Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. Announces 2012 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM) today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2012.

Ward Nye, President and CEO of Martin Marietta Materials, stated, “We were pleased that 2012 concluded the same way it started – with growth in both heritage aggregates product line shipments and average selling price. Notably, heritage volume growth in the fourth quarter was achieved in each of our reportable groups, leading to an overall increase of 5.0%. Underlying this improvement was expansion in our nonresidential and residential end-use markets, continuing trends we have experienced throughout the year. Our Colorado operations acquired in December 2011 also provided an important contribution to the quarter. Additionally, we see tangible signs that the infrastructure end-use market is poised to benefit from the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act, or MAP-21, as well as other federal- and state-sponsored funding initiatives. Our 2012 results and trends, coupled with external indicators, have provided optimism that our momentum will continue in 2013.”

NOTABLE ITEMS FOR THE QUARTER (UNLESS NOTED, ALL COMPARISONS ARE WITH THE PRIOR-YEAR FOURTH QUARTER)

• Earnings per diluted share of $0.46 compared with $0.32
• Consolidated net sales of $457.9 million compared with $374.7 million
• Heritage aggregates product line volume increased 5.0%; pricing increased 1.0%
• Specialty Products net sales of $50.6 million and earnings from operations of $15.8 million
• Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) decreased 20 basis points as a percentage of net sales despite absorbing a $3.3 million charge for restructuring initiatives
• Consolidated earnings from operations of $40.0 million compared with $20.7 million; 2011 results included $15.1 million of business development expenses

NOTABLE ITEMS FOR THE YEAR (ALL COMPARISONS ARE VERSUS 2011)

• Adjusted earnings per diluted share (excluding business development expenses of $0.46 and $0.25 per diluted share in 2012 and 2011, respectively) of $2.29 compared with $2.03
• Earnings per diluted share of $1.83 compared with $1.78
• Net sales of $1.839 billion compared with $1.520 billion
• Heritage aggregates product line volume up 2.9%; pricing up 2.5%
• Specialty Products record net sales of $202.2 million and record earnings from operations of $68.5 million compared with $200.6 million and $66.3 million, respectively
• SG&A expenses down 70 basis points as a percentage of net sales

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY (UNLESS NOTED, ALL COMPARISONS ARE WITH THE PRIOR-YEAR FOURTH QUARTER)

Nye continued, “Heritage aggregates product line volume growth reflects a 13% increase in shipments in both the nonresidential and residential end-use markets. The nonresidential market is our second largest aggregates product line end use, comprising 31% of quarterly shipments. Volume growth was notable in the energy sector, as well as the commercial construction sector, which we believe is beginning to benefit from six consecutive quarters of improvement in the residential end-use market. Generally, growth in the commercial component of nonresidential construction follows the residential construction market with a 12- to 18-month lag.

“The infrastructure market represents approximately half of our aggregates product line volumes and increased 1.5% for the quarter. We were encouraged by the 91% increase in highway obligations during the quarter compared with the prior-year period. While the rate of improvement will moderate as the fiscal year progresses, we believe this is an early indicator for increased infrastructure construction activity in 2013. We also continue to monitor applications for funding provided by the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), which provides $1.75 billion of federal credit assistance over the next two years for nationally or regionally significant surface transportation projects. Each dollar of federal funds can provide up to $10 in TIFIA credit assistance and, on an overall basis, TIFIA can leverage $30 billion to $50 billion in new transportation infrastructure investment. Several of our key states, including Texas, North Carolina and Virginia, have applied for TIFIA monies, which are expected to be awarded in early 2013. Construction activity related to TIFIA projects could begin as early as second half 2013, but more likely will have a greater impact on 2014 through 2016 construction activity.

“We continue to see significant state-level programs aimed at increasing funding for infrastructure projects. Recently, the state of Colorado passed a measure potentially increasing annual infrastructure funding by $300 million for the next five years. Texas, Iowa and Florida have also approved programs to provide additional funding for key initiatives. Additionally, the governor of Virginia proposed a transportation funding overhaul that could have provided more than $3 billion for highways, rail and transit systems in the next five years. The plan was approved by the Virginia House of Delegates but was effectively tabled by the State Senate. Not surprisingly, the increase in highway contract awards in Colorado, Virginia and Iowa is significantly outpacing the national average.

