OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE: VMI), a global provider of engineered products and services for infrastructure development and irrigation equipment and services for agriculture, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended Sept. 28, 2019.

valmont 3Q19 summary final

Revenues grew 1.7% to $690.3 million, despite a challenging agricultural market environment; sales were higher in three of four segments. Operating income improved to $63.9 million or 9.3% of sales, compared to $38.4 million or 5.7% of sales ($63.2 million adjusted1 or 9.3% of sales)

"We achieved year-over-year revenue and earnings growth despite a challenging agricultural market environment and significant project losses in our Engineered Support Structures segment," said Stephen G. Kaniewski, president and CEO. "Continued strong order flow from robust market demand in our infrastructure businesses created capacity constraints this quarter, leading to operational inefficiencies and impacting our ability to effectively manage the additional volume. Sales growth this quarter was led by strong demand from transportation and wireless communication markets, particularly in North America, revenue from acquisitions, and favorable pricing across the portfolio."

Valmont 3Q19 net sales by category

Agriculture

Irrigation Segment (20.9% of Sales)

Global sales of $144.1 million were 2.9% higher compared to last year.

North America sales of $82.8 million were 6.0% higher compared to last year, led by higher sales of systems, aftermarket parts and technology solutions, offset by lower industrial tubing sales.

International irrigation sales of $61.3 million decreased 1.0% compared to last year. Higher Middle East project sales and solid demand from Brazil were offset by significantly lower volumes in Australia and New Zealand, where adverse weather has been muting demand.

Segment operating income was $18.2 million, or 12.6% of sales, compared to $21.3 million, or 15.2% of sales in 2018. Lower volumes in international markets and industrial tubing and higher R&D expense for technology growth investments, led to lower profitability.