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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.       )

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12
Valmont Industries, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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Notice of Annual Meeting
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Valmont Industries, Inc.

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LOGO

NOTICE OF THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

LOGO

Place:Valmont Industries, Inc. Headquarters
One
15000
Valmont Plaza

Omaha, Nebraska 68154-5215

Time:


1:
April 24, 202310:00 p.m. a.m.
Central Daylight Time

Date:


April 28, 2020

Items of Business:

    1.
    Electing four directors of the Company to three-year terms;

    2.
    Advisory approval of the Company's executive compensation;

    3.
    Ratifying the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2020; and

    4.
    Consider and act upon such other business that may properly come before the meeting.

1Electing three directors of the Company to three-year terms;
2Advisory approval of the Company’s executive compensation;
3Advisory vote on the frequency of executive compensation votes;
4Ratifying the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2023; and
5Consider and act upon such other business that may properly come before the meeting.
The record date for determining which shareholders may vote at this meeting is March 6, 2020.

February 27, 2023.

We are distributing our proxy materials to our shareholders primarily over the Internet. We believe that this e-proxy process should expedite shareholders'shareholders’ receipt of proxy materials, while also lowering the costs and reducing the environmental impact of our annual meeting. On March 19, 2020,14, 2023, we mailed to many of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our proxy statement and annual report and vote online. Those shareholders who do not receive such a Notice, including shareholders who have previously requested to receive paper copies of proxy materials, will receive a copy of the proxy statement, proxy card, and annual report by mail. The proxy statement contains instructions on how you can (i) receive a paper copy of the proxy statement, proxy card, and annual report, if you only received a Notice by mail, or (ii) elect to receive your proxy statement, proxy card, and annual report over the Internet next year, if you received them by mail this year.

We will provide a live audio webcast of the meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time on April 24, 2023. The webcast will provide the audio portion of the meeting only. The webcast does not constitute attendance, but will provide shareholders who cannot attend an opportunity to receive timely audio of the meeting. To
listen to the meeting by telephone, please dial 1-877-407-6184 or 1-201-389-0877 (no Conference ID is needed), or point your browser to investors.valmont.com.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly. You may vote your shares via a toll-free telephone number or over the Internet. If you received a paper copy of the proxy card by mail, you may vote by signing, dating and mailing the proxy card in the envelope provided. Instructions regarding these three methods of voting are contained on the Notice and the proxy card. If you hold your shares through an account with a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, please follow the instructions you receive from them to vote your shares.

        The formal meeting of shareholders will be followed by a review of Valmont's business operations and our outlook for the future. Following the meeting, you are invited to an informal reception where you can visit with the directors and officers about the activities of the Company.

        I

We look forward to seeing you at our annual meeting.

Sincerely,
[MISSING IMAGE: sg_andrewmassey-bw.jpg]
R. Andrew Massey
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and
Corporate Secretary

Sincerely,



GRAPHIC
Mark C. Jaksich
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

TIME AND PLACE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 1 p.m. Central Time
Where: Valmont Headquarters, Omaha Nebraska

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Where
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When
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Time
Valmont Headquarters,
Omaha, Nebraska
Monday, April 24, 2023at 10:00 a.m.
Central Daylight Time
MEETING AGENDA

Voting MattersBoard RecommendationPage
Voting Matters
Board RecommendationPage
Election of FourThree Director NomineesFOR54
Advisory Vote on Executive CompensationFOR3339
Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Executive Compensation Votes1 YEAR41
Ratification of Appointment of Independent AuditorsFOR3543

HOW TO VOTE

We encourage you to vote at your earliest convenience, by one of the following means, before the Annual Meeting


By visiting proxyvote.com on the Internet through your computer or mobile device,


By calling 1-800-690-6903,1-800-579-1639, or


By signing, dating and returning your proxy card, if you receive your proxy materials by mail.

Pleased vote as soon as possible, even if you plan to attend the 20202023 Annual Meeting.



PROXY STATEMENT

2023 Proxy Statement 1

Valmont Industries
To Our Shareholders:

The board of directors of Valmont Industries, Inc. solicits your proxy in the form enclosed for use at the annual meetingAnnual Meeting of shareholders to be held on Tuesday,Monday, April 28, 2020,24, 2023, or at any adjournments thereof.

At the close of business on March 6, 2020,February 27, 2023, the record date for shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, there were outstanding 21,523,91721,350,819 shares of the Company'sCompany’s common stock. There were no preferred shares outstanding. All holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by them.

We will provide a live audio webcast of the meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time on April 24, 2023. The webcast will provide the audio portion of the meeting only. The webcast does not constitute attendance, but will provide shareholders who cannot attend an opportunity to receive timely audio of the meeting. To listen to the meeting by telephone, please dial 1-877-407-6184 or 1-201-389-0877 (no Conference ID is needed), or go to investors.valmont.com, where a link will provide for access to the audio of the meeting.
The presence of a majority of the outstanding common stock represented in person or by proxy at the meeting will constitute a quorum. Shares represented by proxies that are marked "abstain"“abstain” will be counted as shares present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. Proxies relating to "street name"“street name” shares that are voted by brokers on some matters will be treated as shares present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will not be treated as shares entitled to vote at the annual meetingAnnual Meeting on those matters as to which authority to vote is withheld by the broker ("(“broker non-votes"non-votes”).Please note that if you hold your shares through a broker, your broker may no longernot vote your shares on certain matters in the absence of your specific instructions as to how to vote. In order for your vote to be counted, please make sure that you submit your vote to your broker.

Election of the fourthree director nominees requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast for the election of directors at the annual meeting.Annual Meeting. Votes may be cast in favor of or withheld with respect to all of the director nominees, or any of them. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not treated as votes cast and therefore will not affect the outcome of the election of directors. An incumbent director nominee who receives a greater number of votes "withheld"“withheld” than "for"“for” in an election is required to tender his or her resignation to the board, and the resignation will be accepted or rejected by the board as more fully described in Election of Directors.

The proposals to approve the ratification of the appointment of the auditors and the approval of the advisory say-on-pay resolution on executive compensation will be decided by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote. Abstentions will be counted; they will have the same effect as a vote against the matter. Broker non-votes will be disregarded.

The say-on-pay frequency option that receives the highest number of votes cast by holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote will be the advisory shareholder selection for the frequency of holding executive compensation votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no impact on the selection of the frequency option.
Any shareholder giving a proxy may revoke it before the meeting whether delivered by telephone, Internet or through the mail, by using the telephone voting procedures, the Internet voting procedures or by mailing a signed instrument revoking the proxy to: Corporate Secretary, Valmont Industries, Inc., One15000 Valmont Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154-5215. To be effective, a mailed revocation must be received by the Corporate Secretary before the date of the meeting and a telephonic or Internet revocation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 27, 2020.23, 2023. A shareholder may attend the meeting in person and at that time withdraw the proxy and vote in person.

As permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, Valmont is making this proxy statement and its annual report available to its stockholdersshareholders electronically via the Internet. On March 19, 2020,14, 2023, we mailed to many of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access this proxy statement and our annual report and to vote online. If you received such a Notice by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail. Instead, the Notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy statement and annual report. The Notice also instructs you on how you may submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received a Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials contained on the Notice.


The Securities and Exchange Commission'sCommission’s rules permit us to deliver a single Notice or set of this proxy statement and our annual report to one address shared by two or more of our shareholders. This delivery method is referred to as "householding"“householding” and can result in significant cost savings. To take advantage of this opportunity, we have delivered only one Notice or set of this proxy statement and our annual report to multiple shareholders who share an address, unless we received contrary instructions from such shareholders prior to the mailing date. We agree to deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy of the Notice or a set of this proxy statement and our annual report, as requested, to any shareholder at the shared address to which a single copy of those documents was delivered. If you prefer to receive separate copies of the Notice or this proxy statement and our annual report, contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. at 1-800-579-1639 or by email at sendmaterial@proxyvote.com.

The cost of solicitation of proxies, including the cost of reimbursing banks and brokers for forwarding proxy materials to their principals, will be borne by the Company.



2 2023 Proxy Statement

Certain Shareholders

The following table sets forth, as of March 6, 2020,February 27, 2023, the number of shares beneficially owned by (i) persons known to the Company to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company'sCompany’s outstanding common stock, (ii) executive officers named in the summary compensation table, (iii) directors, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
February 27, 2023(1)
Percent of
Class(2)
The Vanguard Group(3)
100 Vanguard Boulevard
Malvern, PA 19355
2,153,70210.1%
BlackRock, Inc.(4)
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
2,049,7869.6%
Invesco Ltd.(5)
1555 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800
Atlanta, GA 30309
1,194,5395.6%
Neuberger Berman Group LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
1,087,0875.1%
Mogens C. Bay(6)195,6641.0%
Kaj den Daas8,955
Clark T. Randt, Jr.8,346
Daniel P. Neary22,851
James B. Milliken6,916
Catherine James Paglia8,850
Theo W. Freye5,817
Richard A. Lanoha1,690
Ritu Favre1,085
Joan Robinson-Berry1,117
Stephen G. Kaniewski85,016
Avner M. Applbaum11,120
Aaron M. Schapper14,747
Diane M. Larkin5,521
T. Mitchell Parnell7,968
All Executive Officers and Directors as Group (21 persons)430,3632.0%
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
March 6, 2020(1)
 Percent of
Class(2)
 

The Vanguard Group(3)

  1,965,036  9.1%

100 Vanguard Boulevard

       

Malvern, PA 19355

       

BlackRock, Inc.(4)

  1,904,326  8.8%

40 East 52nd Street

       

New York, NY 10022

       

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.(5)

  1,071,061  5.0%

100 E. Pratt Street

       

Baltimore, MD 21202

       

Neuberger Berman Group LLC(6)

  1,067,261  5.0%

605 Third Avenue

       

New York, NY 10158

       

Mogens C. Bay(7)

  302,654  1.4%

Walter Scott, Jr. 

  136,587    

Kaj den Daas

  11,678    

Clark T. Randt, Jr. 

  7,539    

Daniel P. Neary

  20,587    

J. B. Milliken

  6,774    

Catherine James Paglia

  6,586    

Theo W. Freye

  4,449    

Donna M. Milrod

  1,247    

Richard A. Lanoha

  0    

Stephen Kaniewski

  68,853    

Mark C. Jaksich

  57,842    

Timothy P. Francis

  7,710    

T. Mitchell Parnell

  754    

Claudio Laterreur

  0    

All Executive Officers and Directors as Group (18 persons)

  645,844  3.0%

(1)
(1)
Includes shares which the directors and executive officers have, or within 60 days of March 6, 2020February 27, 2023 will have, the right to acquire through the exercise of stock options, as follows:

Shares

Mr. Bay

57,654

Mr. Kaniewski

59,91627,660

Mr. Jaksich

Applbaum
30,8314,944

Mr. Francis

Schapper
4,6725,563

Ms. Larkin2,399
Mr. Parnell4,095
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (18(21 persons)

158,76363,491

Includes 964327 restricted stock units for Mr. Applbaum and 568 restricted stock units for each of the directors (other than director Kaniewski) which will vest within 60 days of March 6, 2020.
February 27, 2023.

(2)
(2)
Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial ownership of any named individual does not exceed 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock.

(3)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by The Vanguard Group with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2020.

9, 2023.
(4)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2020.

January 24, 2023.
(5)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by T. Rowe Price AssociatesInvesco Ltd. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2020.

10, 2023.
(6)
Based on a Schedule 13G filed by Neuberger Berman Group LLC with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2020.

(7)
Three individuals, including Mr. Bay, together direct the voting of
Does not include 250,000 shares owned by the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation.Foundation over which Mr. Bay shares voting power.

2023 Proxy Statement 3

ITEM

Item 1: BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors and Election of Directors

The Company'sCompany’s board of directors is currently composed of eleven members. Following the April stockholder meeting, the board will consist of ten members. The board is divided into three classes and each class serves for three years on a staggered term basis.

        Five

Four directors have terms of office that expire at the 2020 annual meeting: MogensAnnual Meeting: Directors Bay, Walter Scott, Jr., Clark Randt, Jr., Donna MilrodLanoha and Richard Lanoha. Ms. Milrod is not standing for reelection. The remaining fourFavre. Three individuals have been nominated by the board of directors, upon recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee, for re-election to three-year terms.

terms: Directors Bay, Lanoha and Favre.

Mr. Randt has reached retirement age and will retire at the Annual Meeting. The board will then be composed of ten members. In order that each class will have as nearly as possible the same number of directors as required by Delaware law, Ms. Favre in February 2023 resigned from the director class with terms expiring in 2025 and was appointed by the board of directors to the class of directors with terms expiring in 2023. The three classes of directors following the Annual Meeting will consist of three, three and four members, respectively.
Five directors have joined the board since June 2015. Two directors who were identified by an independent third party search firm joined the board in 2020.
The Company bylaws provide that directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast with respect to the director at the meeting, unless the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected (a contested election), in which case directors will be elected by the vote of a plurality of the shares present and entitled to vote at the meeting. If a nominee is not elected and the nominee is an incumbent director, the director is required to promptly tender his or her resignation to the board. The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider the tendered resignation and recommend to the board whether to accept or reject the resignation or whether other action should be taken. The board will act on the tendered resignation and publicly disclose its decision within 90 days from the certification of the election results. The director who tenders his or her resignation will not participate in the Committee'sCommittee’s recommendation or the board action regarding whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation.

The Company'sCompany’s policy on director retirement, as expressed in the Corporate Governance Principles, as revised in February 2020, provides that a director will not be nominated to a new term if he or she would be over age 75 at the time of election. The board evaluated its skill needs and concluded not to apply the policy to Mr. Scott, a highly-experienced director who is Chairman of the Audit Committee, for the 2020 director election.

The shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted for the election of the nominees named above. In the event any of such nominees becomes unavailable for election, the proxy holders will have discretionary authority to vote the proxies for a substitute. The board of directors has no reason to believe that any such nominee will be unavailable to serve.

The following discussion provides information about the fourthree nominees, and the sixseven directors whose terms expire in 20212024 and 2022,2025, including ages, years of service, business experience, and service on other boards of directors within the past five years. Information is also provided concerning each person'sperson’s specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led the board to conclude that the person should serve as a director of the Company.

NOMINEES FOR ELECTION—ELECTION — Terms Expire 2023

2026

[MISSING IMAGE: ph_mogenscbay-4c.jpg]
Director SinceOctober 1993
Chairman of the Board
Mogens C. Bay,

Mr. Bay, age 71,74, has been non-executive Chairman of the Company since January 2019.

He served as Executive Chairman of the Company during 2018.

He was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from January 1997 through December 2017, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from August 1993 through December 1996.

Mr. Bay previously served as a director of Peter Kiewit Sons'Sons’, Inc. and of ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Mr. Bay'sBay holds dual United States and Danish citizenship.

Mr. Bay’s 40 years of experience with Valmont provides an extensive knowledge of Valmont'sValmont’s operating companies and its lines of business, its long-term strategies and domestic and international growth opportunities. Mr. Bay has served as a director
4 2023 Proxy Statement

Valmont Industries
[MISSING IMAGE: ph_ritufavre-4c.jpg]
Director SinceSeptember 2020
Board Committees
ESG Committee (Chair)
Governance and Nominating Committee
Ritu Favre

Ms. Favre, age 54, is the Executive Vice President of Business Units at National Instruments since November 2022.

She was previously Executive Vice President and General Manager of Semiconductor and Electronics; Aerospace, Defense, and Government; and Transportation Business Units at National Instruments since January 2021; and Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Company since October 1993.

Walter Scott, Jr., age 88,Semiconductor Business at National Instruments (2019-2021).


She was the Chief Executive Officer NEXT Biometrics (2017-2019) and the Senior Vice President, Biometrics Products Division, Synaptics (2014-2016).

Ms. Favre self-identifies as Asian.

Ms. Favre previously served as Chairman ofon the Board of Directors of Cohu, Inc., a public semiconductor manufacturing company.

Ms. Favre holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Presidenthas 30 years of Peter Kiewit Sons', Inc. Mr. Scott was Chairmanexperience specializing in the development and management of Level 3 Communications from 1998-2014. Mr. Scott is a director of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.technology solutions.

Her engineering, technology, information security and Berkshire Hathaway Energy. He previously served as a director of Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises and Burlington Resources. Mr. Scott is a civil


engineer withrelated management experience of infrastructure construction operations at Kiewit. His extensive board experience provides a valuable resource of strategic and oversight input to the Valmont boardBoard of directors. He has served as a director of the Company since April 1981.

Clark T. Randt, Jr., age 74, is currently President of Randt & Co. LLC (business consulting) and lived and worked in Asia for more than thirty-five years. Ambassador Randt served as the United States Ambassador to the People's Republic of China from July 2001 to January 2009. He currently serves as a director of United Parcel Service, Inc., Qualcomm Incorporated and Wynn Resorts Ltd. Ambassador Randt was formerly a partner with the international law firm of Shearman & Sterling in Hong Kong where he headed the firm's China practice. Ambassador Randt is a member of the New York bar association and was admitted to the Hong Kong bar association and has over 25 years of experience in cross-border corporate and finance transactions. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His international experience and knowledge of Asian business operations and experience with U.S. investment in China serves the Company well as it expands its operations in Asia. Ambassador Randt has served as a director of the Company since February 2009.

