Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC) in the fourth quarter of FY 17 has reported the adjusted earnings per share of 74 cents, while reported the adjusted revenue growth of 12 percent to $977.50 million in the fourth quarter of FY 17. Overall, in the fourth quarter 2017, the net earnings from continuing operations of $328 million, compared to $108 million, in the prior year’s fourth quarter.  The gross profit was $243 million, which is a 1 percent increase from the prior year.  The company has closed its previously announced acquisition of Aggregates USA on December 29th, 2017.

Further, in the fourth quarter, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium segment gross profit increased by $5 million, collectively. SAG was $86 million, has enhanced 35 basis points as a percentage of total revenues

Moreover, in the fourth quarter 2017, the aggregates shipments has “showed encouraging momentum,” as same-store daily shipment rates increased 8% in November and 11% in December after falling 3% in storm-impacted October. The total aggregates shipments gained 7% and aggregates pricing, adjusted for mix, rose 2%. However, aggregates production costs were hurt due to the lingering effects of hurricanes Harvey and Irma and Tropical Storm Nate, rising diesel and distribution costs, and production inefficiencies at certain facilities.

Additionally, VMC expects the fourth quarter shipment growth to continue into the year 2018. The private demand in Vulcan-served markets is recovering, and public demand appears to be firming up after a disappointing 2017.  The pricing climate for the materials is positive, due to the solid demand visibility, rising diesel prices, rising cement prices, and expanding contractor margins.  For 2018, VMC expect the same-store aggregates shipment growth of 4 to 6 percent and aggregates pricing growth of 3 to 5 percent, albeit with significant variability across individual markets. VMC expects for FY 18, the earnings per share to be in the range of $4 to $4.65 and adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $1.150 and $1.250 billion

VMC stock fell over 5.5% on Feb 16th, 2018 (as of 11:04AM EST; Source: Google finance) and has risen 4.8% in a year (source: Google Finance).