Martin Marietta Materials Inc.'s (MLM) first-quarter loss widened more than analysts expected as the company's revenue slid and margins dropped.

"This was a predictably difficult first quarter as we expected any benefits that would flow from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would not occur during the early part of 2010," said President and Chief Executive Ward Nye.

The company, which produces construction aggregates used to build infrastructures and makes refractory and lime products for the steel industry, has seen weakened results of late, hurt particularly by weakness in commercial construction.

Martin Marietta reported a loss of $24.2 million, or 54 cents a share, from a loss of $5.8 million, or 14 cents, a year earlier. Revenue dropped 9% to $340.9 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had most recently forecast a loss of 34 cents on $324 million in revenue.

Gross margin fell to 5.7% from 13%.

Shares closed at $99.81 Monday and were inactive premarket. The stock has risen 12% in the past year.

-By Nathan Becker, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2855; nathan.becker@dowjones.com

Sourced from www.online.wsj.com