Directors.

[MISSING IMAGE: ph_richardalanoha-4c.jpg]
Director SinceOctober 2019
Board Committees
Human Resources Committee
Richard A. Lanoha,

Mr. Lanoha, age 52,55, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Peter Kiewit Sons'Sons’ Inc. and Kiewit Corporation since January 2020.

He was President and Chief Operating Officer of Kiewit 2016-2019.

He was President of Kiewit Energy Group 2012-2016 and Executive Vice President of Kiewit Industrial Group responsible for Kiewit Energy and Kiewit Power divisions of Kiewit 2010-2012.

Kiewit’s revenues were in excess of  $12 billion in 2021.

Mr. Lanoha has management experience of infrastructure construction operations at Kiewit and his experience provides a valuable resource of strategic and oversight input to the Valmont board of directors. He has served as a director of the Company since October 2019.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR"“FOR” EACH OF THE ABOVE NOMINEES.

2023 Proxy Statement 5

Valmont Industries
CONTINUING DIRECTORS—DIRECTORS — Terms Expire in 2021

Daniel P. Neary, age 68, is a member of the board of directors of Mutual of Omaha (full service and multi-line provider of insurance and financial services). Mr. Neary served as CEO of Mutual from 2004-2015 and as Chairman until January 2018. Mutual of Omaha's revenues were in excess of $7 billion in 2019. He was previously President of the Group Insurance business unit of Mutual of Omaha. Mr. Neary's training as an actuary and knowledge of the financial services industry provides valuable background for board oversight of the Company's accounting matters. His experience in strategic development and risk assessment for the Mutual of Omaha insurance companies are well suited to membership on Valmont's board of directors. Mr. Neary has been a director of the Company since December 2005.

Theo Freye, age 70, retired in October 2014 as CEO of CLAAS KgaA, a $4.5 billion family owned agricultural machinery firm headquartered in Germany. Mr. Freye, a native of Germany, has more than 30 years of international machinery experience. He holds a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science. His extensive international business experience and engineering background provides value to the Valmont board of directors. Mr. Freye has served as a director of the Company since June 2015.

Stephen G. Kaniewski, age 48, has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 2018. He was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from October 2016 through December 2017. Prior to that he was Group President of Valmont's Utility Support Structures Segment. Mr. Kaniewski joined Valmont in 2010 as Vice President, Information Technology and also has held the position of Vice President, Global Operations for the Irrigation Segment. Mr. Kaniewski's duties in various Company operating positions provides valuable knowledge and experience of the Company's operations and strategies. Mr. Kaniewski has served as a director of the Company since January 2018.

2025

[MISSING IMAGE: ph_kajdendaas-4c.jpg]

CONTINUING DIRECTORS—Terms Expire in 2022

Director SinceOctober 2004
Board Committees
Audit Committee (Chair)
Governance and Nominating Committee
ESG Committee

Kaj den Daas,

Mr. den Daas, age 70,73, was CEO of Quality Light Source until March 2018.

He transitioned into a non-executive position in the holding company QL Light Source Company Ltd. (manufacturer and marketer of LED lamps) in April 2018.

He was CEO of Quality Light Source, LLC from October 2017 to March 2018; and CEO of TCP International Holdings, Ltd. from July 2015 to October 2016.

Mr. den Daas retired in 2009 as Executive Vice President of Philips Lighting B.V. of the Netherlands (manufacturer of lighting fixtures and related components) and Chairman of its North American Lighting Operations.

Mr. den Daas was responsible for oversight of the manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing of Philips products in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with prior Philips experience in the Asia Pacific area.

Mr. den Daas chaired the Philips Lighting Sustainability Board for seven years which Board had oversight of EHS performance, chemical substance management, carbon footprint determination and development of emissions initiatives.

He serves on the board of directors of Energy Focus (LED lighting manufacturer) and he previously served on the board of directors of Lighting Science Group Corp.

Mr. den Daas, a nativecitizen of the Netherlands, has more than 35 years of international experience in the lighting industry.

His extensive international business experience and sustainability oversight experience, provides value to the Valmont board of directors. Mr. den Daas has been a director of the Company since October 2004.

[MISSING IMAGE: ph_jamesbmilliken-4c.jpg]
Director SinceDecember 2011
Board Committees
Governance and Nominating Committee (Chair)
Audit Committee
ESG Committee
James B. Milliken,

Mr. Milliken, age 63,66, is Chancellor of the University of Texas System which enrolls over 235,000 students and has an annual budget of over $20$25 billion.

He was Chancellor of the City University of New York from June 2014 to May 2018. Mr. Milliken was President of the University of Nebraska from August 2004 to May 2014.

Mr. Milliken has a law degree from New York University and practiced law on Wall Street before his academic career.

He has led the development of research and education programs in China, India, Brazil and other countries.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Executive Committee on the Council on Competitiveness.

He has chaired commissions on innovation and economic competitiveness for the Association of Public and Land-grant universities and the Council on Competitiveness.

Mr. Milliken'sMilliken’s experience in managing large organizations which work closely with business and industry and in countries around the world provides value to the Valmont board of directors as the Company grows internationally. Mr. Milliken has served as a director of the Company since December 2011.

6 2023 Proxy Statement

Valmont Industries
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Director SinceFebruary 2012
Board Committees
Lead Director
Human Resources Committee
Audit Committee
Catherine James Paglia,

Ms. Paglia, age 67,70, has been a director of Enterprise Asset Management, Inc., a New York based privately-held real estate and asset management company since September 1998.

Ms. Paglia previously spent eight years as a managing director at Morgan Stanley, ten years as a managing director of Interlaken Capital, and served as chief financial officer of two public corporations.

Ms. Paglia serves on the board of directors of the Columbia Funds and is a member of the board of trustees of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Her extensive Wall Street experience and prior service as a chief financial officer of public companies provide an excellent background for membership on Valmont'sValmont’s Audit Committee.
CONTINUING DIRECTORS — Terms Expire 2024
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Director SinceDecember 2005
Board Committees
Human Resource Committee (Chair)
Audit Committee
ESG Committee
Daniel P. Neary

Mr. Neary, age 71, was a member of the board of directors of Mutual of Omaha (full service and multi-line provider of insurance and financial services) until retirement effective January 2021.

Mr. Neary served as CEO of Mutual from 2004-2015 and as Chairman until January 2018.

He was previously President of the Group Insurance business unit of Mutual of Omaha.

Mutual of Omaha’s revenues were in excess of  $9 billion in 2021.

Mr. Neary’s training as an actuary and knowledge of the financial services industry provides valuable background for board oversight of the Company’s accounting matters.

His experience in strategic development and risk assessment for the Mutual of Omaha insurance companies are well suited to membership on Valmont’s board of directors.
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Director SinceJune 2015
Board Committees
Governance and Nominating Committee
ESG Committee
Theo Freye

Mr. Freye, age 73, retired in October 2014 as CEO of CLAAS KgaA, a $4.5 billion family owned agricultural machinery firm headquartered in Germany.

Mr. Freye, a citizen of Germany, has more than 30 years of international machinery experience, including several years as Chairman and President of the North American CLAAS operations and as the General Manager of Caterpillar-CLAAS, a joint venture serving the North American and Australian markets.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science.

His extensive international business experience and engineering background provides value to the Valmont board of directors.
2023 Proxy Statement 7

Valmont Industries
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Director SinceJanuary 2018
Stephen G. Kaniewski

Mr. Kaniewski, age 51, has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 2018.

He was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from October 2016 through December 2017. Prior to that he was Utility Support Structures Group President.

Mr. Kaniewski joined Valmont in 2010 as Vice President, Information Technology and also has held the position of Vice President, Global Operations for the Irrigation business.

Mr. Kaniewski previously served as Chief Information Officer of the Company and as Vice President of Global Applications at Belden; in both roles, Mr. Kaniewski had direct oversight of IT data security and cybersecurity.

Mr. Kaniewski’s duties in various Company operating positions provides valuable knowledge and experience of the Company’s operations and strategies.
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Director SinceSeptember 2020
Board Committees
Human Resources Committee
Joan Robinson-Berry

Ms. Paglia hasRobinson-Berry, age 63, retired in July 2020 as Vice President, Chief Engineer, Boeing Global Services.

Ms. Robinson-Berry served as Vice President, Engineering, Boeing Global Services (2018-2019), Vice President, General Manager, Boeing South Carolina (2016-2018), and Vice President, Chief Procurement Officer, Boeing Shared Services Group (2012-2016).

Ms. Robinson-Berry serves as a director of Proterra (automotive and energy storage company).

Ms. Robinson-Berry holds a Masters of Science in Engineering Management and Business Administration and has over 35 years of global and domestic experience in engineering, operations, supply management and program management.

Ms. Robinson-Berry was responsible for product and product services safety, technical integrity and engineering for a $22 billion business unit of Boeing.

Her engineering and operations experience make her well qualified as a member of Valmont’s Board of Directors.
8 2023 Proxy Statement

Valmont Industries
Board of Directors Diversity
The following diversity matrix applies to ten members of our board of directors following the Company since February 2012.


Annual Meeting.

MaleFemale
Gender
African American Directors
Asian Directors
Directors with Non-U.S. or Dual Citizenship
Independent Directors
Directors joining Board since January 2018
Board of Directors Skills and Experience
The following matrix provides information regarding the ten members of our Board following the Annual Meeting, including certain types of knowledge, skills and experience possessed by one or more or our directors, which our Board believes are relevant to our business and industry. The matrix does not encompass all of the knowledge, skills and experience of our directors.
Board leadership experience
Industrial / manufacturing experience
Finance experience
International experience
Corporate governance and oversight background
Engineering experience
Operations experience
Information technology experience
Technology / R&D Experience
2023 Proxy Statement 9

Valmont Industries
Board Committees

The Board has the following standing committees: Audit,Audit; Human Resources, andResources; Governance and Nominating.

Nominating; and ESG.

Audit Committee

The current members of the Audit Committee during 2019 wereare directors Scott (Chairman), den Daas (Chair), Neary, PagliaMilliken and Milrod.Paglia. All members of the Audit Committee are independent within the meaning of the Company'sCompany’s Corporate Governance Principles and the listing standards of the NYSE. The board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are qualified as audit committee financial experts within the meaning of SEC regulations. The Audit Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company'sCompany’s website. The 2022 report of the Audit Committee is included in this proxy statement.

The Audit Committee met six times during 2019.2022. The Audit Committee assists the board by reviewing the integrity of the financial statements of the Company; the qualifications, independence


and performance of the Company'sCompany’s independent auditors and internal auditing department; and compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements. The Committee also oversees the Company'sCompany’s risk with respect to operational, compliance and financial matters including legal, insurance, information technology and cybersecurity matters. The Audit Committee has sole authority to retain, compensate, oversee and terminate the independent auditor. The Audit Committee reviews the Company'sCompany’s annual audited financial statements, quarterly financial statements, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee reviews reports on various matters, including critical accounting policies of the Company, significant changes in the Company'sCompany’s selection or application of accounting principles, and the Company'sCompany’s internal control processes. The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee has a written policy with respect to its review and approval or ratification of transactions between the Company and a director, executive officer or related person. The Audit Committee reviews and approves or disapproves any material related person transaction, i.e., a transaction in which the Company is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and a director, executive officer or related person has a direct or indirect material interest. The Audit Committee reports to the board of directors any such material related person transaction that it approves or does not approve.

Human Resources Committee

The members of the Human Resources Committee during 20192022 were directors Neary (Chairman)(Chair), Paglia, Lanoha, and Milrod.Robinson-Berry. All members of the Human Resources Committee are independent within the meaning of the Company'sCompany’s Corporate Governance Principles and the listing standards of the NYSE. The Human Resources Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company'sCompany’s website. The report of the Human Resources Committee is included in this proxy statement.

The Human Resources Committee met four times during 2019.2022. The Human Resources Committee assists the board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company'sCompany’s directors, executive officers, corporate officers and other selected employees. The Committee has responsibility for reviewing, evaluating and approving compensation plans, policies and programs for such persons. The Committee oversees the Company'sCompany’s risk with respect to human capital resources and compensation matters.matters; the Committee also oversees and receives reports on labor practices, human rights policies, employee health and safety, and employee diversity and inclusion. The Human Resources Committee annually reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives for the chief executive officer'sofficer’s compensation and evaluates the chief executive officer'sofficer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives. The Human Resources Committee, together with the other independent directors, determines the chief executive officer'sofficer’s compensation. The Committee also approves incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans for executive officers and other selected employees. The Committee reviews the Company'sCompany’s management level organization and programs for management development and succession planning and reviews reports from management on human resources topics as determined by the Committee. The Human Resources Committee has established stock ownership and retention guidelines for company officers, which are described in this proxy statement in Corporate Governance—Governance — Governance Actions. The board, upon recommendation of the Human Resources Committee, has established stock ownership guidelines for Company directors, which are described in this proxy statement in Corporate Governance—Governance — Governance Actions.

The Human Resources Committee has the authority to retain the services of independent consultants and other experts to assist in fulfilling its responsibilities. The Committee has engaged the services of Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (FW Cook), a national executive compensation consulting firm, to review and provide recommendations concerning all of the components of the Company'sCompany’s executive compensation program. FW Cook performs services solely on behalf of the Committee and does not perform any services for the Company. The Committee has assessed the independence of FW Cook pursuant to SEC rules and concluded that no conflict of interest exists that would prevent FW Cook from independently representing the Committee.


Governance and Nominating Committee

The members of the Governance and Nominating Committee during 20192022 were directors Milliken (Chair), Randt, (Chairman), MillikenFreye, den Daas and Freye.Favre. All members of the Governance and Nominating Committee are independent within the meaning of the Company'sCompany’s Corporate Governance
10 2023 Proxy Statement

Valmont Industries
Principles and the listing standards of the NYSE. The Governance and Nominating Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company'sCompany’s website.

The Governance and Nominating Committee met four times during 2019.2022. The Governance and Nominating Committee assists the board by (1) recommending to the board Corporate Governance Principles for the Company, and (2) identifying qualified candidates for membership on the board, proposing to the board a slate of directors for election by the shareholders at each annual meeting, and proposing to the board candidates to fill vacancies on the board. The Committee overseesboard and (3) overseeing the Company'sCompany’s risk with respect to governance structure and related matters, including stockholder engagementshareholder engagement. The Committee also oversees Board leadership, succession, onboarding and sustainability.education. The Governance and Nominating Committee coordinates the annual self-evaluation by the directors of the board'sboard’s performance, and the CEO'sCEO’s performance and the annual performance evaluation by each committee of the board. The Governance and Nominating Committee oversees the Company'sCompany’s process for consideration of nominees to the Company'sCompany’s board of directors. The process is described in Director Nomination Process.


Environmental, Social and Governance Committee (ESG Committee)
The Board established an Environmental, Social and Governance Committee (ESG Committee) in December 2021. The Committee met four times in 2022. The members of the ESG Committee are directors Favre (Chair), Milliken, Neary, Randt, Freye and den Daas. All members of the ESG Committee are independent within the meaning of the Company’s Corporate Governance

Principles and the listing standards of the NYSE. The ESG Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website.

The ESG Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to oversight of policies and operational controls of environmental, health and safety, and social risks. The Committee also has responsibility for overseeing sustainability matters including climate change, energy management, water standards and carbon management. The Committee effects such oversight through (1) reports by the chairs of the Audit Committee, Human Resources Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee, with respect to the environmental, social and governance factors delegated to such committees and (2) periodic reports by Company officers with respect to ESG matters. The chairs of the Audit Committee, Human Resources Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee, serve as members of the ESG Committee.
2023 Proxy Statement 11

GOVERNANCE, HUMAN CAPITAL AND SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS
The Board of Directors has oversight responsibility for risks affecting the Company. The Board has delegated risk oversight with respect to operational, compliance and financial matters, including legal, insurance, cybersecurity and information technology risk, to the Audit Committee. The Board has delegated risk oversight with respect to compensation matters and human capital resource matters to the Human Resources Committee; the Committee also oversees and reviews Company reports on labor practices, human rights policies, employee health and safety, and employee diversity and inclusion. The Board has delegated risk oversight with respect to governance structure related matters, including shareholder engagement, to the Governance and Nominating Committee; the Committee oversees board leadership, succession, onboarding and education. The Board has delegated oversight of policies and operational controls of environmental, health and safety, and social risks to the ESG Committee; the Committee also oversees sustainability matters including climate change, energy management, water standards and carbon management.
Corporate Governance Highlights
Director Independence and Board Leadership

Nine of ten directors serving after the Annual Meeting are independent.

All Board committees are fully independent.

Lead independent director presides at executive sessions of the independent directors.
Board Refreshment & Diversity

Four directors have joined the Board since January 2018, and five since June 2015.

There is an established retirement age for directors.

Three directors are women, including one African American and one who self-identifies as Asian. Four directors were born outside of the United States and three currently have non-U.S. citizenship or dual citizenship.
Governance Best Practices

The Board has established a majority voting system for the election of directors.

Directors and executive officers required to hold shares at multiples of their retainer or salaries.

Our executive compensation recoupment policy provides for reimbursement of incentive compensation based on restatement of financial statements due to material non-compliance with financial reporting requirements.

Directors, executive officers and corporate officers are prohibited from engaging in pledging or hedging of Company stock.
ESG Committee.

