Q4 2025 Martin Marietta Materials Inc Earnings Call

Speaker #1: Ladies and gentlemen , welcome to Martin Marietta . S fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings conference call . All participants are in a listen only mode question .

Speaker #1: and answer A session will follow the company's prepared remarks . As a reminder , today's call is being recorded and will be available for replay on the company's website .

Speaker #1: I will now turn the call over to your host , Miss Jacklyn Rooker Martin Marietta's , Vice President of Investor Relations . Jacqueline , you may begin .

Jacklyn Rooker: Good morning. It's my pleasure to welcome you to Martin Marietta's Q4 and full year 2025 earnings call. With me today are Ward Nye, Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer, and Michael Petro, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. As a reminder, today's discussion may include forward-looking statements as defined by United States securities laws.

Speaker #2: Good morning . It's my pleasure to welcome you to Martin Marietta's fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings call . With me today are Ward Nye , chair , president and chief Executive Officer .

Speaker #2: And Michael Petro senior vice chief president and financial officer . As a reminder , today's discussion may include forward looking statements as defined by United States securities laws .

Operator 4: These statements relate to future events, operating results, or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Martin Marietta undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as legally required, whether due to new information, future developments, or otherwise. For additional details, please refer to the legal disclaimers contained in today's earnings release and other public filings, which are available on both our own and the Securities and Exchange Commission's websites. Supplemental information is available both during this webcast and in the investor section of our website. It includes a summary of our financial results and trends, with full year and fourth quarter bridges from continuing operations to consolidated results on slides 5 and 6, respectively.

Jacklyn Rooker: These statements relate to future events, operating results, or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Martin Marietta undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as legally required, whether due to new information, future developments, or otherwise. For additional details, please refer to the legal disclaimers contained in today's earnings release and other public filings, which are available on both our own and the Securities and Exchange Commission's websites. Supplemental information is available both during this webcast and in the investor section of our website. It includes a summary of our financial results and trends, with full year and fourth quarter bridges from continuing operations to consolidated results on slides 5 and 6, respectively.

Speaker #2: These statements relate to future events , operating or results , financial performance , and are subject to risks and cause uncertainties that could actual results to differ materially .

Speaker #2: Marietta Martin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements , except as legally required , whether due to new information , future developments or otherwise .

Speaker #2: For additional details, please refer to the legal disclaimers contained in today's earnings release and other public filings, which are available on both our own and the Securities and Exchange Commission's websites.

Speaker #2: Supplemental information is available both during this webcast and in the investor section of our website . It includes a summary of our financial results and trends with full year and fourth quarter bridges from continuing operations to consolidated results on slides five and six , respectively .

Operator 4: As a reminder, the company's Midlothian cement plant, related cement terminals, and Texas ready-mixed concrete operations are classified as assets held for sale as of 31 December 2025. Their associated financial results are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Our full year 2026 guidance summary on slide 7 reflects continuing operations unless otherwise noted. Definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are provided in the appendix to the supplemental information in our SEC filings and on our website. Ward Nye will begin today's earnings call with the discussion of our fourth quarter operating performance, 2026 outlook, and supporting market trends. Michael Petro will then review our full year financial results, capital allocation, and 2026 guidance details, after which Ward will provide closing remarks. Please note that all comparisons are to the prior year's corresponding period. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Jacklyn Rooker: As a reminder, the company's Midlothian cement plant, related cement terminals, and Texas ready-mixed concrete operations are classified as assets held for sale as of 31 December 2025. Their associated financial results are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Our full year 2026 guidance summary on slide 7 reflects continuing operations unless otherwise noted. Definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are provided in the appendix to the supplemental information in our SEC filings and on our website. Ward Nye will begin today's earnings call with the discussion of our fourth quarter operating performance, 2026 outlook, and supporting market trends. Michael Petro will then review our full year financial results, capital allocation, and 2026 guidance details, after which Ward will provide closing remarks. Please note that all comparisons are to the prior year's corresponding period. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Speaker #2: As a reminder , the company's Midlothian Cement plant related cement terminals and Texas ready mixed concrete operations are classified as assets held for sale as of December 31st , 2025 .

Speaker #2: Associated financial results are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Our full year 2026 guidance summary on slide seven reflects continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Speaker #2: Definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are provided in the appendix to the Supplemental Information in our SEC filings and on our website .

Speaker #2: Ward and I will begin today's earnings call with the discussion of our fourth quarter operating Performance 2026 outlook and supporting Market trends . Michael Petro will then review our full year financial results .

Speaker #2: Capital allocation, and 2026 guidance details, after which Ward will provide closing remarks. Please note that all comparisons are to the prior year's corresponding period.

Operator 4: Please limit your Q&A participation to one question. I will now turn the call over to Ward. Thank you, Jacklyn. Good morning, and thank you for attending today's teleconference. 2025 was an outstanding year for Martin Marietta, marked by record financial, operational, and safety performance. Our aggregates business delivered record profitability and meaningful margin expansion, while our highly complementary specialties business achieved record revenues and gross profit, highlighting the strength and breadth of our portfolio. We delivered these results even as the private construction environment remained challenging, with single-family housing and non-residential square footage starts still well below their most recent post-COVID peaks. These outcomes underscore the durability of our aggregates-led business model, reinforced by intentional portfolio shaping and our team's disciplined execution.

Jacklyn Rooker: Please limit your Q&A participation to one question. I will now turn the call over to Ward.

Speaker #2: A question and answer session will follow . Please limit your Q&A participation to one question . I will now turn the call over to Ward .

Ward Nye: Thank you, Jacklyn. Good morning, and thank you for attending today's teleconference. 2025 was an outstanding year for Martin Marietta, marked by record financial, operational, and safety performance. Our aggregates business delivered record profitability and meaningful margin expansion, while our highly complementary specialties business achieved record revenues and gross profit, highlighting the strength and breadth of our portfolio. We delivered these results even as the private construction environment remained challenging, with single-family housing and non-residential square footage starts still well below their most recent post-COVID peaks. These outcomes underscore the durability of our aggregates-led business model, reinforced by intentional portfolio shaping and our team's disciplined execution.

Speaker #3: Thank you . Jacqueline . Good attending today's teleconference thank you for morning . 2025 was an outstanding year for Martin Marietta , marked by record financial , operational and safety performance .

Speaker #3: Our aggregates business delivered record profitability and meaningful margin expansion , while our highly complementary specialties business achieved record revenues and gross profit . Highlighting the strength and breadth of our portfolio , we delivered these results even as the private construction environment remained challenging with single family housing and nonresidential square footage starts still well below their most recent post .

Speaker #3: Covid peaks . These outcomes underscore the durability of our aggregates led business model , reinforced by intentional portfolio shaping and our teams disciplined execution .

Operator 4: In short, this is our strategic operating analysis and review SOAR Plan in action: thoughtful strategy, rigorous execution led by a high-performing team, and a product portfolio engineered to outperform through macroeconomic cycles. With that context, I'll briefly summarize the principal achievements of SOAR 2025. Over the five-year period ended 31 December 2025, we delivered 208 basis points price-cost spread, exceeding our 200 basis points SOAR 2025 target, and achieved a compound annual growth rate of more than 13% in aggregates gross profit per ton. From a capital allocation standpoint, we announced or executed approximately $16 billion of portfolio-enhancing transactions. We invested $3.2 billion in sustaining and growth CapEx and returned $2.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Ward Nye: In short, this is our strategic operating analysis and review SOAR Plan in action: thoughtful strategy, rigorous execution led by a high-performing team, and a product portfolio engineered to outperform through macroeconomic cycles. With that context, I'll briefly summarize the principal achievements of SOAR 2025. Over the five-year period ended 31 December 2025, we delivered 208 basis points price-cost spread, exceeding our 200 basis points SOAR 2025 target, and achieved a compound annual growth rate of more than 13% in aggregates gross profit per ton. From a capital allocation standpoint, we announced or executed approximately $16 billion of portfolio-enhancing transactions. We invested $3.2 billion in sustaining and growth CapEx and returned $2.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Speaker #3: In short , this is our strategic operating analysis and review , or plan saw in . Thoughtful action strategy , rigorous execution led by high performing team product outperform through and a macroeconomic cycles .

Speaker #3: that With context , I'll briefly summarize the principal achievements of Saw 2025 . Over the five year period ended December 31st , 2025 , we delivered 208 basis point price cost spread exceeding our 200 basis points .

Speaker #3: 2025 target and achieved a compound annual growth rate of more than 13% in aggregates , gross profit per ton . From a capital allocation standpoint , we announced or executed approximately $16 billion of portfolio enhancing transactions .

Speaker #3: We invested $3.2 billion in sustaining and growth CapEx and returned $2.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases , a vital importance to our investors over this same time period , we delivered total shareholder returns of 126% , approximately points 30 percentage above the S&P 500 index .

Operator 4: Of vital importance to our investors, over the same time period, we delivered total shareholder returns of 126%, approximately 30 percentage points above the S&P 500 index over the 31 December 2020 through 31 December 2025 period. We also paid special attention to maintaining our strong balance sheet. More specifically, we concluded SOAR 2025 period with our leverage ratio within our targeted range of 2 to 2.5 times and strong free cash flow. Accordingly, we began SOAR 2030 in an enviable position with the ability to responsibly invest in our business and the flexibility and desire to make timely and prudent acquisitions.

Ward Nye: Of vital importance to our investors, over the same time period, we delivered total shareholder returns of 126%, approximately 30 percentage points above the S&P 500 index over the 31 December 2020 through 31 December 2025 period. We also paid special attention to maintaining our strong balance sheet. More specifically, we concluded SOAR 2025 period with our leverage ratio within our targeted range of 2 to 2.5 times and strong free cash flow. Accordingly, we began SOAR 2030 in an enviable position with the ability to responsibly invest in our business and the flexibility and desire to make timely and prudent acquisitions.

Speaker #3: Over the December 31, 2020 through December 31, 2025 period, we also paid special attention to maintaining our strong balance sheet.

Speaker #3: More specifically , we concluded saw 2025 period with our leverage ratio within our targeted range of 2 to 2 and a half times , in strong free cash flow .

Speaker #3: Accordingly, we began to see enviable 2030 in a position with the ability to responsibly invest in our business and the flexibility and desire to make timely and prudent acquisitions.

Operator 4: Indeed, by thoughtfully redeploying capital from cement and downstream asset divestitures into pure aggregates positions, we expanded our footprint coast to coast, increased the aggregates contribution percentage to consolidated gross profit, and enhanced our margin profile, all nicely positioning Martin Marietta for durable and sustainable growth. Before discussing our 2025 performance and 2026 outlook, I'll highlight some fourth quarter achievements, beginning with our core aggregates business, which delivered record results across nearly every key metric. Year-over-year, aggregates revenues increased 8% to $1.2 billion. Gross profit rose 11% to $420 million. Gross profit per ton improved 9% to $8.59, and gross margin expanded 93 basis points to 34%. Our specialties business also delivered record fourth quarter results driven by solid organic momentum and contributions from Premier Magnesia. Our full year results were a testament to the resilience of our portfolio and the opportunities ahead.

Ward Nye: Indeed, by thoughtfully redeploying capital from cement and downstream asset divestitures into pure aggregates positions, we expanded our footprint coast to coast, increased the aggregates contribution percentage to consolidated gross profit, and enhanced our margin profile, all nicely positioning Martin Marietta for durable and sustainable growth. Before discussing our 2025 performance and 2026 outlook, I'll highlight some fourth quarter achievements, beginning with our core aggregates business, which delivered record results across nearly every key metric. Year-over-year, aggregates revenues increased 8% to $1.2 billion. Gross profit rose 11% to $420 million. Gross profit per ton improved 9% to $8.59, and gross margin expanded 93 basis points to 34%. Our specialties business also delivered record fourth quarter results driven by solid organic momentum and contributions from Premier Magnesia. Our full year results were a testament to the resilience of our portfolio and the opportunities ahead.

Speaker #3: Indeed , by thoughtfully redeploying capital from cement and asset downstream divestitures into pure aggregates , positions , we expanded our footprint coast to coast , increased the aggregates percentage to consolidated gross profit , and enhanced margin our profile .

Speaker #3: All nicely . Positioning Martin Marietta for durable and sustainable growth . Before discussing our 2025 performance and 2026 outlook , I'll highlight some fourth quarter achievements beginning with our Aggregates core business , which delivered record results across nearly every key metric year over year .

Speaker #3: Aggregates revenues increased 8% to $1.2 billion. Gross profit rose 11% to $420 million. Gross profit per ton improved 9% to $8.59, and gross margin expanded 93 basis points to 34%.

Speaker #3: Our specialties business also delivered record fourth quarter results , driven by solid organic momentum and contributions from Premier Magnesia . Our full year results were a testament to the resilience of our portfolio and the opportunities ahead .

Operator 4: Aggregates delivered another year of outstanding performance, delivering records across nearly every financial measure, including gross profit per ton of $8.45, representing a year-over-year increase of 12%. Notably, our specialties business also posted exceptional results, reinforcing the value of this highly complementary segment, achieving record full year revenues and gross profit. I'm especially pleased to share that our strong financial performance was accompanied by record safety performance in our heritage business as measured by total reportable incidents, reflecting the depth of our world-class safety culture and operational discipline. Looking ahead, our 2026 shipment guidance of 2% growth at the midpoint reflects a balanced macro environment in which we expect sustained infrastructure investment and accelerating momentum in data centers and energy to offset continued softness in private non-residential and residential construction.

Ward Nye: Aggregates delivered another year of outstanding performance, delivering records across nearly every financial measure, including gross profit per ton of $8.45, representing a year-over-year increase of 12%. Notably, our specialties business also posted exceptional results, reinforcing the value of this highly complementary segment, achieving record full year revenues and gross profit. I'm especially pleased to share that our strong financial performance was accompanied by record safety performance in our heritage business as measured by total reportable incidents, reflecting the depth of our world-class safety culture and operational discipline. Looking ahead, our 2026 shipment guidance of 2% growth at the midpoint reflects a balanced macro environment in which we expect sustained infrastructure investment and accelerating momentum in data centers and energy to offset continued softness in private non-residential and residential construction.

Speaker #3: Aggregates delivered another year of outstanding delivering performance , records across nearly every financial including measure , gross profit per ton of $8.45 , representing a year over year increase of 12% .

Speaker #3: Notably , our specialties business also posted exceptional results , reinforcing the value of this highly complementary segment , achieving record full year revenues and gross profit .

Speaker #3: I'm especially pleased to share that our strong financial performance was accompanied by record safety performance in our heritage business, as measured by total reportable incidents, reflecting the depth of our world-class safety culture and operational discipline.

Speaker #3: Looking ahead , our 2026 shipment guidance of 2% growth at the midpoint reflects a balanced macro environment in which we expect sustained infrastructure investment and accelerating momentum in data centers and energy to offset continued softness in private , non-residential and residential construction .

Operator 4: In line with these assumptions, we're guiding to 2026 consolidated adjusted EBITDA of approximately $2.49 billion, inclusive of contributions from discontinued operations. Upon closing of the previously announced asset exchange with Quikrete, we'll provide updated adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026. With that outlook, we'll now turn to the end markets shaping these expectations. Infrastructure demand remains solid, driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, and robust DOT budgets in Martin Marietta states, underpinning a multi-year pipeline of projects. As of 30 November 2025, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, or ARTBA, reports that 71% of IIJA highway and bridge funds have been obligated. However, only 48% has been dispersed. The gap between obligations and disbursements reflects significant remaining reimbursements and an extended construction runway beyond this year, with IIJA reimbursements expected to peak in 2026.

Ward Nye: In line with these assumptions, we're guiding to 2026 consolidated adjusted EBITDA of approximately $2.49 billion, inclusive of contributions from discontinued operations. Upon closing of the previously announced asset exchange with Quikrete, we'll provide updated adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026. With that outlook, we'll now turn to the end markets shaping these expectations. Infrastructure demand remains solid, driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, and robust DOT budgets in Martin Marietta states, underpinning a multi-year pipeline of projects. As of 30 November 2025, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, or ARTBA, reports that 71% of IIJA highway and bridge funds have been obligated. However, only 48% has been dispersed. The gap between obligations and disbursements reflects significant remaining reimbursements and an extended construction runway beyond this year, with IIJA reimbursements expected to peak in 2026.

Speaker #3: In line with these assumptions, we're guiding to 2026 consolidated adjusted EBITDA of approximately $2.49 billion, inclusive of contributions from discontinued operations.

Speaker #3: Upon of the previously announced asset exchange with Quikrete , we'll provide updated adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026 . With that outlook , we'll now turn to the end markets , shaping these expectations .

Speaker #3: Infrastructure demand remains solid , driven by the bipartisan infrastructure investment and Jobs Act or Iija , and robust Dot budgets in Martin Marietta states , underpinning a multi-year pipeline of projects .

Speaker #3: As of November 30th , 2025 , the American Road and Transportation Builders Association , or Arpa , reports that 71% of Iija Highway and bridge funds have been obligated .

Speaker #3: However , only 48% has been disbursed . The gap between obligations and reflects disbursements significant remaining reimbursements and an extended construction runway . Beyond this year , with Iija reimbursements expected to peak in 2026 .

Operator 4: As enacted, the IIJA is scheduled to expire in September 2026. However, both congressional chambers have already begun shaping the next surface transportation bill. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's fiscal year 2026 views and estimates affirm bipartisan reauthorization intent ahead of the deadline, while federal leadership's focus on accelerated project delivery and funding stability reinforces the nation's commitment to sustained infrastructure investment. Equally important, state and local governments continue to strengthen their transportation funding frameworks by adopting new revenue measures designed to address long-term infrastructure needs, undertakings that continue to garner broad bipartisan support. A notable example in our company's home state of North Carolina is in Mecklenburg County, where voters this past November approved a 1% local sales tax referendum.

Ward Nye: As enacted, the IIJA is scheduled to expire in September 2026. However, both congressional chambers have already begun shaping the next surface transportation bill. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's fiscal year 2026 views and estimates affirm bipartisan reauthorization intent ahead of the deadline, while federal leadership's focus on accelerated project delivery and funding stability reinforces the nation's commitment to sustained infrastructure investment. Equally important, state and local governments continue to strengthen their transportation funding frameworks by adopting new revenue measures designed to address long-term infrastructure needs, undertakings that continue to garner broad bipartisan support. A notable example in our company's home state of North Carolina is in Mecklenburg County, where voters this past November approved a 1% local sales tax referendum.