“Our ChemRock/Rail end-use market accounted for 12% of quarterly aggregates product line shipments and experienced a 3% decline in heritage shipments compared with the prior-year quarter. In addition to being compared with a strong prior-year quarter, this reduction reflects lower ballast shipments that continue to be affected by a decline in coal traffic on the railroads. This was partially offset by increased agricultural lime shipments in our Midwest Division, which reaped the benefits of favorable weather during the quarter. On an annual basis, while ballast shipments were lower compared with 2011, volumes for 2012 were in line with the five-year historical average.

“Geographically, energy-sector shipments and strength in both residential and nonresidential end-use markets led to an 8.7% increase in heritage aggregates product line shipments in the West Group. The Mideast and Southeast Groups had heritage volume growth of 1.2% and 1.7%, respectively. Once again, aggregates shipment levels varied by market, with notable strength in Texas, Florida, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. On the contrary, shipment weakness was noted in the Ohio and Kansas City markets, which experienced reductions in state infrastructure projects; Virginia, where several large nonresidential projects were completed earlier in the year; and West Virginia, which saw a decline in sales of asphalt stone.

“Our overall heritage aggregates product line average selling price increased 1.0%, reflecting expansions in all of our reportable groups. This growth was led by the 2.9% increase in our Southeast Group, which was due to pricing increases and product mix. Our West Group achieved a 1.3% increase in pricing, while our Mideast Group improved 0.5%.

“Heritage aggregates product line production increased 6% to meet shipment activity. Our operations personnel leveraged efficiencies gained through higher production volumes and reduced our heritage cost per ton by 2%.

“Specialty Products continued its strong performance and, for the quarter, net sales were $50.6 million and earnings from operations were $15.8 million, or 31.3% of net sales. For the full year, this business established new records for net sales and earnings from operations, which were $202.2 million and $68.5 million, respectively. On November 1, our new dolomitic lime kiln at the Woodville, Ohio, facility became operational and contributed $3 million of net sales for the fourth quarter. Going forward, the new kiln is expected to provide annual net sales, ranging from $22 million to $25 million with margins comparable to existing operations.

“Consolidated gross margin (excluding freight and delivery revenues) for the quarter was 16.7%, a 200-basis-point decline compared with the prior-year quarter. Consolidated gross margin, excluding freight and delivery revenues and our increased exposure to vertical integration – ready mixed concrete, hot mixed asphalt and related paving operations in Arkansas, Colorado and Texas – would have been 19.4%. This adjusted gross margin (excluding freight and delivery revenues) represents a 270-basis-point increase compared with the reported consolidated gross margin (excluding freight and delivery revenues). The Mideast and West Groups each leveraged volume and pricing improvements in the aggregates product line to expand their gross margins. These gains were offset by a decline in our Southeast Group profitability, which reflects the continued under absorption of fixed costs, as well as increased freight costs.

“Consolidated SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 8.3%, an improvement of 20 basis points compared with the prior-year quarter. On an absolute basis, SG&A increased $6.3 million, which was due to a $3.3 million charge for restructuring initiatives, overhead incurred at our Denver operations and costs related to an information systems upgrade expected to be completed by the fall of 2013.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

“Cash provided by operating activities for full year 2012 was $222.7 million compared with $259.1 million for 2011. Cash provided by operating activities for 2012 would have been $283.7 million, excluding cash outlays of $38 million for business development expenses and a net $23 million required to finance working capital for our Colorado operations. We used our significant cash flow to make timely but prudent capital investments, maintain dividend payments and reduce our outstanding debt by $12 million. During the year, we invested $151.0 million of capital into our business, including $33 million related to the new kiln.

“At December 31, 2012, our ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined, for the trailing twelve months was 3.21 times. At December 31, 2012, the maximum ratio is 3.75 times per our covenant. The maximum ratio is 3.75 times through June 30, 2013, before returning to a maximum of 3.50 times on September 30, 2013.

