“As we look to 2026, I’m encouraged about the demand backdrop in our markets. We expect continued strength in public construction activity and improving private nonresidential opportunities, a combination that should benefit an already healthy pricing environment.”
– Ronnie Pruitt, Vulcan Materials Co.
“Our 2026 shipment guidance of low single-digit improvement reflects a balanced macro environment, in which we expect robust infrastructure investment and accelerating momentum in data centers and energy to offset continued softness in private nonresidential and residential construction.”
“We enter 2026 with momentum and confidence in our strategy to deliver long-term, profitable growth. We have record year-end backlog of $1 billion, which includes the opportunity to pull through our higher-margin materials. We will continue our efforts to optimize materials pricing and drive efficiencies at our plants. Also, we expect our strategic M&A activity to continue, as our 2026 deal pipeline looks similar to 2025.”
– Brian Gray, Knife River Corp.
“Our revenue outlook for fiscal 2026 continues to anticipate organic growth of approximately 7 percent to 8 percent. Strong industry tailwinds persist throughout our local markets across eight Sun Belt states, which are benefiting from growing infrastructure funding for both public and private project work.”
– Jule Smith III, Construction Partners Inc.
“Planning momentum cooled in January across most commercial and institutional sectors. Data center projects continue to lead the way, but after elevated activity in late 2025, most nonresidential sectors are now easing into a more sustainable growth pattern.”
– Sarah Martin, Dodge Construction Network
“With a healthy market backdrop and a solid pipeline of bidding opportunities, we believe we are well positioned to continue expanding CAP (contract awards pending) in 2026. We also expect to improve gross profit margins and SG&A (selling, general and administrative expenses) efficiencies as we work to drive adjusted EBITDA margin growth in line with our 2027 financial targets.”
– Staci Woolsey, Granite Construction
“Despite the lack of job growth in 2025, the industry’s unemployment rate is only modestly higher than one year ago. That dynamic at least partially stems from immigration enforcement and the downward pressure it has put on the industry’s labor supply.”
– Anirban Basu, Associated Builders & Contractors
“Recent mega-rain events have caused widespread flooding, crippling transportation infrastructure and overwhelming flood barriers across Washington state. These disasters have exposed a sobering truth: our roads, bridges and public works are not adequately prepared for the challenges of a changing climate. Communities have been cut off, businesses disrupted and families left vulnerable. The lesson is clear: We must rethink not only how we build, repair and maintain the systems that connect and protect us, but how we secure the resources to do so.”
– Cory LeeAnn Shaw, Washington Aggregates & Concrete Association
Related: Perspectives: Positioning for what’s next in aggregates