Speaker #3: As enacted , the Iija is scheduled to expire in September 2026 . However , both congressional chambers have already begun shaping the Surface transportation bill .

Speaker #3: House Committee on The Transportation and Infrastructure Fiscal Year 2026 views and estimates affirm bipartisan reauthorization intent ahead of the deadline . While federal leadership's focus on accelerated project delivery and funding stability reinforces the nation's commitment to sustained infrastructure investment .

Speaker #3: Equally important , state and local governments continue to strengthen their transportation funding frameworks by adopting new revenue measures designed to address long term infrastructure needs .

Speaker #3: Undertakings that continue to garner broad bipartisan support , a notable example in our company's home state of North Carolina is in Mecklenburg County , where voters this past November approved a 1% local sales tax referendum that referendum alone is expected to generate approximately $19.4 billion over the coming decades to fund transformative improvements to roadway infrastructure and public transit across the Charlotte metropolitan area .

Operator 4: That referendum alone is expected to generate approximately $19.4 billion over the coming decades to fund transformative improvements to roadway infrastructure and public transit across the Charlotte metropolitan area. Given broad bipartisan support within the Congress, as well as the administration favoring our nation's infrastructure, we remain confident in the timely passage of a new long-term surface transportation bill. Heavy non-residential demand continues to be driven by accelerating growth in data centers and the corresponding need for power generation. Spending on data center construction remains exceptionally healthy and continues trending upward, with Goldman Sachs Research estimating hyperscalers potentially deploying over $500 billion in capital in 2026, significantly increasing power demand and requiring new generation supported by an all-of-the-above strategy.

Ward Nye: That referendum alone is expected to generate approximately $19.4 billion over the coming decades to fund transformative improvements to roadway infrastructure and public transit across the Charlotte metropolitan area. Given broad bipartisan support within the Congress, as well as the administration favoring our nation's infrastructure, we remain confident in the timely passage of a new long-term surface transportation bill. Heavy non-residential demand continues to be driven by accelerating growth in data centers and the corresponding need for power generation. Spending on data center construction remains exceptionally healthy and continues trending upward, with Goldman Sachs Research estimating hyperscalers potentially deploying over $500 billion in capital in 2026, significantly increasing power demand and requiring new generation supported by an all-of-the-above strategy.

Speaker #3: Given broad bipartisan support within the Congress, as well as the administration favoring our nation's infrastructure, we remain confident in the timely passage of the new long-term surface transportation bill.

Speaker #3: Heavy nonresidential demand continues to be driven by accelerating growth in data centers and the corresponding need for power generation spending on data center construction remains exceptionally healthy and continues trending upward , with Sachs Research estimating hyperscalers potentially deploying over $500 billion in capital in 2026 , significantly increasing power demand and requiring new generation supported by an all of the above strategy .

Operator 4: Whether the solution is natural gas, onshore wind, grid-scale storage, or nuclear, nearly all pathways require the essential aggregates we provide, positioning Martin Marietta at the center of this long-term power generation growth opportunity. In addition, we see meaningful acceleration in Gulf liquefied natural gas, or LNG, development driven by strong export fundamentals and advancing project pipelines. As momentum builds in 2026, Martin Marietta's unmatched rail distribution network positions us to supply these large-scale projects with efficiency and reliability. Turning to residential construction, affordability remains the primary near-term constraint. There's no question regarding the need for more housing as demand continues to outpace supply, particularly in key Martin Marietta states. Freddie Mac estimates the U.S. requires approximately 4 million additional homes just to restore balance, underscoring a multi-year need for increased new single-family construction.

Ward Nye: Whether the solution is natural gas, onshore wind, grid-scale storage, or nuclear, nearly all pathways require the essential aggregates we provide, positioning Martin Marietta at the center of this long-term power generation growth opportunity. In addition, we see meaningful acceleration in Gulf liquefied natural gas, or LNG, development driven by strong export fundamentals and advancing project pipelines. As momentum builds in 2026, Martin Marietta's unmatched rail distribution network positions us to supply these large-scale projects with efficiency and reliability. Turning to residential construction, affordability remains the primary near-term constraint. There's no question regarding the need for more housing as demand continues to outpace supply, particularly in key Martin Marietta states. Freddie Mac estimates the U.S. requires approximately 4 million additional homes just to restore balance, underscoring a multi-year need for increased new single-family construction.

Speaker #3: Whether the solution is natural gas , onshore wind , grid scale storage or nuclear , nearly all pathways require the essential aggregates we provide .

Speaker #3: Positioning Martin at the center of this long term power generation growth opportunity . In addition , we see meaningful acceleration in golf , liquefied natural gas , or LNG development , driven by strong export fundamentals and project advancing pipelines .

Speaker #3: As momentum builds in 2026 , Martin Marietta's unmatched rail distribution network positions us to supply these large scale projects with efficiency and reliability .

Speaker #3: Turning to residential construction . Affordability remains primary the near-term constraint . There's no question regarding the need for more housing , as demand continues to outpace supply , particularly in key Martin states Marietta , Freddie Mac estimates the US requires approximately 4 million additional homes just to restore balance , underscoring a multi-year need for increased new construction family .

Operator 4: Given our purpose-built business footprint in many of the nation's most dynamic and fastest-growing regions, we're well-positioned to capture a disproportionate share of the housing recovery and light non-residential construction that will follow. Moreover, the president's recent nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jay Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve is likely to be a positive development for a lowering of interest rates. I'll now turn the call over to Michael Petro to discuss our full year financial results, capital allocation, and our 2026 guidance. Michael? Thank you, Ward, and good morning, everyone. Starting first with the full year 2025 results, the continuing operations building materials business posted revenues of $5.7 billion, a 7% increase, and generated gross profit of $1.8 billion, an increase of 13% year over year.

Ward Nye: Given our purpose-built business footprint in many of the nation's most dynamic and fastest-growing regions, we're well-positioned to capture a disproportionate share of the housing recovery and light non-residential construction that will follow. Moreover, the president's recent nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jay Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve is likely to be a positive development for a lowering of interest rates. I'll now turn the call over to Michael Petro to discuss our full year financial results, capital allocation, and our 2026 guidance. Michael?

Speaker #3: Given our purpose built footprint in many of the nation's most dynamic and fastest growing regions were well to positioned capture a disproportionate share of the housing recovery and light non-residential construction that will follow .

Speaker #3: Moreover, the president's recent nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jay Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve is likely to be a positive development for the lowering of interest rates.

Speaker #3: I'll now turn the call over to Michael Petro to discuss our full year financial results . Capital allocation and our 2026 guidance . Michael .

Michael Petro: Thank you, Ward, and good morning, everyone. Starting first with the full year 2025 results, the continuing operations building materials business posted revenues of $5.7 billion, a 7% increase, and generated gross profit of $1.8 billion, an increase of 13% year over year.

Speaker #3: Thank you , Ward , and good morning , everyone . Starting first with the full year 2025 results , the continuing Operations , building materials business posted revenues of $5.7 billion , a 7% increase , and generated gross profit of $1.8 billion , an increase of 13% year over year .

Operator 4: Gross margin expanded 173 basis points to 31%, driven by strong aggregates performance that more than offset softness in our downstream businesses. As Ward noted, our core aggregates business delivered record performance in 2025. Revenues increased 11% to $5 billion, driven by 6.9% pricing growth and volume growth of 3.8%. Gross profit increased 16% to $1.7 billion, and gross margin expanded 143 basis points to 34%. As strong pricing and shipment growth more than offset higher freight depreciation and general inflationary impacts, resulting in a price-cost spread of 239 basis points. Other building materials revenues decreased 8% to $992 million, and gross profit decreased 18% to $98 million, primarily driven by the Minnesota asphalt business and the impact of the April 2025 California paving divestiture. Our specialties business delivered all-time records for revenues and gross profit of $441 million and $137 million, respectively.

Michael Petro: Gross margin expanded 173 basis points to 31%, driven by strong aggregates performance that more than offset softness in our downstream businesses. As Ward noted, our core aggregates business delivered record performance in 2025. Revenues increased 11% to $5 billion, driven by 6.9% pricing growth and volume growth of 3.8%. Gross profit increased 16% to $1.7 billion, and gross margin expanded 143 basis points to 34%. As strong pricing and shipment growth more than offset higher freight depreciation and general inflationary impacts, resulting in a price-cost spread of 239 basis points. Other building materials revenues decreased 8% to $992 million, and gross profit decreased 18% to $98 million, primarily driven by the Minnesota asphalt business and the impact of the April 2025 California paving divestiture. Our specialties business delivered all-time records for revenues and gross profit of $441 million and $137 million, respectively.

Speaker #3: Gross margin 173 basis expanded points to 31% , driven by strong aggregates performance that more than offset softness in our downstream businesses . As Ward noted , our core aggregates business delivered record performance in 2025 , revenues increased 11% to $5 billion .

Speaker #3: Driven by 6.9% pricing growth and volume growth of 3.8% . Gross profit increased 16% to $1.7 billion , and gross margin expanded 143 basis points to 34% .

Speaker #3: pricing and shipment growth more than offset higher freight depreciation and general inflationary impacts , resulting in a price cost spread of 239 basis points .

Speaker #3: Other building materials revenues decreased 8% to $992 million , and gross profit decreased 18% to $98 million , primarily driven by the Minnesota Asphalt and business April 2025 California Paving divestiture .

Speaker #3: specialties Our business delivered all time records for revenues and gross profit of $441 million and $137 million , respectively . These outstanding results reflect strong organic , performance , driven by pricing growth , increased shipments across all product lines , effective cost management , and five months of contributions from Premier Magnesia .

Operator 4: These outstanding results reflect strong organic performance driven by pricing growth, increased shipments across all product lines, effective cost management, and five months of contributions from Premier Magnesia following its 25 July 2025 closing. Full year cash flow from operations increased 22% to a record of $1.8 billion, which we appropriately allocated across our longstanding priorities of targeted M&A, organic investments, and returning cash to shareholders. Consistent with that framework, in 2025, we deployed $812 million on business and land acquisitions, reinvested $680 million into our plants and equipment, and returned $647 million to shareholders, representing a total cash yield of approximately 1.7%. As a result, we ended the year with a consolidated net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.3 times and total liquidity of $1.2 billion, providing meaningful capacity to execute our M&A-first growth strategy. Turning now to 2026 guidance.

Michael Petro: These outstanding results reflect strong organic performance driven by pricing growth, increased shipments across all product lines, effective cost management, and five months of contributions from Premier Magnesia following its 25 July 2025 closing. Full year cash flow from operations increased 22% to a record of $1.8 billion, which we appropriately allocated across our longstanding priorities of targeted M&A, organic investments, and returning cash to shareholders. Consistent with that framework, in 2025, we deployed $812 million on business and land acquisitions, reinvested $680 million into our plants and equipment, and returned $647 million to shareholders, representing a total cash yield of approximately 1.7%. As a result, we ended the year with a consolidated net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.3 times and total liquidity of $1.2 billion, providing meaningful capacity to execute our M&A-first growth strategy. Turning now to 2026 guidance.

Speaker #3: Following its July 25th closing, full-year cash flow from operations increased 22% to a record of $1.8 billion, which we appropriately allocated across our long-standing priorities of targeted M&A.

Speaker #3: Organic investments and returning cash to shareholders . Consistent with that framework , in 2025 , we deployed $812 million on business and land acquisitions , reinvested $680 million into our plants and equipment , and returned $647 million to shareholders , representing a total cash yield of approximately 1.7% .

Speaker #3: As a result , we ended the year with a consolidated net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.3 times and total liquidity of $1.2 billion , providing meaningful capacity to execute our M&A first growth strategy .

Operator 4: For aggregates, we expect low double-digit gross profit growth at the midpoint, supported by low single-digit shipment growth, mid-single-digit pricing improvement, and cost per ton generally in line with inflation. Importantly, we are comprehensively reviewing our quarry and terminal networks to better align production with prevailing demand that remains approximately 14% below 2022 levels. While we expect these efforts to provide meaningful rationalization opportunities and operational efficiencies, our guidance reflects only the benefits from the pilot region's actions that were realized in Q4 2025 and that will flow through the balance of 2026. Turning now to other product lines, we expect high teens gross profit growth in specialties, inclusive of acquisition contributions, while gross profit from other building materials is expected to remain relatively flat. Taken together, these assumptions support our midpoint expectations of high single-digit growth in both revenues and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations.

Michael Petro: For aggregates, we expect low double-digit gross profit growth at the midpoint, supported by low single-digit shipment growth, mid-single-digit pricing improvement, and cost per ton generally in line with inflation. Importantly, we are comprehensively reviewing our quarry and terminal networks to better align production with prevailing demand that remains approximately 14% below 2022 levels. While we expect these efforts to provide meaningful rationalization opportunities and operational efficiencies, our guidance reflects only the benefits from the pilot region's actions that were realized in Q4 2025 and that will flow through the balance of 2026. Turning now to other product lines, we expect high teens gross profit growth in specialties, inclusive of acquisition contributions, while gross profit from other building materials is expected to remain relatively flat. Taken together, these assumptions support our midpoint expectations of high single-digit growth in both revenues and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations.

Speaker #3: Turning now to 2026 , guidance for aggregates . We expect low double digit gross profit growth at the midpoint , supported by low single digit shipment growth , mid-single digit pricing improvement and cost per ton .

Speaker #3: Generally in line with inflation . Importantly , we are comprehensively reviewing our quarry and terminal networks to better align production with prevailing demand that remains approximately 14% below 2022 levels .

Speaker #3: While we expect these efforts to provide meaningful rationalization opportunities and operational efficiencies, this reflects our benefits guidance from the pilot regions' actions that were realized in 2020.

Speaker #3: Fourth quarter , and that will flow through the balance of 2026 . Turning now to other product lines , we expect high teens , gross profit growth in specialties inclusive of acquisition contributions , while gross profit from other building materials has expected to remain relatively flat .

Speaker #3: Taken together , these assumptions support our midpoint expectations of high single digit growth in both revenues and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations . As Ward noted , upon closing the asset exchange with Quikrete , we will provide updated 2026 guidance reflecting the difference between the $250 million of adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations and the expected adjusted EBITDA contribution from the acquired assets .

Operator 4: As Ward noted, upon closing the asset exchange with Quikrete, we will provide updated 2026 guidance reflecting the difference between the $250 million of Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations and the expected Adjusted EBITDA contribution from the acquired assets. As we've indicated previously, planned capital spending of $575 million represents a 29% year-over-year reduction. This investment level is aligned with the business's ongoing needs and significantly increases free cash flow available for M&A and share repurchases. With that, I will turn the call back over to Ward. Thank you, Michael. 2025 capped another remarkable five-year chapter for Martin Marietta, delivering exceptional safety, operational, and financial results while achieving all the SOAR 2025 goals we outlined during our February 2021 investor day. We took decisive steps to streamline the portfolio, enhancing strategic focus on our core aggregates platform, strengthened by a differentiated specialties business.

Michael Petro: As Ward noted, upon closing the asset exchange with Quikrete, we will provide updated 2026 guidance reflecting the difference between the $250 million of Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations and the expected Adjusted EBITDA contribution from the acquired assets. As we've indicated previously, planned capital spending of $575 million represents a 29% year-over-year reduction. This investment level is aligned with the business's ongoing needs and significantly increases free cash flow available for M&A and share repurchases. With that, I will turn the call back over to Ward.

Speaker #3: As we've indicated , previously , planned capital spending of $575 million represents a 29% year over year reduction . This investment level is aligned with the business's ongoing needs and significantly increases free cash flow available for M&A and share repurchases .

Ward Nye: Thank you, Michael. 2025 capped another remarkable five-year chapter for Martin Marietta, delivering exceptional safety, operational, and financial results while achieving all the SOAR 2025 goals we outlined during our February 2021 investor day. We took decisive steps to streamline the portfolio, enhancing strategic focus on our core aggregates platform, strengthened by a differentiated specialties business.

Speaker #3: With that , I will turn the call back over to Ward . Thank you . Michael . 2025 capped another remarkable five year chapter for Martin Marietta , delivering exceptional safety , operational and financial results while achieving all the Saw 2025 goals .

Speaker #3: We outlined during our February 2021 Investor Day . We took decisive steps to streamline the portfolio , enhancing strategic focus on our core aggregates platform , strengthened by differentiated Specialties , business .

Operator 4: Building on this success, we launched SOAR 2030 at our capital markets day, charting a clear path for continued growth and shareholder value creation. If the operator now provides the required instructions, we'll turn our attention to addressing your question. Thank you. We'll now begin the question-and-answer session. If you have dialed in and would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand and join the queue. If you would like to withdraw your question, simply press star 1 a second time. If you're called upon to ask your question and are listening via speakerphone on your device, please pick up your handset and ensure that your phone is not on mute when asking your question. To be able to take as many questions as possible, we ask that you please limit yourself to one question.

Ward Nye: Building on this success, we launched SOAR 2030 at our capital markets day, charting a clear path for continued growth and shareholder value creation. If the operator now provides the required instructions, we'll turn our attention to addressing your question.

Speaker #3: on this Building success , launched we Saw 2030 at our Capital Markets Day , charting a clear continued growth and path for value shareholder creation at the operator now provides the required instructions .

Operator: Thank you. We'll now begin the question-and-answer session. If you have dialed in and would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand and join the queue. If you would like to withdraw your question, simply press star 1 a second time. If you're called upon to ask your question and are listening via speakerphone on your device, please pick up your handset and ensure that your phone is not on mute when asking your question. To be able to take as many questions as possible, we ask that you please limit yourself to one question.

Speaker #3: We'll turn our attention to your question addressing .

Speaker #1: you Thank . And we'll begin the now question and answer If session . you have in and would dialed ask a question , please press star one on your telephone keypad .

Speaker #1: To raise your hand and join the queue, please press star one. If you would like to withdraw your question, simply press star one a second time.

Speaker #1: If you're called upon to ask question and are listening via your speakerphone on your device , please pick up your ensure handset and that your phone is not on mute .

