Vulcan rolls on

Another strong quarter for Vulcan Materials Co., despite the fact that production volume was down (offset by positive price increases). The company announced record fourth quarter and full-year 2006 sales and earnings. Earnings from continuing operations were $115 million or $1.19 per diluted share in the fourth quarter as compared with $92 million or $0.89 per diluted share in the prior year. Net sales increased 9 percent from the prior year’s fourth quarter. Full year net sales increased 16 percent to $3 billion. Earnings from continuing operations were $477 million or $4.79 per diluted share, a 45 percent increase per diluted share from the prior year. Company president Don James noted that, "The increasing demand for aggregates in a broad range of public infrastructure and nonresidential construction projects has helped offset the correction that has occurred in residential construction." If residential bounces back in the second half of the year, as some experts predict, it could be yet another record year for Vulcan. Your comment?