UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

 

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Valmont Industries, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

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Proxy Statement

For The

April 24, 2006

Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend Valmont’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Monday, April 24, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall of the Joslyn Art Museum at 2200 Dodge Street in Omaha, Nebraska. You may enter the building through the atrium entrance on the east side.

 

The formal meeting of Shareholders will be followed by a review of Valmont’s business operations and our outlook for the future. Following the meeting, you are invited to an informal reception where you can visit with the Directors and Officers about the activities of the Company.

 

If you cannot attend the meeting in person, please vote your shares by proxy. Please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it in the postage paid envelope. Your prompt voting of your shares will help your Company avoid additional solicitation costs. Your vote is important, either in person or by proxy.

 

I look forward to seeing you at our Annual Meeting.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

/s/ MOGENS C. BAY

 

 

Mogens C. Bay

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 



 

Valmont Industries, Inc.
Notice of Annual Meeting
of Shareholders

 

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Valmont Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held at the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska  68102, on Monday, April 24, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. local time for the purpose of:

 

(1)           Electing four directors of the Company to three year terms.

 

(2)           Approving the Valmont Executive Incentive Plan.

 

(3)           Ratifying the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2006.

 

(4)           Transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

 

Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2006 are entitled to vote at this meeting. If you do not expect to be present at the Annual Meeting and wish your shares to be voted, please complete, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy form.

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

/s/ P. THOMAS POGGE

 

 

P. Thomas Pogge

 

Secretary

 

One Valmont Plaza

 

Omaha, Nebraska 68154-5215

 

March 24, 2006

 



 

Proxy Statement

 

To Our Shareholders:

 

The Board of Directors of Valmont Industries, Inc. solicits your proxy in the form enclosed for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Monday, April 24, 2006, or at any adjournments thereof.

 

At the close of business on March 1, 2006, the record date for shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, there were outstanding 24,814,399 shares of the Company’s common stock. There were no preferred shares outstanding. All holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by them.

 

Shares of common stock represented in person or by returned proxy, including shares represented by broker non-votes or abstaining from voting, will be treated as present at the meeting for the purpose of determining a quorum. Directors are elected by a favorable vote of a plurality of the shares of voting stock present and entitled to vote, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, abstentions or broker non-votes will not affect the election of Directors.

 

The proposals to approve the Valmont Executive Incentive Plan and to ratify the appointment of the independent auditors requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against these proposals. Broker non-votes on these proposals are treated as shares for which voting power has been withheld by the beneficial holders of those shares and therefore will not be counted as votes for or against these proposals.

 

Any shareholder giving a proxy may revoke it before the meeting by mailing a signed instrument revoking the proxy to: Corporate Secretary, Valmont Industries, Inc., One Valmont Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154-5215. To be effective, the revocation must be received by the Corporate Secretary before the date of the meeting. A shareholder may attend the meeting in person and at that time withdraw the proxy and vote in person.

 

The cost of solicitation of proxies, including the cost of reimbursing banks and brokers for forwarding proxies and proxy statements to their principals, shall be borne by the Company. This proxy statement and proxy card are being mailed to shareholders on or about March 24, 2006.

 

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Certain Shareholders

 

The following table sets forth, as of March 1, 2006, the number of shares beneficially owned by (i) persons known to the Company to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, (ii) directors and executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership
March 1, 2006 (1)

 

Percent
of Class (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert B. Daugherty

 

7,115,568

 

28.7

%

Ocean Reef

 

 

 

 

 

Key Largo, FL 33037

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Abbett & Co., LLC

 

1,330,878

 

5.4

%

90 Hudson Street

 

 

 

 

 

Jersey City, NJ 07101-1171

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mogens C. Bay

 

1,102,962

 

4.4

%

John E. Jones

 

74,000

 

 

 

Thomas F. Madison

 

90,330

 

 

 

Charles D. Peebler, Jr.

 

68,000

 

 

 

Stephen R. Lewis, Jr.

 

18,000

 

 

 

Walter Scott, Jr.

 

116,000

 

 

 

Kenneth E. Stinson

 

76,000

 

 

 

Kaj den Daas

 

6,000

 

 

 

Glen A. Barton

 

8,000

 

 

 

Daniel P. Neary

 

0

 

 

 

Terry J. McClain

 

295,066

 

1.2

%

E. Robert Meaney

 

194,093

 

 

 

Mark E. Treinen

 

112,968

 

 

 

Mark C. Jaksich

 

68,599

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Executive Officers and Directors

 

 

 

 

 

As Group (18 persons)

 

2,314,444

 

9.3

%

 


(1)               Includes shares which the directors and executive officers have, or within 60 days of March 1, 2006 will have, the right to acquire through the exercise of stock options, as follows:  36,000 shares for Messrs. Jones, Madison and Stinson; 40,000 shares for Mr. Scott; 28,000 shares for Mr. Peebler; 12,000 shares for Mr. Lewis; 4,000 shares for Messrs. den Daas and Barton; and 600,000, 149,503, 110,798, 52,846 and 44,334 shares for Messrs. Bay, McClain, Meaney, Treinen and Jaksich, respectively; and 1,226,350 shares for all executive officers and directors as a group.

 

(2)               Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial ownership of any named individual does not exceed 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock.

 

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Corporate Governance

 

Valmont is committed to having strong corporate governance principles. The board of directors believes such principles are essential to the effective operation of Valmont’s businesses and to maintaining Valmont’s integrity in the marketplace.

 

Overview

 

The board of directors has adopted corporate governance principles which are set out in the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at www.valmont.com. The following corporate governance documents also appear on the Company’s website and these documents and the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles are available in print to any shareholder upon request:

 

                  Code of Business Conduct

                  Code of Ethics for Senior Officers

                  Audit Committee Charter

                  Compensation Committee Charter

                  Governance and Nominating Committee Charter

                  Procedures for bringing concerns or complaints to the attention of the Audit Committee

 

The board met five times during 2005. The board has designated a lead director, Thomas Madison, who chairs executive sessions of the board. Interested parties who wish to contact the board of directors or the lead director may communicate through the lead director by writing to: Lead Director of Valmont Board of Directors, Valmont Industries, Inc., One Valmont Plaza, Suite 601, Omaha, Nebraska 68154-5215. The Company’s non-employee directors meet in executive session without management present at every board meeting. The Compensation Committee has established stock ownership guidelines for executive officers, which are described in the Compensation Committee report on page 16. Directors are encouraged to attend the annual shareholders meeting and all of the Company’s directors attended the 2005 annual shareholders meeting. The board of directors periodically reviews the Corporate Governance Principles and any changes are communicated to shareholders by posting them on the Company’s website.