Operator 4: Again, it is star 1 if you would like to join the queue. And our first question comes from the line of Kathryn Thompson with Thompson Research Group. Your line is open. Good morning, and thank you for taking my question today. For you guys, I have just a broad policy question that's a two-part. The first is obvious on IIJA. It expires at the end of September. And having recently spoken with TechSTOT, we understand that they've modeled in multiple different scenarios addressing the new highway bill, from funding increases to funding declines. The first part of my question is, can you share your latest intelligence on where Congress is on the new highway bill and what funding levels are most likely? And the second part is, how critical is federal funding now with states and local municipalities?

Operator: Again, it is star 1 if you would like to join the queue. And our first question comes from the line of Kathryn Thompson with Thompson Research Group. Your line is open.

Speaker #1: asking your question . To be When able to take as many questions as possible , we ask that you please limit yourself to one question .

Speaker #1: Again , it is star one . If you would like to join the queue . And our first question comes from the line of Catherine Thompson with Thompson Research Group .

Kathryn Thompson: Good morning, and thank you for taking my question today. For you guys, I have just a broad policy question that's a two-part. The first is obvious on IIJA. It expires at the end of September. And having recently spoken with TechSTOT, we understand that they've modeled in multiple different scenarios addressing the new highway bill, from funding increases to funding declines. The first part of my question is, can you share your latest intelligence on where Congress is on the new highway bill and what funding levels are most likely? And the second part is, how critical is federal funding now with states and local municipalities?

Speaker #1: Your line is open .

Speaker #4: morning and Good thank you for taking my question today . For you guys , I have just a broad policy question . That's a two part .

Speaker #4: The first is obvious on Iija expires at the end of September . And recently spoken having with Texdot , we understand that they've modeled in a multiple different scenarios addressing the new highway bill from funding increases to funding declines .

Speaker #4: The first part of the question is , can you share your latest intelligence on where Congress is on the new highway bill and what funding levels are most likely ?

Speaker #4: The second part is how critical is federal funding now with states and local cities ? You have markets like Charlotte County , Brown County , just passed significant incremental funding over the past several years .

Operator 4: You have markets like Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, just passed significant incremental funding over the past several years. Is the highway bill as important as it used to be for state DOTs and for Martin Marietta? Thanks very much. Kathryn, good morning. It's nice to hear your voice, and thanks for the question. So I would say several things. One, the highway bill continues to be important. It doesn't have the same overarching importance that it did, let's call it, 15 or 20 years ago because, as you said, municipalities and states have clearly picked up their game, and I think they intend to continue doing that. That said, recognizing it is important, I would say several things. One, if we're looking at the bill structure today, I would say both the House and the Senate are intent on pursuing a five-year reauthorization of highway public transportation programs.

Kathryn Thompson: You have markets like Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, just passed significant incremental funding over the past several years. Is the highway bill as important as it used to be for state DOTs and for Martin Marietta? Thanks very much.

Ward Nye: Kathryn, good morning. It's nice to hear your voice, and thanks for the question. So I would say several things. One, the highway bill continues to be important. It doesn't have the same overarching importance that it did, let's call it, 15 or 20 years ago because, as you said, municipalities and states have clearly picked up their game, and I think they intend to continue doing that. That said, recognizing it is important, I would say several things. One, if we're looking at the bill structure today, I would say both the House and the Senate are intent on pursuing a five-year reauthorization of highway public transportation programs.

Speaker #4: Is the highway bill as important as it used to be for state Dot's and for Martin Marietta ? Thanks very much , Catherine .

Speaker #3: Good morning . It's your voice . And thanks for the question . I would say several things . One , the highway bill continues important .

Speaker #3: to be It the doesn't have same overarching importance that it did . Let's call it 15 or 20 years ago , because as said you , municipalities and states have clearly picked up their game .

Speaker #3: I think And they intend to continue doing that . That said , recognizing it is important , I would say several things . One , if we're looking at the bill structure today , I would say both the House and the Senate are intent on pursuing a five year reauthorization of highway public transportation programs .

Operator 4: Number two, I think they're both pretty committed to not having some of the broader components that were in the last bill structure. And what I mean by that, Kathryn, is in a $1.2 trillion bill, $350 billion went to highways, bridges, roads, and streets. So I think we can anticipate a larger portion of that is going to highways, bridges, roads, and streets this time. From my understanding, and I've spoken to members of the Senate Committee and the House Committee, they're targeting spring for a release of the text. And what that means is I think that schedule gives us ample time to complete the action by 30 September. So at this point, at least from what I'm hearing, all the discussion is relative to an on-time, multi-year reauthorization.

Ward Nye: Number two, I think they're both pretty committed to not having some of the broader components that were in the last bill structure. And what I mean by that, Kathryn, is in a $1.2 trillion bill, $350 billion went to highways, bridges, roads, and streets. So I think we can anticipate a larger portion of that is going to highways, bridges, roads, and streets this time. From my understanding, and I've spoken to members of the Senate Committee and the House Committee, they're targeting spring for a release of the text. And what that means is I think that schedule gives us ample time to complete the action by 30 September. So at this point, at least from what I'm hearing, all the discussion is relative to an on-time, multi-year reauthorization.

Speaker #3: Number two, I think they're both pretty committed to not having some of the broader components that were in the last bill structure.

Speaker #3: And what I mean by that , Catherine , is in a $1.2 trillion bill , $350 billion went to highways , roads and bridges , streets .

Speaker #3: think we can I anticipate a larger portion of that is going to highways , bridges , roads and streets . This time . From my understanding .

Speaker #3: And I've spoken to members of the Senate committee and the House Committee . They're targeting spring for a release of the text . And what that means is , I think that schedule gives us ample time to complete the by action September 30th .

Speaker #3: So at this least point , at from what hearing discussion I'm is relative to an on time , multi-year reauthorization . You know , I think one thing that's worth noting is , even if they didn't get it done exactly on September 30th , you know , we can at look the past practices and what that makes it clear is that we're either going to get a multiyear highway bill or an interim measure .

Operator 4: I think one thing that's worth noting is even if they didn't get it done exactly on 30 September, we can look at the past practices. What that makes it clear is that we're either going to get a multi-year highway bill or an interim measure. Even the interim measure would have to continue funding at the record that I think is modestly over $72 billion for right now. So I think that would be hugely attractive. But again, everything that I'm seeing is it's going to be on time. And at least what I've been told is, and I'm quoting, "I won't be disappointed in what I see come out of that." So I'm going to take them at their word on that.

Ward Nye: I think one thing that's worth noting is even if they didn't get it done exactly on 30 September, we can look at the past practices. What that makes it clear is that we're either going to get a multi-year highway bill or an interim measure. Even the interim measure would have to continue funding at the record that I think is modestly over $72 billion for right now. So I think that would be hugely attractive. But again, everything that I'm seeing is it's going to be on time. And at least what I've been told is, and I'm quoting, "I won't be disappointed in what I see come out of that." So I'm going to take them at their word on that.

Speaker #3: And even the interim measure would have to continue funding at the record that I think is modestly over $72 billion right now. So I think that would be hugely attractive.

Speaker #3: But again , everything that I'm seeing is it's going to be on time and at least what I've been told is , and I'm quoting , I won't be disappointed in what I see come out of that .

Operator 4: Now, to your point, though, on what's going on at the local level, I did call out in my comments what had happened, as you noted, in Mecklenburg County, of which Charlotte is the county seat. That's North Carolina's largest city. It's the largest city between Washington, DC, and Atlanta. And what that meant, Kathryn, is they put $19 billion out there over a couple of decades so they can continue to grow their infrastructure needs in and around Charlotte because Charlotte has the high-class problem that Raleigh-Durham has and that Atlanta has and that Dallas-Fort Worth has and that Denver has and that Tampa has and that so many Martin Marietta markets do, and that is population inflows are so significant. And states have to pick up their game, which they've done. Municipalities have to pick up their game, which they've done.

Ward Nye: Now, to your point, though, on what's going on at the local level, I did call out in my comments what had happened, as you noted, in Mecklenburg County, of which Charlotte is the county seat. That's North Carolina's largest city. It's the largest city between Washington, DC, and Atlanta. And what that meant, Kathryn, is they put $19 billion out there over a couple of decades so they can continue to grow their infrastructure needs in and around Charlotte because Charlotte has the high-class problem that Raleigh-Durham has and that Atlanta has and that Dallas-Fort Worth has and that Denver has and that Tampa has and that so many Martin Marietta markets do, and that is population inflows are so significant. And states have to pick up their game, which they've done. Municipalities have to pick up their game, which they've done.

Speaker #3: I'm going to So take them at their word on that . Now to your point , though , on what's going on at the local level , I did call out in my comments what had happened .

Speaker #3: As noted, in Mecklenburg County, Charlotte is the county seat. That's North Carolina's largest city. It's the largest city between Washington, D.C.

Speaker #3: and Atlanta . And what that meant , Catherine , is they put $19 billion out there over a couple of decades . So they can continue to grow their needs infrastructure in and around Charlotte .

Speaker #3: Because Charlotte has the high class problem that Raleigh-Durham has , and that Atlanta has , and that Dallas Fort Worth has , and that Denver has , and the Tampa has , and that , yeah , so many Martin Marietta markets do .

Speaker #3: And that is population inflows are so significant . And states have to pick up their game , which they've done . pick up Municipalities have to their game , which they've done .

Operator 4: And notably, when those ballot measures are put out there, they pass in the high 80% of the time. So again, I think that underscores why at the national level, we see this getting done on time because it does have broad bipartisan support. So thank you for the question, Kathryn. I hope that helped. It does. Thanks very much. We'll hop back in the queue. And our next question comes from the line of Adam Thalhimer with Thompson Davis Company. Your line is open. Hey, good morning, guys. Hey, Adam. Ward, can you provide some clarification on the guidance, what's in and what's out? I'm specifically curious about Minnesota, the acquisition there. And then finally, should we assume a slow start to the year given challenging weather? Adam, thanks for the question. I'll do my best to clarify things.

Ward Nye: And notably, when those ballot measures are put out there, they pass in the high 80% of the time. So again, I think that underscores why at the national level, we see this getting done on time because it does have broad bipartisan support. So thank you for the question, Kathryn. I hope that helped.

Speaker #3: And notably, when those ballot measures are put out there, they pass in the high 80% of the time. So again, I think that underscores why at the national level we see this getting done on time, because it does have broad bipartisan support.

Kathryn Thompson: It does. Thanks very much.

Operator: We'll hop back in the queue. And our next question comes from the line of Adam Thalhimer with Thompson Davis Company. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: So thank you for the Catherine . I hope that helped .

Speaker #4: It does. Thanks very much. I'll hop back in the queue.

Adam Thalhimer: Hey, good morning, guys. Hey, Adam. Ward, can you provide some clarification on the guidance, what's in and what's out? I'm specifically curious about Minnesota, the acquisition there. And then finally, should we assume a slow start to the year given challenging weather?

Speaker #1: And our next question comes line of from the Adam Tallheimer with Thompson Davis Company . Your line is open .

Speaker #5: Hey , good morning guys .

Speaker #3: Hey , Adam .

Speaker #5: Ward , can you provide some clarification on the guidance ? What's in and what's I'm specifically curious about The Minnesota . acquisition there , and then finally , should we assume a slow start to the year given challenging weather ?

Ward Nye: Adam, thanks for the question. I'll do my best to clarify things.

Operator 4: I hope it's out there, but I know it's a lot to read. So I would say several things. One, if we start with consolidated Adjusted EBITDA in the midpoint of really $2.9 billion, let's call it, that is truly an all-in number relative to, in many respects, how we finished the year last year. So does it have our heritage aggregates and organic aggregates business in it? You bet. Does it have disc ops, in other words, the cement in North Texas and the concrete that goes with it? You bet. So that's how I would capture what's in the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. Now, if we go to Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, this is when it's got a little bit of shimmy to it. And here's what I mean by that. It's got the organic business in that. And really, that's what it has solely and uniquely.

Ward Nye: I hope it's out there, but I know it's a lot to read. So I would say several things. One, if we start with consolidated Adjusted EBITDA in the midpoint of really $2.9 billion, let's call it, that is truly an all-in number relative to, in many respects, how we finished the year last year. So does it have our heritage aggregates and organic aggregates business in it? You bet. Does it have disc ops, in other words, the cement in North Texas and the concrete that goes with it? You bet. So that's how I would capture what's in the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. Now, if we go to Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, this is when it's got a little bit of shimmy to it. And here's what I mean by that. It's got the organic business in that. And really, that's what it has solely and uniquely.

Speaker #3: Adam , thanks for the question . I'll do my best to things . I hope it's out there , but I know it's it's a lot to so I would say several things .

Speaker #3: One , if we start with consolidated adjusted EBITDA in the midpoint of really two point , let's call it $4.9 billion . That is truly an all in number relative to , in many respects , how finished the year year .

Speaker #3: So last does it heritage have our aggregates and organic aggregates business in it ? You bet . Does it have disc space ? In other words , the cement in North Texas and the concrete that goes with it .

Speaker #3: You bet . So that's how I would capture what's in the consolidated EBITDA adjusted . Now , if we go to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations got when it's a little bit of , this is shimmy to it .

Speaker #3: here's what I And mean by that . got the It's organic business in that . And really that that's what it has solely .

Operator 4: So take out cement, take out the ready mix that goes with cement, and frankly, take out the Minnesota. So I think that comes back and answers your question. Part of what we intend to do when we close Quikrete is come back and reset the table. And the resetting of the table, we'll have the Quikrete assets in it. You will also have the Minnesota business in it. And then we will give you a nice, clean picture of what we believe the balance of 2026 will look like. But again, I hope that answers your question directly, Adam. Oh, great. And then just maybe on the slow start to the year potential. Well, you know what? Potentially is a good word because actually, I'll talk more about Q1 when we report. What I'll tell you is this. I was not disappointed in what I saw in January.

Ward Nye: So take out cement, take out the ready mix that goes with cement, and frankly, take out the Minnesota. So I think that comes back and answers your question. Part of what we intend to do when we close Quikrete is come back and reset the table. And the resetting of the table, we'll have the Quikrete assets in it. You will also have the Minnesota business in it. And then we will give you a nice, clean picture of what we believe the balance of 2026 will look like. But again, I hope that answers your question directly, Adam. Oh, great. And then just maybe on the slow start to the year potential. Well, you know what? Potentially is a good word because actually, I'll talk more about Q1 when we report. What I'll tell you is this. I was not disappointed in what I saw in January.

Speaker #3: And uniquely so out take cement , take out the ready mix that goes with cement . And take out frankly the Minnesota . So I think that comes back and answers your Part of what we intend to question .

Speaker #3: So, when we close Quikrete, it will come back and reset the table. And the resetting of the table will have the Quikrete assets in it.

Speaker #3: It will also have the Minnesota business in it, and then we will give you a nice, clean picture of what we believe the balance of 2026 will look like.

Speaker #3: But again , I hope that answers your question Adam directly . .

Speaker #5: Oh, great. And then just maybe on the slow start to the year, potential.

Speaker #3: Well , you know what ? Potentially is a good word actually because I talk more about Q1 when we report . What I'll tell you is this I was not disappointed in what I saw in January .

Operator 4: And it would have been easy looking from the outside in and seeing a lot of cold weather and seeing places like Texas having a deep freeze and the Southeast having a deep freeze and thinking, "Boy, that's got to be a slow start." Actually, I saw really resilient performance in January, which I was heartened by. And part of what that led me to think, Adam, is I'm reflecting really on last year and the way that we gave you a guide to last year. As you recall, the words I think I used almost 12 months ago today is, "I think we're giving you a nice, measured guide, a very thoughtful guide for the year." And you recall how the year played out last year. And I would like to see it play out that way again this year.

Ward Nye: And it would have been easy looking from the outside in and seeing a lot of cold weather and seeing places like Texas having a deep freeze and the Southeast having a deep freeze and thinking, "Boy, that's got to be a slow start." Actually, I saw really resilient performance in January, which I was heartened by. And part of what that led me to think, Adam, is I'm reflecting really on last year and the way that we gave you a guide to last year. As you recall, the words I think I used almost 12 months ago today is, "I think we're giving you a nice, measured guide, a very thoughtful guide for the year." And you recall how the year played out last year. And I would like to see it play out that way again this year.

Speaker #3: And it would have been easy looking from the outside in and seeing cold a lot of weather and seeing places like Texas having a deep freeze and the southeast having a deep freeze and thinking , boy , that's got to be a slow start .

Speaker #3: Actually , I saw really resilient performance in January , which I was heartened by . And part of what that led me to think , Adam , is I'm reflecting really on last year and the way that we gave you a guide to last year .

Speaker #3: As you recall , the words , I think I used almost 12 months ago today is I think we're giving you a nice measured guide , very guide for thoughtful year .

Speaker #3: And you recall how the year played out last year. And I would like to see it play out that way this year.

Speaker #3: the And you you recall how the year played out last year . And I would like to see it play out that way this again far I haven't seen anything in the early And so that days dissuade me of that view .

Operator 4: And so far, I haven't seen anything in the early days that dissuaded me of that view. Thanks, Ward. Thank you, Adam. And our next question comes from the line of Trey Grooms with Stephens. Your line is open. Hey, good morning, Ward and Michael. Hey, Trey. Hey, just kind of sticking with the guidance here. Given what we've seen with contract awards in your markets and maybe what you're seeing from the field and hearing from your contractor customers, maybe on both the public, and private side, could you give us a little more color on how your in-market assumptions and the mix there kind of build into your outlook for 1% to 3% volume growth this year? And then within that 1% to 3%, maybe where you see the most likely kind of swing factors within the range there. Will do. Trey, thanks for the question.

Ward Nye: And so far, I haven't seen anything in the early days that dissuaded me of that view.

Adam Thalhimer: Thanks, Ward.

Operator: Thank you, Adam. And our next question comes from the line of Trey Grooms with Stephens. Your line is open.

Speaker #5: Thanks , . Ward

Trey Grooms: Hey, good morning, Ward and Michael. Hey, Trey. Hey, just kind of sticking with the guidance here. Given what we've seen with contract awards in your markets and maybe what you're seeing from the field and hearing from your contractor customers, maybe on both the public, and private side, could you give us a little more color on how your in-market assumptions and the mix there kind of build into your outlook for 1% to 3% volume growth this year? And then within that 1% to 3%, maybe where you see the most likely kind of swing factors within the range there.

