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Martin Marietta (MLM) Misses Q4 Earnings, Beats Revenues
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Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.'s (MLM - Free Report) fourth-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings per share of $1.55 missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.65 by 6.1%. However, earnings rose 23% from the prior-year quarter.
Despite improving economic conditions, cost management and enhanced operational efficiency, the company has been facing constrained construction activity in its markets. Specifically, Martin Marietta continues to face delays in Texas Department of Transportation projects, decline in railroad ballast shipments, abnormally wet weather conditions and a slower energy-related marketplace and the impact of hurricane Matthew.
Net sales of $889.0 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $887.61 million by 0.2% but increased 13.9% year over year.
Total revenue (including freight and delivery) was $948.8 million, up 12.3% from the year-ago quarter. Freight and delivery revenues were $59.8 million, down 6.3% year over year.
Segment Discussion
The Aggregates segment produces, processes and sells aggregates like crushed stone, sand and gravel. The segment also includes Martin Marietta’s vertically-integrated operations, i.e., asphalt products, ready mixed concrete and road paving construction services.
Aggregates business’ net sales (including vertically-integrated operations) grew 16.1% to $777.4 million on the back of strong volume and margins.
Shipments (volume) in the aggregates product line increased 0.4%. Geographically, Mid-America Group reported the highest increase in aggregate volume of 4.9% during the quarter, whereas the Southeast and West groups reported a decline in volume by 2.5% and 3.6%, respectively.
Aggregates business' gross margin (excluding freight and delivery revenues) of 22.6% increased 160 basis points (bps).
The Cement segment was formed after the TXI acquisition in Jul 2014. Martin Marietta divested its California cement business, which had been acquired from TXI in 2015. The segment recorded net sales of $85.4 million in the quarter, reflecting a 2.2% increase.
Shipments were impacted by delays in the department of transportation projects and slower activity in the south Texas markets.
Revenues at the Magnesia Specialties segment, which includes magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and dolomite lime products, increased 16.5% year over year to $59.4 million.
Margins Rise
Total adjusted gross margin (excluding freight and delivery revenues) increased 160 bps to 25.3%.016 Results
Martin Marietta’s adjusted earnings of $6.63 per share in 2016 increased 54.5%. The company’s net sales of $3.57 billion grew 9.4% year over year.
2017 Guidance
The company is encouraged by the positive trends in the markets it serves and its ability to execute strategic business plans.
Net sales are expected in the band of $3.57 billion to $3.95 billion.
Aggregates business’ net sales (excluding downstream business) are expected in the range of $1.32–$1.40 billion. Aggregates product line volume is expected to increase in the range of 4–5.5%.
Non-residential market is expected to increase in a low to mid-single digit range. The residential market is expected to grow in mid to high-single digit range. Meanwhile, the ChemRock/Rail market volumes are likely to remain stable.
Sales at the Magnesia Specialties Products segment are projected between $235 million and $240 million. Cement sales are expected in the band of $380 million to $400 million. SG&A expenses are estimated in the range of $255 million to $265 million.
Cement net sales is expected in the $380 million to $400 million range.
Financials
Martin Marietta ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $50 million, as of Dec 31, 2016, compared with $168.4 million as of Dec 31, 2015.
In the fourth quarter, the company repurchased 344,300 shares, returning $69.2 million to shareholders.
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI - Free Report) exhibited an impressive performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, with earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17% and 6.8%, respectively.
Vulcan Materials Company’s (VMC - Free Report) fourth-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings and total revenue missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16.9% by 4.6%, respectively.
Upcoming Release
Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL - Free Report) is expected to release its quarterly numbers on Feb 22, before the opening bell.
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Martin Marietta (MLM) Misses Q4 Earnings, Beats Revenues
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.'s (MLM - Free Report) fourth-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings per share of $1.55 missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.65 by 6.1%. However, earnings rose 23% from the prior-year quarter.
Despite improving economic conditions, cost management and enhanced operational efficiency, the company has been facing constrained construction activity in its markets. Specifically, Martin Marietta continues to face delays in Texas Department of Transportation projects, decline in railroad ballast shipments, abnormally wet weather conditions and a slower energy-related marketplace and the impact of hurricane Matthew.
Net sales of $889.0 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $887.61 million by 0.2% but increased 13.9% year over year.
Total revenue (including freight and delivery) was $948.8 million, up 12.3% from the year-ago quarter. Freight and delivery revenues were $59.8 million, down 6.3% year over year.
Segment Discussion
The Aggregates segment produces, processes and sells aggregates like crushed stone, sand and gravel. The segment also includes Martin Marietta’s vertically-integrated operations, i.e., asphalt products, ready mixed concrete and road paving construction services.
Aggregates business’ net sales (including vertically-integrated operations) grew 16.1% to $777.4 million on the back of strong volume and margins.
Shipments (volume) in the aggregates product line increased 0.4%. Geographically, Mid-America Group reported the highest increase in aggregate volume of 4.9% during the quarter, whereas the Southeast and West groups reported a decline in volume by 2.5% and 3.6%, respectively.
Aggregates business' gross margin (excluding freight and delivery revenues) of 22.6% increased 160 basis points (bps).
The Cement segment was formed after the TXI acquisition in Jul 2014. Martin Marietta divested its California cement business, which had been acquired from TXI in 2015. The segment recorded net sales of $85.4 million in the quarter, reflecting a 2.2% increase.
Shipments were impacted by delays in the department of transportation projects and slower activity in the south Texas markets.
Revenues at the Magnesia Specialties segment, which includes magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and dolomite lime products, increased 16.5% year over year to $59.4 million.
Margins Rise
Total adjusted gross margin (excluding freight and delivery revenues) increased 160 bps to 25.3%.016 Results
Martin Marietta’s adjusted earnings of $6.63 per share in 2016 increased 54.5%. The company’s net sales of $3.57 billion grew 9.4% year over year.
2017 Guidance
The company is encouraged by the positive trends in the markets it serves and its ability to execute strategic business plans.
Net sales are expected in the band of $3.57 billion to $3.95 billion.
Aggregates business’ net sales (excluding downstream business) are expected in the range of $1.32–$1.40 billion. Aggregates product line volume is expected to increase in the range of 4–5.5%.
Non-residential market is expected to increase in a low to mid-single digit range. The residential market is expected to grow in mid to high-single digit range. Meanwhile, the ChemRock/Rail market volumes are likely to remain stable.
Sales at the Magnesia Specialties Products segment are projected between $235 million and $240 million. Cement sales are expected in the band of $380 million to $400 million. SG&A expenses are estimated in the range of $255 million to $265 million.
Cement net sales is expected in the $380 million to $400 million range.
Financials
Martin Marietta ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $50 million, as of Dec 31, 2016, compared with $168.4 million as of Dec 31, 2015.
In the fourth quarter, the company repurchased 344,300 shares, returning $69.2 million to shareholders.
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. Quote
Zacks Rank & Peer Releases
Martin Marietta carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI - Free Report) exhibited an impressive performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, with earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17% and 6.8%, respectively.
Vulcan Materials Company’s (VMC - Free Report) fourth-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings and total revenue missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16.9% by 4.6%, respectively.
Upcoming Release
Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL - Free Report) is expected to release its quarterly numbers on Feb 22, before the opening bell.
The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search
Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks – absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these stocks free >>