pattawee kunsrivarathai/iStock via Getty Images CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) specialises in providing building materials solutions globally. CRH's historical financial results have shown strong and consistent revenue growth. In addition to that, both its adjusted EBITDA margin and income from continuing operations margins expanded annually. Looking ahead, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is expected to bolster CRH's growth outlook as about $110 billion is allocated to roads and bridges. In addition, critica ...

With two Fed rate cuts expected by December, mortgage rates should decrease. This may bring more buyers to the market, making now a good time to consider which stocks to buy. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide less risky exposure to market trends. Home building materials suppliers and home builders are well-positioned to capitalize on surging home prices. Therefore, three stocks that may benefit are: Despite the latest report showing an easing of inflation, home prices continue to rise due to a l ...

Core Insights - CRH plc, in partnership with Barro Group, is acquiring Adbri Ltd. after receiving approval from Adbri's Independent Shareholders, with CRH aiming to increase its stake from 4.6% to 57% [1][2] - The acquisition involves purchasing the remaining 57% of Adbri's ordinary shares for A$3.20 per share, valuing Adbri at approximately $1.4 billion [2] - This strategic move is expected to enhance CRH's growth opportunities in its Australian operations, particularly in cement, concrete, and aggregates [3] Strategic Acquisitions - CRH focuses on expanding its geographical footprint and product portfolio through strategic acquisitions, enhancing its capabilities in various infrastructure sectors [4] - In the first quarter of 2024, CRH acquired eight companies for a total of $2.21 billion, with a significant acquisition being Hunter for $2.11 billion, which strengthens its Americas Materials Solutions segment [5] - In 2023, CRH completed 22 bolt-on acquisitions for approximately $700 million, increasing its exposure to high-growth markets [6] Market Performance - CRH's shares have increased by 44% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry's growth of 34.1% [7]

Core Viewpoint - The average brokerage recommendation (ABR) for CRH is 1.45, indicating a consensus leaning towards a "Strong Buy" to "Buy" rating based on 11 brokerage firms' recommendations [2][3]. Brokerage Recommendations - The current ABR consists of eight "Strong Buy" and one "Buy" recommendation, accounting for 72.7% and 9.1% of total recommendations respectively [2]. - Despite the positive ABR, reliance solely on brokerage recommendations may not be prudent, as studies suggest limited success in guiding investors towards stocks with the best price increase potential [3][12]. Zacks Rank Comparison - Zacks Rank categorizes stocks into five groups, with CRH currently holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a more cautious outlook compared to the ABR [6][14]. - The Zacks Rank is based on earnings estimate revisions, which are timely indicators of future price movements, contrasting with the potentially outdated nature of the ABR [11][13]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRH's earnings remains unchanged at $5.36 for the current year, suggesting stability in earnings expectations [7][16]. - Analysts' consistent views on earnings prospects may lead to CRH's stock performance aligning with broader market trends in the near term [16].

CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) Q1 2024 Earnings Conference Call May 10, 2024 8:00 AM ET Company Participants Albert Manifold - Group Chief Executive Tom Holmes - Head of Investor Relations Randy Lake - Chief Operating Officer Jim Mintern - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Anthony Pettinari - Citi Kathryn Thompson - Thompson Research Group Ross Harvey - Davy Michael Dudas - Vertical Research Partners Brent Thielman - D.A. Davidson Keith Hughes - Truist Will Jones - Redburn Atlantic Gregor Kuglitsch - ...

