Valmont lifts annual earnings range as utility demand supports higher margins

Valmont Industries ($VMI) reported quarterly sales of $1.10 billion, up 5.5%, while operating profit increased 22.2% to $172.8 million. Earnings per share grew 25.3% to $6.24 and operating cash flow totaled $100.5 million. Demand in utility infrastructure and coatings supported the quarter’s performance. Capital spending was $45.6 million, including investment in North American capacity for utility-related products.

The company raised its full-year adjusted earnings-per-share range to $22.75–23.75 from $22.25–23.50, while leaving revenue guidance at $4.3–4.45 billion. That combination points to better expected profitability without a higher sales target. The outlook remains sensitive to assumptions around trade conditions and the timing of passing steel and zinc costs through to customers. Capacity investment is an operational commitment, but the announcement does not establish that all associated production capability is already available.

Sources:

• Valmont — issuer results and outlook