2013 OUTLOOK

“We expect that in 2013, there will be significantly stronger new construction activity across the country, and we are well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. We are encouraged by various positive trends in our business and markets, especially as MAP-21 and other programs are implemented. For 2013, we currently expect shipments to the infrastructure end-use market to increase in the mid-single digits, driven by the impact of MAP-21, TIFIA and state-sponsored programs. We anticipate the nonresidential end-use market to increase in the high-single digits given that the Architecture Billings Index, a leading economic indicator for nonresidential construction spending activity, is reflecting the strongest growth in billings at architecture firms since the end of 2007. Residential construction is experiencing a level of growth not seen since late 2005 with seasonally adjusted starts ahead of any period since 2008. We believe this trend in housing starts will continue and our residential end-use market will experience double-digit volume growth. Finally, we expect our ChemRock/Rail end-use market to be flat compared with 2012. Cumulatively, we anticipate heritage aggregates product line shipments will increase 4% to 6%. As a reminder, we experienced moderate weather in the first five months of 2012, which allowed an earlier-than-normal start to the construction season in many of our markets. If we experience more typical winter weather in 2013, the quarterly pattern of aggregates shipments and earnings will differ versus 2012. In particular, 2013 first-quarter results will be compared with a strong quarter in 2012.

“We currently expect heritage aggregates product line pricing will increase 2% to 4% in 2013. A variety of factors beyond our direct control may continue to exert pressure on our volumes and our forecasted pricing increase is not expected to be uniform across the company.

“We expect our vertically integrated businesses to generate between $350 million and $375 million of net sales and $20 million to $22 million of gross profit.

“Increased production should lead to a slight reduction in aggregates product line direct production costs per ton compared with 2012. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales are expected to decline slightly.

“Net sales for the Specialty Products segment should be between $220 million and $230 million, generating $81 million to $85 million of gross profit. Steel utilization and natural gas prices are two key factors for this segment.

“Interest expense is expected to remain relatively flat. Our effective tax rate is expected to approximate 26%, excluding discrete events. Capital expenditures are forecast at $155 million.”

RISKS TO OUTLOOK

The 2013 outlook includes management’s assessment of the likelihood of certain risk factors that will affect performance. The most significant risk to the Corporation’s performance will be the United States economy and its impact on construction activity. While both MAP-21 and TIFIA credit assistance are excluded from federal budget sequester and the U.S. debt ceiling limit, the ultimate resolution of these issues may have a significant impact on the economy and, consequently, construction activity. Other risks related to the Corporation’s future performance include, but are not limited to, both price and volume and include a recurrence of widespread decline in aggregates volume negatively affecting aggregates price; the termination, capping and/or reduction of the federal and/or state gasoline tax(es) or other revenue related to infrastructure construction; a significant change in the funding patterns for traditional federal, state and/or local infrastructure projects; a reduction in defense spending, and the subsequent impact on construction activity on or near military bases, particularly if sequestration of budget programs occurs; a decline in nonresidential construction, a decline in energy-related drilling activity resulting from certain regulatory or economic factors, a slowdown in the residential construction recovery, or some combination thereof; and a continued reduction in ChemRock/Rail shipments resulting from declining coal traffic on the railroads. Further, increased highway construction funding pressures resulting from either federal or state issues can affect profitability. Currently, nearly all states have general fund budget issues driven by lower tax revenues. If these negatively affect transportation budgets more than in the past, construction spending could be reduced. North Carolina and Texas, states disproportionately affecting the Corporation’s revenue and profitability, are among the states experiencing these fiscal pressures, although recent statistics indicate that transportation budgets and tax revenues are increasing.

The Corporation’s principal business serves customers in aggregates-related construction markets. This concentration could increase the risk of potential losses on customer receivables; however, payment bonds normally posted on public projects, together with lien rights on private projects, help to mitigate the risk of uncollectible receivables. The level of aggregates demand in the Corporation’s end-use markets, production levels and the management of production costs will affect the operating leverage of the Aggregates business and, therefore, profitability. Production costs in the Aggregates business are also sensitive to energy prices, both directly and indirectly. Diesel fuel and other consumables change production costs directly through consumption or indirectly by increased energy-related input costs, such as, steel, explosives, tires and conveyor belts. Fluctuating diesel fuel pricing also affects transportation costs, primarily through fuel surcharges in the Corporation’s long-haul distribution network. The Specialty Products business is sensitive to changes in domestic steel capacity utilization and the absolute price and fluctuations in the cost of natural gas. However, due to recent technology developments allowing the harvesting of abundant natural gas supplies in the U.S., natural gas prices have stabilized.

