Summary
CRH plc's 2017 Annual Report highlights a year of continued growth, driven by strong performance in the Americas and a positive momentum in Europe. The company reported record EBITDA of €3.3 billion, a 6% increase from the prior year, and profit after tax increased by 51% to €1.9 billion. A key strategic move was the divestment of the Americas Distribution business for US$2.6 billion, completed in early 2018, with proceeds to be reinvested in higher-growth areas. Significant acquisitions were made, including Suwannee American Cement in Florida and the agreement to acquire Ash Grove Cement, strengthening CRH's position in the US cement market. The Group also completed 34 acquisition and investment transactions totaling €1.9 billion in 2017, demonstrating a commitment to disciplined growth and portfolio optimization. The company's financial discipline remained strong, with a net debt/EBITDA ratio of 1.8x, and the Board recommended a 5% increase in the full-year dividend to 68.0c per share.
Key Highlights
- 1Record EBITDA of €3.3 billion, a 6% increase year-over-year.
- 2Profit after tax increased 51% to €1.9 billion, with Earnings Per Share (EPS) rising 51% to 226.8c.
- 3Divestment of Americas Distribution business for US$2.6 billion, with proceeds to be reinvested.
- 4Acquisition of Suwannee American Cement and agreement to acquire Ash Grove Cement to bolster US cement market presence.
- 5Total acquisition spend of €1.9 billion across 34 transactions, demonstrating active portfolio development.
- 6Net debt/EBITDA ratio remained strong at 1.8x, indicating financial discipline.
- 7Proposed 5% increase in full-year dividend to 68.0c per share.