Kathryn Thompson, CEO of Thompson Research Group, said in a latest program on CNBC that CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH) is among the top AI derivative plays to benefit from the AI boom impacting various industries. “The thing is that there’s been a lot of talk about AI for the past couple of years, but the first companies to see it are actually the heavy material companies, and we’ve already been seeing it. CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH) CEO explained this. During an earnings call in August, CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH) CEO Jim Mintern t ...

CHIHUAHUA, Mexico, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GCC, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: GCC*), cement and concrete in the United States and Mexico, will host a conference call to review its third quarter 2025 earnings results on Wednesday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m. (ET). Earnings results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, will be released on Tuesday, October 21, after market close. The call will be hosted by Enrique Escalante, CEO, and Maik Strecker, CFO, and can be accessed by dialing +1 (877) 407 0789 or +1 ...

Core Insights - Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. has successfully navigated all regulatory requirements for its asset exchange with Quikrete Holdings, expected to finalize in Q4 2025, enhancing its focus on aggregates and improving financial flexibility with a significant cash influx [1][5] Strategic Shift Toward Aggregates - The agreement allows Martin Marietta to acquire aggregate operations that produce approximately 20 million tons annually across Virginia, Missouri, Kansas, and Vancouver, British Columbia, expanding its geographic footprint and strengthening its position in high-growth infrastructure and construction markets [2][8] - Aggregates are crucial to Martin Marietta's business model, offering higher margins and more stable demand compared to cement and ready-mixed concrete, reflecting management's strategy to concentrate on competitive strengths [2] Strengthened Balance Sheet & Growth Outlook - Martin Marietta will receive $450 million in cash as part of the deal, enhancing liquidity and providing options for debt reduction, shareholder returns, or reinvestment in growth opportunities [3][8] - Exiting the lower-margin cement business by trading its Midlothian cement plant and related assets allows the company to streamline its portfolio and focus on aggregates-driven growth [3] Long-Term Benefits for Shareholders - The asset swap positions Martin Marietta to capitalize on multi-year infrastructure spending trends, residential development, and consistent demand from public works projects, improving earnings visibility and resilience against market fluctuations [4] - The transaction indicates a more focused, higher-margin growth strategy, which could support stock price appreciation and multiple expansions for shareholders [4] Stock Performance - Martin Marietta's stock has increased by 21.6% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Concrete & Aggregates industry, the broader Construction sector, and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite [6]

RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE: MLM) (Martin Marietta or the Company), today announced that it has received all necessary regulatory approvals for its previously announced asset exchange with Quikrete Holdings, Inc. (Quikrete). The transaction is now expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Martin Marietta will acquire aggregates operations with annual production of appr ...

Group 1 - CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. is recognized as one of the best cement stocks to buy, with analysts at BofA Securities reiterating a 'Neutral' rating and raising the price target to $10 and $8.60 based on updated discounted cash flow analysis for 2026 projections [1][2] - The company has outperformed other cement stocks over the past six months, experiencing a 53% increase, attributed to aggressive cost-saving programs and a focus on generating free cash flow [3] - The appointment of a new CEO has positively influenced market sentiment, with plans to improve the company's return on invested capital and deploy $2 billion in disciplined mergers and acquisitions for growth opportunities [4] Group 2 - CEMEX is a global producer and distributor of building materials, primarily focusing on cement, ready-mix concrete, and aggregates, with a commitment to innovative and sustainable building solutions emphasizing carbon neutrality and resource management [5]

Core Insights - Martin Marietta Materials Inc. has launched the SOAR 2030 strategic plan aimed at enhancing its leadership in the aggregates-focused building materials industry [1][2] - The plan emphasizes operational excellence through technological innovation, cost discipline, and strategic portfolio realignment [2] - The acquisition of Premier Magnesia is a key component of the SOAR 2030 plan, targeting high-performance materials demand in industrial and environmental applications [3] Company Overview - Martin Marietta Materials Inc. is a construction material company that supplies aggregates such as crushed stone, sand, and gravel through a network of quarries, mines, and distribution yards [4] - Major products include cement, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, and paving services [4] Strategic Initiatives - The asset exchange with Quikrete highlights a shift towards a more resilient business model [2] - The focus on high-margin aggregates and operational efficiency positions the company to benefit from increased infrastructure spending [3]

