DEF 14A: Martin Marietta Delivers Record 2023 Financial Performance; Shareholders to Vote on Director Elections and Executive Compensation
Summary
- Martin Marietta achieved record financial performance in 2023, marking twelve years of consecutive profit growth.
- The company grew aggregates gross profit per ton by 46% to $6.93 and diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations by 41% to $19.32.
- Martin Marietta increased its dividend by 12% in August 2023 and returned $324 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
- The company completed over $2.47 billion of non-core asset divestitures in 2023, including the sale of its Tehachapi, California cement plant.
- In February 2024, Martin Marietta closed the sale of its South Texas cement and concrete businesses for $2.1 billion.
- The company acquired Albert Frei & Sons, Inc. in Colorado and 20 active aggregates operations from Blue Water Industries (BWI Southeast), expected to contribute more than $180 million of annualized Adjusted EBITDA in 2024.
- Martin Marietta achieved its safest year on record, with a world-class lost time incident rate (LTIR) of 0.13 and a world-class total injury incident rate (TIIR) of 0.78.
- The company established a Safety Executive Steering Committee to guide and ensure strong focus on safety efforts.
- Martin Marietta aims to be Net Zero by 2050 across its entire value chain and has submitted a commitment letter to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
- The company's CPA-Zicklin scores increased from 10.0 in 2022 to 87.1 in 2023, placing it in the index's top quartile.
- Michael J. Quillen will retire from Martin Marietta's Board of Directors in 2024, and Mary T. Mack is nominated to join the Board.
- The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on May 16, 2024, with shareholders voting on the election of directors, ratification of independent auditors, and an advisory resolution on executive compensation.
Sentiment
Score: 9
Explanation: The document presents a highly positive outlook, emphasizing record financial performance, strategic acquisitions, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. The tone is optimistic and confident, reflecting a successful year for the company.
Highlights
- Martin Marietta achieved record financial performance in 2023, with a 46% increase in aggregates gross profit per ton to $6.93 and a 41% increase in diluted EPS from continuing operations to $19.32.
- The company returned $324 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases and has a cumulative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) of 558% over the past 14 years.
- Martin Marietta divested over $2.47 billion of non-core assets in 2023 and closed the sale of its South Texas cement and concrete businesses for $2.1 billion in February 2024.
- The company acquired Albert Frei & Sons, Inc. and 20 active aggregates operations from Blue Water Industries (BWI Southeast), expected to contribute more than $180 million of annualized Adjusted EBITDA in 2024.
- Martin Marietta achieved its safest year on record, with a world-class lost time incident rate (LTIR) of 0.13 and a world-class total injury incident rate (TIIR) of 0.78.
- The company aims to be Net Zero by 2050 across its entire value chain and has submitted a commitment letter to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
- Martin Marietta's CPA-Zicklin scores increased from 10.0 in 2022 to 87.1 in 2023, placing it in the index's top quartile.
Positives
- Record financial performance in 2023.
- Significant growth in aggregates gross profit per ton and diluted EPS.
- Consistent dividend increases and shareholder returns.
- Successful divestiture of non-core assets.
- Strategic acquisitions to enhance aggregates platform.
- World-class safety performance.
- Commitment to sustainability and Net Zero ambition.
- Improved CPA-Zicklin scores.
Risks
- The document mentions risks and opportunities relating to climate change, sustainability and other ESG matters, but does not detail any specific current issues or potential future challenges.
Future Outlook
Martin Marietta expects the acquisitions of Albert Frei & Sons, Inc. and 20 active aggregates operations from Blue Water Industries (BWI Southeast) to contribute more than $180 million of annualized Adjusted EBITDA in 2024.
Management Comments
- C. Howard Nye, Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, expressed pleasure in inviting shareholders to the 2024 Annual Meeting and highlighted the company's key actions and important decisions in 2023.
- Management believes that Martin Marietta has built a long-lasting and resilient business that is poised to continue to outperform in the near-, mediumand long-term.
Industry Context
The document positions Martin Marietta as a leading upstream materials-led platform, highlighting its long-term performance, strategic development, and the power of its SOAR process. It also mentions the company's presence in ten of the 11 U.S. megaregions.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- Martin Marietta's TSR performance is above the median performance of the Building Materials Industry Group in the five most recent 3-year periods.
- The Building Materials Industry Group includes CRH plc, Eagle Materials, Inc., HeidelbergCement AG, Holcim Ltd., Summit Materials, Inc., and Vulcan Materials Company.
- Martin Marietta's safety performance is compared to world-class companies and safety incident rates.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders benefit from Martin Marietta's record 2023 performance and strategic plan.