 

Board Independence

 

The board of directors is composed of a majority of independent directors. The board has established independence standards for Valmont’s directors. These standards are set forth below and are contained in the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles and follow the director independence standards established by the New York Stock Exchange:

 

                                          A director will not be independent if, within the preceding three years: (1) the director was employed by Valmont or an immediate family member of the director was an executive officer of Valmont, (2) a Valmont executive officer was on the compensation committee of the board of directors of a company which employed the Valmont director or which employed an immediate family member of the director as an executive officer, or (3) the director or the director’s immediate family member received more than $100,000 during any twelve-month

 

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period in direct compensation from Valmont (other than director and committee fees).

 

                                          A director will not be independent if (1) the director is an executive officer or an employee, or the director’s immediate family member is an executive officer, of another company and (2) the other company made payments to, or received payments from, Valmont for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1,000,000 or 2% of either (i) such other company’s consolidated gross revenues or (ii) Valmont’s consolidated gross revenues.

 

                                          A director will not be independent if: (1) the director or an immediate family member is a current partner of Valmont’s independent auditor, (2) the director is an employee of Valmont’s independent auditor, (3) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of Valmont’s independent auditor who participates in the auditor’s audit, assurance or tax compliance practice, or (4) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years a partner or employee of Valmont’s independent auditor and personally worked on Valmont’s audit within that time.

 

                                          For relationships not covered by the foregoing standards, the determination of whether the relationship is material or not, and therefore whether the director would be independent or not, shall be made by the directors who satisfy the above independence standards. The Board’s determination of each director’s independence will be disclosed annually in the Company’s proxy statement.

 

                                          Contributions to tax-exempt organizations shall not be considered “companies” for purposes of these independence standards. However, Valmont will disclose in its annual proxy statement any such contribution which it makes to a tax-exempt organization in which a director serves as an employed executive officer if, within the preceding three years, contributions in any fiscal year exceeded the greater of $1,000,000 or 2% of such tax-exempt organization’s consolidated gross revenues.

 

The board has determined that directors Barton, den Daas, Jones, Lewis, Madison, Neary, Peebler and Scott have no material relationship with the Company and are independent within the meaning of the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles and the NYSE listing standards.

 

Audit Committee

 

The members of the Audit Committee are directors Scott (Chairman), Jones, Neary and Peebler. All members of the Audit Committee are independent within the meaning of the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles and the listing standards of the NYSE. The board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are qualified as audit committee financial experts within the meaning of SEC regulations. The Audit Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website. The report of the Audit Committee is included in this proxy statement at page 20.

 

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The Audit Committee met five times during 2005. The Audit Committee assists the board by reviewing the integrity of the financial statements of the Company; the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s independent auditors and internal auditing department; and compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee has sole authority to retain, compensate, oversee and terminate the independent auditor. The Audit Committee reviews the Company’s annual audited financial statements, quarterly financial statements, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee reviews reports on various matters, including critical accounting policies of the Company, significant changes in the Company’s selection or application of accounting principles, and the Company’s internal control processes. The Audit Committee also pre-approves all audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The members of the Compensation Committee are directors Madison (Chairman), Barton, Lewis and Peebler. All members of the Compensation Committee are independent within the meaning of the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles and the listing standards of the NYSE. The Compensation Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website. The report of the Compensation Committee is included in this proxy statement at page 16.

 

The Compensation Committee met four times during 2005. The Compensation Committee assists the board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company’s directors, executive officers and other selected employees. The Committee has responsibility for reviewing, evaluating and approving compensation plans, policies and programs for such persons. The Compensation Committee annually reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives for the chief executive officer’s compensation and evaluates the chief executive officer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives. The Compensation Committee, together with the other independent directors, determines the chief executive officer’s compensation. The Compensation Committee also periodically reviews and makes recommendations to the board with respect to incentive compensation plans and equity based plans for executive officers and other selected employees.

 

Governance and Nominating Committee

 

The members of the Governance and Nominating Committee are directors Madison (Chairman), den Daas and Lewis. All members of the Governance and Nominating Committee are independent within the meaning of the Company’s corporate governance principles and the listing standards of the NYSE. The Governance and Nominating Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website.

 

The Governance and Nominating Committee met two times during 2005. The Governance and Nominating Committee assists the board by (1) recommending to the board Corporate Governance Principles for the Company, and (2) identifying qualified candidates for membership on the board, proposing to the board a slate of directors for election by the shareholders at each annual meeting, and proposing to the board candidates to fulfill vacancies on the board. The Governance and Nominating Committee coordinates the annual self-evaluation by the directors of the board’s performance and the CEO’s performance and the annual

 

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performance evaluation by each committee of the board. The Governance and Nominating Committee oversees the Company’s process for consideration of nominees to the Company’s board of directors. The process is described in the following section.

 

Director Nomination Process

 

The Governance and Nominating Committee considers candidates for board membership suggested by its members and other board members, as well as management and shareholders. The Committee may also retain a third-party executive search firm to identify candidates from time to time. Daniel Neary, who joined the board in December 2005, was recommended for board membership by a current non-management director. A shareholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for board membership should notify the Company’s Corporate Secretary in writing at least 120 days before the annual shareholder meeting at which directors are to be elected and include whatever support material the shareholder considers appropriate. The Governance and Nominating Committee will also consider nominations by a shareholder pursuant to the provisions of the Company’s bylaws relating to shareholder nominations as described in “Shareholder Proposals.”

 

The Governance and Nominating Committee makes an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation of the candidate once it has identified a prospective nominee. This initial determination is based on whatever information is provided to the Committee as well as other information available to or obtained by the Committee. The preliminary determination is based primarily on the need for additional board members to fill vacancies or expand the size of the board and the likelihood that the prospective nominee can satisfy the evaluation factors described below. If the Committee determines that additional consideration is warranted, it may request a third-party search firm or other third parties to gather additional information about the prospective nominee.

 

The Committee evaluates each prospective nominee in light of the standards and qualifications set out in the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, including:

 

                  Background, including demonstrated high standards of ethics and integrity, the ability to have sufficient time to effectively carry out the duties of a director, and the ability to represent all shareholders and not a particular interest group.

