UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 201726, 2020
or
oTRANSITION 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)
47-0351813
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)
One Valmont Plaza,
Omaha,Nebraska
(Address
 68154-5215
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

68154-5215
(Zip (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 valueVMINew 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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post 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, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company”company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerx
Accelerated filer o
Non‑accelerated filero
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o

(Do not check if a
smaller reporting 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 o
No x
22,607,68021,252,810
Outstanding shares of common stock as of October 23, 201722, 2020

1



VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.


INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019
and thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 2020 and December 28,
2019
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended
September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen and
thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 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
  Page No.
 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
 
  
 ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016
  
 and thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 
 2016
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended 
 September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the thirty-nine 
 weeks ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016
 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
   
 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6.
   
   
   







VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
September 26,
2020
September 28,
2019
September 26,
2020
September 28,
2019
Product sales$657,703 $605,439 $1,874,199 $1,829,919 
Services sales76,267 84,901 222,779 253,431 
Net sales733,970 690,340 2,096,978 2,083,350 
Product cost of sales494,812 460,549 1,392,595 1,398,775 
Services cost of sales48,411 56,504 143,450 168,485 
Total cost of sales543,223 517,053 1,536,045 1,567,260 
Gross profit190,747 173,287 560,933 516,090 
Selling, general and administrative expenses129,268 112,223 372,481 338,950 
 Impairment of goodwill and trade names16,638 
Operating income61,479 61,064 171,814 177,140 
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense(10,454)(9,976)(30,566)(29,971)
Interest income430 969 1,931 2,815 
Gain on investments (unrealized)900 402 1,102 4,754 
Other233 768 1,349 1,938 
(8,891)(7,837)(26,184)(20,464)
Earnings before income taxes52,588 53,227 145,630 156,676 
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current14,968 11,675 42,922 31,668 
Deferred(2,884)1,388 (3,750)7,098 
12,084 13,063 39,172 38,766 
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries40,504 40,164 106,458 117,910 
Equity in loss of nonconsolidated subsidiaries(276)(755)
Net earnings40,228 40,164 105,703 117,910 
Less: earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests(886)(2,119)(825)(4,042)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$39,342 $38,045 $104,878 $113,868 
Earnings per share:
Basic$1.85 $1.76 $4.91 $5.24 
Diluted$1.84 $1.75 $4.89 $5.22 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 September 30,
2017
 September 24,
2016
 September 30,
2017
 September 24,
2016
Product sales$602,080
 $544,828
 $1,807,539
 $1,648,530
Services sales78,699
 65,419
 223,450
 198,571
Net sales680,779
 610,247
 2,030,989
 1,847,101
Product cost of sales462,854
 409,003
 1,366,875
 1,220,567
Services cost of sales54,331
 46,221
 152,635
 135,425
Total cost of sales517,185
 455,224
 1,519,510
 1,355,992
Gross profit163,594

155,023

511,479

491,109
Selling, general and administrative expenses103,671
 101,783
 308,764
 303,698
Operating income59,923
 53,240
 202,715
 187,411
Other income (expenses):       
Interest expense(11,190) (11,100) (33,312) (33,276)
Interest income1,311
 771
 3,205
 2,289
Other517
 878
 1,684
 452
 (9,362) (9,451) (28,423) (30,535)
Earnings before income taxes50,561
 43,789
 174,292
 156,876
Income tax expense:       
Current21,163
 18,017
 50,264
 51,276
Deferred(7,268) (3,749) 79
 (1,534)
 13,895
 14,268
 50,343
 49,742
Net earnings36,666
 29,521
 123,949
 107,134
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests(1,458) (1,348) (4,098) (3,966)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$35,208
 $28,173
 119,851
 103,168
Earnings per share:       
Basic$1.56
 $1.25
 $5.33
 $4.56
Diluted$1.55
 $1.24
 $5.28
 $4.54
Cash dividends declared per share$0.375
 $0.375
 $1.125
 $1.125
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - Basic (000 omitted)22,527
 22,505
 22,505
 22,602
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - Diluted (000 omitted)22,751
 22,659
 22,717
 22,741

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 EndedThirty-nine Weeks Ended
September 26,
2020
September 28,
2019
September 26,
2020
September 28,
2019
Net earnings40,228 40,164 105,703 117,910 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gain (loss)14,391 (23,781)(16,102)(20,466)
         Gain (loss) on hedging activities:
      Net investment hedges2,580 7,284 3,360 
Cash flow hedges(26)344 
Amortization cost included in interest expense(16)(16)(48)(48)
     Commodity hedges(21)(2,130)
     Realized gain on commodity hedges recorded in earnings1,329 1,329 
     Cross currency swaps(3,725)5,443 570 3,771 
Other comprehensive income (loss)10,624 (14,466)(7,952)(14,184)
Comprehensive income50,852 25,698 97,751 103,726 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(1,358)(1,297)(1,785)(3,390)
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$49,494 $24,401 $95,966 $100,336 




 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 September 30,
2017
 September 24,
2016
 September 30,
2017
 September 24,
2016
Net earnings$36,666
 $29,521
 $123,949
 $107,134
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:       
Foreign currency translation adjustments:       
Unrealized translation gain (loss)19,530
 770
 60,471
 (1,938)
Gain/(loss) on hedging activities:       
      Net investment hedge(740) 1,972
 (1,816) 4,897
Amortization cost included in interest expense19
 18
 56
 56
Other comprehensive income (loss)18,809
 2,760
 58,711
 3,015
Comprehensive income55,475
 32,281
 182,660
 110,149
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests(2,570) (1,618) (4,552) (5,732)
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$52,905
 $30,663
 $178,108
 $104,417
























See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
September 26,
2020
December 28,
2019
ASSETS   ASSETS
Current assets:   Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$493,490
 $399,948
Cash and cash equivalents$443,055 $353,542 
Receivables, net492,842
 439,342
Receivables, net502,004 480,000 
Inventories403,234
 350,028
Inventories448,088 418,370 
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets50,064
 57,297
Contract assetsContract assets113,254 141,322 
Prepaid expenses and other assetsPrepaid expenses and other assets51,745 32,043 
Refundable income taxes8,493
 6,601
Refundable income taxes6,947 
Total current assets1,448,123
 1,253,216
Total current assets1,558,146 1,432,224 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost1,169,854
 1,105,736
Property, plant and equipment, at cost1,295,639 1,245,261 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization647,430
 587,401
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization722,286 687,132 
Net property, plant and equipment522,424
 518,335
Net property, plant and equipment573,353 558,129 
Goodwill336,754
 321,110
Goodwill421,947 428,864 
Other intangible assets, net142,090
 144,378
Other intangible assets, net167,681 175,742 
Other assets160,780
 154,692
Other assets202,783 212,257 
Total assets$2,610,171
 $2,391,731
Total assets$2,923,910 $2,807,216 
   
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:   Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt$949
 $851
Current installments of long-term debt$1,922 $760 
Notes payable to banks197
 746
Notes payable to banks14,227 21,774 
Accounts payable216,104
 177,488
Accounts payable269,113 197,957 
Accrued employee compensation and benefits81,494
 72,404
Accrued employee compensation and benefits114,310 83,528 
Accrued expenses106,238
 89,914
Contract liabilitiesContract liabilities116,470 117,945 
Other accrued expensesOther accrued expenses97,539 83,736 
Income taxes payableIncome taxes payable724 
Dividends payable8,478
 8,445
Dividends payable9,614 8,079 
Total current liabilities413,460
 349,848
Total current liabilities623,919 513,779 
Deferred income taxes28,183
 35,803
Deferred income taxes51,280 58,906 
Long-term debt, excluding current installments754,202
 754,795
Long-term debt, excluding current installments779,788 764,944 
Defined benefit pension liability199,562
 209,470
Defined benefit pension liability113,380 140,007 
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities77,705 85,817 
Deferred compensation48,612
 44,319
Deferred compensation42,587 45,114 
Other noncurrent liabilities13,557
 14,910
Other noncurrent liabilities45,587 8,904 
Shareholders’ equity:   Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock of $1 par value -   
Authorized 500,000 shares; none issued
 
Common stock of $1 par value -   Common stock of $1 par value -
Authorized 75,000,000 shares; 27,900,000 issued27,900
 27,900
Authorized 75,000,000 shares; 27,900,000 issued27,900 27,900 
Additional paid in capitalAdditional paid in capital8,493 
Retained earnings1,974,601
 1,874,722
Retained earnings2,219,182 2,173,802 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(288,102) (346,359)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(322,334)(313,422)
Treasury stock(601,565) (612,781)Treasury stock(770,802)(743,942)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity1,112,834
 943,482
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity1,162,439 1,144,338 
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries39,761
 39,104
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries27,225 45,407 
Total shareholders’ equity1,152,595
 982,586
Total shareholders’ equity1,189,664 1,189,745 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$2,610,171
 $2,391,731
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$2,923,910 $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)
Thirty-nine weeks ended
September 26,
2020
September 28,
2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings$105,703 $117,910 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization61,523 60,424 
Noncash loss (gain) on trading securities39 (48)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment2,811 
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets16,638 
Stock-based compensation8,736 8,889 
Defined benefit pension plan benefit(5,401)(382)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan(17,398)(17,426)
         Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment(60)(465)
Equity in loss in nonconsolidated subsidiaries755 
Deferred income taxes(3,750)7,098 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables(26,298)(21,117)
Inventories(32,992)9,502 
Prepaid expenses and other assets(19,157)(14,451)
Contract assets28,597 (7,850)
Accounts payable63,627 (19,256)
Accrued expenses61,122 10,928 
Contract liabilities(1,475)118,973 
Other noncurrent liabilities20,982 (4,563)
Income taxes payable/refundable9,044 (8,936)
Net cash flows from operating activities273,046 239,230 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(70,960)(71,981)
Proceeds from sale of assets911 1,325 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(15,862)(81,841)
     Settlement of net investment hedges11,983 11,184 
Other, net2,543 2,117 
Net cash flows from investing activities(71,385)(139,196)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term agreements4,251 14,392 
Payments on short-term agreements(10,713)(5,108)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings88,872 31,000 
Principal payments on long-term borrowings(76,417)(10,578)
Dividends paid(27,316)(24,554)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest(5,642)(6,549)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest(55,916)(27,845)
Purchase of treasury shares(28,006)(55,172)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans980 3,211 
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises(77)(1,456)
Net cash flows from financing activities(109,984)(82,659)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(2,164)(3,385)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents89,513 13,990 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year353,542 313,210 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period$443,055 $327,200 
 Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 September 30,
2017
 September 24,
2016
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net earnings$123,949
 $107,134
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:   
Depreciation and amortization63,500
 61,242
Noncash loss on trading securities395
 973
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities
 618
Stock-based compensation7,300
 6,572
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
 (3,527)
Defined benefit pension plan expense481
 1,486
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan(26,064) (712)
Change in restricted cash - pension plan trust12,568
 (13,652)
       (Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment(732) 250
Deferred income taxes79
 (1,534)
Changes in assets and liabilities:   
Receivables(39,584) 16,436
Inventories(41,545) (34,413)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(11,636) (10,624)
Accounts payable28,895
 (11,338)
Accrued expenses20,157
 3,272
Other noncurrent liabilities(1,627) 240
Income taxes refundable(1,732) 4,831
Net cash flows from operating activities134,404
 127,254
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(39,898) (42,233)
Proceeds from sale of assets1,575
 3,938
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(5,362) 
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge5,123
 
Other, net(3,462) (2,824)
Net cash flows from investing activities(42,024) (41,119)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Net borrowings under short-term agreements(549) (128)
Principal payments on long-term borrowings(658) (1,563)
Dividends paid(25,386) (25,604)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest(3,895) (2,527)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
 (11,009)
Purchase of treasury shares
 (46,581)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans12,446
 6,509
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises(3,929) (1,453)
Net cash flows from financing activities(21,971) (82,356)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents23,133
 (3,478)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents93,542
 301
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year399,948
 349,074
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period$493,490
 $349,375

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 December 26, 2015$27,900
 $
 $1,729,679
 $(267,218) $(571,920) $46,770
 $965,211
Net earnings
 
 103,168
 
 
 3,966
 107,134
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 1,249
 
 1,766
 3,015
Cash dividends declared
 
��(25,482) 
 
 
 (25,482)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 (2,527) (2,527)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests
 (137) 
 
 
 (10,872) (11,009)
Purchase of treasury shares; 384,622 shares acquired
 
 
 
 (46,581) 
 (46,581)
Stock plan exercises; 10,747 shares acquired
 
 
 