Speaker #3: Thank you . Adam .

Speaker #1: next , and our question comes from the line of Trey Grooms with Stephens . Your line is open .

Speaker #6: Hey , good morning , Ward and Michael .

Speaker #3: Hey , Trey .

Speaker #6: Just, hey, kind of sticking with the guidance here, you know, given what we've seen with contract awards in your markets and maybe, you know, what you're seeing from the field and hearing from your contractor customers.

Speaker #6: on , Maybe you know , both the public and private side . Could you , could you give us a little more color on you know , how your in market assumptions and the mix there kind of build into your outlook for 1 to 3% volume growth this year .

Ward Nye: Will do. Trey, thanks for the question.

Speaker #6: And then within that 1 to 3% maybe where you see the most of swing factors likely kind within the range , there .

Operator 4: I think that's a good one. Let me go through the big buckets and give you a snapshot of what I think that's going to look like. So if we start with infrastructure, then if we look at it for last year, it was about 37% of our business. Look, I see that up mid-single digits. I think that's going to be a good, steady story this year. I think that story could actually be better this year than we're guiding right now. Keep in mind, we've said 2026 should see those peak IIJA funds come in. So again, if that peaks the way that we think, that's going to be important. But keep in mind, you still got 50% of the funds that have yet to flow. So 2026 should be an attractive year, but frankly, so should 2027. So I think that's really a big piece of it.

Ward Nye: I think that's a good one. Let me go through the big buckets and give you a snapshot of what I think that's going to look like. So if we start with infrastructure, then if we look at it for last year, it was about 37% of our business. Look, I see that up mid-single digits. I think that's going to be a good, steady story this year. I think that story could actually be better this year than we're guiding right now. Keep in mind, we've said 2026 should see those peak IIJA funds come in. So again, if that peaks the way that we think, that's going to be important. But keep in mind, you still got 50% of the funds that have yet to flow. So 2026 should be an attractive year, but frankly, so should 2027. So I think that's really a big piece of it.

Speaker #3: Trey , Will do . thanks for the question . I think that's a good one . Let me go through the the big buckets and give you a snapshot of what I think that's going to look like .

Speaker #3: So if we start with infrastructure, if we look at it—for last year, it was about 37% of our business. Look, I see that up mid-single digits.

Speaker #3: I think that's going to be a good, steady story this year. I think that story could actually be better this year than we're guiding right now.

Speaker #3: You know, keep in mind we've said 2026 should see those peak IIJA funds come in. So again, if that peaks the way that we think, that's going to be important.

Speaker #3: But keep in mind, you still have 50% of the funds that have yet to flow. So '26 should be an attractive year.

Operator 4: I think the other piece that we spoke of before, if we're looking at our top 10 states, and I think this is an important thing to keep in mind, we're looking at their overall DOT budgets up about 7% from the prior year. So again, if we're looking broadly across Martin Marietta and you know those top 10 states tend to matter disproportionately, again, their budgets look very, very good. I've spoken in one of the earlier questions about what we've seen at the local level relative to referendums. A lot of those got passed last November. Obviously, the one that we've spoken of in Mecklenburg County, which basically is Charlotte, is an important one for us because that's a vital market to Martin Marietta. I mean, that kind of takes me through at least the infrastructure piece of it.

Ward Nye: I think the other piece that we spoke of before, if we're looking at our top 10 states, and I think this is an important thing to keep in mind, we're looking at their overall DOT budgets up about 7% from the prior year. So again, if we're looking broadly across Martin Marietta and you know those top 10 states tend to matter disproportionately, again, their budgets look very, very good. I've spoken in one of the earlier questions about what we've seen at the local level relative to referendums. A lot of those got passed last November. Obviously, the one that we've spoken of in Mecklenburg County, which basically is Charlotte, is an important one for us because that's a vital market to Martin Marietta. I mean, that kind of takes me through at least the infrastructure piece of it.

Speaker #3: But frankly , so should 27 . So I think that's that's really a big piece of it . I think the other piece that we spoke of before , if we're looking at our top ten states , and I think this is an important thing to keep in mind , looking at we're you know , their overall dot budgets up about 7% from the prior year .

Speaker #3: So again , if we're looking broadly across Martin-marietta and you know , those top ten states tend to matter disproportionately . Again , their budgets look very , very good .

Speaker #3: I've spoken one of the earlier questions about what we've seen at the local level relative to referendums . You know , a lot of those got passed last November .

Speaker #3: Obviously , the one that we've spoken of in Mecklenburg County , which . Basically is Charlotte , is an important one for us because that's a that's a vital market to Martin Marietta .

Operator 4: I do think there's probably some modest upside there. Non-RES, if we back away from it, again, 35% of our business last year. It's interesting to me to look at it because if we're looking at total square footage starts, they're still 20% below the prior peak, even with the holy trinity of data centers, energy, and warehousing all moving in the right direction. But the thing that I'm taken by is what I'm seeing right now in demand for data centers simply remains really strong. I mean, we've talked about what's going on with Stargate in Abilene. We've talked about Google and their investments in South Carolina. Meta has recently reaffirmed their $65 billion CapEx investments in Louisiana. I mean, these are big numbers. But then what I like are stories like this.

Ward Nye: I do think there's probably some modest upside there. Non-RES, if we back away from it, again, 35% of our business last year. It's interesting to me to look at it because if we're looking at total square footage starts, they're still 20% below the prior peak, even with the holy trinity of data centers, energy, and warehousing all moving in the right direction. But the thing that I'm taken by is what I'm seeing right now in demand for data centers simply remains really strong. I mean, we've talked about what's going on with Stargate in Abilene. We've talked about Google and their investments in South Carolina. Meta has recently reaffirmed their $65 billion CapEx investments in Louisiana. I mean, these are big numbers. But then what I like are stories like this.

Speaker #3: I mean, that kind of takes me through at least the infrastructure piece of it. And I do, I do think there’s probably some modest upside there.

Speaker #3: Non-res you know , if we back away from it again , 35% of our business last year , you know , it's interesting to me to look at it because if we're looking at total square footage starts , you know , there's 20% below the prior peak .

Speaker #3: Even with the Holy of trinity data centers , energy and warehousing all moving in the right direction . But the thing that I'm taken by is , what I'm seeing right now in demand for data centers simply remains really strong .

Speaker #3: I mean , we talked about what's going on with Stargate and Abilene . We've talked about Google in their investments in South Carolina .

Speaker #3: You know , meta has recently reaffirmed their $65 billion CapEx investments in Louisiana . I mean , these are big numbers . But then what I like are this .

Operator 4: I mean, Project Jade, which is a large data center that really just got underway in Laramie County, Wyoming, in December, that's going to be an enormous project. And we've got the closest proximate quarry of size to that. So I think all that's going to be impressive for a while. But what we're seeing is what you would have imagined. And I think this may supply more upside as well. What we're seeing in energy and its needs are pretty significant. So the US power demand is expected to rise 25% by 2030. And again, these are all compared with 2023 levels. If we're saying from 2023 to 2050, it's going to have to go up by 80%. So again, if you're looking at something that can be a lever in this, that's certainly one of them, is we're thinking about data centers and we're thinking about energy.

Ward Nye: I mean, Project Jade, which is a large data center that really just got underway in Laramie County, Wyoming, in December, that's going to be an enormous project. And we've got the closest proximate quarry of size to that. So I think all that's going to be impressive for a while. But what we're seeing is what you would have imagined. And I think this may supply more upside as well. What we're seeing in energy and its needs are pretty significant. So the US power demand is expected to rise 25% by 2030. And again, these are all compared with 2023 levels. If we're saying from 2023 to 2050, it's going to have to go up by 80%. So again, if you're looking at something that can be a lever in this, that's certainly one of them, is we're thinking about data centers and we're thinking about energy.

Speaker #3: stories like I mean , project Jade , which is a large data center that that really just got underway in Laramie County , Wyoming , in December .

Speaker #3: That's going to be an enormous project . And we've got the closest proximate quarry of size to that . So I think all that's going to be impressive for a while .

Speaker #3: But what we're seeing is what you would have imagined . And I think this may supply more upside as well . If what we're seeing in energy and its needs are pretty significant .

Speaker #3: So the US power demand is to expected rise 25% by 2030 . And again , these are all compared with 2023 levels . If we're saying from 2023 to 2050 , it's going to have to go up by 80% .

Speaker #3: So again , if you're looking at something that can be a lever in this , that's certainly As we're thinking about data centers and we're thinking about energy Texas , which is an important state for us , where we're the largest aggregates producer , is clearly a leader in that .

Operator 4: Texas, which is an important state for us where we're the largest aggregates producer, is clearly a leader in that. But importantly, and Trey, you'll remember when we were talking about V.C. Summer 10 and 15 years ago as far as the nuclear plant in South Carolina; now you've got Brookfield Asset Management who's come in there basically in a public-private partnership with Westinghouse. And they're basically looking to build large-scale nuclear reactors to support the growing demand in that state and beyond. The other thing that we're seeing, and frankly, this is overdue from my perspective, is we're seeing LNG projects coming back as well. So you're getting closer to the Gulf. Port Arthur LNG is starting to move. So again, do I think there's upside on data centers? Yeah, I do. Do I think there's upside on energy? I do.

Ward Nye: Texas, which is an important state for us where we're the largest aggregates producer, is clearly a leader in that. But importantly, and Trey, you'll remember when we were talking about V.C. Summer 10 and 15 years ago as far as the nuclear plant in South Carolina; now you've got Brookfield Asset Management who's come in there basically in a public-private partnership with Westinghouse. And they're basically looking to build large-scale nuclear reactors to support the growing demand in that state and beyond. The other thing that we're seeing, and frankly, this is overdue from my perspective, is we're seeing LNG projects coming back as well. So you're getting closer to the Gulf. Port Arthur LNG is starting to move. So again, do I think there's upside on data centers? Yeah, I do. Do I think there's upside on energy? I do.

Speaker #3: But importantly , and Trey , you remember when we were talking about VC Sumner , 15 , and , you know , ten and 15 years ago , as far as the nuclear plant in South Carolina , now you've Brookfield got Asset come in .

Speaker #3: Management who's They're basically in a public private partnership with Westinghouse . And they're basically looking to to build large scale nuclear reactors to support the growing demand in that state and beyond .

Speaker #3: other thing The that we're seeing , and frankly , this is overdue , from my perspective , is we're seeing LNG projects coming back as well .

Speaker #3: So getting closer you're to the Gulf , Port Arthur LNG is starting to move . So again , do I think there's upside on data centers ?

Operator 4: But here's the other piece of it that's very different than I would have been speaking to you about last year at the same time. And that is what's going on with distribution and warehousing. So again, we continue to see in a number of our markets, Amazon is growing. We've seen good examples of Walmart distribution centers coming in, Ross distribution centers, Dell Hayes, which is the owner of Food Lion in our part of the world, is building a nice distribution center as well. And we're seeing Big Pharma making nice moves. I mean, Novo Nordisk, J&J, Eli Lilly. So again, as I'm looking at public, I see nice momentum and potential upside. As I'm looking at heavy non-RES, I'm seeing nice momentum and I'm seeing upside.

Ward Nye: But here's the other piece of it that's very different than I would have been speaking to you about last year at the same time. And that is what's going on with distribution and warehousing. So again, we continue to see in a number of our markets, Amazon is growing. We've seen good examples of Walmart distribution centers coming in, Ross distribution centers, Dell Hayes, which is the owner of Food Lion in our part of the world, is building a nice distribution center as well. And we're seeing Big Pharma making nice moves. I mean, Novo Nordisk, J&J, Eli Lilly. So again, as I'm looking at public, I see nice momentum and potential upside. As I'm looking at heavy non-RES, I'm seeing nice momentum and I'm seeing upside.

Speaker #3: Yeah , I do do I think there's some side on energy ? I do , but here's the other piece of it that's very different than I would have speaking to you about last year .

Speaker #3: At the same time . And that is what's going on with distribution and warehousing . So again , we continue to see in a number of our markets , Amazon is growing .

Speaker #3: seen good We've examples of Walmart distribution centers coming in . Ross distribution centers . Delhaize , which is the owner of Lion in our part of the Food is building a nice world , distribution center as well .

Speaker #3: seeing big And we're Pharma making nice moves . Novo Nordisk , J&J , Eli Lilly , so again , as I'm looking at public , I see nice momentum in potential upside as I'm looking at heavy non-res , I'm seeing nice and momentum I'm seeing upside if I'm seeing places I'm if that frankly will be relatively flat .

Operator 4: If I'm seeing places that frankly will be relatively flat, I mean, that's where residential comes to the top of the pole, right? Look, you heard me say that I think we're likely to see declining interest rates. I think that's going to be helpful on RES. I think that's going to be helpful, most importantly, on single-family RES. At the same time, you saw the latest starts. They're really not very heady at all. But the need is acute. And I think one thing to watch is what's going to happen with adjustable mortgage rates and how popular do those become, again, even ahead of watching interest rates decline. So do I think there's upside in public? Yeah. Do I think there's upside in data? Yeah. And do I think housing's likely to be relatively flat-ish with likely upside moving into next year? Yeah, I do.

Ward Nye: If I'm seeing places that frankly will be relatively flat, I mean, that's where residential comes to the top of the pole, right? Look, you heard me say that I think we're likely to see declining interest rates. I think that's going to be helpful on RES. I think that's going to be helpful, most importantly, on single-family RES. At the same time, you saw the latest starts. They're really not very heady at all. But the need is acute. And I think one thing to watch is what's going to happen with adjustable mortgage rates and how popular do those become, again, even ahead of watching interest rates decline. So do I think there's upside in public? Yeah. Do I think there's upside in data? Yeah. And do I think housing's likely to be relatively flat-ish with likely upside moving into next year? Yeah, I do.

Speaker #3: mean , that's that's where residential I comes to the the top of top of the pole . Right ? Look , you heard that I think me say we're likely to see declining rates .

Speaker #3: think that's going to interest be helpful I Raas . that's going to I think be helpful . Most on importantly , on family single Rose at the same saw the latest time , you starts really , they're not very heady at But the is need all .

Speaker #3: acute . think one thing to And I watch is to what's going happen with adjustable mortgage rates and how popular do those become again , even ahead of watching rates interest so do I decline , think there's upside in Yeah .

Speaker #3: Do I think there’s upside in the data? Yeah. And do I think housing’s likely to be flattish, relatively, with likely upside moving into the year? Yes.

Operator 4: And I think as we think longer term, when you see that last turn really come to RES, I think that really puts some accelerant to pricing as well. So Trey, I tried to take you through the three big end uses and tried to give you the ups and downs and some of the whys. Yep. Well, thank you for all the color, Ward. Super helpful. And I'll pass it on. Best luck. Thanks, Trey. And our next question comes from the line of Anthony Pettinari with Citi. Your line is open. Hi, this is Asher Stonan on for Anthony. Thanks for taking my question. Just based on the guide you put out, it looks like the 250 basis points price-cost spread guide is kind of still intact.

Ward Nye: And I think as we think longer term, when you see that last turn really come to RES, I think that really puts some accelerant to pricing as well. So Trey, I tried to take you through the three big end uses and tried to give you the ups and downs and some of the whys.

Speaker #3: next Yeah I do and I think as we think longer term when you see that last turn really come to rest , I think that really puts some accelerant to pricing , Trey , as well .

Trey Grooms: Yep. Well, thank you for all the color, Ward. Super helpful. And I'll pass it on. Best luck.

Speaker #3: that I'd tried you through to take the three big end uses and try to give you the ups and downs and some of the whys .

Operator: Thanks, Trey. And our next question comes from the line of Anthony Pettinari with Citi. Your line is open.

Speaker #6: Yep . Well , thank you for all the color words . Super helpful . And I'll pass it on . Best of luck .

Asher Sohnen: Hi, this is Asher Stonan on for Anthony. Thanks for taking my question. Just based on the guide you put out, it looks like the 250 basis points price-cost spread guide is kind of still intact.

Speaker #3: Thanks , Troy .

Speaker #1: And our next question comes from the line of Anthony Pettinari with Citi . Your line is open .

Speaker #7: Hi . This is Asher on for Anthony . Thanks for taking my question . Just based on the guide you put out , it looks like the 250 basis points price cost spread guide is kind of still intact .

Operator 4: I just was hoping you could walk us through what you expect for your key cost buckets in 2026, like labor, raw materials, energy, maintenance, etc. But I guess also really, what gives you confidence that you can kind of keep costs down? Is it that you're seeing lower inflation, or maybe there's some other levers you're pulling? Thanks for the question. I would say several things. One, look, we're seeing inflation running, let's call it 3.5%-ish. I mean, if we think about the things that will be involved in that, clearly, labor is going to be a piece of that. We actually feel like supplies and some of those things will continue to move a bit.

Asher Sohnen: I just was hoping you could walk us through what you expect for your key cost buckets in 2026, like labor, raw materials, energy, maintenance, etc. But I guess also really, what gives you confidence that you can kind of keep costs down? Is it that you're seeing lower inflation, or maybe there's some other levers you're pulling?

Speaker #7: I was just hoping you could walk us through what you expect for your key cost buckets in 2026—like labor, raw materials, energy, maintenance, or anything else.

Speaker #7: but I guess also really what gives you confidence that you can kind of keep costs down ? Is it that you're seeing lower inflation maybe or there's some other levers you're pulling ?

Ward Nye: Thanks for the question. I would say several things. One, look, we're seeing inflation running, let's call it 3.5%-ish. I mean, if we think about the things that will be involved in that, clearly, labor is going to be a piece of that. We actually feel like supplies and some of those things will continue to move a bit.

Speaker #3: Thanks for the question . I would say several things . One , look , we're seeing inflation running . Let's call it 3.5% ish .

Speaker #3: I mean , if we think about the things that will be involved in that , clearly labor is going to be a piece of that .

Operator 4: But at the same time, we don't see a lot of significant tariff activity in our space because so much of what we're buying and our markets tend to be uniquely in the United States all by themselves. If we're looking at the quarter itself, I would say several things were moving around in the quarter. One, we just had a degree of higher external freight costs. And what I mean by that is we had increased yard activity. And so if we're just looking at the transfer activity to yard locations themselves, that actually took up costs in ways that, in many respects, are more optical than real.

