Vulcan Materials Company (VMC)

Vulcan Materials Co.'s stock price was $264.88 as of July 21, 2025, a 1.64% increase from the previous year, with an all-time high of $298.31 on November 5, 2024. UBS and Wolfe Research upgraded their outlooks for VMC, while UBS and JP Morgan downgraded and upgraded respectively. The stock increased after earnings and guidance exceeded expectations in early February 2025. Vulcan announced agreements to acquire companies in Southern California and Wake Stone Corporation. The stock dropped 4.4% on August 6, 2024, due to lower revenue and earnings, attributed to rainfall impacting aggregates shipments.

Demand for Vulcan Materials Co.'s products is influenced by the construction industry's cyclical nature and weather conditions, which can affect production, distribution, and construction work. A decline in aggregates shipments in the first quarter of 2024 was attributed to unfavorable weather. Historically, more than half of the aggregates produced have been used in public works projects, with the remaining demand from more economically sensitive sectors. The company anticipates growth in highway and infrastructure demand due to federal funding initiatives.

Vulcan Materials Company is the largest U.S. producer of construction aggregates like crushed stone, sand, and gravel, essential for infrastructure and building projects. It also produces asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete, with a calcium operation in Florida.

Vulcan Materials Company operates in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and local markets in Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its distribution network includes over 300 aggregates plants, with key markets in Texas, California, Virginia, and other states. The Crescent Market project in Mexico supplies crushed limestone to Gulf Coast seaports.

Vulcan Materials Company was recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies 2024 by Newsweek and was included in the American Opportunity Index. The company launched "The Vulcan Hub" to provide employees with updated information and resources. In 2018, Vulcan was found partially responsible for the Bayou Corne sinkhole, which affected its public perception.

Vulcan Materials Co. is primarily owned by institutional shareholders, holding approximately 91.04% of the stock. Individual insiders own about 6.35%, and retail investors hold around 2.60%. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. The largest individual shareholder is John D. Baker II. Recent insider trading activity indicates more selling than buying.