 (1,453) 
 (1,453)
Stock options exercised; 68,631 shares issued
 (6,435) 4,582
 
 8,362
 
 6,509
Stock option expense
 4,358
 
 
 
 
 4,358
Stock awards; 6,725 shares issued
 2,214
 
 
 912
 
 3,126
Balance at September 24, 2016$27,900
 $
 $1,811,947
 $(265,969) $(610,680) $39,103
 $1,002,301
Balance at December 31, 2016$27,900
 $
 $1,874,722
 $(346,359) $(612,781) $39,104
 $982,586
Net earnings
 
 119,851
 
 
 4,098
 123,949
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 58,257
 
 454
 58,711
Cash dividends declared
 
 (25,417) 
 
 
 (25,417)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 (3,895) (3,895)
Stock plan exercises; 24,672 shares acquired
 
 
 
 (3,929) 
 (3,929)
Stock options exercised; 106,351 shares issued
 (7,300) 5,445
 
 14,301
 
 12,446
Stock option expense
 3,868
 
 
 
 
 3,868
Stock awards; 6,034 shares issued
 3,432
 
 
 844
 
 4,276
Balance at September 30, 2017$27,900
 $
 $1,974,601
 $(288,102) $(601,565) $39,761
 $1,152,595
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 6/29/2019 (1)$27,900 $$2,123,754 $(303,072)$(728,680)$45,272 $1,165,174 
Net earnings— — 38,045 — — 2,119 40,164 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — (13,645)— (821)(14,466)
Cash dividends declared ($0.375 per share)— — (8,085)— — — (8,085)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests— — — — — (2,090)(2,090)
Purchase of treasury shares; 126,734 shares acquired— — — — (16,822)— (16,822)
Stock plan exercises; 4,403 shares acquired— — — — (629)— (629)
Stock options exercised; 12,586 shares issued— (2,514)2,190 — 1,791 — 1,467 
Stock option expense— 600 — — — — 600 
Stock awards; 223 shares issued— 1,914 — — — 1,919 
Balance at 9/28/2019 (1)$27,900 $$2,155,904 $(316,717)$(744,335)$44,480 $1,167,232 
Balance at June 27, 2020$27,900 $$2,194,916 $(332,486)$(763,495)$25,867 1,152,702 
Net earnings— — 39,342 — — 886 40,228 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 10,152 — 472 10,624 
Cash dividends declared ($0.45 per share)— — (9,614)— — — (9,614)
Purchase of treasury shares; 60,645 shares acquired— — — — (7,525)— (7,525)
Stock plan exercises; 580 shares acquired— — — — (72)— (72)
Stock options exercised; 2,616 shares issued— 5,461 (5,462)— 257 — 256 
Stock option expense— 686 — — — — 686 
Stock awards; 253 shares issued— 2,346 — — 33 — 2,379 
Balance at September 26, 2020$27,900 $8,493 $2,219,182 $(322,334)$(770,802)$27,225 $1,189,664 



(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 $$2,067,811 $(303,185)$(692,549)$75,761 $1,175,738 
Net earnings— — 113,868 — — 4,042 117,910 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — (13,532)— (652)(14,184)
Cash dividends declared ($1.125 per share)— — (24,424)— — — (24,424)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests— — — — — (6,549)(6,549)
Impact of ASC 842 adoption
— — (8,886)— — — (8,886)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest— 277 — — — (28,122)(27,845)
Purchase of treasury shares; 433,463 shares acquired— — — — (55,172)— (55,172)
Stock plan exercises; 10,499 shares acquired— — — — (1,456)— (1,456)
Stock options exercised; 28,493 shares issued— (7,756)7,535 — 3,432 — 3,211 
Stock option expense— 2,056 — — — — 2,056 
Stock awards; 10,550 shares issued— 5,423 — — 1,410 — 6,833 
Balance at 9/28/2019 (1)$27,900 $$2,155,904 $(316,717)$(744,335)$44,480 $1,167,232 
Balance at 12/28/2019 (1)$27,900 $$2,173,802 $(313,422)$(743,942)$45,407 $1,189,745 
Net earnings— — 104,878 — — 825 105,703 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — (8,912)— 960 (7,952)
Cash dividends declared ($1.35 per share)— — (28,837)— — — (28,837)
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; 251,136 shares acquired— — — — (28,006)— (28,006)
Stock plan exercises; 617 shares acquired— — — — (77)— (77)
Stock options exercised; 4,100 shares issued— 244 — — 736 — 980 
Stock option expense— 1,909 — — — — 1,909 
Stock awards; 8,957 shares issued— 6,340 — — 487 — 6,827 
Balance at 9/26/2020 (1)$27,900 $8,493 $2,219,182 $(322,334)$(770,802)$27,225 $1,189,664 

(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 September 30, 2017,26, 2020, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and Comprehensive Income, and Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 201726, 2020 and September 24, 2016,28, 2019, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Shareholders' Equity for the thirty-nine 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 September 30, 201726, 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 31, 2016.28, 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 31, 2016.28, 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 September 30, 201726, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
Inventories
Approximately 36% and 38% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. All other inventoryInventory 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. The excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value is approximately $40,886 and $38,047 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Inventories consisted of the following:
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
September 26,
2020
December 28,
2019
Raw materials and purchased parts$175,222
 $143,659
Raw materials and purchased parts$153,708 $158,314 
Work-in-process35,126
 27,291
Work-in-process25,335 38,088 
Finished goods and manufactured goods233,772
 217,125
Finished goods and manufactured goods269,045 221,968 
Subtotal444,120
 388,075
Less: LIFO reserve40,886
 38,047
$403,234
 $350,028
448,088 418,370 


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)




(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Income Taxes
The impact of the change from LIFO to FIFO on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiariesComprehensive Income for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 201728, 2019 is as follows:

Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
(in 000's, except earnings per share)As Previously ReportedRetrospectively AdjustedAdjustmentAs Previously ReportedRetrospectively AdjustedAdjustment
Cost of sales514,254517,0532,7991,561,7211,567,2605,539
Operating income63,86361,064(2,799)182,679177,140(5,539)
Income tax expense13,76313,063(700)40,15138,766(1,385)
Net earnings attributed to Valmont Industries, Inc40,14438,045(2,099)118,022113,868(4,154)
Comprehensive (loss) income27,79725,698(2,099)107,880103,726(4,154)
Net earnings per diluted share1.851.75(0.10)5.415.22(0.19)
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 ReportedAdjustmentRetrospectively 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 thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 24, 2016,28, 2019, were as follows:
Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
2020201920202019
United States$33,610 $42,098 $141,347 $128,878 
Foreign18,978 11,129 4,283 27,798 
$52,588 $53,227 $145,630 $156,676 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 2017 2016 2017 2016
United States$28,886
 $21,550
 $115,082
 $105,390
Foreign21,675
 22,239
 59,210
 51,486
 $50,561
 $43,789
 $174,292
 $156,876

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 thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 201726, 2020 and September 24, 201628, 2019 were as follows:
Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
Net periodic (benefit) expense:2020201920202019
Interest cost$3,285 $4,075 $9,569 $12,602 
Expected return on plan assets(5,887)(4,815)(17,149)(14,893)
Amortization of actuarial loss748 617 2,179 1,909 
Net periodic (benefit) expense$(1,854)$(123)$(5,401)$(382)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
Net periodic (benefit) expense:2017 2016 2017 2016
Interest cost$4,676
 $6,092
 $13,475
 $19,134
Expected return on plan assets(5,277) (5,565) (15,208) (17,648)
Amortization of actuarial loss768
 
 2,214
 
Net periodic expense$167
 $527
 $481
 $1,486


Stock Plans

The Company maintains stock‑basedstock-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, non-vestedrestricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and bonuses of common stock. At September 30, 2017, 704,81826, 2020, 1,189,407 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the plans. Shares and options issued and available are subject to changes in capitalization.
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 of the grant.


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 (Continued)
anniversary. Expiration of grants is from seven to ten 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 thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 201726, 2020 and September 24, 2016,28, 2019, respectively, were as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks EndedThirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
2017 2016 2017 20162020201920202019
Compensation expense$1,290
 $1,399
 $3,868
 $4,358
Compensation expense$3,065 $2,519 $8,736 $8,889 
Income tax benefits496
 539
 1,489
 1,678
Income tax benefits766 630 2,184 2,222 
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‑levelthree-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 September 26, 2020 of $39,283$33,709 ($35,78436,290 at December 31, 2016)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.

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 (Continued)
The Company's ownership of shares in Delta EMD Pty. Ltd. (JSE:DTA) is also classified as trading securities. The shares are valued at $1,779$172 and $2,016$210 as of September 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 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 September 26, 2020Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Trading Securities$33,881 $33,881 $$
Derivative financial instruments, net3,548 3,548 

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, net3,247 3,247 

11


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

   Fair Value Measurement Using:
 Carrying Value
September 30, 2017
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:       
Trading Securities$41,062
 $41,062
 $
 $
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.
   Fair Value Measurement Using:
 Carrying Value
December 31,
2016
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:       
Trading Securities$37,800
 $37,800
 $
 $

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 September 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016:28, 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)(17,062)8,150 (8,912)
Balance at September 26, 2020$(249,637)$22,226 $(94,923)$(322,334)

    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
 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Gain/(Loss) on Hedging Activities Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at December 31, 2016$(251,228) $7,978
 $(103,109) $(346,359)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)60,017
 (1,760) 
 58,257
Balance at September 30, 2017$(191,211) $6,218
 $(103,109) $(288,102)










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 (Continued)

Net Investment Hedge
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company entered into a one-year foreign currency forward contract which qualified as a net investment hedge, in order to mitigate foreign currency risk on a portion of our investments denominated in British pounds. The forward contract had a notional amount to sell British poundsSegment and receive $44,000, and matured in May 2017. The realized gain of $5,123 ($3,150 after tax) has been deferred in other comprehensive income where it will remain until the Company's net investments in its British subsidiaries are divested. No ineffectiveness resulted from the hedge prior to its maturity.
In the third quarter of 2017, the Company entered into two six-month foreign currency forward contracts which qualified as net investment hedges, in order to mitigate foreign currency risk on our grinding media business that is denominated in both Australian dollars and British pounds. The Company announced its intention to divest of this business in August 2017 and regulatory approval in Australia is currently pending. The forward contracts have a maturity date of January 2018 and a notional amount to sell Australian dollars and British pounds to receive $27,000 and $18,500, respectively. The unrealized loss recorded at September 30, 2017 is $740 and is included in Accounts Payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. No ineffectiveness has resulted from the hedge and the balance is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income within gain/(loss) on hedging activities. When the forward contract matures, the realized gain/(loss) will be deferred in Other Comprehensive Income where it will remain until the grinding media business is divested.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, Product Line Revenue Recognition.
    The new revenue recognition standard requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitledglobal Utility segment revenues are derived from manufactured steel and concrete structures for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This standard is effective for interimNorth America utility industry and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017,offshore and can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment asother complex structures used in energy generation and distribution outside of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted for interimUnited States. Steel and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position. One area under assessment is the timing of revenue recognition for the Company’s product lines thatconcrete utility structures are custom engineered to a single customer’scustomer 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 asset can be usedcustomer 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 another customer. These product lines reside in the Utility and Engineered Support Structures segments.communication structures. When the terms and conditions allowcustomer 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 Companyremaining wireless communication product line customers which do not provide a contractual right to bill a customer for full compensationwork completed on a canceled order, for the performance completed to date, revenue will beis recognized over the production period and not the current practice which is upon shipment or timedelivery of deliverythe goods to the customer.customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed.
    The Companyglobal Coatings segment revenues are derived by providing coating services to customers’ products, which include galvanizing, anodizing, and powder coating. Revenue is also evaluatingrecognized once the necessary changescoating service has been performed and the goods are ready to its internal control processesbe picked up or delivered to recognize revenue overthe customer which is the same time using an inputs based model after adoption. Based onthat the current statuscustomer is billed.
    The global Irrigation segment revenues are derived from the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the evaluation, the adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the amounts or timing of revenueagricultural industry and tubular products for industrial customers. Revenue recognition for the Company’s other segments.  The Company expects to adoptirrigation segment is generally upon shipment of the new standard using the modified retrospective approach effective January 1, 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which provides revised guidance on leases requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equalgoods to the present value of lease payments. For income statement purposes,customer which is the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will resultsame point in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). Classification will be based on criteriatime that the customer is billed. The remote monitoring subscription services are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines. ASU 2016-02primarily billed annually and revenue is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and is to be appliedrecognized on a modified retrospective transition. The Companystraight-line basis over the subsequent twelve months.
    Disaggregation of revenue by product line is currently evaluatingdisclosed in the effectSegment footnote. A breakdown by segment of adopting this new accounting guidance but expectsrevenue recognized over time and at a point in time for the adoption will result in a significant increase in total assetsthirteen and liabilities.thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 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 September 26, 2020Thirteen weeks ended September 26, 2020Thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020Thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020
Utility Support Structures$43,287 $229,192 $56,830 $667,070 
Engineered Support Structures244,785 10,160 697,491 33,693 
Coatings68,698 199,955 
Irrigation133,999 3,849 430,729 11,210 
  Total$490,769 $243,201 $1,385,005 $711,973 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Point in TimeOver TimePoint in TimeOver Time
Thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2019Thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2019Thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2019Thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2019
Utility Support Structures$3,418 $200,778 $43,642 $612,821 
Engineered Support Structures252,501 13,993 713,574 38,454 
Coatings76,922 228,242 
Irrigation139,093 3,635 436,907 9,710 
  Total$471,934 $218,406 $1,422,365 $660,985 

