Valmont Industries Inc: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 27, 2025

Valmont Industries, Inc., along with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company,” “Valmont,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), is a diversified manufacturer of products and services for infrastructure and agriculture markets. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, our purpose is to conserve resources and improve life. We have been publicly traded since 1968, with our shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “VMI.”

Segments

Our reportable segments are as follows:

Infrastructure: This segment consists of the manufacture and distribution of products and solutions to serve the infrastructure markets of utility, lighting, transportation, telecommunications, and solar, along with coatings services to protect metal products.

Agriculture: This segment consists of the manufacture of center pivot and linear irrigation equipment components for agricultural markets, including aftermarket parts and tubular products, and advanced technology solutions for precision agriculture.

Further information on the principal products, services, markets, competition, and distribution methods for each of our two reportable segments is provided below.

Infrastructure Segment

Products and Services

• Utility: We design, engineer, and manufacture structures made of steel, pre-stressed concrete, and composites to support the infrastructure necessary for electrical transmission, substations, and distribution applications within the utility industry. Transmission involves moving high-voltage power from generation sources to consumption points, while substations play a crucial role in transforming electricity to make it suitable for both transmission and distribution to end-users.

Our scalable solutions feature innovative designs that address the growing demand for reliable energy, especially considering increasing concerns about grid resilience due to natural disasters like fires, storms, and floods. Each project is complex, requiring significant engineering expertise to address various loading conditions and environmental factors. By addressing factors such as wind speeds and specific power line requirements, we contribute to the development of resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of an evolving energy landscape.

• Lighting and Transportation (“L&T”): We design, engineer, and manufacture poles and structures made of steel, aluminum, wood, and composites to support a wide range of lighting and transportation needs. Our products serve infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects, creating well-lit environments for streets, highways, parking lots, and public spaces, including sports complexes. We prioritize structural requirements and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that our designs comply with local standards and preferences.

Our offerings include traffic and sign structures that support traffic signals and overhead signage, specifically designed to facilitate efficient traffic flow and enhance public safety. Each structure is meticulously engineered to meet environmental conditions, such as wind and ice, as well as load requirements for lighting fixtures and signage.

We also provide comprehensive highway safety systems, including guardrail barriers, wire rope safety barriers, and crash attenuation barriers, primarily serving the Australian, Indian, and New Zealand markets. These products are designed to enhance roadway safety, reduce the impact of collisions, and improve driver protection. Our L&T solutions not only meet the technical, aesthetic, and safety requirements of modern infrastructure projects but also contribute to the development of cohesive and functional public spaces.

• Coatings: Our finishing services prevent corrosion, extend product lifespans, and enhance material aesthetics. We offer various finishing options, including galvanizing and painting, tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse applications. Our hot-dip galvanizing process applies a protective zinc coating to steel, creating a protective bond that prevents rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting durability. For underground steel installations, our CorroCote® solution offers added protection against soil and moisture corrosion. Our painting services, including powder coating, provide both aesthetic appeal and durability for various industries. These coating solutions cater to a wide array of industry needs, enhancing performance and extending product life for our customers.
• Telecommunications: We design, manufacture, and distribute a broad range of products for the wireless communication market. Valmont Site Pro 1® supports wireless carriers and contractors through multiple nationwide warehouses and a catalog of wireless site components including antenna mounts and accessories. Our offering also includes towers, small cell structures, camouflage concealment solutions, and passive intermodulation (“PIM”) mitigation equipment, all essential for meeting the increasing demands of 5G networks and rising data consumption. A typical wireless communication cell site consists of a steel pole or tower, an enclosure for housing radio equipment, antennas for data and voice transmission, and mounting components that connect the antennas to cabling and equipment. Our steel mounting solutions and other products play a vital role in 5G infrastructure expansion. In urban areas, small cell applications help densify networks, enhancing signal strength and coverage. To blend telecommunication structures into their surroundings, we offer concealment solutions, such as faux trees. Our PIM mitigation technology addresses signal interference issues, improving network performance. Each structure is engineered to meet specific customer requirements, considering factors such as equipment and antenna specifications, wind and soil conditions, aesthetic demands, and compliance with safety standards.
• Solar: Our single-axis solar tracker is a fully integrated system that combines steel structures, electric motors, and electronic controllers. This tracker adjusts the position of solar panels throughout the day to maintain optimal alignment with the sun, significantly enhancing energy production. Our trackers feature a modular design, enabling easy installation and minimal maintenance. Additionally, their flexible design maximizes site utilization, making them particularly advantageous for solar projects developed in challenging locations. Our customers include engineering, procurement, and construction firms specializing in solar energy projects, as well as solar developers, independent power producers, and utilities.

Markets

The key markets for our Infrastructure product lines benefit from various local, state, and federal government funding initiatives. Notably, the United States (“U.S.”) government is advancing long-term infrastructure improvements through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”) and the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”). These programs are intended to allocate resources to enhance the nation’s bridges, ensure public safety, update essential infrastructure, improve highway safety, and modernize the electrical grid to meet growing energy demands and support grid resiliency.

A significant market for our Infrastructure segment is the utility industry in North America, which is increasing investment in critical electrical grid upgrades to improve reliability, integrate renewable energy sources, and expand transmission capacity. Increasing electricity consumption, an aging grid, and the expansion of renewable energy sources have intensified the need for enhanced transmission infrastructure, which has historically struggled to keep pace with demand. According to the Edison Electric Institute, substantial investments will be required for the U.S. electrical transmission grid, particularly to replace aging assets and support electrification trends across industries. In response, we are strategically investing in our manufacturing capabilities to increase flexible production capacity. International markets are also experiencing rising electricity consumption, driven by urbanization, industrial growth, and electrification efforts, fueling demand for new electricity generation capacity and expanded transmission grids. In addition, demand from data center construction is increasing as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digitalization drive the need for reliable power infrastructure, transmission capacity, and grid resiliency to support energy-intensive facilities.

We also serve the transportation, commercial construction, and industrial markets. Our transportation product portfolio includes traffic structures, roadway and street lighting, and high-mast lighting. In the U.S., funding for transportation projects comes from a combination of state and federal sources, including the IIJA, which provides multi-year support for infrastructure investments. Public-private partnerships are also emerging as a viable funding option for major transportation projects. Improving traffic flow through efficient control measures and modern lighting solutions has become a key priority for many communities and government agencies.

The commercial construction market, which is predominantly privately funded, includes lighting for a variety of applications, such as parking lots, shopping centers, sports stadiums, and business parks. This market is influenced by macroeconomic factors, including overall economic growth, interest rates, and urban development trends. We have established long-term relationships with lighting and equipment manufacturers serving this market. Meanwhile, the industrial market is typically driven by investments in infrastructure, industrial facilities, and commercial construction.

Our Coatings business serves diverse markets and is not reliant on any single industry or external customer for profitability. A significant portion of demand comes from our internal operations, supporting other product lines. The demand for coatings services generally correlates with local industrial economic activity. Galvanizing remains essential for industrial applications that require corrosion protection for steel. Demand for painted products is more closely tied to consumer markets.

The Telecommunications market is driven by growing demand for wireless communication and data services, including rapid increases in data consumption across mobile and connected devices. Our customers include wireless carriers, cell site operators, electric utilities, and state and federal agencies that require products for two-way radio communication, radar, broadcasting, and security applications. The continued expansion of 5G networks and rising connectivity and data usage needs are fueling long-term growth, requiring higher network density.

The Solar market is driven by the global shift towards renewable energy adoption and incentives for clean energy investments.

Competition

Our competitive strategy focuses on delivering high-value, innovative solutions to customers at market prices, emphasizing product quality, engineering expertise, exceptional customer service, and the timely, accurate delivery of our products. To achieve this, we leverage the production capacity across our extensive network of facilities, ensuring both quality and efficient service delivery.

The competitive landscape is dynamic, with numerous players operating in both North American and international markets. Pricing competition can be particularly intense during periods of weak demand or when fluctuations in local currencies create advantages for imported products. In the Infrastructure sector, sales are often determined through competitive bidding processes, with contracts awarded to the lowest bidder that meets all necessary qualifications. To maintain strong customer relationships, we establish preferred-provider arrangements with certain key customers, typically lasting between three to five years and often renewed.

The Coatings market is traditionally fragmented, consisting of many smaller, privately held companies competing on price and established customer relationships. Our strategy for this product line focuses on delivering high-quality coating finishes, superior service, and timely delivery of coated products.

In the Solar product line, we primarily compete with other mid-sized market participants.

Distribution Methods

Our Infrastructure products are distributed through a combination of direct sales force and commissioned agents. Our sales team works closely with end-users and distributors, representing Valmont as well as light fixture and traffic signal manufacturers. This collaborative approach enables our agents to deliver a comprehensive package that includes poles, fixtures, and other equipment directly to the end-user. Commercial lighting, wireless communication, access systems, and highway safety products are sold by our internal sales teams or through independent commissioned agents. Utility and Solar products are typically sold directly to electrical utilities, developers, or energy providers, though some transactions are facilitated through commissioned sales agents.

Due to the high cost of freight, our galvanizing services are generally limited to a radius of about 300 to 500 miles. Although we are one of the larger custom galvanizers globally, our sales account for only a small fraction of the overall galvanizing market. Each galvanizing location is supported by a dedicated sales team, ensuring personalized attention and responsiveness to our clients’ needs.

Agriculture Segment

Products and Services

• Irrigation Equipment and Parts: Under our Valley® brand, we manufacture and distribute center pivot and lateral move irrigation equipment, along with service parts, to enhance agricultural productivity. Our irrigation machines, powered by electricity—whether sourced from the grid, solar panels, or diesel generators—are engineered to move across farm fields, while conserving water, energy, and labor. These machines typically consist of a pipeline supported by a series of towers, each equipped with a drivetrain and tires for mobility.

The most common type of mechanized irrigation machine is the center pivot, which rotates in a circular pattern. To accommodate different field shapes, we offer corner machines that irrigate the corners of square or rectangular fields. Additionally, linear machines move vertically across fields rather than rotating, offering versatility for a variety of field layouts. Our irrigation systems are highly customizable, capable of servicing fields from four to over 500 acres, with the standard configuration in the U.S. designed for a 160-acre tract. For international markets, our irrigation machines are largely consistent with those produced for North America, ensuring uniform quality and functionality. In addition to irrigation equipment, we also produce tubular products, primarily for industrial customers in the agriculture, transportation, and steel service sectors.

• Technology Products and Services: We offer a comprehensive suite of technology solutions designed to enhance agricultural efficiency through advanced monitoring, analysis, and automation. With over 175,000 connected devices, our technology solutions help farmers detect potential field issues early while optimizing water and energy use.

We leverage this expertise to focus on irrigation optimization, machine health advancements, and predictive analytics. As pioneers of the mechanized irrigation industry, we maintain our leadership in innovation and remain at the forefront of integrating these technologies with our cloud-based platform. This approach delivers data-driven irrigation strategies tailored to each field and crop.

With AgSense® remote monitoring and control, growers can manage irrigation and ancillary equipment in real time, optimizing operations based on weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and crop needs. These tools promote efficient water use, reduce waste, and help maintain optimal growing conditions. By providing actionable data insights, we empower growers to maximize productivity while conserving valuable resources.

