This story was originally published on Trucking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Trucking Dive newsletter. The Rowdy Family of Companies appointed Jason Ickert president, according to a March 23 press release. In the newly created role, Ickert will oversee strategy, operations and growth for all of the Texas-based company’s businesses, including Rowdy Transport, Rowdy FR8, Rowdy Logistics and Rowdy Resources. He will work alongside founder and CEO Craig Gandy, per the ...

Knife River Acquires Aggregates and Ready-Mix Business in Montana Mar 23, 2026 6:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time Knife River Acquires Aggregates and Ready-Mix Business in Montana Share BISMARCK, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Knife River Corporation (NYSE: KNF) announced today that it has acquired the assets of Donaldson Brothers Ready Mix Inc., an aggregates-based ready-mix supplier in western Montana. This is Knife River's third acquisition in its Mountain Segment in 2026. Donaldson is a leading supplier of aggregate ...

Company Overview - Granite Construction is a leading U.S. infrastructure contractor with a diversified portfolio that includes transportation, water, and complex site development projects [5] - The company has nearly a century of operational experience and executes projects for both public and private sector clients, supported by integrated materials production capabilities [5] - As of the latest report, Granite Construction's market capitalization is $5.3 billion, with a revenue of $4.42 billion and a net income of $193 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] Recent Developments - On February 17, 2026, Candelo Capital Management established a new position in Granite Construction by purchasing 49,088 shares valued at approximately $5.66 million [2][6] - This new position represents 5.05% of Candelo's 13F reportable assets under management [7] - Granite Construction's stock price was $120.73, reflecting a 67% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 20% gain during the same period [7][9] Financial Performance - Granite Construction reported a record operational year in 2025, with revenue climbing to approximately $4.4 billion, a 10% year-over-year increase [6] - Net income attributable to shareholders surged over 60% to about $193 million [6] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 30% to roughly $527 million, indicating improved margins and stronger project execution [6] Future Growth Prospects - The company ended the year with nearly $7 billion in committed and awarded projects, marking a record pipeline that supports future growth [7] - Continued revenue expansion is expected as public infrastructure spending remains strong, contributing to the stock's positive performance [9]

CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX) is one of the Best Cement Stocks to Buy For the Long Term. On February 26, CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX) announced that it has entered an agreement to acquire Omega Products International, which is a privately held stucco manufacturer in the western US. Management noted that the strategic acquisition aims to deepen its presence in higher‑value building materials and strengthen its US growth profile. ​The company highlighted that Omega Products generates more than $23 mil ...

Core Viewpoint - Loma Negra Compañía Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anónima (NYSE:LOMA) is recognized as one of the best long-term cement stocks to invest in, despite facing challenges in revenue and earnings performance [1]. Financial Performance - The company reported fiscal Q4 2025 earnings with revenue of $160.02 million, exceeding estimates by $724,340, although it represented a 2.28% year-over-year decline [2]. - The earnings per share (EPS) was $0.03, which fell short of expectations by $0.12 [2]. - For the full year, Loma Negra achieved $606 million in revenue, reflecting a 7.8% year-over-year decline, primarily driven by a 4.4% decrease in the cement segment [2]. Economic Outlook - Management indicated that 2025 was a year of gradual recovery for Argentina, but the rebound has been slower than anticipated [4]. - The company believes there is significant potential for the economy to recover to the levels seen in 2023 [4]. - Looking forward, Loma expects fiscal Q1 2026 revenue to be approximately $304.47 million [4]. Company Overview - Loma Negra is Argentina's leading vertically integrated cement producer, involved in the manufacturing and distribution of cement, masonry cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and lime for both private and public construction projects [5].

Core Viewpoint - Vulcan Materials Company is celebrating its 70th year as a public company and aims to demonstrate its strategic positioning for future success in the aggregates industry [1]. Group 1 - The event is hosted by Mark Warren, Vice President of Investor Relations, indicating the company's commitment to engaging with investors [1]. - The presentation will include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, highlighting the importance of understanding potential challenges [2]. - Attendees are encouraged to submit questions via a QR code provided at the event, promoting interactive engagement during the Q&A session [2].