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Financial Statements](index=5&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Financial%20Statements) CRH reported Q1 2024 total revenues of **$6.53 billion**, a 2% increase, achieving **$114 million** net income, a turnaround from a prior year loss, with **$46.3 billion** in assets Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) | Indicator | Three months ended March 31, 2024 ($M) | Three months ended March 31, 2023 ($M) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total revenues** | 6,533 | 6,427 | | **Gross profit** | 1,807 | 1,619 | | **Operating income** | 28 | 2 | | **Net income (loss)** | 114 | (31) | | **Net income (loss) attributable to CRH plc** | 116 | (28) | | **Basic EPS ($)** | 0.16 | (0.05) | | **Diluted EPS ($)** | 0.16 | (0.05) | Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) | Indicator | March 31, 2024 ($M) | December 31, 2023 ($M) | March 31, 2023 ($M) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Cash and cash equivalents** | 3,308 | 6,341 | 4,650 | | **Total current assets** | 13,709 | 16,885 | 14,230 | | **Total assets** | 46,333 | 47,469 | 45,107 | | **Total current liabilities** | 9,997 | 10,013 | 9,255 | | **Long-term debt** | 9,680 | 9,776 | 7,583 | | **Total liabilities** | 25,591 | 25,848 | 22,963 | | **Total equity** | 20,416 | 21,288 | 21,837 | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) | Indicator | Three months ended March 31, 2024 ($M) | Three months ended March 31, 2023 ($M) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net cash used in operating activities** | (712) | (671) | | **Net cash used in investing activities** | (2,096) | (492) | | **Net cash used in financing activities** | (176) | (191) | | **Decrease in cash and cash equivalents** | (3,081) | (1,286) | [Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements](index=12&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Notes detail Q1 2024 corporate activities, including the **$2.1 billion** Hunter acquisition and **$0.7 billion** European Lime divestiture, impacting segment revenues and debt - On February 9, 2024, the Company acquired a portfolio of cement and readymixed concrete assets in Texas (the 'Hunter' acquisition) for a total consideration of **$2.1 billion**[61](index=61&type=chunk) - The company divested its Lime operations in Germany, Czech Republic, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, resulting in a pretax gain of **$115 million**; the third phase of the divestiture (Poland) is expected to close in H2 2024[60](index=60&type=chunk) Total Revenues by Segment (Q1 2024 vs Q1 2023) | Segment | Q1 2024 Revenue ($M) | Q1 2023 Revenue ($M) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Americas Materials Solutions | 2,202 | 1,895 | | Americas Building Solutions | 1,693 | 1,661 | | Europe Materials Solutions | 2,013 | 2,178 | | Europe Building Solutions | 625 | 693 | | **Total** | **6,533** | **6,427** | Adjusted EBITDA by Segment (Q1 2024 vs Q1 2023) | Segment | Q1 2024 Adjusted EBITDA ($M) | Q1 2023 Adjusted EBITDA ($M) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Americas Materials Solutions | 15 | (35) | | Americas Building Solutions | 308 | 301 | | Europe Materials Solutions | 90 | 68 | | Europe Building Solutions | 32 | 52 | | **Total** | **445** | **386** | [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=31&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management reported a strong start to the year with **$6.5 billion** revenue and **$445 million** Adjusted EBITDA, driven by pricing and acquisitions, while increasing net debt to **$9.6 billion** - Total revenues increased **2%** to **$6.5 billion**, and Adjusted EBITDA increased **15%** to **$445 million** compared to Q1 2023[140](index=140&type=chunk) - The company completed eight acquisitions for a total of **$2.2 billion**, including the **$2.1 billion** acquisition of assets in Texas, and realized **$0.7 billion** in proceeds from divestitures, primarily the European Lime operations[141](index=141&type=chunk)[143](index=143&type=chunk) - Returned **$0.4 billion** to shareholders via share buybacks and transitioned to a quarterly dividend of **$0.35 per share**[141](index=141&type=chunk) - Net Debt increased from **$5.4 billion** at year-end 2023 to **$9.6 billion** at March 31, 2024, reflecting outflows for acquisitions, dividends, and share buybacks[186](index=186&type=chunk) - The full-year outlook for 2024 remains positive, expecting a favorable market backdrop, continued pricing momentum, and benefits from infrastructure activity, assuming normal weather patterns[144](index=144&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=33&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) Total revenues increased 2% to **$6.5 billion**, driven by pricing and acquisitions, with gross profit rising 12% to **$1.8 billion** due to lower energy costs - Gross profit increased **12%** to **$1.8 billion**, and gross margin improved by **250bps** to **27.7%**, mainly due to a **26% decrease** in energy costs[121](index=121&type=chunk) - SG&A expenses rose **10%** to **$1.8 billion**, primarily reflecting a **12% increase** in labor costs from higher headcount and wage inflation[148](index=148&type=chunk) - Other nonoperating income was **$161 million**, compared to nil in the prior year, mainly due to gains on the divestiture of the European Lime operations[172](index=172&type=chunk) - Interest expense increased by **$52 million** to **$133 million**, driven by higher gross debt balances and interest rates on new debt[149](index=149&type=chunk) [Segment Performance Analysis](index=37&type=section&id=Segments) Segment performance varied, with Americas Materials Solutions leading revenue growth at **16%**, while European segments experienced declines due to lower volumes and divestitures Americas Materials Solutions Performance | Metric | Q1 2023 ($M) | Change ($M) | Q1 2024 ($M) | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | 1,895 | +307 | 2,202 | +16% | | Adjusted EBITDA | (35) | +50 | 15 | n/m | Americas Building Solutions Performance | Metric | Q1 2023 ($M) | Change ($M) | Q1 2024 ($M) | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | 1,661 | +32 | 1,693 | +2% | | Adjusted EBITDA | 301 | +7 | 308 | +2% | Europe Materials Solutions Performance | Metric | Q1 2023 ($M) | Change ($M) | Q1 2024 ($M) | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | 2,178 | (165) | 2,013 | (8)% | | Adjusted EBITDA | 68 | +22 | 90 | +32% | Europe Building Solutions Performance | Metric | Q1 2023 ($M) | Change ($M) | Q1 2024 ($M) | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | 693 | (68) | 625 | (10)% | | Adjusted EBITDA | 52 | (20) | 32 | (38)% | [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=42&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) CRH maintains strong liquidity with **$3.3 billion** cash and **$3.8 billion** undrawn facilities, despite total debt increasing to **$12.7 billion** due to acquisitions - At March 31, 2024, CRH had cash and cash equivalents of **$3.3 billion** and **$3.8 billion** of undrawn committed facilities[214](index=214&type=chunk) - Total short and long-term debt was **$12.7 billion** at March 31, 2024, up from **$9.8 billion** at March 31, 2023[214](index=214&type=chunk) - The weighted average maturity of term debt was **7.8 years**[214](index=214&type=chunk) - In April 2024, the U.S. Dollar Commercial Paper Program was increased from **$2.0 billion** to **$4.0 billion**[168](index=168&type=chunk)[214](index=214&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=49&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) CRH manages market risks from interest rates, foreign exchange, and commodity prices using derivatives, with **65%** of debt fixed rate and a **100bps** rate hike impacting earnings by **$13 million** - The company's primary market risks are interest rate, foreign exchange, and commodity price fluctuations[227](index=227&type=chunk) - At March 31, 2024, **65%** of total debt was fixed rate and **35%** was floating rate; a **100bps** increase in interest rates would result in an approximately **$13 million** unfavorable impact on before-tax earnings[205](index=205&type=chunk) - The company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge currency risk; a **10% weakening** of foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar would decrease the fair value of these contracts by approximately **$135 million**, largely offset by gains on the underlying hedged exposures[206](index=206&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=50&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2024, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting - Based on an evaluation as of March 31, 2024, the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective[207](index=207&type=chunk) - There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls[232](index=232&type=chunk) PART II OTHER INFORMATION [Legal Proceedings](index=52&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) CRH is not involved in any legal proceedings expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, operations, or liquidity - CRH is not involved in any proceedings that it believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity[136](index=136&type=chunk)[243](index=243&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=52&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) No material changes to risk factors were reported compared to the company's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K - There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in 'Item 1A. Risk Factors' of our 2023 Form 10-K[210](index=210&type=chunk) [Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](index=52&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities%2C%20Use%20of%20Proceeds%2C%20and%20Issuer%20Purchases%20of%20Equity%20Securities) In Q1 2024, CRH repurchased **5.04 million** Ordinary Shares for **$388 million**, bringing total program repurchases to **$7.5 billion** since May 2018 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (Q1 2024) | Period | Total Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share ($) | Shares Purchased as Part of Program | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Jan 2024 | 4,613,696 | 68.59 | 1,988,696 | | Feb 2024 | 1,706,682 | 75.82 | 1,706,682 | | Mar 2024 | 1,346,883 | 84.15 | 1,346,883 | | **Total** | **7,667,261** | **-** | **5,042,261** | - In Q1 2024, the Company returned a further **$0.4 billion** of cash to shareholders through the repurchase of **5.04 million** Ordinary Shares[211](index=211&type=chunk) [Mine Safety Disclosures](index=52&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Mine%20Safety%20Disclosures) Mine safety violations and regulatory information are disclosed in Exhibit 95 of this quarterly report, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act - The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters is included in Exhibit 95 to this Quarterly Report[212](index=212&type=chunk) [Exhibits](index=54&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Exhibits) This report includes key exhibits such as CEO/CFO certifications (SOX), mine safety data, and Inline XBRL documents - Key exhibits filed with the report include: - 31.1 & 31.2: CEO and CFO Certifications (SOX 302) - 32.1 & 32.2: CEO and CFO Certifications (SOX 906) - 95.1: Disclosure of Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Safety Data - 101: Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL)[237](index=237&type=chunk)

