CRH 2023 Full Year Results

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) (LSE:CRH):

Albert Manifold, Chief Executive, said:

“2023 marked another record year of financial delivery for CRH, supported by good underlying demand across our key end-use markets, further pricing progress and the continued benefits of our differentiated, customer-focused strategy. Over the last decade our business has evolved from being a supplier of base materials into a fully integrated provider of value-added solutions. Through our technical expertise and the advancements we have made in product innovation, we are solving complex problems for our customers while making the construction process simpler, safer and more sustainable. Despite continued inflationary cost pressures during 2023 we expanded our margins and delivered further growth in profits, cash generation and returns. The strength of our balance sheet together with our relentless focus on the efficient allocation of capital enables us to capitalize on the opportunities we see for further growth and value creation in 2024 and beyond.”

Announced Thursday, February 29, 2024

2023 Full Year Results

Performance Overview

CRH delivered a strong performance in 2023 supported by good underlying demand in key end-use markets, positive pricing and contributions from acquisitions. Total revenues of $34.9 billion (2022: $32.7 billion) were 7% ahead of 2022 while organic revenues* were 3% ahead. Income from continuing operations was 14% ahead of 2022 at $3.1 billion (2022: $2.7 billion) and Adjusted EBITDA* of $6.2 billion (2022: $5.4 billion) was 15% ahead, reflecting the continued delivery of our integrated solutions strategy, strong commercial management, ongoing cost control and further operational efficiencies. Organic Adjusted EBITDA* was 10% ahead of 2022. CRH’s income from continuing operations margin of 8.8% (2022: 8.2%) and Adjusted EBITDA margin* of 17.7% (2022: 16.5%) were ahead of the prior year.

• Americas Materials Solutions’ total revenues were 8% ahead of 2022, primarily driven by price increases across all lines of business. Adjusted EBITDA was 16% ahead, as good commercial management offset the impact of higher input costs.

• Americas Building Solutions delivered a positive performance with total revenues 13% ahead of 2022, led by price improvements across both Building & Infrastructure Solutions and Outdoor Living Solutions as well as contributions from acquisitions. Adjusted EBITDA was 18% ahead supported by price progression and operational efficiencies along with strong performances from recent acquisitions.

• Europe Materials Solutions benefited from continued pricing progress which more than offset the impact of lower activity levels, resulting in total revenues 4% ahead of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was 17% ahead, driven by commercial excellence measures along with a continued focus on cost management.

• Europe Building Solutions’ total revenues were 2% behind 2022, as positive pricing was offset by subdued demand in new-build residential markets. Adjusted EBITDA was 17% behind as a result of lower activity levels, partially offset by cost saving actions.

CRH’s earnings per share from continuing operations was 22% higher than 2022 at $4.36 (2022: $3.58). Earnings per share pre-impairment* from continuing operations was 30% higher than 2022 at $4.65 (2022: $3.58).

Sustainability

Sustainability is deeply embedded in all aspects of our business. We continue to integrate our materials, products and services to offer more sustainable solutions for our customers and advance circularity. We also continue to make progress on our target to deliver a 30% reduction in absolute carbon emissions by 2030. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated our 2030 decarbonization targets in line with a 1.5°C trajectory, keeping us on the path to achieving our overall ambition of becoming a net-zero business by 2050.

Capital Allocation

Our strong financial position and cash generation capabilities provide us with the opportunity to continue to return cash to our shareholders, while at the same time investing in our business and delivering on our strategic growth initiatives.

In November 2023 the Board announced the acceleration of the 2023 dividend payment by distributing a second interim dividend of $1.08 per ordinary share in lieu of a final dividend (2022: $1.03). This resulted in a full-year dividend per share of $1.33 for 2023 (2022: $1.27), representing a 5% increase compared to the prior year. This second interim dividend was paid on January 17, 2024. As previously announced, commencing in Q1 2024, CRH will transition to quarterly dividends. The Board has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, representing an annualized increase of 5% on the prior year. The dividend will be paid wholly in cash on April 17, 2024 to shareholders registered at the close of business on March 15, 2024. The ex-dividend date will be March 14, 2024.

