Countdown to Martin Marietta (MLM) Q4 Earnings: Wall Street Forecasts for Key Metrics

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Martin Marietta (MLM) will report quarterly earnings of $4.58 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 1.1%, while revenues are expected to reach $1.65 billion, an increase of 2.8% from the same quarter last year [1]. Earnings Estimates - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 1.9%, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts of their initial forecasts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue Projections - Total Revenues from Building Materials - Asphalt and paving are expected to reach $237.19 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 3.9% [5]. - Total Revenues from Magnesia Specialties are projected at $78.33 million, reflecting a 3.1% increase from the prior-year quarter [5]. - Total Revenues from Building Materials - Aggregates are anticipated to be $1.17 billion, indicating a significant year-over-year increase of 14.2% [6]. - The average prediction for Total Revenues from Total Building Materials is $1.57 billion, representing a 2.6% increase from the prior-year quarter [6]. Shipment Estimates - Total Shipments of Aggregates are forecasted to reach 49,453.22 KTon, compared to 46,600 KTon in the previous year [7]. - Total Shipments of Cement are estimated at 541.50 KTon, down from 900 KTon year-over-year [7]. - Total Shipments of Asphalt are projected at 2,444.69 KTon, slightly up from 2,400 KTon in the same quarter last year [8]. - Total Shipments of Ready mixed concrete are expected to be 1,140.66 KCuYd, down from 1,500 KCuYd year-over-year [8]. Profit Estimates - Gross profit from Building Materials - Aggregates is expected to reach $380.97 million, compared to $328.60 million in the same quarter last year [9]. - Gross profit from Building Materials - Asphalt and paving is projected at $28.45 million, up from $26.90 million year-over-year [9]. - Total Gross profit from Building Materials is anticipated to be $483.08 million, compared to $461.30 million in the previous year [10]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Martin Marietta have returned +5.5%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.9% change [10]. - Currently, MLM holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), suggesting potential underperformance relative to the overall market in the near future [11].