Transportation in the Corporation’s long-haul network, particularly rail cars and locomotive power to move trains, affects our ability to efficiently transport material into certain markets, most notably Texas, Florida and the Gulf Coast. The availability of trucks to transport our product, particularly in markets experiencing increased demand due to energy sector activity, is also a risk. The Aggregates business is also subject to weather-related risks that can significantly affect production schedules and profitability. The first and fourth quarters are most adversely affected by winter weather, and the operations in the Denver, Colorado, market increase the Corporation’s exposure to winter weather. Hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Coast generally is most active during the third and fourth quarters.

Risks to the outlook include shipment declines as a result of economic events beyond the Corporation’s control. In addition to the impact on nonresidential and residential construction, the Corporation is exposed to risk in its estimated outlook from credit markets and the availability of and interest cost related to its debt.

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

The Company will host an online web simulcast of its fourth quarter 2012 earnings conference call later today (February 12, 2013). The live broadcast of the Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. conference call will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern Time today. An online replay will be available approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast. A link to these events will be available at the Corporation’s website.

For those investors without online web access, the conference call may also be accessed by calling (970) 315-0423, confirmation number 96829448.

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. is the nation’s second largest producer of construction aggregates and a producer of magnesia-based chemicals and dolomitic lime. For more information about Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., refer to the Corporation’s website at www.martinmarietta.com.

If you are interested in Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. stock, management recommends that, at a minimum, you read the Corporation’s current annual report and Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the past year. The Corporation’s recent proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders also contains important information. These and other materials that have been filed with the SEC are accessible through the Corporation’s website at www.martinmarietta.com and are also available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also write or call the Corporation’s Corporate Secretary, who will provide copies of such reports.

Investors are cautioned that all statements in this press release that relate to the future involve risks and uncertainties, and are based on assumptions that the Corporation believes in good faith are reasonable but which may be materially different from actual results. Forward-looking statements give the investor our expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. They may use words such as "anticipate," "expect," "should be," "believe," “will”, and other words of similar meaning in connection with future events or future operating or financial performance. Any or all of our forward-looking statements here and in other publications may turn out to be wrong.

Factors that the Corporation currently believes could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, the performance of the United States economy and the resolution of the debt ceiling and sequestration issues; widespread decline in aggregates pricing; the termination, capping and/or reduction of the federal and/or state gasoline tax(es) or other revenue related to infrastructure construction; the level and timing of federal and state transportation funding, including federal stimulus projects and most particularly in North Carolina, one of the Corporation’s largest and most profitable states, and Texas, Iowa, Colorado and Georgia; the ability of states and/or other entities to finance approved projects either with tax revenues or alternative financing structures; levels of construction spending in the markets the Corporation serves; a reduction in defense spending, and the subsequent impact on construction activity on or near military bases, particularly if sequestration of budget programs occurs; a decline in the commercial component of the nonresidential construction market, notably office and retail space; a slowdown in residential construction recovery; unfavorable weather conditions, particularly Atlantic Ocean hurricane activity, the late start to spring or the early onset of winter and the impact of a drought or excessive rainfall in the markets served by the Corporation; the volatility of fuel costs, particularly diesel fuel, and the impact on the cost of other consumables, namely steel, explosives, tires and conveyor belts; continued increases in the cost of other repair and supply parts; transportation availability, notably the availability of railcars and locomotive power to move trains to supply the Corporation’s Texas, Florida and Gulf Coast markets; increased transportation costs, including increases from higher passed-through energy and other costs to comply with tightening regulations as well as higher volumes of rail and water shipments; availability and cost of construction equipment in the United States; weakening in the steel industry markets served by the Corporation’s dolomitic lime products; inflation and its effect on both production and interest costs; ability to successfully integrate acquisitions quickly and in a cost-effective manner and achieve anticipated profitability to maintain compliance with the Corporation’s leverage ratio debt covenant; changes in tax laws, the interpretation of such laws and/or administrative practices that would increase the Corporation’s tax rate; violation of the Corporation’s debt covenant if price and/or volumes return to previous levels of instability; downward pressure on the Corporation’s common stock price and its impact on goodwill impairment evaluations; reduction of the Corporation’s credit rating to non-investment grade resulting from strategic acquisitions; and other risk factors listed from time to time found in the Corporation’s filings with the SEC. Other factors besides those listed here may also adversely affect the Corporation, and may be material to the Corporation. The Corporation assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.