Credit: Shutterstock photoVulcan Materials CompanyVMC has launched MyVulcan.com, an online customer service center that will give customers direct control of their account "anytime, anywhere".
MyVulcan.com offers customer-friendly search engines and online payment options. The customers can also view their account information, including tickets and orders, track orders and make payment online according to their convenience, thereby saving on time and money. Customers will also be able to view invoices and receive email notifications.
As digitalization continues to be integrated extensively into the regular lives, companies are now increasingly expanding and improving digital presence in a bid to ensure more resource- and time-efficient transactions with customers. The launch of MyVulcan.com is aimed to make the company's products more accessible to customers. Easier access to information and online payment will encourage purchase, which will, in turn, contribute to sales volume.
However, all is not well at Vulcan. Severe wet weather disrupted shipments in the first half of 2015, particularly in the second quarter. As weather normalized in the third quarter and strong demand and pricing momentum continued, top line picked up.
Also, management had issued cautious a fourth-quarter 2015 outlook during third-quarter 2015 conference call on Nov 3. The company also warned that an early onset of winter in key markets may end the construction season prematurely. Cold weather hurts construction activity and results in operational inefficiencies, which can prove to be a major headwind in the fourth quarter. Moreover, skilled labor shortages continue to act as a major headwind.
Vulcan Materials carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Key Picks from the Sector
Some stocks in the construction sector that are worth considering include The Home Depot, Inc. HD , CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. CX , and Summit Materials, Inc. SUM . While Summit Materials sports a Zacks Rank #1, The Home Depot and CEMEX carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
