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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

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Form 10-Q

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Valmont Industries, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes o    No ý

26,631,353
Outstanding shares of common stock as of October 23, 2012

   

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

        The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 29, 2012, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2012 and September 24, 2011, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Shareholders' Equity for the thirty-nine week periods then ended have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) have been made to present fairly the financial statements as of September 29, 2012 and for all periods presented.

        Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The accounting policies and methods of computation followed in these interim financial statements are the same as those followed in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. The results of operations for the period ended September 29, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

Inventories

        Approximately 38% and 40% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. All other inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. Finished goods and manufactured goods inventories include the costs of acquired raw materials and related factory labor and overhead charges required to convert raw materials to manufactured and finished goods. The excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value is approximately $47,406 and $49,536 at September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

        Inventories consisted of the following:

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Income Taxes

        Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2012 and September 24, 2011, were as follows:

Stock Plans

        The Company maintains stockbased compensation plans approved by the shareholders, which provide that the Human Resource Committee of the Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, non-vested stock awards and bonuses of common stock. At September 29, 2012, 623,496 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the plans. Shares and options issued and available are subject to changes in capitalization.

        Under the plans, the exercise price of each option equals the closing market price at the date of the grant. Options vest beginning on the first anniversary of the grant in equal amounts over three to six years or on the fifth anniversary of the grant.

        Expiration of grants is from six to ten years from the date of grant. The Company's compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and associated income tax benefits related to stock options for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2012 and September 24, 2011, respectively, were as follows:

Fair Value

        The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820") which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of ASC 820 apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

        The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

        Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

        Trading Securities: The assets and liabilities recorded for the investments held in the Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan represent mutual funds, invested in debt and equity securities, classified as trading securities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, considering the employee's ability to change investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time. Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input.

 

Comprehensive Income

        Comprehensive income includes net income, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity and changes in net actuarial gains/losses from a pension plan. Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries are translated using the average exchange rates during the period. Assets and

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet dates. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following at September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

(2) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Amortized Intangible Assets

        The components of amortized intangible assets at September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(2) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

        Amortization expense for intangible assets for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2012 and September 24, 2011, respectively was as follows:

        Estimated annual amortization expense related to finitelived intangible assets is as follows:

        The useful lives assigned to finitelived intangible assets included consideration of factors such as the Company's past and expected experience related to customer retention rates, the remaining legal or contractual life of the underlying arrangement that resulted in the recognition of the intangible asset and the Company's expected use of the intangible asset.

Non-amortized intangible assets

        Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. The carrying values of trade names at September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

        In its determination of these intangible assets as indefinitelived, the Company considered such factors as its expected future use of the intangible asset, legal, regulatory, technological and competitive factors that may impact the useful life or value of the intangible asset and the expected costs to maintain the value of the intangible asset. The Company expects that these intangible assets will maintain their value indefinitely. Accordingly, these assets are not amortized.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(2) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

        The Company's trade names were tested for impairment in the third quarter of 2012. The values of the trade names were determined using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that its trade names were not impaired.

Goodwill

        The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was as follows:

        The Company's goodwill was tested for impairment during the third quarter of 2012. As a result of that testing, the Company determined that its goodwill was not impaired, as the valuation of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. The Company continues to monitor changes in the global economy that could impact future operating results of its reporting units. If such conditions arise, the Company will test a given reporting unit for impairment prior to the annual test.

(3) CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

        The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2012 and September 24, 2011 were as follows:

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(4) EARNINGS PER SHARE

        The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS):

        At September 29, 2012, there were no outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock. At September 24, 2011 there were 218,007 shares of outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2011.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(5) LONG-TERM DEBT

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(a)

The senior unsecured notes include an aggregate principal amount of $450,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized premium balance of $13,063 at September 29, 2012. The notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum and are due in April 2020. The premium is amortized against interest expense as interest payments are made over the term of the notes. These notes may be repurchased at specified prepayment premiums. These notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company.