The Company's contract asset as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 was $113,254 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 September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, the contract liabilities for revenue recognized over time was $153,619 and $117,945, respectively. At September 2020, $116,470 is recorded as contract liabilities and $37,149 is recorded as other noncurrent liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020, the Company recognized $16,333 and$55,610 of revenue that was included in the liability as of December 28, 2019. In Augustthe thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2019, the Company recognized $314 and $2,242 of revenue that was included in the liability as of December 29, 2018. The revenue recognized was due to applying advance payments received for performance obligations completed during the period.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Guarantors Disclosures

    In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, ClassificationNo. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash PaymentsCredit 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 Statement of Cash Flows, which provides more specific guidance on cash flow presentation for certain transactions. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted.expected credit losses. The Company does not expect the provisions of this new standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and plans to adopt it in the first quarter of 2018.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2017-04 is effective for periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company adopted this standard in the third quarter of 2017 which is the same period as it performs the annual goodwill impairment testing.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Presentation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Related to Defined Benefit Plans, which amends the income statement presentation requirements for the components of net periodic benefit cost for an entity's defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans. ASU 2017-07 is effective for periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of any annual period for which an entity's financial statements have not been issued. The Company does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and plans to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2018.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. ASU 2017-12 is effective for periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for any interim period post issuance.2020. The Company does not believe the adoption of thisthe ASU willNo. 2016-13 did not have a materialsignificant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.


14


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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



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 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 July 31, 2017,May 29, 2020, the Company purchased Aircon Guardrails Private Limitedacquired 55% of Energia Solar do Brasil ("Aircon"Solbras") for $5,362 in cash, net$4,308. Approximately $646 of cash acquired, plus assumed liabilities. Aircon produces highway safety systems including guardrails, structural metal products,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 structural products in India with annual sales of approximately $10,000.energy solutions for agriculture. In the preliminary purchase price allocation, goodwill of $3,327$3,341 and $2,109 of customer relationships of $3,718 were recorded and other intangible assets were recorded.the remainder is net working capital. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. This business is includedpurposes 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 Engineered Support StructuresIrrigation segment to include not only pivots, but also a sustainable and was acquiredlow-cost energy source to expandprovide electricity to the Company's geographic presence in the Asia-Pacific region.units. The Company expects to finalize the purchase price allocation in the fourth quarter of 2017.2020. 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 April 2016,February 2020, the Company acquired the remaining 30%49% of IGC Galvanizing Industries (M) Sdn BhdAgSense that it did not own for $5,841.$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 June 2016,the first quarter of 2020, the Company acquired 5.2%16% of the remaining 10%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 $5,168. $4,763.

As these transactions were for acquisitionsthe acquisition of partall or allpart of the remaining shares of a consolidated subsidiariessubsidiary with no change in control, they were recorded within shareholders' equity and as a financing cash flowactivity in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.



3) RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
In April 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a broad restructuring plan (the "2015 Plan") to respond to the market environment in certain businesses. During fiscal 2016, the Company incurred pre-tax restructuring charges of $4,581 as it completed the 2015 Plan.     

In 2016, the Company identified and executed further region specific restructuring activities (the "2016 Plan") and incurred $5,045 of pre-tax restructuring expenses in cost of sales and $2,780 of pre-tax restructuring expense in SG&A in 2016. Within the total $7,825, were pre-tax asset impairments of $1,099. The 2016 Plan was primarily completed by year-end 2016. The Energy and Mining segment incurred $1,607, the Coatings segment incurred $305, and Corporate incurred approximately $225 of restructuring expenses during the third quarter of 2016. A significant change in market conditions in any of the Company's segments may affect the Company's assessment of necessity for further restructuring activities.
Liabilities recorded for the restructuring plans and changes therein for the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 were as follows:
15
  Balance at December 31, 2016 Recognized Restructuring Expense Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled Balance at September 30, 2017
Severance $1,597
 $
 $(1,597) $
Other cash restructuring expenses 4,581
 
 (3,377) 1,204
   Total $6,178
 $
 $(4,974) $1,204




VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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



(3) RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
    The Company is executing a restructuring program focused on certain regional restructuring activities (the "2020 Plan") of up to $20,000 expected to occur across all segments to reduce employment levels (including a U.S. specific early retirement program for administrative employees) and exit under-performing locations.

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

ESSUtilityCoatingsCorporateTotal
Severance$$$289 $$289 
Other cash restructuring expenses267 564 831 
Asset impairments312 241 553 
   Total cost of sales579 1,094 1,673 
Severance30 30 
Other cash restructuring expenses902 160145 1,207 
  Total selling, general and administrative expenses902 190 145 1,237 
      Consolidated total$902 $579 $1,284 $145 $2,910 

    In the first nine-months of 2020, the Company recognized the following pre-tax restructuring expenses:

ESSUtilityCoatingsCorporateTotal
Severance$399 $$424 $$823 
Other cash restructuring expenses48 1,070 596 1,714 
Asset impairments2,570 2412,811 
   Total cost of sales447 3,640 1,261 5,348 
Severance242 613 85 221 1,161 
Other cash restructuring expenses1,675 160 145 1,980 
  Total selling, general and administrative expenses1,917 613 245 366 3,141 
      Consolidated total$2,364 $4,253 $1,506 $366 $8,489 

    Liabilities recorded for the restructuring plans were as follows:
Recognized Restructuring ExpenseCosts Paid or Otherwise SettledBalance at September 26, 2020
Severance$1,984 $1,984 $
Other cash restructuring expenses3,694 2,891 803 
   Total$5,678 $4,875 $803 


16


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

(4) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Amortized Intangible Assets
The components of amortized intangible assets at September 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 201628, 2019 were as follows:
September 30, 2017September 26, 2020
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Weighted
Average
Life
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Weighted
Average
Life
Customer Relationships$200,269
 $126,845
 13 yearsCustomer Relationships$232,511 $148,198 13 years
Proprietary Software & Database3,687
 3,111
 8 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology6,633
 3,859
 11 yearsPatents & Proprietary Technology25,240 7,699 14 years
Other4,807
 4,032
 3 yearsOther7,492 6,553 4 years
$215,396
 $137,847
 $265,243 $162,450 

December 31, 2016December 28, 2019
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Weighted
Average
Life
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Weighted
Average
Life
Customer Relationships$191,316
 $111,342
 13 yearsCustomer Relationships$237,626 $149,720 13 years
Proprietary Software & Database3,616
 3,056
 8 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology6,434
 3,420
 11 yearsPatents & Proprietary Technology24,068 6,358 14 years
Other3,713
 3,668
 3 yearsOther8,054 7,035 5 years
$205,079
 $121,486
 $269,748 $163,113 
Amortization expense for intangible assets for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 201726, 2020 and September 24, 2016,28, 2019, respectively was as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
2017 2016 2017 2016
4,025
 3,964
 11,792
 12,037
Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
2020201920202019
$4,518 $4,484 $13,621 $13,506 
Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite‑livedfinite-lived intangible assets is as follows:
 Estimated
Amortization
Expense
2017$15,823
201814,492
201913,718
202012,608
202110,474
Estimated
Amortization
Expense
2020$17,687 
202115,005 
202213,027 
202311,086 
20249,446 
The useful lives assigned to finite‑livedfinite-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

17


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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



(4) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)
Non-amortized intangible assets
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized.amortized and consist solely of trade names. The carrying valuesvalue of trade names at September 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016 were28, 2019 are as follows:
September 26,
2020
December 28,
2019
Year Acquired
Newmark$11,111 $11,111 2004
Webforge7,489 9,143 2010
Convert Italia S.p.A8,721 8,378 2018
Valmont SM8,317 7,966 2014
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products7,261 7,454 2010
Walpar3,500 3,500 2018
Shakespeare4,000 4,000 2014
Other14,489 17,555 
$64,888 $69,107 
 September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 Year Acquired
Webforge$9,362
 $8,624
 2010
Valmont SM9,839
 8,765
 2014
Newmark11,111
 11,111
 2004
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products7,633
 7,032
 2010
Donhad5,758
 5,305
 2010
Shakespeare4,000
 4,000
 2014
Industrial Galvanizers2,390
 2,201
 2010
Other14,448
 13,747
  
 $64,541
 $60,785
  

In its determination of these intangible assets as indefinite‑lived,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 2017.2020. The values of each trade name was determined using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this evaluation, no0 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 2 trade names in fiscal 2020.
Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of September 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 201628, 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 
   Acquisitions1,100 5,038 6,138 
Asset impairment(12,575)(12,575)
Foreign currency translation(1,605)1,629 (409)(95)(480)
Balance at September 26, 2020$195,784 $118,968 $77,116 $30,079 $421,947 

The Company’s annual impairment test of goodwill was performed during the third quarter of 2020, using primarily the discounted cash flow method. The estimated fair value of all of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying value, so 0 goodwill was impaired.


18
 Engineered
Support
Structures
Segment
 Energy & Mining Segment Utility
Support
Structures
Segment
 Coatings
Segment
 Irrigation
Segment
  Total
Balance at December 31, 2016$94,314
 $72,212
 $75,404
 $59,569
 $19,611
  $321,110
Foreign currency translation4,568
 6,704
 
 951
 94
  12,317
Acquisitions3,327
 
 
 
 
  3,327
Balance at September 30, 2017$102,209
 $78,916
 $75,404
 $60,520

$19,705
  $336,754








VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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



(4) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)
The Company’s annual impairment testIn April 2020, the price of goodwill wasa 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 duringin conjunction with the third quarter of 2017, using the discounted cash flow method. As a result of that testing,executed restructuring activities required the Company determined that its goodwill was not impaired, asto re-assess the valuationfinancial 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 reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. The Company's offshore and other complex steel structures reporting unit with $14,645 of goodwill, istest showed that the reporting unit with the smallest cushion betweenunit's carrying value was higher than its estimated fair value and its carrying value. Sales and profitability amounts forAccordingly, the first nine monthsCompany recorded a $12,575 impairment of 2017 approximated the amountsaccess system's goodwill in the 2016 annual impairment model. The 2017 model assumes continued expansion into other highly engineered steel product offerings, such as utility support structures, where the reporting unit completed profitable projects in the past. The Company will continue to monitor the outlook for wind energy in Europe and oil and natural gas prices, which will affect the sales demand assumptions in the five year model for this reporting unit. If demand for off and onshore structures for wind energy changes significantly, the Company will perform an interim impairment test for goodwill. The Company also tracks changes in the global economy that could impact future operating resultssecond quarter of any of its reporting units.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 thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 201726, 2020 and September 24, 201628, 2019 were as follows:
20202019
Interest$20,298 $19,440 
Income taxes35,803 39,850 
 2017 2016
Interest$22,732
 $24,036
Income taxes52,823
 47,954

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 September 26, 2020:
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$39,342 $$39,342 
Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)21,309 107 21,416 
Per share amount$1.85 $(0.01)$1.84 
Thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2019:
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$38,045 $$38,045 
Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)21,556 128 21,684 
Per share amount$1.76 $(0.01)$1.75 
Thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$104,878 $$104,878 
Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)21,358 95 21,453 
Per share amount$4.91 $(0.02)$4.89 
Thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2019:
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$113,868 $$113,868 
Weighted average shares outstanding (000's)21,725 101 21,826 
Per share amount$5.24 $(0.02)$5.22 
 Basic EPS Dilutive
Effect of
Stock
Options
 Diluted EPS
Thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2017:     
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$35,208
 $
 $35,208
Shares outstanding (000 omitted)22,527
 224
 22,751
Per share amount$1.56
 $(0.01) $1.55
Thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2016:     
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$28,173
 $
 $28,173
Shares outstanding (000 omitted)22,505
 154
 22,659
Per share amount$1.25
 $(0.01) $1.24
Thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2017:     
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$119,851
 $
 $119,851
Shares outstanding (000 omitted)22,505
 212
 22,717
Per share amount$5.33
 $(0.05) $5.28
Thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2016:     
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$103,168
 $
 $103,168
Shares outstanding (000 omitted)22,602
 139
 22,741
Per share amount$4.56
 $(0.02) $4.54