Markets

The market drivers for mechanized irrigation systems are fundamentally similar across North American and international regions. Purchasing an irrigation system is a capital investment, with decisions based on the anticipated return on investment. Growers who invest in mechanized irrigation systems benefit from higher crop yields due to improved irrigation practices, reduced labor costs, and lower water and energy consumption. Key factors influencing these purchasing decisions include current and projected net farm income, commodity prices, interest rates, government support programs, financing availability, and regional water regulations. In many international markets, local currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar can impact net farm income, as export markets are often denominated in U.S. dollars. Additionally, government-sponsored irrigation initiatives aimed at food security further drive investments in mechanized irrigation systems.

The demand for mechanized irrigation arises from several sources: the conversion of traditional flood irrigation systems, the replacement of older mechanized systems that are beyond their useful life or technologically obsolete, and the transition from non-irrigated land to mechanized irrigation. Water scarcity is a key driver of demand in our Agriculture segment. With agriculture consuming the majority of available freshwater, efficient irrigation is essential for sustainable food production.

We believe that mechanized irrigation can improve water application efficiency compared to traditional methods by delivering water uniformly to the root zone and minimizing runoff. Reduced runoff not only conserves water but also improves the quality of adjacent rivers, aquifers, and streams, contributing environmental benefits and supporting vital water conservation efforts.

Competition

In North America, several companies provide irrigation products and services for agricultural customers. Our company is recognized as the leader among the main participants in the mechanized irrigation industry. Competitors differentiate themselves based on product durability, reliability, pricing and value proposition, quality, and the service capabilities of local dealers. To help growers improve crop yields, we continuously innovate and expand our technology offerings to meet evolving customer needs.

Pricing in the industry can become highly competitive, particularly during periods of low demand. In international markets, our competition includes both major U.S. companies and privately owned local businesses. While the global competitive landscape is similar to that of North America, pricing often plays a more critical role. Recognizing the local nature of competition in international markets, we maintain manufacturing facilities in key regions, which enables us to compete effectively and meet region-specific demands.

Distribution Methods

We market our irrigation machines, technology offerings, and service parts through an extensive network of independent dealers. In North America, approximately 250 dealer locations serve our customers, with around 400 dealer locations covering international markets across more than 60 countries. Dealers assess growers’ needs, customize machine configurations, manage installation (including water and power systems), and provide ongoing support.

To ensure dealers can meet customer needs effectively, our technical and sales teams provide ongoing training and support. Internationally, our dealers receive additional support through regional operations in South America, South Africa, Western Europe, Australia, China, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as our manufacturing facility in Valley, Nebraska. This support structure allows us to deliver tailored solutions and maintain strong, lasting relationships with customers worldwide.

General

Certain information generally applicable to our two reportable segments is outlined below.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

We have achieved growth both organically and through acquisitions. Additionally, we continually refine our portfolio to enhance our operational focus. Our significant business acquisitions and divestitures during the past three fiscal years included the following (with the relevant segment noted):

2025

• Acquired the remaining 40% of ConcealFab, Inc., a 5G infrastructure and PIM mitigation solutions company in Colorado included in the Infrastructure segment, for $81.8 million
• Acquired the remaining 45% of Solbras Energia Solar do Brasil S.A., a leading provider of solar energy solutions for agriculture in Brazil included in the Agriculture segment, for $14.2 million
• Acquired an additional approximately 30% of Valmont Irrigation Argentina B.V., an irrigation equipment distributor in Argentina included in the Agriculture segment, for $14.6 million

2024

• Acquired an additional approximately 9% of ConcealFab, Inc., a 5G infrastructure and PIM mitigation solutions company in Colorado included in the Infrastructure segment, for $7.2 million
• Acquired the remaining 25% of Valmont Substations, LLC, a utility substation product provider in Kansas included in the Infrastructure segment, for $10.5 million
• Divested our extractive business, which included the manufacturing and distribution of screening products for the mining and quarrying sectors in Australia and New Zealand previously included in the Infrastructure segment, for $3.3 million
• Divested George Industries, a coating and anodizing company in California previously included in the Infrastructure segment, for $0.5 million
• Acquired HR Products, a leading wholesale supplier of irrigation parts in Australia included in the Agriculture segment, for $37.3 million
• Divested Torrent Engineering and Equipment Company, LLC, an integrator of prepackaged pump stations in Indiana previously included in the Infrastructure segment, for $6.4 million

Suppliers and Availability of Raw Materials

Our primary raw materials include hot-rolled steel coil and plate, zinc, and other carbon steel products, all essential for manufacturing across our segments. We source these materials from steel mills, steel service centers, and zinc producers, where they are generally readily available. However, ever-changing trade policies and tariffs could increase the cost of goods purchased from Canada, China, and Mexico, among other countries, potentially disrupting the availability of these key raw materials. While we may experience longer lead times and price fluctuations, we do not anticipate extended shortages of steel, zinc, or natural gas. Over the past several years, we have maintained strong relationships with major steel producers and have strategically sourced steel within the same continent as our manufacturing locations, helping us avoid significant or widespread shortages.

Patents, Licenses, Franchises, and Concessions

We hold patents for a variety of products, including manufacturing machinery, structures, solar trackers, highway guardrails, and irrigation systems. Additionally, we have registered trademarks associated with our products and services. While these intellectual properties are valuable to our business, we do not believe that the loss of any single patent or trademark would materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Seasonal Factors in Business

Sales in our business can be influenced by seasonal patterns tied to the agricultural growing season and the infrastructure construction season. For mechanized irrigation equipment, sales typically peak in spring and fall, aligning with farmers’ planting and harvesting periods, and are generally lower in the summer. In contrast, sales of infrastructure products tend to increase during the summer and fall, in line with the construction season, and are usually lower in the winter.

Customers

Our business does not depend on a single customer or a limited number of customers to generate a significant portion of revenue in any segment. As such, the loss of any one customer would not materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Backlog

As of December 27, 2025, our backlog of orders for principal products was $1,653.7 million, compared to $1,436.7 million as of December 28, 2024. Backlog includes confirmed customer purchase orders and executed sales order contracts. We expect the majority of our backlog as of December 27, 2025 to be fulfilled during fiscal 2026. The total backlog by segment as of December 27, 2025 and December 28, 2024 was as follows:

Dollars in millions

Environmental Protection

We are subject to a range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment. Although we regularly incur expenses and make capital expenditures related to environmental compliance, we do not anticipate that these future expenditures will materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Number of Employees

As of December 27, 2025, we had a total of 10,791 employees.

Human Capital Resources

Our approach to human capital resources is outlined in our Code of Business Conduct, in our Human Rights Policy, and on our website at www.valmont.com (http://www.valmont.com). A company-wide commitment to customer service and innovation is essential to our success and enables us to deliver value to our customers. Our employees are the foundation of our achievements, and we foster a culture of passion, integrity, and accountability that encourages employees to excel while upholding high ethical standards and delivering business results. We expect each employee to act responsibly, be accountable for their actions, and to treat one another with fairness and respect.

To meet customer demands, support sales growth, and maintain a competitive position, we rely on a skilled workforce and effective management. Key skills across our operations include engineering, welding, equipment maintenance, and the operation of complex manufacturing machinery. Strong management talent is critical to business growth and succession planning, particularly as experienced employees approach retirement. As of December 27, 2025, we employed 6,294 individuals in the U.S. and 4,497 internationally.

When job openings arise, we prioritize internal candidates, providing career advancement opportunities to qualified employees within our organization. Employees are our most valuable resource, and we prioritize succession planning and management development across the enterprise. The Chief Executive Officer regularly reports on these initiatives to the Board of Directors as part of our leadership and talent oversight processes.

We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering a workforce that reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences. We value the contributions of a diverse workforce, and seek employees who support a strong, inclusive culture and sustainable business outcomes. Our Human Rights Policy, available on our website, outlines our expectations that employees, suppliers, vendors, dealers, and distributors respect and uphold our commitment to human rights. We prohibit discrimination based on age, race, disability, ethnicity, marital or family status, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

We are committed to voluntary employment and strictly prohibit all forms of compulsory labor, including child labor, forced labor, slavery, and human trafficking. Our human rights practices are informed by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and we comply with applicable wage, work hours, overtime, and benefits laws. We emphasize a healthy, safe, and well-supported workplace, and provide employees with confidential reporting channels through a secure third-party platform. We offer market-competitive compensation and benefits programs that vary by country and are designed to comply with local legal requirements and support employee well-being. In the U.S., this includes access to health insurance, paid and unpaid leave, retirement plans, and coverage for life, disability, and accidents.

For additional information, please refer to the “Corporate Governance” and “Sustainability” sections on our website, and the “Governance, Human Capital and Sustainability Highlights” section in our Proxy Statement.

Available Information

We provide a variety of financial reports and disclosures free of charge on the “Investors” page of our website at www.valmont.com (http://www.valmont.com). These materials include our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Reports are made available as soon as reasonably practicable after being electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Additionally, our website serves as a primary channel for distributing important information, including news releases, analyst presentations, and financial data. Please note that the information on our website is not, and will not be considered, part of this annual report on Form 10-K or incorporated into any other SEC filings.

The following risk factors describe various risks that may affect our business, financial condition, and operations.

Economic and Business Risks

The ultimate consumers of our products operate in cyclical industries, which have experienced significant downturns that have adversely impacted our sales in the past and may do so again in the future.

Our sales are sensitive to market conditions in the industries where the ultimate consumers of our products operate. In some cases, these industries have been highly cyclical and subject to substantial downturns. For example, a significant portion of our sales of support structures is to the electric utility industry. In fiscal 2025, our sales to the U.S. electric utility industry were approximately $1.5 billion. Utilities may defer purchases of our products by reducing capital expenditures for reasons such as unfavorable regulatory environments, a slow U.S. economy, or financing constraints. If demand for utility structures weakens due to reduced or delayed spending on electrical generation and transmission projects, our sales and operating income are likely to decrease.

The end-users of our mechanized irrigation equipment are farmers. Economic changes within the agriculture industry, particularly fluctuations in farm income, can impact sales of these products. Lower levels of farm income have, at times, led to reduced demand for our mechanized irrigation and tubing products. Farm income decreases when commodity prices, acreage planted, crop yields, government subsidies, and export levels decline. Additionally, weather conditions—potentially worsened by climate change, such as extreme drought—can limit water availability for irrigation and influence farmers’ purchasing decisions. Higher input costs for producing crops, including energy, seed, fertilizer, chemicals, labor, equipment, financing, and transportation, increase farmers’ operating expenses. Consequently, our Agriculture segment business has experienced peaks and troughs. For example, since fiscal 2022, net sales in the segment have leveled off after strong growth.

Furthermore, uncertainty regarding future government agricultural policies may lead to indecision among farmers. Changes in government farm support programs, financing aids, and irrigation water use policies can influence the demand for our irrigation equipment. In the U.S., certain regions are considering policies that may restrict water use for irrigation. These factors could prompt farmers to delay capital expenditures for farm equipment, potentially slowing or even reversing growth in irrigation equipment and tubing sales.

We have also experienced cyclical demand for products sold to the wireless communications industry. Sales of wireless structures and components to wireless carriers and build-to-suit companies that serve the industry have historically been cyclical. These customers may reduce spending on new capacity to focus on cash flow and capital management. Changes in the competitive structure of the wireless industry, due to industry consolidation or reorganization, may disrupt the capital plans of wireless carriers as they reassess their networks.