(b)

On August 15, 2012, the Company entered into a new five-year multicurrency $400,000 revolving credit agreement with a group of banks. The Company may increase the credit agreement by up to an additional $200,000 at any time, subject to the participating banks increasing the amount of their lending commitments. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is, at the Company's option, either:

(i)

LIBOR (based on a 1, 2, 3 or 6 month interest period, as selected by the Company) plus 125 to 225 basis points (inclusive of facility fees), depending on the Company's ratio of debt to EBITDA, or;

(ii)

the higher of

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The higher of (a) the prime lending rate and (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 50 basis points plus, in each case, 25 to 125 basis points (inclusive of facility fees), depending on the Company's ratio of debt to EBITDA, or



•

LIBOR (based on a 1 month interest period) plus 125 to 225 basis points (inclusive of facility fees), depending on the Company's ratio of debt to EBITDA

        At September 29, 2012, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit agreement has a termination date of August 15, 2017 and contains certain financial covenants that may limit additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At September 29, 2012, the Company had the ability to borrow an additional $384,866 under this facility.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(5) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

(c)

The Industrial Development Revenue Bonds were issued to finance the construction of a manufacturing facility in Jasper, Tennessee. Variable interest is payable until final maturity June 1, 2025. The effective interest rates at September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were 0.34% and 0.24%, respectively.

        The lending agreements include certain maintenance covenants, including financial leverage and interest coverage. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants at September 29, 2012.

        The minimum aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the four years following 2012 are: $278, $268, $281 and $289.

(6) BUSINESS SEGMENTS

        The Company aggregates its operating segments into four reportable segments. Aggregation is based on similarity of operating segments as to economic characteristics, products, production processes, types or classes of customer and the methods of distribution. Net corporate expense is net of certain servicerelated expenses that are allocated to business units generally on the basis of employee headcounts and sales dollars.

        Reportable segments are as follows:

        ENGINEERED INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS:    This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for the global lighting and traffic, wireless communication, roadway safety and access systems applications;

        UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES:    This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility industry;

        COATINGS:    This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services on a global basis; and

        IRRIGATION:    This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the global agricultural industry.

        In addition to these four reportable segments, the Company has other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales. These include the manufacture of forged steel grinding media for the mining industry, tubular products for industrial customers, electrolytic manganese dioxide for disposable batteries and the distribution of industrial fasteners and are reported in the "Other" category.

        The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1. The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based upon operating income and invested capital. The Company does not allocate interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(6) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued)

Summary by Business

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The Company has $450,000 principal amount of senior unsecured notes outstanding at a coupon interest rate of 6.625% per annum. The notes are guaranteed, jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally by certain of the Company's current and future direct and indirect domestic and foreign subsidiaries (collectively the "Guarantors"), excluding its other current domestic and foreign subsidiaries which do not guarantee the debt (collectively referred to as the "Non-Guarantors"). All Guarantors are 100% owned by the parent company.

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

        Consolidated financial information for the Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is as follows:

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2012

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2012

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended September 24, 2011

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2011

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 29, 2012

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2011

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2012

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VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2011

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Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        Management's discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking 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, expected future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company's control) and assumptions. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. Many factors could affect the Company's actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things, risk factors described from time to time in the Company's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as future economic and market circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, operating efficiencies, availability and price of raw materials, availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing, domestic and international competitive environments, and actions and policy changes of domestic and foreign governments.

        This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto, and the management's discussion and analysis included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

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Results of Operations

        Dollars in millions, except per share amounts

        NM=Not meaningful

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Overview

        On a consolidated basis, the increases in net sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, were due to the following factors:

•

Unit sales volumes increased approximately $54 million and $313 million in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2012, respectively, as compared with 2011. In the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, all reportable segments reported higher sales, as compared with the same periods in 2011. The segments with the most significant unit sales increases were the Utility Support Structures and Irrigation segments.



•

Sales prices and mix in the aggregate for the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012 were higher than 2011 by approximately $20 million and $27 million, respectively.

        Foreign currency translation, in the aggregate, resulted in lower net sales and operating income in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011. On average, the U.S. dollar strengthened against most currencies in 2012, as compared to 2011. The most significant currencies that contributed to this movement were the euro, Australian dollar, Brazilian real and the South African rand. On a segment basis, the currency effects on net sales and operating income in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, were as follows (in millions):

        The increase in gross profit margin (gross profit as a percent of sales) in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was primarily due to improved sales pricing and mix and moderating raw material costs in 2012 as compared with 2011. Steel prices and zinc prices in 2012 were down slightly as compared with 2011. LIFO expense for the first three quarters of 2012 was $10.3 million lower than the same period in 2011, contributing to the comparatively higher gross profit margin in 2012, as compared with 2011.

        Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, increased mainly due to the following factors:

•

Increased employee incentive accruals of $2.3 million and $6.9 million, respectively, due to improved operating results;



•

Increased compensation expenses of $6.0 million and $14.3 million, respectively, associated with increased employment levels and increased employee benefit costs;



•

Increased commissions of $0.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively, related to higher sales;



•

Deferred compensation expense of $2.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively, incurred in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012 associated with the increase in deferred compensation plan liabilities. The corresponding increase in deferred compensation plan assets was recorded as a decrease in "Other" expense; and,



•

Australia stamp duty expense of $1.2 million incurred in the first quarter of 2012 related to the legal restructuring that was completed in fiscal 2011. This expense was non-recurring in nature.

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        These increases were offset to a degree by settlements related to property insurance claims and a settlement related to a vendor dispute aggregating $1.4 million and $3.7 million in the third quarter and first three quarters, respectively, of 2012. These expense decreases were considered non-recurring in nature. SG&A expense also decreased in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, due to foreign exchange translation effects of $2.0 million and $4.2 million, respectively.

        The increase in operating income on a reportable segment basis in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, was due to improved operating performance in all reportable segments. The "Other" category reported lower operating income in the third quarter of 2012, as compared with 2011. Operating income in the "Other" category for the first three quarters of 2012 was comparable with 2011.

        The increase in net interest expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, mainly was attributable to interest income received on certain income tax refunds in 2011 (approximately $1.0 million) and $0.4 million of unamortized debt issue costs that were written off when we renewed our revolving credit agreement in the third quarter of 2012. On a year-to-date basis, net interest expense is lower in 2012 as compared with 2011, due to interest savings realized from the refinancing of our $150 million of senior subordinated debt in June 2011 and approximately $2.8 million of expense incurred in the second quarter of 2011 related to the refinancing of our $150 million of senior subordinated notes. Average borrowing levels in 2012 were comparable with 2011.

        The decrease in "Other" expenses in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was mainly due to investment returns in the assets held in our deferred compensation plan of $2.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The increase in the value of these assets was offset by a corresponding increase in our deferred compensation liabilities, which was reflected as an increase in SG&A expense. Accordingly, there was no effect on net earnings from these investment gains.

        Our effective income tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was lower than 2011, mainly due to a more favorable result this year in the reconciliation of our annual income tax filings and certain non-deductible currency losses in our Mexican operation in 2011 that did not occur in 2012. In the third quarter of 2012, the U.K. reduced its income tax rate from 26% to 24%. As a result, our income tax expense increased in the third quarter of 2012 by $4.0 million, mainly due to the revaluation of deferred income tax assets. This effect on our third quarter 2012 income tax expense was largely mitigated by increased foreign tax credits and other tax benefits in 2012. On a year-to-date basis, our effective tax rate in 2012 was higher than 2011 due to a $4.1 million tax benefit related to the acquisition of the 40% of our grinding media operation that we did not own, $1.4 million of income tax contingencies that we reversed in 2011 due to the expiring of statutes of limitation and a higher share of our pre-tax earnings coming from our U.S. operations. Going forward, depending on our geographic mix of earnings and currently enacted income tax rates in the countries in which we operate, we expect our effective tax rate to approximate 34%.

        Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was lower in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, mainly due to lower net earnings in those consolidated operations that are less than 100% owned, partly due to currency translation effects. On a year-to-date basis, the 2012 decrease was also due to the purchase of the noncontrolling interest in our grinding media operation in June 2011. This operation was previously 40% owned by noncontrolling interests.

        Our cash flows provided by operations were $117.7 million in 2012, as compared with $64.1 million in 2011. The increase in operating cash flow resulted from increased net income in 2012. Working capital increased somewhat is 2012, due mainly to increased sales levels, and results in operating cash flow being less than net earnings.

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Engineered Infrastructure Products (EIP) segment

        The increase in EIP segment net sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was due to improved sales volumes of approximately $4 million and $34 million, respectively, and $6 million and $17 million, respectively, of favorable pricing and sales mix changes. These increases were offset to a degree, by unfavorable foreign exchange translation effects of approximately $6 million and $14 million, respectively. North America lighting sales in the third quarter of 2012 were comparable with 2011, while sales in the first three quarters of 2012 were up modestly over last year. The increase in sales mainly resulted from higher sales prices and favorable sales mix. The transportation market for lighting and traffic structures continues to be steady but not particularly strong. While a two-year extension to the current U.S. highway funding legislation was enacted in the third quarter, this event has not yet affected the market for lighting and traffic structures. We also believe that state budget issues are limiting roadway project activity. Sales in other market channels such as sales to lighting fixture manufacturers and commercial construction projects in 2012 were comparable with 2011. In Europe, sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2012 were lower than the comparable periods in 2011. We divested of our Turkish and Italian operations in late 2011, resulting in lower sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, of $5.2 million and $13.6 million, respectively. Current economic conditions in Europe and weak and uncertain. As a result, public spending for streets and highways is under pressure, as governments dealing with lower tax receipts and budget deficits. However, lighting sales in local currency were higher in the the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011. Stronger sales in France, Scandinavia and the U.K. were offset somewhat by weaker sales volumes in northern Europe.