At September 24, 2016,26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, there were 378,566296,966 and 177,153 outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.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
(7)    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 September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 are as follows:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:Balance sheet locationSeptember 26, 2020December 28, 2019
Foreign currency forward contractsPrepaid expenses and other assets$1,021 $2,119 
Cross currency swap contractsPrepaid expenses and other assets2,527 1,128 
$3,548 $3,247 
    Gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019 are as follows:
Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
Statements of earnings locationSeptember 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
Commodity forward contractsProduct cost of sales$$(1,329)$$(1,425)
Foreign currency forward contractsOther income116 123 146 827 
Foreign currency forward contractsProduct sales1,017 1,169 
Interest rate hedge amortizationInterest expense(16)(16)(48)(48)
Cross currency swap contractsInterest expense649 769 2,111 2,096 
$1,766 $(453)$3,378 $1,450 
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 2 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 2 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.
(8) BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The accounting principles usedCompany has 4 reportable segments based on its management structure. Each segment is global in nature with a manager responsible for segment operational performance and the preparationallocation of capital within the segment informationsegment. Net corporate expense is net of certain service-related expenses that are allocated to business units generally on the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements as disclosed in Note 1, except that the segment assets and income reflect the FIFO basis of accounting for inventory. Certain inventories are accounted for using the LIFO basis in the consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of 2017, the Company changed its reportable segment operating income to separate out the LIFO expense (benefit). Prior year financial information has been updated to reflect this change.employee headcounts.

Reportable segments are as follows:


ENGINEERED SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture and distribution of engineered metal
structures and composite poles, towers, and components for the global lighting, traffic, and traffic, wireless communication and roadway safety
industries;

ENERGY AND MINING: This segment, all outside of the United States, consists of the manufacture of
markets, engineered access systems, applications, forged steel grinding media, onintegrated structure solutions for smart cities, and offshore oil, gas, and wind energy structures;highway safety products;


UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and
concrete structures for the global utility industry;transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment;

COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, painting, and anodizing services to preserve and powder coating services on a globalprotect metal products; and
basis; and

IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment, and related
parts, and services for the global agricultural industry and tubular products, water management solutions, and technology for industrial customers.precision agriculture.

The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based upon operating income and invested capital. The Company does not allocate LIFO expense, interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments.

21


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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



(7) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued)
Summary by Business
Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
September 26,
2020
September 28,
2019
September 26,
2020
September 28,
2019
SALES:
Engineered Support Structures segment:
Lighting, Traffic, and Highway Safety Products$181,571 $191,262 $534,585 $530,021 
    Communication Products50,677 48,391 139,759 138,710 
Access Systems23,408 28,405 65,439 88,363 
Engineered Support Structures segment255,656 268,058 739,783 757,094 
Utility Support Structures segment:
Steel156,082 153,433 482,430 460,309 
Concrete39,215 28,011 120,653 88,415 
Engineered Solar Tracker Solutions43,287 3,418 56,830 43,642 
Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures35,809 20,096 71,265 66,343 
Utility Support Structures segment274,393 204,958 731,178 658,709 
Coatings segment87,886 92,957 255,976 278,142 
Irrigation segment:
    North America75,803 82,840 281,397 294,127 
    International63,406 61,340 165,171 158,054 
        Irrigation segment139,209 144,180 446,568 452,181 
Total757,144 710,153 2,173,505 2,146,126 
INTERSEGMENT SALES:
Engineered Support Structures segment711 1,564 8,599 5,066 
Utility Support Structures segment1,914 762 7,278 2,246 
Coatings segment19,188 16,035 56,021 49,900 
Irrigation segment1,361 1,452 4,629 5,564 
Total23,174 19,813 76,527 62,776 
NET SALES:
Engineered Support Structures segment254,945 266,494 731,184 752,028 
Utility Support Structures segment272,479 204,196 723,900 656,463 
Coatings segment68,698 76,922 199,955 228,242 
Irrigation segment137,848 142,728 441,939 446,617 
Total$733,970 $690,340 $2,096,978 $2,083,350 
OPERATING INCOME:
Engineered Support Structures segment$25,434 $21,825 $46,183 $55,152 
Utility Support Structures segment25,881 20,362 75,255 61,443 
Coatings segment12,416 13,865 33,618 39,037 
Irrigation segment14,687 18,204 60,701 59,868 
Corporate(16,939)(13,192)(43,943)(38,360)
Total$61,479 $61,064 $171,814 $177,140 

22
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 September 30,
2017
 September 24,
2016
 September 30,
2017
 September 24,
2016
SALES:       
Engineered Support Structures segment:       
Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products$175,184
 $159,089
 $498,034
 $468,582
Communication Products46,324
 44,095
 121,613
 115,489
Engineered Support Structures segment221,508
 203,184
 619,647
 584,071
Energy and Mining segment:       
Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures25,046
 27,330
 75,372
 76,207
Grinding Media19,800
 20,681
 60,466
 61,189
Access Systems34,909
 33,541
 99,096
 97,297
Energy and Mining segment79,755
 81,552
 234,934
 234,693
Utility Support Structures segment:       
Steel160,948
 131,085
 471,072
 379,157
Concrete18,811
 19,582
 67,921
 67,275
Utility Support Structures segment179,759
 150,667
 538,993
 446,432
Coatings segment82,593
 70,082
 235,842
 213,961
Irrigation segment147,428
 127,809
 502,939
 438,575
Total711,043
 633,294
 2,132,355
 1,917,732
INTERSEGMENT SALES:       
Engineered Support Structures segment11,736
 10,076
 48,399
 29,202
Energy & Mining segment6
 319
 6
 3,386
Utility Support Structures segment1,231
 276
 2,448
 538
Coatings segment14,913
 10,079
 44,230
 31,778
Irrigation segment2,378
 2,297
 6,283
 5,727
Total30,264
 23,047
 101,366
 70,631
NET SALES:       
Engineered Support Structures segment209,772
 193,108
 571,248
 554,869
Energy & Mining segment79,749
 81,233
 234,928
 231,307
Utility Support Structures segment178,528
 150,391
 536,545
 445,894
Coatings segment67,680
 60,003
 191,612
 182,183
Irrigation segment145,050
 125,512
 496,656
 432,848
Total$680,779
 $610,247
 $2,030,989
 $1,847,101
        
OPERATING INCOME:       
Engineered Support Structures segment$16,226
 $20,323
 $45,683
 $53,615
Energy & Mining segment1,417
 3,941
 9,195
 9,184
Utility Support Structures segment22,108
 16,195
 65,005
 48,201
Coatings segment14,577
 11,696
 36,091
 37,132
Irrigation segment18,235
 15,308
 83,196
 75,216
Adjustment to LIFO inventory valuation method(1,626) (2,066) (2,839) (3,192)
Corporate(11,014) (12,157) (33,616) (32,745)
Total$59,923
 $53,240
 $202,715
 $187,411


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company has three 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”), excluding its other current domestic and foreign subsidiaries which do not guarantee the debt (collectively referred to as the “Non-Guarantors”). All Guarantors are 100% owned by the parent company.

Consolidated financial information for the Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is as follows:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2017
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Net sales$284,538
 $113,243
 $343,818
 $(60,820) $680,779
Cost of sales216,039
 88,757
 272,959
 (60,570) 517,185
Gross profit68,499
 24,486
 70,859
 (250) 163,594
Selling, general and administrative expenses46,451
 12,046
 45,174
 
 103,671
Operating income22,048
 12,440
 25,685
 (250) 59,923
Other income (expense):         
Interest expense(10,884) (3,989) (306) 3,989
 (11,190)
Interest income268
 9
 5,023
 (3,989) 1,311
Other1,379
 11
 (873) 
 517
 (9,237) (3,969) 3,844
 
 (9,362)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries12,811
 8,471
 29,529
 (250) 50,561
Income tax expense (benefit):         
Current9,030
 3,082
 9,059
 (8) 21,163
Deferred(3,474) 
 (3,794) 
 (7,268)
 5,556
 3,082
 5,265
 (8) 13,895
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries7,255
 5,389
 24,264
 (242) 36,666
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries27,953
 9,965
 
 (37,918) 
Net earnings35,208
 15,354
 24,264
 (38,160) 36,666
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (1,458) 
 (1,458)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc$35,208
 $15,354
 $22,806
 $(38,160) $35,208

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 30, 2017
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Net sales$893,988
 $352,827
 $967,130
 $(182,956) $2,030,989
Cost of sales666,060
 271,620
 764,607
 (182,777) 1,519,510
Gross profit227,928
 81,207
 202,523
 (179) 511,479
Selling, general and administrative expenses143,590
 35,555
 129,619
 
 308,764
Operating income84,338
 45,652
 72,904
 (179) 202,715
Other income (expense):         
Interest expense(32,672) (10,040) (640) 10,040
 (33,312)
Interest income563
 33
 12,649
 (10,040) 3,205
Other3,900
 42
 (2,258) 
 1,684
 (28,209) (9,965) 9,751
 
 (28,423)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries56,129
 35,687
 82,655
 (179) 174,292
Income tax expense (benefit):         
Current19,487
 13,184
 17,612
 (19) 50,264
Deferred2,065
 
 (1,986) 
 79
 21,552
 13,184
 15,626
 (19) 50,343
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries34,577
 22,503
 67,029
 (160) 123,949
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries85,274
 15,281
 
 (100,555) 
Net earnings119,851
 37,784
 67,029
 (100,715) 123,949
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (4,098) 
 (4,098)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc$119,851
 $37,784
 $62,931
 $(100,715) $119,851


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2016
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Net sales$261,928
 $89,305
 $300,648
 $(41,634) $610,247
Cost of sales199,957
 66,401
 230,561
 (41,695) 455,224
Gross profit61,971
 22,904
 70,087
 61
 155,023
Selling, general and administrative expenses46,183
 11,073
 44,527
 
 101,783
Operating income15,788
 11,831
 25,560
 61
 53,240
Other income (expense):         
Interest expense(10,920) (6) (174) 
 (11,100)
Interest income68
 12
 691
 
 771
Other1,370
 12
 (504) 
 878
 (9,482) 18
 13
 
 (9,451)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries6,306
 11,849
 25,573
 61
 43,789
Income tax expense (benefit):         
Current6,112
 5,095
 6,762
 48
 18,017
Deferred(5,321) 
 1,572
 
 (3,749)
 791
 5,095
 8,334
 48
 14,268
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries5,515
 6,754
 17,239
 13
 29,521
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries22,658
 
 
 (22,658) 
Net earnings28,173
 6,754
 17,239
 (22,645) 29,521
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (1,348) 
 (1,348)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc$28,173
 $6,754
 $15,891
 $(22,645) $28,173



VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2016
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Net sales$837,137
 $277,990
 $873,673
 $(141,699) $1,847,101
Cost of sales619,493
 205,497
 671,202
 (140,200) 1,355,992
Gross profit217,644
 72,493
 202,471
 (1,499) 491,109
Selling, general and administrative expenses133,207
 33,583
 136,908
 
 303,698
Operating income84,437
 38,910
 65,563
 (1,499) 187,411
Other income (expense):         
Interest expense(32,768) (9) (499) 
 (33,276)
Interest income181
 51
 2,057
 
 2,289
Other1,694
 39
 (1,281) 
 452
 (30,893) 81
 277
 
 (30,535)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries53,544
 38,991
 65,840
 (1,499) 156,876
Income tax expense (benefit):         
Current22,086
 13,909
 15,762
 (481) 51,276
Deferred(1,834) 
 300
 
 (1,534)
 20,252
 13,909
 16,062
 (481) 49,742
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries33,292
 25,082
 49,778
 (1,018) 107,134
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries69,876
 7,859
 
 (77,735) 
Net earnings103,168
 32,941
 49,778
 (78,753) 107,134
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (3,966) 
 (3,966)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc$103,168
 $32,941
 $45,812
 $(78,753) $103,168


