Martin Marietta Materials (NYSE:MLM) is a producer of sand, gravel, aggregates and cement (products for the construction industry). During the year, Martin’s aggregates volumes, pricing and incremental margins exceeded investor expectations as non-residential and public construction showed broad-based strength. The outlook for public volumes over the next several years improved with the passing of the 5-year federal highway bill, dubbed Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, and state Department of Transportation budgets expanded. Martin also increased its synergy cost-savings target for the Texas Industries acquisition for the third time from the original $70 million to $120 million and sold their California Oro Grande cement operation for $ 420 million. The proceeds will be used towards their 20 million share repurchase program. A culmination of these positive events pushed Martin Marietta’s stock price above our estimate of intrinsic value, and we exited our position during the third quarter.
From Wallace Weitz (Trades, Portfolio)'s fourth quarter 2015 Value Fund commentary.