Due to the cyclical nature of these markets, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant fluctuations in sales and operating income for a substantial portion of our product offerings. These fluctuations could be material and adversely affect our overall financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

Changes in prices and reduced availability of key commodities such as steel, aluminum, zinc, natural gas, and fuel may increase our operating costs, likely reducing our net sales and profitability.

Hot-rolled steel coil and other carbon steel products have historically represented a substantial portion of the cost to manufacture our products. We also use large quantities of aluminum for lighting structures and zinc for galvanizing most of our steel products. Our facilities consume large amounts of natural gas for heating and processing tanks in our galvanizing operations. Additionally, we use gasoline and diesel fuel to transport raw materials to our locations and deliver finished goods to our customers. The markets for these commodities can be volatile. The following factors increase the cost and reduce the availability of these commodities:

• increased demand, which occurs when we and other industries require greater quantities of these commodities, which can result in higher prices and longer lead times to receive them from suppliers;
• lower production levels of these commodities, due to reduced production capacities or shortages of materials needed to produce them (such as coke and scrap steel for the production of steel), which could result in reduced supplies, higher costs for us, and increased lead times;
• increased costs of major inputs, such as scrap steel, coke, iron ore, and energy;
• fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, which can impact the relative cost of these commodities, which may affect the cost-effectiveness of imported materials and limit our options for acquiring them; and
• international trade disputes, import duties, tariffs, and quotas, as we import some steel and aluminum components and products for various product lines.

Increases in the selling prices of our products may not fully recover higher commodity costs and generally lag increases in these costs. Consequently, an increase in commodity prices will increase our operating costs and likely reduce our profitability.

Rising steel prices can put pressure on gross profit margins, especially in our Infrastructure segment product lines. The time between the release of a customer’s purchase order and the manufacturing of the product can span several months. Since some sales in the Infrastructure segment are fixed-price contracts, rapid increases in steel costs likely result in lower operating income. Steel prices for both hot-rolled coil and plate can also decrease substantially in a given period. Steel is particularly significant for our Utility product line, where the cost of steel has accounted for approximately 50% of net sales on average. Assuming a similar sales mix, a hypothetical 20% change in the price of steel would have affected our net sales in this product line by approximately $110.0 million for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2025.

Volatility in steel prices can result from changes in global steel production, trade policies, and shifting consumption patterns. The speed with which steel suppliers impose price increases on us may prevent us from fully recovering these price increases, particularly in our L&T and Utility businesses. Similarly, decreases in steel prices can result in reduced operating margins in our Utility businesses due to long production lead times.

Our ability to effectively manage the procurement and inventory of key components and raw materials may be adversely affected by supply disruptions and demand volatility, which could reduce our profitability.

Our Agriculture and Infrastructure businesses are subject to pronounced business cycles and, at times, sudden changes in customer demand. Our operating results depend in part on our ability to accurately forecast demand and procure inventories that align with production schedules and customer delivery requirements. In recent years, global supply chain disruptions and availability constraints for certain components and raw materials have adversely affected our ability to manage inventory efficiently.

To mitigate the risk of supply disruptions, we may increase inventory levels for certain components or materials. While this strategy may support continuity of operations, it also increases the risk that inventories may become excess or obsolete if customer demand weakens, forecasts fail to materialize, or customers delay or cancel orders due to adverse conditions in their end markets.

If we determine that inventory is excess or obsolete, we would be required to record inventory reserve charges or write-offs, which could adversely affect our gross margins, operating results, and financial condition. These risks may be exacerbated during periods of economic uncertainty or rapid changes in market conditions.

Demand for our infrastructure products, including coating services, is highly dependent on overall infrastructure spending.

We manufacture and distribute engineered infrastructure products for lighting, traffic, utility, and other specialty applications. Our Coatings product line serves various construction‑related industries. Because these products are primarily used in infrastructure projects, sales are closely tied to construction activity, which has historically been cyclical. Several factors can impact construction activity and, consequently, our sales, including:

• weakness in the general economy, which may reduce tax revenues and limit funds available for construction;
• interest rate increases, which raise the cost of construction financing; and
• adverse weather conditions, which can delay or slow construction activity.

The current economic uncertainty in the U.S. and Europe may negatively affect our business. In our L&T product line, some lighting structure sales depend on new residential and commercial developments. When construction in these sectors slows, our light pole sales may decline. Additionally, an economic downturn in Europe, Australia, or China could reduce demand if customers in these regions face credit challenges.

Our Infrastructure segment, particularly for lighting, transportation, and highway safety products, relies heavily on government funding. U.S. federal funding initiatives, such as the IIJA and IRA, bolster long-term demand for our products. However, the timing and distribution of federal infrastructure funds remain uncertain. Infrastructure spending may also decline due to factors beyond our control, including budget constraints, reduced tax revenues, and legislative delays affecting appropriations.

We are subject to currency fluctuations from our international sales, which can negatively impact our reported earnings.

We sell our products in many countries worldwide, with approximately 28% of our fiscal 2025 net sales occurring outside the U.S. These sales are often conducted in foreign currencies, primarily the Australian dollar, Brazilian real, Chinese renminbi, euro, and Indian rupee. Because our Consolidated Financial Statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and these currencies will continue to impact our reported earnings. A weaker U.S. dollar enhances our reported earnings by increasing the value of foreign revenues, whereas a stronger U.S. dollar has the opposite effect. Currency fluctuations have affected our financial performance in the past and may continue to do so in future periods. Additionally, when local currencies strengthen, the cost of imported goods decreases, potentially affecting our ability to compete profitably in domestic markets.

We also face risks from foreign exchange controls and currency devaluations. Foreign exchange controls may limit currency conversion and restrict our ability to transfer funds from international subsidiaries. Currency devaluations can reduce the value of funds held in the affected currency. Such actions could materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition in any given period.

Adverse economic conditions, particularly in certain international markets, could impair the collectability of our accounts receivable and adversely affect our operating results.

Adverse economic conditions in certain international regions, most notably Brazil, may increase our exposure to credit losses resulting from financial distress, insolvency, or potential bankruptcy of our Agriculture or Infrastructure customers. Under these conditions, customers may delay payments or be unable to meet their obligations to us.

Our accounts receivable are stated at net estimated realizable value, and our allowance for credit losses is based on management’s judgment and estimates, including receivable aging, the creditworthiness of significant individual customers, historical loss experience, and current and forecasted economic conditions. These estimates may not accurately predict actual future credit losses, particularly during periods of heightened economic uncertainty or rapid deterioration in customer financial conditions.

If our assumptions regarding customer credit risk or economic conditions prove inaccurate, or if adverse conditions persist or worsen, we may be required to record additional provisions for credit losses, which could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.

For further discussion on economic and business risks, including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices, please refer to the “Market Risk” section within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Our operations are subject to trade policies, tariffs, and trade agreements, and further changes could adversely affect our business, potentially reducing sales, increasing costs, or resulting in the loss of certain foreign investments.

As a global manufacturing company, we operate over 80 manufacturing facilities across six continents and approximately 28% of our fiscal 2025 net sales were generated outside the U.S. Our demand, cost structure, and profitability are influenced by global trade relations. We maintain significant manufacturing operations in Australia, Brazil, Europe, and Mexico—regions that may be affected by changes in U.S. and foreign trade policies, including tariffs on a broad range of imports and retaliatory measures imposed by foreign governments, such as China.

Recent and ongoing tariff actions affecting steel, aluminum, and goods imported from Canada, China, and Mexico, have increased uncertainty regarding the cost and availability of raw materials and components critical to our manufacturing operations. These actions, as well as any future changes in tariffs, trade agreements, or the imposition of new protectionist or retaliatory measures, could increase our cost of goods sold, reduce margins, disrupt supply chains, or adversely affect our financial results.

In addition, retaliatory trade actions by China, such as tariffs on imported U.S. soybeans, may continue to pressure U.S. farm income. Because reduced farm income can directly affect growers’ purchasing decisions, including for mechanized irrigation equipment, these trade dynamics may negatively impact demand for our products in the U.S. agricultural market.

Several of our international operations are located in regions experiencing political or economic instability. In particular, certain countries within our Caribbean and Latin America (“CALA”) region, such as Brazil and Argentina, continue to face economic volatility, inflationary pressures, and uncertain regulatory environments, all of which can affect demand, foreign currency cash flows, and financial results. We also operate in areas with heightened geopolitical risk, such as the Middle East.

Managing operations across diverse geographic markets also requires hiring, training, and retaining skilled local management, which affects operational performance and financial reporting.

As international sales remain a significant portion of our business, our foreign operations, sales, and profits will continue to be subject to the following risks:

• political and economic instability, which may reduce the value of or lead to the loss of our investment;
• economic recessions or volatility in key markets, including within our CALA region, that may reduce sales;
• natural disasters and public health crises that could disrupt our workforce, manufacturing operations, and sales;
• increased costs and challenges related to staffing and managing international operations;
• potential violations of local laws or unauthorized management actions that could harm our competitive position or performance;
• difficulty enforcing intellectual property rights outside the U.S., including patents related to our manufacturing machinery, poles, and irrigation designs;
• rising tariffs, export controls, taxes, and other trade barriers, which may reduce sales and profitability; and
• acts of war or terrorism.

As a result, we face the risk of losing foreign investments or experiencing a significant decline in sales and profits due to the challenges of operating in foreign markets.

Changes in the application and enforcement of U.S. trade and tariff laws, including Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum content, could increase our costs and adversely affect our results of operations.

We manufacture Utility structures in Mexico and ship them to customers in the U.S. While most of the structures we sell to U.S. customers are manufactured domestically, we imported approximately $220.0 million of fabricated steel structures from Mexico into the U.S. during fiscal 2025.

We are subject to U.S. and foreign trade laws and tariffs, including Section 232 tariffs applicable to certain steel and aluminum products and derivative articles. As of June 4, 2025, a 50% tariff is assessed on the steel and aluminum content of certain steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. Although an exemption exists for fabricated structures produced using steel that was melted and poured in the U.S., and the structures produced at our Mexico facility are U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement-compliant, changes in the interpretation, application, or availability of these tariffs or exemptions could increase our costs or adversely affect the competitiveness of products manufactured outside the U.S.

In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that certain tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were invalid, but the decision did not affect existing Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. As a result, there may be increased reliance on, expansion of, or changes to Section 232 tariffs or other trade measures, which could increase our tariff exposure and adversely affect our costs, results of operations, or cash flows. We are continuing to monitor legal developments, potential replacement measures, and related regulatory actions, including newly announced global tariffs on certain foreign goods, and we may be required to adjust our sourcing, pricing, or compliance practices in response to such changes.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) has increased scrutiny of how Section 232 duties apply to imported products, including the valuation methodologies used to calculate such duties. In February 2026, we received CBP inquiries relating to the valuation methodology applied to historical import entries. These inquiries are ongoing, and no final determinations have been made. While we believe our valuation methodologies have complied with CBP guidance, CBP may ultimately disagree with our position.

Adverse determinations could result in additional duties, interest, or penalties related to the entries under review and could require changes to our valuation methodology for future imports, which may increase our ongoing tariff costs. Although CBP has not indicated an intent to do so, it has the authority to review other import entries or initiate broader enforcement actions. Any such actions, or further changes in trade laws, tariff rates, exemptions, or enforcement practices, could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

Failure to comply with anti-corruption laws could result in fines, criminal penalties, and harm to our business.