The Board established an ESG Committee in December 2021. The Committee consists of six independent directors and has oversight of environmental, health and safety, and social risks.

The short-term incentive plan for executive officers for 2022 includes a 5% incentive modifier based on goals for decreases in carbon intensity, reduction in total recordable incident rate, and increase in employee resource groups engagement.
Human Capital Resources Highlights
Workforce and Policies

The Human Resources Committee receives periodic reports on workforce profile; recruiting, retention, advancement and compensation; and employee wellbeing and engagement, safety and health and welfare benefits.

Our Code of Business Conduct is provided to help each Valmont employee make the right choices. The Code requires each employee to act responsibly and to treat each employee, customer, supplier and shareholder fairly and with respect while emphasizing diversity and inclusion.
12 2023 Proxy Statement

GOVERNANCE, HUMAN CAPITAL AND SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS

There are approximately 6,600 employees in the United States and approximately 4,700 employees outside the United States.

Our Human Rights Policy, published on the website, requires equal opportunity and fair treatment. Policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, race, disability, ethnicity, marital or family status, origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender status or gender identity.

Our Political Contributions Policy prohibits the use of Company funds for political purposes.

There is an international whistleblower system implemented for all global employees.
Recruitment, Retention and Advancement

Our compensation program provides competitive base salaries, annual performance-based incentives for many employees, and annual equity grants to over 300 employees. Employees and their families are offered a comprehensive total well-being benefits package to ensure their personal and family’s overall wellness needs are met including medical and dental insurance, paid time off, employer paid life insurance and short term and long term disability, retirement plans, and voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, mortgage services, home and auto insurance and health coaching.

All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment. The Company receives over 35,000 applications for roughly 3,000 open positions each year. During 2022, approximately 44% of all open positions were filled from within or referred from current employees.

The Board of Directors annually reviews high performing and high potential talent, diverse talent and a succession plan for critical roles.
Safety

We are committed to creating a culture where a healthy and safe workplace is recognized by everyone as essential to our success.

The Human Resource Committee receives periodic safety reports, including total recordable incident rates and lost time incident rates by each segment and for the Company in the aggregate. The Company reported in 2022 a 14.3% reduction in lost time incident rates since 2015 and a 39.0% reduction in total recordable incident rates since 2015.

Valmont has a new service called WorkCare Incident Intervention to help improve the health and safety of our employees in the United States. This service provides immediate and ongoing support to employees who have been involved in a workplace incident and includes a team of trained professionals and an incident management system.

We have implemented a Health and Safety Playbook globally to ensure all operations adhere to health and safety standards. The Playbook outlines Valmont activities and policies specific to life safe saving initiatives, occupational health, and business continuity. The Playbook is designed to lead to a reduction in workplace incidents and injuries, and improve compliance with applicable regulations.
Sustainability Highlights
Overview

CEO Kaniewski statement:
Valmont’s sustainability strategy is encapsulated in our Commitment to Corporate Sustainability, our Sustainability White Paper, and continuous input from our stakeholders. Our dedication to Corporate Responsibility is reflected in our Company’s tagline of more than 20 years — “Conserving Resources. Improving Life”.

The Sustainability Commitment and Annex, Sustainability Report, GRI Sustainability Report, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Report and Taskforce on Climate-Related Disclosure Report are published on our website. We also publish data on our website at investors.valmont.com relating to energy consumption, water usage, waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Valmont’s sustainability initiative was launched in 2015, with measurements focused on electricity, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, combusting fuel, and water usage.

In 2020, Valmont added a climate change statement to its website, reported on Scope I emissions and the Company’s carbon footprint. The Company also implemented an electric vehicle program, collected Scope II emissions data, and assessed global combustion fuel goals.

The Company has published the following sustainability goals on its website: 10% reduction in carbon emissions by close of 2025; 12% additional reduction in normalized electricity usage by 2025; 19% reduction in normalized carbon emissions from Scope I mobile emissions; and 100% of Valmont global manufacturing facilities to adopt low-flow water fixtures for non-production access by close of 2025; all based on a 2018 baseline.
2023 Proxy Statement 13

Valmont Industries
Operations

We strive to improve our use of raw materials, energy and water in the manufacture of our products and provision of our services, and we work to reduce emissions, discharges and wastes generated by our operations.

Our solar energy and infrastructure products play an important role in the transition to a clean energy economy.

Our lighting, transportation, sign structures and smart pole products support the decongestion of traffic flows and reduction of auto emissions.

Our wireless communication products help bring reliable high-speed broadband connectivity to both rural and urban areas.

Our irrigation systems and technology solutions promote the efficient use of water worldwide.

Our coatings process extends the lifespan of steel structures, allowing for increased protecting from weather events and less maintenance throughout the life of the structure.

The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, initially funded by Valmont’s founder, is organized to improve water management in agriculture and food systems to ensure sustainable food and water security in the face of population increases and a changing climate.

Our enterprise wide environmental management system and policy is published on our website.
Climate Change

We believe our electricity distribution infrastructure products, solar products, and irrigation systems for the efficient use of water for agriculture, all positively respond to the effects of climate change.

The Board receives periodic reports by the business leadership teams which include information on innovation required to existing products to withstand changing climate conditions and extreme weather events and changes in product preferences due to climate change.

The Board receives periodic reports with respect to sustainability goals and initiatives, including climate change reports and communications.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity

Our information security program covers a range of cybersecurity activities with a primary objective of maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information for our business and customers. The program and our systems are designed to identify and mitigate information security risks and data privacy breaches.

The Audit Committee receives regular reports on Valmont’s risk and compliance with respect to information technology, cybersecurity data privacy and segregation of duty performance. In 2021, the Committee received an independent third party Security Risk Assessment Report.

Valmont measures its security performance against the Center for Internet Security Framework and ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) strategies.

Risk mitigation activities include testing, talent acquisition, quarterly employee training, improved infrastructure, applications and network, enhanced policies and procedures.

Valmont has not experienced a material information security breach in the past three years.
14 2023 Proxy Statement

Corporate Governance
Valmont is committed to having strong corporate governance principles. The board of directors believes such principles are essential to the effective operation of Valmont'sValmont’s businesses and to maintaining Valmont'sValmont’s integrity in the marketplace.

Overview

The board of directors has adopted corporate governance principles which are set out in the "Investor Relations"“Investor Relations” section of the Company'sCompany’s website atwww.valmont.com. The following corporate governance documents also appear on the Company'sCompany’s website and these documents and the Company'sCompany’s Corporate Governance Principles are available in print to any shareholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary:


Code of Business Conduct


Code of Ethics for Senior Officers


Audit Committee Charter


Human Resources Committee Charter


Governance and Nominating Committee Charter


ESG Committee Charter

Procedures for bringing concerns or complaints to the attention of the Audit Committee

The board met five times over sevensix days during 2019.2022. All directors attended at least 75% of all board meetings and all meetings of Committees on which the director served. Directors are encouraged to attend the annual shareholders'shareholders’ meeting and all Company directors attended the 20192022 annual shareholders'shareholders’ meeting. The board of directors periodically reviews the Corporate Governance Principles and any changes are communicated to shareholders by posting them on the Company'sCompany’s website.

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

The board'sboard’s leadership structure in 20192022 consisted of a Non-Executive Chairman and a Lead Director. Mr. Bay became non-executiveNon-Executive Chairman in 2019. All board members have substantial business experience and all board members, with the exception of the Chief Executive Officer, and the


Non-executive Chairman, are independent within the meaning of the Company'sCompany’s corporate governance principles and the NYSE Listing Standards. The Company'sCompany’s independent directors meet in executive session without management present at every board meeting. The Chief Executive Officer periodically updates the board on succession planning for key officers and the board reviews CEO succession planning in detail annually at its July meeting.

annually.

The board has established the position of Lead Director. The position is currently filled by independent director Catherine James Paglia. The lead directorLead Director presides at executive sessions of the independent directors, approves director meeting agendas, has the ability to call meetings of the independent directors, advises the chair on membership of board committees, and serves as a liaison between the independent directors and the Chief Executive Officer. Interested parties who wish to contact the board of directors or the lead directorLead Director may communicate through the Lead Director by writing to: Lead Director of Valmont Board of Directors, Valmont Industries, Inc., One15000 Valmont Plaza, Suite 601,202, Omaha, Nebraska 68154-5215.

68154.

The board has oversight responsibility for risks affecting the Company. The board has delegated risk oversight with respect to operational, compliance and financial matters including legal, insurance, information technology and cybersecurity risk to the Audit Committee,Committee. The board has delegated risk oversight with respect to human capital resources and compensation matters and labor practices, human rights policies, employee health and safety, and employee diversity and inclusion to the Human Resources Committee andCommittee. The board has delegated risk oversight with respect to governance structure related matters including stockholderand shareholder engagement, and sustainability,board leadership, succession, onboarding and education to the Governance and Nominating Committee.

The board has delegated risk oversight of policies and operational controls of environmental, health and safety, and social risks, and oversight of sustainability matters, including climate change, energy management, water standards and carbon management to the ESG Committee.

2023 Proxy Statement 15

Valmont Industries
Governance Actions

The board of directors and board committees have taken a number of corporate governance actions. The more significant actions include:


The board of directors has approved bylaws which adopt a majority voting system for the election of directors.


The board of directors has adopted director stock ownership guidelines. The guidelines provide that directors should own Valmont common stock with a value at least equal to five times the director'sdirector’s annual retainer. Directors have five years after joining the board to meet the guidelines.


The board of directors has adopted stock ownership and retention guidelines for senior management. The guidelines require an equity position having a value of 6.0 times base salary for the Chief Executive Officer, 2.5 times base salary for the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice Presidents and Group Presidents, and 1.5 times base salary for Senior Vice Presidents, and 1.0 times base salary for other corporate officers. The officers are required to retain 50% of the net shares acquired upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock until the stock ownership guidelines have been attained and maintained. The Company also has a policy prohibiting stock hedging and stock pledges applicable to directors and officers.


The board of directors has adopted an executive compensation recoupment policy. The policy generally provides that if Valmont is required to restate its financial statements, due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirements, the board of directors may require reimbursement of all or any part of any cash or stock award based on an incentive plan that relates to the performance of Valmont, if the employee engaged in certain conduct which caused or contributed to the need for the restatement. The board of directors has the right to apply the recoupment policy in all cases to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Group President (if the conduct occurred in the Group) if an employee engaged in the designated conduct. The Company will revise its recoupment policy in 2023 covering executive officers to make such recoupment fully compliant with new SEC regulations.


The board of directors in December 2005 permitted the Company'sCompany does not have a Shareholder Rights Plan to expire, effectively terminating the Shareholder Rights Plan.

Board Independence

The board of directors is composed of a substantial majority of independent directors. The board has established independence standards for Valmont'sValmont’s directors. These standards are set forth below and are contained in the Company'sCompany’s Corporate Governance Principles and follow the director independence standards established by the New York Stock Exchange:


A director will not be independent if, within the preceding three years (1) the director was employed by Valmont or an immediate family member of the director was an executive officer of Valmont, (2) a Valmont executive officer was on the compensation committee of the board of directors of a company which employed the Valmont director as an executive officer or which employed an immediate family member of the director as an executive officer, or (3) the director or the director'sdirector’s immediate family member received more than $120,000 during any twelve-month period in direct compensation from Valmont (other than director and committee fees).


A director will not be independent if  (1) the director is an executive officer or an employee, or the director'sdirector’s immediate family member is an executive officer, of another company and (2) the other company made payments to, or received payments from, Valmont for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of  $1,000,000 or 2% of either (i) such other company'scompany’s consolidated gross revenues or (ii) Valmont'sValmont’s consolidated gross revenues.


A director will not be independent if  (1) the director or an immediate family member is a current partner of Valmont'sValmont’s independent auditor, (2) the director is an employee of Valmont'sValmont’s independent auditor, (3) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of Valmont'sValmont’s independent auditor who personally works on Valmont'sValmont’s audit, or (4) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years a partner or employee of Valmont'sValmont’s independent auditor and personally worked on Valmont'sValmont’s audit within that time.


Tax-exempt organizations to which Valmont makes contributions shall not be considered "companies"“companies” for purposes of these independence standards. However, Valmont will disclose in its annual proxy statement any such contribution which it makes to a tax-exempt organization in which a director serves as an employed executive officer if, within the preceding three years, contributions in any fiscal year exceeded the greater of  $1,000,000 or 2% of such tax-exempt organization'sorganization’s consolidated gross revenues.


For relationships not covered by the foregoing standards, the determination of whether the relationship is material or not, and therefore whether the director would be independent or not, is made by the directors who satisfy the above independence standards. The board'sboard’s determination of each director'sdirector’s independence is disclosed annually in the Company'sCompany’s proxy statement.

16 2023 Proxy Statement

Corporate Governance
The board has determined that all directors except Mr. Kaniewski (the Company'sCompany’s Chief Executive Officer) and Mr. Bay (the Company's Chief Executive Officer through December 2017) have no material relationship with the Company and are independent within the meaning of the Company'sCompany’s Corporate Governance Principles and the NYSE listing standards. The Directors determined that


purchases from a subsidiary of Peter Kiewit Sons'Sons’ Inc. (a construction company with in excess of  $9$12 billion revenue) were in the ordinary course of business and immaterial.

Director Nomination Process

The Governance and Nominating Committee considers candidates for board membership suggested by its members and other board members, as well as management and shareholders. The Committee may also retain a third-party executive search firm to identify candidates from time to time. A shareholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for board membership should notify the Company'sCompany’s Corporate Secretary in writing at least 120 days before the annual shareholder meeting at which directors are to be elected and include whatever support material the shareholder considers appropriate. The Governance and Nominating Committee will also consider nominations by a shareholder pursuant to the provisions of the Company'sCompany’s bylaws relating to shareholder nominations as described in Shareholder Proposals.

In 2020, the Committee retained the services of an independent director search firm which resulted in the addition of Joan Robinson-Berry and Ritu Favre to the Board.

The Governance and Nominating Committee makes an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation of the candidate once it has identified a prospective nominee. This initial determination is based on whatever information is provided to the Committee as well as other information available to or obtained by the Committee. The preliminary determination is based primarily on the need for additional board members to fill vacancies or expand the size of the board and the likelihood that the prospective nominee can satisfy the evaluation factors described below. If the Committee determines that additional consideration is warranted, it may request a third-party search firm or other third parties to gather additional information about the prospective nominee.

The Committee evaluates each prospective nominee in light of the standards and qualifications set out in the Company'sCompany’s Corporate Governance Principles, including:


Background, including demonstrated high standards of ethics and integrity, the ability to have sufficient time to effectively carry out the duties of a director, and the ability to represent all shareholders and not a particular interest group.


Board skill needs, taking into account the experience of current board members, the candidate'scandidate’s ability to work in a collaborative culture with other board members, and the candidate'scandidate’s qualifications as independent and qualifications to serve on the Audit Committee, Human Resources Committee, and/or Governance and Nominating Committee, and/or ESG Committee.


Diversity, including gender, race and national origin.

Business

Both domestic and international business experience, which should reflect a broad experience at the policy-making level in business, government or education, both domestically and internationally.

education.

The Committee also considers such other relevant factors as it deems appropriate. In connection with the evaluation, the Committee determines whether to interview the prospective nominee, and if warranted, one or more members of the Committee interview prospective nominees, by telephone, video or in person or by telephone.person. After completing this evaluation process, the Committee makes a recommendation to the full board as to the persons who should be nominated by the board, and the board determines the nominees after considering the recommendations of the Committee. The Committee assesses the effectiveness of its policies in determining nominees for director as part of its annual performance evaluation.


2023 Proxy Statement 17



Compensation Discussion and Analysis

General. The following compensation discussion and analysis provides information which the Human Resources Committee of the board of directors (the Committee) believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of Valmont'sValmont’s executive compensation programs. This discussion should be read in conjunction with these sections of the proxy statement: (1) the summary compensation table and related tables, (2) the Human Resources Committee information in the corporate governance section and (3) the compensation summary in the advisory vote on executive compensation section.

Say-On-Pay Vote. Valmont conducted its first advisory vote on executive compensation in April 2011. The compensation resolution passed with at least 96% of the vote in each year, including 98.6%96.1% in 2019. Valmont's2022. Valmont’s shareholders in April 2017 cast 86.2% of their votes in favor of an annual frequency say-on-pay vote. The board of directors and the Human Resources Committee considered these results in determining compensation policies and decisions, and determined to hold annual say-on-pay votes and, based on the significant level of shareholder support, to continue the current compensation objectives, strategies, processes and practices described below.

Compensation Objectives and Strategies.    Valmont's Valmont’s executive compensation programs, policies and practices are approved by the Committee. The compensation programs apply to executive officers and to certain key employees who are not executive officers. The programs specifically apply to the executive officers listed in the summary compensation table (named executive officers). The Committee has established Valmont compensation objectives pursuant to which Valmont'sValmont’s compensation programs are designed to:


provide target total compensation levels at competitive market rates to attract, retain, motivate and reward the performance of executive officers and other key employees;


direct management focus to the long-term growth of the Company, enhance shareholder value, and ensure that executive officers have significant ownership without increasing dilution over acceptable levels; and


pay for performance by providing performance-based incentive plans measured against pre-established targets, with no guaranteed minimum payment provisions, and with actual payments above median market levels for exceeding performance targets and below median market levels if performance targets are not achieved.

