Sources: Martin Marietta Materials, Raleigh, N.C.; Vulcan Materials Co., Birmingham, Ala.; CP
With stakes in some of the strongest cement, concrete and aggregate markets, two of the industry’s top bellwether operators kicked off August with parallel messages to investors: Even with the negative effect of heavy spring rains on shipments, especially in Texas, first half sales and profits climbed when compared to the first six months of 2014. Upbeat second quarter 2015 earnings reports, plus solid sales, pricing and profit projections, sent Martin Marietta Materials stock toward an all-time high, $170/share, and Vulcan Materials stock to an eight-year high, hovering $96/share.