strong management talent is crucial for business growth and for succession planning, especially as key employees retire. As of December 28, 2024, we employed 6,355 individuals in the U.S. and 4,631 internationally.

When job openings arise, we prioritize internal candidates, rewarding dedicated members of our Valmont community with new opportunities. Our employees represent our richest talent resource. We give the highest level of attention to our succession and management development programs, with our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) reporting directly to the Board of Directors on these initiatives.

We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in bringing different perspectives to our global organization. We value the unique insights and experiences that a diverse workforce brings, and we actively seek employees who share our commitment to profitable development, improving corporate culture, and delivering sustainable business results. Our Human Rights Policy, available on our website, reflects our expectation that employees, suppliers, vendors, dealers, and distributors uphold our commitment to human rights. We prohibit discrimination based on age, race, disability, ethnicity, marital or family status, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

We are dedicated to voluntary employment and strictly prohibit all forms of compulsory labor, including child labor, forced labor, slavery, and human trafficking. Our respect for human rights is guided by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We fully comply with wage, work hours, overtime, and benefits laws. Our culture emphasizes the importance of a healthy and safe workplace, and we provide employees with confidential reporting channels through a secure third-party website. Employees also have access to health insurance, paid and unpaid leave, retirement plans, and coverage for life, disability, and accidents.

For more information, please refer to the “Governance” and “Sustainability” sections on our website, as well as the “Governance, Human Capital and Sustainability Highlights” section in our 2025 Proxy Statement.

8

Available Information

We provide a variety of financial reports and disclosures free of charge on the “Investors” page of our website at www.valmont.com. These materials include our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Reports are made available as soon as reasonably practicable after being electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Additionally, our website serves as a primary channel for distributing important information, including news releases, analyst presentations, and financial data. Please note that the information on our website is not, and will not be considered, part of this annual report on Form 10-K or incorporated into any other SEC filings.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors describe various risks that may affect our business, financial condition, and operations.

Economic and Business Risks

The ultimate consumers of our products operate in cyclical industries, which have experienced significant downturns that have adversely impacted our sales in the past and may do so again in the future.

Our sales are sensitive to market conditions in the industries where the ultimate consumers of our products operate. In some cases, these industries have been highly cyclical and subject to substantial downturns. For example, a significant portion of our sales of support structures is to the electric utility industry. In fiscal 2024, our sales to the U.S. electric utility industry were over $1.0 billion. Utilities may defer purchases of our products by reducing capital expenditures for reasons such as unfavorable regulatory environments, a slow U.S. economy, or financing constraints. If demand for utility structures weakens due to reduced or delayed spending on electrical generation and transmission projects, our sales and operating income are likely to decrease.

The end-users of our mechanized irrigation equipment are farmers. Economic changes within the agriculture industry, particularly fluctuations in farm income, can impact sales of these products. Lower levels of farm income have, at times, led to reduced demand for our mechanized irrigation and tubing products. Farm income decreases when commodity prices, acreage planted, crop yields, government subsidies, and export levels decline. Additionally, weather conditions—potentially worsened by climate change, such as extreme drought—can limit water availability for irrigation and influence farmers’ purchasing decisions. Higher energy and nitrogen-based fertilizer costs, driven by rising oil and natural gas prices, increase farmers’ operating expenses.

Furthermore, uncertainty regarding future government agricultural policies may lead to indecision among farmers. Changes in government farm support programs, financing aids, and irrigation water use policies can influence the demand for our irrigation equipment. In the U.S., certain regions are considering policies that may restrict water use for irrigation. These factors could prompt farmers to delay capital expenditures for farm equipment, potentially slowing or even reversing growth in irrigation equipment and tubing sales. In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasted U.S. net farm income for 2025 to be $180.1 billion, an increase of $41.0 billion (or 29.5%) compared to 2024. This rise is primarily due to an increase in direct government support payments, partially offset by lower cash receipts from corn and soybeans.

We have also experienced cyclical demand for products sold to the wireless communications industry. Sales of wireless structures and components to wireless carriers and build-to-suit companies that serve the industry have historically been cyclical. These customers may reduce spending on new capacity to focus on cash flow and capital management. Changes in the competitive structure of the wireless industry, due to industry consolidation or reorganization, may disrupt the capital plans of wireless carriers as they reassess their networks.

Due to the cyclical nature of these markets, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant fluctuations in sales and operating income for a substantial portion of our product offerings. These fluctuations could be material and adversely affect our overall financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

9

Changes in prices and reduced availability of key commodities such as steel, aluminum, zinc, natural gas, and fuel may increase our operating costs, likely reducing our net sales and profitability.

Hot-rolled steel coil and other carbon steel products have historically constituted approximately one-third of the cost of manufacturing our products. We also use large quantities of aluminum for lighting structures and zinc for galvanizing most of our steel products. Our facilities consume large amounts of natural gas for heating and processing tanks in our galvanizing operations. Additionally, we use gasoline and diesel fuel to transport raw materials to our locations and deliver finished goods to our customers. The markets for these commodities can be volatile. The following factors increase the cost and reduce the availability of these commodities:

Increases in the selling prices of our products may not fully recover higher commodity costs and generally lag increases in these costs. Consequently, an increase in commodity prices will increase our operating costs and likely reduce our profitability.