Ward Nye: But at the same time, we don't see a lot of significant tariff activity in our space because so much of what we're buying and our markets tend to be uniquely in the United States all by themselves. If we're looking at the quarter itself, I would say several things were moving around in the quarter. One, we just had a degree of higher external freight costs. And what I mean by that is we had increased yard activity. And so if we're just looking at the transfer activity to yard locations themselves, that actually took up costs in ways that, in many respects, are more optical than real.

Speaker #3: We actually feel like supplies and some of those things will continue to move a bit . But at the same time , we don't see a lot of significant tariff activity in our space because so much of what we're buying and our markets tend to be uniquely in the United States all by themselves .

Speaker #3: If we're looking at the quarter itself , I would say several things were moving around in the quarter . One , we just had had a degree of higher external freight costs .

Speaker #3: And what I mean by that is we had increased yard activity. And so if we're just looking at the transfer activity to yard locations themselves, that actually took up costs in ways that in many, or more respects, are optical, real.

Operator 4: The other issues that we had in the quarter all by itself, we did have, as we're going out to California and some parts in the West and restructuring some of our business, we had some one-time inventory write-offs that would not recur. So if we're looking at the overall cost environment, I think it's actually in a pretty good place. That said, as Michael commented in his remarks, we want to make sure that we're looking at all of our divisions and all of our districts through a really clear-eyed fashion to make sure that we're lining up costs with what the market demands are today. So keep in mind, since 2022, volumes have been flat-ish to certainly not up in any notable way since 2022. He mentioned that we had a pilot project that we had gone through one division late last year.

Ward Nye: The other issues that we had in the quarter all by itself, we did have, as we're going out to California and some parts in the West and restructuring some of our business, we had some one-time inventory write-offs that would not recur. So if we're looking at the overall cost environment, I think it's actually in a pretty good place. That said, as Michael commented in his remarks, we want to make sure that we're looking at all of our divisions and all of our districts through a really clear-eyed fashion to make sure that we're lining up costs with what the market demands are today. So keep in mind, since 2022, volumes have been flat-ish to certainly not up in any notable way since 2022. He mentioned that we had a pilot project that we had gone through one division late last year.

Speaker #3: And the other issues that we had in the quarter all by itself , we did have , as we're going out to California and some parts in the West and restructuring some of our business , we had some one time inventory write offs that were not not recur .

Speaker #3: And so if we're looking at the overall cost environment , I think it's actually in a pretty good place . That said , as Michael commented in his regard , in his remarks , we want to make sure that we're looking at all of our divisions and all of our districts through a really clear eyed fashion to make sure that we're lining up costs with what the market demands are today .

Speaker #3: So keep in mind , since 2022 , volumes you know , have been flattish to to certainly not up in any notable way since 2022 .

Operator 4: The results of that were really very significant and helpful. We're looking at that more broadly across the portfolio. So again, I hope that answered your question. Thanks. I'll turn it over. Our next question comes from the line of Philip Ng with Jefferies. Your line is open. Hey, guys. It's Jesse Owen for Phil. Just on the specialty side, it looks like, obviously, Premier is having a bit of a mix impact. Can you just talk about some of the initiatives you can kind of do to get the profitability back to kind of legacy levels there and kind of a timeline associated with that? Thanks. Yeah. No, what I would say on Premier or just specialties as a whole, Premier is a margin dilutive acquisition to the specialties organic business.

Ward Nye: The results of that were really very significant and helpful. We're looking at that more broadly across the portfolio. So again, I hope that answered your question.

Speaker #3: He mentioned that we had a pilot project that we had gone through one division late last year . The that results of were really very significant and and helpful , we're looking at that more broadly across the So again , I portfolio .

Asher Sohnen: Thanks. I'll turn it over.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Philip Ng with Jefferies. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: hope that answered your question .

Speaker #7: Thanks . I'll turn it over .

Jesse Owen: Hey, guys. It's Jesse Owen for Phil. Just on the specialty side, it looks like, obviously, Premier is having a bit of a mix impact. Can you just talk about some of the initiatives you can kind of do to get the profitability back to kind of legacy levels there and kind of a timeline associated with that? Thanks.

Speaker #1: next And our question comes from the line of Philip Ng with Jefferies . Your line is open .

Speaker #8: Hey guys, it's Jesse on for Phil. Just on the specialty side, it looks like obviously Premier's having a bit of a mixed impact.

Speaker #8: Can you just talk about some of the initiatives you can kind of do to get the profitability back to legacy levels there, and kind of a timeline associated with that?

Ward Nye: Yeah. No, what I would say on Premier or just specialties as a whole, Premier is a margin dilutive acquisition to the specialties organic business.

Speaker #8: Thanks .

Speaker #3: Yeah . No , what I would say on Premier or just specialties as a whole , Premier is a margin dilutive acquisition to the specialties organic business .

Operator 4: But what you're seeing in the guide for next year, the $160 million of gross profit, that's the organic business that has run so well and so hard over the last 3 years. Again, we're taking a measured guide there. We're assuming that consolidates a bit. So a lot of the contribution and gross profit growth coming into the specialties segment is coming from the 7 months of contribution from the Premier acquisition that wasn't in 2025. And just in terms of cadence on specialties, there's really not a whole lot of seasonality in that business. So you can assume each quarter is roughly the same split for that $160 million of gross profit. But I think that margin level that's implied is a consistent margin level now for a full year with the pro forma business, including Premier. Great. Thanks. I'll turn it over.

Ward Nye: But what you're seeing in the guide for next year, the $160 million of gross profit, that's the organic business that has run so well and so hard over the last 3 years. Again, we're taking a measured guide there. We're assuming that consolidates a bit. So a lot of the contribution and gross profit growth coming into the specialties segment is coming from the 7 months of contribution from the Premier acquisition that wasn't in 2025. And just in terms of cadence on specialties, there's really not a whole lot of seasonality in that business. So you can assume each quarter is roughly the same split for that $160 million of gross profit. But I think that margin level that's implied is a consistent margin level now for a full year with the pro forma business, including Premier.

Speaker #3: But what you're seeing in the guide for next year , the 160 million of gross profit that's the organic business that is run so well and so hard over the last Again , three years .

Speaker #3: we're taking a measured assuming that We're guide there . consolidates a bit . So a lot of the contribution in gross profit growth coming into into the specialty segment is coming from the seven months of contribution from the Premier acquisition .

Speaker #3: That wasn't in 2025 . And just in terms of cadence on specialties . There's really not a whole lot of seasonality in that business .

Speaker #3: So you can assume each quarter is roughly the same split for that 160 million of gross But I profit . think that margin level , that's implied is is a consistent margin level .

Jesse Owen: Great. Thanks. I'll turn it over.

Speaker #3: Now , for a full year with the pro forma including Premier .

Operator 4: And our next question comes from the line of Angel Castillo with Morgan Stanley. Your line is open. Hi. Good morning. And thanks for taking my question. Just wanted to ask, I guess, a two-part question. First, could you just comment on the kind of, I guess, quote-to-order conversion rates and how that has been evolving as we think about fourth quarter and really in the first couple of months here of the year, whether you're seeing any shifts of projects or the quoting to conversion to orders improving in any material way? And then, Ward, you gave very good, helpful color across all the kind of key-end markets and the pockets where we might be seeing some potential for improvement. So I was just curious, could you size how much data centers is of your backlog or your orders today? And then also maybe comment on manufacturing in particular.

Operator: And our next question comes from the line of Angel Castillo with Morgan Stanley. Your line is open.

Speaker #8: Thanks . Great . I'll turn it over .

Angel Castillo: Hi. Good morning. And thanks for taking my question. Just wanted to ask, I guess, a two-part question. First, could you just comment on the kind of, I guess, quote-to-order conversion rates and how that has been evolving as we think about fourth quarter and really in the first couple of months here of the year, whether you're seeing any shifts of projects or the quoting to conversion to orders improving in any material way? And then, Ward, you gave very good, helpful color across all the kind of key-end markets and the pockets where we might be seeing some potential for improvement. So I was just curious, could you size how much data centers is of your backlog or your orders today? And then also maybe comment on manufacturing in particular.

Speaker #1: And our next question comes from the line of Angel Castillo with Morgan Stanley . Your line is open .

Speaker #9: Hi . morning , and Good thanks for taking my question . Just ask , I guess , wanted to question . First , could you just comment kind of on the , I guess , quote to order conversion rates how that has and been evolving ?

Speaker #9: And as we think about first couple of months here of the year , whether you're seeing any shifts of , you know , projects or according to conversion to order improving in any material way , and then or you gave very good , helpful color across all the kind of key end markets and the , you know , pockets where we might be seeing some potential for improvement .

Speaker #9: So I was just curious , could you size how much data centers is of your backlog or your orders today ? And then also maybe comment on manufacturing in particular ?

Operator 4: I think that's one area where we've been seeing on your slide; it's listed as more of a yellow or, I guess, orange. And then I think in the US census data, it's one of the pockets that seems to be actually seeing accelerating declines. So just curious what you're seeing on your side. Angel, thanks for the question. I would say several things. One, obviously, part of what we're doing right now is using Precise IQ largely in the East. You'll see that rolled out across the company and pretty much in place by half-year. We think that's important because part of what we've seen as we've used Precise IQ is it does several things. One, it clearly gives our sales team the ability to respond in a very quick, very agile, but very accurate way to our customers.

Angel Castillo: I think that's one area where we've been seeing on your slide; it's listed as more of a yellow or, I guess, orange. And then I think in the US census data, it's one of the pockets that seems to be actually seeing accelerating declines. So just curious what you're seeing on your side.

Speaker #9: think . I That's one area where we've been seeing on your on your slide , it's listed as more of a yellow or orange .

Ward Nye: Angel, thanks for the question. I would say several things. One, obviously, part of what we're doing right now is using Precise IQ largely in the East. You'll see that rolled out across the company and pretty much in place by half-year. We think that's important because part of what we've seen as we've used Precise IQ is it does several things. One, it clearly gives our sales team the ability to respond in a very quick, very agile, but very accurate way to our customers.

Speaker #9: then And I think in the US census data , pockets it's one of the that seems to be actually seeing accelerating declines . So just curious what you're seeing on your on your side .

Speaker #3: Andrew , thanks for the question . I would say several things . One , obviously , part of what we're now doing right is precise IQ largely in the East .

Speaker #3: You'll see that rolled the out across company and pretty much in place by half year . We think that's important because part of what we've seen is we've used precise IQ is it does several things .

Speaker #3: One, it clearly gives our sales team the ability to respond in a very quick, very agile, but very effective way to our customers.

Operator 4: The other thing that we've seen is our win rate utilizing that has amped up pretty nicely. So I think answering your question directly, is the quoting and the yield looking attractive from where we sit right now? Yes. And do I think it's going to be more attractive as Precise IQ rolls out across the enterprise? I think you get a double yes on that. As we go to data centers and look at that tonnage, look, that tonnage is right now, frankly, a few million tons a year. I mean, and we're talking about a business that's going to be, at least if we're going on last year's numbers, let's call it close to 200 million, obviously, notably larger than that when we come back with Quikrete. That said, it's growing at a very fast rate. I mean, so it's growing at a multi-double-digit rate right now.

Ward Nye: The other thing that we've seen is our win rate utilizing that has amped up pretty nicely. So I think answering your question directly, is the quoting and the yield looking attractive from where we sit right now?

Speaker #3: The other thing that it's that we've seen is our win rate utilizing that has has amped up pretty nicely . So I think answering your question directly is the quoting and the yield looking attractive from where we sit right now ?

Angel Castillo: Yes.

Ward Nye: And do I think it's going to be more attractive as Precise IQ rolls out across the enterprise? I think you get a double yes on that. As we go to data centers and look at that tonnage, look, that tonnage is right now, frankly, a few million tons a year. I mean, and we're talking about a business that's going to be, at least if we're going on last year's numbers, let's call it close to 200 million, obviously, notably larger than that when we come back with Quikrete. That said, it's growing at a very fast rate. I mean, so it's growing at a multi-double-digit rate right now.

Speaker #3: Yes . And do I think it's going to be more attractive as precise IQ rolls out across the enterprise ? I think you get a double yes on that .

Speaker #3: As we go to data centers and look at that tonnage , look that tonnage is right now , frankly , a few million tons a year .

Speaker #3: I mean , and we're talking about a business that's going to be at least going on if we're last year's numbers , let's call it close Million .

Speaker #3: to 200 . Obviously , notably larger than that . When we come back with Quikrete . That said , it's growing at a very fast rate .

Operator 4: We anticipate that that's likely to persist. Equally, if we go to some of the other Non-RES areas that I spoke to, we continue to see, at least in our markets, manufacturing moving in the right direction. I mean, that's not going to be an immediate switch that's going to go. But if we're looking at it overall, I think that's the trend that we're seeing. And Michael, anything you want to add to any of that? Yeah. I think just to give you some color on Q4, the categories that we call the threes because they all represent about 3% of our overall shipments are data centers, now distribution centers and warehouses, which is down from a peak of closer to 7 or 8%, and manufacturing and power gen. Of those categories, data centers were growing at about a 60% clip.

Ward Nye: We anticipate that that's likely to persist. Equally, if we go to some of the other Non-RES areas that I spoke to, we continue to see, at least in our markets, manufacturing moving in the right direction. I mean, that's not going to be an immediate switch that's going to go. But if we're looking at it overall, I think that's the trend that we're seeing. And Michael, anything you want to add to any of that? Yeah. I think just to give you some color on Q4, the categories that we call the threes because they all represent about 3% of our overall shipments are data centers, now distribution centers and warehouses, which is down from a peak of closer to 7 or 8%, and manufacturing and power gen. Of those categories, data centers were growing at about a 60% clip.

Speaker #3: I mean , so it's at a growing multi double digit rate right now , and we anticipate that that's likely to persist . And equally , if we go to some of the other non-res areas that I spoke to , we continue to see , at least in our markets , manufacturing , moving in the right direction .

Speaker #3: I mean , that's not going to be an immediate switch that's going to go . But if we're looking at it think overall , I that's the trend that we're seeing .

Speaker #3: And Michael , you want to anything add to any that ? Yeah , I think just to give you some color on Q4 .

Speaker #3: You know , the categories called that we the threes because they all represent about 3% of our overall shipments , our data centers now distribution centers and warehouses , which is down from a peak of closer to 7 or 8% .

Speaker #3: And manufacturing and power gen of those categories , data centers were growing at about a 60% . Clip warehouses themselves . Coming off the inflection point , were growing at about 40% .

Operator 4: Warehouses themselves, coming off the inflection point, were growing at about 40%. So that just gives you a sense for those two categories that are 3% of our overall shipments, the growth rates. And manufacturing, given some of what we're seeing in pharma that's taking over for some of the decline in large semiconductor and battery facilities, the rate of decline in Q4 was the lowest rate of decline for the year. So we're hopeful that manufacturing starts to inflect here in 2026, similar to what we saw in warehouses in 2025. Hope that helps, Angel. Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Tyler Brown with Raymond James. Your line is open. Hey, good morning, guys. Hey, Tyler. Hey, Ward. There's been a lot of chatter out in the market about pricing.

Ward Nye: Warehouses themselves, coming off the inflection point, were growing at about 40%. So that just gives you a sense for those two categories that are 3% of our overall shipments, the growth rates. And manufacturing, given some of what we're seeing in pharma that's taking over for some of the decline in large semiconductor and battery facilities, the rate of decline in Q4 was the lowest rate of decline for the year. So we're hopeful that manufacturing starts to inflect here in 2026, similar to what we saw in warehouses in 2025. Hope that helps, Angel.

Speaker #3: So that that just gives you a sense for those two categories that are 3% of our overall shipments . The growth rates manufacturing , giving some of what we're seeing in pharma .

Speaker #3: That's taking over for some of the decline in large semiconductor and battery The facilities . rate of decline in Q4 was the lowest rate of decline for the year .

Speaker #3: So we're hopeful that manufacturing starts to inflect, you know, here in 2026, similar to what we saw in warehouses in 2025.

Operator: Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Tyler Brown with Raymond James. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: Hope that helps . Angel . Thank you .

Speaker #3: Hope that helps . Angel . Thank you .

Tyler Brown: Hey, good morning, guys. Hey, Tyler. Hey, Ward. There's been a lot of chatter out in the market about pricing.

Speaker #1: next question And our comes from the line of Tyler Brown with Raymond James . Your line is open .

Speaker #10: Hey good morning guys . Hey Tyler warden . . Hey You know , there's been a lot of chatter out in the market pricing about .

Operator 4: You talked a little bit about it, but can you just kind of give us your thoughts about the state of pricing as you see it? Are you seeing anything geographically, dispersion-wise? Just any bigger picture thoughts about hitting that 5.5% ASP growth through 2030, which I think is what you laid out at the analyst day. Thanks. Tyler, thanks for the question. I would say several things. One, no surprises from where I'm sitting. I mean, I think everything that we talked about at the Capital Markets Day is pretty consistent with what we put in our documents today. If I look just at the quarter just ended, I mean, all divisions posted mid-single-digit price increases. It was interesting in Q4 because actually, we had a few project delays in and around, for example, Charlotte and Greensboro. And those are actually, from a pricing perspective, pretty attractive markets.

Tyler Brown: You talked a little bit about it, but can you just kind of give us your thoughts about the state of pricing as you see it? Are you seeing anything geographically, dispersion-wise? Just any bigger picture thoughts about hitting that 5.5% ASP growth through 2030, which I think is what you laid out at the analyst day. Thanks.

Speaker #10: bit about it , but You can you of give just kind us your thoughts about the state of pricing ? As you see it ?

Speaker #10: Are you seeing anything geographically dispersion wise ? Just any bigger picture thoughts about hitting that 5.5% ASP growth through 2030 , which I think is what you laid out at the Analyst Day .

Ward Nye: Tyler, thanks for the question. I would say several things. One, no surprises from where I'm sitting. I mean, I think everything that we talked about at the Capital Markets Day is pretty consistent with what we put in our documents today. If I look just at the quarter just ended, I mean, all divisions posted mid-single-digit price increases. It was interesting in Q4 because actually, we had a few project delays in and around, for example, Charlotte and Greensboro. And those are actually, from a pricing perspective, pretty attractive markets.

Speaker #10: Thanks , Tyler .

