In this article, we discuss the 7 Best Cement Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.
Cement is a key material in the construction industry and an essential indicator of economic growth. Its demand is always high whenever there are heightened efforts to expand infrastructure. Amid the resilience of the US economy, the US construction materials sector has been on a roll. The sector is already up by more than 23% for the year, outperforming the S&P 500, which is up by about 12%.
Likewise, analysts at JPMorgan expect the momentum in the US construction and materials sector to continue in the second half of the year and into 2026. The investment bank sees a 15% upside potential for stocks in the sector and a 20% share price gain for pure US construction stocks.
The investment bank anticipates increased volumes in the construction sector during the second half of the year.
JPMorgan stated: “With guidance for most companies pointing to improved vols in 2H, we believe 2Q was likely the trough of softer demand trends. Plus, comps could be easier regarding weather in 2H.”
Interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve would also be a boon for the sector. Interest rate cuts are expected to make it more affordable for people to acquire the capital needed to purchase homes and for developers to undertake construction projects.
The resultant effect should be a spike in demand for cement and its products, which should benefit companies with exposure to the product. Increasing urbanization, infrastructural development, and a push toward sustainable building practices are among the tailwinds that affirm the long-term outlook for cement stocks.
Our Methodology
To identify the Best Cement Stocks to Buy According to Analysts, we used the Finviz screener to scan for construction companies with exposure to cement production. Next, we settled on stocks popular among elite hedge funds (as of Q2 2025) and detailed their upside potential as of September 11. Finally, we ranked the stocks in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds that hold stakes in them.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is straightforward: our research has demonstrated that we can outperform the market by replicating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
7. CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX)
Stock Upside Potential: 5.99%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX) is one of the best cement stocks to buy according to analysts. On September 3, analysts at BofA Securities reiterated a ‘Neutral’ rating on the stock and lifted the price target to $10 and $8.60. The price target hike underscores BofA’s updated discounted cash flow analysis based on 2026 projections.
The price target hike comes as Cemex outperforms cement stocks over the past six months, given the 53% spike. The outperformance stems from the company’s pursuit of aggressive cost-saving programs and its focus on generating free cash flow. The appointment of a new CEO has also helped strengthen its market sentiment.
The new CEO has reiterated plans to focus on improving the company’s return on invested capital. Plans are underway to deploy $2 billion in disciplined mergers and acquisitions in pursuit of new growth opportunities.
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX) is a global company that produces and distributes building materials, primarily cement, ready-mix concrete, and aggregates. The company aims to build a better future by providing innovative and sustainable building solutions, with a focus on carbon neutrality, circularity, and natural resource management.
6. James Hardie Industries PLC (NYSE:JHX)
Stock Upside Potential: 36.96%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 32
James Hardie Industries PLC (NYSE:JHX) is one of the top cement stocks to consider for investment, according to analysts. On September 10, James Hardie Building Products Inc., a subsidiary of James Hardie Industries, announced the renewal of its partnership with Green Brick Partners Inc. (NYSE:GRBK), reinforcing their collaboration in fiber-cement siding and exterior design solutions through 2028.
The agreement will make James Hardie’s siding and trim products the exclusive choice for new Green Brick Projects. Green Brick Partners is the third-largest homebuilder in Dallas-Fort Worth and owns five subsidiary homebuilders in Texas.
James Hardie and Green Brick Partners have collaborated to build long-lasting, exquisitely crafted homes for homeowners since the inception of their partnership. This extended exclusive agreement reinforces the two businesses’ shared commitment to quality and innovation.
Sean Gadd, President of James Hardie North America, said, “We’re pleased to build on our long-standing relationship with Green Brick Partners. Our continued work together highlights the shared emphasis we place on quality, innovation, and delivering homes that stand the test of time.”
James Hardie Industries PLC (NYSE:JHX) is a global leader in high-performance building materials, best known for its fiber cement siding and backer board products, which offer durability and resistance to fire, water, and pests. The company also produces a range of exterior and interior solutions, including composite and PVC decking, as well as composite and gypsum fiber boards.
5. Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP)
Stock Upside Potential: 1.23%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP) is one of the best cement stocks to buy according to analysts. On August 26, JPMorgan reiterated its confidence in the growth outlook for the construction materials sector. The investment bank remains confident about the industry owing to improving demand trends in the second half of the year and into 2026.
Eagle Materials is one of the companies well-positioned to benefit from the improving trends in the construction sector. JPMorgan raised its price target for Eagle Materials from $220 to $245, while keeping a Neutral rating on the stock. Heightened investments in infrastructure and non-residential spending should present opportunities for the company to capitalize on its array of building products, such as Portland cement.