Rising steel prices, as seen in the first half of fiscal 2021 and the first quarter of fiscal 2023, can put pressure on gross profit margins, especially in our Infrastructure segment product lines. The time between the release of a customer’s purchase order and the manufacturing of the product can span several months. Since some sales in the Infrastructure segment are fixed-price contracts, rapid increases in steel costs likely result in lower operating income. Steel prices for both hot-rolled coil and plate can also decrease substantially in a given period, as occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and much of fiscal 2022. Steel is particularly significant for our Utility product line, where the cost of steel has accounted for approximately 50% of net sales on average. Assuming a similar sales mix, a hypothetical 20% change in the price of steel would have affected our net sales in this product line by approximately $110.0 million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.

We believe recent volatility stems from increased global steel production and shifting consumption patterns, particularly in fast-growing economies like China and India. The speed with which steel suppliers impose price increases on us may prevent us from fully recovering these price increases, particularly in our L&T and Utility businesses. Similarly, rapid decreases in steel prices can result in reduced operating margins in our Utility businesses due to long production lead times.

Demand for our infrastructure products, including coating services, is highly dependent on overall infrastructure spending.

We manufacture and distribute engineered infrastructure products for lighting, traffic, utility, and other specialty applications. Our Coatings product line serves various construction‑related industries. Because these products are primarily used in infrastructure projects, sales are closely tied to construction activity, which has historically been cyclical. Several factors can impact construction activity and, consequently, our sales, including:

The current economic uncertainty in the U.S. and Europe may negatively affect our business. In our L&T product line, some lighting structure sales depend on new residential and commercial developments. When construction in these sectors slows, our light pole sales may decline. Additionally, an economic downturn in Europe, Australia, or China could reduce demand if customers in these regions face credit challenges.

10

Our Infrastructure segment, particularly for lighting, transportation, and highway safety products, relies heavily on government funding. U.S. federal funding initiatives, such as the IIJA and IRA, bolster long-term demand for our products. However, the timing and distribution of federal infrastructure funds remain uncertain. Infrastructure spending may also decline due to factors beyond our control, including budget constraints, reduced tax revenues, and legislative delays affecting appropriations.

We are subject to currency fluctuations from our international sales, which can negatively impact our reported earnings.

We sell our products in many countries worldwide, with approximately 30% of our fiscal 2024 net sales occurring outside the U.S. These sales are often conducted in foreign currencies, primarily the Australian dollar, Brazilian real, Chinese renminbi, and euro. Because our Consolidated Financial Statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and these currencies will continue to impact our reported earnings. A weaker U.S. dollar enhances our reported earnings by increasing the value of foreign revenues, whereas a stronger U.S. dollar has the opposite effect. Currency fluctuations have affected our financial performance in the past and may continue to do so in future periods. Additionally, when local currencies strengthen, the cost of imported goods decreases, potentially affecting our ability to compete profitably in domestic markets.

We also face risks from foreign exchange controls and currency devaluations. Foreign exchange controls may limit currency conversion and restrict our ability to transfer funds from international subsidiaries. Currency devaluations can reduce the value of funds held in the affected currency. Such actions could materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition in any given period.

For further discussion on economic and business risks, including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices, please refer to the “Market Risk” section within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Our operations are subject to trade policies, tariffs, and trade agreements, and any further changes could adversely affect our business, potentially leading to a decline in sales and profits or the loss of certain foreign investments.

As a global manufacturing company, we operate over 80 manufacturing plants across six continents. In fiscal 2024, approximately 30% of our net sales came from markets outside of the U.S. Demand for our products and our profitability are influenced by global trade relations. We maintain a significant manufacturing presence in Australia, Brazil, Europe, and Mexico—regions affected by U.S. trade policies, including tariffs on a broad range of imports, as well as retaliatory measures from foreign governments, particularly China.

Recently proposed trade policies and tariffs could increase the cost of goods that we and our suppliers purchase from Canada, China, and Mexico, which would increase our cost of goods sold. Additionally, our Mexican operations play a vital role in our Infrastructure segment, exporting approximately $230.0 million of steel structures to the U.S. in fiscal 2024. Moreover, indirect effects of trade restrictions, such as China’s tariffs on imported soybeans impacting U.S. farm income, can reduce demand for our products.

On February 3, 2025, U.S. President Trump announced a one-month delay in imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico. Then, on February 10, 2025, he announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., set to take effect on March 4, 2025. These actions, along with any future legislation or measures by the U.S. federal government that restrict trade, such as additional tariffs, trade barriers, or other protectionist or retaliatory measures, could adversely impact our financial results, depending on their timing and duration.

Some of our international operations are in regions with political instability, such as the Middle East, or economic uncertainty, such as Western Europe. Managing operations across diverse geographic markets also requires hiring, training, and retaining skilled local management, which impacts both operational performance and financial reporting.

11

We expect international sales to continue representing a significant portion of our net sales. Consequently, our foreign business operations, sales, and profits will continue to be subject to the following risks:

As a result, we face the risk of losing foreign investments or experiencing a significant decline in sales and profits due to the challenges of operating in foreign markets.

Failure to comply with anti-corruption laws could result in fines, criminal penalties, and harm to our business.

We are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) Bribery Act, and other similar regulations. These laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from offering improper payments or anything of value to influence government officials or private individuals to gain a business advantage, regardless of local customs or legality. Global enforcement of anti-corruption laws has increased significantly in recent years. While we have a compliance program designed to mitigate the risk of violations, any breach of these laws could result in criminal or civil penalties, damage to our reputation, and a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and operations.

