VMC

Vulcan Materials is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings of $2.86 per share (up 0.7% YoY) with revenues of $2.26 billion (down 1.3% YoY) on October 29. However, the company carries a negative Earnings ESP of -3.41% and a Zacks Rank #4, making it unlikely to beat consensus estimates. The stock is not considered a compelling earnings-beat candidate.

CRH plc announced plans to acquire NCC Industry's operations in Denmark and Finland, expanding its aggregates and recycling capabilities in Nordic markets. The deal, expected to close in 2027, complements CRH's infrastructure-focused strategy.

Year-to-date, CRH has invested $1.4 billion across 17 acquisitions. The company reaffirmed its 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance and expects continued margin expansion, though CRH stock has declined 21.9% over the past three months and currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) rating.

The Zacks Building Products - Concrete & Aggregates industry faces headwinds from weak residential construction, elevated mortgage rates, and rising energy and freight costs. However, strong public infrastructure spending and growing data center projects provide support. Vulcan Materials and Eagle Materials are highlighted as stocks with growth potential despite the industry's challenging near-term outlook.

The Concrete & Aggregates industry faces headwinds from weak residential construction, elevated mortgage rates, and rising energy/freight costs. However, strong public infrastructure spending and growing data center projects provide demand stability. Vulcan Materials and Eagle Materials are highlighted as stocks that can navigate these challenges through their geographic advantages, operational efficiency, and exposure to infrastructure and nonresidential construction.

AI data center expansion is driving significant demand for raw materials and infrastructure. Freeport-McMoRan, Vulcan Materials, and Vertiv are well-positioned to benefit from multiyear growth in copper, aggregates, and cooling/power solutions as hyperscaler spending continues to surge.