The Committee established compensation strategies designed to carry out the compensation objectives, including:


target total compensation evaluated by position, on an annual basis, against like positions in companies of similar sales volume, according to data provided by the Committee'sCommittee’s independent compensation consultants; and


base pay, annual incentives and long-term incentives targeted at median market levels, with the opportunity for annual and long-term incentives at the 75th percentile or higher for significantly exceeding performance targets. Actual compensation will be above median if performance exceeds targets and below median when performance is below targets.

The Committee has engaged Frederic W.FW Cook & Co., Inc. (FW Cook) as the Committee'sCommittee’s independent executive compensation consultant. FW Cook reports directly to the Committee and provides advice to the Committee on the structure and amounts of executive and non-employee director compensation. FW Cook provides no other services to the Company.

Compensation Processes and Practices. The Committee follows certain processes and practices in connection with the structure and implementation of executive compensation plans.




The CommitteeCompany has used as its primary benchmark a general industry Aon Survey of approximately 134 companies whichsurveys provided by FW Cook adjusted to provide market compensation levels for companies within a range of Valmont'sValmont’s annual revenues. For 2022 compensation established by the Committee in December 2021 (for 2022 base salaries) and February 2022 (for 2022 incentive plans), the Committee used a national general industry survey of approximately 205 companies. The adjusted 2021 revenue size range of the companies in the Aon Surveysurvey was approximately $2.80$3.47 billion. Valmont's 2019Valmont’s 2021 revenues were approximately $2.77$3.50 billion. The competitive medians referenced below for base salary, target annual incentives and long-term incentives are the competitive medians based on the Aon Surveysurvey data.


For 2023 compensation established by the Committee in December 2022 (for 2023 base salaries) and February 2023 (for 2023 incentive plans), the Committee used a national general industry survey of approximately 800 companies. The adjusted 2022 revenue size range of the companies in the survey was approximately $4.29 billion. Valmont’s 2022 revenues were $4.35 billion.
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The Committee also used a peer group developed by FW Cook as a supplemental benchmark of CEO and CFO pay levels. FW Cook advised that, due to differences in the jobs of the individuals reported in the proxies of the peer group companies, consistent and reliable comparable compensation information was available only for the CEO and CFO. The peer group for 20192022 compensation consisted of the following twelveeighteen companies:
Acuity BrandsCrane Co.Qorvo
ArcosaFirst SolarRegal Rexnord
Barnes GroupHarscoFlowServe CorporationSPX Corporation
CarlisleBeldenHarsco CorporationHubbellToro Company
CraneIDEXTrinity Industries
FlowServe CorporationCarlisle CompaniesPentairHubbellWatts Water Technologies
EnovisPentairZurn Elkay Water
    The Company's revenues approximated the median of the peer group. The peer group had median revenue of $2.81 billion. Valmont's revenues for 2019 were approximately $2.77 billion.


    The Committee, in October 2019 reviewed the Company's peer group and recommendations fromon FW Cook. The Committee determined to increase the number of peers to ensure robust and stable compensation data and to diversify the industries included inCook’s recommendation, revised the peer group in October 2022 (for purposes of the 2023 compensation program) (i) by removing Enovis, SPX Corporation and Zurn Elkay Water due to accountbecoming too small for compensation comparisons or changed business focus and (ii) adding Comfort Systems, Snap-On and Xylem due to comparable financial metrics, global operations and business complexity. Following this change, the evolution of Valmont's business portfolio and strategy. The committee approved the following newCompany’s peer group of nineteen companies for compensation decisions beginning in December 2019:
remained at eighteen companies.
Acuity BrandsColfaxPentair
Aegion CorporationCrane Co.Qorvo
ArcosaFirst SolarRegal Beloit
Barnes GroupFlowServe CorporationRexnord
BeldenHarsco CorporationSPX Corporation
Carlisle CompaniesHubbellToro Company
Watts Water Technologies

    The Company'sCompany’s revenues approximate the median of the new peer group. The new peer group had median revenue2022 revenues of  $2.94$3.74 billion. Valmont'sValmont’s revenues for 20192022 were approximately $2.77$4.35 billion.


The Committee also reviews a tally sheet with respect to the total compensation (target and actual) of each named executive officer and each group president. The Committee utilizes tally sheets as a reference point to ensure that the Committee has a comprehensive picture of the compensation paid and payable to each executive officer. The Committee uses market data provided by FW Cook as one of the primary factors in executive compensation decisions and the tally sheets are not determinative with respect to any particular element of compensation.


The compensation programs provide for both cash and equity elements. Base salary and annual incentives are paid in cash. Long-term incentives paid for the 2017-2019 plan comprised2020-2022 and subsequent long-term plans consisted of

      Company performance shares are paidpayable in cash for executives who have met their stock ownership guidelines, and are paid 50% in cash and 50% in equity for other executives; beginning with payouts for the 2018-2020 long-term incentive plan, payouts will be settled in equity.Valmont stock. Stock options are settled in equity.


The Committee determines the mix of cash and equity compensation. The Committee has no pre-established policy for the allocation between either cash and equity or short-term and long-term incentive compensation. The Committee reviews information provided by FW Cook to determine the appropriate level and mix of incentive compensation. The Committee believes that a majority of an executive'sexecutive’s overall compensation opportunity should be incentive-based.


The structure of all incentive compensation plans is reviewed periodically to assure their linkage to the current strategies, objectives and strategies and performance goals.


The Committee'sCommittee’s policy is to establish base salary, target annual incentives and long-term incentives with targets at or near the competitive median level and potential payouts of incentives up to 200% of target for executive officers whowhen performance significantly exceed performanceexceeds targets. The annual incentivesincentive and long-term incentivesincentive targets are established for each executive officer by using a percentage of base salary that approximatesis generally aligned with the competitive targetmarket median for the executive. There are no material differences in compensation policies with respect to individual executive officers.


The Company'sCompany’s programs have been designed so that compensation paid to executive officers will generally be deductible under the Internal Revenue Code'sCode’s compensation limits for deductibility. Executive compensation generally produces ordinary income to the executive and a corresponding tax deduction for Valmont, except for amounts deferred under Valmont'sValmont’s qualified and related nonqualified plans, amounts subject to future vesting, and amounts related to stock awards which are subject to special accounting and tax provisions. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally places a $1 million limit on the amount of compensation a company can deduct in any one year for certain executive officers. Previous law provided an exemption from the limitation for performance-based compensation. This exemption has been repealed for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Consequently, compensation paid to certain executive officers in excess of  $1 million may not be deductible unless it qualifies for transition relief applicable to certain arrangements in place as of November 2, 2017.

deductible.

Elements of Compensation.    Valmont's Valmont’s executive compensation is based on three components, each of which is intended to support the overall compensation philosophy.


The three components are base salary, annual performance incentives, and long-term performance incentives (which include equity incentives). For 2019,2022, base salary accounted for approximately 27.9%18.4% of the total compensation of the named executive officers and incentive compensation accounted for approximately 68.0%79.8% of such total compensation.

Valmont's

Valmont’s annual incentive plan for 2022 includes a 5% incentive modifier based on goals for decreases in carbon intensity, reduction in total recordable incident rate, and increase in employee resource groups engagement.
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Valmont Industries

Valmont’s executive officers do not have employment agreements.

Valmont's

Valmont’s executive officers do not have agreements providing for special payments in the event of a termination of employment or a change-of-control of Valmont. Valmont's 2018Valmont’s 2022 Stock Plan provides for accelerated vesting of non-vested amounts in the event of an involuntary termination following a change-of-control. See Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.


Valmont does not have a pension plan. Valmont'sValmont’s executive officers do participate in its 401(k) Plan and also participate in the related non-qualified supplemental benefit plan.


    Valmont does not maintain a perquisite program for its executive officers. Amounts relating to the limited use of Company aircraft for personal travel are included in the summary compensation table.


Valmont has an executive compensation recoupment policy covering cash and equity described on page 10.

16.

Valmont has policies prohibiting hedging and pledging of Company stock by directors and officers.

    2019

2022 Compensation Program Elements.

Elements

Base Salary. Base salary is targeted at the competitive median level. Competitive median levels arefor 2022 were provided by FW Cook based on national general survey data which was the primary benchmark survey prepared by Aon.market reference point. Base salary is intended to compensate the executive for satisfying the requirements of the position. Salaries for executive officers and other key employees are reviewed by the Committee on an annual basis and may be changed based on the individual'sindividual’s performance or a change in competitive pay levels in the marketplace.

The Committee reviews with the Chief Executive Officer an annual salary plan for the Company'sCompany’s executive officers and other key employees (other than the Chief Executive Officer). The annual salary plan is developed by the Company'sCompany’s Human Resources staff, under the ultimate direction of the Chief Executive Officer, and is based on national surveys of companies with similar characteristics and on performance judgments as to the past and expected future contributions of the individual executive. The salary plan is modified as deemed appropriate and approved by the Committee. The Committee reviews and establishes the base salary of the Chief Executive Officer based on competitive compensation data provided by FW Cook using data for similar sized companies and the Committee'sCommittee’s assessment of his past performance, his leadership in establishing performance standards in the conduct of the Company'sCompany’s business, and its expectation as to his future contribution in directing the long-term success of the Company and its businesses.

The Committee continued the Company'sCompany’s combined matching contribution under the Valmont Employees Retirement Savings Plan (a 401(k) plan) and related Restoration Plan (a non-qualified plan in place since 2002 designed to restore benefits otherwise limited by IRS regulations). The Company'sCompany’s contributions to such plans for 20192022 compensation (4.5% of covered compensation) for the named executive officers (which matched the amounts contributed by such executive officers) are set forth in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation table.

Based on the factors described above, the Committee in December 20182021 reviewed the base salaries of executive officers for 2019.2022. Mr. Kaniewski'sKaniewski’s base salary was increased 5.5% to $950,000, Mr. Jaksich's 3% to $562,264 and Mr. Francis' 5% to $337,613.$1,081,571. Base salary for Mr. Parnell'sApplbaum was increased 20.1% to $643,000. Base salary for Mr. Schapper was increased 17.5% to $696,000; base salary of $340,000for Mr. Parnell was increased 7.0% to $410,891; and Mr. Laterreur's base salary of $375,000 were established based on FW Cook data as of their respective promotion or hire dates in 2019.

for Ms. Larkin was increased 5% to $420,000. The target direct compensation (base salary plus target annual incentive plus target long-term incentive) for Mr. Kaniewski was 85%88% of the survey competitive medianmedian. The increases for Messrs. Applbaum and for Mr. Jaksich was 98% ofSchapper were made in connection with strong performance and to bring their total direct compensation within close alignment with the survey competitivemarket median.

The Committee reviewed executive base salaries for 20202023 in December 20192022 based on the same factors described above. The base salariessalary for Messrs.Mr. Kaniewski Francis and Laterreur were increased 3%, Mr. Parnell's base salary was increased 4%, the base salaries for Messrs. Applbaum, Schapper and Mr. Jaksich'sMs. Larkin were each increased 4% and the base salary for Mr. Parnell was unchanged.

increased 5%.

Annual Incentives. The Company'sCompany’s short-term incentives for 20192022 were established by the Committee. The Committee determined for 20192022 that the annual incentive of executives should be based on optimizing profits and revenue growth. Accordingly, the executive officer programs provide


for target performance levels based 75% on the Company'sCompany’s net earnings performance and 25% on revenue growth performance. Mr. Schapper’s short-term incentive was based on the Infrastructure segment (which he heads) results weighting 75% to segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and 25% to Company net earnings. Annual incentives are targeted at the competitive median level. Competitive median levels are provided by FW Cook based on the primary benchmark survey prepared by Aon.survey. For 2019,2022, each named executive officer'sofficer’s annual incentive opportunity ranged from 0% to 200% of the targeted incentive, depending on the level of achievement of the Company'sCompany’s performance goals. For named executive officers' 2019officers’ 2022 annual incentives, a target incentive was established ranging from 45%60% to 100%110% of base salary, and performance goals were set based on net earnings and revenue growth results.


2019

20 2023 Proxy Statement

Compensation Discussion and Analysis
2022 Target Incentives—Annual Incentives — Percentage of Base Salary

Mr. Kaniewski110%

Mr. Kaniewski

Applbaum
10075%

Mr. Jaksich

Schapper
7580%

Mr. Parnell

Ms. Larkin4560%

Mr. Francis

Parnell
45%

Mr. Laterreur

60%45%

A minimum threshold level of performance had to be attained before any incentive was earned by an executive officer. Payout under the plan to any executive officer was capped at two times the target incentive. Participants, thresholds and specific performance levels are established by the Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year. The Committee may also award discretionary non-incentive-based bonuses to an executive officer to recognize exceptional performance in a particular year. No discretionary awards were made to named executive officers with respect to performance in the last three years.

The Committee approved in February 20192022 participation, including executive officers, in the short-term incentive program for 2019. The annual incentives for 2019 were based 75% on net earnings improvement and 25% on revenue growth.2022. Each performance measure operates independently. The Committee established the measures below to be used for the incentive threshold (payout at 50% of target), target incentive (payout at target), stretch incentive (payout at 150% of target) and maximum incentive (payout at 2x target) for both 20192022 net earnings improvement and 20192022 revenue growth.growth, and for 2022 Infrastructure segment results. Payouts are linearly interpolated for performance between threshold/target and target/maximum performance levels.

There is no payout for performance below threshold.

Net Earnings Improvement (75% Weight)

(75% weight for corporate executives, 25% weight for Mr. Schapper)

Threshold

(0.5x target)
Target

(1x target)
Stretch
(1.5x target)
Maximum

(2x target)

2019

2022$155.9200.0 million$183.4250.0 million$211.0272.2 million$300.0 million

Revenue Growth (25% Weight)

(25% weight for corporate executives)

Threshold

(0.5x target)
Target

(1x target)
Stretch
(1.5x target)
Maximum

(2x target)

2019

2022$2,5142,975 million$2,9583,500 million$3,4023,800 million$4,025 million
Infrastructure EBIT

(75% weight for Mr. Schapper)

Threshold
(0.5x target)
Target
(1x target)
Stretch
(1.5x target)
Maximum
(2x target)
2022$262.4 million$328.0 million$356.3 million$393.6 million

The threshold, target and maximum amounts for revenue growth represent total revenue numbers. The 20192022 net earnings were adjusted. The adjusted net earnings were $298.1 million (GAAP net earnings of  $153.76 million$250.9 increased by $2.52(i) $5.6 million for a Coatings segment non-recurring legal expense) were $156.3after-tax Prospera intangible asset amortization, (ii) $8.4 million after-tax Prospera stock-based share compensation and (iii) $33.3 million after tax loss on divestiture of Valmont SM, which resulted in net earnings performance at 50.7%196.8% of target. The 20192022 revenue was $2,767 million,$4.35 billion resulting in performance over maximum, the payout for which was capped at 78.5%200% of target. The combination of the two factors resulted in an annual incentive payout for the four named executive officers at 57.7%197.6% of target for 2019. 2022. The infrastructure EBIT performance for 2022 of  $355.8 million resulting in performance of 149.4% of target, which when coupled with the Company net earnings performance resulted in an annual incentive payout for Mr. Schapper at 161.3% of target for 2022.
The Committee in February 2022 established ESG related goals which could result in a 5% modifier to the short-term incentive. The goals for 2022 were (1) carbon intensity decrease from 74.13 at 2021 FYE to 71.90, (2) a reduction in total recordable incident rate from 2.2 in 2021 to 2.15 in 2022 and (3) a 100% increase in ESG engagements from 15 in 2021. All three goals needed to be exceeded for the modifier to be earned. All three goals were exceeded, and the 5% modifier payout is included in the annual incentives shown for each executive.
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Valmont Industries
Based on the 20192022 results, annual incentive payouts for 20192022 were as follows:


2019

2022 Annual Incentives

Mr. Kaniewski$2,468,447
Mr. Applbaum1,000,572
Mr. Schapper943,024
Ms. Larkin522,850
Mr. Parnell511,510

Mr. Kaniewski

 $548,150 

Mr. Jaksich

  243,320 

Mr. Parnell

  88,281 

Mr. Francis

  87,661 

Mr. Laterreur (prorated based on hire date)

  56,766 

The Committee also established an additional incentive potential payout of 20% (all or nothing) of base salary based on individual performance goals established by the Committee, for a group including executive officers, but in no event could the total annual incentive payout exceedpayouts, expressed as a percentage of target, for the 2x cap. The Committee approved payouts based on pre-established goals of $68,000 to Mr. Parnell and $43,725 (prorated based on hire date) to Mr. Laterreur.

prior six fiscal years, was as follows:

2021200.0%
2020159.4%
201957.7%
201849.8%
201789.8%
201667.0%
In February 2020,2023, the Committee selected the participants and established the performance goals for the 20202023 annual incentive program. The performance goals for named corporate executive officers in 2020 are2023 will continue to be based 75% on net earnings and 25% on revenue growth.growth and for Mr. Schapper are based 25% on Company net earnings and 75% on Infrastructure segment EBIT. The additional2023 annual incentive potential payout plan referencedprograms for executive officers includes a 5% modifier based on goals for decreases in the preceding paragraph was not continuedcarbon intensity, reduction in 2020.

total recordable incident rate, and diversity, equity and inclusion survey score improvements.