Exhibit 99.1 Q1 2024 Results Key Highlights | --- | --- | --- | |-----------------------------|-----------|---------| | | | | | Summary Financials | Q1 2024 | Change | | Total revenues | $6.5bn | +2% | | 1 Net income | 1 $114m | 1 n/m | | Net income margin | 1.7% | +220bps | | Adjusted EBITDA* | $445m | +15% | | Adjusted EBITDA margin* | 6.8% | +80bps | | EPS1 | 1 $0.16 | 1 n/m | Exhibit 99.1 Net Debt: Net Debt is used by management as it gives additional insight into the Company's current debt position les ...

TPhoto by Gary Leonard/Getty ImagesGetty ImagesBuilding materials supplier CRH rose on Friday, as it announced solid profits growth during what is a usually quiet period for the firm.At £66.96 per share, CRH’s share price was last trading 3.9% higher in end-of-week business on the London Stock Exchange.Revenues at the Dublin business rose 2% in the March quarter, to $6.5 billion. This pushed adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 15% higher, to $445 million.CRH said t ...

For those looking to find strong Construction stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. CRH (CRH) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Construction sector should help us answer this question.CRH is one of 95 individual stocks in the Construction sector. Collectively, ...

CRH (CRH) closed at $77.20 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.55% move from the prior day. The stock's performance was behind the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.46%. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 0.98%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.64%.The building material company's shares have seen a decrease of 9.75% over the last month, not keeping up with the Construction sector's loss of 6.71% and the S&P 500's loss of 3.04%.The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of CRH in its ...