We are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) Bribery Act, and other similar regulations. These laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from offering improper payments or anything of value to influence government officials or private individuals to gain a business advantage, regardless of local customs or legality. Global enforcement of anti-corruption laws has increased significantly in recent years. While we have a compliance program designed to mitigate the risk of violations, any breach of these laws could result in criminal or civil penalties, damage to our reputation, and a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and operations.

We could incur substantial costs due to violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws.

Our facilities and operations are subject to both U.S. and international environmental laws and regulations, including those governing air and water pollution, hazardous waste management and disposal, and contamination cleanup. Noncompliance with these laws or permit requirements could result in fines, civil or criminal penalties, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, and investigation or remediation costs. Future regulatory changes may also require significant expenditures for compliance.

Some of our facilities have operated for many years, during which we, and prior operators, have generated, used, handled, and disposed of hazardous materials. Contaminants have been detected at certain current and former sites, primarily linked to historical operations. Additionally, we have occasionally been identified as a potentially responsible party under Superfund or similar state laws.

Although we have recorded all known environmental obligations in our Consolidated Financial Statements, the discovery of previously unidentified contamination or the need for additional remediation could result in liabilities exceeding our existing provisions. These risks may be heightened at certain galvanizing facilities in the Asia-Pacific region due to the nature of galvanizing processes and the complexity and evolving requirements of local environmental regulations.

Failure to successfully commercialize or protect our intellectual property rights may materially impact our business, financial condition, and operating results.

The commercialization and protection of our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, proprietary processes, and other technologies are essential to maintaining our competitive position. We rely on patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, and contractual restrictions to safeguard our intellectual property. However, our ability to successfully commercialize these rights, particularly for emerging technologies, depends on applying the right business strategies.

Our intellectual property protections may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, or deemed unenforceable. Third parties may infringe upon or misappropriate our rights, and enforcing them could lead to significant, unrecoverable litigation costs. Failure to effectively commercialize or protect our intellectual property could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.

We have been, and may continue to be, involved in litigation or threatened litigation, the outcomes of which can be difficult to predict. These matters can be costly to defend, divert management’s attention, require payment of damages, or restrict our business operations.

From time to time, we face disputes, with and without merit, that may result in significant costs and divert management’s focus and resources, even if the dispute does not proceed to litigation. The outcomes of complex legal proceedings are inherently uncertain. Additionally, complaints filed against us may not specify the damages sought, making it challenging to estimate a potential range of liabilities. Resolving litigation or threatened litigation could result in substantial payments or agreements that limit our business operations. Even if we are liable in future lawsuits, the costs of defending such actions may be significant and could exceed the coverage limits or remain uncovered by our insurance policies.

As required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., we establish reserves when legal matters become probable and reasonably estimable. As of December 27, 2025, we have reserved, in aggregate, approximately $24.2 million related to these matters. Subsequent developments may impact our assessment of probability or change our previous estimate of certain loss contingencies and require us to make payments in excess of our reserves, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Design patent litigation related to guardrails could reduce demand for these products and increase litigation risk.

Some of our foreign subsidiaries in India, New Zealand, and Australia manufacture highway safety products primarily for non-U.S. markets and license certain guardrail design patents to third parties. Currently, U.S. product liability lawsuits have been filed against companies that manufacture and install specific guardrail products, some of which involve a foreign subsidiary due to its design patent. This litigation could decrease demand for these products or affect government approvals for their use, both domestically and internationally.

Liquidity and Capital Resources Risks

We have, from time to time, maintained a substantial amount of outstanding indebtedness, which could impair our ability to operate our business, respond to changes in our operations, comply with debt covenants, and make debt payments.

As of December 27, 2025, we had a total of $829.5 million in outstanding indebtedness, of which $65.6 million matures within the next five fiscal years. Additionally, as of December 27, 2025, we had $734.8 million in additional borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. We occasionally borrow funds for business acquisitions and share repurchases. At times, our borrowings have been significant, with the majority of our interest‑bearing debt incurred by U.S. entities.

Our level of indebtedness may have significant consequences, including:

• Our ability to meet obligations under our debt agreements could be impacted. Failure to comply with debt covenants and other requirements, including financial and restructuring terms, could result in a default under our debt agreements.
• A substantial portion of our cash flow from operations will be used to make interest and principal payments, limiting the funds available for operations, working capital, capital expenditures, expansion, and other corporate purposes, including future acquisitions that could benefit our business.
• Our ability to secure additional financing in the future may be hindered.
• We may be more highly leveraged than our competitors, placing us at a competitive disadvantage.
• Our flexibility in responding to changes in our business and industry may be constrained.
• Our level of leverage may make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in our business, industry, or the broader economy.

The restrictions and covenants in our debt agreements may limit our ability to secure future financing, make necessary capital expenditures, withstand a downturn in our business or the economy, or conduct essential corporate activities. These covenants could prevent us from capitalizing on emerging business opportunities.

A breach of any of these covenants would constitute a default under the relevant debt agreement. If not waived, this could trigger immediate repayment obligations under that agreement and potentially accelerate repayment requirements under other agreements. If this occurs, the debt would become immediately due and payable. We may not have the funds to pay all such debt or to obtain sufficient financing to refinance it. Even if financing is available, the terms may not be favorable.

As of December 27, 2025, we had $187.1 million in cash and cash equivalents. Approximately 77% of our consolidated cash balance is held outside the U.S. Repatriating funds to meet U.S. cash needs could be subject to legal restrictions, tax liabilities, or contractual limitations. Additionally, as we use cash for acquisitions and other purposes, these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and future prospects.

We assumed an underfunded pension liability as part of the fiscal 2010 acquisition of Delta Ltd., which may require increased funding and impose restrictions on excess cash usage.

Delta Ltd. sponsors a U.K. defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”), which, as of December 27, 2025, covered approximately 5,000 former employees, either inactive or retired. The Plan has no active employee members. The funded status measures the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of the plan assets as of fiscal year end. As of December 27, 2025, the Plan was overfunded by approximately £29.4 million ($39.7 million) for accounting purposes. Under the current agreement with the Plan trustees, we are obligated to provide annual funding of approximately £4.0 million ($5.2 million) depending on the Plan’s funding levels, along with an additional approximately £2.4 million ($3.2 million) for administrative expenses. Although this funding obligation was factored into the acquisition price of Delta, the Plan’s funding status may still have adverse effects on the combined company, including:

• U.K. laws and regulations typically require the Plan trustees to agree on a new funding plan every three years, with the most recent plan established in fiscal 2025. Changes in actuarial assumptions, such as discount rates, inflation, interest rates, investment returns, and mortality projections, could reduce the Plan’s funded position, requiring higher contributions to cover liabilities.
• The U.K. government regulates the Plan, and its trustees represent the interests of covered workers. Under certain circumstances, regulations could trigger an immediate funding obligation significantly greater than the asset recognized for accounting purposes as of December 27, 2025. This obligation, calculated based on the cost of purchasing annuities to cover liabilities, could impact our ability to finance business growth or meet other financial commitments.

General Risks

Our businesses rely on skilled labor and management talent, and we may face challenges in attracting and retaining qualified employees.

Skilled factory workers and management are essential to meeting customer needs, driving sales growth, and maintaining competitive advantages. In some regions, shortages of workers with specific skills, such as welding, equipment maintenance, and operating complex machinery, have increased labor costs. Equally important is management talent, which is crucial for business growth and effective succession planning as key employees retire. In certain regions, it may be difficult to find skilled management for specific roles. If we struggle to attract and retain these critical skills, it could negatively impact our ability to grow profitably in the future.

We face strong competition in the markets we serve.

We experience competitive pressures from various companies across all our markets. Our competitors include both companies offering similar technologies and those providing alternative solutions. These competitors range from international and national manufacturers to local ones, some of which may have greater financial, manufacturing, marketing, and technical resources, or deeper penetration and familiarity with specific geographic markets.

Additionally, certain competitors, particularly in our Utility and Telecommunications product lines, have sought bankruptcy protection in recent years. If they emerge with reduced debt obligations, they may be able to operate at lower prices, putting pressure on our margins. Some customers have also shifted manufacturing or sourcing operations overseas, negatively impacting our sales of galvanizing services.

To remain competitive, we must invest in our manufacturing capabilities, product development, customer service, and our information technology systems and networks, including artificial intelligence. Ineffective implementation, integration, or adoption of these technologies within our business operations and decision-making processes could reduce productivity, widen talent gaps, and diminish our competitive position.

At times, we may need to adjust pricing, particularly for customers in struggling industries. However, we cannot guarantee our competitive position in all markets.

The use of artificial intelligence presents risks and challenges that may adversely impact our business and operating results.

We may adopt and integrate generative artificial intelligence and machine learning (collectively, “AI”) tools into our operations to enhance efficiencies and streamline existing systems. However, the development, implementation, and maintenance of AI tools may entail substantial risks. While these tools hold promise in optimizing processes and improving productivity, they may also produce inaccurate or biased outputs, infringe upon or misappropriate intellectual property, or expose us to data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance risks. In addition, evolving legal, regulatory, and ethical standards governing the use of AI may increase compliance costs or limit our ability to deploy these technologies effectively. If we are unable to manage these risks, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected.

We may not achieve the improved operating results we anticipate from future acquisitions, and we may face difficulties integrating the acquired businesses or inherit significant liabilities associated with them.

We regularly explore opportunities to acquire businesses that align with our core competencies, some of which may be material to us. We expect these acquisitions to result in better operating performance than we would otherwise achieve. However, we cannot guarantee that this expectation will be realized for any given acquisition.

Future acquisitions may present significant challenges for our management, requiring considerable time and resources to integrate key aspects of the acquired business, such as management, employees, information systems, accounting controls, personnel, and administrative functions, into Valmont. We may struggle to fully integrate and streamline overlapping functions, and even if we do succeed, the process may be more costly than initially anticipated. Additionally, integrating our product offerings with those of acquired businesses may prove difficult, and we may not be able to improve our collective product offering as expected.

Our integration efforts could be affected by factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions. Moreover, the integration process may disrupt or slow down the activities of our existing business. The diversion of management’s attention, along with any delays or challenges encountered during integration, could negatively impact our operations, results, and liquidity. In some cases, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition may never materialize.

Furthermore, although we conduct due diligence reviews of potential acquisitions, we may still be exposed to unexpected claims or liabilities, including environmental cleanup costs. These liabilities could be costly to defend or resolve and may be substantial, potentially having a material adverse effect on our business, results, and liquidity.

We may incur significant warranty or contract management costs.

In our Infrastructure segment, we manufacture large electrical transmission structures, which are often highly engineered for large, complex contracts. These contracts may include terms that penalize us for late delivery, leading to consequential and compensatory damages. Occasionally, product quality issues may arise on large utility structure orders, resulting in significant costs. Additionally, our Infrastructure segment includes structures for a variety of applications such as outdoor lighting, traffic, and wireless communication.

Our Agriculture products are covered by warranty provisions, some of which extend over several years. If widespread product reliability issues occur with certain components, we may face substantial costs to address the situation.