Long-Term Performance Incentives. Long-term performance incentives for senior management in 20192022 were provided in two ways: through the long-term performance share program, and through equity awards under the shareholder approved 20182022 Stock Plan. Both long-term performance incentive programs (long-term performance share plan and equity awards) are targeted at competitive median levels. Competitive median levels are provided by FW Cook based on the primary benchmark survey prepared by Aon.data. For the three-year award cycle ended in 2019,2022, each named executive officer'sofficer’s long-term incentive opportunity under the performance share program ranged from 0% to 200% of the targeted incentive, depending on the level of achievement of the Company'sCompany’s performance goals.

The current long-term performance share programs operate on three-year award cycles. The Committee selects participants, establishes target awards, and determines a performance matrix. The Committee in February 2017 designed2020 approved the performance matrix for the award cycle ending in 20192022 to encourage both the effective use of the Company'sCompany’s capital and the growth of its earnings, and consequently the matrix was based on average return on invested capital or "ROIC"“ROIC” and cumulative compound operating income growth or "OIG"“OIG”, weighted 50%60% ROIC and 50%40% OIG, at the beginning of the award cycle. The Committee established the following performance measures for ROIC and OIG for the award cycle ending in 2019:

2022:
OIG
(40% Weight)
ROIC
(60% Weight)
Cumulative Payout
as % of Target
Maximum20%11.5%200%
Target10%10.0%100%
Threshold1%8.5%55%
Below ThresholdBelow 1%Below 8.5%0%
 
 OIG
(50% Weight)
 ROIC
(50% Weight)
 Cumulative Payout
as % of Target

Maximum

 20% 11.5% 200%

Target

 10% 9.5% 100%

Threshold

 1% 8.0% 55%

Below Threshold

 Below 1% Below 9.5% 0%

The Committee in February 20172020 selected the participants, including executive officers, for participation in the three-year award cycle ending in 2019.2022. Targets for the 2017-20192020-2022 award cycle were


established based on a predetermined percentage ranging from 40% to 150%175% of base salary, which amount was converted to performance shares valued at the Company'sCompany’s stock price at the beginning of the performance period (which for the 2017-20192020-2022 performance period was a thirty-day average of  $148.57)$144.78). The percentage of base salary for the named executive officers was:

22 2023 Proxy Statement

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Percentage
of Salary

Mr. Kaniewski

85%*

Mr. Jaksich

Kaniewski
80175%

Mr. Parnell (prorated)

Schapper
4085%

Mr. Francis

Applbaum (prorated to March 2020 hire date)
4080%
Ms. Larkin (prorated to June 2020 hire date)60%
Mr. Parnell60%

        Mr. Kaniewski's percentage of base salary was 85% for 2017 and 150% for 2018 and 2019 (after he became CEO). Mr. Laterreur did not participate in the 2017-2019 plan due to his May 2019 hire date.

The performance matrix provides for the potential payouts to be increased or decreased in number based on greater or lesser levels of performance. Earned performance shares are valued at the Company's stock priceissued at the end of the performance period, (the thirty-day average prior to fiscal year end); consequently, payouts may be higher or lower based on the Company'sCompany’s stock price performance during the award cycle. Performance incentives are generally forfeited if a participant leaves the Company before the end of the performance cycle. Prorated awards may be earned based on performance results in the event of death, disability, normal retirement, termination of employment without cause, or a change in control. Earned performance shares are capped at two times the target number of performance shares. The Committee approves the number of performance shares to be paid following a review of results at the end of each performance cycle. Awards may beare paid in cash or in shares of common stock or any combination of cash and stock; participants who have not attained applicable stock ownership guidelines receive 50% of the award in common stock.

Based on the above described ROIC and OIG performance goals established by the Committee, the Company'sCompany’s three-year average ROIC on an adjusted basis was 10.22%12.04% and the three-year cumulative compound adjusted operating income growth was 1.00%19.0%, resulting in an earnoutperformance shares earned for the 2020-2022 period at 65.8%190.0% of target.Target. The Company'sCompany’s calculation of return on invested capital for the three fiscal years is on page 2035 of the 20192022 Form 10-K. The 2018 ROIC used an adjusted operating income and an adjusted tax expense. The 20182020 adjusted operating income (GAAP operating income of  $202.3$226.1 million increased by net aggregate pre-tax adjustments of $67.1(i) $42.4 million of non-recurring items relating to restructuring expense of $34.0 million, goodwill and intangiblelong-lived asset impairments and (ii) $2.4 million of $15.8 million, inventory and other assets impairments for plant closures of $7.9 million, non-recurring vendor quality expenses of $5.0 million and acquisition diligence costs of $4.4 million)deferred compensation expense) was $269.4 million on an adjusted basis. Using an adjusted tax rate of 24.0% (adjusted to exclude the non-deductible goodwill impairment and certain restructuring expenses in taxing jurisdictions where the Company will not realize a tax benefit) resulted in an adjusted after-tax operating income of $204.7$270.9 million. The 2019 ROIC used an adjusted operating income. The 20192021 adjusted operating income (GAAP operating income of  $237.7$286.8 million plus $5.8increased by (i) $14.7 million acquired company operating loss, (ii) $6.0 million restructuring expenses and acquisition diligence costs, (iii) $5.5 million write off of pre-tax expense from the nonqualified2014 receivable, (iv) $27.9 million impairment of long-lived assets and (v) $2.0 million deferred compensation plan plus $3.3 million of pre-tax non-recurring legal expense) was $246.8$342.9 million.


The Company's2022 adjusted operating income (GAAP operating income of  $433.2 million increased by (i) $6.6 million Prospera intangible asset amortization, and (ii) $9.9 million Prospera share compensation, and reduced by (iii) $2.7 million deferred compensation expense) was $447.0 million.

The Company’s stock price during the performance period decreasedincreased from $148.57$144.78 to $144.78$330.67 which decreasedincreased the value of the earned performance shares. Consequently,The 2020-2022 long-term paymentsincentives were paid in Company common stock. Long-term plan shares were earned by the named executive officers as follows:


2017-2019

2020-2022 Long-Term Incentives

Mr. Kaniewski22,471 shares
Mr. Schapper6,412 shares
Mr. Applbaum5,002 shares
Ms. Larkin2,612 shares
Mr. Parnell2,783 shares

Mr. Kaniewski

 $681,528 

Mr. Jaksich

  271,792 

Mr. Parnell (prorated based on promotion date)

  28,770 

Mr. Francis

  77,070 

Mr. Laterreur (did not participate in the 2017-2019 plan)

  0 

        All awards to the named executive officers were paid in cash, except 50% of the awards to Mr. Kaniewski and Mr. Parnell were paid in stock. There were no payments made for 2016 or 2017 under the 2014-2016 and 2015-2017The long-term incentive plans. Payments underearnouts, expressed as a percentage of target, for the 2016-2018 long-term incentive plan were 114.3% of target.

three-year periods ending in the six prior fiscal years, was as follows:

2021      88.6%
20200%
201965.8%
2018114.3%
20170%
20160%
In February 2019,2022, the Committee selected the participants and established the performance goals for the 2019-20212022-2024 award cycle; the performance goals for the cycle ending in 20212024 are again based on a combination of growth in operating income and return on invested capital.capital weighted 70% to ROIC and 30% to OIG, with each metric independently weighted. The Committee adjusted the weighting to reflect that ROIC is a strong indicator of Company share price. Targets were established for named executive officers based on a percentage of base
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Valmont Industries
salary ranging from 40%60% to 165%200% and performance targets established at 10% average ROIC and 10% OIG growth.

Any 2022-2024 long term incentive award will be paid in shares of common stock.

Stock Incentives and Ownership Guidelines. The board of directors, upon recommendation of the Committee, has established stock ownership and retention guidelines for senior management. The guidelines require an equity position (shares owned and restricted share units held) having a value of 6.0 times base salary for the Chief Executive Officer, 2.5 times base salary for the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice Presidents and Group Presidents, 1.5 times base salary for senior vice presidents and 1.0 times base salary for other corporate officers. The officers are required to retain 50% of the net shares acquired upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock until the stock ownership guidelines have been attained and maintained. TheAll named executive officers currently meet thesethe targets except for Mr. Kaniewski who became a named executive officer in October 2016, Mr. Parnell who became an executive officer in January 2019, and Mr. Laterreur who became a named executive officer in May 2019.

using the closing stock price on the February 27, 2023 record date.

Long-term stock incentives are provided through grants of stock options and restricted stock units to executive officers and other key employees pursuant to the shareholder approved 2018 Stock Plan and 2022 Stock Plan. The stock component of compensation is intended to retain and motivate employees to improve long-term shareholder value. Such grants for executive officers were in 2017, 20182020, 2021 and 20192022 made at the regularly scheduled Committee meeting in December of each year as part of the compensation for the upcoming year. Stock options are grantedexercisable at the market value on the date of grant and have value only if the Company'sCompany’s stock price increases. Stock options granted during 20192022 vest beginning on the first anniversary of the grant in equal amounts over three years and expire seventen years after the date of grant. Employees must be employed by the Company at the time of vesting in order to exercise the options. Options granted in 20192022 also vest on death, disability and involuntary termination following a change-of-control. If an employee retires after age 62 (with five years of service), options continue to vest and be exercisable according to the original terms. The Company'sCompany’s stock plans prohibit repricing. Restricted stock units granted during 20192022 vest in no less than three equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant; the units also vest on death, disability and involuntary termination following a change-of-control, and vesting is prorated if an employee retires after age 62 (with five years of service).

The Committee establishes the number and terms of the options and restricted stock units granted under the stock plans. The Committee established the terms and provisions of such equity grants based


on industry standards as provided to the Committee by its independent compensation consultant. The Committee established the number of options and restricted stock units to each executive officer so that the aggregate long-term incentive compensation would be targeted at competitive median levels. The value used in determining the number of stock options granted to each executive officer was computed based on the Company’s estimate of the options’ fair value at the time of grant, using the valuation assumptions described in the following sentence. The fair value of the options granted are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table as computed with subsequently refined assumptions in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, which is described in footnote 12 to the Company'sCompany’s consolidated financial statements. The Committee encourages executives to build a substantial ownership investment in the Company'sCompany’s common stock. The table on page 3 reflects the ownership position of the directors and executive officers at March 6, 2020.February 27, 2023. Outstanding performance by an individual executive officer is recognized through larger equity grants. The Committee, in determining grants of equity under the stock plans, also reviews and considers the executive'sexecutive’s history of retaining shares previously obtained through the exercise of prior options and restricted stock grants. In December 2019,2022, stock options and/or restricted stock units were granted to named executive officers with a fair market value of a percentage of base salary as follows:


Percentage of
Base Salary

Mr. Kaniewski

165%

Mr. Jaksich

Kaniewski
0% (due to his planned retirement)237.5%

Mr. Parnell

Schapper
50%90%

Mr. Francis

Applbaum
50%90%

Ms. Larkin60%
Mr. Laterreur

Parnell
40%60%

The amounts were established so that aggregate long-term incentive compensation would be targeted at competitive median levels. Competitive median levels are provided by FW Cook based on the primary benchmark national general industry survey prepared by Aon.

data.

The Committee granted options for an aggregate of 57,64840,564 shares and restricted stock units for an aggregate of 69,55345,850 shares to a total of 241378 employees in December 2019,2022, including options and restricted stock units to named executive officers as described below. The Committee had previously granted (i) 45,261 restricted stock awards to selected international employees during 2022 and (ii) 5,680 restricted stock units for 8,765 shares, including restricted stock units for director fees, prior to December 2019.

directors.

The Committee determined that the annual equity grants to the executive officers should be 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock units (on a value basis), to reflect current market practices as determined by FW Cook. In December 2019,2022, the Committee granted the following stock options and restricted stock units to the named executive officers:


24 2023 Proxy Statement

Compensation Discussion and Analysis
December 20192022 Stock Grants

Stock OptionsRestricted
Stock Units
Mr. Kaniewski14,7104,015
Mr. Applbaum3,314904
Mr. Schapper3,587979
Ms. Larkin1,443393
Mr. Parnell1,425389
 
 Stock Options Restricted
Stock Units
 

Mr. Kaniewski

  21,869  5,812 

Mr. Jaksich

  0  0 

Mr. Parnell

  2,709  720 

Mr. Francis

  2,220  590 

Mr. Laterreur

  1,973  524 

        Mr. Laterreur also received a grant of 89 restricted stock units upon his hire in May 2019. The option grants and restricted stock unit grants vest in equal installments over three years.years; the options have a ten-year term. The Committee determined that such grants were appropriate long-term incentives, based on market data and the Committee'sCommittee’s review of each executive'sexecutive’s performance.

The Committee believes that the programs described above provide compensation that is competitive with comparable companies, link executive and shareholder interests and provide the basis


for the Company to attract and retain qualified executives. The Committee will continue to monitor the relationship among executive compensation, the Company'sCompany’s performance, and shareholder value.


Hedging and Pledging Policy

        Valmont's

Valmont’s policy prohibiting directors and officers from hedging or pledging Company stock has been in effect for more than ten years. The Company reviewed and enhanced its policy in December 2019. The current policy prohibits hedging and pledging transactions by directors, executive officers, corporate officers and group presidents with respect to any Valmont equity securities held directly or indirectly by such persons. Hedges are any transactions designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of Valmont equity securities. Such transactions include short-sales, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchanges.


Compensation Risk Assessment

The Human Resources Committee in February 20202023 conducted a risk assessment of the Company'sCompany’s compensation programs which was reviewed by its independent compensation consultant. The Committee determined that the risks arising from the Company'sCompany’s compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Committee believes the programs are designed to promote long-term value creation and do not motivate imprudent risk taking. The Company sets performance goals that are reasonable in light of past performance and market conditions. The annual and long-term incentive plans for executives and senior management use an aggregate of three or more company-wide performance metrics which provide for sliding scale incentives rather than an all-or-nothing approach; all such incentives have thresholds before they are paid and all are capped. The long-term incentives, consisting of performance shares, stock options and restricted stock units, have a three-year performance period or vesting period and consequently the value to executives varies with the Company'sCompany’s stock price over the period. The Company has a stock retention policy which requires retention of 50% of the net shares acquired upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock until stock ownership guidelines are met. The Company has an executive clawback policy in the event of financial restatements due to fraud. The Company also has policies which prohibit the hedging or pledging of Company stock by directors and officers.


2023 Proxy Statement 25

Human Resources Committee Report

The Human Resources Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on such review and discussion, has recommended to the board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Daniel P. Neary, Chairman
Catherine James Paglia
Richard Lanoha
Joan Robinson-Berry
26 2023 Proxy Statement

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE



Daniel P. Neary, Chairman
Catherine James Paglia
Donna M. Milrod


Pay Ratio Information

We are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for our fiscal 2019.year 2022 . The pay ratio included in this information is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with applicable securities regulations.


For our fiscal year ended December 28, 2019:

To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees, we selected September 30, 20192022 as the date for data gathering to identify the median employee because it enabled us to make such determination in a reasonably efficient and economical manner. We used the total cash compensation (base salary, cash bonuses and cash incentives) of all employees globally as reflected in payroll records. We identified our median employee using this compensation measure, which was consistently applied to all our employees included in the calculation.

We did not use the same median employee as we did in 2018. That employee worked substantial overtime in 2019 and those changed circumstances resulted in unusually high compensation, which would not have been representative of our typical2021, since we are required to use a new median employee and would have resulted in a significant change in our pay ratio.

at least every three years pursuant to SEC rules.

Once we identified our median employee, we combined all elements of such employee'semployee’s compensation for 20192022 to arrive at such employee'semployee’s total compensation in the same manner as we arrived at our CEO'sCEO’s total compensation as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.


