Agriculture (29.5% of Net Sales)
Center pivot and linear irrigation equipment for agricultural markets, including parts and tubular products; advanced technology solutions for precision agriculture
Sales of $327.3 million increased 36.2% year-over-year, with sales growth across North America and International markets, led by higher average selling prices of irrigation equipment and higher volumes, partially offset by lower project sales to Egypt. In Brazil, sales nearly doubled year-over-year, demonstrating continued robust market demand for irrigation equipment and ag solar products.
Operating Income improved to $43.3 million, or 13.3% of net sales ($47.4 million or 14.6% adjusted1) compared to $27.7 million or 11.7% of net sales ($32.0 million or 13.5% adjusted1) in 2021. The benefit of higher average selling prices and additional volume leverage was partially offset by higher SG&A, including incremental R&D expense for technology investments.
Balance Sheet, Liquidity and Capital Allocation
The Company generated year-to-date operating cash flows of $184 million through strong earnings and managing working capital while supporting strong revenue growth. At the end of the third quarter, cash and cash equivalents were $166 million. Valmont purchased approximately $11 million of company stock in the third quarter and approximately $101 million remains on the current authorization with no expiration.
Updating Full Year 2022 Financial Outlook and Key Assumptions and Providing 2023 Indications
The Company is updating its 2022 full-year net sales and diluted earnings per share outlook that were communicated last quarter and providing updated key assumptions for the year.
| | | |
2022 Full Year Financial Outlook | | Previous Outlook | Revised Outlook |
Net Sales Growth (vs. PY) | | 20% to 21% | ~ 22% |
GAAP Diluted EPS1 | | $12.90 to $13.30 | $12.95 to $13.30 |
Adjusted Diluted EPS1 | | $13.60 to $14.00 | $13.65 to $14.00 |
Tax Rate | | ~ 27.5% | ~ 27.5% |
FX Translation Impact on Net Sales | | ~ (2.0%) | ~ (2.0%) |
Capital Expenditures | | $110 to $120 million | $95 to $105 million |
| ● | Revised net sales growth to reflect third quarter 2022 results |
| ● | Revised Diluted EPS to reflect expected mix of earnings and timing of project deliveries |
| ● | Capital expenditures now expected to be in the range of $95 - $105 million due to extended machinery lead times |
| ● | Providing indicative guidance for 2023 of net sales growth in the range of 6% to 9% and diluted EPS growth in the range of 11% to 15% |
Kaniewski continued, “The strong market drivers we are seeing across our businesses, our continued track record of execution and a record backlog of ~$2 billion, give us confidence going forward. The long-term need for critical infrastructure investment globally, including current and future stimulus programs, are driving sustainable demand across our Infrastructure businesses. Favorable agriculture market trends across global markets and a strong international project pipeline are providing momentum for our Agriculture business well into next year.”
Added Kaniewski, "Looking ahead to 2023, we believe favorable market conditions and strong demand will continue, and our robust backlog and ongoing pricing strategies across the portfolio give us confidence in revenue and profitability growth next year. In 2023, we expect sales growth of 6% to 9% and earnings per share growth of 11% to 15%. Through our diversified business portfolio, return on invested capital focus, and