Shirlene sells MLM 159.39: Because of the delays, the company now sees aggregates shipments rising 7%-10% in 2015 compared with 2014 levels, down from its earlier forecast for 10%-12% growth.

Management noted that this last winter was the second wettest in more than 100 years, delaying some of its customers' construction projects and resulting in nearly $100 million deferred net sales. But gross profit margin rose 100 basis points to 23.5% on tight cost controls. Martin Marietta's earnings per share fell 8% to $1.24 in Q2, well below analyst consensus for $1.61. Net sales excluding shipping and delivery revenue jumped 41% to $850.2 million, below Wall Street's $924.2 million target. Zelnak, Jr. acquired 16,150 shares of Martin Marietta Materials stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 27th. Several equities analysts recently commented on MLM shares.


Karyn:
This coincides with all major Texas metropolitan areas reporting their highest growth rate in overall economic activity in more than 30 years.

Felice:
Employment growth in 2015 is at its highest rate since 2005. Texas ranks second in the nation in job growth and has added almost one million jobs during the last three years.

Roseann:
Job growth on a national level continues to be a strong catalyst for construction activity and, during the trailing-12 months ended June 2015, the U.S. added almost three million jobs.

Peg:
Additionally, precipitation reduced production and operating leverage, which negatively affected gross profit by an estimated additional $8 million to $13 million.

Jamila:
These highly unusual factors resulted in nearly $100 million in deferred net sales across all product lines which lowered gross profit by an estimated $27 million.

Debbi:
The NOAA further indicated that Texas reported its wettest second quarter and first six months of the year for the 121 years this data has been tracked.

Kayla:
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States experienced the second wettest second quarter in more than a century.

Isabel:
This result was achieved despite historic levels of rainfall throughout the United States, and notably in Texas.

Isidra:
Among other things, each heritage aggregates business reportable segment significantly improved gross profits, generating an incremental gross margin contribution in line with, or exceeding, our stated objectives.

Waltraud:
Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business provides a full range of magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and dolomitic lime products.

Martin Marietta Materials (NYSE:MLM)
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