For its first quarter of fiscal 2026, the company posted a record revenue of $634.6 million, representing a 4% year-over-year increase. Higher cement sales, volume, and contributions from acquired aggregate businesses in Western Pennsylvania and Northern Kentucky drove the record revenue. The company also reiterated plans to modernize and expand its Mountain Cement plant.
Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP) manufactures and distributes building products like Portland cement, gypsum wallboard, concrete, and aggregates for residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure construction.
4. Amrize Ltd (NYSE:AMRZ)
Stock Upside Potential: 8.29%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48
Amrize Ltd (NYSE:AMRZ) is one of the best cement stocks to buy according to analysts. On August 28, the company’s management announced that it does not endorse a tender offer for the company’s outstanding shares by TRC Capital Investment Corporation.
TRC had tabled an offer to purchase 2 million ordinary shares for $49.63 per share. The offer, which represented less than 1% of the outstanding ordinary shares, was valued at 4.48% less than the stock’s closing price on August 26.
Amrize completed its 100% spin-off from Holcim and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on June 23, 2025, at approximately $52 per share. The company’s management has downplayed the mini tender offer because the offer price is way below the current market price. The company generated $11.7 billion in revenue in 2024, reflecting a 13% compound annual growth rate since 2021.
Amrize Ltd (NYSE:AMRZ) is a major producer of building materials, including cement, which it mines, produces, and supplies through a network of plants and reserves. It operates the largest cement plant in the US and is a vertical producer, meaning it controls the entire cement production process from reserves to product.
3. Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC)
Stock Upside Potential: 6.12%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59
Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC) is one of the best cement stocks to buy according to analysts. The company’s strong EBITDA and free cash flow margins have already caught the attention of Fitch Ratings. On August 28, the ratings firm upgraded the company’s Long-term Issuer Default Rating to BBB+ from BBB.
The firm also upgraded its Short-Term IDR commercial paper to F1 from F2, affirming a stable outlook. The upgrades underscore Fitch Ratings’ confidence in Vulcan Materials’ leading market position, its diverse quarry network spanning 23 states, and its substantial financial flexibility.
Vulcan Materials has affirmed its strong financial position following the $2.3 billion acquisition in 2024. Its leverage levels have moved to 2.2x from 2.6x and are now expected to average between 2x and 2.5x in the coming years. While the company’s EBITDA margin improved by 200 basis points in 2024, Fitch Ratings expects it to improve by between 100 and 150 basis points in 2025, driven by strong pricing and operational efficiencies.
Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC) is one of the largest producers of construction aggregates in the United States, providing essential materials like crushed stone, sand, and gravel. It also manufactures aggregates-based construction materials such as asphalt and ready-mixed concrete.
2. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM)
Stock Upside Potential: 5.16%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
Martin Marietta Materials Inc. (NYSE:MLM) is one of the best cement stocks to buy, according to analysts. On September 3, the company introduced SOAR 2030, an ambitious five-year strategy aimed at strengthening its leadership in the aggregates-focused building materials industry.
At the core of the plan is a push for operational excellence driven by technological innovation, cost discipline, and strategic portfolio realignment. The company’s asset exchange with Quikrete underscores the shift towards a more resilient business model. The strategic push is expected to position the company in high-quality crushed stone operations.
The acquisition of Premier Magnesia is also part of the SOAR 2030 plan, as it positions Martin Marietta to capitalize on strong demand for high-performance materials in industrial and environmental applications. Operational efficiency, strategic acquisitions, and a focus on high-margin aggregates position the company to capitalize on increased spending on infrastructure.
Martin Marietta Materials Inc. (NYSE:MLM) is a construction material company that supplies aggregates, including crushed stone, sand, and gravel, through a network of quarries, mines, and distribution yards. Its major products include cement, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, and paving services.
1. CRH plc (NYSE:CRH)
Stock Upside Potential: 10.70%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 89
CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH) is one of the best cement stocks to buy according to analysts. On September 9, the company received a significant boost with the election of Patrick Decker to the board of directors. He joins the company with vast experience in accounting and finance from Indiana University.
Decker has previously served as the president and CEO of Xylem, a leading provider of water technology and solutions. He has also served as the president and CEO of Harsco Corporation and as the president of Tyco Flow Control. Currently, he serves on the board of Johnson Controls International.
“We are delighted to welcome Patrick to our Board of Directors,” said Richie Boucher, CRH Chairman.
The election of Decker to the board follows the signing of a $2.1 billion deal to acquire Eco Material Technologies. With the acquisition of the near-zero carbon cement producer Eco Material, CRH PLC will also gain access to a network of fresh and harvested fly ash and green cement operations.
CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH) is a provider of building materials and solutions for infrastructure and construction projects. Its products include aggregates, cement, readymixed concrete, and asphalt, which are used in everything from major roads and buildings to residential communities and utilities.
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