Company Overview - Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) is a natural resource-based building materials company with a market cap of $36.6 billion, supplying aggregates and heavy-side building materials to the construction industry [1] - The company also manufactures magnesia-based products, including heat-resistant refractory products for the steel industry and dolomitic lime [1] Market Position - MLM is classified as a large-cap stock, underscoring its size and influence in the building materials industry [2] - The company maintains a leadership position in the aggregates industry through a strong presence in strategic markets and a diversified portfolio that includes cement and magnesia specialties [2] Stock Performance - MLM's stock has experienced a decline of 14.5% from its 52-week high of $710.97, reached on February 10 [3] - Year-to-date, MLM shares have dipped 2.4%, underperforming the Dow Jones Industrials Average (DOWI), but the stock has increased by 29.8% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming DOWI's 13.8% returns [5] Recent Financial Results - In Q4, MLM reported an EPS of $3.85, which fell short of Wall Street expectations of $4.68, and revenue of $1.5 billion, missing forecasts of $1.6 billion [7] - The company anticipates full-year revenue between $6.4 billion and $6.8 billion [7] Analyst Sentiment - Wall Street analysts have a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating for MLM, with a mean price target of $697.80, indicating a potential upside of 14.9% from current price levels [8]

Core Insights - CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) is recognized as one of the top stocks in its sector for 2026, with a Buy rating and a price target of GBP 10,500.00 set by Kepler Capital analyst Prieto Luis [1] - The company reported its fourth-quarter financial results, which included an adjusted EPS of $1.52, falling short of the $1.54 consensus estimate, despite achieving record full-year results [1] Financial Performance - Total revenues for CRH plc grew by 6% year-over-year to $9.4 billion, while net income surged by 46% to $1.0 billion [2] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $2.0 billion, reflecting a 14% increase, with margins expanding by 150 basis points to 21.5% [2] - CEO Jim Mintern highlighted the company's strong balance sheet and cash generation capabilities, allowing for $5.8 billion in value-accretive growth investments [2] Market Outlook - CRH plc anticipates positive underlying demand across key end-markets, supported by significant public infrastructure investments and ongoing reindustrialization activities [2] Company Overview - CRH plc is an Ireland-based provider of building materials solutions, including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete, mortars, and asphalt, operating through three segments: Americas Materials Solutions, Americas Building Solutions, and International Solutions [3]

Core Viewpoint - Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. has completed an asset exchange with Quikrete Holdings, enhancing its aggregates operations and financial position while positioning itself for future growth opportunities [1][2][3]. Transaction Details - Martin Marietta acquired aggregates operations producing approximately 20 million tons annually across Virginia, Missouri, Kansas, and Vancouver, British Columbia, along with $450 million in cash [2]. - In exchange, QUIKRETE acquired Martin Marietta's Midlothian cement plant, related cement terminals, Texas ready-mixed concrete assets, and certain nonoperating land [2]. Strategic Implications - The transaction is seen as a portfolio-enhancing move that establishes new growth platforms in key markets, strengthening the company's Central Division footprint [3]. - This asset exchange is part of the company's SOAR 2025 plan, accelerating its aggregates-led product strategy and completing a pivotal phase of portfolio transformation [4]. Updated Financial Guidance - The updated 2026 guidance includes revenues projected at $7,160 million and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations at $2,430 million [5]. - The company anticipates a 12% growth in aggregates volume and a 2.5% increase in average selling price (ASP) [5][8]. Company Overview - Martin Marietta is a leading supplier of aggregates and building materials, operating across 28 states, Canada, and The Bahamas [7]. - The company also provides high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products for various applications [7].

Core Viewpoint - Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) has experienced underperformance compared to the broader market and industry benchmarks, raising concerns about its growth and profitability outlook for 2026 [2][5]. Company Overview - Vulcan Materials Company, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, specializes in producing and supplying construction aggregates, with a market capitalization of $43.7 billion. Its main product lines include aggregates, asphalt mix, concrete, and cement [1]. Stock Performance - Over the past year, VMC shares have gained 11.7%, slightly underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which increased by nearly 11.9%. However, in 2026, VMC stock has risen by 6%, outperforming the S&P 500's marginal decline year-to-date [2]. - VMC has also lagged behind the Invesco Building & Construction ETF (PKB), which has seen a 41.7% increase over the past year and a 16.7% gain year-to-date [3]. Financial Results - In Q4 2025, VMC reported disappointing results, with revenue of $1.91 billion falling short of expectations. Adjusted EPS was $1.70, missing the consensus estimate of $2.11. Adjusted EBITDA was $518 million, below the expected $603.8 million [5]. - The company's EBITDA outlook for 2026 is below estimates of $2.65 billion, raising investor concerns about near-term growth and profitability [5]. Analyst Expectations - For the current fiscal year ending in December, analysts project VMC's EPS to grow by 13% to $9.04 on a diluted basis. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed, with two beats and two misses in the last four quarters [6]. - Among 23 analysts covering VMC, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," consisting of 15 "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," and seven "Holds" [6]. Price Targets - The mean price target for VMC is $330.97, indicating a 9.5% premium to current price levels. The highest price target of $375 suggests an upside potential of 24.1% [9]. - Recently, Wells Fargo analyst Timna Tanners raised the price target for VMC to $317 from $310 while maintaining an "Equal-Weight" rating, reflecting a selective approach to building-materials stocks [8].