Balance Sheet, Liquidity, and Capital Allocation
The Company generated full-year 2023 free cash flow1 of $210.0 million through earnings and effectively managing working capital. At the end of 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $203.0 million.
$178.6 million of Company stock was purchased in the fourth quarter, inclusive of the $120.0 million Accelerated Share Repurchase program executed during the quarter. $136.1 million remains on the authorized share repurchase program.
Organizational Realignment Program
As announced in October 2023, the Company initiated an organizational realignment program to better align the Company’s administrative support structure to its long-term growth strategy. The program affected both reportable segments and corporate, and was completed in 2023. Actions taken resulted in pre-tax cash expenses of $35.2 million in fiscal 2023, including $31.0 million in the fourth quarter, and are expected to be recovered through lower SG&A within 12 months.
Introducing 2024 Full Year Financial Outlook and Key Assumptions
The Company is introducing its 2024 full-year net sales and diluted earnings per share outlook and key assumptions for the year.
●Net Sales Change (vs. prior year) of (3.0%) to flat
| o | Infrastructure sales growth expected to approach mid-single digits |
| o | Agriculture sales expected to decrease 15-20% |
●Diluted Earnings per Share of $14.25 to $15.50
●Effective tax rate of approximately 26%
●Minimal expected foreign currency translation impact to net sales
●Capital expenditures expected to be in the range of $125 to $140 million to support strategic growth initiatives
Providing New Long-Term Financial Targets
The Company is taking the opportunity to provide new long-term financial targets beyond 2024.
| |
Metric | Target |
Organic Net Sales Growth | Above Mid-Single Digits |
Operating Margin | Approaching Mid-Teens |
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) | High-Teens |
Free Cash Flow Conversion | 100% of Net Earnings |
Applbaum continued, “I’m excited to share our long-term financial targets for Valmont beyond 2024. We are focusing on strategic initiatives that drive sustainable growth and profitability over the long term with an ongoing commitment to value creation. We are executing a focused and disciplined plan to leverage our diversified portfolio and deliver operating margin and ROIC improvements. As evidenced by these goals, we are demonstrating higher levels of through-cycle structural profitability while making our company more resilient. This drives our position as a market leader, enabling us to achieve greater performance and create sustainable value for our shareholders.”