We could incur substantial costs due to violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws.

Our facilities and operations are subject to both U.S. and international environmental laws and regulations, including those governing air and water pollution, hazardous waste management and disposal, and contamination cleanup. Noncompliance with these laws or permit requirements could result in fines, civil or criminal penalties, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, and investigation or remediation costs. Future regulatory changes may also require significant expenditures for compliance.

Some of our facilities have operated for many years, during which we, and prior operators, have generated, used, handled, and disposed of hazardous materials. Contaminants have been detected at certain current and former sites, primarily linked to historical operations. Additionally, we have occasionally been identified as a potentially responsible party under Superfund or similar state laws. While we are not aware of any contaminated sites not accounted for in our Consolidated Financial Statements for known obligations, unforeseen contamination discoveries or additional cleanup requirements could result in liabilities beyond our current provisions.

Failure to successfully commercialize or protect our intellectual property rights may materially impact our business, financial condition, and operating results.

The commercialization and protection of our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, proprietary processes, and other technologies are essential to maintaining our competitive position. We rely on patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, and contractual restrictions to safeguard our intellectual property. However, our ability to successfully commercialize these rights, particularly for emerging technologies, depends on applying the right business strategies.

Our intellectual property protections may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, or deemed unenforceable. Third parties may infringe upon or misappropriate our rights, and enforcing them could lead to significant, unrecoverable litigation costs. Failure to effectively commercialize or protect our intellectual property could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.

12

We have been, and may continue to be, involved in litigation or threatened litigation, the outcomes of which can be difficult to predict. These matters can be costly to defend, divert management’s attention, require payment of damages, or restrict our business operations.

From time to time, we face disputes, with and without merit, that may result in significant costs and divert management’s focus and resources, even if the dispute does not proceed to litigation. The outcomes of complex legal proceedings are inherently uncertain. Additionally, complaints filed against us may not specify the damages sought, making it challenging to estimate a potential range of liabilities. Even when we can estimate losses, the actual amounts may be materially higher than expected. Resolving litigation or threatened litigation could result in substantial payments or agreements that limit our business operations. Even if we are liable in future lawsuits, the costs of defending such actions may be significant and could exceed the coverage limits or remain uncovered by our insurance policies.

Design patent litigation related to guardrails could reduce demand for these products and increase litigation risk.

Some of our foreign subsidiaries in India, New Zealand, and Australia manufacture highway safety products primarily for non-U.S. markets and license certain guardrail design patents to third parties. Currently, U.S. product liability lawsuits have been filed against companies that manufacture and install specific guardrail products, some of which involve a foreign subsidiary due to its design patent. This litigation could decrease demand for these products or affect government approvals for their use, both domestically and internationally. It may also increase litigation risks for our foreign subsidiaries, negatively impacting their sales and licensing revenue.

Liquidity and Capital Resources Risks

We have, from time to time, maintained a substantial amount of outstanding indebtedness, which could impair our ability to operate our business, respond to changes in our operations, comply with debt covenants, and make debt payments.

As of December 28, 2024, we had a total of $757.9 million in outstanding indebtedness, of which $2.9 million matures within the next five fiscal years. Additionally, as of December 28, 2024, we had $799.8 million in borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. We occasionally borrow funds for business acquisitions and share repurchases. At times, our borrowings have been significant, with the majority of our interest‑bearing debt incurred by U.S. entities. Rising interest rates have increased our borrowing costs.

Our level of indebtedness may have significant consequences, including:

The restrictions and covenants in our debt agreements may limit our ability to secure future financing, make necessary capital expenditures, withstand a downturn in our business or the economy, or conduct essential corporate activities. These covenants could prevent us from capitalizing on emerging business opportunities.

A breach of any of these covenants would constitute a default under the relevant debt agreement. If not waived, this could trigger immediate repayment obligations under that agreement and potentially accelerate repayment requirements under other agreements. If this occurs, the debt would become immediately due and payable. We may not have the funds to pay all such debt or to obtain sufficient financing to refinance it. Even if financing is available, the terms may not be favorable.

13

As of December 28, 2024, we had $164.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. Approximately 83% of our consolidated cash balance is held outside the U.S. Repatriating funds to meet U.S. cash needs could be subject to legal restrictions, tax liabilities, or contractual limitations. Additionally, as we use cash for acquisitions and other purposes, these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and future prospects.

We assumed an underfunded pension liability as part of the fiscal 2010 acquisition of Delta Ltd., which may require increased funding and impose restrictions on excess cash usage.

Delta Ltd. sponsors a U.K. defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”), which, as of December 28, 2024, covered approximately 5,150 former employees, either inactive or retired. The Plan has no active employee members. As of December 28, 2024, the Plan was overfunded by approximately £37.0 million ($46.5 million) for accounting purposes. Under the current agreement with the Plan trustees, we are obligated to provide annual funding of approximately £13.1 million ($16.7 million) to address the funding shortfall at the time of acquisition, along with an additional approximately £1.9 million ($2.5 million) for administrative expenses. Although this funding obligation was factored into the acquisition price of Delta, the Plan’s funding status may still have adverse effects on the combined company, including:

General Risks

Our businesses rely on skilled labor and management talent, and we may face challenges in attracting and retaining qualified employees.