Our operations could be adversely affected if our information technology systems and networks are compromised or subjected to cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pose significant risks to the security of our information technology systems and networks. If these systems are breached, it could severely affect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data. As our operations involve transferring data across international borders, we must comply with complex and stringent standards to protect both business and personal data, including in the U.S. and European Union countries.

Our risk management strategy focuses on maintaining and protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information for both our business and customers. We rely on an information security program that includes a wide range of cybersecurity measures. More details about these measures can be found in Part I, Item 1C of this report. While these measures are designed to prevent, detect, respond to, and mitigate unauthorized activity, there is no guarantee they will be sufficient to prevent or mitigate the risks of a cyberattack—whether directly targeting our systems or through third-party service providers—or to enable us to detect, report, or respond in a timely and effective manner.

Successful cyberattacks or other security incidents could result in the loss of key innovations, such as artificial intelligence or Internet of Things technologies; loss of access to critical data or systems through ransomware, crypto mining, or destructive attacks; and business delays or service disruptions. These incidents could lead to legal risks, fines, penalties, negative publicity, theft, modification or destruction of proprietary information, defective products, production downtimes, and operational disruptions. All of these could harm our reputation and competitiveness, and materially affect our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.

Regulatory and business developments regarding climate change could adversely impact our operations and demand for our products.

Regulatory and business developments related to climate change could adversely affect our operations and the demand for our products. We closely monitor scientific discussions and legislative developments regarding climate change, including proposed regulations, to assess their potential impact on our business.

Ongoing debates about the presence and scope of climate change, along with increasing legislative and regulatory attention, are likely to continue. Our production processes and the market for our products are influenced by such laws and regulations. Compliance with these measures may result in higher costs for raw materials and transportation. Non-compliance could damage our reputation and further expose our operations and customers to significant risks.

Climate change also presents physical risks, such as the increased frequency of severe weather events and rising sea levels, which could disrupt operations at our manufacturing facilities. These events may cause unforeseen disruptions of systems, equipment, or overall operations.

Additionally, we are facing rising insurance premiums and costs, including for property, casualty, and business interruption insurance. This trend is partly driven by the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Insurers have responded by tightening underwriting standards, reducing coverage limits, and increasing premium rates, particularly for businesses with geographically diverse and asset-intensive operations like ours. Any reduction in insurance coverage limits or the introduction of policy exclusions increases our financial exposure to losses associated with casualty events, including extreme weather occurrences.

Challenges in managing manufacturing capacity and responding to demand volatility could adversely affect our business.

Producing large engineered structures for Infrastructure customers requires significant machinery and often necessitates operating our manufacturing facilities at or near full capacity to achieve optimal utilization. As a result, if demand for specific structure types in the Utility or Infrastructure markets changes unexpectedly, our ability to adjust manufacturing capacity in the near term may be limited.

Establishing new manufacturing capacity or expanding, reconfiguring, or restarting existing capacity involves significant vendor lead times, capital investments, and, in certain cases, customer approvals. These decisions are often made well in advance of firm customer orders and based on forecasts that may not ultimately reflect actual demand. If actual demand does not develop as anticipated, or declines after we have expanded capacity or increased our fixed cost structure, our manufacturing facilities may operate below optimal utilization, which could result in higher per-unit manufacturing costs, elevated inventory levels, reduced margins, asset impairments, restructuring charges, or lower profitability. Conversely, if actual demand exceeds our forecasts, we may be required to extend customer lead times or may be unable to satisfy customer demand, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction, the loss of market share to competitors, increased overtime and expediting costs, and reputational harm.

In addition, efforts to expand, modify, or rapidly ramp manufacturing capacity can increase operational complexity and elevate safety risks for our employees and contractors. Such activities may involve the installation of new equipment, changes to manufacturing processes, compressed production timelines, or the use of temporary or less-experienced labor. Workplace accidents, safety incidents, or regulatory actions arising from these conditions could disrupt operations, delay production, result in litigation or regulatory scrutiny, increase insurance or self-insurance costs, and adversely affect our reputation and financial performance. Although we maintain insurance coverage and safety programs designed to mitigate these risks, such measures may not be sufficient to prevent or fully offset the impact of all incidents or liabilities.

If we are unable to effectively manage manufacturing capacity, respond to changes in demand, or safely execute capacity expansions and production ramp-ups, our business, financial condition, operating results, and reputation could be adversely affected.

If our internal control over financial reporting is found to be ineffective, our operating results could be adversely affected.

Our internal control over financial reporting is subject to inherent limitations, including human error, the circumvention or override of controls, and fraud. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The complexity of our business, including diversified product lines across multiple jurisdictions, the use of multiple enterprise resource planning systems, and complex revenue recognition requirements, further increases the challenge of maintaining effective internal controls. If we fail to maintain our internal control over financial reporting, or if we experience deficiencies or delays in implementing necessary improvements, it could have a negative impact on our operating results and damage our reputation.

Risk Management and Strategy

Our information security program covers a wide range of cybersecurity activities, with the primary objective of maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information for both our business and customers. The program and our systems are designed to identify and mitigate information security risks and data privacy breaches. Our risk mitigation processes include a cybersecurity incident response plan, which is regularly exercised through tabletop exercises, security awareness training with attack simulations to reinforce the training, cybersecurity risk assessments integrated with technology acquisition processes, and the utilization of third-party partnerships for threat intelligence, incident response and escalation, and attack surface monitoring.

We measure our security performance using the International Organization for Standardization 27001 Framework and Enterprise Risk Management strategies. We implement policies and practices to mitigate risks to organizational data and operational processes.

Our Global Data Privacy Program continues to align with environmental, social, and corporate governance standards, taking into account both the risks and benefits of privacy-driven spending. The program’s operating model is based on the General Data Protection Regulation, adjusted to meet specific local requirements. This scalable model manages strategic, operational, legal, compliance, and financial risks and benefits, and utilizes technology to automate portions of the program, such as data subject access requests and consent and preference management.

Our membership in the Data Privacy Board, a group comprised of some of the world’s largest companies with the mission of engaging in confidential, leader-level discussions, offers opportunities for unbiased benchmarking and support from peers across various industries. We continue to build privacy resilience across international operating environments.

We collaborate with third-party vendors to enhance our processes against unauthorized access to our network, computers, programs, and data. Risk is inherent in risk management and cybersecurity strategy. Successful cyberattacks or other security incidents could result in the loss of key innovations, such as artificial intelligence or Internet of Things technologies; loss of access to critical data or systems through ransomware, crypto mining, or destructive attacks; and business delays or service disruptions. See “Our operations could be adversely affected if our information technology systems and networks are compromised or subjected to cyberattacks” under Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of this report, which we incorporate here by reference. To date, we have not identified any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.

Governance

The Board of Directors has oversight responsibility for cyber risks affecting the Company. The Board has delegated risk oversight of operational, compliance, and financial matters, including cybersecurity and information technology risk, to the Audit Committee.

Our Chief Information Officer has extensive experience implementing and managing cybersecurity policies, including overseeing investments in tools, resources, and processes that enables the continued maturity of our cybersecurity program. Team members supporting our information security program possess relevant educational backgrounds and industry experience. Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Audit Committee receive regular reports from our

Chief Information Officer on the Company’s risk and compliance with cybersecurity matters, including data privacy, incidents, industry trends, and the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cyber incidents.

Our corporate headquarters are located in Omaha, Nebraska, and the facility is leased through fiscal 2046. It houses the majority of our executive offices, reportable segment business units, and administrative functions. Most of our significant manufacturing locations are owned or are subject to long-term renewable leases. Our principal manufacturing locations are in Valley, Nebraska; McCook, Nebraska; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Brenham, Texas; Charmeil, France; Uberaba, Brazil; Monterrey, Mexico; Siedlce, Poland; Shanghai, China; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. All these facilities are owned by us, and we believe that our manufacturing capabilities and capacities are adequate to effectively serve our customers. Our capital spending programs focus on investments for replacement, achieving operational efficiencies, and expanding capacities where necessary. Our principal operating locations by reportable segment are listed below.

Infrastructure segment North American manufacturing operations are located in the following U.S. states, along with operations in Canada and Mexico: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. The largest operations are in Valley, Nebraska; Brenham, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Monterrey, Mexico, all of which are owned facilities. We also have communication component distribution locations in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Texas. Our international operations are located in Australia, China, England, Estonia, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, and Thailand. The largest of these operations are in Charmeil, France, and Shanghai, China, both of which are owned facilities.

Agriculture segment North American manufacturing operations are concentrated in Nebraska. Our principal manufacturing operations serving international markets are in Uberaba, Brazil; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shandong, China. All facilities are owned, except for China, which is leased.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and assessments arising in the normal course of business. The Company is involved in several litigation matters in Brazil related to its operations in the Agriculture market. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company received an unfavorable ruling in the Brazilian appellate court system. The Company is currently awaiting a motion for clarification related to the appellate court ruling, which is expected to be received in the first half of fiscal 2026. Following receipt of the clarification, the Company will evaluate available legal options, which may include pursuing a settlement or further appeals within the Brazilian court system. Based on the information known to date, management believes that the Company has appropriately accrued in its Consolidated Financial Statements for its share of the estimable costs of these legal proceedings.

The Company continuously monitors developments in these matters and other legal proceedings and will adjust its accruals if and when additional information becomes available or circumstances change. For information on legal proceedings, please refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Forward‑Looking Statements

Management’s discussion and analysis, along with other sections of this annual report, contain forward‑looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions that management has made in light of experience in the industries in which the Company operates, as well as management’s perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments, and other factors deemed to be relevant. However, these statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They are subject to risks, uncertainties (some beyond the Company’s control), and various assumptions.

Management believes these forward‑looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, many factors could cause actual financial results to differ materially from expectations. These factors include, among others, risk factors described in the Company’s reports to the SEC, as well as future economic and market conditions, industry trends, Company performance and financial results, operational efficiencies, availability and pricing of raw materials, availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing, domestic and international competition, and actions or policy changes by domestic and foreign governments.

The following discussion and analysis provide information that management considers relevant for assessing and understanding the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes.

This section primarily discusses fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, including year-over-year comparisons. Discussions regarding fiscal 2023 and associated comparisons, which are not included on Form 10-K, can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.

FISCAL 2025 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 2024

Results of Operations

Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts

NM = not meaningful

Overview, Including Items Impacting Comparability

Dollars in thousands

On a consolidated basis, net sales increased by 0.7% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily driven by higher net sales in the Infrastructure segment, partially offset by lower net sales in the Agriculture segment. Growth in the Infrastructure segment was mainly attributable to improved pricing and mix, particularly within the Utility product line. This increase was partially offset by reduced net sales resulting from the divestitures of George Industries in the Coatings product line ($5.5 million) and our extractive business in the Lighting and Transportation (“L&T”) product line ($7.4 million). The decline in the Agriculture segment was driven by lower sales volumes in North America.

Consolidated gross profit decreased by 0.1% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024. The decline was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes in North America within the Agriculture segment and reduced sales volumes in the L&T and Solar product lines within the Infrastructure segment. These impacts were partially offset by higher sales volumes and improved pricing in the Utility and Telecommunications products lines within the Infrastructure segment.

Consolidated selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by 0.1% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to $24.2 million of legal contingency reserves and $23.8 million of expected credit losses in Brazil. These increases were partially offset by lower compensation and incentive costs, driven in part by our strategic realignment, as well as reduced research and development costs primarily as a result from the exit of our Prospera business.