Group 1 - CRH PLC is recognized as one of the best cement stocks to buy, bolstered by the election of Patrick Decker to the board of directors [1][2] - Patrick Decker brings extensive experience in accounting and finance, having previously served as president and CEO of Xylem and Harsco Corporation, and currently sits on the board of Johnson Controls International [2] - The appointment of Decker follows CRH's $2.1 billion acquisition of Eco Material Technologies, enhancing its capabilities in near-zero carbon cement production and access to fly ash and green cement operations [3] Group 2 - CRH PLC is a provider of building materials and solutions for infrastructure and construction projects, offering products such as aggregates, cement, readymixed concrete, and asphalt [4]

Core Points - Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. will host its Capital Markets Day on September 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time [1] - The event will feature discussions on the company's long-term value creation strategies through the SOAR 2030 plan, led by CEO Ward Nye and the leadership team [2] - A live video webcast will be available for the event, with a replay and presentation slides accessible on the company's website afterward [3] Company Overview - Martin Marietta is a leading supplier of building materials, including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete, and asphalt, and is a member of the S&P 500 Index [4] - The company operates across 28 states, Canada, and The Bahamas, providing essential resources for community infrastructure [4] - Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties division produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products for various applications globally [4]

Core Insights - The Zacks Building Products - Concrete & Aggregates industry is experiencing cautious optimism due to strong infrastructure demand, supported by funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and state-level initiatives [1][4] - Industrial demand is strengthening, particularly in data center expansion, semiconductor manufacturing, and new energy generation projects, despite challenges such as weather disruptions and labor costs [2] - The industry is focusing on acquisitions and operating efficiency to enhance earnings and cash flows while managing costs effectively [5] Industry Overview - The industry comprises manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of construction materials, including aggregates, concrete, and related items for various markets [3] - Key trends include a focus on reviving infrastructure through significant legislative investments aimed at enhancing American competitiveness and revitalizing infrastructure [4] Challenges - Industry players face challenges from rising input prices, labor shortages, and weather-related disruptions that can affect production and profitability [6] Market Position - The Zacks Building Products - Concrete & Aggregates industry ranks 98, placing it in the top 40% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating solid near-term prospects [7][8] - The industry's earnings estimates for 2025 have increased from $2.09 to $2.18 per share, reflecting growing analyst confidence [9] Performance Metrics - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500, with a collective loss of 15.4% compared to the S&P 500's gain of 16.1% [11] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 24.03X, higher than the S&P 500's 22.86X and the sector's 19.91X [14] Company Highlights - **Vulcan Materials Company**: Benefits from federal and state funding under the IIJA, with a focus on public infrastructure and industrial nonresidential demand. The company has seen an 18.7% stock gain over the past year and a projected 12% EPS growth for 2025 [18][19] - **Martin Marietta**: Driven by aggregates strength and favorable pricing dynamics, the company has gained 12.8% over the past year, although its 2025 EPS estimate shows a 42% decline [21][22]

Core Points - Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend from $0.79 to $0.83 per share, resulting in an annualized cash dividend of $3.32 per share, payable on September 30, 2025 [1] - This marks the tenth consecutive annual dividend increase for the company, highlighting its disciplined capital allocation and commitment to shareholder value [2] - The company emphasizes its aggregates-led business model, operational excellence, and strong financial position, which contribute to its free cash flow generation [2] Company Overview - Martin Marietta is a leading supplier of building materials, including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete, and asphalt, operating across 28 states, Canada, and The Bahamas [2] - The company also has a Magnesia Specialties business that provides high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products for various applications worldwide [2]