Summary
CRH plc's 2020 Annual Report highlights a resilient performance despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company reported sales of $27.6 billion, a slight decrease of 2% from 2019, attributed to reduced construction activity in some markets due to health restrictions. However, EBITDA grew by 3% to $4.6 billion, demonstrating strong cost management and operational efficiencies. Profit after tax was impacted by non-cash impairment charges of $0.8 billion, primarily related to UK and China assets. Excluding these charges, profit after tax increased by 18% to $2.0 billion. Financially, CRH strengthened its balance sheet with net debt decreasing by $1.6 billion to $5.9 billion, resulting in a lower Net Debt/EBITDA ratio of 1.3x. The company also demonstrated a strong commitment to shareholder returns, recommending a 25% increase in the dividend per share to 115.0 cents for 2020 and intending to recommence its share buyback program. The company continues to focus on strategic growth through bolt-on acquisitions and sustainable business practices, with 46% of revenue derived from sustainable products.
Key Highlights
- 1Sales of $27.6 billion, a 2% decrease from $28.1 billion in 2019.
- 2EBITDA increased by 3% to $4.6 billion (2019: $4.5 billion), with like-for-like EBITDA up 5%.
- 3Profit after tax was $1.2 billion, impacted by $0.8 billion in non-cash impairment charges. Excluding impairments, profit after tax was $2.0 billion, up 18%.
- 4Net debt decreased by $1.6 billion to $5.9 billion, with Net Debt/EBITDA improving to 1.3x (2019: 1.7x).
- 5Proposed total dividend per share of 115.0 cents, a 25% increase from 2019.
- 6Invested $0.4 billion in 17 bolt-on acquisitions.
- 746% of revenue generated from products with enhanced sustainability attributes.