Consolidated operating income decreased by 20.8% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to the impairment of certain long-lived assets totaling $91.3 million, realignment charges of $15.4 million, and slightly higher SG&A expenses.

Net Interest Expense

Consolidated net interest expense decreased by 37.2% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, due to a decrease in average outstanding borrowings on the revolving line of credit along with lower average interest rates.

Other Income / Expenses

Amounts in “Gain on deferred compensation investments” on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings reflected changes in the market value of deferred compensation investments, which were fully offset by corresponding changes in the valuation of deferred compensation liabilities recorded in SG&A. Other components of “Other income (expenses)” included pension expense of $1.1 million and $0.6 million in fiscal 2025 and 2024, respectively, and foreign currency revaluation losses of approximately $8.4 million resulting from depreciation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar in fiscal 2025.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 was 6.3% and 25.2%, respectively. In fiscal 2025, the reduction in the effective tax rate was the result of a tax benefit recognized for a worthless securities deduction of $73.8 million, the release of previously recorded valuation allowances on certain foreign tax credits of $13.4 million, and changes in the geographical mix of earnings. The worthless securities deduction was the result of the exit of our Prospera business.

Infrastructure Segment

Dollars in thousands

Infrastructure segment sales increased by 3.0% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, driven primarily by higher sales volumes in the Utility and Telecommunications product lines, which more than offset declines in L&T and Solar product lines.

Regionally, Infrastructure segment sales grew in North America in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, while sales declined in international markets during the same period.

Utility product line sales increased by 10.4% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, reflecting favorable market pricing and higher volumes. Demand remained strong, supported by increased electrical energy consumption and utility investment to expand and reinforce grid capacity, including to serve growing power demand from data centers and other load growth.

L&T product line sales decreased by 6.1% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, driven by lower volumes in the Asia-Pacific region and softer market demand in North America. The decline was further impacted by the divestiture of the extractive business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

Coatings product line sales increased by 2.4% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, benefiting from healthy infrastructure demand. The increase was partially offset by the divestiture of George Industries in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

Telecommunications product line sales increased by 25.2% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, driven by increased carrier spending in the North American market, supported by our quick-turn order strategy and alignment with carrier spending programs.

Solar product line sales decreased by 46.2% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to lower volumes resulting from our strategic decision to exit select regional markets in the second quarter of fiscal 2025.

Infrastructure segment gross profit increased by 2.4% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to higher volumes in the Utility and Telecommunications product lines, partially offset by lower Solar volumes. In connection with lower anticipated volumes, we also recorded approximately $6.9 million of inventory reserves associated with our Solar businesses in fiscal 2025.

Infrastructure segment SG&A decreased by 2.0% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, driven by lower incentive costs and research and development costs, partially offset by higher expected credit losses of approximately $14.3 million, primarily within the Solar product line.

Infrastructure segment operating income decreased by 13.5% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to impairment charges of $89.4 million related to certain long-lived assets primarily in the Solar and Access Systems reporting units, realignment charges of $7.6 million, and lower volumes in the L&T and Solar product lines.

Agriculture Segment

Dollars in thousands

In North America, Agriculture segment sales decreased by 11.3% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to lower irrigation equipment sales volumes, reflecting continued softness in the agriculture market. Contributing factors included lower grain prices, uncertainty surrounding trade policy, and the timing of government funding. The decrease was also impacted by lower replacement irrigation equipment sales following severe weather events in fiscal 2024.

In international markets, Agriculture segment sales increased by 0.2% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, driven by sales growth in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) region. This increase was partially offset by lower sales in South America, where normalizing backlog levels, higher credit costs, and lower grain prices impacted growers’ purchasing decisions. The decline was further exacerbated by unfavorable foreign currency translation effects of $7.7 million.

The Agriculture business remains cyclical and is influenced by factors such as net farm income, commodity prices, weather volatility, geopolitical events, and farmer sentiment regarding future economic conditions. We actively monitor these variables across our key markets. In the U.S., we consider net farm income estimates published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a key indicator of grower purchasing capacity. In Brazil, we monitor grain prices, projected farm input costs, interest rates, and net farm income trends, which collectively influence grower liquidity, credit conditions, and purchasing behavior. Looking ahead, we remain focused on navigating evolving market conditions and positioning the Agriculture business for long-term growth across both domestic and international markets.

Agriculture segment gross profit decreased 6.9% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to lower sales volumes, particularly in North America and South America, which more than offset volume gains in the EMEA region. In fiscal 2025, we also increased inventory reserves by $8.5 million as a result of our slow-moving and obsolete inventory in response to continued softness within the agricultural market.

Agriculture segment SG&A increased by 9.1% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to $24.2 million of legal contingency reserves and $23.8 million of expected credit losses in Brazil, partially offset by lower compensation and incentive costs.

Agriculture segment operating income decreased by 33.4% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024. The decline was primarily driven by lower sales volumes in North America, charges related to the agriculture solar business totaling $5.9 million, and realignment charges of $2.9 million.

Corporate

Corporate SG&A decreased by 8.2% in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to lower compensation and incentive costs. This decrease was partially offset by higher professional services fees, insurance expenses, and technology costs. In addition, during fiscal 2025, we incurred $4.9 million in realignment charges within Corporate expense.

KEY FACTORS AFFECTING FINANCIAL RESULTS

Acquisitions and Divestitures

We continue to strategically enhance our portfolio through targeted acquisitions and divestitures, demonstrating our commitment to refining our business focus and driving value within our core segments.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we divested George Industries, a coating and anodizing company in California previously included in the Infrastructure segment, resulting in a loss of $2.8 million recorded in “Other income (expenses)” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we divested our extractive business, which included the manufacturing and distribution of screening products for the mining and quarrying sectors in Australia and New Zealand, previously included in the Infrastructure segment, resulting in a loss of $1.7 million recorded in “Other income (expenses)” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Impacts on Financial Results and Liquidity

We continue to actively monitor a range of macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties that have affected, and may continue to affect, our business operations and financial performance. These include volatility in the global economic and trade environment, inflationary cost pressures, supply chain disruptions, foreign currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar, changing interest rates, ongoing international conflicts, and labor shortages. These factors may influence our operational costs, revenue streams, and overall financial stability. As conditions evolve, we are proactively adjusting our business strategies to mitigate potential risks, maintain financial resilience, and ensure sufficient liquidity to support ongoing operations and strategic initiatives.

Backlog

As of December 27, 2025, the consolidated backlog of unshipped orders was approximately $1.7 billion, as compared to approximately $1.4 billion as of December 28, 2024. This increase is attributed to an increase in the Infrastructure segment partially offset by a decrease in the Agriculture segment.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital Allocation Philosophy

Our capital allocation priorities are intended to present a balanced approach to maintaining disciplined investments in organic and inorganic growth opportunities while delivering meaningful capital returns to shareholders over the next three to five years. These priorities are expected to be supported by our projected cash flow generation. We plan to allocate approximately 50% of operating cash flow to high-return growth opportunities, focused on:

• capital expenditures for strategic capacity expansion, primarily in the Infrastructure segment, to maintain and increase manufacturing output and efficiency while driving innovation to better serve customers, and
• acquisitions that strategically augment our competitive position, with a focus on sustainable growth and premium returns on invested capital.

We plan to allocate the remaining approximately 50% of operating cash flow to shareholder returns through the form of share repurchases and dividends.

In February 2025, the Board of Directors increased the authorized capacity under our share repurchase program by $700.0 million, bringing the total authorization to $2.1 billion, with no stated expiration date. We are not obligated to make repurchases and may discontinue the program at any time. Any purchases will be funded through available liquidity and ongoing cash flows, and will be made subject to prevailing market and economic conditions. As of December 27, 2025, we had approximately $567.0 million of remaining capacity under the share repurchase program. Since the program’s inception in May 2014, we have repurchased approximately 8.8 million shares for a total of $1.5 billion.

Subsequent to year end, on February 23, 2026, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend on common stock of $0.77 per share, or an annualized rate of $3.08 per share, representing an increase of approximately 13%.

We remain committed to maintaining a capital structure that supports our investment-grade credit rating. As of the latest assessments, our credit ratings were Baa2 (stable outlook) by Moody’s Ratings and BBB+ (stable outlook) by S&P Global Ratings. To support these ratings, we aim to manage our debt-to-invested capital ratio within levels that reinforce our investment-grade status.

Supplier Finance Program

We have established a supplier finance program with a financial institution, allowing qualifying suppliers the option to sell their receivables from us to the financial institution under independently negotiated terms. Participation in the program is entirely voluntary for suppliers and does not affect our payment terms, amounts, timing, or liquidity. We have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to participate. As of December 27, 2025 and December 28, 2024, our accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets included $56.3 million and $45.6 million, respectively, related to obligations under this program.

Sources of Financing

As of December 27, 2025, our available debt financing primarily included senior unsecured notes and a revolving credit facility.

Senior Unsecured Notes

As of December 27, 2025, our senior unsecured notes consisted of:

• $450.0 million face value ($434.5 million carrying value) notes at an interest rate of 5.00% per annum, maturing in October 2044.
• $305.0 million face value ($295.6 million carrying value) notes at an interest rate of 5.25% per annum, maturing in October 2054.

We retain the option to repurchase these notes by paying a make-whole premium. Both tranches are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries.

Revolving Credit Facility

Our revolving credit facility, managed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, has a maturity date of July 10, 2030. The facility provides up to $800.0 million in unsecured revolving credit, with $400.0 million available for borrowings in foreign currencies. An additional $400.0 million may be added to the facility, subject to lender commitments.

Authorized borrowers include the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Valmont Industries Holland B.V. and Valmont Group Pty. Ltd. Obligations under this facility are guaranteed by the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Valmont Telecommunications, Inc., Valmont Coatings, Inc., Valmont Newmark, Inc., and Valmont Queensland Pty. Ltd.

The interest rate on our borrowings will be, at our option, either:

(a) term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), based on a one-, three-, or six-month period, and a spread of 100 to 162.5 basis points, depending on our senior unsecured long-term debt credit rating by S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Ratings;

(b) the higher of

• the prime lending rate,
• the overnight bank rate plus 50 basis points, or
• term SOFR (based on a one-month period) plus 100 basis points,

plus, in each case, 0 to 62.5 basis points, depending on our credit rating; or

(c) daily simple SOFR and a spread of 100 to 162.5 basis points, depending on our credit rating.

Additionally, a commitment fee is applied to the average daily unused portion of the facility, ranging from 9 to 20 basis points, based on our credit rating.

As of December 27, 2025, we had $65.0 million of outstanding borrowings under this facility. As of December 28, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. The facility includes a financial covenant that may limit additional borrowing. As of December 27, 2025, we could borrow an additional $734.8 million under the facility, after accounting for $0.2 million in standby letters of credit related to certain insurance obligations. Additionally, we maintain short‑term bank lines of credit totaling $10.1 million, all of which were unused as of December 27, 2025.

Covenants and Compliance

Both our senior unsecured notes and revolving credit facility contain cross-default provisions, which allow for the acceleration of debt if we default on other indebtedness that also permits acceleration.

The revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a financial leverage ratio of 3.50 or lower, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. A temporary increase to 3.75 is permitted for the four fiscal quarters following a material acquisition. The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of: (a) interest-bearing debt, minus unrestricted cash in excess of $50.0 million (but not exceeding $500.0 million), to (b) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for non-cash stock-based compensation and non-recurring non-cash charges or gains, subject to certain limitations (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Additionally, in the event of an acquisition or divestiture, Adjusted EBITDA shall be computed on a pro forma basis, reflecting the transaction as if it had occurred on the first day of the period.

Additional covenants restrict activities such as incurring indebtedness, placing liens, engaging in mergers, making investments, selling assets, paying dividends, conducting affiliate transactions, and making debt prepayments. Customary events of default may trigger the acceleration of obligations, subject to grace periods where applicable.

As of December 27, 2025, we were in compliance with all covenants related to these debt agreements. For detailed calculations of Adjusted EBITDA and the leverage ratio, please refer to the “Selected Financial Measures” section.

Cash Uses

Our primary cash needs include working capital, capital expenditures, debt service, taxes, and pension contributions. We may also pursue strategic investments, acquisitions, stock repurchases, or dividends, subject to market conditions and debt agreement restrictions.

In fiscal 2026, our primary cash requirements will include capital expenditures, pension contributions, lease payments, and interest on outstanding debt, along with the payment of the mandatorily redeemable financial instrument related to the acquisition of the redeemable noncontrolling interest of ConcealFab, Inc. We have committed to purchasing zinc, aluminum, and steel under unconditional purchase agreements aligned with our business needs. These contracts help stabilize costs amid fluctuating demand, and we plan to use the contracted amounts within the fiscal year. We expect fiscal 2026 capital expenditures to range from $170.0 million to $200.0 million. The increase in planned expenditures is driven by infrastructure-related growth opportunities. These investments will enhance output, improve adaptability to evolving needs, and expand manufacturing capacity, efficiency, and flexibility.

The following table outlines our material cash requirements, both current and long-term, as of December 27, 2025:

Dollars in millions

1 Interest expense amount assumes that long-term debt will be held to maturity.

Our business operates in cyclical markets, but our diverse portfolio—spanning various products, customers, and regions—has enabled us to navigate these cycles effectively while maintaining liquidity. Historically, we have consistently generated operating cash flows that exceed our capital expenditures, demonstrating our ability to manage cash effectively through economic cycles. For fiscal 2026 and beyond, we are confident in our liquidity position, supported by accessible credit facilities, capital markets, and a solid track record of positive operating cash flows.

As of December 27, 2025, we held $187.1 million in cash, including $144.0 million in non-U.S. subsidiaries. Distributions of this foreign cash would incur tax liabilities. As of December 27, 2025, we had liabilities of $2.2 million for foreign withholding taxes and $0.2 million for U.S. state income taxes.

Cash Flows

The table below summarizes our cash flow information for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2025, December 28, 2024, and December 30, 2023:

Dollars in thousands

Operating Cash Flows and Working Capital – Cash provided by operating activities totaled $456.5 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $572.7 million in fiscal 2024. The change in operating cash flows was most notably impacted by the change in our contract liability due to the timing of large utility prepayments received in fiscal 2024 for work completed in fiscal 2025. This was offset by lower income tax payments made in fiscal 2025 relative to fiscal 2024 largely as a result of our worthless securities deduction in addition to the tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Investing Cash Flows – Cash used in investing activities totaled $142.7 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $78.9 million in fiscal 2024. Investing activities in fiscal 2025 included capital spending of $145.0 million partially offset by proceeds of sales of assets of $2.2 million and proceeds from property damage insurance claims of $1.4 million. Investing activities in fiscal 2024 included capital spending of $79.5 million partially offset by proceeds of $3.8 million from the divestitures of George Industries and the extractive business, net of cash divested. The increase in capital spending in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, was primarily to support future growth along with capacity investments for the Utility product line.

Financing Cash Flows – Cash used in financing activities totaled $298.9 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $522.6 million in fiscal 2024. Our total interest‑bearing debt was $829.5 million as of December 27, 2025 and $757.9 million as of December 28, 2024. Financing activities in fiscal 2025 included $218.6 million in borrowings on the revolving credit facility and short-term notes, offset by $156.1 million in principal payments on our long-term debt and short-term borrowings, $52.5 million in dividend payments, $198.1 million in stock repurchases, $101.8 million in purchases of redeemable noncontrolling interests, and $6.5 million in net activity from stock option and incentive plans, including related tax payments. Financing activities in fiscal 2024 included $45.1 million in borrowings on the revolving credit facility and short-term notes, offset by $424.6 million in principal payments of on our long-term debt and short-term borrowings, $48.4 million in dividend payments, $70.1 million in stock repurchases, $17.8 million in purchases of redeemable noncontrolling interests, and $6.4 million in net activity from stock option and incentive plans, including related tax payments.

Guarantor Summarized Financial Information

This information is provided in compliance with Rule 3-10 and Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X, relating to our two tranches of senior unsecured notes. These senior notes are jointly, severally, fully, and unconditionally guaranteed—subject to certain customary release provisions, including the sale of the subsidiary guarantor or of all or substantially all of its assets—by certain of our current and future direct and indirect domestic and foreign subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”). The Parent serves as the Issuer of the notes and consolidates all Guarantors.

The financial information for the Issuer and Guarantors is presented on a combined basis, with intercompany balances and transactions between the Issuer and Guarantors eliminated. Any amounts due to or from the Issuer or Guarantors, as well as transactions with non-guarantor subsidiaries, are disclosed separately.

The combined financial information for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2025, December 28, 2024, and December 30, 2023 was as follows:

Dollars in thousands

The combined financial information as of December 27, 2025 and December 28, 2024 was as follows:

Dollars in thousands

As of December 27, 2025 and December 28, 2024, non-current assets included a receivable from non-guarantor subsidiaries of $83,641 and $90,938, respectively. As of December 27, 2025 and December 28, 2024, non-current liabilities included a payable to non-guarantor subsidiaries of $325,225 and $243,465, respectively.

Selected Financial Measures

Return on Invested Capital

Return on invested capital (“ROIC”) and Adjusted ROIC are key operating ratios that enable investors to assess our operating performance relative to the investment needed to generate operating profit. These measures are also utilized to determine management incentives. ROIC is calculated by dividing after-tax operating income by the average of beginning and ending invested capital. Adjusted ROIC is calculated as after-tax operating income, adjusted for certain non-recurring charges or gains. The adjusted figure is then divided by the average of beginning and ending invested capital to determine Adjusted ROIC. Invested capital represents total assets minus total liabilities (excluding mandatorily redeemable financial instrument, interest-bearing debt, and redeemable noncontrolling interests).

ROIC and Adjusted ROIC are non-generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures. As such, invested capital, ROIC, and Adjusted ROIC should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for net earnings, cash flows from operations, or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP, nor should they be viewed as indicators of our operating performance or liquidity. Additionally, ROIC and Adjusted ROIC, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The following table shows how invested capital, ROIC, and Adjusted ROIC are calculated from our Consolidated Statements of Earnings and our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The calculation of these ratios for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2025, December 28, 2024, and December 30, 2023 was as follows:

Dollars in thousands

1 The adjusted effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 excluded the effects of the impairment of long-lived assets of $140.8 million, realignment charges of $35.2 million, non-recurring charges associated with major scope changes for two strategic projects initiated by departed senior leadership of $5.6 million, loss from Argentine peso hyperinflation of $5.1 million, and non-recurring tax benefit items of $3.6 million. The effective tax rate including these items was 38.1%.

2 The adjusted effective tax rate for fiscal 2025 excluded the effects of the impairment of long-lived assets of $91.3 million, the worthless securities deduction and release of foreign tax credit valuation allowances totaling $78.5 million, realignment charges of $16.1 million (of which $0.7 million was included in cost of goods sold), and other non-recurring charges including costs to fulfill contractually required payments for system licenses no longer needed and asset valuation adjustments for a joint venture agriculture solar business totaling $14.9 million (of which $0.7 million was included in cost of goods sold). The effective tax rate including these items was 6.3%.

Adjusted EBITDA and Leverage Ratio

The leverage ratio is a key financial metric we use to assess our maximum borrowing capacity. It is defined as the ratio of (a) interest-bearing debt, minus unrestricted cash in excess of $50.0 million (but not exceeding $500.0 million), to (b) Adjusted EBITDA. In the event of an acquisition or divestiture, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated on a pro forma basis, reflecting the transaction as if it had occurred on the first day of the period.

Our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a leverage ratio of 3.50 or lower (or 3.75 or lower following certain material acquisitions) on a rolling four-fiscal-quarter basis, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. Failure to comply with this financial covenant may result in higher financing costs or early debt repayment obligations.

The leverage ratio and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. As presented, these measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net earnings, cash flows from operations, or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, they should not be interpreted as indicators of operating performance or liquidity.

The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2025 was as follows:

Dollars in thousands

Dollars in thousands

The calculation of the leverage ratio as of December 27, 2025 was as follows:

Dollars in thousands

32

MARKET RISK

Changes in Prices

We rely on certain key materials, including steel, aluminum, zinc, natural gas, and diesel fuel, which are globally traded commodities. As a result, their prices fluctuate based on factors such as supply and demand shifts and the costs of steel‑making inputs. These fluctuations can significantly impact our operating performance and cost of goods sold. Additionally, recent trade policies and tariffs could increase the cost of goods we and our suppliers purchase from Canada, China, and Mexico, potentially leading to higher manufacturing costs for Infrastructure structures.

Steel is particularly critical for our Utility product line, where it represents approximately 50% of net sales. In fiscal 2018, we began using hot-rolled steel coil derivative contracts on a limited basis to help mitigate the impact of rising steel prices on our operating income. For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2025, a hypothetical 20% change in steel prices could have impacted net sales in this product line by approximately $110.0 million, assuming a similar sales mix.

Natural gas prices have been highly volatile in recent years. To manage these risks, we employ strategies such as implementing fixed-price purchase contracts with our vendors to stabilize our purchasing costs and raising sales prices where feasible. Additionally, we use natural gas swap contracts on a limited basis to help offset the impact of rising natural gas prices on our operating income.

Risk Management

We are exposed to several principal market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices. To mitigate these risks, we selectively use derivative financial instruments. However, we do not use derivatives for trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk: As of December 27, 2025, most of our interest‑bearing debt was fixed rate. We have available to us a revolving credit facility, with an outstanding balance of $65.0 million as of December 27, 2025. Our notes payable, revolving credit facility, and a minor portion of our long-term debt accrue interest at variable rates. As a result, changes in interest rates could affect our future borrowing costs.

Foreign Exchange Risk: Our exposure to transactions in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency is minimal. Consequently, potential exchange losses on future earnings, fair value, and cash flows are not material. However, we are exposed to investment risks related to our foreign operations. To manage these risks, we occasionally enter into foreign currency contracts. As of December 27, 2025, we had three outstanding fixed-for-fixed cross currency swap (“CCS”) agreements. These swaps exchange U.S. dollar principal and interest payments on a portion of our 5.00% senior unsecured notes due in fiscal 2044 for foreign-currency-denominated payments. These CCSs were initiated in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025 to mitigate foreign currency risk associated with our foreign-currency-denominated investments and to reduce interest expenses.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we early settled a euro net investment hedge entered into during fiscal 2019, resulting in us receiving proceeds of $2.7 million.