Skilled factory workers and management are essential to meeting customer needs, driving sales growth, and maintaining competitive advantages. In some regions, shortages of workers with specific skills, such as welding, equipment maintenance, and operating complex machinery, have increased labor costs. Equally important is management talent, which is crucial for business growth and effective succession planning as key employees retire. In certain regions, it may be difficult to find skilled management for specific roles. If we struggle to attract and retain these critical skills, it could negatively impact our ability to grow profitably in the future.

We face strong competition in the markets we serve.

We experience competitive pressures from various companies across all our markets. Our competitors include both companies offering similar technologies and those providing alternative solutions, such as drip irrigation. These competitors range from international and national manufacturers to local ones, some of which may have greater financial, manufacturing, marketing, and technical resources, or deeper penetration and familiarity with specific geographic markets.

Additionally, certain competitors, particularly in our Utility and Telecommunications product lines, have sought bankruptcy protection in recent years. If they emerge with reduced debt obligations, they may be able to operate at lower prices, putting pressure on our margins. Some customers have also shifted manufacturing or sourcing operations overseas, negatively impacting our sales of galvanizing services.

To remain competitive, we must invest in manufacturing, product development, and customer service. At times, we may need to adjust pricing, particularly for customers in struggling industries. However, we cannot guarantee our competitive position in all markets.

14

We may not achieve the improved operating results we anticipate from future acquisitions, and we may face difficulties integrating the acquired businesses or inherit significant liabilities associated with them.

We regularly explore opportunities to acquire businesses that align with our core competencies, some of which may be material to us. We expect these acquisitions to result in better operating performance than we would otherwise achieve. However, we cannot guarantee that this expectation will be realized for any given acquisition.

Future acquisitions may present significant challenges for our management, requiring considerable time and resources to integrate key aspects of the acquired business, such as management, employees, information systems, accounting controls, personnel, and administrative functions, into Valmont. We may struggle to fully integrate and streamline overlapping functions, and even if we do succeed, the process may be more costly than initially anticipated. Additionally, integrating our product offerings with those of acquired businesses may prove difficult, and we may not be able to improve our collective product offering as expected.

Our integration efforts could be affected by factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions. Moreover, the integration process may disrupt or slow down the activities of our existing business. The diversion of management’s attention, along with any delays or challenges encountered during integration, could negatively impact our operations, results, and liquidity. In some cases, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition may never materialize.

Furthermore, although we conduct due diligence reviews of potential acquisitions, we may still be exposed to unexpected claims or liabilities, including environmental cleanup costs. These liabilities could be costly to defend or resolve and may be substantial, potentially having a material adverse effect on our business, results, and liquidity.

We may incur significant warranty or contract management costs.

In our Infrastructure segment, we manufacture large electrical transmission structures, which are often highly engineered for large, complex contracts. These contracts may include terms that penalize us for late delivery, leading to consequential and compensatory damages. Occasionally, product quality issues may arise on large utility structure orders, resulting in significant costs. Additionally, our Infrastructure segment includes structures for a variety of applications such as outdoor lighting, traffic, and wireless communication.

Our Agriculture products are covered by warranty provisions, some of which extend over several years. If widespread product reliability issues occur with certain components, we may face substantial costs to address the situation.

Our operations could be adversely affected if our information technology systems and networks are compromised or subjected to cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pose significant risks to the security of our information technology systems and networks. If these systems are breached, it could severely affect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data. As our operations involve transferring data across international borders, we must comply with complex and stringent standards to protect both business and personal data, including in the U.S. and European Union countries.

Our risk management strategy focuses on maintaining and protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information for both our business and customers. We rely on an information security program that includes a wide range of cybersecurity measures. More details about these measures can be found in Part I, Item 1C of this report. While these measures are designed to prevent, detect, respond to, and mitigate unauthorized activity, there is no guarantee they will be sufficient to prevent or mitigate the risks of a cyberattack—whether directly targeting our systems or through third-party service providers—or to enable us to detect, report, or respond in a timely and effective manner.

Successful cyberattacks or other security incidents could result in the loss of key innovations, such as artificial intelligence or Internet of Things technologies; loss of access to critical data or systems through ransomware, crypto mining, or destructive attacks; and business delays or service disruptions. These incidents could lead to legal risks, fines, penalties, negative publicity, theft, modification or destruction of proprietary information, defective products, production downtimes, and operational disruptions. All of these could harm our reputation and competitiveness, and materially affect our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.

15

Regulatory and business developments regarding climate change could adversely impact our operations and demand for our products.

Regulatory and business developments related to climate change could adversely affect our operations and the demand for our products. We closely monitor scientific discussions and legislative developments regarding climate change, including proposed regulations, to assess their potential impact on our business.

Ongoing debates about the presence and scope of climate change, along with increasing legislative and regulatory attention, are expected to continue. Our production processes and the market for our products are influenced by such laws and regulations. Compliance with these measures may result in higher costs for raw materials and transportation. Non-compliance could damage our reputation and further expose our operations and customers to significant risks.

Climate change also presents physical risks, such as the increased frequency of severe weather events and rising sea levels, which could disrupt operations at our manufacturing facilities. These events may cause unforeseen disruptions of systems, equipment, or overall operations.