Speaker #3: Thanks for the question . And I would say several things . One , no surprises from where I'm sitting . I mean , I think everything that we talked about at the Capital Markets Day is , is pretty consistent with what we put in our documents today .

Speaker #3: If I look just at the quarter just ended, I mean, all divisions posted mid-single digit price increases. It was interesting.

Speaker #3: In Q4, because actually we had a few project delays in and around, for example, Charlotte and Greensboro, and those are actually, from a pricing perspective, pretty attractive markets.

Operator 4: So we actually saw volume growth in the East in Q4 modestly below the rest of the company. So that actually gives us an optical headwind if you think about what that means. And if you think about the guide, I mean, look at it in these terms. We're basically talking to 5-ish on price. We're talking to 2-ish on volume. And that's exactly what Q4 looked like. And Q4 was just a record. So as I think about taking that and really casting that forward, I don't see anything in that that gives me degrees of pause. So again, I think we've got a nice rhythm and cadence on where we're going.

Ward Nye: So we actually saw volume growth in the East in Q4 modestly below the rest of the company. So that actually gives us an optical headwind if you think about what that means. And if you think about the guide, I mean, look at it in these terms. We're basically talking to 5-ish on price. We're talking to 2-ish on volume. And that's exactly what Q4 looked like. And Q4 was just a record. So as I think about taking that and really casting that forward, I don't see anything in that that gives me degrees of pause. So again, I think we've got a nice rhythm and cadence on where we're going.

Speaker #3: So we actually saw volume growth in the East in Q4 , modestly below the rest of the company . So that actually gives us an optical headwind .

Speaker #3: about what you think that means If . And if you think about the guide , I mean , look at it in these terms .

Speaker #3: We're basically talking to five ish on price . We're talking to two ish on volume . And that's exactly what Q4 looked like in Q4 was just a record .

Speaker #3: So as I think about taking that and really casting that forward , I don't see anything in that that gives me degrees of pause .

Operator 4: And the other piece that strikes me relative to your question on pricing in particular, Tyler, if we go back to the conversation that I had relative to end users, I said, "Look, infra is looking good and may look a little better. Non-RES is looking good and may look a little better, at least on the heavy side." And we said, "Housing, not so much, at least this year." Once that housing starts coming through, Tyler, and I think you and I know that it will. And I think when it does, it's going to particularly shine in Martin Marietta markets simply because of the way we've built this business. Again, I think pricing, looking at the way that we've talked about it last September and today relative to 2026, looks very steady.

Ward Nye: And the other piece that strikes me relative to your question on pricing in particular, Tyler, if we go back to the conversation that I had relative to end users, I said, "Look, infra is looking good and may look a little better. Non-RES is looking good and may look a little better, at least on the heavy side." And we said, "Housing, not so much, at least this year." Once that housing starts coming through, Tyler, and I think you and I know that it will. And I think when it does, it's going to particularly shine in Martin Marietta markets simply because of the way we've built this business. Again, I think pricing, looking at the way that we've talked about it last September and today relative to 2026, looks very steady.

Speaker #3: So again , I think we've got a nice rhythm and cadence on where we're going . And the other piece that strikes me relative to your question on on pricing in particular , Tyler , if we go back to the conversation that I had relative to induces , I said , look , it's looking good and may look a better little .

Speaker #3: Non-residents looking good may look a little better , at least on the heavy side . And we said housing , you know , not so much .

Speaker #3: least this year . Once that housing starts coming through , Tyler , I think you and I know that it will . does , when it And I think it's going to particularly shine in Martin Marietta markets because the way we simply built this business , again , I think pricing , looking at the way that we've talked about it last September and today relative to 2026 , looks very steady .

Operator 4: And I think if we see private start to move the way that I think private is going to move, I think that's actually very helpful to pricing even going forward. So again, I hope that responded to your question, Tyler. Yep. No, that's very helpful. Thanks, guys. Appreciate it. Take care. And our next question comes from the line of Garik Shmois with Loop Capital. Your line is open. Oh, hi. Thanks. I just wanted to piggyback on the last question, but ask it from a gross profit per ton perspective. I think you're guiding to 8% growth at the midpoint of guidance this year. I think relative to SOAR 2030, I think that was closer to a low double digit.

Ward Nye: And I think if we see private start to move the way that I think private is going to move, I think that's actually very helpful to pricing even going forward. So again, I hope that responded to your question, Tyler.

Speaker #3: And I think if we see private start to move the way that I think private is going to move , I think that's actually very helpful to pricing .

Tyler Brown: Yep. No, that's very helpful. Thanks, guys. Appreciate it.

Operator: Take care. And our next question comes from the line of Garik Shmois with Loop Capital. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: Even going hope that I question . So again , forward .

Speaker #3: responded to your Tyler .

Speaker #10: very helpful . Thanks , guys . Yep . it . Appreciate

Speaker #3: Take care No , that's .

Garik Shmois: Oh, hi. Thanks. I just wanted to piggyback on the last question, but ask it from a gross profit per ton perspective. I think you're guiding to 8% growth at the midpoint of guidance this year. I think relative to SOAR 2030, I think that was closer to a low double digit.

Speaker #1: And our question comes from the line of Garik Shmois with Capital Loop. Your line is open.

Speaker #11: Oh , hi . Thanks . I just wanted to piggyback on the last question , but ask it from a gross profit per ton perspective .

Speaker #11: I think you're guiding to 8% growth at the midpoint of guidance this year. I think relative to 2030, I think that was closer to low double digits.

Operator 4: So just wondering if the variance there is on the volume side, is it related to housing coming back, and any thoughts on gross profit per ton and the level of conservatism in the guidance this year? Yeah. Hey, happy to take that question. I think you're saying the implied gross profit per ton is around the 9% versus double digits. What I would say is ag gross profit dollars are at the midpoint, up 11%. And what Ward said is we were taking a measured approach to the guide in terms of not only probably volume, but the other place where we're feeling a bit measured is on the cost side. So underlying inflation, as Ward mentioned, is running at about 3.5%. Our implied COGS per ton guide is 3%, but that's only given about 50 bps of operating leverage to the 2% volume.

Garik Shmois: So just wondering if the variance there is on the volume side, is it related to housing coming back, and any thoughts on gross profit per ton and the level of conservatism in the guidance this year?

Speaker #11: So wondering if the just variance there is on the volume side , is it related to housing coming back and any thoughts on gross profit per ton and the level of conservatism in the guidance this year ?

Ward Nye: Yeah. Hey, happy to take that question. I think you're saying the implied gross profit per ton is around the 9% versus double digits. What I would say is ag gross profit dollars are at the midpoint, up 11%. And what Ward said is we were taking a measured approach to the guide in terms of not only probably volume, but the other place where we're feeling a bit measured is on the cost side. So underlying inflation, as Ward mentioned, is running at about 3.5%. Our implied COGS per ton guide is 3%, but that's only given about 50 bps of operating leverage to the 2% volume.

Speaker #3: Yeah . Hey , good . Happy to take that question . I think you're saying the implied gross profit per ton is around the 9% versus versus double digits .

Speaker #3: What I would say is ag gross profit dollars are at the midpoint , up 11% . And what Ward said is we were taking a measured approach to the guide us in terms of not only probably volume , but but the other place where we're feeling a bit measured is on the cost side .

Speaker #3: So underlying inflation as Ward mentioned , you know , is running at about 3.5% are implied cogs per ton guide is 3% . But that's only given about 50 of bips operating leverage to the 2% volume .

Operator 4: So we would expect to have more operating leverage than that. And to put it in perspective with some sensitivities, each 1% reduction in COGS per ton inflation, holding everything else constant in our guides, about another $35 million to ag gross profit. So if there's upside, it's likely on the COGS side as we continue to take some of the lessons learned from our pilot regions, network optimization efforts, and roll that out across the company. But that is not contemplated in our guide here in February. Okay. Perfect. Thank you very much. Thank you, Garik. And our next question comes from the line of Ivan Yee with Wolfe Research. Your line is open. Thanks. Good morning, guys. Just want to go back to the price-cost spread you were talking about. Can you just comment on that trajectory going forward?

Ward Nye: So we would expect to have more operating leverage than that. And to put it in perspective with some sensitivities, each 1% reduction in COGS per ton inflation, holding everything else constant in our guides, about another $35 million to ag gross profit. So if there's upside, it's likely on the COGS side as we continue to take some of the lessons learned from our pilot regions, network optimization efforts, and roll that out across the company. But that is not contemplated in our guide here in February.

Speaker #3: So we would expect to , you know , have more operating leverage than that . And to to put it in perspective with some sensitivities , each 1% reduction in cost per ton inflation , holding everything else constant in our guides about another 35 million to ag gross profit .

Speaker #3: So if there's upside , it's likely on the Cogs side as we continue to take some of the lessons learned from our pilot regions .

Speaker #3: Network optimization efforts and roll that out across the company . But that is not contemplated in our guide here in February .

Garik Shmois: Okay. Perfect. Thank you very much.

Operator: Thank you, Garik. And our next question comes from the line of Ivan Yee with Wolfe Research. Your line is open.

Speaker #11: Okay, perfect. Thank you very much.

Ivan Yee: Thanks. Good morning, guys. Just want to go back to the price-cost spread you were talking about. Can you just comment on that trajectory going forward?

Speaker #3: Thank you Gary .

Speaker #1: And our next question comes from the line of Ivan Yee with Wolfe Research . Your line is open .

Speaker #12: Thanks . Good morning guys . Just want to go back to the price . Cost spread you were talking about . Can you comment on the on that trajectory going forward with to pricing default to plus 5% in 26 ?

Operator 4: With pricing expected to grow to +5% in 2026, does the price-cost spread then narrow this year? When can it reaccelerate? Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you for the question. Look, as Michael and I both said, I think we've taken a very measured view of what that's going to look like this year. I think what we talked about was seeing it more than that as we went through the SOAR 2030 period. So we didn't necessarily think we were going to come out of the gate at that level. We think it's going to continue to build.

Ivan Yee: With pricing expected to grow to +5% in 2026, does the price-cost spread then narrow this year? When can it reaccelerate? Thank you.

Ward Nye: You're welcome. Thank you for the question. Look, as Michael and I both said, I think we've taken a very measured view of what that's going to look like this year. I think what we talked about was seeing it more than that as we went through the SOAR 2030 period. So we didn't necessarily think we were going to come out of the gate at that level. We think it's going to continue to build.

Speaker #12: Is the price cost spread then narrow this year ? When can it be . Thank you

Speaker #3: welcome . question . Look , Thank you for

Speaker #3: As you and Michael and I both said, I think we've taken a very measured view of what that's going to look like this year.

Speaker #3: I think what we're seeing, what we talked about, was seeing it more than that as we went through the SAW 2030 period.

Operator 4: And we believe, given the cost profile that we have and where I think we'll actually drive that, and what I believe is likely to happen to volumes over the coming years as private construction has a degree of recovery, we don't look at that price-cost spread that we discussed in September and have any concerns about that. We feel very confident in our ability to hit that. And I think if we're doing what we're doing in this year and it builds into next year in the way that we think and have a high degree of confidence that it will, Ivan, I'm not losing any sleep over what that's going to look like. Thank you. You're welcome. And our next question comes from the line of Keith Hughes with Truist Securities. Your line is open. Thank you. I just want to switch back to the IIJA.

Ward Nye: And we believe, given the cost profile that we have and where I think we'll actually drive that, and what I believe is likely to happen to volumes over the coming years as private construction has a degree of recovery, we don't look at that price-cost spread that we discussed in September and have any concerns about that. We feel very confident in our ability to hit that. And I think if we're doing what we're doing in this year and it builds into next year in the way that we think and have a high degree of confidence that it will, Ivan, I'm not losing any sleep over what that's going to look like.

Speaker #3: So, we didn't necessarily think we were going to come out of the gate at that level. We think it's going to continue to build, and we believe, given the cost profile that we have and where I think we'll actually drive that, and what I believe is likely to happen to volumes over the coming years as private construction has a degree of recovery.

Speaker #3: We don't look at that price . Cost spread that we discussed in September . And have any concerns about that . We feel very confident in our ability to hit that .

Speaker #3: And I think if we're doing what we're doing in this year and it builds into next year , and the way that we think and have a high degree of confidence that it will , and I'm not losing any sleep over what that's going to look like .

Ivan Yee: Thank you.

Operator: You're welcome. And our next question comes from the line of Keith Hughes with Truist Securities. Your line is open.

Speaker #12: Thank you .

Keith Hughes: Thank you. I just want to switch back to the IIJA.

Speaker #13: You're welcome .

Speaker #1: next And our question comes from the line of Keith Hughes with Truist Securities . Your line is open .

Operator 4: You had talked about temporary measures. I think you may be continuing resolutions. We've seen a lot of those on these highway bills expiring. If we go down that path and we don't get a new plan, what does a continuing resolution do to your business, either positive or negative? Keith, that's a good question. I don't think it does anything negative to the business at all because, again, if we ended up with a CR, it's going to continue funding at the record level of $72.1 billion. So it would continue basically at a record level. And again, as we discussed, as important as the highway bill is, so is the state DOT posture. So if we're looking at a very healthy state DOT posture, it's to set up 7% on average on our states as we head into the new year.

Keith Hughes: You had talked about temporary measures. I think you may be continuing resolutions. We've seen a lot of those on these highway bills expiring. If we go down that path and we don't get a new plan, what does a continuing resolution do to your business, either positive or negative?

Speaker #11: Thank you . I just want to switch back to the Iija you had talked about temporary measures . I think you may maybe continuing resolutions .

Speaker #11: We've seen a lot of those on these highway bills expiring if , if , if we go down that path and we don't get a new a new plan , what is a continuing resolution do to your business , either positive or negative .

Ward Nye: Keith, that's a good question. I don't think it does anything negative to the business at all because, again, if we ended up with a CR, it's going to continue funding at the record level of $72.1 billion. So it would continue basically at a record level. And again, as we discussed, as important as the highway bill is, so is the state DOT posture. So if we're looking at a very healthy state DOT posture, it's to set up 7% on average on our states as we head into the new year.

Speaker #3: You know what , Keith ? That's a good question . I don't think it does anything negative to the business at all . Because again , if we ended up with a CR , it's just it's going to continue funding at the record level of $72.1 billion .

Speaker #3: So it would continue basically at a record level . And again , as we discussed , as important as the highway bill is , so is the state Dot posture .

Speaker #3: So if we're at looking very a healthy state dot posture as to set up 7% on average on our states , as we head into the new year and in a worst case scenario , again , that I don't believe we're going to be confronted with , that we end up with CR .

Operator 4: In a worst-case scenario, again, that I don't believe we're going to be confronted with, that we end up with a CR. We just end up at the same level that we are. So if you go back to the notion that I said, look, I think there's upside in what we're going to see in public this year. I think you're going to see another really strong year in public next year simply because you've still got 50% of the funds that need to work their way through. So again, I'm not looking at 30 September with any form of foreboding that that's going to be something that's going to be significantly bad at all to our business. I think we'll have a new bill. I think the new bill will have more highways, bridges, roads, and streets. I think it'll be on time.

Ward Nye: In a worst-case scenario, again, that I don't believe we're going to be confronted with, that we end up with a CR. We just end up at the same level that we are. So if you go back to the notion that I said, look, I think there's upside in what we're going to see in public this year. I think you're going to see another really strong year in public next year simply because you've still got 50% of the funds that need to work their way through. So again, I'm not looking at 30 September with any form of foreboding that that's going to be something that's going to be significantly bad at all to our business. I think we'll have a new bill. I think the new bill will have more highways, bridges, roads, and streets. I think it'll be on time.

Speaker #3: We just end up at the same level that we are. So if you go back to the notion that I said, look, I think there's upside in what we're going to see in public this year.

Speaker #3: I think you're going to see another really strong year in public next year, simply because you've still got 50% of the funds that need to work their way through.

Speaker #3: So again, I'm not looking at September 30th with any form of foreboding that that's going to be something that's going to be significantly bad at all to our business.

Operator 4: And if we don't, I think the beat goes on. I hear you. One of the things investors, I think the ones that have really studied this, to get fearful of is not so much the spending falls off dramatically in 2027, but the HARE TVA projection shows falling infrastructure spending in 2027. If you get a CR, would the market not be flat to up in 2027 in that scenario? I think if you got a CR, it would probably be relatively flat to modestly up, again, because you'd have the same degree of funding, and you're going to have state DOTs picking up. Again, so I think the biggest piece of our business, as I said, that was not quite 40% of our business this year would continue to be ballast in the boat. Okay. Great. Thanks a lot, Ward. Thank you, Keith.

Ward Nye: And if we don't, I think the beat goes on. I hear you. One of the things investors, I think the ones that have really studied this, to get fearful of is not so much the spending falls off dramatically in 2027, but the HARE TVA projection shows falling infrastructure spending in 2027. If you get a CR, would the market not be flat to up in 2027 in that scenario? I think if you got a CR, it would probably be relatively flat to modestly up, again, because you'd have the same degree of funding, and you're going to have state DOTs picking up. Again, so I think the biggest piece of our business, as I said, that was not quite 40% of our business this year would continue to be ballast in the boat.

Speaker #3: I think we'll have a new bill . I think the new bill will have more highways , bridges , roads and streets . I think it will be on time .

Speaker #3: And if we don't, I think the beat goes on.

Speaker #11: I hear you , one of the things ones that have investors , I think the studied this to really get fearful of is not so much the spending falls off dramatically in 27 , but the TVA projection shows falling infrastructure spending in 27 .

Speaker #11: If you get a CR , would the market not be flat to up in 27 ? In that scenario ?

Speaker #3: I think if you got a CR, it would probably be relatively flat to modestly up again because you'd have the same degree of funding, and you're going to have state DOTs picking up again.

Speaker #3: So I think the biggest piece of our business, as I said, there was not quite 40% of our business this year, would continue to be ballast in the boat.

Keith Hughes: Okay. Great. Thanks a lot, Ward.

Operator: Thank you, Keith. And our next question comes from the line of Brian Brophy with Stifel. Your line is open.

Operator 4: And our next question comes from the line of Brian Brophy with Stifel. Your line is open. Thanks. Good morning, everybody. Appreciate you taking the question. You referenced the network optimization initiative a few times. I guess any color on the pilot that you referenced and how that unfolded, and any feedback on what this could mean for the cost profile or margin profile for the total business as it's fully rolled out through the enterprise, and how can we be thinking about the timing of some of the benefits? Thanks. Let me talk to you broadly about what it was, and Michael can come back and add some color on what it might mean. I think that's probably a good way to do it.