 

                  Board skill needs, taking into account the experience of current board members, the candidate’s ability to work in a collaborative culture with other board members, and the candidate’s qualifications as independent and qualifications to serve on the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and/or Governance and Nominating Committee.

 

                  Diversity, including the extent to which the candidate reflects the composition of Company shareholders and other constituencies.

 

                  Business experience, which should reflect a broad experience at the policy-making level in business, government or education.

 

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The Committee also considers such other relevant factors as it deems appropriate. In connection with the evaluation, the Committee determines whether to interview the prospective nominee, and if warranted, one or more members of the Committee interview prospective nominees in person or by telephone. After completing this evaluation process, the Committee makes a recommendation to the full board as to the persons who should be nominated by the board, and the board determines the nominees after considering the recommendations of the Committee.

 

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Election of Directors

 

The Company’s board of directors is presently composed of ten members. The board is divided into three classes and each class serves for three years on a staggered term basis. The board of directors met five times during 2005.

 

Four directors have terms of office that expire at the 2006 Annual Meeting. They have been nominated by the board of directors, upon the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee, for re-election to three-year terms. These nominees are:

 

Glen A. Barton

Daniel P. Neary

Charles D. Peebler, Jr.

Kenneth E. Stinson

 

Unless authority to vote for directors is withheld, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted for the election of the nominees named above. In the event any of such nominees becomes unavailable for election, the proxy holders will have discretionary authority to vote the proxies for a substitute. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any such nominee will be unavailable to serve.

 

Nominees for Election - Terms Expire 2009:

 

Glen A. Barton, Age 66, Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caterpillar, Inc. (manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, engines and gas turbines) from 1999 to January 2004. Director of Inco Limited, Newmont Mining Corporation and Firefly Energy, Inc.

 

Served as Director of Company since October 2004.

 

Daniel P. Neary, Age 54, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mutual of Omaha since December 2004 (full service and multi-line provider insurance and financial services). Previously, President of the group insurance business unit of Mutual of Omaha.

 

Served as Director of Company continuously since December 2005.

 

Charles D. Peebler, Jr., Age 69, Retired Chairman Emeritus of True North Communications, Inc. and Managing Director of Plum Holdings, L.P. (venture capital firm concentrating on media content investments). Previously, President of True North Communications, Inc. and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of True North Diversified Companies; Director, Meredith Corporation.

 

Served as Director of Company continuously since February 1999.

 

Kenneth E. Stinson, Age 63, Chairman of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. (construction and mining) since March 1998. Chief Executive Officer of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. from 1998 to 2004. Previously Chairman and CEO of Kiewit Construction Group, Inc. Director, ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc.

 

Served as Director of Company continuously since December 1996.

 

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Continuing Directors - Terms Expire 2008:

 

Mogens C. Bay, Age 57, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 1997. President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from August 1993 through December 1996. Director, ConAgra Foods, Inc., and Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc.

 

Served as Director of Company continuously since October 1993.

 

John E. Jones, Age 71, Retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBI Industries, Inc. (industrial construction). Former Chief Financial Officer of CBI Industries, Inc. Director, Amsted Industries Incorporated and NICOR Inc.

 

Served as Director of Company continuously since April 1993.

 

Walter Scott, Jr., Age 74, Chairman of Level 3 Communications, Inc. (communications and information services) since March 1998. Previously, Chairman of the Board and President of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. Director, Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc., MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. and Burlington Resources.

 

Served as Director of Company continuously since April 1981.

 

Continuing Directors - Terms Expire 2007:

 

Thomas F. Madison, Age 70, President of MLM Partners (consulting and small business investment) since January 1993; Previously Chairman of Communications Holdings, Inc., President – Markets of U S WEST Communications and Vice Chairman and Office of CEO of Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company. Director, Banner Health Systems, Inc., Delaware Group of Mutual Funds, Digital River, Inc., Center Point Energy, Inc. and Rimage Corporation.

 

Served as Director of Company continuously since June 1987.

 

Dr. Stephen R. Lewis, Jr., Age 67, President Emeritus and Professor of Economics at Carleton College since 2002. Previously President and Professor of Economics at Carleton College. Director, River Source Funds, XDX Innovative Refrigeration, Inc., Xenomosis, LLP and Board Services Corporation.

 

Served as Director of Company continuously since October 2002.

 

Kaj den Daas, Age 56, Executive Vice President of Philips Lighting, B.V. of the Netherlands (manufacturer of lighting fixtures and related components) and Chief Operating Officer of its Business Lamps Group. Director of EMGO, N.V.

 

Served as Director of Company since October 2004.

 

Director Compensation

 

Non-employee directors were compensated with cash and equity during 2005.

 

Non-employee directors received (1) an annual retainer of $55,000, (2) $2,500 for each board meeting attended ($1,000 if the participation was via teleconference), and (3) $1,500 for

 

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each committee meeting attended. The lead director received an additional $25,000 for the year and each committee chairman received an additional $10,000 for the year. Directors Jones, Peebler and Scott have elected to receive their cash fees in the form of deferred compensation which accrues interest indexed to U.S. government bonds compounded monthly. Effective beginning in fiscal 2006, the lead director retainer was increased to $35,000 and the non-employee director fee for each committee meeting was increased to $2,000.

 

Non-employee directors also receive equity compensation as provided in the shareholder approved 2002 Stock Plan. The equity compensation consists of (1) an annual grant of 2,000 shares of common stock and (2) an annual grant of a nonqualified stock option for 4,000 shares of common stock exercisable at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The equity grants are made annually on the date of and following completion of the Company’s annual shareholders meeting. The common stock grant is forfeited if a director’s services terminate for any reason other than death, retirement from the board at mandatory retirement age, or resignation or failure to stand for re-election, in any case without the prior approval of the board.