As part of its ongoing share buyback program, CRH repurchased 54.9 million (2022: 29.8 million) ordinary shares in 2023 for a total consideration of $3.0 billion (2022: $1.2 billion). On December 21, 2023, the Company announced a new tranche of $0.3 billion which completed on February 28, 2024. We are pleased to announce that we are extending the program with an additional $0.3 billion tranche to be completed no later than May 9, 2024. We will continue to assess our share buyback program throughout 2024 with further updates on a quarterly basis.

Consistent with CRH’s disciplined approach to capital allocation, the ongoing share repurchases demonstrate our confidence in the outlook for our business and our continued strong cash generation, while retaining the financial flexibility to invest in further growth and value creation opportunities for our shareholders. We remain committed to a policy of consistent long-term dividend growth and maintaining our strong investment-grade credit rating.

2024 Full Year Outlook

Overall, we expect a favorable market backdrop and continued positive pricing momentum in 2024 driven by significant infrastructure investment and re-industrialization activity across our key markets in North America and Europe.

Our operations in North America are expected to benefit from increased infrastructure activity underpinned by strong federal and state funding, while investments in critical manufacturing and clean energy initiatives are expected to support key non-residential segments. New-build residential activity is expected to remain subdued in 2024 due to ongoing affordability constraints arising from the current interest rate environment, while residential repair and remodel activity is expected to remain resilient.

In Europe, we expect to benefit from positive pricing, disciplined cost control and good underlying demand in infrastructure and key non-residential markets which are supported by government and EU funding initiatives, while residential construction activity is expected to remain subdued.

Assuming normal seasonal weather patterns and no major dislocations in the macroeconomic environment, CRH remains well positioned for another year of growth in 2024 as we continue to execute our uniquely integrated and value-added solutions strategy, supported by the strength and flexibility of our balance sheet and disciplined approach to capital allocation.

Americas Materials Solutions

Americas Materials Solutions’ total revenues were 8% ahead of 2022, 6% ahead on an organic* basis, driven primarily by price progression across all business lines and partly offset by lower activity levels in certain regions.

In Essential Materials total revenues increased by 10%, supported by double-digit pricing growth in both aggregates and cement, which were ahead by 14% and 15%, respectively. Aggregates volumes declined by 1% and cement volumes declined by 3%, impacted by unfavorable weather in certain regions.

In Road Solutions, total revenues increased by 7% driven by increased pricing and positive infrastructure activity underpinned by Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding. Asphalt prices increased by 7% while asphalt volumes were in line with the prior year as improved demand in the South and West during the second half of the year was offset by lower volumes in the Great Lakes and Northeast regions. Paving and construction revenues increased by 6%. Readymixed concrete pricing was 12% higher compared with 2022, however volumes were 2% behind due to lower activity levels in the South.

Adjusted EBITDA in Americas Materials Solutions of $3.1 billion was 16% ahead of 2022 as increased pricing across all lines of business and operational efficiencies mitigated the impact of higher labor and subcontractor costs. Organic Adjusted EBITDA* was 15% ahead of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 140bps.

Americas Building Solutions

Americas Building Solutions recorded total revenues growth of 13%, driven by the continued execution of our integrated solutions strategy, good commercial progress through price increases and contributions from prior year acquisitions, primarily Barrette Outdoor Living (Barrette). Organic total revenues* were 1% ahead of 2022.

In Building & Infrastructure Solutions, total revenues growth was 6% due to increased demand in the water and energy sectors as well as contributions from recent acquisitions.

In Outdoor Living Solutions, total revenues growth was 18%, driven by positive pricing, resilient retail demand and the incremental impact of the Barrette acquisition in July 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA in Americas Building Solutions was 18% ahead of the prior year, 6% ahead on an organic* basis, driven by positive pricing and contributions from recent acquisitions which offset the impact of increased labor and raw materials costs. As a result, the Adjusted EBITDA margin was 90bps ahead of the prior year.

Europe Materials Solutions

Europe Materials Solutions’ performance in 2023 was driven by continued pricing progress which more than offset lower activity levels, resulting in total revenues growth of 4%, or 3% ahead of 2022 on an organic* basis.

In Essential Materials, total revenues were 5% ahead of 2022 driven by positive pricing for aggregates and cement which were ahead by 9% and 18%, respectively. Aggregates volumes declined by 7% while cement volumes were 13% behind (10% behind excluding the impact of 2022 divestitures) as activity levels were impacted by lower new-build residential activity and unfavorable weather in several key markets.

