3 Concrete & Aggregates Industry Stocks Thriving In Tough Times

Image: BigstockUncertainties in the macroeconomic landscape, weather-related issues, and increased labor costs pose challenges for the Zacks Building Products – Concrete & Aggregates industry. Nonetheless, an uptick in spending on infrastructure and public construction is set to continue driving growth in the industry.The industry is also poised to benefit from improvements in the single-family residential construction market and advantageous pricing dynamics amid difficult conditions. Companies like Vulcan Materials Company (VMC – Free Report), Eagle Materials Inc. (EXP – Free Report), and Summit Materials, Inc. (SUM – Free Report) have been leveraging these favorable trends to their advantage.

Industry Description
The Zacks Building Products – Concrete & Aggregates industry consists of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of construction materials like aggregates and concrete along with other related items for public infrastructure, residential and non-residential, as well as other end markets. The materials also include gypsum wallboard, recycled paperboard, concrete blocks, ready-mix concrete, and oil and gas proppants.The industry players are also involved in designing, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and installation of external building products for commercial, residential, and repair and remodel markets in domestic as well as international markets.

4 Trends Shaping the Future of Concrete & Aggregates Industry
Fed’s Decision of Only One/Two Rate Cuts This Year: The Federal Reserve’s decision to implement only one/two rate cuts this year likely means a relatively tight monetary policy stance. With the benchmark interest rate holding at 5.25%-5.50%, financing costs for infrastructure projects will remain elevated, potentially slowing down new constructions and expansions, thereby creating a cautious economic environment.Companies in this sector should prepare for these conditions by optimizing their operations, carefully planning capital expenditures, and closely monitoring economic indicators to adjust their strategies accordingly.Fluctuation in Input Prices, Weather Woes & Shortage of Skilled Labors: The industry players are struggling with escalating material expenses, the shortage of skilled laborers, and rising wage costs. These companies use electricity, diesel fuel, liquid asphalt, and other petroleum-based resources. Hence, supply-related woes and significant fluctuations in the prices of these resources affect operating results.Also, businesses are exposed to weather-related risks affecting production schedules and profitability. Excessive rainfall, flooding, or severe droughts can jeopardize shipments and production. The first and fourth quarters are affected mainly by winter. Again, hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Coast are most active during these quarters. These impediments may bump up costs and mar industry participants’ profits.Focus on Reviving Infrastructure: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act collectively signify a substantial commitment to bolstering American competitiveness. These three enacted laws are aimed at revitalizing American infrastructure, expediting the shift toward a sustainable economy, and fortifying the domestic semiconductor sector.These bills comprise new investments in almost every infrastructure sector, including transportation, energy, broadband, and water. The U.S. administration’s endeavor to pump money for rebuilding the nation’s roads, bridges, and other infrastructure would give construction companies a solid foundation for growth.Acquisitions & Focus on Operating Efficiency: The industry participants follow a well-chalked-out acquisition plan to enhance domestic and international portfolios. Moreover, companies are increasingly focusing on reducing controllable costs and maximizing operating efficiency across business lines to generate higher earnings and cash flows. The industry players have also been experiencing a solid pricing environment across their product portfolios, thereby helping to boost margins.

The Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bleak Prospects
The Zacks Building Products – Concrete & Aggregates industry is an eight-stock group within the broader Zacks Construction sector. The industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank #206, which places it in the bottom 18% of more than 250 Zacks industries.The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates dull near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.The industry’s positioning in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of a lower earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gradually losing confidence in this group’s earnings growth potential. Since June 2024, the industry’s earnings estimates for 2024 have decreased 7.4% to $2.25 per share from $2.43.Despite the industry’s blurred near-term view, we will present a few stocks that one may consider adding to their portfolio. Before that, it’s worth taking a look at the industry’s shareholder returns and recent valuation.

The Industry Underperforms S&P 500 & Sector
The Zacks Building Products – Concrete & Aggregates industry has lagged the Zacks S&P 500 Composite and the broader Zacks Construction sector over the past year.Stocks in this industry have collectively gained 7.4% versus the broader sector’s rise of 32.8% over the past year. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has gained 23.8% in the same period.

One-Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Concrete & Aggregates Industry’s Current Valuation
On the basis of the forward 12-month price to earnings, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing Building Products – Concrete & Aggregates stocks, the industry has recently been seen trading at 18.3X versus the S&P 500’s 21.5X and the sector’s 17.8X.Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 24.5X, as low as 13.9X, and with a median of 20X, as the chart below shows.

The Industry’s P/E Ratio (Forward 12-Month) Versus S&P 500
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

3 Concrete & Aggregates Stocks to Keep an Eye On
Below, we present three stocks from the Zacks Concrete & Aggregates universe that have growth potential. The chosen companies all carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

Eagle Materials
This Dallas, TX-based company produces and supplies heavy construction materials, light building materials, and materials used for oil and natural gas extraction in the United States. Eagle Materials has benefited from a proactive maintenance strategy, effectively managing costs and ensuring smooth operations. It has also made significant strides in sustainability and key projects.The Texas Lehigh slag grinding facility is nearing completion, promising both economic and environmental benefits. Additionally, the expansion and upgrade of the Mountain Cement facility will boost efficiency and support the company’s sustainability goals.Eagle Materials’ transition to Portland Limestone Cement and other blended products, now making up 90% of production, marks a major step in reducing CO2 emissions. Investments in alternative fuel systems and reduced water usage at its paper mill further underscore its commitment to sustainability. The cement business outlook remains strong, driven by public infrastructure spending and non-residential construction projects, providing long-term visibility for the company.Eagle Materials shares have surged 34.6% in the past year. Earnings for fiscal 2024 are expected to grow 12.9%. It also has a favorable VGM Score of A, making it a potentially interesting investment opportunity.

Price and Consensus: EXP
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Vulcan Materials Company
This Birmingham, AL-based company produces and supplies construction aggregates, asphalt mix, as well as ready-mixed concrete. The company’s focus on four strategic initiatives — Commercial Excellence, Operational Excellence, Strategic Sourcing, and Logistics Innovation — should enhance price performance and operating efficiencies.Vulcan Materials has been generating higher earnings on the back of prudent cost-control efforts and increased pricing in aggregates. Its focus on a systematic inorganic strategy for expansion has been adding to the positives. Overall, improving single-family residential and private non-residential construction, large industrial project demand, solid infrastructure investment, and favorable pricing dynamics should drive growth.Shares of Vulcan have gained 10.6% in the past year. The company surpassed earnings estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, with the average surprise being 2.5%. Earnings for 2024 are expected to rise 12.9%. It has a three-to-five-year expected EPS growth rate of 13.9%.

Price and Consensus: VMC
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Summit Materials
Based in Denver, CO, this next one is a construction material company. Summit Materials has been witnessing solid pricing growth across all lines of business, and it expects this trend to continue in 2024. The company has also been optimizing its portfolio as it intends to shift toward a more materials-led portfolio.Meanwhile, the company remains optimistic, as it believes public markets are poised to experience robust and durable growth driven by well-funded state budgets and infrastructure funding. A solid state Department of Transportation budget flow will aid the company, which has been receiving more contracts associated with highways and related works.Summit Materials shares have gained 6.4% in the past year. Also, earnings for 2024 are expected to rise 10.1%. The company surpassed earnings estimates in all the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 19.3%. Earnings for 2024 are expected to rise 12.9%.

Price and Consensus: SUM
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