- The company is committed to sustainability and operating in an environmentally responsible manner.
- Martin Marietta is committed to its people and pay-for-performance.
- The company advanced its initiatives relating to employee inclusion and engagement.
Next Steps
- Shareholders are urged to promptly cast their vote for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
- The company will continue to deliver strong and responsible performance, innovation, and growth to its customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders.
Key Dates
- 2008: Michael J. Quillen joined Martin Marietta's Board of Directors.
- 2010: C. Howard Nye became Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Martin Marietta.
- 2016: John J. Koraleski joined the Martin Marietta Board.
- 2018: Dorothy M. Ables joined the Martin Marietta Board.
- 2019: Thomas H. Pike joined the Martin Marietta Board.
- 2020: Anthony R. Foxx and David C. Wajsgras joined the Martin Marietta Board.
- 2023-08: Martin Marietta increased its dividend by 12%.
- 2024-02: Martin Marietta closed the sale of its South Texas cement and concrete businesses for $2.1 billion.
- 2024-03-07: Shareholders of record for the 2024 Annual Meeting.
- 2024-04-15: Date of Availability of Proxy Materials.
- 2024-05-16: Martin Marietta's 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
- 2025: Next advisory vote on executive compensation.
Keywords
Filings with Classifications
Annual Results
- The company's revenue decreased from $6.777 billion in 2023 to $6.536 billion in 2024.
Debt Issuance Announcement
- Martin Marietta issued $1.5 billion in senior notes, split between $750 million due in 2034 and $750 million due in 2054.
- The proceeds will be used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes, including potential acquisitions.
Debt Offering Announcement
- Martin Marietta is raising $1.5 billion through the issuance of senior notes.
- The offering includes $750 million of 5.150% Senior Notes due 2034 and $750 million of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2054.
- The proceeds will be used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes.
Quarterly Report
- The report mentions that asphalt shipments were negatively impacted by project delays.
Quarterly Report
- The company's third-quarter earnings per share decreased from $6.94 to $5.91 year-over-year.
- The company's third-quarter revenue decreased from $1.994 billion to $1.889 billion year-over-year.
- The company's cash provided by operating activities decreased from $973 million to $773 million year-over-year.
Quarterly Report
- The company's revenue, gross profit, and net earnings all decreased compared to the same quarter last year.
- The company revised its full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance downwards.
- Aggregates shipments declined due to weather and softer demand.
Quarterly Report
- The company's net earnings per share decreased from $5.60 to $4.76, indicating worse performance compared to the same period last year.
- The company's revenue decreased from $1.821 billion to $1.764 billion, indicating worse performance compared to the same period last year.
- The company's aggregates shipments decreased by 2.8%, indicating worse performance compared to the same period last year.
Quarterly Report
- The company's revenue, gross profit, and net earnings all decreased year-over-year.
- The company lowered its full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance, indicating a less optimistic outlook than previously expected.
- Aggregates shipments decreased, reflecting weaker demand due to weather and economic factors.
Quarterly Report
- The company's net earnings were significantly better than expected due to the large gain from the divestiture of the South Texas cement business.
Quarterly Report
- The company's earnings per diluted share from continuing operations increased by 681%, significantly exceeding expectations.
- The company raised its full-year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA guidance, indicating a positive outlook.
- The company achieved a 14% increase in aggregates gross profit per ton, demonstrating strong pricing power.
Proxy Statement
- The company achieved record financial performance in 2023, with a 46% increase in aggregates gross profit per ton and a 41% increase in diluted EPS from continuing operations.
- Martin Marietta achieved its safest year on record, with a world-class lost time incident rate (LTIR) of 0.13 and a world-class total injury incident rate (TIIR) of 0.78.
Annual Results
- The company achieved record revenues, gross profit, diluted earnings per share, and Adjusted EBITDA, indicating better than expected financial performance.
- The company's operating cash flow increased by 54.2%, indicating better than expected cash generation.
- The company's aggregates gross margin increased by 660 basis points, indicating better than expected profitability in the aggregates segment.
- The company's cement gross margin expanded by 1,330 basis points, indicating better than expected profitability in the cement segment.
Quarterly Report
- The company's full-year results exceeded expectations with record revenues, profitability, and safety performance.
- The company's Adjusted EBITDA and aggregates unit profitability significantly improved year-over-year.
- The company's net earnings from continuing operations increased by 40.1% for the full year and 53.5% for the fourth quarter.
Disclaimer: This summary was generated by artificial intelligence and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.