 

10



 

Executive Compensation

 

The following Summary Compensation Table provides information on the annual and long-term compensation for services paid by the Company to the Chief Executive Officer and the four highest paid executive officers for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2005.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Compensation

 

Long-Term Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other
Annual
Comp.($) (1)

 

Awards

 

Awards

 

Payouts

 

All
Other
Comp.($) (3
)

 

Name and
Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary ($)

 

Bonus($)

 

 

Restricted
Stock ($) (2)

 

Number of
Options

 

LTIP
Payouts ($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mogens C. Bay

 

2005

 

750,000

 

1,937,500

 

83,320

 

1,270,210

 

 

434,902

 

468,360

 

Chairman and

 

2004

 

750,000

 

1,287,500

 

92,375

 

825,992

 

 

554,010

 

388,727

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2003

 

650,000

 

 

63,480

 

781,992

 

 

 

97,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry J. McClain

 

2005

 

309,000

 

578,950

 

 

343,300

 

 

137,838

 

153,868

 

Sr. Vice President and

 

2004

 

309,000

 

436,038

 

 

247,800

 

19,634

 

127,849

 

130,933

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2003

 

309,000

 

 

 

234,600

 

 

 

46,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Robert Meaney

 

2005

 

286,317

 

369,827

 

 

171,650

 

 

89,588

 

111,860

 

Sr. Vice President

 

2004

 

275,837

 

249,976

 

 

198,240

 

10,798

 

110,802

 

95,492

 

 

 

2003

 

267,802

 

 

 

187,680

 

 

 

40,170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark E. Treinen

 

2005

 

187,207

 

203,448

 

 

 

7,500

 

48,832

 

19,777

 

Vice President,

 

2004

 

180,354

 

158,257

 

 

 

6,000

 

60,373

 

17,954

 

Coporate Development and Treasurer

 

2003

 

175,101

 

 

 

 

6,000

 

 

7,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark C. Jaksich

 

2005

 

187,207

 

213,447

 

 

 

10,000

 

48,832

 

20,227

 

Vice President,

 

2004

 

180,354

 

137,412

 

 

 

10,000

 

60,373

 

15,638

 

Corporate Controller

 

2003

 

175,101

 

 

 

 

12,000

 

 

7,880

 

 


(1)          The Company provided its executive officers with certain employee benefits and perquisites during 2003-2005. These benefits included supplemental retirement benefits, tax preparation assistance, excess medical reimbursement insurance, excess life and disability insurance, and certain expense reimbursements. SEC rules do not require perquisites or other personal benefits to be included in the summary compensation table if such amounts are less than $50,000 or 10% of the individual’s salary and bonus. Consequently, these items are not included in the summary compensation table, with the exception of amounts (included in “all other compensation”) contributed to the Valmont Employee Retirement Savings Plan and the related Valmont Restoration Plan. The employee benefit and perquisite amounts during 2005 for executive officers named above, other than personal aircraft use by the Chief Executive Officer, in addition to the retirement benefits included in “all other compensation”, were:  Mr. Bay - $45,000; Mr. McClain - $18,540; Mr. Meaney - $17,179; Mr. Treinen - $11,232, and Mr. Jaksich - $11,232. The Compensation Committee determined to end the Valmont perquisite program effective beginning in 2006.

 

The Chief Executive Officer is directed by Company security policy to use Company aircraft for both business and personal travel. In past proxy statements, the Company reported personal use of Company aircraft using the Standard Industrial Fare Level tables published by the Internal Revenue Service. Beginning with this proxy statement, for all

 

11



 

three years reflected above, the Company is using a revised methodology that calculates the variable operating cost to the Company for the personal use of Company aircraft. These amounts for personal travel by the Chief Executive Officer were $38,320, $47,375, and $24,480 for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively and are reflected in the “other annual compensation” column above.

 

(2)   The Compensation Committee in December 2005 awarded Mr. Bay, Mr. McClain and Mr. Meaney restricted common stock of 37,000 10,000 and 5,000 shares, respectively. The restricted shares vest if the executive’s employment terminates upon death, disability or normal retirement on or after age 62, upon involuntary termination prior to age 62 without cause, or upon a change of control of the Company. Dividends are paid on restricted shares. Messrs. Bay, McClain and Meaney received awards in 2004 and 2003 of 33,333, 10,000 and 5,000 shares in each year, respectively. At the end of fiscal 2005, the value of all restricted shares held by these executives was as follows: Mr. Bay - $3,468,664; Mr. McClain - $1,003,800; and Mr. Meaney - $702,660.

 

(3)          The Company does not have a defined benefit pension plan. The Company maintains the Valmont Employee Retirement Savings Plan (a 401(k) Plan) and the related Valmont Restoration Plan (a non-qualified plan designed to restore 401(k) benefits limited by IRS regulations). The amounts contributed by Valmont to such plans matches the amounts contributed in 2005 by executive officers in accordance with Plan provisions and are included in “all other compensation” above; such contributions are 4.5% of the executive officer’s salary and bonus (15% for Messrs. Bay, McClain and Meaney).

 

12



 

Stock Option Grants In Fiscal Year 2005

 

The following table provides information on fiscal year 2005 stock option grants to executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. No stock appreciation rights were granted during fiscal 2005.

 

 

 

Individual Grants

 

Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of
Stock Price Appreciation
for Option Term (2)

 

Name

 

Date
Granted

 

Number of
Shares
Underlying
Options
Granted

 

% of Total
Options
Granted to
Employees In
Fiscal Year

 

Exercise
Price ($)
Per Share

 

Expiration
Date

 

5% ($)

 

10% ($)

 

Mark E. Treinen (1)

 

12/18/05

 

7,500

 

3.3%

 

34.33

 

12/18/12

 

104,818

 

244,271

 

Mark C. Jaksich (1)

 

12/18/05

 

10,000

 

4.5%

 

34.33

 

12/18/12

 

139,758

 

325,695

 

 


(1)               Options become exercisable in three equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant.

 

(2)               Potential realizable value is based on the assumption that the common stock price appreciates at the annual rate shown (compounded annually) from the date of grant until the end of the option term. The numbers are calculated based on the requirements promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual value, if any, an executive may realize will depend on the excess of the stock price over the exercise price on the date the option is exercised (if the executive were to sell the shares on the date of exercise). Therefore, there is no assurance that the value realized will be at or near the potential realizable value as calculated in this table.

 

13



 

Options Exercised in Fiscal Year 2005 and Fiscal Year End Values

 

The following table provides information on the exercise of stock options during fiscal 2005 and the status of unexercised stock options at the end of the year for the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

 

 

Shares
Acquired On
Exercise (#)

 

Value
Realized ($ ) (1)

 

Number of Shares
Underlying of Unexercised
Options at FY-End (#)

 

Value of Unexercised
In-The-Money Options
at FY-End ($ ) (2)

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

 

Mogens C. Bay

 

300,000

 

5,056,750

 

600,000

 

0

 

9,246,200

 

0

 

Terry J. McClain

 

55,000

 

596,950

 

149,503

 

0

 

1,843,406

 

0

 

E. Robert Meaney

 

23,105

 

261,445

 

110,798

 

0

 

1,616,722

 

0

 

Mark E. Treinen

 

5,237

 

37,366

 

52,846

 

13,500

 

727,126

 

54,720

 

Mark C. Jaksich

 

16,500

 

175,163

 

44,334

 

20,666

 

561,949

 

97,861

 

 


(1)                      Value realized is the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the day of exercise and the option exercise price multiplied by the number of shares.