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2017
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Net earnings$35,208
 $15,354
 $24,264
 $(38,160) $36,666
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:         
Foreign currency translation adjustments:         
        Unrealized translation gain (loss)
 (3,613) 23,143
 
 19,530
Unrealized gain/(loss) on hedging activities:         
     Net investment hedge(740) 
 
 
 (740)
     Amortization cost included in interest expense19
 
 
 
 19
Equity in other comprehensive income18,418
 
 
 (18,418) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)17,697
 (3,613) 23,143
 (18,418) 18,809
Comprehensive income (loss)52,905
 11,741
 47,407
 (56,578) 55,475
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (2,570) 
 (2,570)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$52,905
 $11,741
 $44,837
 $(56,578) $52,905

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 30, 2017
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Net earnings$119,851
 $37,784
 $67,029
 $(100,715) $123,949
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:         
Foreign currency translation adjustments:         
        Unrealized translation gain (loss)
 64,411
 (3,940) 
 60,471
Unrealized gain/(loss) on hedging activities:         
     Net investment hedge(1,816)   
 
 (1,816)
     Amortization cost included in interest expense56
 
 
 
 56
Equity in other comprehensive income60,017
 
 
 (60,017) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)58,257
 64,411
 (3,940) (60,017) 58,711
Comprehensive income (loss)178,108
 102,195
 63,089
 (160,732) 182,660
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (4,552) 
 (4,552)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$178,108
 $102,195
 $58,537
 $(160,732) $178,108


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2016
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Net earnings$28,173
 $6,754
 $17,239
 $(22,645) $29,521
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:         
Foreign currency translation adjustments:         
        Unrealized translation gain (loss)
 (114) 884
 
 770
Unrealized gain/(loss) on hedging activities:         
     Net investment hedge1,972
 
 
 
 1,972
     Amortization cost included in interest expense18
 
 
 
 18
Equity in other comprehensive income500
 
 
 (500) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)2,490
 (114) 884
 (500) 2,760
Comprehensive income (loss)30,663
 6,640
 18,123
 (23,145) 32,281
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (1,618) 
 (1,618)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$30,663
 $6,640
 $16,505
 $(23,145) $30,663

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2016
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Net earnings$103,168
 $32,941
 $49,778
 $(78,753) $107,134
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:         
Foreign currency translation adjustments:         
        Unrealized translation gain (loss)
 (263) (1,675) 
 (1,938)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on hedging activities:         
      Net Investment Hedge
4,897
 
 
 
 4,897
     Amortization cost included in interest expense56
 
 
 
 56
Equity in other comprehensive income(3,704) 
 
 3,704
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)1,249
 (263) (1,675) 3,704
 3,015
Comprehensive income (loss)104,417
 32,678
 48,103
 (75,049) 110,149
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (5,732) 
 (5,732)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$104,417
 $32,678
 $42,371
 $(75,049) $104,417

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2017
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
ASSETS         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$118,499
 $4,167
 $370,824
 $
 $493,490
Receivables, net152,290
 69,781
 270,771
 
 492,842
Inventories141,774
 46,747
 219,046
 (4,333) 403,234
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets8,903
 1,023
 40,138
 
 50,064
Refundable income taxes8,493
 
 
 
 8,493
Total current assets429,959
 121,718
 900,779
 (4,333) 1,448,123
Property, plant and equipment, at cost558,484
 158,087
 453,283
 
 1,169,854
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization369,620
 82,708
 195,102
 
 647,430
Net property, plant and equipment188,864
 75,379
 258,181
 
 522,424
Goodwill20,108
 110,562
 206,084
 
 336,754
Other intangible assets144
 32,204
 109,742
 
 142,090
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts1,392,533
 1,180,732
 1,029,831
 (3,603,096) 
Other assets47,613
 
 113,167
 
 160,780
Total assets$2,079,221
 $1,520,595
 $2,617,784
 $(3,607,429) $2,610,171
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY         
Current liabilities:         
Current installments of long-term debt$
 $
 $949
 $
 $949
Notes payable to banks
 
 197
 
 197
Accounts payable59,467
 8,032
 148,605
 
 216,104
Accrued employee compensation and benefits40,760
 8,293
 32,441
 
 81,494
Accrued expenses44,896
 9,222
 52,120
 
 106,238
Dividends payable8,478
 
 
 
 8,478
Total current liabilities153,601
 25,547
 234,312
 
 413,460
Deferred income taxes15,617
 
 12,566
 
 28,183
Long-term debt, excluding current installments750,933
 185,674
 10,060
 (192,465) 754,202
Defined benefit pension liability
 
 199,562
 
 199,562
Deferred compensation43,077
 
 5,535
 
 48,612
Other noncurrent liabilities3,159
 5
 10,393
 
 13,557
Shareholders’ equity:         
Common stock of $1 par value27,900
 457,950
 648,682
 (1,106,632) 27,900
Additional paid-in capital
 166,789
 1,107,536
 (1,274,325) 
Retained earnings1,974,601
 684,532
 636,283
 (1,320,815) 1,974,601
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(288,102) 98
 (286,906) 286,808
 (288,102)
Treasury stock(601,565) 
 
 
 (601,565)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity1,112,834
 1,309,369
 2,105,595
 (3,414,964) 1,112,834
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
 
 39,761
 
 39,761
Total shareholders’ equity1,112,834
 1,309,369
 2,145,356
 (3,414,964) 1,152,595
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$2,079,221
 $1,520,595
 $2,617,784
 $(3,607,429) $2,610,171

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2016
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
ASSETS         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$67,225
 $6,071
 $326,652
 $
 $399,948
Receivables, net134,351
 60,522
 244,469
 
 439,342
Inventories126,669
 45,457
 182,056
 (4,154) 350,028
Prepaid expenses13,271
 880
 43,146
 
 57,297
Refundable income taxes6,601
 
 
 
 6,601
Total current assets348,117
 112,930
 796,323
 (4,154) 1,253,216
Property, plant and equipment, at cost547,076
 153,596
 405,064
 
 1,105,736
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization352,960
 76,776
 157,665
 
 587,401
Net property, plant and equipment194,116
 76,820
 247,399
 
 518,335
Goodwill20,108
 110,561
 190,441
 
 321,110
Other intangible assets184
 35,953
 108,241
 
 144,378
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts1,279,413
 901,758
 1,089,369
 (3,270,540) 
Other assets43,880
 
 110,812
 
 154,692
Total assets$1,885,818
 $1,238,022
 $2,542,585
 $(3,274,694) $2,391,731
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY         
Current liabilities:         
Current installments of long-term debt$
 $
 $851
 $
 $851
Notes payable to banks
 
 746
 
 746
Accounts payable52,272
 15,732
 109,484
 
 177,488
Accrued employee compensation and benefits34,508
 7,243
 30,653
 
 72,404
Accrued expenses30,261
 15,242
 44,411
 
 89,914
Dividends payable8,445
 
 
 
 8,445
Total current liabilities125,486
 38,217
 186,145
 
 349,848
Deferred income taxes22,481
 
 13,322
 
 35,803
Long-term debt, excluding current installments751,251
 
 3,544
 
 754,795
Defined benefit pension liability
 
 209,470
 
 209,470
Deferred compensation39,476
 
 4,843
 
 44,319
Other noncurrent liabilities3,642
 5
 11,263
 
 14,910
Shareholders’ equity:        

Common stock of $1 par value27,900
 457,950
 648,683
 (1,106,633) 27,900
Additional paid-in capital
 159,414
 1,107,536
 (1,266,950) 
Retained earnings1,874,722
 646,749
 603,338
 (1,250,087) 1,874,722
Accumulated other comprehensive income(346,359) (64,313) (284,663) 348,976
 (346,359)
Treasury stock(612,781) 
 
 
 (612,781)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity943,482
 1,199,800
 2,074,894
 (3,274,694) 943,482
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
 
 39,104
 
 39,104
Total shareholders’ equity943,482
 1,199,800
 2,113,998
 (3,274,694) 982,586
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$1,885,818

$1,238,022
 $2,542,585
 $(3,274,694) $2,391,731

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 30, 2017
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net earnings$119,851
 $37,784
 $67,029
 $(100,715) $123,949
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:         
Depreciation and amortization19,600
 11,130
 32,770
 
 63,500
Noncash loss on trading securities
 
 395
 
 395
  Stock-based compensation7,300
 
 
 
 7,300
Defined benefit pension plan expense
 
 481
 
 481
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan
 
 (26,064) 
 (26,064)
Decrease in restricted cash - pension plan trust
 
 12,568
 
 12,568
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment(725) 59
 (66) 
 (732)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries(85,274) (15,281) 
 100,555
 
Deferred income taxes2,065
 
 (1,986) 
 79
Changes in assets and liabilities:         
Receivables(16,190) (9,259) (14,135) 
 (39,584)
Inventories(15,105) (1,290) (25,329) 179
 (41,545)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(2,501) (144) (8,991) 
 (11,636)
Accounts payable7,196
 (7,700) 29,399
 
 28,895
Accrued expenses20,887
 (4,971) 4,241
 
 20,157
Other noncurrent liabilities(381) 
 (1,246) 
 (1,627)
Income taxes payable (refundable)(11,403) 802
 8,869
 
 (1,732)
Net cash flows from operating activities45,320
 11,130
 77,935
 19
 134,404
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(14,046) (5,952) (19,900) 
 (39,898)
Proceeds from sale of assets745
 (48) 878
 
 1,575
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
 (5,362) 
 (5,362)
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge5,123
 
 
 
 5,123
Other, net15,714
 (8,985) (10,172) (19) (3,462)
Net cash flows from investing activities7,536
 (14,985) (34,556) (19) (42,024)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Net borrowings under short-term agreements
 
 (549) 
 (549)
Principal payments on long-term borrowings

 
 (658) 
 (658)
Dividends paid(25,386) 
 
 
 (25,386)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest
 

 (3,895) 
 (3,895)
Intercompany dividends22,662
 
 (22,662) 
 
Intercompany interest on long-term note
 (5,669) 5,669
 
 
Intercompany capital contribution(7,375) 7,375
 
 
 
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans12,446
 
 
 
 12,446
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises(3,929) 
 
 
 (3,929)
Net cash flows from financing activities(1,582) 1,706
 (22,095) 
 (21,971)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 245
 22,888
 
 23,133
Net change in cash and cash equivalents51,274
 (1,904) 44,172
 
 93,542
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year67,225
 6,071
 326,652
 
 399,948
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period$118,499
 $4,167
 $370,824
 $
 $493,490

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


(8) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2016
 Parent Guarantors Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Total
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net earnings$103,168
 $32,941
 $49,778
 $(78,753) $107,134
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:         
Depreciation and amortization20,482
 9,897
 30,863
 
 61,242
Noncash loss on trading securities
 
 973
 
 973
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities
 
 618
 
 618
  Stock-based compensation6,572
 
 
 
 6,572
  Change in fair value of contingent consideration
 
 (3,527) 
 (3,527)
Defined benefit pension plan expense
 
 1,486
 
 1,486
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan
 
 (712) 
 (712)
Increase in restricted cash - pension plan trust
 
 (13,652) 
 (13,652)
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment2
 117
 131
 
 250
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries(69,876) (7,859) 
 77,735
 
Deferred income taxes(1,834) 
 300
 
 (1,534)
Changes in assets and liabilities:         
Receivables(10,501) 14,969
 11,968
 
 16,436
Inventories(11,847) (5,024) (19,041) 1,499
 (34,413)
Prepaid expenses(4,526) 76
 (6,174) 
 (10,624)
Accounts payable(16,605) 2,530
 2,737
 
 (11,338)
Accrued expenses11,179
 (7,218) (689) 
 3,272
Other noncurrent liabilities(252) 5
 487
 
 240
Income taxes payable (refundable)19,132
 (16,444) 2,143
 
 4,831
Net cash flows from operating activities45,094
 23,990
 57,689
 481
 127,254
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(5,699) (17,944) (18,590) 
 (42,233)
Proceeds from sale of assets36
 84
 3,818
 
 3,938
Other, net13,070
 (4,488) (10,925) (481) (2,824)
Net cash flows from investing activities7,407
 (22,348) (25,697) (481) (41,119)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Net borrowings under short-term agreements
 
 (128) 
 (128)
Principal payments on long-term borrowings(215) 
 (1,348) 
 (1,563)
Dividends paid(25,604) 
 
 
 (25,604)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest
 
 (2,527) 
 (2,527)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest(137) 
 (10,872) 
 (11,009)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans6,509
 
 
 
 6,509
Purchase of treasury shares(46,581) 
 
 
 (46,581)
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises(1,453) 
 
 
 (1,453)
Net cash flows from financing activities(67,481) 
 (14,875) 
 (82,356)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 168
 (3,646) 
 (3,478)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(14,980) 1,810
 13,471
 
 301
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year62,281
 4,008
 282,785
 
 349,074
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period$47,301
 $5,818
 $296,256
 $
 $349,375


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


Management’s discussion and analysis contains forward‑lookingforward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward‑lookingforward-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‑lookingforward-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‑lookingforward-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 31, 2016.28, 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.

