Earnings Recap — Q2 FY2026
CY Q3 2026 · Reported July 29, 2026 · Beat 4 of last 7 quarters
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Vulcan's aggregates are foundational to the physical buildout of AI infrastructure, particularly data centers and the associated power generation and transmission projects. Management highlighted that data centers and power infrastructure are driving private nonresidential demand, with 60% of large projects within 50 miles of a Vulcan facility. The company's reiteration of growth guidance and pricing power underscores sustained demand for construction materials tied to the AI buildout.
Vulcan generated $654M of adjusted EBITDA in Q2, roughly flat year-over-year despite nearly $40M of energy headwinds. Aggregates cash gross profit per ton topped $12, up $0.14, with shipments up 1% and mix-adjusted price up 5%. The company completed divestitures of California concrete and U.S. Virgin Islands operations, and acquired Brannan Sand & Gravel's southern Colorado and Dallas-Fort Worth operations. Management reaffirmed full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $2.4B to $2.6B and noted the NAFTA arbitration award against Mexico resulted in only immaterial damages despite unanimous findings of violations.
Management reiterated full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $2.4B to $2.6B, citing healthy backlogs, robust quoting activity, and strong public demand. They expect shipments growth in 2026 driven by public infrastructure and large private projects, particularly data centers, power generation, and LNG. Pricing is expected to improve through the year, with midyear increases pulled forward to June. Cost inflation is expected to decelerate in the back half due to no repeat of last year's unusual costs and seasonally higher tonnage. Management remains disciplined on pricing as the key lever to offset sticky diesel costs and continues to pursue a healthy M&A pipeline, with several transactions expected to be finalized this year.
“The resiliency of our aggregates-led business and the importance of our strategic disciplines are evident in periods of inflationary pressure.”
on Business resilience
“All 3 members of the tribunal found that Mexico's actions were arbitrary, grossly unfair and unjust.”
on Mexico arbitration
“Our biggest lever to overcome fuel continues to be price.”
on Pricing strategy
Can you talk about the puts and takes on demand and what gives you confidence in the second half to meet full-year volume guidance?
Demand is tracking as expected with healthy backlogs and robust quoting activity. Public infrastructure, highways, data centers, and manufacturing are positive, while single-family remains weak. The advantaged footprint positions Vulcan well for eventual recovery.
Cost performance was solid in Q2. Can you provide color on what drives better cost inflation in the second half?
Vulcan Way of Operating disciplines dampened the $26M diesel headwind. Second-half benefits include no repeat of last year's unusual repair and insurance costs, seasonally higher tonnage, and levers like stripping and liquid asphalt storage. SAG expenses are expected to be $10–15M lower than the initial range.
Any update on midyear price increases and additional color on the Mexico tribunal decision?
Midyear increases went as expected, pulled forward to June, and were almost 2x better sequentially than last year. On Mexico, all three arbitrators agreed Mexico violated NAFTA but awarded immaterial damages. Vulcan continues to supply the Gulf Coast and has grown EBITDA over 50% since the taking.