A significant portion of our cash in non-U.S. entities is held in foreign currencies, meaning fluctuations in exchange rates will impact our cash balances when converted to U.S. dollars. A 10% fluctuation in the U.S. dollar’s value would have affected our reported cash balance by approximately $11.6 million in fiscal 2025 and $8.7 million in fiscal 2024.

To manage our investment risk in foreign operations, we either borrow in the functional currencies of those foreign entities or utilize appropriate hedging instruments, such as foreign currency swaps. The following table shows the change in the recorded value of our most significant investments as of December 27, 2025 and December 28, 2024, assuming a hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar.

Dollars in millions

Commodity Risk: Hot-rolled steel coil is a key input for both of our segments except the Coatings product line. Due to steel price volatility, we use derivative financial instruments to mitigate commodity price risks, particularly for fixed-price orders. In both fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, we entered into forward contracts and swaps for hot-rolled steel coil that qualified as cash flow hedges. These contracts help manage variability in cash flows from future steel purchases. As of December 27, 2025, we had open forward contracts and swaps with a notional amount of $6.2 million, covering the purchase of 7,250 short tons in December 2025.

Natural gas is another significant commodity used in our manufacturing processes, particularly in our Coatings product line, where it is used to heat tanks for the hot-dipped galvanizing process. Due to the volatility of natural gas prices, we mitigate this risk through derivative financial instruments. Our policy is to hedge 0% to 75% of our U.S. natural gas needs for the next 6 to 24 months using swaps tied to New York Mercantile Exchange futures. These swaps are designed to reduce the impact of sudden and significant increases in natural gas prices on our earnings. As of December 27, 2025, we had open natural gas swaps with a notional value of $0.8 million for 210,000 MMBtu from January 2026 to December 2026.

Diesel fuel is a major cost for our contracted carriers transporting our products. Diesel fuel prices are subject to volatility, which we manage through the use of derivative financial instruments. In fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, we entered into diesel fuel option contracts that qualified as cash flow hedges. These contracts help stabilize cash flows amid fluctuating diesel fuel costs charged by carriers. As of December 27, 2025, we had open option contracts with a notional amount of $8.3 million for the total purchase of 4,032,000 gallons of diesel fuel from December 2025 to June 2027.

Zinc is a critical input for our Coatings product line, where it is used in the hot-dipped galvanizing process. Zinc prices can be volatile due to global supply and demand dynamics, energy costs, and commodity market speculation. To mitigate the risk of rising zinc prices and manage variability in future cash flows, in fiscal 2025 we entered into forward contracts for zinc that qualified as cash flow hedges. These contracts are intended to stabilize the cost of zinc used in our galvanizing operations. As of December 27, 2025, we had open zinc forward contracts with a notional amount of $8.8 million, covering the purchase of 2,880 metric tons of zinc from January 2026 to December 2027.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The accounting policies described below involve significant judgments and estimates that are used in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements. Management exercises substantial judgment in determining these estimates, which are essential to our financial reporting. The key areas that involve such estimates include impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes, revenue recognition for our Infrastructure product lines recognized over time, and inventory obsolescence. These estimates are based on our past experiences and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable given the circumstances.

We continually re-evaluate these estimates as circumstances evolve, understanding that actual results may differ due to changes in assumptions or conditions. To ensure accuracy and transparency in our financial reporting, the selection and application of our critical accounting policies are reviewed annually by our Audit Committee.

Depreciation and Amortization

Our long-lived assets include property, plant, and equipment, right-of-use assets, and certain other intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions. We assign useful lives to these assets based on their nature and expected usage, with ranges typically spanning from 3 to 30 years.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually during the third fiscal quarter, aligning this assessment with our strategic planning process. For the fiscal 2025 annual goodwill impairment test, we estimated the fair value of the eleven reporting units with recorded goodwill using a discounted cash flow model. This model factors in projected after-tax cash flows from operations, net of capital expenditures, discounted to their present value. Additionally, we perform sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of changes in key assumptions, such as discount rates and cash flow forecasts, on the valuation of the reporting units.

For the fiscal 2025 annual impairment testing, no reporting units had a fair value lower than their carrying value. However, in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, we identified triggering events that required interim goodwill impairment testing for certain reporting units within the Infrastructure segment, resulting in impairments totaling $64.9 million. For fiscal 2024, no reporting units had a fair value lower than their carrying value. For fiscal 2023, two reporting units had estimated fair values below their carrying values, resulting in impairments: $120.0 million for the Agriculture segment and $1.9 million for the Infrastructure segment.

Our reporting units are cyclical, and their sales and profitability may fluctuate from year to year. For our APAC Highway Safety and EMEA Structures reporting units, with a combined goodwill of approximately $43.6 million, the amount of cushion or excess fair value above their carrying values was less than or approximately 15% as of the most recent impairment test. In addition, our Access Systems reporting unit, with goodwill of approximately $9.5 million, had zero excess fair value over its carrying value following a goodwill impairment recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2025. We believe these reporting units will generate positive cash flows that meet or exceed their current carrying values, and we will continue to monitor their growth prospects and opportunities for continuous improvement.

The discount rate is a key assumption in our goodwill impairment analyses, as it reflects management’s assessment of the time value of money and the risks inherent in each reporting unit’s projected cash flows. Based on the results of our fiscal 2025 annual impairment testing, the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. Management believes that a hypothetical increase of 50 basis points in the discount rate, considered in isolation, would not have resulted in an impairment for any reporting unit as of the testing date with the exception of the Access Systems reporting unit which would have had an incremental $2.7 million impairment. However, changes in multiple assumptions simultaneously, or adverse changes in future operating performance or market conditions, could significantly impact the estimated fair values of our reporting units.

We actively monitor the global economy for potential factors that could impact the operating results of our reporting units. Should adverse conditions arise, we will conduct an impairment test for any affected reporting units prior to our annual testing. When evaluating reporting units, we focus on their long-term prospects, recognizing that current performance may not always be indicative of future value, which requires management judgment, particularly regarding cash flow projections.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trade names, which are tested separately from goodwill. We use the relief-from-royalty method to value these assets, calculating the potential royalty a third party might pay to use the trade name, which is then discounted to present value and tax-effected. For the fiscal 2025 annual impairment testing, the fair value of our trade names exceeded their carrying value. However, in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, based upon an interim triggering event, we performed a test on certain indefinite-lived trade names and two trade names’ carrying values exceeded their fair values, resulting in a $4.8 million impairment within the Infrastructure segment. For fiscal 2024, the fair value of our trade names exceeded their carrying value. For fiscal 2023, one trade name’s carrying value exceeded its fair value, resulting in a $1.7 million impairment within the Infrastructure segment.

Additionally, in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, due to identified impairment indicators, we tested the recoverability of an amortizing customer relationship intangible asset in the Agriculture segment. We determined the asset’s carrying value exceeded its total undiscounted estimated future cash flows. As a result, we recognized a $1.4 million impairment within the Agriculture segment.

Similarly, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023, due to identified impairment indicators, we tested the recoverability of an amortizing proprietary technology intangible asset related to the Prospera subsidiary, which is part of the Agriculture segment. We determined the asset’s carrying value exceeded its total undiscounted estimated future cash flows. As a result, we recognized a $17.3 million impairment within the Agriculture segment.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using either the first-in, first-out method or the weighted average cost method, depending on inventory management practices at each location.

We regularly assess the value of our inventory and record write-downs for slow-moving, obsolete, or excess inventory. The amount of any write-down is calculated as the difference between the inventory’s carrying value and our estimate of its net realizable value. These estimates consider, among other factors, potential future uses of the inventory, the likelihood of selling overstocked inventory, and expected selling prices.

If actual demand, market conditions, or realizability differ from our assumptions, additional inventory write-downs could be required, which could materially affect our results of operations.

Income Taxes

We maintain valuation allowances to adjust deferred tax assets to amounts that we anticipate are more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the need for these allowances, we consider anticipated future taxable income and tax-planning strategies. If we determine that a deferred tax asset is not expected to be fully realized, we increase the valuation allowance, which reduces net earnings in that period. Conversely, if we later determine that all or part of a net deferred tax asset is realizable, reducing the valuation allowance would increase net earnings for that period.

As of December 27, 2025, we had approximately $59.3 million in deferred tax assets related to tax credits and loss carryforwards, with a valuation allowance of $30.4 million, including $7.6 million for capital loss carryforwards that are unlikely to be realized. In fiscal 2025, in an effort to simplify and align legal entity structure, we were able to generate additional foreign source income that allowed us to utilize certain foreign tax credits that previously had a full valuation allowance. This resulted in a $13.4 million income tax benefit in fiscal 2025. Additional changes in circumstance surrounding deferred tax assets may require adjustments to this allowance, which could impact income tax expense and net income in future periods. Additionally, as the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries (in which we own more than 50%) are not considered indefinitely reinvested, we have recorded a deferred tax liability of $2.4 million, representing taxes to be incurred upon repatriation of these earnings.

Our operations are subject to examination by tax authorities in the various countries in which we operate, with the years open to examination varying by jurisdiction. We regularly evaluate potential additional income tax assessments based on past audit experiences and our understanding of relevant tax issues. Any changes to accruals for potential tax deficiencies are included in current income tax expense. Discrepancies between our estimates and actual outcomes in this area could impact our income tax expense in a given fiscal period.

Revenue Recognition Over Time

Revenue recognition for our contracts is determined by analyzing the specific type, terms, and conditions of each contract with customers. Approximately $1.5 billion of revenue within the Infrastructure segment is recognized over time, which requires more judgment and estimation of expected costs to be incurred.

These contracts, particularly those for utility structures and telecommunication monopole structures, are engineered to meet customer specifications, making them unsuitable for alternative customers if canceled after production begins. The continuous transfer of control to the customer is evidenced by either contractual termination clauses or rights to payment for work performed to date, plus a reasonable profit, as the products do not have alternative uses to us. For these products, revenue is recognized over time based on progress toward completion of the performance obligation.

For our Utility and Telecommunications products, revenue is recognized using an input-based method, where total production hours incurred to date are measured as a percentage of the total estimated hours for the order. The completion percentage is applied to the total contract revenue and estimated costs to calculate revenue, cost of goods sold, and gross profit. Our enterprise resource planning system tracks the total incurred costs and production hours to date, along with the estimated hours to complete.

Management relies on assumptions and estimates regarding manufacturing labor, materials, overhead, and burden recovery rates at each production facility. Production typically completes within three months once it begins, with profitability on open production orders reviewed monthly.

Occasionally, Utility customer orders may require up to three years to complete, often due to the number of structures involved. If actual costs deviate significantly from initial projections, burden rates and production hours per structure may be adjusted, recalibrating revenue recognition for future periods to reflect updated production schedules. During fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, no significant input or estimate adjustments were made that impacted revenue recognition for prior fiscal years. If a loss on a performance obligation is projected, a provision for loss is recognized, regardless of production status.

The information required by this item is included in the section “Market Risk” within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of management—including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”)—conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, to enable timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the periods specified by the Commission’s rules and forms.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s CEO and CFO, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of these internal controls. This evaluation was based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As a result, management concluded that, as of December 27, 2025, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2025 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, which includes their opinion, is included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Valmont Industries, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Valmont Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 27, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 27, 2025, of the Company and our report dated February 23, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Omaha, Nebraska

February 23, 2026