Between James Hardie Industries and Vulcan Materials, Which Stock Looks Set to Break Out?
Vulcan Materials fell -10% during the past Week. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer James Hardie Industries gives you more. James Hardie Industries (JHX) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Vulcan Materials (VMC) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in JHX
- JHX’s quarterly revenue growth was 30.1%, vs. VMC’s 3.2%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 12.6%, ahead of VMC’s 7.1%.
- JHX’s 3-year average margin is stronger: 20.7% vs. VMC’s 18.8%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how VMC’s fundamentals stack up against those of JHX on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| VMC | JHX | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 23.0 | 17.4 | JHX |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 3.2% | 30.1% | JHX |
| Last 12 Months | 7.1% | 12.6% | JHX |
| Last 3 Year Average | 2.9% | 4.9% | JHX |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 19.7% | 16.2% | VMC |
| Last 3 Year Average | 18.8% | 20.7% | JHX |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 61.2% | 4.5% | VMC |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: VMC Revenue Comparison | JHX Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: VMC Operating Income Comparison | JHX Operating Income Comparison
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See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell JHX Stock and Buy or Sell VMC Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| VMC Return | 41% | -15% | 31% | 14% | 12% | -3% | 93% | <=== | |
| JHX Return | 42% | -55% | 116% | -20% | -33% | 2% | -25% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | -2% | 79% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| VMC Win Rate | 83% | 42% | 50% | 50% | 58% | 67% | 58% | ||
| JHX Win Rate | 67% | 17% | 75% | 58% | 42% | 67% | 54% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 33% | 60% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| VMC Max Drawdown | -2% | -32% | -8% | -3% | -14% | -3% | -10% | ||
| JHX Max Drawdown | -6% | -57% | 0% | -22% | -46% | -0% | -22% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -2% | -8% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 3/9/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read JHX Dip Buyer Analyses and VMC Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about VMC or JHX? Consider portfolio approach.
Smart Investing Begins With Portfolios
Single stocks swing wildly but staying invested matters. A well built portfolio helps you stay invested, captures upside and softens the blows from individual stocks.
Why settle for average market returns? The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio invests in a diverse group of 30 stocks that have collectively delivered stronger upside with reduced volatility compared to the broader indices. Discover the methodology behind these smoother, higher returns by checking the HQ Portfolio performance data.