23



Results of Operations (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 September 30, 2017 September 24, 2016 % Incr. (Decr.) September 30, 2017 September 24, 2016 % Incr. (Decr.)
Consolidated           
Net sales$680.8
 $610.2
 11.6 % $2,031.0
 $1,847.1
 10.0 %
Gross profit163.6
 155.0
 5.5 % 511.5
 491.1
 4.2 %
as a percent of sales    
24.0% 25.4%   25.2% 26.6%  
SG&A expense103.7
 101.8
 1.9 % 308.8
 303.7
 1.7 %
as a percent of sales    
15.2% 16.7%   15.2% 16.4%  
Operating income59.9
 53.2
 12.6 % 202.7
 187.4
 8.2 %
as a percent of sales    
8.8% 8.7%   10.0% 10.1%  
Net interest expense9.9
 10.3
 (3.9)% 30.1
 31.0
 (2.9)%
Effective tax rate27.5% 32.6%   28.9% 31.7%  
Net earnings$35.2
 $28.2
 24.8 % $119.9
 $103.2
 16.2 %
Diluted earnings per share$1.55
 $1.24
 25.0 % $5.28
 $4.54
 16.3 %
Engineered Support Structures (ESS)           
Net sales$209.8
 $193.1
 8.6 % $571.3
 $554.9
 3.0 %
Gross profit50.9
 54.3
 (6.3)% 145.2
 156.9
 (7.5)%
SG&A expense34.6
 34.0
 1.8 % 99.5
 103.3
 (3.7)%
Operating income16.3
 20.3
 (19.7)% 45.7
 53.6
 (14.7)%
Energy and Mining (E&M)           
Net sales$79.7
 $81.2
 (1.8)% $234.9
 $231.3
 1.6 %
Gross profit12.5
 14.8
 (15.5)% 41.6
 41.6
  %
SG&A expense11.1
 10.9
 1.8 % 32.4
 32.5
 (0.3)%
Operating income1.4
 3.9
 (64.1)% 9.2
 9.1
 1.1 %
Utility Support Structures (Utility)           
Net sales$178.5
 $150.4
 18.7 % $536.5
 $445.9
 20.3 %
Gross profit39.4
 31.8
 23.9 % 115.4
 94.2
 22.5 %
SG&A expense17.3
 15.6
 10.9 % 50.4
 46.0
 9.6 %
Operating income22.1
 16.2
 36.4 % 65.0
 48.2
 34.9 %
Coatings           
Net sales$67.7
 $60.0
 12.8 % $191.6
 $182.2
 5.2 %
Gross profit20.3
 17.9
 13.4 % 58.5
 59.1
 (1.0)%
SG&A expense5.8
 6.2
 (6.5)% 22.5
 22.0
 2.3 %
Operating income14.5
 11.7
 23.9 % 36.0
 37.1
 (3.0)%
Irrigation           
Net sales$145.1
 $125.5
 15.6 % $496.7
 $432.8
 14.8 %
Gross profit42.1
 38.1
 10.5 % 153.6
 141.4
 8.6 %
SG&A expense23.9
 22.7
 5.3 % 70.4
 66.1
 6.5 %
Operating income18.2
 15.4
 18.2 % 83.2
 75.3
 10.5 %
Adjustment to LIFO inventory valuation method           
Gross profit$(1.6) $(2.1) NM $(2.8) $(3.2) NM
Operating income(1.6) (2.1) NM (2.8) (3.2) NM
Net corporate expense           
Gross profit$
 $0.3
 NM $
 $1.1
 NM
SG&A expense11.0
 12.4
 (11.3)% 33.6
 33.8
 (0.6)%
Operating loss(11.0) (12.1) 9.1 % (33.6) (32.7) (2.8)%
NM=Not meaningful


Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019% Incr. (Decr.)September 26, 2020September 28, 2019% Incr. (Decr.)
Consolidated
Net sales$734.0 $690.3 6.3 %$2,097.0 $2,083.4 0.7 %
Gross profit190.7 173.3 10.0 %560.9 516.1 8.7 %
as a percent of sales    
26.0 %25.1 %26.7 %24.8 %
SG&A expense (1)129.3 112.2 15.2 %389.1 $339.0 14.8 %
as a percent of sales    
17.6 %16.3 %18.6 %16.3 %
Operating income61.5 61.1 0.7 %171.8 177.1 (3.0)%
as a percent of sales    
8.4 %8.9 %8.2 %8.5 %
Net interest expense10.0 9.0 11.1 %28.6 27.2 5.1 %
Effective tax rate23.0 %24.5 %26.9 %24.7 %
Net earnings$39.3 $38.0 3.4 %$104.9 $113.9 (7.9)%
Diluted earnings per share$1.84 $1.75 5.1 %$4.89 $5.22 (6.3)%
Engineered Support Structures (ESS)
Net sales$255.0 $266.5 (4.3)%$731.2 $752.0 (2.8)%
Gross profit71.3 62.4 14.3 %201.4 177.8 13.3 %
SG&A expense45.8 40.5 13.1 %155.2 122.6 26.6 %
Operating income25.5 21.9 16.4 %46.2 55.2 (16.3)%
Utility Support Structures (Utility)
Net sales$272.5 $204.2 33.4 %$723.9 $656.5 10.3 %
Gross profit54.7 44.0 24.3 %156.1 133.6 16.8 %
SG&A expense28.8 23.7 21.5 %80.8 72.2 11.9 %
Operating income25.9 20.3 27.6 %75.3 61.4 22.6 %
Coatings
Net sales$68.7 $76.9 (10.7)%$200.0 $228.3 (12.4)%
Gross profit22.6 24.0 (5.8)%64.2 71.7 (10.5)%
SG&A expense10.2 10.1 1.0 %30.6 32.7 (6.4)%
Operating income12.4 13.9 (10.8)%33.6 39.0 (13.8)%
Irrigation
Net sales$137.8 $142.7 (3.4)%$441.9 $446.6 (1.1)%
Gross profit42.2 42.9 (1.6)%139.2 133.0 4.7 %
SG&A expense27.5 24.7 11.3 %78.5 73.1 7.4 %
Operating income14.7 18.2 (19.2)%60.7 59.9 1.3 %
Net corporate expense
SG&A$17.0 $13.2 28.8 %$44.0 $38.4 14.6 %
Operating loss(17.0)(13.2)(28.8)%(44.0)(38.4)(14.6)%
(1) The thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020 includes impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.
24


Overview
On a consolidated basis, the increase in net sales were higher in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017,2020, as compared withto the third quarter of fiscal 2016, reflectedsame periods in 2019, due to higher sales in all reportable segments except for the Energy & Mining segment. On a year-to-date basis, higher consolidatedUtility segment that was partially offset by lower sales in 2017, as compared to 2016, reflected increases across all reportableESS, Coatings, and Irrigation segments. The changeschange in net sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017,2020, as compared with fiscal 2016, werethe same periods in 2019, is as follows:
Third quarter
TotalESSUtilityCoatingsIrrigation
Sales - 2019$690.3 $266.5 $204.2 $76.9 $142.7 
Volume60.0 (17.2)83.2 (8.9)2.9 
Pricing/mix(16.8)2.5 (17.2)— (2.1)
Acquisition/(divestiture)2.3 — 1.7 — 0.6 
Currency translation(1.8)3.2 0.6 0.7 (6.3)
Sales - 2020$734.0 $255.0 $272.5 $68.7 $137.8 
 Third quarter
 TotalESSE&MUtilityCoatingsIrrigation
Sales - 2016$610.2
$193.1
$81.2
$150.4
$60.0
$125.5
Volume29.7
15.9
(6.9)1.6
1.5
17.6
Pricing/mix31.7
(3.5)2.0
26.5
5.6
1.1
Acquisitions1.6
1.6




Currency translation7.6
2.7
3.4

0.6
0.9
Sales - 2017$680.8
$209.8
$79.7
$178.5
$67.7
$145.1
Year-to-date
TotalESSUtilityCoatingsIrrigation
Sales - 2019$2083.4 $752.0 $656.5 $228.3 $446.6 
Volume50.9 (20.8)76.2 (22.3)17.8 
Pricing/mix(16.2)5.7 (11.9)(3.6)(6.4)
Acquisition/(divestiture)4.6 2.6 3.5 — (1.5)
Currency translation(25.7)(8.3)(0.4)(2.4)(14.6)
Sales - 2020$2,097.0 $731.2 $723.9 $200.0 $441.9 
 Year-to-date
 TotalESSE&MUtilityCoatingsIrrigation
Sales - 2016$1,847.1
$554.9
$231.3
$445.9
$182.2
$432.8
Volume110.4
20.4
(4.9)48.2
(5.6)52.3
Pricing/mix63.1
(2.2)5.1
42.4
14.5
3.3
Acquisitions1.6
1.6




Currency translation8.8
(3.4)3.4

0.5
8.3
Sales - 2017$2,031.0
$571.3
$234.9
$536.5
$191.6
$496.7

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 directly result in operating income changes.

Average steel index prices for both hot rolled coil and plate were higherlower in North America and China in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to the same periods in 2016, resulting in higher average2019, contributing to lower cost of material. We expect that average selling prices will increase over time to offset the decrease insales and improved gross profit realized from the higher cost of steel for the Company.profit.
    
In the third quarter of 2017, the two hurricanes in the continental United States negatively impacted 10 of our facilities by interrupting production and delivery schedules. This impacted certain locations in the ESS, Coatings, and Utility segments.    The Company acquired a highway business in Indiathe following businesses:

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 ("Aircon"Solbras") in the thirdsecond quarter of 20172020, 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 is includedserve critical infrastructure sectors as defined by many governments around the world. All our manufacturing facilities are open and fully operational as of September 26, 2020. Our manufacturing facilities in our ESS segment.

Restructuring Plan

In July 2016, the Company identified a restructuring plan in Australia/Argentina, France, Malaysia, New Zealand, (the "2016 Plan") focused primarilyPhilippines, and South Africa were temporarily closed for part of of the first half of 2020 due to government mandates. We continue to monitor incidence of COVID-19 on closinga continuous basis, particularly in areas reporting recent increases in infection. To protect the
25


safety, health and consolidating locations within the Energywell-being of employees, customers, suppliers and Miningcommunities, CDC and Coatings segments. The Company incurred pre-tax expensesWHO guidelines are being followed in all facilities.

We generated strong cash flows from the 2016 Plan of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2016. The Energy and Mining segment incurred approximately $1.6 million, the Coatings segment incurred approximately $0.3 million, and Corporate incurred approximately $0.2 million of restructuring expensesoperating activities during the third quarterfirst three quarters of 2016.2020 and expect cash flows from operating activities, net of capital expenditures, to be in excess of net earnings 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.



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 third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017,2020, we realized an increasea decrease in operating profit, as compared with fiscal 2016,2019, due in part to currency translation effects. Theeffects associated with a stronger U.S. dollar primarily weakened against the Brazilian real and South African rand, resulting in more operating profit in U.S. dollar terms.most foreign currencies. The breakdown of this effect by segment was as
follows:
TotalESSE&MUtilityCoatingsIrrigationCorporateTotalESSUtilityCoatingsIrrigationCorporate
Third quarter$0.4
$0.2
$0.1
$
$0.1
$
$
Third quarter$(1.4)$— $(0.2)$0.1 $(1.3)$— 


 
Year-to-date$1.3
$0.1
$0.1
$
$(0.1)$1.2
$
Year-to-date$(2.7)$(0.6)$— $(0.2)$(1.9)$— 



Gross Profit, SG&A, and Operating Income


At a consolidated level, the reduction in gross margin (gross profit as a percent of sales)sales was higher in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared with the same periods in 2016, was primarily2019, due to higherlower raw material costs across the Company, improved selling prices across mostour infrastructure businesses, and improved volumes for the Irrigation segment and associated operating leverage of our businesses. Grossfixed costs. In the third quarter of 2020 as compared to 2019, gross profit was higher for ESS and Utility but lower for Coatings and Irrigation. On a year-to-date basis, gross profit improved for the ESS, Utility, and Irrigation segments in 2020, but was lower for Coatings due to lower sales volumes.
    SG&A expenses increased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to the same periods in 2016,2019. The increase was due to increasedrecording a partial impairment of goodwill and tradename for the Access Systems business, higher compensation related costs including sales volumes in most operating segments. The Irrigation and Utility segments realized increases incommissions for the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017, while ESS and Energy & Mining realized a decrease in gross profit primarilyNorth American infrastructure businesses, higher incentives due to sales pricing that did not fully recover higher raw materialimproved operations, and restructuring activities. These increases were partially offset by lower travel costs, foreign currency translation effects, and an unfavorable sales mix. The Coatings segment realized higher gross profit in the third quarter, but lower gross profitreduced SG&A deferred compensation expense in the first three quarters of 2017 as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2016.
The Company saw2020 (offset by an increase in SG&A in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017, as compared to the same periods in 2016, due to higher incentive expenses related to improved business operations. In addition, the Company incurred higher deferred compensation expenses in the first three quarters of 2017 of $1.7 million, which was offset by the same amount ofin other income.expense).


