$REF

From Fashion to Concrete: J.P. Morgan Says Buy These 2 Stocks

J.P. Morgan recommends Reformation (REF) and Martin Marietta Materials (MLM) as investment opportunities. REF, a sustainable fashion company, reported Q2 revenue of $155.2M, up 24%, and has a $21 price target. MLM, a construction materials supplier, completed a $13.5B acquisition and reported Q2 revenue of $1.9B, up 21%. Both stocks have positive analyst ratings.

Original reporting
Published Sep 13, 2026, 7:30 PM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Sep 13, 2026, 7:56 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
From Fashion to Concrete: J.P. Morgan Says Buy These 2 Stocks — source image
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$REFBullishHigh
01

Why it matters

Both companies present fresh catalysts: Reformation's first earnings beat and guidance, and MLM's $13.5B lime acquisition, offering actionable buy ideas.

02

Market read

The article provides primary disclosures on earnings and a large M&A, creating immediate trading opportunities in two US‑listed stocks.

03

What to watch

REF's reliance on DTC sales may face headwinds from consumer spending slowdown.

Relevance 9/10Novelty 9/10Timing: post‑August acquisition and Q2 earnings release

Background

JPMorgan analysts spotlight two stocks—fashion brand Reformation and construction materials leader Martin Marietta—following recent earnings and a major acquisition.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$REFBullishHigh confidence
Context

Reformation reported Q2 2026 results with revenue up 24.1% YoY to $155.2M and EPS $0.23, beating estimates and issuing FY2026 revenue guidance of $602‑606M.

Expected impact

Potential upside of 30‑45% over the next 3‑6 months.

Evidence & confidence

First earnings for a newly public company, beat on revenue and EPS, and JPM recommends a buy with a high target.

$MLMBullishHigh confidence
Context

Martin Marietta Materials completed a $13.5B acquisition of Lhoist North America, adding lime assets and targeting $85M cost synergies and $100‑175M EBITDA uplift.

Expected impact

Expect modest price appreciation as integration benefits materialize.

Evidence & confidence

Deal size is material and newly disclosed; analysts cite significant synergies and higher multiple potential.

Market effects

Boosts outlook for construction materials and sustainable fashion sectors.

Positive for U.S. aggregates market and North American apparel retailers.

Highlights continued capital allocation to ESG‑focused and infrastructure‑related businesses worldwide.

Counterpoint

Valuations may already price in growth; integration risk could pressure MLM if lime synergies lag.

Key entities

  • Reformation, Inc.

    Sustainable womenswear brand that went public in July 2026.

  • Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    U.S. aggregates and construction materials producer.

  • Lhoist North America

    Lime producer acquired by MLM for $13.5B.

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DA Davidson upgraded Martin Marietta Materials (NYSE: MLM) to Buy with a $610 price target, citing underperformance and attractive valuation. The stock is down 20.8% YTD but has a PEG ratio of 0.30. The firm expects pricing improvements and supports the LNA deal. MLM announced $5.5B in notes for the LNA acquisition, expected to close in Q3 2026. JPMorgan also upgraded MLM to Overweight, citing cost synergies.

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JPMorgan upgraded CRH to Overweight with a $115 price target for 2027, down from $140 for 2026. The firm expects downward revisions in 2026 guidance for construction materials companies due to margin pressures from rising diesel costs and weak pricing. JPMorgan sees Cemex as best positioned, with cost savings and strong Mexico performance. GCC shares are up 32% year-over-year, offering a 5.2% dividend yield.

$REFHighAI 8/10

Jim Cramer on Reformation (REF): “It Should Be Higher Than It Is”

Jim Cramer expressed optimism about Reformation Inc. (REF) during Mad Money, citing strong financial performance. REF reported Q2 2026 revenue of $155.2M, up 24.1% YoY, with gross margins at 66.7%. Net income rose to $12.4M from $6.9M YoY. Management reaffirmed full-year guidance, projecting revenue of $602M-$606M and adjusted EBITDA margins of 14%-14.2%. Despite sector headwinds, Cramer noted the stock's potential.

$MLMMed

Global Cement Newsletter

Carmeuse acquired 80% of Argentina's Caleras San Juan, expanding lime production capacity. Mississippi Lime Company partnered with Fortera for low-carbon cement. SigmaRoc bought Dolomitas in Lithuania for €118m. Martin Marietta completed its acquisition of Lhoist North America. Breedon Group and Votorantim Cimentos España announced executive appointments. US removed tariffs on Canadian cement imports. Heidelberg Materials plans to close its Ranville plant in France.

$REFMedAI 8/10

Reformation Q2 Earnings Call Highlights

Reformation reported 70% of 2025 revenue from repeat customers, with wholesale and international revenue growing 48.7% and 36.8% respectively. The company opened four new stores, bringing the total to 70, and plans to double its store count in five years. Gross margin expanded to 66.7%, and the company reaffirmed its 2026 revenue guidance of $602M-$606M. Reformation ended Q2 with $76.6M in cash and $136.7M in total debt.