Handsome profits for Hanson

Hanson Building Materials grew its 2005 profit 20.2% at its U.S. Aggregates division and 8.7% at its U.S. Building Products division, according to President Alan Murray. Looking ahead, Murray says demand in the U.S. is expected to remain strong but may decline in the UK and Australia. The increase in energy costs incurred in the latter part of 2005 will impact the company's annual cost base in 2006, despite cost-reduction initiatives. The company expects to make further progress during 2006 based on strong market positions, value-adding acquisition opportunities and continued financial discipline. In other words, look for M&A activity to heat up, as they compete with Vulcan, Martin Marietta and Lafarge to buy up a few quarries in areas where some new strategic reserves wouldn't be a half-bad idea.