MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS (MLM, Financial) is the second largest domestic producer of construction aggregates and a producer of magnesium based chemicals and dolomitic lime. Aggregates refer to the business of selling crushed stone, rocks and sand and is an attractive business. It enjoys significant barriers to entry, including the challenges in gaining permits for new quarries, as well as the low value to weight ratio of aggregates creating local oligopolies that enable solid pricing power. As I mentioned in prior letters, it is one of few businesses I have ever studied that have experienced enormous volume declines yet have been able to continue to raise prices illustrating the power of their business model.
We believe that MLM is well positioned for solid growth in its largest markets, Texas representing 19% of sales and North Carolina 17% of sales, for solid growth. Their top five states of Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, Georgia and South Carolina represent almost 60% of their 2013 sales. Sales in 2013 were $1.9 billion with operating earnings of $155 million translating into fully diluted earnings per share of $2.61 on their 46 million shares outstanding. While MLM’s stock price has appreciated over 25% in 2012 and 6% in 2013, we still believe the company’s assets remain undervalued and the company will continue to generate attractive revenue and profit growth as the undeniable need for infrastructure spending continues to grow.