In Road Solutions, notwithstanding the impact of adverse weather in the first half of the year, pricing progress across all key markets resulted in total revenues for the year 2% ahead of 2022. Asphalt pricing increased by 10%, while volumes declined by 6%. Paving and construction revenues increased by 10%. Readymixed concrete pricing improved by 17%, while volumes decreased by 14%.

In 2023 Adjusted EBITDA in Europe Materials Solutions was $1.4 billion, 17% ahead of 2022 and 14% ahead on an organic* basis. Adjusted EBITDA growth was primarily driven by positive pricing and lower haulage and raw materials costs, which offset lower volume levels. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 160bps compared with 2022.

Europe Building Solutions

Total revenues in Europe Building Solutions declined by 2% as increased infrastructure demand was more than offset by subdued new-build residential activity. Organic revenues* were 7% behind the prior year.

Within Building & Infrastructure Solutions, total revenues declined by 3% compared with 2022. Infrastructure Products delivered growth in total revenues as positive pricing more than offset slower new-build residential activity across most European markets. Precast revenues were behind 2022 as positive commercial progress was offset by lower market activity. Revenues in Construction Accessories were behind the prior year as price increases were offset by subdued new-build residential activity in several markets.

Revenues in Outdoor Living Solutions were 4% ahead of the prior year as positive pricing more than offset the impact of lower demand and unfavorable weather in certain key markets.

Despite disciplined commercial management, cost saving initiatives and lower raw materials and haulage costs, Adjusted EBITDA in Europe Building Solutions declined by 17% compared with the prior year, a 20% decrease on an organic* basis, primarily driven by a slowdown in residential construction activity. Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 170bps compared with the prior year.

Other Financial Items

Depreciation, depletion and amortization charges of $1.6 billion were in line with the prior year (2022: $1.6 billion).

Arising from CRH’s annual impairment testing process, non-cash impairment charges of $0.3 billion were recognized in 2023 (2022: $nil) related to the Philippines business which has been impacted by challenging market conditions. An additional impairment charge of $0.1 billion was recognized primarily related to assets held for sale.

Gains on disposal of long-lived assets of $66 million were higher than 2022 (2022: $50 million).

Interest income of $206 million (2022: $65 million) was significantly higher than 2022 as a result of increased interest rates on deposits. Interest expense of $376 million (2022: $344 million) was higher than the prior year primarily as a result of higher interest rates on floating rate debt, interest rate swaps and new fixed rate debt issued, partially offset by interest on maturing debt.

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and income from equity method investments was $4.0 billion (2022: $3.5 billion), and the associated tax charge of $925 million (2022: $762 million) represented an effective tax rate of 23% (2022: 22%). The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of the non-cash impairment charges recognized in 2023.

Earnings per share from continuing operations was 22% higher than 2022 at $4.36 (2022: $3.58). Excluding non-cash impairment charges, earnings per share of $4.65* was 30% higher than the prior year.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

2023 represented another year of improved cash generation for CRH with net cash provided by operating activities of $5.0 billion (2022: $3.8 billion) driven by higher income from continuing operations and lower working capital compared to 2022. Total short-term and long-term debt was $11.6 billion (2022: $9.6 billion). In April 2023, €750 million of euro-denominated notes were repaid. Subsequently, €2 billion in new euro-denominated notes were issued in July 2023, followed by a further repayment of €500 million of euro-denominated notes in November 2023. The increase in year-end Net Debt* to $5.4 billion (2022: $3.9 billion) reflects inflows from operations more than offset by outflows from the purchase of property, plant and equipment, acquisitions and cash returns to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends.

CRH ended 2023 with $6.4 billion of cash and cash equivalents on hand (2022: $5.9 billion) and $3.9 billion of undrawn committed facilities which are available until 2028. At year end, CRH had sufficient cash balances to meet all maturing debt obligations for the next 4.7 years and the weighted average maturity of the remaining term debt was 12.1 years. CRH also has a $2.0 billion U.S. Dollar Commercial Paper Program and a €1.5 billion Euro Commercial Paper Program of which there were $1.0 billion outstanding issued notes at year end. CRH remains committed to maintaining its robust balance sheet and expects to maintain a strong investment-grade credit rating with a BBB+ or equivalent rating with each of the three main rating agencies.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

In 2023, CRH completed 22 acquisitions for a total consideration of $0.7 billion. CRH also realized proceeds from divestitures and disposals of long-lived assets (including deferred divestiture consideration received) of $0.1 billion.

