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Vulcan Materials (VMC) Q3 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates

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Vulcan Materials Company (VMC - Free Report) reported third-quarter 2022 results, wherein earnings and revenues beat the respective Zacks Consensus Estimate.

The nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates has been witnessing consistent growth in aggregates unit profitability, solid contributions from acquisitions, and a positive pricing environment, despite ongoing volatility in the macro environment and slowdown in single-family residential demand. However, higher diesel fuel costs and inflationary pressures for many other parts and supplies weighed on the bottom line.

Looking ahead, chairman and CEO Tom Hill said, “As we look ahead to 2023, leading indicators suggest that growing public construction activity, particularly highways, and the recovery in private nonresidential contract awards should help to offset contracting single-family residential demand. The pricing environment remains positive, and we carry strong momentum into 2023.”

Vulcan Materials Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Vulcan Materials Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Vulcan Materials Company price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Vulcan Materials Company Quote

Inside the Headlines

Adjusted earnings of $1.78 per share beat the consensus mark of $1.71. The company’s bottom line grew 15.6% from the year-ago level.

Total revenues of $2,088.3 million surpassed the consensus mark of $1,999 million by 4.5% and increased 37.7% year over year. This upside was led by double-digit growth in the company's legacy operations as well as the addition of acquired businesses.

Segments in Detail

Aggregates

Revenues from the segment increased 27.1% year over year to $1,490.5 million, owing to higher demand across all end-market segments. Aggregate shipments (volumes) increased 9% year over year (up 3% on a same-store basis). Strong demand across the company’s geographies (mainly strong in many southeastern markets and California) led to a positive pricing environment.

For the quarter, freight-adjusted average sales price inched up 12% (12% on a mix-adjusted basis) from the prior-year level. Freight-adjusted revenues also rose 22.2% from the prior-year quarter to $1,097.2 million.

Gross profit of $436.1 million was up 17.1% year over year, backed by price growth and solid operational execution, offsetting cost headwinds that include higher diesel fuel costs and inflationary pressures for many other parts and supplies.

Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium

Revenues from the Asphalt segment were $310.2 million, up 40.6% year over year. The segment generated a gross profit of $29.5 million compared with $7.1 million a year ago. Volumes grew 13%, driven by growth in Arizona and California, the company's largest two asphalt markets. Asphalt pricing was up 26%. This was offset by higher pricing for liquid asphalt (high by 42%) and $3 million year-over-year increase in natural gas cost.

Total revenues from the Concrete segment were $450.5 million, up 105.5% year over year. Further, gross profit totaled $26.5 million, up from $14.3 million a year ago. The upside was attributable to higher shipments and price growth in its legacy operations, as well as the contribution from USCR operations. Shipments grew 83.2% year over year, and average selling prices increased 12.7% from the prior-year level.

Total revenues from the Calcium segment were up from the prior-year figure of $1.5 million to $2.1 million. The segment reported a gross profit of $0.8 million, up from $0.3 million a year ago.

Operating Highlights

Selling, administrative and general expenses — as a percentage of total revenues — improved to 6.5% from 6.8% a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA was up 21.4% year over year to $507 million.

Financials

As of Sep 30, 2022, cash and cash equivalents were $122.4 million, down from $235 million at 2021-end. Long-term debt was $3,874.2 million at September-end, almost in line with $3,874.8 million at 2021-end.

2022 Guidance Updated

For 2022, the company anticipates adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1.64-$1.68 billion versus $1.60-$1.70 billion expected earlier.

Zacks Rank

Vulcan Materials currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

A Few Recent Construction Releases

EMCOR Group, Inc. (EME - Free Report) reported third-quarter 2022 results, wherein earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increased year over year.

Given the solid momentum of the business activity amid a challenging macroeconomic environment, the company has lifted its revenues and earnings per share guidance for 2022.

United Rentals, Inc. (URI - Free Report) reported third-quarter 2022 results, wherein earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues missed the same. The company has been gaining from the sustained demand in its end markets and the strength of its core rental business.

URI also lifted its full-year guidance for total revenues and adjusted EBITDA, given broad-based end-market activity, contractor backlogs, customer sentiment and solid visibility.

Otis Worldwide Corporation (OTIS - Free Report) reported mixed results in third-quarter 2022. Its earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate and rose on a year-over-year basis. However, sales declined from the year-ago quarter’s figure and lagged the consensus mark.

For 2022, OTIS expects adjusted net sales to be within $13.4-$13.5 billion, lower than the $13.6-$13.8 billion projected earlier. Adjusted earnings per share are anticipated to be $3.11-$3.15, suggesting 5-7% year-over-year growth. This is down from the prior projection of $3.17-$3.21 per share.

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