(2)                      Value is the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2005 and the option exercise price of the in-the-money options multiplied by the number of in-the-money options.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table provides information about the Company’s stock that may be issued upon exercise of options, warrants and rights under existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2005.

 

 

 

Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights 
(a)

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)

 

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
(including securities plans
reflected in column (a))
(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

2,956,760

 

20.96

 

998,701

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

Total

 

2,956,760

 

 

 

998,701

 

 

14



 

Long-Term Incentive Plans - Awards in Fiscal Year 2005

 

The following table provides information on the long-term incentive program awards granted to the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table during fiscal year 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Number Of
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights (#)

 

Performance
or Other
Period Until
Maturation or
Payout

 


Estimated Future Payouts under
Non-Stock Price-Based Plans

 

Threshold
($)

 

Target
($)

 

Maximum
($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mogens C. Bay

 

1 Unit

 

(1

)

225,000

 

450,000

 

900,000

 

Terry J. McClain

 

1 Unit

 

(1

)

61,800

 

123,600

 

247,200

 

E. Robert Meaney

 

1 Unit

 

(1

)

42,948

 

85,895

 

171,790

 

Mark E. Treinen

 

1 Unit

 

(1

)

23,401

 

46,802

 

93,604

 

Mark C. Jaksich

 

1 Unit

 

(1

)

23,401

 

46,802

 

93,604

 

 


(1)                      The awards shown are for the three-year award cycle ending in 2007.

 

See “Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation – Long-Term Performance Incentives” for a description of the award program.

 

15



 

Compensation Committee Report

On Executive Compensation

 

Valmont’s executive compensation policies and practices are approved by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors (the “Committee”).

 

The Committee has established a Valmont compensation philosophy pursuant to which Valmont’s compensation programs are designed to:

 

                                          target total compensation amounts at competitive market levels to attract, retain, motivate and reward the performance of executive officers and other key employees;

 

                                          direct management focus to the long-term growth of the Company, enhance shareholder value, and ensure that executive officers have significant ownership without increasing dilution over established levels;

 

                                          pay for performance by providing total awards above median market levels for exceeding performance targets.

 

The Committee established compensation strategies designed to carry out the compensation philosophy, including:

 

                                          total compensation evaluated by position, on an annual basis, against like positions in companies of similar sales volume, capitalization, complexity and financial performance, according to data provided by outside compensation consultants.

 

                                          base pay, annual incentives, long-term incentives, and benefits targeted at median market levels, with annual and long-term incentives targeted at the 75th percentile or higher for significantly exceeding performance targets.

 

All incentive compensation plans are reviewed at least annually to assure their linkage to the current strategies and needs of the business. The Committee reviewed a tally sheet for the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation during 2005. The Company’s programs have been designed so that compensation paid to named executive officers will be deductible under the Internal Revenue Code’s compensation limits for deductibility, although the Committee may from time to time make restricted stock awards or discretionary cash awards in excess of the deductibility limits.

 

Valmont’s executive compensation is based on four components, each of which is intended to support the overall compensation philosophy.

 

Base Salary. Base salary is targeted at median level for companies of similar characteristics such as sales volume, capitalization and financial performance. Salaries for executive officers are reviewed by the Committee on an annual basis and may be changed based on the individual’s performance or a change in competitive pay levels in the marketplace.

 

16



 

The Committee reviews with the Chief Executive Officer an annual salary plan for the Company’s executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer). The salary plan is modified as deemed appropriate and approved by the Committee. The annual salary plan is developed by the Company’s Human Resources staff, under the ultimate direction of the Chief Executive Officer, and is based on two separate national surveys of organizations with similar characteristics and on performance judgments as to the past and expected future contributions of the individual executive. In addition, the Committee annually reviews information provided by independent compensation consultants concerning salary competitiveness. The Committee reviews and establishes the base salary of the Chief Executive Officer based on similar competitive compensation data and the Committee’s assessment of his past performance, his leadership in establishing performance standards in the conduct of the Company’s business, and its expectation as to his future contribution in directing the long-term success of the Company and its businesses.

 

The Committee set the Chief Executive Officer’s base salary at $750,000 for 2005, the same as in 2004. The Committee continued the Company’s combined matching contribution under the Valmont Employees Retirement Savings Plan (a 401(k) plan) and related Restoration Plan (see “Summary Compensation Table”) at 15% of the Chief Executive Officer’s covered compensation (salary plus cash bonuses); the Company’s contributions to such plans for the Chief Executive Officer in 2005 were $468,360 matching the amounts contributed by him. For 2006, the Committee increased the Chief Executive Officer’s salary to $795,000.

 

Annual Incentives. The Company’s short-term incentive plans are paid pursuant to programs established under the shareholder approved Executive Incentive Plan. The Committee believes that the annual bonus of key employees, including executive officers, should be based on optimizing profits and prudent management of the capital employed in the business. Accordingly, the programs provide for target performance levels based upon the Company’s earnings per share performance for executive officers or the respective business unit’s operating income for business unit senior officers. For executive officers, a target incentive was established ranging from 35% to 100% of base salary, and performance goals were set based on earnings per share performance. A minimum threshold level of earnings per share had to be attained before any incentive was earned by an executive officer. Payout under the plan to any executive officer was capped at three times the target incentive. Participants, thresholds and specific performance levels are established by the Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year.

 

The Committee approved participation, including executive officers, in the programs for 2005. Based on performance levels achieved during 2005, the Committee approved aggregate incentive payments of $3,303,172 to the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table in 2005. The annual incentive paid to the Chief Executive Officer was based upon pre-established performance goals. Since performance targets were not achieved in 2003, no performance-based annual incentive was paid to the Chief Executive Officer or the other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table in 2003.