Speaker #11: Okay, great. Thanks a lot, Warren.

Brian Brophy: Thanks. Good morning, everybody. Appreciate you taking the question. You referenced the network optimization initiative a few times. I guess any color on the pilot that you referenced and how that unfolded, and any feedback on what this could mean for the cost profile or margin profile for the total business as it's fully rolled out through the enterprise, and how can we be thinking about the timing of some of the benefits? Thanks.

Speaker #3: Thank you . Keith .

Speaker #1: And our next question comes from the line of Brian Brophy with Stifel . Your line is open .

Speaker #14: everybody . morning Appreciate Good you taking the question . You referenced the network optimization initiative a few times . I guess any color on the pilot that you referenced and how that unfolded and any feedback on what this could mean for the cost profile or margin profile for the total business , as it's fully rolled out through the enterprise ?

Ward Nye: Let me talk to you broadly about what it was, and Michael can come back and add some color on what it might mean. I think that's probably a good way to do it.

Speaker #14: And how should we be thinking about the timing of some of the benefits? Thanks.

Operator 4: So if we think about what it was, what it means is if we've got networks of quarries that are servicing our customers, but in some instances, because volume is not running at particularly peaky levels today, we can look and idle or not run a site as hard, and run another site much harder, getting leverage on the volume that's going through there, and taking a look at which ones may be simply the most efficient in any given market. That's what we're talking about doing. Now, of course, when we do that, we do it with the customer top of mind because we have to make sure we're in a position to take care of their business needs, and make sure we're in a position to do that without creating degrees of supply disruption or additional cost in their world from more transportation.

Ward Nye: So if we think about what it was, what it means is if we've got networks of quarries that are servicing our customers, but in some instances, because volume is not running at particularly peaky levels today, we can look and idle or not run a site as hard, and run another site much harder, getting leverage on the volume that's going through there, and taking a look at which ones may be simply the most efficient in any given market. That's what we're talking about doing. Now, of course, when we do that, we do it with the customer top of mind because we have to make sure we're in a position to take care of their business needs, and make sure we're in a position to do that without creating degrees of supply disruption or additional cost in their world from more transportation.

Speaker #3: talk to Let me you broadly about what it was . And Michael can come back and add some color on what it might mean .

Speaker #3: I think that's probably a good way to do it . So if we think about what it what it was , what it means is if we've got networks of quarries that are servicing our customers , but in some instances , because volume is not running at particularly peak levels today , we can look and idle or not run a site as hard and run another site much harder .

Speaker #3: Getting leverage on the volume that's going through there, and taking a look at which ones may be simply the most efficient in any given market.

Speaker #3: That's what we're talking about doing now . Of course , when we do that , we do it with the customer . Top of mind because we have to make sure we're in a position to take care of their business needs and make sure we're in a position to do that without creating degrees of supply disruption or additional costs in their world from from more transportation .

Operator 4: So what we found, and we looked at this in the West in particular, is where we had degrees of market presence that allowed us to do that, and we could temporarily do something with the site and make sure we were using other sites more productively. It helped in multiple different ways. So with that, I'll ask Michael to speak to what it could potentially mean. And obviously, we're going to talk to you more about this as the year goes on. Yeah. No. I think starting with the pilot is important. So like we said, we saw that flow through in Q4, so measures implemented in Q3 of last year. And that meant COGS per ton declining year-over-year in that pilot market. So we had the benefit of that. That was overcoming the restructuring charges that are in our Adjusted EBITDA.

Ward Nye: So what we found, and we looked at this in the West in particular, is where we had degrees of market presence that allowed us to do that, and we could temporarily do something with the site and make sure we were using other sites more productively. It helped in multiple different ways. So with that, I'll ask Michael to speak to what it could potentially mean. And obviously, we're going to talk to you more about this as the year goes on. Yeah. No. I think starting with the pilot is important. So like we said, we saw that flow through in Q4, so measures implemented in Q3 of last year. And that meant COGS per ton declining year-over-year in that pilot market. So we had the benefit of that. That was overcoming the restructuring charges that are in our Adjusted EBITDA.

Speaker #3: So what we found, and we looked at this in the West in particular, is where we had degrees of market presence that allowed us to do that.

Speaker #3: And we could temporarily do something with the site and make sure we're using other sites more productively . It helped in multiple different ways .

Speaker #3: So with that , I'll ask Michael to speak to what it could potentially mean . And obviously we're going to talk to you more about this as the year goes on .

Speaker #3: Yeah . No . I think starting with the pilot is important . So like we said , we saw that flow through in Q4 .

Speaker #3: Measures were implemented in Q3 of the year, and that meant COGS per ton declined year over year in that pilot market. So, we had the benefit of that.

Operator 4: Not the full amount, but some of that was hitting ag gross profit in that pilot region where they still had declining COGS per ton, to put it in perspective, without pulling that out. So the opportunity set is rather large. We want to complete our assessment across the entire footprint before we come back and quantify it. And we expect to have that quantification done by mid-year, and that's when we will revisit the guide and update our COGS per ton assumption accordingly. But I think it's important to note we're guiding to 3% COGS per ton in the implied guide.

Ward Nye: Not the full amount, but some of that was hitting ag gross profit in that pilot region where they still had declining COGS per ton, to put it in perspective, without pulling that out. So the opportunity set is rather large. We want to complete our assessment across the entire footprint before we come back and quantify it. And we expect to have that quantification done by mid-year, and that's when we will revisit the guide and update our COGS per ton assumption accordingly. But I think it's important to note we're guiding to 3% COGS per ton in the implied guide.

Speaker #3: That was overcoming the restructuring charges that are in our adjusted EBITDA—not the full amount, but some of that was hitting AG gross profit in that pilot region, where they still had declining COGS per ton.

Speaker #3: To put it in perspective , without pulling that out . So the set opportunity is is rather large . We want to complete assessment across the footprint before we come back and it .

Speaker #3: And we expect to have that quantification done by mid-year . And that's when we will revisit the guide and update our costs per ton assumption accordingly .

Speaker #3: But it's important to note , you know , we're guiding to 3% cogs per ton . And the implied guide , if you exclude the freight , external which is just passed freight to the customer .

Operator 4: If you exclude the external freight, which is just pass-through freight to the customer, so not gross profit impacting, and if you exclude those restructuring charges that hit ag gross profit, our underlying COGS per ton, fully loaded with depreciation and otherwise, was growing at a 2.7% rate in Q4. So we're guiding modestly above that, but that'll give you a sense of some of the conservatism that we feel we've included in this early guide. Really appreciate it. Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Tim Nataners with Wells Fargo. Your line is open. Yeah. Hey. Good morning. Thanks for getting us in. Wanted to just ask if you could share anything with us about the timing of the Quikrete transfer closing, and any updated thoughts on the pipeline would be great. Thank you. So thank you, Tim. Nice to hear your voice.

Ward Nye: If you exclude the external freight, which is just pass-through freight to the customer, so not gross profit impacting, and if you exclude those restructuring charges that hit ag gross profit, our underlying COGS per ton, fully loaded with depreciation and otherwise, was growing at a 2.7% rate in Q4. So we're guiding modestly above that, but that'll give you a sense of some of the conservatism that we feel we've included in this early guide.

Speaker #3: not gross profit So impacting . And if you exclude those restructuring charges that hit gross profit , our underlying Cogs per ton fully loaded with depreciation and otherwise was was growing a 2.7% rate in Q4 .

Brian Brophy: Really appreciate it. Thank you.

Speaker #3: So we're guiding modestly above that . But that'll give you a sense of some of the conservatism that we feel we've included in this early guide .

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Tim Nataners with Wells Fargo. Your line is open.

Speaker #14: Really appreciate it. Thank you.

Timna Tanners: Yeah. Hey. Good morning. Thanks for getting us in. Wanted to just ask if you could share anything with us about the timing of the Quikrete transfer closing, and any updated thoughts on the pipeline would be great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: our next And question comes from the line of Timna Tanners with Wells Fargo . Your line is open .

Speaker #15: Yeah . Hey . Good morning . Thanks for getting us in . I wanted to just ask if you could share anything with us about the timing of the quick re act transfer .

Ward Nye: So thank you, Tim. Nice to hear your voice.

Operator 4: I would say several things. One, we had put out a release at the end of the year saying we anticipated closing in Q1. We still do. The long pole in the tent is real estate. And it was interesting, Tim, because we went through the regulatory piece of it probably quicker than we or anybody else would have anticipated. So right now, and of course, the agreement itself is publicly filed, so you have an opportunity to read that. And what you'll see in the agreement is there are a series of closing conditions, and many of them evolve around the real estate. Because if you think about what a big 1031 Exchange is to get the tax-deferred treatment, you're having to line up assets. And of course, on the Quikrete side and on our side, there are certain sites that would simply be more material than others.

Ward Nye: I would say several things. One, we had put out a release at the end of the year saying we anticipated closing in Q1. We still do. The long pole in the tent is real estate. And it was interesting, Tim, because we went through the regulatory piece of it probably quicker than we or anybody else would have anticipated. So right now, and of course, the agreement itself is publicly filed, so you have an opportunity to read that. And what you'll see in the agreement is there are a series of closing conditions, and many of them evolve around the real estate. Because if you think about what a big 1031 Exchange is to get the tax-deferred treatment, you're having to line up assets. And of course, on the Quikrete side and on our side, there are certain sites that would simply be more material than others.

Speaker #15: Closing and any updated thoughts on the pipeline . Would be great . Thank you .

Speaker #3: So thank you , Tim . Nice to hear your voice . I would say several things . One , we had put release a at the out end of the year saying we anticipated closing in Q1 .

Speaker #3: We still do the long pole in the tent is real estate , and it was interesting , Timna , because we went through the regulatory piece of it , probably quicker than we or anybody else would have anticipated .

Speaker #3: So right now , and of course , the agreement itself is publicly filed . So you have an opportunity to read that . And what you'll see in the agreement is there are a series of closing conditions , and many of them involve around the real estate , because if you think about what a Big 1031 exchange is to get the tax deferred treatment , you're having to line up assets .

Operator 4: So we're going through the process of land use, surveying, and getting title insurance. And that simply takes some time. But again, our anticipation continues to be that we will get that closed here in Q1. I think the other part of your question was relative. Tim, was it relative to pricing? No. It's about anything updated on your pipeline or how you're seeing the opportunities and acquisitions. Oh, just on that outlook. Look, the short answer is that's going to continue to be a nice, attractive driver for Martin Marietta. We have been and continue to be engaged in a number of significant conversations. As I think I indicated at our Investor Day or Capital Markets Day, people should expect us to be in the world of doing about $1 billion worth of transactions a year. And that's never going to be linear, Tim.

Ward Nye: So we're going through the process of land use, surveying, and getting title insurance. And that simply takes some time. But again, our anticipation continues to be that we will get that closed here in Q1. I think the other part of your question was relative. Tim, was it relative to pricing? No. It's about anything updated on your pipeline or how you're seeing the opportunities and acquisitions. Oh, just on that outlook. Look, the short answer is that's going to continue to be a nice, attractive driver for Martin Marietta. We have been and continue to be engaged in a number of significant conversations. As I think I indicated at our Investor Day or Capital Markets Day, people should expect us to be in the world of doing about $1 billion worth of transactions a year. And that's never going to be linear, Tim.

Speaker #3: And of course , on the quick side and on our side , there are certain sites that would simply be more material than others .

Speaker #3: So we're going through process the of land use and surveying and getting title insurance . And that's simply takes some time . But again , our anticipation continues to be that we will get that closed here in the first quarter .

Speaker #3: I think of your question relative Tim . the was It was was a relative to pricing .

Speaker #15: it was No , about anything updated on your pipeline or how you're seeing the opportunities in acquisitions .

Speaker #3: Oh , well , just on on that outlook . Look , it's the short answer is going to that's continue to be a nice , attractive driver for Martin-marietta .

Speaker #3: We have been and continue to be engaged in a number of significant conversations , as I think I indicated at our Investor Day or Capital Markets Day , you know , people should expect us to be in the world of doing about $1 billion worth of transactions a year .

Operator 4: So look, is it going to be $1 billion one year? Yeah. Could it be $4 billion the next? The answer is it could be, depending opportunistically on what comes along. But the pipeline continues to be very attractive, and it's obviously something that I think we're good at, and we've added a lot of value with and will continue to pursue. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Michael Dudas with Vertical Research. Your line is open. Morning, gentlemen. Jacklyn. Hey, Mike. Yeah. Hey, Ward. You're giving great insight on outlook for the business and the industry. But is it a macro? Is it regulatory? Is there sentiment concerns? Because there are some people who are thinking the macro is not as bright as others. What's the thing?

Ward Nye: So look, is it going to be $1 billion one year? Yeah. Could it be $4 billion the next? The answer is it could be, depending opportunistically on what comes along. But the pipeline continues to be very attractive, and it's obviously something that I think we're good at, and we've added a lot of value with and will continue to pursue.

Speaker #3: And never that's going to be linear . Timna . So , look , is it going to be 1,000,000,001 year ? Yeah . Could it be for the next ?

Speaker #3: The answer is, it could be, depending opportunistically on what comes along. But the pipeline continues to be very attractive. And it's obviously something that I think we're good at.

Timna Tanners: Okay. Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Michael Dudas with Vertical Research. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: And we've added a lot of value with . And we'll continue to pursue

Speaker #3: .

Speaker #3: . Thank you Okay .

Michael Dudas: Morning, gentlemen. Jacklyn.

Speaker #3: you . Thank .

Ward Nye: Hey, Mike.

Speaker #1: And our next question comes from the line of Michael Vertical with Research . Your line is open . .

Michael Dudas: Yeah. Hey, Ward.

Ward Nye: You're giving great insight on outlook for the business and the industry. But is it a macro? Is it regulatory? Is there sentiment concerns? Because there are some people who are thinking the macro is not as bright as others. What's the thing?

Speaker #12: Good morning gentlemen .

Speaker #16: Jacqueline .

Speaker #3: Hey Mike .

Speaker #16: Were you give a great insight on outlook for the business and the industry . But is it a macro ? Is it regulatory ?

Speaker #16: Is there sentiment concerns because some people who there are are thinking macro is not as you bright as others . What what's the thing ?

Operator 4: One or two things that you are concerned about that would maybe impact how the year flows out. Anything top of mind or anything specific? Mike, thanks for the question. Look, as I take what if you could put me on mute, that would help. I'm hearing an echo. Look, I think of the year through several different lenses. One, I think of it through end uses, which we've spoken through. And again, I think we've taken a really measured view on the end uses. I look at it through the lens of commercial. And again, I think commercially, where this business is performing is right in line with what we had indicated at the Capital Markets Day. I look at it through the lens of cost and through the lens of inflation.

Ward Nye: One or two things that you are concerned about that would maybe impact how the year flows out. Anything top of mind or anything specific? Mike, thanks for the question. Look, as I take what if you could put me on mute, that would help. I'm hearing an echo. Look, I think of the year through several different lenses. One, I think of it through end uses, which we've spoken through. And again, I think we've taken a really measured view on the end uses. I look at it through the lens of commercial. And again, I think commercially, where this business is performing is right in line with what we had indicated at the Capital Markets Day. I look at it through the lens of cost and through the lens of inflation.

Speaker #16: 1 or 2 things that you are concerned about that would maybe impact how the year flows out . Anything top of mind anything specific ?

Speaker #3: Mark , question . thanks for the Look , when I tell you what , if you could , if you could put me on on mute , that would help .

Speaker #3: I'm hearing an echo . Look , I think of the year through several different lenses . When I think of it through end users , which we've spoken through .

Speaker #3: And again , I think we've taken a really measured view on the end uses . I look at it through the lens of commercial and again , I think where this business is performing is right in line with what we had indicated at the Capital Markets Day .

Operator 4: And as Michael just took you through, when we really go through and look at it from a granular basis and look at Q4, how that performed and what we think can happen actually with that as we go through degrees of really looking at where we're operating, why, I don't see anything on the cost side that causes me concern. Regulatorily, I think actually the nation and the industry is in one of the better places that I've seen in my career. So I don't see something there that causes me any concern. Look, I know there's a lot out there that people look at from a macro perspective that they can become cautious about. The thing that I'm taken by is this is a business even in the worst of times. And we're not in the worst of times. I don't anticipate them. We've always been profitable.

Ward Nye: And as Michael just took you through, when we really go through and look at it from a granular basis and look at Q4, how that performed and what we think can happen actually with that as we go through degrees of really looking at where we're operating, why, I don't see anything on the cost side that causes me concern. Regulatorily, I think actually the nation and the industry is in one of the better places that I've seen in my career. So I don't see something there that causes me any concern. Look, I know there's a lot out there that people look at from a macro perspective that they can become cautious about. The thing that I'm taken by is this is a business even in the worst of times. And we're not in the worst of times. I don't anticipate them. We've always been profitable.

Speaker #3: I look at it through the lens of cost and through the lens of inflation . And as Michael just took through , when we really you go through and look at it from a granular basis and look at Q4 , how that performed and what we think can happen , actually , with that , as we go through degrees of of really looking at where we're operating , why I don't see anything on the cost side that causes me concern .

Speaker #3: Regulatorily, I think actually the nation and the industry are in one of the better places that I've seen in my career. So I don't see something there that causes me any concern.

Speaker #3: Look, I know there's a lot out there that people look at from a perspective that can become that they macro-cautious about. The thing that I'm taking this is by is a business.

Operator 4: We've never cut or suspended a dividend. And we're in a place that we're producing and selling this past year about 200 million tons of stone. And that's about where we were in 2005 and 2006, except we've added, let's call it, 50, 55 million tons of business. So what we have ahead of us from a capacity perspective is impressive, and what we're doing with free cash flow right now is impressive. And I think if we're doing that in a relatively muted volume environment, what that tells me is if we're right on what's coming ahead of us, it can be really impressive. So I'm not seeing a lot right now that's causing me any degree of angst. And our next question comes from the line of David MacGregor with Longbow Research. Your line is open. Yeah. Good morning, everyone. And thanks for squeezing me in.