Additionally, we are facing rising insurance premiums and costs, including for property, casualty, and business interruption insurance. This trend is partly driven by the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Insurers have responded by tightening underwriting standards, reducing coverage limits, and increasing premium rates, particularly for businesses with geographically diverse and asset-intensive operations like ours. Any reduction in insurance coverage limits or the introduction of policy exclusions increases our financial exposure to losses associated with casualty events, including extreme weather occurrences.

We may encounter challenges in quickly adjusting our manufacturing capacity to respond to sudden shifts in demand for Infrastructure products.

Producing large engineered structures for Infrastructure customers requires significant machinery and often necessitates operating our facilities at or near full capacity to achieve optimal utilization. As a result, if demand for specific structure types in the Utility market changes unexpectedly, our ability to adjust manufacturing capacity in the near term may be limited.

Establishing new manufacturing capacity or expanding existing capacity involves significant vendor lead times, capital investments, and customer approvals, all of which further delay our ability to respond to unexpected increases in demand. These limitations could lead to delays in order fulfillment, customer dissatisfaction, potential business loss, inventory imbalances, increased labor and material costs, reduced productivity, lower profit margins, reputational harm, and a weakened market position. If we are unable to effectively address these challenges, it could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

16

Governance

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our corporate headquarters are located in Omaha, Nebraska, and the facility is leased through fiscal 2046. It houses the majority of our executive offices, reportable segment business units, and administrative functions. Additionally, we maintain a management headquarters in Sydney, Australia. Most of our significant manufacturing locations are owned or are subject to long-term renewable leases. Our principal manufacturing locations are in Valley, Nebraska; McCook, Nebraska; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Brenham, Texas; Charmeil, France; Uberaba, Brazil; Monterrey, Mexico; Siedlce, Poland; Shanghai, China; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. All these facilities are owned by us, and we believe that our manufacturing capabilities and capacities are adequate to effectively serve our customers. Our capital spending programs focus on investments for replacement, achieving operational efficiencies, and expanding capacities where necessary. Our principal operating locations by reportable segment are listed below.

Infrastructure segment North American manufacturing operations are located in the following U.S. states, along with operations in Canada and Mexico: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. The largest operations are in Valley, Nebraska; Brenham, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Monterrey, Mexico, all of which are owned facilities. We also have communication component distribution locations in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Texas. Our international operations are located in Australia, China, England, Estonia, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, and Thailand. The largest of these operations are in Charmeil, France, and Shanghai, China, both of which are owned facilities.

Agriculture segment North American manufacturing operations are concentrated in Nebraska. Our principal manufacturing operations serving international markets are in Uberaba, Brazil; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shandong, China. All facilities are owned, except for China, which is leased.

Operations in the Other segment, which were divested in fiscal 2022, were located in Denmark.

17

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are not a party to any material legal proceedings, nor are any of our properties subject to such proceedings. From time to time, we are involved in routine litigation incidental to our business operations. For further information regarding legal proceedings, please refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following are the names, ages, positions, and business experiences over the last five years of our current executive officers:

Avner M. Applbaum, age 53

President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2023. Served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from March 2020 to July 2023. Previously, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Double E Group, an equipment manufacturer, from 2017 to March 2020.

Thomas Liguori, age 66

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August 2024. Served as Chief Financial Officer at Fortna, Inc., a supply chain optimization and automation company, from December 2022 to March 2024. Previously, Chief Financial Officer at Avnet, Inc., a global technology distributor and solutions provider, from 2018 to September 2022.

Diane M. Larkin, age 60

Executive Vice President of Global Operations since June 2020. Served as Senior Vice President of Operations and Global Supply at Pentair, a water treatment company, from 2017 to June 2020.

J. Timothy Donahue, age 60

Group President of Infrastructure since July 2023. Served as Executive Vice President of Corporate and Business Development from January 2023 to July 2023. Previously, President of Global Engineered Support Structures from December 2019 to January 2023.

Darryl Matthews, age 56

Group President of Agriculture since September 2024. Served as Senior Vice President of Natural Resources and Autonomy at Trimble, Inc., a company that provides integrated technology solutions for the agriculture, construction, and infrastructure industries, from September 2015 to December 2023.

Timothy P. Francis, age 48

Chief Accounting Officer since September 2024. Served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from July 2023 to August 2024 and Interim Chief Accounting Officer from December 2023 to August 2024. Previously, Senior Vice President and Finance Business Partner of Global Operations from June 2022 to July 2023, and Senior Vice President and Controller from June 2014 to June 2022.

Renee L. Campbell, age 55

Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Treasurer since February 2022. Served as Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications from October 2017 to February 2022.

Jennifer Paisley, age 47

Senior Vice President of Human Resources since August 2024. Served as Vice President of Total Rewards and HR Operations from September 2020 to August 2024. Previously, Senior Director of HR Operations and Benefits from January 2019 to September 2020.

Ellen S. Dasher, age 55

Vice President of Global Taxation since December 2015.

R. Andrew Massey, age 55

Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary since July 2006.

​

18

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “VMI.”

Holders

As of December 28, 2024, we had approximately 98,900 shareholders of common stock.

Dividends

Cash dividends on our common stock are paid quarterly. In fiscal 2024, we paid a total of $48.4 million in dividends, compared to $49.5 million in fiscal 2023. The Board of Directors determines whether to declare dividends, including their timing and amount, based on the Company’s financial condition and other relevant factors. We currently anticipate continuing to pay dividends at levels consistent with historical distributions.