 

Long-term Performance Incentives. Long-term performance incentives for senior management employees are provided through long-term performance share programs established

 

17



 

under the shareholder approved Executive Incentive Plan and through the 1996, 1999 and 2002 Stock Plans. The current programs operate on three-year award cycles. The Committee selects participants, establishes target awards, and determines a performance matrix (which, for the award cycle ending in 2005, was based on return on invested capital) at the beginning of each award cycle. Targets were established based on a predetermined percentage ranging from 25% to 60% of base salary, which amount is converted to performance shares. The performance matrix provides for the performance shares to be increased or decreased in number based on greater or lesser levels of performance. Earned performance shares are then valued at the Company’s stock price at the end of the performance period; consequently, payouts may be higher or lower based on the Company’s stock price performance during the award cycle. Earned performance shares are capped at two times the target number of performance shares. The Committee approves the number of performance shares to be paid following a review of results at the end of each performance cycle. Awards may be paid in cash or in shares of common stock or any combination of cash and stock. The Committee believes the structure of the long-term programs directly links the participant’s interests with those of the shareholders and the long-term performance of the Company.

 

The Committee selected the participants, including executive officers, for participation in the award cycle ending in 2005. Based on performance goals established by the Committee, payments of $759,992 were paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table in 2005. Since performance targets for the three-year period ending in 2003 were not achieved, no performance-based long-term incentive was paid to the Chief Executive Officer or the other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table in 2003. During 2005, the Committee selected the participants and established the performance goals for the 2006-2008 award cycle; the performance goals for the cycle ending in 2008 are based on the Company’s return on invested capital.

 

Stock Incentives and Ownership Guidelines. The board of directors, upon recommendation of the Committee, established during 2001 stock ownership guidelines for senior management. The guidelines require an equity position having a value of six times base salary for the Chief Executive Officer, five times base salary for the Chief Financial Officer and four times base salary for corporate officers and divisional presidents. The individuals are expected to achieve the targeted equity positions within three to five years. The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the other named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table for 2005 currently meet these targets.

 

Long-term stock incentives are provided through grants of stock options and restricted stock to executive officers and other key employees pursuant to the shareholder approved 1996, 1999 and 2002 Stock Plans (all referenced as the “Plan”). The stock component of compensation is intended to retain and motivate employees to improve long-term shareholder value. Stock options are granted at the prevailing market value and have value only if the Company’s stock price increases. Stock options granted during 2005 vest beginning on the first anniversary of the grant in equal amounts over three years and expire seven years after the date of grant. Employees must be employed by the Company at the time of vesting in order to exercise the options. The Committee believes this element of the total compensation program directly links the participant’s interests with those of the shareholders and the long-term performance of the Company.

 

18



 

The Committee establishes the number and terms of the options granted under the Plan. The Committee encourages executives to build a substantial ownership investment in the Company’s common stock. The Options Exercised table on page 14 reflects the shares acquired by certain executive officers in 2005. The table on page 2 reflects the ownership position of the directors and executive officers at March 1, 2006. Outstanding performance by an individual executive officer is recognized through larger option grants. The Committee, in determining grants of stock options under the Plan, also reviews and considers the executive’s history of retaining shares previously obtained through the exercise of prior options.

 

The Committee granted options for an aggregate of 203,000 shares to 65 employees during 2005, including options for an aggregate of 33,500 shares to executive officers. The Committee reviewed in December 2003 the advantages and disadvantages of option grants as compared to restricted stock grants for the Company’s three senior executive officers. The Committee determined that these individuals would receive restricted stock grants in lieu of stock options beginning in 2003. During 2005, the Committee granted 37,000 restricted shares to Mr. Bay, 10,000 restricted shares to Mr. McClain and 5,000 restricted shares to Mr. Meaney. The vesting provisions for these restricted share grants are described on page 12. The Committee determined that such grants were appropriate long-term incentives; the grants approximated one-third of the number of the options these three individuals had received in fiscal 2002, with Mr. Bay’s additional restricted shares granted in 2005 recognizing his efforts in the Company’s results for that year. The option grants shown for Mr. McClain and Mr. Meaney in the Summary Compensation Table for 2004 were replacement options, issued under the terms of the 1999 and 2002 Stock Plans upon stock-for-stock option exercises by such individuals. The Committee in 2005 terminated the replacement option provision of the Stock Plans.

 

The Committee believes that the programs described above provide compensation that is competitive with comparable manufacturing companies, link executive and shareholder interests and provide the basis for the Company to attract and retain qualified executives. The Committee will continue to monitor the relationship among executive compensation, the Company’s performance and shareholder value.

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Thomas F. Madison, Chairman

Glen A. Barton

Stephen R. Lewis, Jr.

Charles D. Peebler, Jr.

 

19



 

Audit Committee Report

 

The Audit Committee (the “Committee”) is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board by reviewing (1) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, (2) the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s independent auditors and internal auditing department and (3) the compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements. The Committee manages the Company’s relationship with its independent auditors, who report directly to the Committee. The Committee has sole authority to retain, compensate, oversee and terminate the independent auditors. The Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the board of directors, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website at www.valmont.com.

 

The Company’s management is responsible for its financial reporting process and internal controls. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and issuing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles. The Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process and internal controls on behalf of the board of directors.

 

The Committee reviews the Company’s annual audited financial statements, quarterly financial statements and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee reviews reports on various matters, including (1) critical accounting policies of the Company, (2) material written communications between the independent auditor and management, (3) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures, (4) significant changes in the Company’s selection or application of accounting principles and (5) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives on the financial statements of the Company. The Committee also considered whether the provision of non-audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), the Company’s independent auditors, to the Company during fiscal 2005 was compatible with the auditor’s independence.

 

The Committee reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements for fiscal 2005 with both management and Deloitte. The Committee received from and discussed with Deloitte the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 relating to that firm’s independence from the Company. The Committee also discussed with Deloitte any matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to communications between the audit committee and the independent auditors. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the board of directors and the board has approved that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Walter Scott, Jr., Chairman

Daniel P. Neary

Charles D. Peebler, Jr.

John E. Jones

 

20



 

Shareholder Return Performance Graphs

 

The graphs below compare the yearly change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s common stock with the cumulative total returns of the S&P Small Cap 600 Index and the S&P 600 Industrial Machinery index for the five and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2005. The graphs assume that the beginning value of the investment in Valmont Common Stock and each index was $100 and that all dividends were reinvested.