Ward Nye: We've never cut or suspended a dividend. And we're in a place that we're producing and selling this past year about 200 million tons of stone. And that's about where we were in 2005 and 2006, except we've added, let's call it, 50, 55 million tons of business. So what we have ahead of us from a capacity perspective is impressive, and what we're doing with free cash flow right now is impressive. And I think if we're doing that in a relatively muted volume environment, what that tells me is if we're right on what's coming ahead of us, it can be really impressive. So I'm not seeing a lot right now that's causing me any degree of angst.

Speaker #3: Even in the worst of times . And not in the worst of times . I don't anticipate them . We've always been profitable .

Speaker #3: We've always— we've never cut or suspended a dividend. And, you know, we're in a place that we're producing and selling.

Speaker #3: This past year , about 200 million tons of stone . And that's about where we were in 2005 and 2006 , except we've added , let's call it 50 , 55 million tons of business .

Speaker #3: So what we have ahead of us from a capacity perspective is impressive . And and what we're doing with free cash flow right now is impressive .

Speaker #3: And I think if we're doing that in a relatively muted volume environment , what that tells me is if we're right on what's coming ahead of us , it can be really impressive .

Speaker #3: So I'm not saying a lot right now that's causing me any degree of angst .

Operator: And our next question comes from the line of David MacGregor with Longbow Research. Your line is open.

David MacGregor: Yeah. Good morning, everyone. And thanks for squeezing me in.

Speaker #1: And our next question comes from the line of David MacGregor with Longbow Research . Your line is open .

Operator 4: Ward, I just wanted to ask you about your value over volume strategy and just, I guess, the extent to which that may be put to a test this year. There's been a lot of weakness in the downstream ready-mixed business. It's a pretty difficult business these days. And I'm just wondering about the risk of price pressure from below just due to weak profitability in that segment of your market and consolidation amongst those players, and just how that could potentially manifest into your business. Yeah. Thanks for the question, David. Look, the way it's working right now, if you think about it, asphalt in most of those businesses are getting January 1 price increases. Ready-mix concrete businesses are getting January 1 price increases, and some of them are getting April 1 increases. So if you think about what that means, it's pretty similar to last year.

David MacGregor: Ward, I just wanted to ask you about your value over volume strategy and just, I guess, the extent to which that may be put to a test this year. There's been a lot of weakness in the downstream ready-mixed business. It's a pretty difficult business these days. And I'm just wondering about the risk of price pressure from below just due to weak profitability in that segment of your market and consolidation amongst those players, and just how that could potentially manifest into your business.

Speaker #17: Yeah . Good morning , everyone , and thanks for squeezing me in . Ward . I just wanted you to ask about your volume strategy and just , I guess , the extent to which that may be put to a test this year .

Speaker #17: There's been a lot of weakness downstream . The ready mix business . It's , you know , it's it's a pretty difficult business these days .

Speaker #17: And I'm just wondering about the risk of price pressure from below, just due to weak profitability in that segment of your market.

Ward Nye: Yeah. Thanks for the question, David. Look, the way it's working right now, if you think about it, asphalt in most of those businesses are getting January 1 price increases. Ready-mix concrete businesses are getting January 1 price increases, and some of them are getting April 1 increases. So if you think about what that means, it's pretty similar to last year.

Speaker #17: And consolidation amongst those players . And and just how that could potentially manifest into your business .

Speaker #3: Yeah . Thanks for the question , David . Look , the way it's working right now , if you think about it , asphalt and most of those businesses are getting January 1st price increases , degrees of concrete businesses are getting January 1st price increases , and some of them are getting April 1st increases .

Operator 4: Of course, the conversations have already been had. People know where we are going into the new year. We have not baked midyears into what we've done. If I'm right on what could happen relative to public and degrees of heavy non-RES, there may be some opportunities for midyears. Keep in mind too, David, after we've closed, well, after we've closed Quikrete and then give you the forecast on Minnesota, both those businesses tend to have lower ASPs than Martin Marietta. So that's going to give you an optical headwind when we put those into our forecast going forward. But again, my view, if we go back to the Capital Markets Day, is we're not going to stay chronically at double digits. We're not going to go back, in my view, to where we were a decade ago from a percentage perspective.

Ward Nye: Of course, the conversations have already been had. People know where we are going into the new year. We have not baked midyears into what we've done. If I'm right on what could happen relative to public and degrees of heavy non-RES, there may be some opportunities for midyears. Keep in mind too, David, after we've closed, well, after we've closed Quikrete and then give you the forecast on Minnesota, both those businesses tend to have lower ASPs than Martin Marietta. So that's going to give you an optical headwind when we put those into our forecast going forward. But again, my view, if we go back to the Capital Markets Day, is we're not going to stay chronically at double digits. We're not going to go back, in my view, to where we were a decade ago from a percentage perspective.

Speaker #3: So if you think about what that means , similar to pretty it's last year . And and of course , the have have already been had .

Speaker #3: People , people know where we are going into the new year . We have not baked into mid-years what we've done . If I'm right on what could happen relative to public and degrees of of heavy non-res , you know , there may be some opportunities for mid-year .

Speaker #3: You know , keep in mind too , David , you know , after we've closed , well , after we've closed Quikrete and then give you the forecast on Minnesota , you both those know , businesses tend to have lower ASPs than Martin Marietta .

Speaker #3: So that's going to give you an optical headwind when we put those into our forecast going forward . But again , in my view , if we go back to the capital Markets Day is we're not going to stay chronically at double digits .

Operator 4: We're going to land somewhere in the middle. And the swing factor on that is going to be what happens with volume. So I think what we're guiding to is very consistent with that. And again, I think there's probably upside risk to it relative to what could happen with midyears and what can happen as volume returns to it. So I hope that answers your question. We're pretty resilient around assuring that we're getting appropriate value for our products. It's hard to buy these businesses. It's hard to permit these businesses. It's hard to put a spec product on the ground. And I want to make sure we're getting appropriate value when we do. Got it. Thanks very much. Thank you, David. And our next question comes from the line of Brent Tolman with D.A. Davidson. Your line is open. Yep. Thanks.

Ward Nye: We're going to land somewhere in the middle. And the swing factor on that is going to be what happens with volume. So I think what we're guiding to is very consistent with that. And again, I think there's probably upside risk to it relative to what could happen with midyears and what can happen as volume returns to it. So I hope that answers your question. We're pretty resilient around assuring that we're getting appropriate value for our products. It's hard to buy these businesses. It's hard to permit these businesses. It's hard to put a spec product on the ground. And I want to make sure we're getting appropriate value when we do.

Speaker #3: We're not to go going back , in my view , to where we were , you know , a decade ago from a percentage perspective , we're going to land somewhere in the middle .

Speaker #3: And the swing factor on that is going to be what happens with volume I . think what So we're guiding to is very consistent with that .

Speaker #3: again , I And think there's probably upside risk to it relative to what could happen with mid-year . And and what can happen as volume returns to it .

Speaker #3: So I hope that answers your question . We're pretty resilient around assuring that we're getting appropriate value for our products . It's hard to buy these businesses .

David MacGregor: Got it. Thanks very much.

Speaker #3: It's hard to permit these businesses . It's hard to put a spec product on the ground . And I want to make sure we're getting appropriate value when we do .

Operator: Thank you, David. And our next question comes from the line of Brent Tolman with D.A. Davidson. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: .

Speaker #17: Got it . Thanks very much .

Brent Thielman: Yep. Thanks.

Speaker #3: Thank you . David .

Speaker #1: And our next question comes from the line of Brent Tolman with D.A. Davidson . Your line is open .

Operator 4: Hey, Ward, it seems to me housing could be one of the more dynamic markets for you in the next year or two. So as you sort of think back on the business over time, how should we think about sort of this lag from permits and starts to having some noticeable sort of impact to your business? I've always looked at that historically as having probably a three- or four-month lag. I'm not sure it's going to be that long this time, Brent. So again, part of what you're not seeing is what does square footage look like in those numbers? And again, as we continue to see big square footage and non-res roll out at pretty big numbers, I think that's going to be a big consumer of stone.

Brent Thielman: Hey, Ward, it seems to me housing could be one of the more dynamic markets for you in the next year or two. So as you sort of think back on the business over time, how should we think about sort of this lag from permits and starts to having some noticeable sort of impact to your business? I've always looked at that historically as having probably a three- or four-month lag. I'm not sure it's going to be that long this time, Brent. So again, part of what you're not seeing is what does square footage look like in those numbers? And again, as we continue to see big square footage and non-res roll out at pretty big numbers, I think that's going to be a big consumer of stone.

Speaker #12: Yep . Thanks . Hey , Ward .

Speaker #18: It seems to me housing could be one of the more dynamic markets for you in the next year or two. So, you sort of think back on the business over time.

Speaker #18: How should we think about sort of this lag from permits and starts to having some noticeable sort of impact to your business ?

Speaker #3: You know , I've always looked at that historically as having probably a 3 or 4 month lag . I'm not sure it's going to be that long this time .

Speaker #3: Brent . So again , part of what you're not seeing is what the square footage look like in those numbers . And again , as we continue to see big square footage in Non-res rollout at pretty big numbers , I think that's going to be a big consumer of Stone .

Operator 4: Again, I think the public side of this is going to be healthy, and it's going to be healthy for a while yet. So I'm not seeing I wouldn't let those numbers and any purported delays drive my model in either particular direction, Brent. Okay. Thank you. And our final question comes from the line of Juda Aronovitz with UBS. Your line is open. Hi. Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. Could you just talk about your confidence level in the 5% pricing for 2026? Is that based on pricing already in place, or is there maybe some more work to do to achieve that, maybe based on bid work? And then if you could comment on if there's any mixed headwind from base or any other puts and takes. Thank you. Thank you for the question. That's largely for what's in place.

Brent Thielman: Again, I think the public side of this is going to be healthy, and it's going to be healthy for a while yet. So I'm not seeing I wouldn't let those numbers and any purported delays drive my model in either particular direction, Brent. Okay. Thank you. And our final question comes from the line of Juda Aronovitz with UBS. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: And again, I think the public side of this is going to be healthy, and it's going to be healthy for a while yet.

Speaker #3: So I'm not seeing I wouldn't let those numbers in any purported delays drive my model in either for either particular direction . Brent .

Speaker #18: Okay .

Speaker #11: Thank you .

Juda Aronovitz: Hi. Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. Could you just talk about your confidence level in the 5% pricing for 2026? Is that based on pricing already in place, or is there maybe some more work to do to achieve that, maybe based on bid work? And then if you could comment on if there's any mixed headwind from base or any other puts and takes. Thank you. Thank you for the question. That's largely for what's in place.

Speaker #1: And our final question comes from the line of Judah Aronovitz with UBS . Your line is open .

Speaker #19: Hi . Good morning . Thanks for taking my question . Can you just talk about your confidence level in the 5% pricing for 26 ?

Speaker #19: You know , is that based on pricing already in place , or is there maybe some more work to do to achieve that ?

Speaker #19: You know , maybe based on bid work and then if you could comment on if there's any mix headwind from base or or any or any other puts and takes , thank you .

Operator 4: I mean, we've had the conversations with our customers that started last year. So I think we've got a pretty good feel for what that is. As I indicated before, this is more of an optical issue than a real issue. But obviously, if we do M&A and they come in at a lower average selling price than our heritage selling price, that can cause an optical issue. The other thing that you just never have a sense for, and it's almost a quarter-by-quarter issue, and you saw it in Q4. I indicated that the East region in Q4 actually, because of what had happened with a couple of project delays and weather, actually saw less tonnage go in Q4 than our other divisions. And that obviously gave us a mixed headwind from a geographic mixed perspective.

Juda Aronovitz: I mean, we've had the conversations with our customers that started last year. So I think we've got a pretty good feel for what that is. As I indicated before, this is more of an optical issue than a real issue. But obviously, if we do M&A and they come in at a lower average selling price than our heritage selling price, that can cause an optical issue. The other thing that you just never have a sense for, and it's almost a quarter-by-quarter issue, and you saw it in Q4. I indicated that the East region in Q4 actually, because of what had happened with a couple of project delays and weather, actually saw less tonnage go in Q4 than our other divisions. And that obviously gave us a mixed headwind from a geographic mixed perspective.

Speaker #3: Thank you for the question . That's largely for what's in place . We've had the conversations with our customers that started last year .

Speaker #3: So, I think we've got a pretty good feel for what that is. As I indicated before, this is more of an optical issue than a real issue.

Speaker #3: But obviously if we do M&A and they come in at a lower average selling price than our heritage selling price , you know that that can cause an optical issue .

Speaker #3: You know , the other thing that you just never have a sense for . And it's almost a quarter by quarter , quarter by quarter issue .

Speaker #3: you saw it And in Q4 , you know , I indicated that the East region in Q4 , actually , because of what had happened with a couple of project delays and weather actually saw less tonnage go in Q4 than our other divisions .

Operator 4: It's certainly possible that we could continue having degrees of a mixed headwind as well because if you're thinking about some of these big data centers and the fact that they're going to need, oftentimes, an enormous amount of base stone as they're going in and building the facilities, base is going to go out typically, let's call it, a 30% ASP lower than clean stone. Now, the nice thing is when you put down base stone, at some point, you're going to put clean stone on top of it. So it's nothing that's dislocating in any respect. And I think it's going to be incumbent on us to make sure we're talking with you very carefully each quarter about what geographic mix looks like and what product mix looks like.

Juda Aronovitz: It's certainly possible that we could continue having degrees of a mixed headwind as well because if you're thinking about some of these big data centers and the fact that they're going to need, oftentimes, an enormous amount of base stone as they're going in and building the facilities, base is going to go out typically, let's call it, a 30% ASP lower than clean stone. Now, the nice thing is when you put down base stone, at some point, you're going to put clean stone on top of it. So it's nothing that's dislocating in any respect. And I think it's going to be incumbent on us to make sure we're talking with you very carefully each quarter about what geographic mix looks like and what product mix looks like.

Speaker #3: And that obviously gave us a mix headwind from a geographic mix perspective . It's certainly possible that we could continue having degrees of a mix headwind as well , because if you're thinking about some of these big data centers and the fact that they're going to need oftentimes an enormous amount of base stone , is there going in and building the facilities , base is going to go out typically , and let's call it a 30% ASP lower than clean stone .

Speaker #3: Now , the nice thing is , when you put down base stone , at some point you're going to put clean stone on top of it .

Speaker #3: So, it's nothing that's dislocating in any respect. And I think it's going to be incumbent on us to make sure we're talking with you very carefully.

Operator 4: Because if you don't understand those two stories, and they are two different ones, it does not give you an accurate view of how well the business is performing in all instances. So yes, we believe the pricing is there. We think there can always be some mixed issues, but we think that's more optical than real. And that concludes our question-and-answer session. I will now turn the conference back to Mr. Ward Nye for closing remarks. Abby, thank you for that. And thank you all for attending today's earnings conference call. Over the past five years, deliberate portfolio shaping strengthened our presence in key markets, optimized our product mix, and enhanced our earnings profile. As we transition from the achievements of SOAR 2025 to the disciplined execution of SOAR 2030, which is already underway, we see a well-defined platform for advancing our growth ambitions and delivering enduring shareholder value.

Juda Aronovitz: Because if you don't understand those two stories, and they are two different ones, it does not give you an accurate view of how well the business is performing in all instances. So yes, we believe the pricing is there. We think there can always be some mixed issues, but we think that's more optical than real. And that concludes our question-and-answer session. I will now turn the conference back to Mr. Ward Nye for closing remarks.

Speaker #3: Each quarter, look at what the geographic mix looks like and what the product mix looks like, because if you don't understand those two stories—and they are two different ones—it does not give you an accurate view of how well the business is performing in all instances.

Speaker #3: So yes , we believe the pricing is there . We think there can always be some mix issues , but we think that's more optical than real .

Ward Nye: Abby, thank you for that. And thank you all for attending today's earnings conference call. Over the past five years, deliberate portfolio shaping strengthened our presence in key markets, optimized our product mix, and enhanced our earnings profile. As we transition from the achievements of SOAR 2025 to the disciplined execution of SOAR 2030, which is already underway, we see a well-defined platform for advancing our growth ambitions and delivering enduring shareholder value.

Speaker #1: And that concludes our question and answer session . I will now turn the conference back to Mr. Ward Nye for closing remarks .

Speaker #3: Abby , thank you for that . And thank you all for attending today's earnings conference call . Over the past five years , deliberate portfolio shaping strengthened our presence in key markets , optimized our product mix and enhanced our earnings profile as we transition from the achievements of Saw 2025 to the disciplined execution of saw 2030 , which is already underway , we see a well defined platform for advancing our growth ambitions and delivering enduring shareholder value .

Operator 4: Our aggregates-led foundation, complemented by our high-performing specialties business, provides a durable platform uniquely suited to achieve the objectives of our next strategic plan. With this resilient foundation and a culture built on safety, commercial, and operational excellence, we enter the next chapter of SOAR with confidence and clarity of purpose focused on compounding returns and delivering superior, sustainable results for our shareholders in 2026 and beyond. We look forward to sharing our Q1 2026 results in the coming months. As always, we're available for any follow-up questions. We thank you for your time and continued support of Martin Marietta. And ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's call, and we thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

Ward Nye: Our aggregates-led foundation, complemented by our high-performing specialties business, provides a durable platform uniquely suited to achieve the objectives of our next strategic plan. With this resilient foundation and a culture built on safety, commercial, and operational excellence, we enter the next chapter of SOAR with confidence and clarity of purpose focused on compounding returns and delivering superior, sustainable results for our shareholders in 2026 and beyond. We look forward to sharing our Q1 2026 results in the coming months. As always, we're available for any follow-up questions. We thank you for your time and continued support of Martin Marietta. And ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's call, and we thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

Speaker #3: Our aggregates led foundation , complemented by our high performing specialties , business , provides a durable platform suited to achieve uniquely the objectives of our next strategic plan .

Speaker #3: With this resilient foundation and a culture built on safety and commercial and operational excellence , we entered the next chapter of Saw with confidence and clarity of purpose , focused on compounding returns and delivering superior , sustainable results for our shareholders .

Speaker #3: In 2026 and beyond . We look forward to sharing our first quarter 2026 results in the coming months . As always , we're available for any follow up questions .

Speaker #3: We thank you for your time and continued support of Martin Marietta .