Purchases of Equity Securities By the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, enacted on August 16, 2022, introduced a nondeductible 1% excise tax on the net value of certain stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the excise tax accrued totaled $0.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

​

19

ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward‑Looking Statements

Management’s discussion and analysis, along with other sections of this annual report, contain forward‑looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These 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, anticipated future developments, and other factors deemed to be relevant. However, these statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They are subject to risks, uncertainties (some beyond the Company’s control), and various assumptions.

Management believes these forward‑looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, many factors could cause actual financial results to differ materially from expectations. These factors include, among others, risk factors described in the Company’s reports to the SEC, as well as future economic and market conditions, industry trends, Company performance and financial results, operational efficiencies, availability and pricing of raw materials, availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing, domestic and international competition, and actions or policy changes by domestic and foreign governments.

The following discussion and analysis provide information that management considers relevant for assessing and understanding the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes.

This section primarily discusses fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, including year-over-year comparisons. Discussions regarding fiscal 2022 and associated comparisons, which are not included on Form 10-K, can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

​

20

FISCAL 2024 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 2023

Results of Operations

NM = not meaningful

Overview, Including Items Impacting Comparability

On a consolidated basis, net sales decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily due to lower net sales in the Agriculture segment, while net sales in the Infrastructure segment remained relatively flat.

On a consolidated basis, both gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. This growth was driven by higher gross profit in the Infrastructure segment, partially offset by a

21

decline in the Agriculture segment. Favorable factors in the Infrastructure segment, including steel deflation, strong commercial execution, and effective pricing strategies, were partially offset by lower volumes and pricing in the Agriculture segment, particularly in Brazil.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, management initiated a plan to streamline segment support across the Company and reduce costs through an organizational realignment program (the “Realignment Program”). The Realignment Program provided for a reduction in force through a voluntary early retirement program and other headcount reduction actions, which were completed by the end of fiscal 2023. The Board of Directors authorized the incurrence of cash charges up to $36.0 million in connection with the Realignment Program of which $35.2 million were incurred in fiscal 2023. Severance and other employee benefit costs totaled approximately $17.3 million within the Infrastructure segment, $9.1 million within the Agriculture segment, and $8.8 million within Corporate expense.

Consolidated selling, general, and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily driven by lower compensation costs, largely attributable to the Realignment Program in fiscal 2023.

In fiscal 2023, SG&A in the Agriculture segment included $4.9 million in amortization of identified intangible assets and $7.1 million in stock-based compensation expense from the Prospera subsidiary acquired in fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2024, Prospera intangible asset amortization was $0.4 million and stock-based compensation expense was $4.1 million.

Consolidated operating income increased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily due to the impairment of certain goodwill and intangible assets totaling $140.8 million and realignment charges totaling $35.2 million in fiscal 2023. The increase was further supported by lower SG&A resulting from the Realignment Program and increased gross profit.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

We continue to strategically enhance our portfolio through targeted acquisitions and divestitures, demonstrating our commitment to refining our business focus and driving value within our core segments.

Acquisitions

In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we acquired HR Products, a leading wholesale supplier of irrigation parts in Australia, for $37.3 million, included in the Agriculture segment.

Divestitures

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we divested George Industries, a coating and anodizing company in California previously included in the Infrastructure segment, resulting in a loss of $2.8 million recorded in “Other income (expenses)” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we divested our extractive business, which included the manufacturing and distribution of screening products for the mining and quarrying sectors in Australia and New Zealand, previously included in the Infrastructure segment, resulting in a loss of $1.7 million recorded in “Other income (expenses)” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we divested Torrent Engineering and Equipment Company, LLC, an Indiana-based integrator of prepackaged pump stations previously included in the Agriculture segment, resulting in a gain of $3.0 million recorded in “Other income (expenses)” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Impacts on Financial Results and Liquidity

We manufacture Utility structures in Mexico and ship them to customers in the U.S. In fiscal 2024, we imported approximately $230.0 million worth of fabricated steel structures from Mexico into the U.S. On February 10, 2025, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., effective March 4, 2025. The U.S.-Mexico tariff situation remains highly fluid, and we are assessing the duration and scope of this presidential order. At this time, we cannot predict whether additional tariffs will be imposed. Any U.S. tariffs on fabricated steel structures we produce are expected to apply to transfer prices from Mexico. These potential tariffs, along with possible retaliatory measures from Mexico, could have a material adverse impact on our future cost of goods sold and operating income. The ultimate effect will depend on the magnitude and duration of the tariffs, and we are actively assessing options to mitigate any potential impact.

22

We continue to monitor other macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties that have impacted or may impact our business, including inflationary cost pressures, supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations against the U.S. dollar, changing interest rates, ongoing international conflicts, and labor shortages. These factors could impact our operational costs, revenue, and financial stability. As conditions evolve, we are proactively adapting strategies to mitigate risks and ensure sufficient liquidity.

Reportable Segments

In addition to our two reportable segments, we had a business and related activities in fiscal 2022 that did not exceed 10% of consolidated sales, operating income, or assets. This included the offshore wind energy structures business, which was reported in the Other segment until its divestiture in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. For additional information, see Note 20 in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Backlog

As of December 28, 2024, the consolidated backlog of unshipped orders was approximately $1.4 billion, as compared to approximately $1.5 billion as of December 30, 2023. This decrease is attributed to slight decreases in both the Infrastructure and Agriculture segments.