        Communication product line sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2012 were improved over 2011. North America sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012 were $8.4 million and $20.3 million, respectively, higher in 2012, as compared with 2011. The increase in sales was attributable to improved market conditions (somewhat attributable to the build out of 4G wireless technology) and the resolution of the proposed AT&T/T-Mobile merger, which we believe slowed sales activity for structures and components in 2011. In China, sales of wireless communication structures in 2012 were comparable with 2011.

        Sales in the access systems product line in 2012 were improved as compared with 2011, as industrial production investments in the mining and energy economic sectors are increasing in the Asia Pacific region.

        Sales of highway safety products in the third quarter of 2012 was comparable with 2011, while year-to-date sales in 2012 were somewhat higher as compared with 2011. Floods in parts of Australia affected infrastructure spending in the first three quarters of 2011, as public spending priorities shifted from roadway development to supporting recovery from the floods. The improvement in 2012 reflects a more normal demand pattern for this product line. While public spending on roadways in Australia is down somewhat in 2012, establishment of sales channels in other countries in the Asia Pacific region has helped maintain sales volumes for the product line.

        Operating income for the segment in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2012 was higher than 2011. Improved operating income resulted from higher sales volumes, improved sales prices and moderating raw material costs (including $2.6 million of lower year-to-date LIFO expense), offset somewhat by factory operational inefficiencies of $5.2 million and $12.3 million, respectively. The factory operational inefficiencies related mainly to start-up costs related to capacity expansion in the U.S. and certain production inefficiencies in Europe. The increase in SG&A spending in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, mainly was attributable to higher compensation costs of $2.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively, and increased employee incentives of $1.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively. These increases were offset to a degree by currency translation effects of $1.2 million in the third quarter and $2.4 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, as compared with the same periods in 2011.

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Utility Support Structures (Utility) segment

        In the Utility segment, the sales increase in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, was primarily due to improved unit sales volumes of approximately $49 million and $211 million, respectively. In U.S. markets, investments in the electrical grid by utility companies is increasing, resulting in improved sales of transmission and substation structures. The effect of sales mix was favorable for the third quarter of 2012, as compared with 2011, by approximately $13 million, while the year-to-date sales mix effect in fiscal 2012 was unfavorable, as compared with 2011, by approximately $7 million. The unfavorable year-to-date mix effect reflected shipments on certain large orders that were taken in 2010, when market pricing was particularly low. As market conditions improved, pricing recovered to a degree, resulting in improved pricing and mix in the third quarter. Sales in international markets in the third quarter was comparable with 2011, while year-to-date fiscal 2012 sales were slightly lower than 2011. Sales in the Asia Pacific region are higher, offset to some extent by lower sales in Europe and the Middle East.

        Operating income in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, increased due to the increase in North America sales volume, moderating raw material costs and leverage effects on fixed SG&A and factory expenses. These positive effects were offset to a degree in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012 by $1.3 million and $8.4 million, respectively, of additional costs associated with production inefficiencies and unanticipated costs related to certain large orders. The increase in SG&A expense for the segment in fiscal 2012 as compared with 2011, was mainly due to increased employee compensation of $1.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively, increased employee incentives of $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and increased sales commissions of $0.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, all associated with the increase in business levels and operating income.

Coatings segment

        The increase in net sales in the Coatings segment was due to improved sales in the United States, offset to a degree by slightly lower sales in the Asia Pacific region. In the United States, we experienced broad-based improved demand from customers, especially in the agriculture, petrochemical and energy economic sectors. Asia Pacific volumes in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012 were down modestly from 2011, due to slowness in the Australian industrial economy not related to mining. Average selling prices in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012 were comparable with 2011.

        The increase in segment operating income in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, was mainly due to improved productivity and operating leverage through volume increases and lower zinc costs. The effect of lower zinc costs on segment operating income in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with the same periods in 2011, was approximately $1.9 million and $5.5 million, respectively. SG&A expenses for the segment in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, were slightly lower, due to a $0.9 million favorable dispute settlement with a vendor in the second quarter of 2012 and a $0.8 million insurance settlement in the third quarter of 2012.