    In the third quarter of 2017,2020, as compared to 2016, operating income for all operating segments were higher except for the ESS and Energy & Mining segments. On a year-to-date basis,third quarter of 2019, operating income was higher in 2017 for the Utility and IrrigationESS segments and lower for the ESSIrrigation and Coatings segments. The overall increase in operating income in the third quarter can be attributed to higher utility sales volumes and an approximate $7.0 million loss recognized on certain access systems projects in 2019 that did not recur. Operating income decreased in the first three quarters of 2017,2020 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 2016, is primarily attributable2019, due to increasedthe goodwill and tradename impairment for the Access Systems business, certain restructuring activities, and lower volumes for the Coatings businesses. The decrease was partially offset by lower raw material costs and improved sales volumes in the UtilityIrrigation and IrrigationUtility segments.


Net Interest Expense and Debt
    
Net interest expense in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017, as compared with2020 was higher than the same periods in 2016, was consistent due to minimal changes in short and long-term borrowings.2019. Interest income increased due to more cash on hand to invest.

Other Income/Expense

The change in other income/expensewas lower in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared with the same periods in 2016, was primarilyto 2019, due to alower interest rates.



26


Other Income/Expenses

    The change in other income/expenses in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020, as compared to 2019, was due to the change in valuation of deferred compensation assets. This changeassets which resulted in loweradditional other income in the third quarter of $0.4$0.5 million but increasedand reduced other income for the first three quarters of $1.7 million.$3.7 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 change in the market value of the Company's shares held of Delta EMD was a $0.6 million smaller loss on a year-to-date basis when comparing 2017 to 2016. The remaining change was due to fluctuations in foreign currency transaction gains or losses.gains/losses that was less favorable in 2020.


Income Tax Expense
    
Our effective income tax rate in the third quarter and first three quarters of 20172020 was 27.5%23.0% and 28.9%26.9%, respectively, compared to 32.6%24.5% and 31.7%24.7% in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2016, respectively. A $1.9 million reversal2019. On a year-to-date basis, the increase in the effective tax rate is a result of a valuation allowance against certain foreign net operating loss carryforwardsthe partial impairment of goodwill and tradename for the Access Systems business that is not fully tax deductible. An increase in third quarter of 2017 contributed to the lower


tax rate. In addition, the Company recorded $1.8 million of deferred income tax expense related to decreased futureU.K. corporate tax rates in the United Kingdomrate effective in the third quarter of 2016.2020 provided a one time deferred tax benefit of $1.5 million reducing the effective tax rate.


Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was consistentlower in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to 2019. The decrease can be attributed to the same periodsacquisition of the remaining noncontrolling interests of AgSense and partial acquisition of the noncontrolling interest of Convert in 2016.the first quarter of 2020.


Cash Flows from Operations
Our cash flows provided by operations was $134.4 $273.0 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017,2020, as compared with $127.3$239.2 million provided by operations in the first three quarters of 2016.2019. The increase in operating cash flow in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017,2020, as compared with 2016,2019, was primarily the result ofdue to improved net earnings mostly offset by higher net working capital tiedmanagement. Working capital is higher primarily due to increased sales volumes.

Engineered Support Structures (ESS) segment
Thean increase in cash balances.

ESS segment
    Net sales were lower in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017,2020 as compared withto 2019, primarily driven by lower sales volumes. Lighting, traffic, and highway safety product sales and access systems sales volumes were lower in the same periodsthird quarter of 2016, was due2020 as compared to improved roadway2019, while communication product sales volumes were higher. In the first three quarters of 2020, sales were higher for the lighting, traffic, and higherhighway safety and communication product line sales volumes.products businesses and lower for access systems.
Global lighting, and traffic, and roadwayhighway safety product sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017 were2020 was modestly lower by $9.7 million and higher by $4.6 million, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2016, primarily due2019. Sales volumes decreased in North America in the third quarter of 2020, attributable to increasedhigher shipments in the third quarter of 2019 resulting from the recovery from a flood event in early 2019 at one of our facilities. On a year-to-date basis, sales volumes in roadwayNorth America increased due to strong backlogs in transportation markets. Europe sales volumes were lower in the third quarter and first three quarters due to the ceasing of operations in Morocco, the temporary plant shutdown and continued slower markets in France due to COVID-19, and unfavorable foreign currency translation effects. Lighting, traffic, and highway safety product sales which is a product line outside of North America. Inin the Asia-Pacific region decreased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to 2016, sales volumes2019, due primarily to continued market weakness in the U.S. were lower across commercial and transportation markets. The 2015 long-term U.S. highway bill has not yet provided a meaningful uplift for our North America structures business. Sales in Europe were higher in the third quarter but lower in the first three quarters of 2017 comparedIndia attributed to the same periods in fiscal 2016. The domestic markets in general remain subdued in Europe. The increase in sales volume was partially offset by unfavorable currency translation effects on a year-to-date basis.COVID-19.
Communication product line sales were higher by $2.3 million and $1.1 million in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020, as compared with the same periods in 2019. Communication product sales in Europe improved due to an increase in volume in the U.K. and Asia-Pacific sales volumes increased marginally. In North America, communication product sales volumes decreased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020 due to lower demand for communication components.
Access Systems product line net sales decreased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020, as compared to 2019, by $5.0 million and $22.9 million. The product line exited selling detention center systems and portions of the industrial product line which contributed to the sales decline along with unfavorable foreign currency translation effects. For the first half of 2020, subdued construction spending in Australia also contributed to a decrease in sales volume.
27



Gross profit was higher in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017,2020, as compared with the same periods in fiscal 2016. In both North America and Asia-Pacific, communication structure and component sales increasedto 2019, due to higher demand from the continued network expansion by providers.
Gross profit, as a percentagelower cost of sales, and operating income forraw materials across the segment were lowerand an approximate $7.0 million loss recognized on certain access systems projects in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017, as compared with the same periods in 2016, due to margin contraction from higher raw material costs2019 that the business wasdid not able to fully recover through higher sales pricing.recur. SG&A spending was higher in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to 2016,2020 versus 2019 due to foreign currency translation effects. SG&A spending was lowerhigher sales commissions and incentives due to improved operations in North America. For the first three quarters of 2017, as compared to 2016, due primarily to lower commissions owed on communication product line sales, reduced incentives2020, SG&A also increased due to decreased operating performance,recording a partial goodwill and currency translation effects.
Energy & Mining (E&M) segment
The decrease in net sales intradename impairment for the third quarterAccess Systems business of 2017, as compared to 2016, was due primarily to lower sales volumes that were partially offset by higher sales pricing and favorable currency translation effects. The increase in net sales in the first three quarters of 2017, as compared to 2016, was due to higher sales pricing and favorable currency translation effects.
Access systems product line net sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017 were higher than the same periods in 2016 due to higher sales pricing and favorable currency translation effects. The increase was partially offset by lower external sales volumes in Asia.
Offshore and other complex structures sales decreased in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, due to lower volumes that were partially offset by favorable currency translation effects. Sales$16.6 million, Operating income decreased in the first three quarters of 2017, as compared to 2016,2020 due to lower sales pricing that wasthe goodwill and tradename impairment of the Access Systems business, partially offset by volume improvements primarilylower raw material costs for all businesses and a loss recorded on certain access systems projects in the wind tower product line.
Grinding media sales were down slightly in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017, as compared to the same periods in 2016. A decrease in sales volumes was offset by higher sales pricing and favorable currency translation effects.


Operating income for the segment in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to 2016, was lower primarily due to sales pricing that did not fully recover higher material costs in the grinding media business. Operating income was comparable in the first three quarters of 2017 as compared to 2016, due to benefits realized in Access Systems from the 2016 restructuring activities offsetting the lower gross profit realized from higher material costs. SG&A expense was flat in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017, as compared to the same periods in 2016. Restructuring costs incurred in the third quarter of 2016 and lower compensation costs were offset by currency translation effects in 2017.2019.
Utility Support Structures (Utility) segment
In the Utility segment, sales increased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared with 2016,2019, due to large project work for the higher costs ofinternational solar tracking solutions product line and improved sales volumes for steel and a favorable sales mix.concrete structures in North America. 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. For the first three quarters of 2017, as compared to 2016, improved sales demand in North AmericaThis resulted in increased sales volumes in tonsa decrease to the average selling prices for our steel utility structures also contributed to the increase in sales. Sales volumes in tonsproduct line for concrete utility structures were also higher in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to the same periods in 2016. International utility structures sales decreased in 2017 due to lower volumes.with 2019.
Gross profit as a percentage of    Offshore and solar tracking solutions sales increased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to the same periods in 2016,2019, due to improved pricinga large increase in sales volumes in the third quarter. The increase for both businesses can be attributed to large projects in the third quarter of 2020.
    Gross profit increased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020, as compared to 2019, due to higher sales mix.volumes and its associated operating leverage of fixed costs. In addition, the business incurred approximately $3.0 million of inspection costs during 2019 to finalize the requirements from a 2015 commercial settlement. Partially offsetting that 2019 charge was a $2.8 million impairment of a facility in 2020 that is classified as an asset held for sale. SG&A expense was higher in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared with the same periods in 2016,2019, due to higher incentive expenseincentives due to improved operating results in North America and commission expensea $2.7 million allowance recognized in third quarter 2020 against an international accounts receivable. The increase in operating income for the third quarter 2020, as compared with 2019, is primarily due to higher sales volumes. The improvement in operating income margin in 2020 versus 2019 is also attributed to disciplined product pricing; gross profit margins increased as lower raw material costs was slightly more than the increasedeffect on net sales volumes. Operating income increasedfrom lower average selling prices.
Coatings segment
    Coatings segment sales decreased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared with 2016,to the same periods in 2019, due to the increasedlower volumes in North America and Asia, reduced sales pricing attributed to lower zinc costs, and unfavorable foreign currency translation. Sales volumes and improved sales pricing.
Coatings segment
Coatings segment sales increaseddecreased in North America in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to the same periods in 2016,2019, due primarily to increaseddecreased industrial production attributed largely to the economic impacts from COVID-19. In Asia-Pacific region, sales pricesvolumes improved in Australia, which were more than offset by decreased volumes in Asia that were impacted by the continued slowdown caused by the economic impacts from COVID-19. Sales pricing also declined in Asia-Pacific due to recover higherlower zinc costs globally. External sales volumes in North America increased inand customer mix.
    SG&A expense was flat for the third quarter but wereand lower year-to-date, while intercompany volumes increasedin the first three quarters of 2020, as compared to 2019, due to one-time expenses associated with a legal settlement in 2019. Operating income was lower in the third quarter and first three quarters. In the Asia-Pacific region, improved demand/volume provided an increase in net sales.
SG&A expense was lower in the third quarterquarters of 2017, as2020, compared to 2016,the same periods in 2019, due to restructuring actions undertakensales volume decreases in 2016 to reduceNorth America and Asia and the cost structure in Australia. SG&A expense was comparable in the first three quartersassociated operating deleverage of 2017, as compared to 2016. Operating income was higher in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 2016, due to improved sales pricing and restructuring actions undertaken in 2016. Operating income was lower in the first three quarters of 2017, as compared with 2016, due to costs incurred to start up our facility in Texas.fixed costs.
Irrigation segment
The increasedecrease in Irrigation segment net sales in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to 2016, was primarily due to sales volume increases for international irrigation. On a year-to-date basis in 2017 as compared to 2016, the sales increase is driven by improved volumes for both the domestic and international irrigation businesses. In North America, when comparing 2017 to the same periods of 2016, sales volumes were comparable in the third quarter but increased year-to-date primarily driven by markets outside the traditional corn-belt. In addition, higher equipment running times due to weather conditions resulted in higher service parts sales on a year-to-date basis. International sales increased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to the same periods in 2016,2019, is primarily due to volume increases across most regions and favorableunfavorable foreign currency translation effects (primarily Brazil real) that were partially offset by sales volume improvements in international markets. Brazil, Australia, and Argentina drove the sales volume improvements for international irrigation along with the acquisition of Solbras, which was partially offset by unfavorable currency translation effects from a weaker Brazil real and South Africa.African rand. In North America, slightly higher sales volumes for systems was more than offset by decrease in sales volumes of other products, including industrial tubing. For the first three quarters of 2020, sales of technology-related products and services continue to increase, as growers continued adoption of technology to reduce costs and enhance profitability.
28


