Vulcan Materials,Martin Marietta Shipment Volumes Rise In March
05 May 2010 - 4:47AM
Dow Jones News
Vulcan Materials Co. (VMC) and Martin Marietta Materials Inc.
(MLM)--two top producers of construction aggregates--said shipments
climbed in March, compared to a year ago, marking the first monthly
increase in several years.
But both companies also reported wider first-quarter losses this
week, saying demand was soft in January and February, partly
because of bad weather.
Shares of Vulcan Materials slumped 6.8% in recent trading on
Tuesday, to $54.88, while Martin Marietta shares were off 8.1%, at
$91.72.
Despite the downturn in earnings, the companies cited the recent
volume trends as signs of life in the heavy construction sector, as
well as reason for optimism as government-stimulus projects finally
get off drawing boards.
Martin Marietta Chief Executive Ward Nye said Tuesday that
aggregates volume climbed 9% in March and was up by double-digits
on a percentage basis in April.
Nye said in a prepared statement that the recent volume trends
"coincided with the initiation of the construction season." He also
said stimulus-funded projects are beginning.
Vulcan Chief Executive Don James provided much the same view,
saying "the overall economy is improving" and stimulus projects are
gaining momentum. Vulcan's aggregates shipments climbed 4% in March
and 9% in April, he noted in a prepared statement.
But despite the relatively upbeat commentary, neither company
increased its projections for full-year volume gains.
Vulcan reiterated it expects its aggregates volume to be flat to
up 5% in 2010, while Martin Marietta reiterated its forecast for an
increase of 2% to 4%.
Martin Marietta reported a first-quarter loss of $24.2 million,
or 54 cents a share, compared to a loss of $5.8 million, or 14
cents, a year earlier. Revenue dropped 9% to $340.9 million.
Vulcan's net loss widened to $38.75 million, or 31 cents a
share, from a loss of $32.78 million, or 30 cents a share. Revenue
fell 17.8%, to $493.26 million.
-By Bob Sechler, Dow Jones Newswires; 512-394-0285;
bob.sechler@dowjones.com
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