 

 

 

21



 

ITEM 2

 

Approval of the Valmont Executive Incentive Plan

 

The Internal Revenue Code requires shareholder approval every five years for certain incentive plans in order to preserve the tax deductibility of payments to certain participants under the plan. Valmont shareholders approved executive incentive plans in 1996 and 2001. The Board of Directors has unanimously approved the Valmont Executive Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) in February 2006. The Plan is substantially similar to the 1996 and 2001 plans. The Plan is designed to provide incentives to executive officers and other senior management officers of Valmont who have significant responsibility for the success and growth of Valmont and to assist Valmont in attracting, motivating and retaining executive officers and senior management officers on a competitive basis.

 

Shareholder approval of the Plan is required if payments under the Plan are to be tax deductible as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 162(m) generally disallows a tax deduction for compensation over $1 million paid to an executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table, unless such compensation qualifies as performance-based. The shareholders approved similar plans for the purposes of Section 162(m) compliance in 1996 and 2001. However, Section 162(m) requires such plans to receive shareholder approval every five years. No payments will be made under the Plan if the shareholders do not approve the Plan.

 

The principal features of the Plan are described below:

 

Administration of the Plan

 

The Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”). The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the Plan; approve a pre-established objective performance measure or measures annually; certify the level to which each performance measure was attained prior to any payment under the Plan; approve the amount of awards made under the Plan; and determine who shall receive any payment under the Plan.

 

The Committee shall have full power and authority to administer and interpret the Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and guidelines for the administration of the Plan and for the conduct of its business as the Committee deems necessary or advisable. The Committee’s interpretations of the Plan and all actions taken and determinations made by the Committee shall be conclusive and binding on all parties concerned, including Valmont, its shareholders and any person receiving an award under the Plan.

 

Eligibility

 

Executive officers and other senior management officers of Valmont shall be eligible to receive awards under the Plan. Such officers include the Chief Executive Officer, other executive officers and senior management officers, and any persons performing similar duties in the future. The Committee shall designate the officers who will participate in the Plan each year. Since the number of participants may change over time and the selection of participants is

 

22



 

discretionary, it is not possible to determine the number of persons who will be eligible for awards under the Plan during its term. However, it is anticipated that approximately 50 individuals, including Valmont’s Chief Executive Officer, will be eligible to participate in the Plan for fiscal 2006.

 

Awards

 

The Committee shall establish annual and/or long-term performance targets, which must be achieved in order for an award to be earned under the Plan. Such targets shall be based on stock price, earnings, earnings per share, growth in earnings per share, total shareholder return, achievement of annual operating profit plans, operating income performance, return on equity performance, return on capital, sales growth, expense or working capital targets, margin improvement, or any of the foregoing before the effect of acquisitions, divestitures, accounting charges, or other nonrecurring expenses, all as determined by the Committee. The specific performance targets for each participant shall be established in writing by the Committee within ninety days after the commencement of the fiscal year (or within such other time period as may be required by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code) to which the performance target relates; provided, if an individual becomes an executive officer or senior management officer during the year, such individual may be granted eligibility for an incentive award for that year upon such individual assuming such position. The performance target shall be established in such a manner that a third party having knowledge of the relevant facts could determine whether the performance target has been met.

 

Awards shall be payable following the completion of the applicable fiscal year upon certification by the Committee that Valmont achieved the specified performance targets established for the participant. Notwithstanding the attainment by Valmont of the specified performance targets, the Committee has the discretion, for each participant, to reduce some or all of an award that would otherwise be paid. However, in no event may a participant receive aggregate compensation with respect to the Company’s short-term and long-term incentive plans under the Plan in any fiscal year of more than 400% of such participant’s base salary; for this purpose, a participant’s base salary will be the base salary in effect at the time the Committee establishes the performance targets for a fiscal year or period. Short-term or long-term incentive awards payable in stock or options or related securities shall be issued from Valmont’s shareholder approved stock plans.

 

Effective Date, Amendments and Termination

 

A predecessor of the Plan has been effective since 1996. If approved by the shareholders, the Plan will be effective as of the first day of fiscal 2006. The Committee may at any time terminate or from time to time amend the Plan in whole or in part, but no such action shall adversely affect any rights or obligations with respect to any awards previously made under the Plan. However, without shareholder approval, no amendment of the Plan shall be effective which would increase the maximum amount which can be paid to any one participant under the Plan in any fiscal year, which would change the performance targets permissible under the Plan for payment of awards, or which would modify the requirement as to eligibility for participation in the Plan.

 

23



 

Vote Required for Approval

 

The approval of the Plan requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of Valmont’s outstanding capital stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of

the Valmont Executive Incentive Plan.

 

ITEM 3

 

Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors

 

The firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP and the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively “Deloitte Entities”) conducted the 2005 and 2004 audits of the Company’s financial statements. Fees billed by the Deloitte Entities to the Company for services provided during the 2005 and 2004 fiscal years were as follows:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Audit Fees

 

$

 784,620

 

$

 852,465

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

40,975

 

180,838

 

Tax Fees

 

59,189

 

82,930

 

Other Fees

 

0

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Fees

 

$

 884,784

 

$

 1,116,233

 

 

Audit Fees consist of the audit of the Company’s fiscal 2005 and 2004 annual financial statements, review of the Company’s quarterly financial statements during 2005 and 2004, fees associated with registration statements and other services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit fees also included the audit of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting and the audit of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Audit-Related Fees consist of financial statement audits of employee benefit plans, consents related to Securities and Exchange Commission filings, agreed-upon procedures, documentation review in connection with the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting and due diligence services performed with respect to acquisitions.

 

Tax Fees consist of international tax planning and federal, state and expatriate tax compliance.

 

The Committee pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditor, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and any other services. The Committee periodically grants pre-approval of specific audit and non-audit

 

24



 

services including cost levels for such services. Any services not covered by prior pre-approvals, or services exceeding the pre-approved cost levels, must be approved in advance by the Committee. In periods between Committee meetings, the Committee Chairman has the delegated authority to pre-approve additional services, and such pre-approvals are then communicated to the full Committee.

 

The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors to conduct the 2006 audit of the Company’s financial statements and requests that the shareholders ratify this appointment. A representative from Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and will have the opportunity to make a statement and to respond to appropriate questions. In the event the shareholders do not ratify the appointment, the appointment will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee.

 

25



 

Shareholder Proposals

 

Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at the next annual meeting of shareholders must be received by the Company no later than November 24, 2006 in order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement for such meeting.