The largest acquisition in 2023 was in Americas Building Solutions where CRH completed the acquisition of Hydro International, a leading provider of stormwater and wastewater solutions in North America and Europe. In addition, Americas Building Solutions completed a further four acquisitions and Americas Materials Solutions completed eight acquisitions for a total spend of $0.4 billion. Europe Materials Solutions completed five acquisitions and Europe Building Solutions completed four acquisitions for a total spend of $0.3 billion.

In November 2023, CRH agreed to acquire an attractive portfolio of cement and readymixed concrete assets and operations in Texas for a total consideration of $2.1 billion. The transaction was completed in February 2024, further strengthening our leading position in the high-growth Texas market. In 2023, CRH also entered into an agreement to divest its lime operations in Europe for $1.1 billion. The first phase of this divestiture, comprising CRH’s lime operations in Germany, Czech Republic and Ireland, was completed in January 2024. The remaining phases, consisting of operations in the United Kingdom and Poland, are expected to complete in 2024.

In February 2024, CRH entered into a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Adbri Ltd (Adbri), a materials business in Australia. We will acquire approximately 53% of the issued share capital for $0.7 billion, increasing CRH’s total shareholding to approximately 57%. Adbri has high-quality assets and leading market positions in Australia that complement CRH’s core competencies in cement, concrete and aggregates while creating additional opportunities for growth and development for our existing Australian business. The proposed transaction is subject to customary terms and conditions and is expected to complete in 2024.

Stock Exchange Listing & Accounting Changes

CRH transitioned its primary stock exchange listing from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), effective September 25, 2023. CRH will file its Annual Report on Form 10-K on February 29, 2024. It will also be available on www.crh.com. As previously announced, CRH has transitioned to U.S. GAAP reporting for periods beginning on and after January 1, 2023. Financial restatements under U.S. GAAP, including IFRS to U.S. GAAP reconciliation, are available on www.crh.com for 2021 and 2022 with the 2023 reconciliation to follow later today.

CRH will host an analysts’ conference call and webcast presentation at 08:00 ET/13:00 GMT on Thursday, February 29, 2024 to discuss the 2023 results and 2024 outlook. Registration details are available on www.crh.com/investors. Upon registration a link to join the call and dial-in details will be made available. The accompanying investor presentation will be available on the investor section of the CRH website in advance of the conference call, while a recording of the conference call will be made available afterwards.

Dividend Timetable

The timetable for payment of the quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share is as follows:

The default payment currency is U.S. Dollar for shareholders who hold their Ordinary Shares through a Depository Trust Company (DTC) participant. It is also U.S. Dollar for shareholders holding their Ordinary Shares in registered form, unless a currency election has been registered with CRH’s Transfer Agent, Computershare Trust Company N.A. by 17:00 ET/21:00 GMT on March 14, 2024.

The default payment currency for shareholders holding their Ordinary Shares in the form of Depository Interests is euro. Such shareholders can elect to receive the dividend in U.S. Dollar or Pounds Sterling by providing their instructions to the Company’s Depositary Interest provider, Computershare Investor Services plc, by 17:00 GMT on March 19, 2024.

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Primary Statements

The following financial statements are an extract of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2023 and do not present all necessary information for a complete understanding of the Company’s financial condition as of December 31, 2023. The full Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2023, including notes thereto, will be included as a part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in $ millions, except share and per share data)

Contacts

Contact CRH at +353 1 404 1000
Albert Manifold, Chief Executive

Jim Mintern, Chief Financial Officer

Frank Heisterkamp, Director of Capital Markets & ESG

Tom Holmes, Head of Investor Relations

Read full story here

Read the orginal article: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240228198985/en/CRH-2023-Full-Year-Results/?feedref=Zd8jjkgYuzBwDixoAdXmJgT1albrG1Eq4mAeVP39211MVCMPSAdgO7NKHMb238WLevRMp3sIgu8q3wq1OF24lT93qbEzrwa15HGbLqMObxYvSRPwl8-_l9-Y8T4ahCUme0n00mf9pdzJkOI_RugK2A==