Birmingham, Alabama-based Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) produces and supplies construction aggregates in the United States. The company has a market cap of $35.8 billion and operates through three segments: Aggregates, Asphalt, and Concrete, and provides crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates for use in the construction and maintenance of highways, streets, and other public works, and more.
VMC stock has lagged behind the broader market over the past year, falling 4.3% compared to the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 20.5% surge. Moreover, in 2026, the stock has declined by nearly 3.2%, underperforming the SPX’s 12.1% rise.
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Focusing on its industry benchmark, the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) has risen 18.5% over the past year, outperforming the stock. In 2026, XLB has grown 18.1% and has also outpaced the stock.
www.barchart.com On July 30, VMC stock declined 4.5% despite posting seemingly better-than-expected Q2 2026 earnings. The company’s revenue for the quarter rose 2.5% from the previous year’s quarter to $2.2 billion and surpassed the Street’s estimates. Moreover, its adjusted EPS came in at $2.59, also topping Wall Street’s forecasts. However, its operating margin came in at 21.1%, below the 22.4% recorded in the previous year’s same quarter, indicating lower profitability. On the same note, VMC’s tons shipped came in at 59.9 million and indicated only 2% year-over-year growth, which analysts deemed to be underwhelming.
For the current year, which ends in December, analysts expect VMC’s EPS to rise 16.1% to $9.29 on a diluted basis. The company surpassed the consensus estimate in three of the last four quarters, while missing on one occasion.
Among the 23 analysts covering VMC stock, the consensus is a “Moderate Buy.” That’s based on 13 “Strong Buy” ratings, one “Moderate Buy,” and nine “Holds.”
www.barchart.com The configuration has remained more or less unchanged over the past months.
On July 8, Wells Fargo analyst Timna Tanners maintained a “Hold” rating for VMC stock and set a price target of $305.
VMC’s mean price target of $327.14 offers a 18.5% upside compared to the current market price. Its Street-high target of $365 implies a robust 32.2% upside from current levels.
On the date of publication, Aritra Gangopadhyay did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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