2023 Proxy Statement 27



Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table

YearSalary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
awards
($)(1)
Option
awards
($)(2)
Non-equity incentive
plan compensation
($)
All other
compensation
($)(3)
Total
($)
Stephen G. Kaniewski
President and
Chief Executive Officer
20221,081,57103,498,6501,529,9872,468,44795,6058,674,260
20211,030,00002,883,8581,042,6642,266,147115,3067,337,975
2020978,50002,742,3931,029,3021,667,26614,6256,432,086
Avner M. Applbaum(4)
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
2022643,0000879,398344,6891,000,57274,1882,941,847
2021535,6000771,346278,912803,40069,3512,458,609
2020360,000200,000964,921240,870453,083397,6202,616,494
Aaron M. Schapper
Group President,
Infrastructure
2022696,0000952,045373,083943,02456,8193,020,972
2021592,2500846,103301,924775,13714,6252,530,039
2020575,0000755,285266,344675,28014,6252,286,534
Diane M. Larkin(4)
Executive Vice President
Global Operations
2022420,0000424,724150,086552,85064,3551,582,015
2021400,0000405,939121,440480,00025,6731,433,052
2020192,3080523,086121,731185,880193,3291,216,334
T. Mitchell Parnell
Executive Vice President
Human Resources
2022410,8910375,928148,214511,51041,8151,488,358
2021384,0100353,563118,810460,81237,4091,354,604
2020353,6000327,282115,135246,47734,6231,077,117
 
 Year Salary
($)
 Bonus
($)
 Stock
awards
($)(1)
 Option
awards
($)(2)
 Non-equity
incentive
plan
compensation
($)
 All other
compensation
($)(3)
 Total
($)
 

Stephen G. Kaniewski

  2019  950,000  0  2,423,665  827,523  548,150  123,600  4,872,938 

President and Chief

  2018  900,000  0  1,350,000  1,604,262  448,200  126,446  4,428,908 

Executive Officer

  2017  575,000  0  1,488,655  1,358,055  413,080  13,500  3,848,290 

Mark C. Jaksich

  
2019
  
562,263
  
0
  
449,811
  
0
  
243,320
  
42,980
  
1,298,374
 

Executive Vice

  2018  545,887  0  436,710  460,338  203,889  55,754  1,702,578 

President and Chief

  2017  529,988  0  423,990  439,290  333,150  38,792  1,765,210 

Financial Officer

                         

T. Mitchell Parnell(4)

  
2019
  
337,572
  
0
  
276,056
  
102,509
  
156,281
  
17,612
  
890,030
 

Senior Vice President

                         

Human Resources

                         

Timothy P. Francis(5)

  
2019
  
337,613
  
0
  
255,713
  
84,005
  
87,661
  
22,678
  
787,670
 

Senior Vice President

  2018  321,535  0  245,164  208,338  72,056  20,829  867,922 

Corporate Controller

  2017  300,500  0  200,567  80,852  107,940  18,357  708,216 

Claudio O. Laterreur(6)

  
2019
  
214,904
  
100,000
  
295,734
  
74,658
  
100,491
  
36,386
  
822,173
 

Senior Vice President

                         

IT and CIO

                         

(1)
(1)
Stock awards consist of the grant date fair value (based on the target award amount) of the performance shares which can be earned by each of the above-named executives under the long-term incentive program with respect to grants in each fiscal year. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a description of these awards. The maximum award value, if earned (exclusive of increases in performance share value based on increases in the Company'sCompany’s stock price) would be two times the amounts shown in this column for the performance shares. Stock awards include the value of restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Kaniewskinamed executive officers in 2017, to Mr. Parnell in 2019, to Mr. Francis in 2017, 20182020, 2021 and 2019 and to Mr. Laterreur in 2019.

2022.
(2)

Option awards reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options computed in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. See footnote 12 to the Company'sCompany’s consolidated financial statements for the assumptions used in the valuation of these awards. The exercise price of all options granted in 20192022 to the named executive officers was $147.31.

$332.63.
(3)

All Other Compensation reflects amounts contributed by the Company to its 401(k) plan and related supplemental benefit plan, which matches the amounts contributed in 20192022 by executive officers in accordance with plan provisions; such Company contributions are 4.5% of the executive officer'sofficer’s salary, bonus and incentives that are paid in cash. Contributions to the supplemental benefit plan are based on cash compensation, a majority of which is performance based and variable and is paid only if performance levels are met. All other compensationOther Compensation includes 2020 relocation assistance as follows: $389,219 for Mr. Applbaum and $186,405 for Ms. Larkin. All Other Compensation for Mr. Kaniewski includes $80,850$56,110 in 2021 and $45,150 in 2022 with respect to personal use of Company aircraft in 2019 based on the Company'sCompany’s variable operating cost.

(4)

Mr. ParnellApplbaum and Ms. Larkin were hired and became an executive officerofficers in 2019.

(5)
2020; base salary information is for the period beginning on the hire date. Mr. Francis becameApplbaum received a named executive officer in 2018.

(6)
Mr. Laterreur became an executive officer in 2019. Mr. Laterreur receivednew hire $100,000 restricted stock unit grant and a sign-on bonus of  $100,000, reported in Bonus and $32,167 relocation benefits included in All Other Compensation.
$200,000 to replace prior employer forfeitures. Ms. Larkin received a new hire $75,000 restricted stock unit grant.


28 2023 Proxy Statement

Executive Compensation
Grants of
Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2019

2022
Grant
Date
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
($)(1)
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
(# of shares)(1)
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
(#)(1)
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)
Exercise or
Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/share)
Grant Date
Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Award
($)(2)
NameThresholdTargetMaximumThresholdTargetMaximum
Stephen G. Kaniewski02/21/202201,243,8062,487,6124,3488,69617,392
12/12/20224,01514,710$332.632,865,349
Avner M. Applbaum02/21/20220514,4001,028,8001,1812,3264,652
12/12/20229043,314$332.63645,354
Aaron M. Schapper02/21/20220503,4131,006,8261,2592,5185,036
12/12/20229793,587$332.63698,693
Diane M. Larkin02/21/20220273,000546,0005911,1812,362
12/12/20223931,443$332.63280,796
T. Mitchell Parnell02/21/20220267,079534,1584969911,982
12/12/20223891,425$332.63277,593
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
(#)(1)
 All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Option
(#)
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 Exercise
or Base
Price of
Options
Awards
($/share)
 Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards($)(2)
 
 
  
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards ($)(1)
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (# of shares)(1)
 
 
 Grant
Date
 
Name
 Threshold Target Maximum Threshold Target Maximzum 

Stephen G. Kaniewski

  02/25/2019  0  950,000  1,900,000  6,554  13,108  26,216             

  12/16/2019                    5,812  21,869  147.31  1,683,688 

Mark C. Jaksich

  02/25/2019  0  421,698  843,396  1,881  3,761  7,522             

Timothy P. Francis

  02/25/2019  0  151,926  303,852  706  1,411  2,822             

  12/16/2019                    590  2,220  147.31  170,917 

T. Mitchell Parnell

  02/25/2019  0  153,000  306,000  711  1,421  2,842             

  12/16/2019                    720  2,709  147.31  208,572 

Claudio O. Laterreur

  05/28/2019  0  98,381  196,762  540  1,080  2,160  89        10,344 

  12/16/2019                    524  1,973  147.31  151,848 

(1)
(1)
Non-equity incentive awards were made with respect to the Company's 2019Company’s 2022 annual incentive plan.plan; an additional 5% modifier was established for ESG related performance. Equity incentive plan awards represent performance shares under the Company's 2019-2021Company’s 2022-2024 long-term incentive plan. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a description of the plan.plans. Performance shares, option awards and restricted stock unit awards are made under the shareholder-approved 20182022 Stock Plan.

(2)

See footnote 1211 to the Company'sCompany’s consolidated financial statements for the assumptions used in valuing these awards.


2023 Proxy Statement 29

Valmont Industries
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

Name
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable(1)
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable(1)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(2)
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)(3)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(4)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)(5)
Stephen G. Kaniewski7,29000147.3112/16/20268,9002,942,96311,8273,910,834
15,0847,5430168.8012/14/203010,8053,572,889
5,28610,5720252.8912/13/20318,6962,875,506
014,7100332.6312/12/2032
Avner M. Applbaum3,5301,7650168.8012/14/20302,470816,7552,633870,654
1,4142,8280252.8912/13/20312,889955,305
03,3140332.6312/12/20322,326769,138
Aaron M. Schapper05,0000112.0812/17/20252,332771,1223,3751,116,011
2,08100147.3112/16/20263,1951,056,490
1,9511,9510168.6012/14/20302,518832,627
1,5303,0620252.8912/13/2031
03,5870332.6312/12/2032
Diane M. Larkin1,7848920168.8012/14/20301,191393,8281,375454,671
6151,2320252.8912/13/20311,678554,864
01,4430332.6312/12/20321,181390,521
T. Mitchell Parnell1,80600147.3112/16/2026942311,4911,465484,431
1,6878430168.8012/14/20301,381456,655
6021,2050252.8912/13/2031991327,693
01,4250332.6312/12/2032
Name
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable(1)
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable(1)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
 Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(2)
 Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)(3)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(4)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)(5)
 

Stephen G. Kaniewski

  2,869  0  0  145.25  12/09/2020  11,896  1,788,801  7,734  1,162,961 

  1,823  0     132.84  12/08/2021        8,133  1,222,959 

  4,882  0     104.47  12/16/2022        13,108  1,971,050 

  12,076  0     151.90  12/19/2023             

  20,727  10,364     164.35  12/18/2024             

  17,539  35,079     112.08  12/17/2025             

  0  21,869     147.31  12/16/2026             

Mark C. Jaksich

  
3,177
  
0
  
0
  
145.25
  
12/09/2020
  
0
  
0
  
2,853
  
429,006
 

  10,679  0     132.84  12/08/2021        2,631  395,623 

  5,238  0     151.90  12/19/2023        3,761  565,542 

  6,704  3,353     164.35  12/18/2024             

  5,033  10,066     112.08  12/17/2025             

Timothy P. Francis

  
1,009
  
0
  
0
  
132.84
  
12/08/2021
  
1,255
  
188,714
  
809
  
121,649
 

  1,485  0     151.90  12/19/2023        968  145,558 

  1,234  617     164.35  12/18/2024        1,411  212,172 

  0  4,000     112.08  12/17/2025             

  944  1,889     112.08  12/17/2025             

  0  2,220     147.31  12/16/2026             

T. Mitchell Parnell

  
0
  
2,709
  
0
  
147.31
  
12/16/2026
  
1,270
  
190,970
  
302
  
45,412
 

                       686  103,154 

                       1,421  213,676 

Claudio Laterreur

  
0
  
1,973
  
0
  
147.31
  
12/16/2026
  
613
  
92,177
  
476
  
71,576
 

                       1,080  162,400 

(1)
(1)
The options that expire on December 9, 2020 vested in equal amounts on December 9 of 2014, 2015 and 2016. The options that expire on December 8, 2021 vested in equal amounts on December 8 of 2015, 2016 and 2017. The options that expire on December 16, 2022 vested in equal amounts on December 16, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The options that expire on December 19, 2023 vested in equal amounts on December 23 of 2017, 2018 and 2019. The options that expire on December 18, 2024 vested or vest in equal amounts on December 18, 2018, 2019, and 2020. The options that expire on December 17, 2025 vested or vest in equal amounts on December 17, 2019, 2020, and 2021, except the 4,000 options granted to Mr. Francis that expire on December 17, 2025 vest on December 17, 2023. The options that expire on December 16, 2026 vestvested in equal installments on December 16, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

(2)
Mr. Kaniewski's restricted stock unit grants include a 6,084 restricted stock unit grant The options that expire on December 14, 2030 vest or vested in equal amounts on December 2017 which vests14 of 2021, 2022 and 2023. The options that expire on December 13, 2031 vest or vested in three equal installments beginning on the third anniversary of the grant. December 13, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The options that expire on December 12, 2032 vest in equal installments on December 12, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
(2)
The remaining awards for these named executive officers reported in this column are restricted stock units which vest in equal installments over three years following date of grant and on vesting will be settled in an equal number of shares of common stock. Dividends are paid upon vesting of restricted shares.

(3)

Based on the number of shares or units at the closing market price at the end of the 20192022 fiscal year ($150.37330.67 per share).

(4)
Number
Numbers shown isare as of the Company’s fiscal year-end for 2022 and are based on the target number of performance shares which can be earned under the long-term incentive plans for the three-year periods ending in 2019, 2020,(i) 2022, 2023 and 2021, respectively.2024, respectively, for Mr. Kaniewski, Mr. Schapper and Mr. Parnell, (ii) 2022 as prorated from date of hire, for Mr. Applbaum and Ms. Larkin, and (iii) 2023 and 2024, respectively, for Mr. Applbaum and Ms. Larkin. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a description of the provisions of the long-term incentive plans.

(5)

Based on the target number of performance shares at the closing market price at the end of the 20192022 fiscal year ($150.37330.67 per share).


30 2023 Proxy Statement

Executive Compensation
Options Exercised and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2019

2022
Option AwardsStock Awards
NameNumber of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
Value Realized
on Exercise
($)(1)
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(2)
Stephen G. Kaniewski67,99710,291,5357,4252,441,395
Avner M. Applbaum1,183363,442
Aaron M. Schapper7,1391,074,6961,491492,560
Diane M. Larkin632185,871
T. Mitchell Parnell629207,740
 
 Option Awards Stock Awards 
Name
 Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
 Value
Realized on Exercise
($)(1)
 Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting (#)
 Value Realized on
Vesting ($)(2)
 

Stephen Kaniewski

  3,065  14,375  0  0 

Mark Jaksich

  18,714  583,805  465  68,954 

Timothy Francis

  4,542  177,956  1,146  149,975 

T. Mitchell Parnell

  0  0  482  71,628 

(1)
(1)
Difference between the exercise price of the options and the market price on date of exercise.

(2)

Based on market value at vesting date of the related restricted stock units.


Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Name
Executive
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year
($)(1)
Registrant
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year
($)(2)
Aggregate
Earnings in
Last Fiscal Year
($)
Aggregate
Withdrawals/​
Distributions
($)
Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year End
($)(3)(4)
Stephen G. Kaniewski78,08836,729(44,304)0481,504
Avner M. Applbaum98,09360,462(16,597)0175,726
Aaron M. Schapper55,95843,0935600112,042
Diane M. Larkin120,43950,630(8,725)0207,349
T. Mitchell Parnell71,49128,090(38,222)0171,258
Name
 Executive
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year
($)(1)
 Registrant
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year
($)(2)
 Aggregate
Earnings
in Last
Fiscal Year
($)
 Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
 Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year End
($)(3)(4)
 

Stephen G. Kaniewski

  57,000  30,150  37,919  0  207,226 

Mark C. Jaksich

  309,349  30,380  649,598  0  4,346,096 

Timothy P. Francis

  16,635  10,078  15,875  0  114,216 

T. Mitchell Parnell

  5,380  5,012  1,318  0  11,711 

Claudio O. Laterreur

  0  0  0  0  0 

(1)
(1)
Executive officer contributions are included in the executive compensation amounts reflected in the Summary Compensation Table as part of Salary, Bonus and Non-equity Incentive Plan Compensation; such contributions include deferrals to the nonqualified deferred compensation plan but not amounts contributed to the qualified 401(k) plan.

(2)

Reflects Company contributions to match executive contributions to nonqualified deferred compensation plans but does not include Company match for executive contributions to the 401(k) plan. Company contributions match executive contributions to the 401(k) and related nonqualified deferred compensation plans with respect to compensation and are included in the Summary Compensation Table under All Other Compensation. Company contributions are 4.5% of the executive officer'sofficer’s salary, bonus and cash incentives.

(3)

The aggregate balance includes amounts contributed after the fiscal year end with respect to fiscal 20192022 compensation.

(4)

The Company does not have a pension plan or other defined benefit plan. The Company'sCompany’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan is offered to allow certain Company employees who, due to compensation and contribution ceilings established under the Internal Revenue Service regulations, are limited in making contributions to the Company'sCompany’s 401(k) plan. This plan is fully funded and the related assets in the plan are reported on the Company'sCompany’s balance sheet and are subject to creditor claims in event of the Company'sCompany’s bankruptcy. The vesting provisions follow that of the Company'sCompany’s 401(k) plan. Compensation that is eligible for deferral by the executive includes salary, bonus and cash incentives, and the executive may defer any percentage of eligible compensation. Investment values and related earnings are based on quoted market prices of the investments held by the plan. Investment alternatives under the plan are selected by each employee and may be changed based on the rules set forth by each investment fund selected by the employee. Distribution payments are made upon a specified period after separation from

    service in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The methods of distribution include single lump sum cash payment or annual installments for 2-10 years. In-service withdrawals are allowed in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.


Director Compensation

2023 Proxy Statement 31

Name
 Fees Earned
or paid
in Cash
($)(1)
 Stock
Awards
($)(1)(2)
 Option
Awards
($)
 Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
 All Other
Compensation
($)
 Total
($)
 

Mogens Bay

  175,000  130,000  0  0  0  305,000 

Walter Scott, Jr. 

  108,500  130,000  0  0  0  238,500 

Kaj den Daas

  98,500  130,000  0  0  0  228,500 

Daniel P. Neary

  115,500  130,000  0  0  0  245,500 

Clark T. Randt

  104,500  130,000  0  0  0  234,500 

J. B. Milliken

  91,000  130,000  0  0  0  221,000 

Catherine J. Paglia

  135,500  130,000  0  0  0  265,500 

Theo W. Freye

  92,000  130,000  0  0  0  222,000 

Donna M. Milrod

  97,000  130,000  0  0  0  227,000 

Richard A. Lanoha

  17,500  0  0  0  0  17,500 

Valmont Industries
Director Compensation
Name
Fees Earned
or paid
in Cash
($)(1)(2)
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Mogens Bay210,625145,0000355,625
Kaj den Daas113,750145,0000258,750
Daniel P. Neary119,375145,0000264,375
Clark T. Randt95,000145,0000240,000
James B. Milliken119,375145,0000264,375
Catherine J. Paglia134,375145,0000279,375
Theo W. Freye95,000145,0000240,000
Richard A. Lanoha95,000145,0000240,000
Ritu Favre110,000145,0000255,000
Joan Robinson-Berry95,000145,0000240,000
(1)

Non-employee directors in 2019 received2022 received: (1) an annuala retainer of  $75,000,$95,000 per annum, (2) $2,500 forAudit Committee chair receives an additional $20,000 cash retainer per annum and each board meeting attended ($1,000 ifother committee chair receives an additional $15,000 cash retainer per annum, (3) non-chair audit committee members receive an additional cash retainer of  $10,000 per annum, (4) the participation was via teleconference), and (3) $2,000 for each committee meeting attended ($1,000 if the participation was via teleconference). The lead director receivedreceives an additional cash retainer of  $30,000 for 2019per annum, and each committee chairman received(5) the non-executive chair receives an additional $10,000 cash retainer for the year. Mr. Bay became non-executive Chairman in 2019 and received a $100,000 cash retainer in addition to regular director fees (withoutof  $125,000 per meeting fees). Director Scott has elected to receive his cash fees in the form of deferred compensation which accrues interest indexed to U.S. government bonds compounded monthly.annum. Non-employee directors also receivedreceive a grant of restricted stock units with a value of  $130,000 (based$145,000, based on the closing market price of the Company'sCompany’s common stock on the date of the Company'sCompany’s annual shareholders' meeting).shareholders’ meeting. The equity grants are made annually on the date of and following completion of the Company'sCompany’s annual shareholders'shareholders’ meeting. The restricted stock units vest on the first anniversary of the grant date (subject to deferral by the director). The total cash compensation and the grant date fair value of equity awards for a non-employee director may not exceed $500,000$750,000 in a calendar year. Mr. Lanoha became a director in October 2019.