 

The Company’s bylaws set forth certain procedures which shareholders must follow in order to nominate a director or present any other business at an annual shareholders’ meeting. Generally, a shareholder must give timely notice to the Secretary of the Company. To be timely, such notice must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices not less than ninety nor more than one hundred twenty days prior to the meeting. The bylaws specify the information which must accompany such shareholder notice. Details of the provision of the bylaws may be obtained by any shareholder from the Secretary of the Company.

 

Other Matters

 

The board of directors does not know of any matter, other than those described above, that may be presented for action at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. If any other matter or proposal should be presented and should properly come before the meeting for action, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote upon such matter and upon such proposal in accordance with their best judgment.

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

/s/ P. THOMAS POGGE

 

 

P. Thomas Pogge

 

Secretary

 

Valmont Industries, Inc.

 

26



 

 

ONE VALMONT PLAZA

 

OMAHA

 

NEBRASKA

 

68154-5215

 

USA

 

PHONE 402.963.1000

 

FAX       402.963.1199

 



 

o DETACH PROXY CARD HERE o

o

 

Please Vote, Sign, Date and Return Promptly in the Enclosed Envelope.

 

ý

Votes must be indicated (x) in Black or Blue ink.

 

1.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR all nominees listed below.

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below.

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR ALL EXCEPT

 

o

 

 

 

 

Nominees:

Glen A. Barton, Daniel P. Neary, Charles D. Peebler, Jr. and Kenneth E. Stinson

 

(Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark the “FOR ALL EXCEPT” box and write the nominee’s name on the space provided below.)

 

Exceptions

 

 

 

 

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

PROPOSAL to approve the Valmont Executive Incentive Plan.

o

o

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

PROPOSAL to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2006.

o

o

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

IN THEIR DISCRETION, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business or matters as may properly come before the meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To change your address, please mark this box.

 

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To include any comments, please mark this box.

 

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S C A N  L I N E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or conservator, designate full title. All joint tenants must sign.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date   Share Owner sign here

 

Co-Owner sign here

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

. DETACH PROXY CARD HERE .

 

 

PROXY

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON APRIL 24, 2006

 

The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Mogens C. Bay and Thomas F. Madison, or any substitute appointed by them, the undersigned’s agents, attorneys and proxies to vote, as designated below, the number of shares the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Valmont Industries, Inc., to be held at the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, on April 24, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. local time, or at any adjournments thereof.

 

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF PROPERLY EXECUTED AND NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF ALL PROPOSALS.

 

(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)

 

 

 

 


VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.
P.O. BOX 11060
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0060

 

 

 

 



 

APPENDIX

 

2006 VALMONT EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

                1. PURPOSE.  The principal purpose of the Valmont Industries, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to provide incentives to executive officers and other senior management officers of Valmont Industries, Inc. (“Valmont”) who have significant responsibility for the success and growth of Valmont and to assist Valmont in attracting, motivating and retaining executive officers on a competitive basis.

 

                2. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.  The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”).  The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the Plan; approve a pre-established objective performance measure or measures annually; certify the level to which each performance measure was attained prior to any payment under the Plan; approve the amount of awards made under the Plan; and determine who shall receive any payment under the Plan.

 

                The Committee shall have full power and authority to administer and interpret the Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and guidelines for the administration of the Plan and for the conduct of its business as the Committee deems necessary or advisable.  The Committee’s interpretations of the Plan, and all actions taken and determinations made by the Committee pursuant to the powers vested in it hereunder, shall be conclusive and binding on all parties concerned, including Valmont, its stockholders and any person receiving an award under the Plan.

 

                3. ELIGIBILITY. Executive officers and other senior management officers of Valmont shall be eligible to receive awards under the Plan.  Such participants include the Chief Executive Officer, other executive officers and senior management officers and any persons performing similar duties in the future.  The Committee shall designate the executive officers and other senior management officers who will participate in the Plan each year.

 

                4. AWARDS.  The Committee shall establish annual and/or long-term incentive award targets for participants.  If an individual becomes an executive officer or senior management officer during the year, such individual may be granted eligibility for an incentive award for that year upon such individual assuming such position; provided, if such person is a covered employee under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the eligibility of such person shall be conditioned on compliance with Section 162(m) for tax deductibility of the award.

 

                The Committee shall establish annual and/or long-term performance targets which must be achieved in order for an award to be earned under the Plan.  Such targets shall be based on stock price, earnings, earnings per share, growth in earnings per share, total shareholder return, achievement of annual operating profit plans, operating income performance, return on equity performance, return on capital, sales growth, expense or working capital targets, margin improvement, or any of the foregoing before the effect of acquisitions, divestitures, accounting charges, or other nonrecurring expenses, all as determined by the Committee.  The specific performance targets for each participant shall be established in writing by the Committee within ninety days after the commencement of the fiscal year (or within such other time period as may be required by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code) to which the performance target relates.  The performance target shall be established in such a manner than a third party having knowledge of the relevant facts could determine whether the performance goal has been met.

 

                Awards shall be payable following the completion of the applicable fiscal year upon certification by the Committee that Valmont achieved the specified performance target

 



 

established for the participant. Awards may be paid in cash or securities.  Grants or awards of stock options, other securities or stock appreciation rights shall be based on a stock price that is not less than current fair market value at the time of grant, and shall be subject to the restrictions and conditions contained in a Valmont stockholder approved Stock Plan.  Notwithstanding the attainment by Valmont of the specified performance targets, the Committee has the discretion, for each participant, to reduce some or all of an award that would otherwise be paid.  However, in no event may a participant receive aggregate compensation with respect to the Company’s short-term and long-term incentive plans under the Plan in any fiscal year of more than 400% of such participant’s base salary; for this purpose, a participant’s base salary shall be the base salary in effect at the time the Committee establishes the performance targets for a fiscal year or period.

 

                5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.  Valmont shall have the right to deduct from all awards hereunder any federal, state, local or foreign taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such awards.  Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any employee any right to be retained in the employ of Valmont.  The costs and expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by Valmont and shall not be charged to any award or to any participant receiving an award.

 

                6. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION.  The Committee may at any time terminate or from time to time amend the Plan in whole or in part, but no such action shall adversely affect any rights or obligations with respect to any awards previously made under the Plan.  However, unless the stockholders of Valmont shall have first approved thereof, no amendment of the Plan shall be effective which would increase the maximum amount which can be paid to any one participant under the Plan in any fiscal year, which would change the performance targets permissible under the Plan for payment of awards, or which would modify the requirement as to eligibility for participation in the Plan.