Net Interest Expense

Consolidated net interest expense increased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, due to the increase in average outstanding borrowings on the revolving line of credit along with higher average interest rates.

Other Income / Expenses (Including Gain (Loss) on Deferred Compensation Investments)

Amounts in “Gain (loss) on deferred compensation investments” included changes in the market value of deferred compensation assets which were offset by an equal opposite amount included in SG&A for the corresponding change in the valuation of deferred compensation liabilities. Other items included in “Other income (expenses)” were pension expenses along with losses related to the sales of George Industries and the extractive business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 totaling approximately $4.5 million. Pension expense was $0.6 million and $0.2 million in fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 was 25.2% and 38.1%, respectively. In fiscal 2024, the effective tax rate was the result of changes in the geographical mix of earnings. In fiscal 2023, the higher effective tax rate was the result of goodwill impairment charges for which no tax benefits were recorded.

Infrastructure Segment

Infrastructure segment sales in fiscal 2024 were comparable to those in fiscal 2023. A significant decline in Solar product line volumes was offset by higher volumes in the Utility product line and increased average selling prices, particularly in the Utility product line. Regionally, Infrastructure segment sales grew in North America in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, but declined in international markets during the same period.

Sales in the Utility product line increased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, driven by a continued focus on commercial excellence and a favorable product mix, including higher volumes of distribution and substation products. These

23

factors more than offset the impact of steel index deflation on average selling prices. The overall product line growth occurred amid strong demand in the utility market, fueled by ongoing investments in the global energy transition and grid hardening efforts.

Lighting and Transportation product line sales decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. This decline was due to lower sales volumes caused by continued softness in the lighting market, the timing of transportation projects, and an unfavorable currency translation effect totaling approximately $1.9 million.

Coatings product line sales decreased slightly in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily due to lower sales volumes in international markets. These declines were partially offset by increased average selling prices.

Telecommunications product line sales decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, driven by lower sales volumes in the first half of fiscal 2024. However, sales volumes rebounded in the second half of fiscal 2024, supported by increased carrier spending amid a stabilizing North American market environment.

Solar product line sales decreased significantly in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. This decline was attributed to the non-recurrence of a large utility-scale project from fiscal 2023, a strategic decision in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 to exit certain low-margin projects, and an unfavorable foreign currency translation effect totaling approximately $1.4 million.

Infrastructure segment gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. These improvements were driven by a favorable product mix and commercial excellence, which resulted in higher average selling prices that more than offset the impact of steel index deflation.

Infrastructure segment SG&A decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. This reduction was primarily due to lower compensation costs as a result of the Realignment Program.

Infrastructure segment operating income increased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. This improvement was driven by higher gross profit and lower SG&A. In addition, we incurred severance costs totaling $17.3 million within the Infrastructure segment in fiscal 2023 related to the Realignment Program.

Agriculture Segment

In North America, Agriculture segment sales declined in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by lower tubular steel product sales, reflecting weakness in the North American agriculture market. Although sales of replacement irrigation equipment increased due to severe weather events earlier in fiscal 2024, these gains were partially offset by continued softness in the agriculture market, influenced by lower grain prices. Additionally, average selling prices for irrigation equipment were slightly lower compared to the prior year.

In international markets, Agriculture segment sales decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. This was driven by significantly lower sales in Brazil, where normalizing backlog levels and lower grain prices impacted growers’ purchasing decisions. The decline was further exacerbated by unfavorable foreign currency translation effects of $12.6 million. However, sales growth in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, along with incremental sales from the HR Products acquisition in fiscal 2023, partially offset these declines.

Sales of Technology Products and Services decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily due to lower hardware sales volumes.

Our Agriculture business remains cyclical and is influenced by factors such as changes in net farm income, commodity prices, weather volatility, geopolitical events, and farmer sentiment regarding future economic conditions. We

24

closely monitor these variables to assess their potential impacts on our financial performance, including estimated U.S. net farm income data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Brazil, we actively track fluctuations in grain prices and projected farm input costs to evaluate grower sentiment. Looking ahead, Irrigation Equipment and Parts sales in North America are expected to remain muted for fiscal 2025.

Agriculture segment gross profit decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily due to lower sales volumes, particularly in North America and Brazil, as well as an unfavorable geographic sales mix.

Agriculture segment SG&A decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily due to lower compensation costs, largely driven by the Realignment Program. Additionally, intangible asset amortization expenses declined as a result of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 impairment of certain Prospera amortizing proprietary technology.

Agriculture segment operating income increased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily due to a $137.3 million impairment of certain goodwill and other intangible assets in fiscal 2023. This increase was partially offset by lower sales volumes and decreased gross profit. Furthermore, in fiscal 2023, we incurred $9.1 million in severance costs within the Agriculture segment related to the Realignment Program.

Corporate

Corporate SG&A decreased in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023, primarily due to lower compensation costs resulting from the Realignment Program in fiscal 2023, as well as reduced incentive expenses. These reductions were partially offset by higher insurance expenses and increased technology costs.