(2)

Unexercised stock awards (consisting of unvested restricted stock units) for each director as of December 28, 201931, 2022 were as follows:
NameRestricted
Stock Units
Mogens Bay568
Kaj den Daas568
Daniel P. Neary568
Clark T. Randt568
James B. Milliken568
Catherine J. Paglia568
Theo W. Freye568
Richard A. Lanoha568
Ritu Favre568
Joan Robinson-Berry568
32 2023 Proxy Statement

Executive Compensation
Name
Restricted
Stock Units

Mogens Bay

964

Walter Scott, Jr. 

964

Kaj den Daas

964

Daniel P. Neary

964

Clark T. Randt

964

J. B. Milliken

964

Catherine J. Paglia

964

Theo W. Freye

964

Donna M. Milrod

964

Richard A. Lanoha

0

(3)
The Human Resources Committee, with input from FW Cook, reviewed director compensation in February 2020. The Committee recommended, and the Board approved, the following changes effective April 1, 2020: (1) the elimination of meeting fees, (2) a cash retainer of $95,000 per annum, (3) an annual equity retainer of $135,000 per annum, (4) an increase in committee chair retainers to $15,000 per annum, (5) a non-chair audit committee member retainer of $7,500 per annum, (6) a lead director additional retainer of $30,000 per annum and (7) an additional non-executive chairman retainer of $87,500 per annum.


Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information about the Company'sCompany’s common stock that may be issued upon exercise of options, warrants and rights under existing equity compensation plans as of December 28, 2019.

31, 2022.
Number of securities
to be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)(1)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)(2)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
(including securities plans
reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders558,440$214.621,722,643
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders00
Total558,4401,722,643
 
 Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
 Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and rights
(b)
 Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
(including securities plans
reflected in column (a))
(c)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  662,929  133.90  1,208,223 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  0     0 

Total

  662,929  133.90  1,208,223 

(1)
(1)
Includes 488,560 outstanding195,690 stock options, and 174,369 outstanding252,773 restricted stock units.

units and 109,977 performance shares.
(2)

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding stock options.


Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-In-Control

Valmont does not have employment agreements with its executive officers. Valmont also does not have special severance or change-in-control payment agreements with its executive officers.

        Valmont's

Valmont’s executive officers may receive severance payments upon a termination of employment under Valmont'sValmont’s severance plan which is generally available to all administrative employees. The severance plan generally provides 16 weeks of salary plus one week of salary for each year of service. Valmont'sValmont’s executive officers would also be entitled to receive upon termination of employment amounts accumulated in their respective deferred compensation accounts, at the times and in the manner established for their respective accounts; such amounts are described in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation table.

        Valmont's 2013

Valmont’s 2018 Stock Plan and 20182022 Stock Plan provide that all outstanding options become immediately exercisable in the event of an involuntary termination following a change-in-control and that all restrictions on restricted stock lapse in the event of such an involuntary termination following a change-in-control. A change-in-control, defined specifically in the plans, generally occurs if: (i) a person, entity or group (excluding Valmont plans) acquires 50% or more of Valmont'sValmont’s common stock or total voting power of Valmont'sValmont’s voting securities; (ii) incumbent directors or their replacements (whose election or nomination was approved by at least a majority of then incumbent directors) cease to constitute a majority of the board; (iii) a reorganization, merger, consolidation, or sale of substantially all of the Company'sCompany’s assets occurs unless Valmont'sValmont’s shareholders prior to the transaction own after the transaction 50% or more of the voting power of Valmont'sValmont’s securities; and (iv) Valmont is liquidated or dissolved. Options provide for continued vesting pursuant to the option terms if the


optionee voluntarily retires on or after attaining age 62. If such a change-in-control (involving an involuntary termination) or retirement had occurred on the last day of fiscal 2019,2022, the incremental value (fair market value of company common stock on such date less exercise price) of unvested options and unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units held by the named executed officers would have been:

Unvested OptionsUnvested
Restricted Stock
Stephen G. Kaniewski$2,043,275$2,942,963
Avner M. Applbaum$505,663$816,755
Aaron M. Schapper$1,647,082$771,122
Diane M. Larkin$240,213$393,828
T. Mitchell Parnell$230,343$311,491
2023 Proxy Statement 33

Valmont Industries
 
 Unvested
Options
 Unvested
Restricted
Stock
 

Mr. Kaniewski

 $1,434,218 $1,788,802 

Mr. Jaksich

 $385,427 $0 

Mr. Francis

 $293,423 $188,714 

Mr. Parnell

 $8,290 $190,970 

Mr. Laterreur

 $6,038 $92,176 

The unvested stock options for such individuals and the unvested restricted stock for such individuals are set forth in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End table. In addition, a pro rata portion (based on period of service and full period performance results) of the performance shares awarded under the long-term incentive plan may be earned in the event of death, disability, normal retirement, termination of employment without cause, or change-in-control. If such a change-in-control or retirement had occurred on the last day of fiscal 2019,2022, the prorated value of the long-term incentive awards (based on target award numbers) which would have been payable to the named executive officers would have been:

Stephen G. Kaniewski$7,278,262
Avner M. Applbaum$1,763,903
Aaron M. Schapper$2,097,880
Diane M. Larkin$831,745
T. Mitchell Parnell$898,100
34 2023 Proxy Statement

Mr. Kaniewski

 $2,635,284 

Mr. Jaksich

 $881,269 

Mr. Francis

 $289,411 

Mr. Parnell

 $185,405 

Mr. Laterreur

 $101,850 


Shareholder Return Performance Graphs

The graphs below compare the yearly change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company'sCompany’s common stock with the cumulative total returns of the S&P Mid Cap 400 Index and the S&P Mid Cap 400 Industrial Machinery Index for the five and ten-year periods ended December 28, 2019. The Company was added to these indexes in 2009 by Standard & Poor's.31, 2022. The graphs assume that the beginning value of the investment in Company Common Stock and each index was $100 and that all dividends were reinvested.

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC


[MISSING IMAGE: lc_fiveyear-bw.jpg]


Audit Committee Report

        The Audit Committee is appointed by

[MISSING IMAGE: lc_tenyear-bw.jpg]
2023 Proxy Statement 35

Valmont Industries
Pay Versus Performance
We are providing the board of directors to assistfollowing information about the board by reviewing (1) the integrityrelationship of the Company's“compensation actually paid” to our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and “average compensation actually paid” to our Non-CEO named executive officers (“Non CEO-NEOs”), as calculated under the SEC pay versus performance proxy rule, for our fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 to certain financial statements, (2)performance measures.

The Compensation Actually Paid amounts are calculated by making SEC required adjustments to the qualifications, independence and performanceTotal compensation amounts for the executives presented in the Summary Compensation Table.

The Compensation Actually Paid amounts are calculated by making mandated adjustments to the amounts in the “Total” column of the Company's independent auditorsSummary Compensation Table.

The financial performance measures presented are Company total shareholder return (“Company TSR”), peer group total shareholder return (“Peer Group Index TSR”), Net Earnings, and internal auditing departmentCompany return on invested capital (“ROIC”). The peer group shown in the table is the S&P 400 Industrial Machinery Index, a peer group index that has been historically presented in the Shareholder Return Performance Graphs in the Company’s Annual Reports.
Pay Versus Performance Table
Year
Summary
Compensation
Table
Total for
CEO($)(1)
Compensation
Actually
Paid to
CEO($)(1)(2)
Average
Summary
Compensation
Table
Total for
Non-CEO
NEOs($)(1)
Average
Compensation
Actually Paid
to Non-CEO
NEOs($)(1)(3)
Value of Initial Fixed
$100 Investment Based
On:
Net Income
(GAAP)($)
ROIC (%)(5)
Company
TSR
($)
Peer Group
Index TSR
($)(4)
20228,674,26021,710,4332,258,2984,865,986210.67144.11254,251,00012.9
20217,337,97516,362,4231,944,0763,485,985233.12189.30197,725,00010.1
20206,432,0869,973,2341,634,8152,003,714162.46166.16142,149,0008.7
(1)
Mr. Kaniewski served as CEO in all years presented. Ms. Larkin and (3)Messers. Applbaum, Schapper and Parnell were Non-CEO NEOs in 2021. Ms. Larkin and Messers. Applbaum, Schapper, Laterreur, and Jaksich (who was the compliance byCompany’s CFO until March 30, 2020) were Non-CEO NEOs in 2020.
(2)
The Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”) Total amounts for CEO for 2022, 2021 and 2020 were respectively adjusted to compute the Company with legalcompensation actually paid as follows:
Fiscal YearDeduction of the
Amounts of Equity
Awards Reported in SCT
for Fiscal Year
Addition of
Fair Value
of
Outstanding
and
Unvested
Equity
Awards
Granted
During the
Fiscal Year
as of the
End of the
Fiscal Year
Change in
Fair Value
From Prior
Fiscal Year
of
Outstanding
and
Unvested
Equity
Awards
Granted in
Any Prior
Fiscal Year
as of the
End of the
Fiscal Year
Change in
Fair
Value as
of the
Vesting
Date from
the Prior
Fiscal
Year of
Equity
Awards
Vesting in
the Fiscal
Year
Fair Value
of Equity
Awards as
of the
Prior
Fiscal
Year of
Awards
that Failed
Vesting
Conditions
in Fiscal
Year
Stock
Awards
Options
2022$3,498,650$1,529,987$7,936,540$5,554,332$4,573,938$0
2021$2,883,858$1,042,664$5,515,454$3,846,884$3,588,632$0
2020$2,742,393$1,029,302$4,338,856$2,287,228$686,759$0
(3)
The Average SCT Total amounts for the Non-CEO NEOs for 2022, 2021 and regulatory requirements. The Committee oversees2020 were respectively adjusted to compute the Company's risk with respect to operational, compliancecompensation actually paid as follows:
36 2023 Proxy Statement


Fiscal YearDeduction of the
Amounts of Equity
Awards Reported in SCT
for Fiscal Year
Addition of
Fair Value
of
Outstanding
and
Unvested
Equity
Awards
Granted
During the
Fiscal Year
as of the
End of the
Fiscal Year
Change in
Fair Value
From Prior
Fiscal Year
of
Outstanding
and
Unvested
Equity
Awards
Granted in
Any Prior
Fiscal Year
as of the
End of the
Fiscal Year
Change
in Fair
Value as
of the
Vesting
Date
from the
Prior
Fiscal
Year of
Equity
Awards
Vesting
in the
Fiscal
Year
Fair Value
of Equity
Awards as
of the
Prior
Fiscal
Year of
Awards
that Failed
Vesting
Conditions
in Fiscal
Year
Stock
Awards
Options
2022$658,023$254,018$1,494,431$1,240,140$785,159$0
2021$594,237$205,271$1,137,243$827,482$376,692$0
2020$497,451$143,675$741,232$206,612$62,180$0
(4)
S&P 400 Industrial Machinery Index.
(5)
Valmont selected ROIC as a company specific financial measure that links financial results and performance. A significant portion of an executives long-term performance award is based on ROIC and ROIC is a focus measure for investors. ROIC is a non-GAAP financial matters, including legal, insurance and cybersecurity matters. The Committee managesmeasure. ROIC is calculated from the Company's relationship with its independent auditors, who report directly to the Committee. The Committee has sole authority to retain, compensate, oversee and terminate the independent auditors. The Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company's website at www.valmont.com.

        The Company's management is responsible for its financial reporting process and internal controls. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements and issuing an opinion on the conformity of thoseCompany’s audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles. as follows:

Dollars in Thousands202220212020
Operating Income$433,249$286,785$225,953
Adjusted effective tax rate27.7%23.6%24.2%
Tax effect on operating income(119,872)(67,681)(54,681)
After-tax operating income$313,317$219,104$171,272
Average invested capital$2,437,232$2,176,577$1,975,693
Return on invested capital12.9%10.1%8.7%
Total Assets$3,556,996$3,447,249$2,953,160
Less: Accounts payable(360,312)(347,841)(268,099)
Less: Accrued expenses(248,320)(253,330)(227,735)
Less: Income Tax payable(3,664)
Less: Defined benefit pension asset(24,216)
Less: Defined benefit pension liability(536)(118,523)
Less: Deferred compensation(30,316)(35,373)(44,519)
Less: Other noncurrent liabilities(13,480)(89,207)(58,687)
Less: Dividends payable(11,742)(10,616)(9,556)
Less: Lease liability(155,469)(147,759)(80,202)
Less: Contract liability(172,915)(135,746)(130,018)
Less: Deferred tax liability(41,091)(47,849)(41,689)
Total invested capital$2,495,471$2,378,992$1,974,162
Beginning of year invested capital$2,378,992$1,974,162$1,977,223
Average invested capital$2,437,232$2,176,577$1,975,693
The Committee overseesadjusted effective tax rate for 2022 excludes the Company's financial reporting process and internal controls on behalfeffects of the board of directors.

        The Committee reviews$33,273 loss from the Company's annual audited financial statements, quarterly financial statements and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee reviews reports on various matters, including (1) critical accounting policiesdivestiture of the Company, (2) material written communications betweenoffshore wind energy structure business which is not deductible for income tax purposes. The effective rate including the independent auditor and management, (3)loss on the independent auditor's internal quality-control procedures, (4) significant changesdivestiture is 29.9%. The adjusted effective tax rates for 2020 exclude the effects of the $12.575 million goodwill impairments which are not deductible for income tax purposes. The effective tax rate in 2020 including the impairments is 25.7%.

2023 Proxy Statement 37

Valmont Industries
Relationship to Financial Performance Measures. The following charts present the relationship of the compensation actually paid as presented in the Company's selection or application of accounting principlesabove table for the CEO and (5) the effect of regulatoryNon-CEO NEOs and accounting initiatives on the Company TSR, Peer Group Index TSR, Net Earnings and ROIC.
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_tsr-4c.jpg]
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_netearnings-4c.jpg]
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_roic-4c.jpg]
Most Important Financial Performance Measures for 2022. In our assessment, the three most important financial statements of the Company. The Committee also considered whether the provision of non-audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP ("Deloitte"), the Company's independent auditors,measures we use to link compensation actually paid to the CEO and Non-CEO NEOs to Company during fiscal 2019 was compatible with the auditor's independence.

        The Committee reviewed and discussed the Company's audited financial statementsperformance for fiscal 2019 with both management and Deloitte. The Committee received from and discussed with Deloitte the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant's communications with the Committee concerning independence. The Committee also discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed pursuant to the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the board of directors and the board has approved that the Company's audited financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.

2022 are:

ROIC

net earnings

cumulative compound operating income growth
38 2023 Proxy Statement

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Walter Scott, Jr., Chairman
Kaj den Daas
Daniel P. Neary
Catherine James Paglia
Donna M. Milrod

ITEM 2: ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Valmont is asking its shareholders to provide advisory approval of the compensation paid to named executive officers. Shareholders are being asked to vote on the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company'sCompany’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company'sCompany’s proxy statement for the 20202023 annual meeting of stockholdersshareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the related narrative discussion.

The Company believes that its compensation programs have served to achieve the objectives of attracting highly competent executives, enhancing long-term growth and shareholder value, and assuring compensation at appropriate levels based on performance.

Valmont conducted its first advisory vote on executive compensation in April 2011. The compensation resolution passed with over 96% of the vote every year since 2011, including 98.6%96.1% of the vote in 2019. Valmont's2022. Valmont’s shareholders in April 2017 cast 86.2% of their votes in favor of an annual frequency for the say-on-pay vote. The board of directors and the Human Resources Committee considered these results in determining compensation policies and decisions, and determined to hold annual say-on-pay votes and, based on the significant level of shareholder support, to continue the current compensation objectives, strategies, processes and practices described below.

Compensation Objectives, Strategies, Processes and Practices

The Company encourages shareholders to read about its compensation objectives, strategies, processes and practices in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Some of the more significant elements of the compensation practices are:


Base pay, target annual incentives and long-term incentives are generally targeted at median market levels. Median market levels are determinedwith data provided by Frederic W.FW Cook, & Co., Inc. (FW Cook), the independent executive compensation consultant to the Human Resources Committee, based on peer group and general industry survey data. FW Cook reports directly to the Human Resources Committee and provides no other services to the Company.


Annual incentives and long-term performance incentives are performance based. Executive officers do not receive incentive payments unless pre-established targets are met.

Valmont's

Valmont’s executive officers do not have employment agreements.

Valmont's

Valmont’s executive officers do not have agreements providing for special payments in the event of a termination of employment or change-of-control.


