8-K

CRH PUBLIC LTD CO 8-K Report (Jul 7, 2008)

Filed July 7, 2008For Securities:CRH

Summary

CRH Public Limited Company (CRH) has issued a trading statement for the six months ending June 30, 2008, indicating an anticipated profit before tax of approximately €0.6 billion, a decrease from €0.67 billion in the prior year period. This reduction is partly due to an adverse currency translation effect, primarily from a weaker US Dollar. Despite the challenging economic climate characterized by negative economic developments and financial market pressures, CRH highlights its diversified business model across geographies, sectors, and products as a key strength. The company has invested over €0.7 billion in acquisitions and new projects during the first half of 2008 and remains committed to strategic development. CRH also continues its share repurchase program, having bought back approximately 14 million shares. While the full-year profit outlook suggests a potential high single-digit percentage decline compared to 2007, the company is focusing on cost reductions, operational efficiency, and commercial delivery.

Key Highlights

  • 1CRH expects first-half 2008 profit before tax of approximately €0.6 billion, down from €0.67 billion in H1 2007, including a €20 million adverse currency translation impact.
  • 2Acquisition spend in H1 2008 exceeded €0.7 billion, with further €0.6 billion expected for announced transactions later in the year.
  • 3The company anticipates its rolling twelve-month EBITDA/net interest cover to remain strong at approximately 9 times, indicating comfortable financial leverage.
  • 4European operations are expected to see a 5% increase in operating profit, driven by Central Eastern Europe and acquisitions, offsetting declines in Ireland, the UK, and Spain.
  • 5Americas Materials division trading was significantly impacted by adverse weather conditions, leading to an expected ~40% year-on-year operating profit decline for H1.
  • 6CRH has repurchased approximately 14 million shares (2.6% of year-end 2007 shares) under its ongoing buyback program.
  • 7The company forecasts a high single-digit percentage decline in full-year 2008 reported profit before tax due to economic pressures and US Dollar weakness, but a smaller EPS decline due to buybacks and a lower tax charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reasons cited for the expected decrease in profit before tax for the first half of 2008 are an adverse currency translation effect, primarily due to a weaker US Dollar against the Euro, and challenging trading conditions in certain markets such as Ireland, the UK, and Spain, as well as weather impacts in the Americas.

CRH is leveraging its diversified geographic, sectoral, and product base to underpin performance. The company has implemented significant cost reduction measures over the past 18 months and is intensifying its focus on operational efficiency and commercial delivery. Strategic investments through acquisitions and development projects are also continuing.

Based on current trends and persistent US Dollar weakness, CRH anticipates that its full-year 2008 reported profit before tax may show a high single-digit percentage decline compared to the record 2007 results. However, the expected decline in earnings per share is anticipated to be less pronounced due to the ongoing share buyback program and a projected lower effective tax rate.

Yes, CRH has invested over €0.7 billion in acquisitions and investments during the first half of 2008. Additionally, transactions in China and the United States, announced in 2008, are expected to be completed later in the year, representing an approximate additional cost of €0.6 billion. Major cement projects in Ireland, Poland, Ukraine, and a new joint venture in Florida are also progressing.