In addition, in fiscal 2023, we incurred $8.8 million in severance and other employee benefit costs within Corporate expense as part of the Realignment Program.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital Allocation Philosophy

Our capital allocation priorities are intended to present a balanced approach to maintaining disciplined investments in organic and inorganic growth opportunities while delivering meaningful capital returns to shareholders over the next three to five years. These priorities are expected to be supported by our projected cash flow generation. We plan to allocate approximately 50% of operating cash flow to high-return growth opportunities, focused on:

We plan to allocate the remaining approximately 50% of operating cash flow to shareholder returns through the form of share repurchases and dividends.

We are committed to maintaining a capital structure that supports our investment-grade credit rating. As of the latest assessments, our credit ratings were Baa2 (stable outlook) by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., BBB- (stable outlook) by Fitch Ratings, Inc., and BBB+ (stable outlook) by S&P Global Ratings. To support these ratings, we aim to manage our debt-to-invested capital ratio within levels that reinforce our investment-grade status.

As of December 28, 2024, we had approximately $66.0 million of remaining capacity under our share repurchase program. Since May 2014, we have repurchased approximately 8.2 million shares for a total of $1,334.0 million under the program. Subsequent to year end, on February 18, 2025, we announced the Board of Directors increased the program’s authorized capacity by an additional $700.0 million, with no stated expiration date. These purchases will be funded through available cash balances and ongoing cash flows and will be made subject to market and economic conditions. We are not obligated to make any repurchases and may discontinue the program at any time. Additionally, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend on common stock of $0.68 per share, or an annualized rate of $2.72 per share, representing an increase of over 13%.

25

Supplier Finance Program

We have established a supplier finance program with a financial institution, allowing qualifying suppliers the option to sell their receivables from us to the financial institution under independently negotiated terms. Participation in the program is entirely voluntary for suppliers and does not affect our payment terms, amounts, timing, or liquidity. We have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to participate. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, our accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets included $45.6 million and $41.9 million, respectively, related to obligations under this program.

Sources of Financing

As of December 28, 2024, our available debt financing primarily included senior unsecured notes and a revolving credit facility.

Senior Unsecured Notes

As of December 28, 2024, our senior unsecured notes consisted of:

We retain the option to repurchase these notes by paying a make-whole premium. Both tranches are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries.

Revolving Credit Facility

Our revolving credit facility, managed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, has a maturity date of October 18, 2026. The facility provides up to $800.0 million in unsecured revolving credit, with $400.0 million available for borrowings in foreign currencies. An additional $300.0 million may be added to the facility, subject to lender commitments.

Authorized borrowers include the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Valmont Industries Holland B.V. and Valmont Group Pty. Ltd. Obligations under this facility are guaranteed by the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Valmont Telecommunications, Inc., Valmont Coatings, Inc., Valmont Newmark, Inc., and Valmont Queensland Pty. Ltd.

The interest rate on our borrowings will be, at our option, either:

plus, in each case, 0 to 62.5 basis points, depending on our credit rating; or

Additionally, a commitment fee is applied to the average daily unused portion of the facility, ranging from 10 to 25 basis points, based on our credit rating.

As of December 28, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. As of December 30, 2023, we had outstanding borrowings of $377.9 million under this facility. The facility includes a financial covenant that may limit

26

additional borrowing. As of December 28, 2024, we could borrow $799.8 million under the facility, after accounting for $0.2 million in standby letters of credit related to certain insurance obligations. Additionally, we maintain short‑term bank lines of credit totaling $30.9 million, with $29.2 million unused as of December 28, 2024.

Covenants and Compliance

Both our senior unsecured notes and revolving credit facility contain cross-default provisions, which allow for the acceleration of debt if we default on other indebtedness that also permits acceleration.

The revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a financial leverage ratio of 3.50 or lower, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. A temporary increase to 3.75 is permitted for the four fiscal quarters following a material acquisition. The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of: (a) interest-bearing debt, minus unrestricted cash in excess of $50.0 million (but not exceeding $500.0 million), to (b) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for non-cash stock-based compensation and non-recurring non-cash charges or gains, subject to certain limitations (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Additionally, in the event of an acquisition or divestiture, Adjusted EBITDA shall be computed on a pro forma basis, reflecting the transaction as if it had occurred on the first day of the period.

Additional covenants restrict activities such as incurring indebtedness, placing liens, engaging in mergers, making investments, selling assets, paying dividends, conducting affiliate transactions, and making debt prepayments. Customary events of default may trigger the acceleration of obligations, subject to grace periods where applicable.

As of December 28, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants related to these debt agreements. For detailed calculations of Adjusted EBITDA and the leverage ratio, please refer to the “Selected Financial Measures” section.

Cash Uses

Our primary cash needs include working capital, capital expenditures, debt service, taxes, and pension contributions. We may also pursue strategic investments, acquisitions, stock repurchases, or dividends, subject to market conditions and debt agreement restrictions.

In fiscal 2025, our primary cash requirements will include capital expenditures, pension contributions, lease payments, and interest on outstanding debt. We have committed to purchasing zinc, aluminum, and steel under unconditional purchase agreements aligned with our business needs. These contracts help stabilize costs amid fluctuating demand, and we plan to use the contracted amounts within the fiscal year. We expect fiscal 2025 capital expenditures to range from $140.0 million to $160.0 million. The increase in planned expenditures is driven by infrastructure-related growth opportunities. These investments will enhance output, improve adaptability to evolving needs, and expand manufacturing capacity, efficiency, and flexibility.

The following table outlines our material cash requirements, both current and long-term, as of December 28, 2024: