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MLM vs VMC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Martin Marietta Materials (MLM) vs. Vulcan Materials (VMC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both MLM and VMC are S&P 500 aggregates producers, but Vulcan is the larger company by revenue while Martin Marietta commands stronger pricing per ton.
- MLM posted record aggregates gross profit and margin in its latest quarter, whereas VMC reported a quarter-over-quarter margin contraction.
- Both stocks missed Wall Street estimates in recent weeks and pulled back, but MLM has held up better on a relative performance basis.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: MLM is the preferred ticker of the two, reflecting stronger pricing power, more consistent margin expansion, and a shallower recent drawdown.
- Public infrastructure funding and data center construction remain shared tailwinds for both names, while soft residential demand is a common headwind.
- For deeper detail, explore MLM Major News and MLM Today's Price Move, as well as VMC Major News and VMC Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Martin Marietta Materials (MLM) and Vulcan Materials (VMC) are two of the largest suppliers of construction aggregates in the United States, making them a natural pairing for a head-to-head stock comparison. Both operate aggregates-led business models that feed infrastructure, nonresidential, and residential construction. This comparison is relevant for investors and traders seeking exposure to the construction materials sector, particularly those weighing relative performance, pricing power, and market positioning between the two industry leaders. By examining recent market activity, margin trends, and catalysts, readers can better assess which of these closely linked stocks currently presents the more compelling setup.
MLM Overview and Recent Performance
Martin Marietta Materials is a North Carolina-based supplier of aggregates, cement, and heavy building materials, operating a coast-to-coast network spanning 28 states. In recent weeks, MLM shares pulled back after the company reported fourth-quarter and full-year results that fell short of consensus on both the top and bottom line, even as revenue grew year over year. The core aggregates segment was a bright spot, delivering record gross profit and margin alongside a higher average selling price (ASP). Management attributed resilience to sustained infrastructure activity, favorable weather across its footprint, and disciplined commercial execution. Portfolio optimization, including a pending asset exchange with QUIKRETE and a bolt-on acquisition in Minnesota, has reinforced its aggregates-led strategy. Softness in private residential and nonresidential construction remains the principal drag on sentiment.
VMC Overview and Recent Performance
Vulcan Materials, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. In recent market activity, VMC shares declined after its latest quarterly report missed consensus estimates, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) falling well short of expectations. For the full year, however, the company delivered double-digit growth in adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) and record operating cash flow, supported by its "Vulcan Way" operating disciplines. Quarterly results were pressured by weaker single-family residential demand, early winter weather, and a shift toward lower-margin base stone tied to large data center projects. Management's 2026 outlook points to continued public construction strength and improving private nonresidential demand, though residential recovery remains uncertain.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates a broad ecosystem of AI trading bots that monitor and trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance profile, and set of covered symbols. Because market conditions shift constantly, not every bot suits every environment, which is why Tickeron curates a dedicated Trending AI Robots section. This page highlights only the automated strategies that are currently among the most relevant and effective for prevailing conditions, allowing traders to quickly identify AI-driven approaches with noteworthy recent performance and statistics. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to review the latest lineup and see which strategies are resonating in today's market.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Although MLM and VMC compete in the same sector, their market positioning differs in scale and focus. Vulcan is the larger business by revenue and aggregates volume, giving it broader geographic diversification, while Martin Marietta has pursued a more aggressive portfolio-reshaping agenda, divesting downstream assets to concentrate on higher-margin aggregates. On pricing, MLM has demonstrated stronger ASP per ton, whereas VMC leads on aggregates cash gross profit per ton. Both companies face shared risks, including soft single-family housing, weather disruptions, and cost inflation, but their recent margin trajectories diverged: Martin Marietta's aggregates margin expanded while Vulcan's contracted in the latest quarter. Both also lean on the same catalysts, namely unspent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding and accelerating data center and energy construction.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently favor MLM over VMC. Martin Marietta's relative strength in pricing, its record-setting aggregates profitability and margin expansion, and its comparatively shallower post-earnings drawdown suggest more consistent trend stability and firmer market positioning in the near term. While Vulcan offers greater scale and strong full-year cash generation, its recent quarterly margin compression and larger relative decline introduce more near-term uncertainty. Accordingly, the AI verdict leans toward MLM as the better-positioned of the two, though both stocks remain subject to the same macroeconomic and construction-demand variables.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is MLM is a Hold and VMC is a Buy.
MLM in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026
The 10-day moving average for MLM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MLM as a result. In 57 of 93 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MLM just turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where MLM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
MLM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.34% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MLM advanced for three days, in 193 of 320 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 10 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MLM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
MLM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for MLM entered a downward trend on October 19, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 70, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MLM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 87 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.397) is normal, around the industry mean (2.629). P/E Ratio (13.535) is within average values for comparable stocks, (21.048). MLM's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.833) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.876). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.048) among similar stocks. MLM's P/S Ratio (4.486) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.242).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
VMC in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026
The 10-day moving average for VMC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on VMC as a result. In 64 of 96 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
VMC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.15% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where VMC advanced for three days, in 205 of 340 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 114 of 253 cases where VMC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 45%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 11 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where VMC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
VMC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 70, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. VMC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 87 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: VMC's P/B Ratio (4.426) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.629). P/E Ratio (33.976) is within average values for comparable stocks, (21.048). VMC's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.662) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.876). Dividend Yield (0.007) settles around the average of (0.048) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.964) is also within normal values, averaging (2.242).
MLM | VMC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 43 | 44 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 87 Overvalued | 87 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 48 | 31 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 42 | 61 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 45 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 93 | 50 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
MLM's Valuation (87) in the Construction Materials industry is in the same range as VMC (87). This means that MLM’s stock grew similarly to VMC’s over the last 12 months.
VMC's Profit vs Risk Rating (31) in the Construction Materials industry is in the same range as MLM (48). This means that VMC’s stock grew similarly to MLM’s over the last 12 months.
MLM's SMR Rating (42) in the Construction Materials industry is in the same range as VMC (61). This means that MLM’s stock grew similarly to VMC’s over the last 12 months.
VMC's Price Growth Rating (45) in the Construction Materials industry is in the same range as MLM (49). This means that VMC’s stock grew similarly to MLM’s over the last 12 months.
VMC's P/E Growth Rating (50) in the Construction Materials industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MLM (93). This means that VMC’s stock grew somewhat faster than MLM’s over the last 12 months.
| MLM | VMC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 25% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 48% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 67% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 63% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 59% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 60% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 64% | 9 days ago 60% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 51% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 45% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
MLM’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while VMC’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- MLM’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- VMC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
MLM’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while VMC’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MLM’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- VMC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
MLM (@Construction Materials) experienced а +9.58% price change this week, while VMC (@Construction Materials) price change was +10.58% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Construction Materials industry was +22.04%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +11.14%, and the average quarterly price growth was -19.12%.
Reported Earning Dates
MLM is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
VMC is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Construction Materials (+22.04% weekly)Many naturally occurring substances, such as clay, rocks, sand, and wood, even twigs and leaves have been used in construction material. Many man-made products are also in use. Vulcan Materials Co., Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. and Owens Corning Inc. are examples of construction material companies in the U.S. Performance of companies that extract or produce construction materials could at times depend on demand for residential and commercial buildings/real estate, and therefore in some cases could feel impacted by economic cycles.
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VMC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, VMC has been closely correlated with MLM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if VMC jumps, then MLM could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To VMC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMC | 100% | +2.81% | ||
| MLM - VMC | 88% Closely correlated | +2.19% | ||
| CRH - VMC | 71% Closely correlated | +6.36% | ||
| EXP - VMC | 68% Closely correlated | +6.47% | ||
| AMRZ - VMC | 62% Loosely correlated | +4.66% | ||
| TTAM - VMC | 61% Loosely correlated | +1.51% | ||
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