Irrigation segment

        The increase in Irrigation segment net sales in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, was mainly due to improved sales volumes of approximately $10 million and $55 million, respectively, and favorable pricing and sales mix of approximately $2 million and $19 million respectively. These increases were offset by unfavorable currency translation effects of $5.6 million and $10.9 million in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, respectively, as compared with 2011. The pricing and sales mix effect was generally due to sales price increases that took effect in the second half of 2011 to recover higher material costs in early 2011. In global markets,

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the sales growth was due to very strong agricultural economies around the world. Farm commodity prices continue to be favorable, with a positive outlook for net farm income in most markets around the world. We believe that farm commodity prices have been favorable due to strong demand, including consumption in the production of ethanol and other fuels, and traditionally low inventories of major farm commodities. We believe the drought conditions in much of the U.S. this summer contributed to the increased demand for irrigation equipment and related service parts in 2012. In international markets, the sales improvement in fiscal 2012, as compared with 2011, was realized in most markets, also due to generally favorable economic conditions in the global farm economy.

        Operating income for the segment improved in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2012, as compared with 2011, due to improved sales unit volumes and improved sales prices in light of stable material costs. The higher average selling prices resulted from rising material costs in 2011, when sales price increases lagged material cost inflation. The stability in raw material purchase costs also resulted in $4.7 million in lower LIFO expenses in the first three quarters of 2012, respectively, as compared with 2011. SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2012 were slightly lower than the same period in 2011, due in part to foreign currency translation effects ($0.5 million). On a year-to-date basis, SG&A spending increased in 2012 over 2011, due to increased compensation cost to support the increase in sales activity ($2.4 million), offset to a degree by currency translation effects of approximately $1.2 million.

Other

        This category includes the grinding media, industrial tubing, electrolytic manganese and industrial fasteners operations. In the third quarter of 2012, sales and operating income were lower than 2011, mainly due lower sales volumes and profitability in the tubing and electrolytic manganese dioxide operations. On a year-to-date basis, fiscal 2012 sales and operating profits were, in the aggregate, comparable with 2011. Sales and operating income in our tubing operations were improved over 2011, while manganese dioxide sales and operating income were lower than 2011. Sales and operating income in the grinding media operations in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2012 were comparable with 2011.

Net corporate expense

        Net corporate expense in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2012 was higher than 2011, mainly due to:

•

higher employee incentives associated with improved net earnings and share price, which affected long-term incentive plans (approximately $1.4 million and $3.5 million respectively);



•

higher deferred compensation expenses (approximately $2.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively) related to investment returns on assets in the deferred compensation plan. These increases are offset by decreases in "Other" expense, and;



•

increased expenses of $0.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively, related to less favorable experience in our health insurance plan.

        These increases were offset by insurance settlements related to a fire and storm damage to one of our galvanizing facilities in Australia ($0.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively) and lower expenses in the Delta Pension Plan of $0.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

        Working Capital and Operating Cash Flows—Net working capital was $996.5 million at September 29, 2012, as compared with $844.9 million at December 31, 2011. The increase in net working capital in 2012 mainly resulted from increased receivables and inventories to support the increase in sales. Cash flow provided by operations was $117.7 million in fiscal 2012, as compared with $64.1 million in fiscal 2011. The increase in operating cash flow in 2012 was the result of higher net earnings, especially in the Utility Support Structures and Irrigation segments, offset to an extent by the increase in working capital and timing of income tax payments. Accounts receivable turns in 2012 were improved over 2011. The increase in inventory at the end of the second quarter compared with December 31, 2011 is associated mainly with the Utility Support Structures and EIP segments and is related to general business levels and seasonal factors.

        Investing Cash Flows—Capital spending in the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 was $58.7 million, as compared with $46.4 million for the same period in 2011. The most significant capital spending projects in 2012 included capacity expansions in the Utility segment. We expect our capital spending for the 2012 fiscal year to be approximately $100 million, compared to $83 million for the 2011 fiscal year. The increase in expected capital spending over 2011 is mainly due to capacity increases to meet the growing need for utility structures in the U.S. and additional manufacturing investment in the Irrigation segment.

        Financing Cash Flows—Our total interest-bearing debt increased slightly to $489.2 million at September 29, 2012 from $486.1 million at December 31, 2011. Financing cash flows in 2011 included the purchase of the 40% noncontrolling interest in our grinding operation for $25.3 million, debt issuance costs of $1.3 million and settlement of a financial derivative of $3.6 million associated with the senior unsecured notes issued in the second quarter of 2011.

Financing and Capital

        We have historically funded our growth, capital spending and acquisitions through a combination of operating cash flows and debt financing. We have an internal long-term objective to maintain long-term debt as a percent of invested capital at or below 40%. At September 29, 2012, our long-term debt to invested capital ratio was 24.2%, as compared with 26.8% at December 31, 2011. Subject to our level of acquisition activity and steel industry operating conditions (which could affect the levels of inventory we need to fulfill customer commitments), we plan to maintain this ratio below 40% in 2012.

        Our debt financing at September 29, 2012 consisted primarily of long-term debt. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $63.9 million, $51.8 million of which was unused at September 29, 2012. Our long-term debt principally consists of:

•

$450 million face value ($463 million carrying value) of senior unsecured notes that bear interest at 6.625% per annum and are due in April 2020. We are allowed to repurchase the notes at specified prepayment premiums. These notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries.



•

$400 million revolving credit agreement with a group of banks. We may increase the credit facility by up to an additional $200 million at any time, subject to participating banks increasing the amount of their lending commitments. The interest rate on our borrowings will be, at our option, either:



(a)

LIBOR (based on a 1, 2, 3 or 6 month interest period, as selected by us) plus 125 to 225 basis points (inclusive of facility fees), depending on our ratio of debt to earnings before taxes, interest, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), or;



(b)

the higher of

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•

The higher of (a) the prime lending rate and (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 50 basis points plus in each case, 25 to 125 basis points (inclusive of facility fees), depending on our ratio of debt to EBITDA, or



•

LIBOR (based on a 1 week interest period) plus 125 to 225 basis points (inclusive of facility fees), depending on our ratio of debt to EBITDA

        At September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit agreement has a termination date of August 15, 2017, and contains certain financial covenants that may limit our additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At September 29, 2012, we had the ability to borrow an additional $384.9 million under this facility.

        These debt agreements contain covenants that require us to maintain certain coverage ratios and may limit us with respect to certain business activities, including capital expenditures. Our key debt covenants are as follows:

•

Interest-bearing debt is not to exceed 3.50x EBITDA of the prior four quarters; and



•

EBITDA over the prior four quarters must be at least 2.50x our interest expense over the same period.

        At September 29, 2012, we were in compliance with all covenants related to these debt agreements. The key covenant calculations at September 29, 2012 were as follows:

        The calculation of EBITDA—last four quarters (September 25, 2011 through September 29, 2012) is as follows:

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        Our businesses are cyclical, but we have diversity in our markets, from a product, customer and a geographical standpoint. We have demonstrated the ability to effectively manage through business cycles and maintain liquidity. We have consistently generated operating cash flows in excess of our capital expenditures. Based on our available credit facilities, recent issuance of senior unsecured notes and our history of positive operational cash flows, we believe that we have adequate liquidity to meet our needs.

        We have not made any provision for U.S. income taxes in our financial statements on approximately $565 million of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as we intend to reinvest those earnings. Of our cash balances at September 29, 2012, approximately $347 million is held in entities outside the United States. If we need to repatriate foreign cash balances to the United States to meet our cash needs, income taxes would be paid to the extent that those cash repatriations were undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. The income taxes that we would pay if cash were repatriated depends on the amounts to be repatriated and from which country. If all of our cash outside the United States were to be repatriated to the United States, we estimate that we would pay approximately $24.7 million in income taxes to repatriate that cash.

Financial Obligations and Financial Commitments

        There have been no material changes to our financial obligations and financial commitments as described on page 39 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

        There have been no changes in our off balance sheet arrangements as described on page 39 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Critical Accounting Policies

        There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies as described on pages 41-44 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 during the quarter ended September 29, 2012.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        There were no material changes in the company's market risk during the quarter ended September 29. 2012. For additional information, refer to the section "Risk Management" on page 40 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

        The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms.

        No changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        During the third quarter, the only shares reflected above were those delivered to the Company by employees as part of stock option exercises, either to cover the purchase price of the option or the related taxes payable by the employee as part of the option exercise. The price paid per share was the market price at the date of exercise.

Item 6.    Exhibits

(a)

Exhibits

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf and by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated this 29th day of October, 2012.

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Index of Exhibits

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