Valmont does not maintain a perquisite program for executive officers.


Valmont has an executive compensation recoupment policy that covers cash and equity incentive compensation.

Valmont's

Valmont’s stock plan prohibits option repricing.


Valmont has stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers.


Valmont has a stock retention policy for executive officers which requires retention of 50% of the net shares acquired upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock until the stock ownership guidelines are met.


Valmont has policies prohibiting hedging and pledging of Valmont stock applicable to directors and officers.

Fiscal 20192022 Compensation for Executive Officers


Base Salary. The base salaries paid to certain of Valmont'sValmont’s named executive officers in 20192022 were increased to bring such salaries more in line with competitive medians as determined by the independent compensation consultant offor the Human Resources Committee. The base salary of the Chief Executive OfficerMr. Kaniewski was increased 5.5%5% to $950,000. Mr. Jaksich and Mr. Francis received$1,081,571; base salary for Mr. Applbaum was increased 20.1% to $643,000; base salary for Mr. Schapper was increased 17.5% to $696,000; base salary for Ms. Larkin was increased 5% to $420,000; and base salary for Mr. Parnell was increased 7% to $410,891. The increases for 2019 of 3%Messrs. Applbaum and 5%, respectively, based onSchapper were made in connection with strong performance and market data provided by FW Cook. Mr. Parnell's base salary was set at $340,000 upon his promotion to his current position on January 1, 2019, and Mr. Laterreur's base salary was set at $375,000 upon his hiring in May 2019, in each case, based on market data provided by FW Cook.

adjustments.

Annual Incentives. Annual incentives are performance based. The annual incentives for 20192022 were based 75% on net earnings improvement and 25% on revenue growth. With respect to net earnings improvement, theThe Human Resources Committee established thresholdthresholds, targets and maximums for
2023 Proxy Statement 39

Valmont Industries
corporate net earnings of $155.9 million; the Human Resources Committee determined that a target annual incentive would be earned for net earnings of $183.4 million and that a maximum incentive of 2x target would be earned for net earnings of $211.0 million. With respect to revenue growth, the Human Resources Committee established a threshold (of total revenue) of $2,514 million, a target of $2,958 million and a maximumfor Infrastructure segment EBIT for Mr. Schapper’s incentive, of 2x target of $3,402 million. The 2019 net earnings of $156.3 millionall as adjusted (seedescribed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis) resulted in a payment at 50.7% of target for this metric. The 2019 revenue of $2.767 million resulted in a payment at 78.5% of target for this metric. The combination of the factors resulted in an annual incentive payout for executive officers at 57.7% of target for 2019.Analysis — Annual Incentives. The target annual incentive was based on the competitive median pursuant to the primary benchmark survey provided by FW Cook. The Committee also approved payouts of $68,000 to Mr. Parnell and $43,725 to Mr. Laterreur based on a special incentive plan for 2019, which provided an opportunity to earn an additional 20% of base salary (with no partial payments) basedBased on the achievementresults described in referenced section, payouts were earned by the four corporate executives at 197.6 of preestablished individual objectives.

target and by Mr. Schapper at 161.3 of target. The earnouts for the prior six fiscal years for corporate officers were as follows as a percentage of target:
2021200.0%
2020159.4%
201957.7%
201849.8%
201789.8%
201667.0%

Long-Term Performance Incentives. Long-term incentives are performance based. The three-year performance period which ended in 20192022 based long-term incentives on a combination of three-year average ROIC (return on invested capital) and three-year growth in OIG (cumulative compound operating income growth), weighted 50%60% ROIC and 50%40% OIG. The Human Resources Committee established in February 20172020 the targets for the three-year performance cycle ending in 2019.2022. The targets were established at OIG growth of 10% and average ROIC of 9.5%10%. The adjusted three-year growth in OIG of 1.00%19.0% and the adjusted three-year average ROIC of 10.22%12.04% (see Compensation Discussion and Analysis) resulted in payouts under the 2017-20192020-2022 long-term incentive plan at 65.8%190.0% of target. There were noThe Company stock price during the performance period increased from $144.78 to $330.67 which increased the value of the earned performance shares. The earnouts for 2016 or 2017 under the 2014-2016 or 2015-2017 long-term incentive plans, and an earnout was at 114.3%prior six fiscal years were as follows as a percentage of target for the 2016-2018 plan.

target:
202188.6%
20200%
201965.8%
2018114.3%
20170%
20160%

Equity Incentives. Stock options and restricted stock units are also a form of long-term incentive. The Human Resources Committee established the terms and provisions of equity awards granted in 20192022 based on industry standards as provided by its independent compensation consultant. The number of options and restricted stock units granted to each executive officer was established so that the aggregate long-term incentive compensation would be targeted at competitive median levels. Information on the equity awards granted to named executive officers during 20192022 is at Grants of Plan Based Awards for Fiscal 2019.

2022.

This advisory resolution, commonly referred to as a "say-on-pay"“say-on-pay” resolution, is nonbinding on the board of directors. Although nonbinding, the board of directors and the Human Resources Committee will review and consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding the Company'sCompany’s executive compensation programs.


THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR"“FOR” APPROVAL OF ITEM 2.


40 2023 Proxy Statement

ITEM 3: ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Valmont is asking shareholders to vote on whether future advisory votes on executive compensation, of the nature reflected in Item 2 above, should occur every year, every two years, or every three years. Securities and Exchange Commission rules require that the frequency of say-on-pay votes be put to shareholder vote every six years. Valmont’s shareholders in April 2011 and 2017 respectively cast 94.6% and 86.5% of their votes in favor of an annual say-on-pay vote. The shareholders will vote on the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the holders of the common stock of the Company indicate, by their advisory vote on this resolution, whether the vote on executive compensation should take place every one year, every two years or every three years.”
The board of directors, upon recommendation of the Human Resources Committee, has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation that occurs every year is the most appropriate alternative for Valmont at this time.
In formulating its recommendation, the board of directors considered that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation will allow our shareholders to provide their direct input on the Company’s compensation philosophy, policies and practices as disclosed in the proxy statement every year. While the Company’s executive compensation programs are designed to promote a long-term connection between pay and performance, the board of directors recognizes that executive compensation disclosures are made annually. Holding an annual advisory vote on executive compensation provides the Company with more direct and immediate feedback on our compensation disclosures. Shareholders should realize that because the advisory vote on executive compensation occurs well after the beginning of the compensation year, in most cases it may not be feasible to change any executive compensation program in consideration of any one year’s advisory vote on executive compensation.
Shareholders will be able to specify one of four choices with respect to this proposal on the proxy card: one year, two years, three years, or abstain. The option of one year, two years or three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by shareholders will be the shareholder-approved frequency selection for the advisory vote on executive compensation. The vote is advisory and not binding; however, the Board and the Human Resources Committee will carefully review the voting results.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EVERY “ONE YEAR” ON THE
FREQUENCY OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION VOTE.
2023 Proxy Statement 41

Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee is appointed by the board of directors to assist the board by reviewing (1) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, (2) the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s independent auditors and internal auditing department and (3) the compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements. The Committee oversees the Company’s risk with respect to operational, compliance and financial matters, including legal, insurance, information technology and cybersecurity matters. The Committee manages the Company’s relationship with its independent auditors, who report directly to the Committee. The Committee has sole authority to retain, compensate, oversee and terminate the independent auditors. The Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website at investors.valmont.com.
The Company’s management is responsible for its financial reporting process and internal controls. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and issuing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles. The Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process and internal controls on behalf of the board of directors.
The Committee reviews the Company’s annual audited financial statements, quarterly financial statements and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee reviews reports on various matters, including (1) critical accounting policies of the Company, (2) material written communications between the independent auditor and management, (3) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures, (4) significant changes in the Company’s selection or application of accounting principles and (5) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives on the financial statements of the Company. The Committee also considered whether the provision of non-audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), the Company’s independent auditors, to the Company during fiscal 2022 was compatible with the auditor’s independence.
The Committee reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements for fiscal 2022 with both management and Deloitte. The Committee received from and discussed with Deloitte the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Committee concerning independence. The Committee also discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed pursuant to the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the board of directors and the board has approved that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Kaj den Daas, Chairman
Daniel P. Neary
Catherine James Paglia
James B. Milliken
42 2023 Proxy Statement

 

ITEM 3:4: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP and the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively Deloitte Entities)Deloitte) conducted the 20192022 and 20182021 audits of the Company'sCompany’s financial statements. Fees billed by the Deloitte Entities to the Company for services provided during the 20192022 and 20182021 fiscal years were as follows:

20222021
Audit Fees$2,686,801$2,465,798
Audit-Related Fees$431,800$657,547
Tax Fees$133,533$130,356
Other Fees$1,895$2,000
Total Fees$3,254,030$3,255,701
 
 2019 2018 

Audit Fees

  2,485,000  2,411,396 

Audit-Related Fees

  326,505  462,544 

Tax Fees

  234,556  205,782 

Other Fees

  5,000  5,000 

Total Fees

  3,051,061  3,084,722 

Audit Fees consist of the audit of the Company'sCompany’s fiscal 20192022 and 20182021 annual financial statements, review of the Company'sCompany’s quarterly financial statements during 20192022 and 2018,2021, fees associated with registration statements and other services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit fees also included the audit of the effectiveness of the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting.

Audit-Related Fees consist of financial statement audits of employee benefit plans, consents related to Securities and Exchange Commission filings, procedures in connection with SEC registration statements, comfort letters provided in connection with the issuance of debt, agreed-upon procedures, documentation review in connection with the Company'sCompany’s internal controls over financial reporting and due diligence services performed with respect to acquisitions.

Tax Fees consist of international tax planning and federal, state and expatriate tax compliance.

The Committee pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditor, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and any other services. The Committee periodically grants pre-approval of specific audit and non-audit services including cost levels for such services. Any services not covered by prior pre-approvals, or services exceeding the pre-approved cost levels, must be approved in advance by the Committee. In periods between Committee meetings, the Committee ChairmanChair has the delegated authority to pre-approve additional services, and such pre-approvals are then communicated to the full Committee.

The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors to conduct the 20202023 audit of the Company'sCompany’s financial statementsstatements. In considering the engagement of Deloitte as the Company’s independent auditors, the Audit Committee consider a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) Deloitte’s relevant technical expertise and its significant institutional knowledge of the Company’s operations and industry; (ii) the quality of Deloitte’s communications with the Audit Committee and management; (iii) Deloitte’s independence, including the consideration of any non-audit services provided by Deloitte and their impact on independence; (iv) the quality and efficiency of the services provided by Deloitte including input from management on Deloitte’s performance; (v) external data on audit quality and performance, including recent PCAOB reports on Deloitte and its peer firms, (vi) the appropriateness of Deloitte’s fees; and (vii) Deloitte’s tenure as independent auditors. Deloitte has served as the Company’s independent auditors since 1996.
The Audit Committee requests that the shareholders ratify thisthe appointment. A representative from Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the annual meeting of shareholders and will have the opportunity to make a statement and to respond to appropriate questions. In the event the shareholders do not ratify the appointment, the appointment will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee.


THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR"“FOR” ITEM 3.

4.

2023 Proxy Statement 43



Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires executive officers and directors to file reports of changes in ownership of the Company’s common stock with Securities and Exchange Commission. Executive officers and directors are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms so filed. Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company and written representations from the Company’s executive officers and directors, the Company believes that all persons subject to these reporting requirements filed the required reports on a timely basis during fiscal 2022, except a Form 3 for an executive officer, Renee Campbell, reporting appointment as an executive officer, was delayed due to delay in obtaining Edgar filing codes and a Form 4 for a director, Kaj den Daas, reporting a sale transaction, was inadvertently not timely filed, which upon discovery was promptly reported.
Shareholder Proposals

Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at the 20212024 annual meeting of shareholders must be received by the Company no later than November 19, 202016, 2023 in order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement for such meeting.

The Company'sCompany’s bylaws set forth certain procedures which shareholders must follow in order to nominate a director or present any other business, not submitted for inclusion in the proxy statement, at an annual shareholders'shareholders’ meeting. Generally, a shareholder must give timely notice to the Secretary of the Company. To be timely, such notice must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the 20212023 annual shareholders' meeting.shareholders’ meeting, which is no earlier than December 14, 2023 and no later than January 25, 2024. If the date of the 20212024 annual shareholders'shareholders’ meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date, then the notice must be received no earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the later of the close of business on the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the date on which public announcement of the meeting date is first made.
To comply with the universal proxy rules, shareholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees at the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders other than our nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no earlier than December 14, 2023 and no later than January 25, 2024.
The bylaws specify the information which must accompany any such shareholder notice. Details of the provision of the bylaws may be obtained by any shareholder from the Secretary of the Company.

The Company'sCompany’s proxy card for the 20202023 annual shareholders'shareholders’ meeting will give discretionary authority with respect to all shareholder proposals properly brought before the 20202023 annual shareholders'shareholders’ meeting that are not included in this proxy statement.


Other Matters

The board of directors does not know of any matter, other than those described above, that may be presented for action at the annual meeting of shareholders. If any other matter or proposal should be presented and should properly come before the meeting for action, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote upon such matter and upon such proposal in accordance with their best judgment.

By Order of the Board of Directors
[MISSING IMAGE: sg_andrewmassey-bw.jpg]
R. Andrew Massey
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and
Corporate Secretary
Valmont Industries, Inc.
44 2023 Proxy Statement

[MISSING IMAGE: px_valmont01-bw.jpg]
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) DateTO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDSTHIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLYD98387-P86864-Z84373! ! !ForAllWithholdAllFor AllExceptFor Against AbstainFor Against Abstain! ! !To withhold authority to vote for any individualnominee(s), mark "For All Except" and write thenumber(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.15000 VALMONT PLAZAOMAHA, NE 68154Nominees:01) Mogens C. Bay02) Ritu Favre03) Richard A. Lanoha3. Advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on the company's executive compensation.4. Ratifying the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2023.The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 4 and in favor of  "1 Year" for proposal 3:2. Advisory approval of the company's executive compensation.NOTE: In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.1. Election of DirectorsVALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR thefollowing:Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor,administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each signpersonally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporateor partnership name by authorized officer.! ! ! !! ! !1 Year 2 Years 3 Years AbstainVOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode aboveUse the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic deliveryof information. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 23, 2023 for sharesheld directly and by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 19, 2023 for shares heldin a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site andfollow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic votinginstruction form.VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 23, 2023 for shares held directly and by11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 19, 2023 for shares held in a Plan. Have yourproxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.VOTE BY MAILMark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paidenvelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge,51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.SCAN TOVIEW MATERIALS & VOTE wD98388-P86864-Z84373

By Order of the Board of Directors



GRAPHIC

Mark C. Jaksich
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary

Valmont Industries, Inc.


[MISSING IMAGE: px_valmont02-bw.jpg]

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS Tuesday,SHAREHOLDERSMonday, April 28, 2020 1:24, 202310:00 p.m. Valmont Industries, Inc. One Valmont Plaza Omaha, NE 68154 Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement, Annual Report and 10-K is / are available at www.proxyvote.com. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS Tuesday, April 28, 2020 1:00 p.m. Thisa.m.This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors for use at the annual meetingAnnual Meeting on April 28, 2020. By24, 2023.By signing the proxy, you revoke all prior proxies and appoint Mogens C. Bay and Walter Scott, Jr.,Catherine James Paglia, and each of them withthemwith full power of substitution, to vote your shares on the matters shown on the reverse side and in their discretion on any other mattersothermatters which may come before the Annual Meeting and all adjournments. Thisadjournments.This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxythisproxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. Address change / comments: (If you noted any Address Changes and / or Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.) ContinuedDirectors' recommendations.Continued and to be signed on reverse side

sideImportant Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:The Notice and Proxy Statement, Annual Report and 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERSMonday, April 24, 202310:00 a.m.Valmont Industries, Inc.15000 Valmont PlazaOmaha, NE 68154


VOTE BY INTERNET – www.proxyvote.com Use the internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on 04/27/2020 for shares held directly and by 11:59 P.M. ET on 04/23/2020 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. Valmont Industries, Inc. One Valmont Plaza Omaha, NE 68154 VOTE BY PHONE – 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. ET on 04/27/2020 for shares held directly and by 11:59 P.M. ET on 04/23/2020 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR FOLLOWS: RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. Nominees may properly come before the meeting or any (See reverse for instructions.) ature (Joint Owners) Date The Board of Directors recommends you voteForWithholdFor All FOR the following:AllAllExcept 1. Election of Directors 01 Mogens C. Bay02 Walter Scott, Jr.03 Clark T. Randt, The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 2. Advisory approval of the company’s executive compensation. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 3. Ratifying the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal NOTE: In their discretion the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as adjournment thereof. For address change / comments, mark here. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer. Signature (PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX)DateSign To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below: Jr.04 Richard A. Lanoha ForAgainstAbstain ForAgainstAbstain 2020.

0000102729 3 2022-01-01 2022-12-31



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PROXY STATEMENT
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
2019 Target Incentives—Percentage of Base Salary
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2017-2019 Long-Term Incentives
December 2019 Stock Grants
Hedging and Pledging Policy
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Human Resources Committee Report
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Executive Compensation Summary Compensation Table
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF ITEM 2.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ITEM 3.
Shareholder Proposals
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