8-K

CRH PUBLIC LTD CO 8-K Report (Aug 25, 2016)

Filed August 25, 2016For Securities:CRH

Summary

CRH Public Ltd Co reported strong first-half 2016 results, demonstrating significant profit growth driven by a 35% increase in reported sales to €12.7 billion and a more than doubling of reported EBITDA to €1.12 billion. Pro forma sales and EBITDA also showed robust growth of 8% and 20%, respectively, across all divisions, with particular strength in the Americas. The company's focus on capital efficiency and cash management has led to deleveraging ahead of plan, positioning year-end debt metrics at or below normalized levels. Key strategic highlights include the successful integration of major 2015 acquisitions and improved margins across all reporting segments. The company announced an increase in its interim dividend by 1.6% to 18.8c per share, reflecting confidence in its performance and outlook. CRH anticipates further progress in the second half of 2016, with full-year reported EBITDA expected to exceed €3 billion, assuming normal weather conditions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported sales increased by 35% to €12.7 billion, with reported EBITDA more than doubling to €1.12 billion in H1 2016.
  • 2Pro forma sales grew 8% and pro forma EBITDA increased by 20%, with all divisions showing positive trends.
  • 3Pro forma EBITDA margin improved to 9.0% from 8.1% in the prior year's comparable period.
  • 4Net debt stood at €7.1 billion as of June 30, 2016, with the company on track to achieve year-end debt metrics at or below normalized levels.
  • 5The interim dividend per share was increased by 1.6% to 18.8c.
  • 6Acquisitions integrated in H2 2015 (LH Assets and CRL) are contributing positively to results.
  • 7Full-year reported EBITDA is projected to exceed €3 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

CRH's strong performance was driven by a combination of factors, including the continued positive momentum in its Americas operations, improved operating leverage, margin expansion across all divisions, and the successful integration of major acquisitions completed in the second half of 2015. Favorable weather patterns in the Americas also contributed to increased demand.

CRH is focused on strong cash management and has achieved deleveraging ahead of plan. As of June 30, 2016, net debt was €7.1 billion. The company expects to deliver year-end debt metrics at or below normalized levels, demonstrating effective financial discipline.

CRH anticipates further progress in the second half of 2016. Assuming normal weather conditions, the company projects full-year reported EBITDA to exceed €3 billion. Positive trends are expected to continue in the Americas and Asia, with a continuation of first-half trends anticipated in Europe.

Yes, CRH's Board has decided to increase the interim dividend by 1.6% to 18.8c per share, reflecting the company's positive performance and outlook. A scrip dividend alternative will also be offered to shareholders.