Aggregates were a first-quarter driver within the construction products segment at Arcosa, which reported its latest earnings Thursday.

Revenue in the segment increased 5 percent to $276.3 million. Arcosa says 5 percent growth in aggregates and a 26 percent increase in shoring products fueled the segment. The company says asphalt revenue was lower due to colder temperatures in the Northeast.

In aggregates, freight-adjusted revenue increased 6 percent. Growth in volumes (up 4 percent) and freight-adjusted average sales price (up 2 percent) contributed.

Additionally, Arcosa says its aggregate adjusted cash gross profit margin expanded 220 basis points to 43.3 percent. Adjusted cash gross profit per ton increased 7 percent.

In the construction products segment, adjusted EBITDA decreased 2 percent to $55.7 million.

“Construction products performed in line with expectations despite a slow start to the year driven by cold weather challenges, with performance improving as the quarter progressed,” says Antonio Carrillo, president and CEO of Arcosa. “Despite seasonal headwinds, aggregates volumes improved 4 percent and unit profitability increased 7 percent, outpacing 2 percent pricing growth.”

In early April, Arcosa completed the sale of its inland barge business, Arcosa Marine Products, to Wynnchurch Capital for $450 million.

“We took a pivotal step to further simplify our portfolio by divesting our barge business and allocating a portion of the proceeds to pay down debt, underscoring our commitment to balance sheet strength and financial flexibility,” Carrillo says. “Now with two growth segments, we are fully focused on construction products and engineered structures – both well aligned to benefit from infrastructure investment and power market tailwinds in the U.S.”