SG&A was higher in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017,2020, as compared with the same periods in 2016. The increase can primarily be attributedto 2019, due to higher incentive costs due to improved business results and currency translation effects related to the international irrigation business.product development expenses. Operating income for the segment decreased in the third quarter due to higher product development expenses and unfavorable currency translation effects. Operating income increased in the first three quarters of 2020 over 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 third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017 over the same periods in 2016, primarily due2020, as compared to North America and international irrigation sales volume increases, productivity improvements, and favorable foreign currency translation effects.
Net corporate expense
Corporate SG&A expense was lower in2019. The increase the third quarter is attributed to higher incentive accruals related to improved business performance. The increase in the first three quarters of 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016,2020 is due to $0.4 million lower pensionhigher incentive expense, forpartially offset by the Delta Pension Plan and $0.4 millionchange in valuation of lower deferred compensation expenses thatassets which resulted in lower expense of $3.7 million. The change in deferred compensation plan assets is offset by the same amount in other expense. Net corporate expense slightly increased in the first three quarters of 2017 asincome/expenses.



compared to 2016, due to $1.7 million of higher deferred compensation expenses that is offset by a reduction of the same amount in other expense. This increase was partially offset by $1.0 million of lower pension expenses for the Delta Pension Plan.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
Working Capital and Operating Cash Flows-Net working capital was $1,034.7$934.2 million at September 30, 2017,26, 2020, as compared to $903.4$918.4 million at December 31, 2016.28, 2019. The increase in net working capital in 2017 mainly resulted from increased receivables,2020 is attributed to an increase in cash on hand, and inventory, partially offset by higher accrued expenses and accounts payable.balances. Cash flow provided by operations was $134.4$273.0 million in the first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared with $127.3$239.2 million in first three quarters of 2016. The increase in operating cash flow in the first three quarters of 2017,2019. The increase in operating cash flows in 2020, as compared to 2016,2019, was primarily the result of higher net earnings tied to increased sales volumes and pricing that was mostly offset by a corresponding increase inimproved working capital.capital management.
Investing Cash Flows-Capital spending in the first three quarters of fiscal 20172020 was $39.9$71.0 million, as compared to $42.2$72.0 million for the same period in 2016. Capital spending projects2019. The decrease in 2017 and 2016 relatedinvesting cash outflows in the first three quarters quarter of 2020, as compared to investments2019, can be attributed to a reduction in machinery and equipment across all businesses.cash paid for acquisitions. We expect our capital spending for the 2017 fiscal yearexpenditures to be approximately $60 million.between $85.0 million and $95.0 million for fiscal 2020.
Financing Cash Flows-Our total interest‑bearinginterest-bearing debt decreased slightly to $755.3was $795.9 million at September 30, 2017 from $756.426, 2020 and $787.5 million at December 31, 2016.28, 2019. Financing cash flows changed from a use of approximately $82.4outflows were $110.0 million and $82.7 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2016 to a use of $22.0 million2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. The reduction of financing cash outflows in the first three quarters of 2017,2020, as compared to 2016,2019, was due to the Company purchasing $46.6 million of treasury shares under our share repurchase program and thehigher amounts paid to purchase of certain noncontrolling interests totaling $11.0 millionand lower net borrowings.
Guarantor Summarized Financial Information

We are providing the following information in 2016.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:





29



Supplemental Combined Parent and Guarantors Financial Information
For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019
Thirteen weeks endedThirty-nine weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsSeptember 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
Net sales$438,947 $433,533 $1,377,294 $1,314,108 
Gross Profit115,116114,538385,314340,645
Operating income35,26144,846149,866137,343
Net earnings13,76024,08387,23582,349
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.13,75924,08387,24982,349

Supplemental Combined Parent and Guarantors Financial Information
September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019

Dollars in thousandsSeptember 26, 2020December 28, 2019
Current assets$777,934 $728,457 
Noncurrent assets374,796 354,173 
Current liabilities295,544 312,984 
Noncurrent liabilities1,121,280 1,076,491 
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries1,585 — 
Included in noncurrent assets is a due from non-guarantor subsidiaries receivable of $83,977 and $54,915 at September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019. Included in noncurrent liabilities is a due to non-guarantor subsidiaries payable of $262,680 and $249,056 at September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019.
Financing and Capital
We have an openThe Board of Directors authorized the purchase of $250 million authorized share purchase programof the Company's shares without an expiration date.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. NoShare repurchases were temporarily suspended at the end of the first quarter of 2020 until September 2020 as a precaution to preserve liquidity. We acquired 251,136 treasury shares were repurchasedfor approximately $28.0 million under our share repurchase program during the first three quarters of 2017.2020. As of September 30, 2017,26, 2020, we have approximately $132.2$176.4 million open under this authorization to repurchase shares in the future.

Our capital allocation philosophy announcement included our intention to manage our capital structure to maintain our investment grade debt rating. Our most recent ratingratings 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.

30


Our debt financing at September 30, 201726, 2020 is primarily long-term debt consisting of:
$250.2450 million face value ($253.0 million carrying value) of senior unsecured notes that bear interest at 6.625% per annum and are due in April 2020.
$250 million face value ($248.9436.5 million carrying value) of senior unsecured notes that bear interest at 5.00% per annum and are due in October 2044.
$250305 million face value ($246.8297.6 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. All threeBoth tranches of these notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries.


On October 18, 2017, we amended and restated our revolving credit facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto.  The credit facility provides for $600 million of committed unsecured revolving credit loans.  We may increase the credit facility by up to an additional $200 million at any time, subject to lenders increasing the amount of their commitments.  Our wholly-owned subsidiaries Valmont Industries Holland B.V. and Valmont Group Pty. Ltd., along with the Company, are borrowers under the credit facility.  The obligations arising under the credit facility are guaranteed by the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries PiRod, Inc., Valmont Coatings, Inc., Valmont Newmark, Inc. and Valmont Queensland Pty. Ltd.

The amendments to the credit facility, which are adopted in the amended and restated credit agreement, include:


an extension of the maturity date of the credit facility from October 17, 2019 to October 18, 2022;
an increase in the available borrowings in foreign currencies from $200 million to $400 million;
a decrease in the range of commitment fees payable from 10 to 27.5 basis points to 10 to 25 basis points (the specific commitment fees payable on the average daily unused portion of the commitments under the credit facility depend on the credit rating of the Company's senior, unsecured, long-term debt);
a modification of the definition of "EBITDA" to add-back non-recurring cash and non-cash restructuring costs in an amount that does not exceed $75 million in any trailing twelve month period;
a modification of the leverage ratio permitting it to increase from 3.5X to 3.75X for the four consecutive fiscal quarters after certain material acquisitions;
implementing beneficial changes to certain of the baskets and exceptions in the negative covenants of the credit facility; and
updating the credit facility with certain market provisions.

At September 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, we had no$41.9 million and $29.0 million outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit agreement.agreement, respectively. The revolving credit agreement contains certain financial covenants that may limit our additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At September 30, 2017,26, 2020, we had the ability to borrow $585.2$542.6 million under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $14.8$15.5 million associated with certain insurance obligations and international sales commitments. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $113.0$134.2 million, $112.8$120.0 million of which was unused at September 30, 2017.26, 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. For 2017, our covenant calculations do not include any estimated EBITDA from acquired businesses.
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 September 30, 2017,26, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the debt agreements. The key covenant calculations at September 30, 201726, 2020 were as follows:follows (in 000's):

Interest-bearing debt$795,937 
Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters344,627 
Leverage ratio2.31 
Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters$344,627 
Interest expense-last four quarters40,748 
Interest earned ratio8.46 
31

Interest-bearing debt$755,348
Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters345,590
Leverage ratio2.19
  
Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters$345,590
Interest expense-last four quarters44,445
Interest earned ratio7.78



The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA-last four quarters (September 25, 2016(October 29, 2019 through September 30, 2017)26, 2020) is as follows:follows. The last four quarters information ended September 26, 2020 is calculated by taking the full fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, subtracting the first three quarters ended September 28, 2019, and adding the first three quarters ended September 26, 2020.
Net cash flows from operations$341,430 
Interest expense40,748 
Income tax expense50,613 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment(2,811)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets(16,638)
Change in investment85 
Deferred income tax benefit6,908 
Noncontrolling interest(2,481)
Stock-based compensation(11,434)
Pension plan expense5,532 
Contribution to pension plan18,433 
Changes in assets and liabilities(112,236)
Other1,351 
EBITDA319,500 
Cash restructuring expenses5,678 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets16,638 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment2,811 
Adjusted EBITDA$344,627 
Net cash flows from operations$226,318
Interest expense44,445
Income tax expense42,666
Impairment of property, plant and equipment(481)
Loss on investment(8)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration(285)
Deferred income tax benefit22,072
Noncontrolling interest(5,292)
Stock-based compensation(10,659)
Increase in restricted cash - pension plan trust(12,568)
Pension plan expense(865)
Contribution to pension plan26,840
Changes in assets and liabilities29,167
Other350
EBITDA361,700
Reversal of contingent liability(16,591)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment481
Adjusted EBITDA$345,590

Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$144,778 
Interest expense40,748 
Income tax expense50,613 
Depreciation and amortization expense83,361 
EBITDA319,500 
Cash restructuring expenses5,678 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets16,638 
Impairment of property, plant, and equipment2,811 
Adjusted EBITDA$344,627 
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.$189,915
Interest expense44,445
Income tax expense42,666
Depreciation and amortization expense84,674
EBITDA361,700
Reversal of contingent liability(16,591)
Impairment of property, plant, and equipment481
Adjusted EBITDA$345,590

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 not made any provision for U.S. income taxes in our financial statements on approximately $437.8 million of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as we intend to reinvest those earnings. Of our cash balances of $493.5$443.1 million at September 30, 2017,26, 2020, approximately $370.5$221.7 million is held in entities outside the United States.our non-U.S. subsidiaries. If we need to repatriatedistributed our foreign cash balances to the United States to meet our cash needs, incomecertain taxes would be paid to the extent that those cash repatriations were undistributed earnings of ourapplicable. At September 26, 2020, we have a liability for foreign subsidiaries. The determination of the additionalwithholding taxes and U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes have not been provided, as the determination is not practicable.of $3.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Financial Obligations and Financial Commitments
There have been no material changes to our financial obligations and financial commitments as described on page 3634-35 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.28, 2019.
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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements


There have been no material changes in our off balance sheet arrangements as described on page 3735 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.28, 2019.
Critical Accounting Policies
There have beenwere no changes in our critical accounting policies as described on pages 38-4237-40 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 201628, 2019 during the quarternine months ended September 30, 2017.26, 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 September 30, 2017.26, 2020. For additional information, refer to the section "Risk Management" in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.28, 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)
June 28, 2020 to July 25, 2020— $— — $176,445,000 
July 26, 2020 to August 29, 2020— — — 176,445,000 
August 30, 2020 to September 26, 202060,645 124.08 60,645 176,445,000 
Total60,645 $124.08 60,645 $176,445,000 
Period Total 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)
July 2, 2017 to July 29, 2017
 $
 
 $132,172,000
July 30, 2017 to September 2, 2017
 
 
 132,172,000
September 3, 2017 to September 30, 2017
 
 
 132,172,000
Total
 $
 
 $132,172,000
(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 September 30, 2017,26, 2020, we have acquired 4,588,1316,173,590 shares for approximately $617.8$823.6 million under this share repurchase program.


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Item 6. Exhibits
(a)    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 September 30, 2017,26, 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
36


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/ MARK C. JAKSICHAVNER M. APPLBAUM
Mark C. JaksichAvner M. Applbaum
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dated this 1st27th day of November, 2017.October, 2020.



































Index of Exhibits
37
Exhibit No.Description
31.1Section 302 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer
31.2Section 302 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer
32.1Section 906 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
101
The following financial information from Valmont's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, formatted in 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.










































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