CRH Continues Share Buyback Program

Rhea-AI Summary

CRH (NYSE: CRH) has completed its latest share buyback phase, repurchasing 3.0 million ordinary shares and returning $0.3 billion to shareholders between November 2024 and February 2025. This brings the total cash returned under the program to $8.5 billion since May 2018.

The company has announced a new arrangement with TD Securities for an additional $0.3 billion share buyback program, running from February 27 to May 2, 2025. The new program allows for up to 45 million ordinary shares to be acquired and cancelled, with TD Securities making independent trading decisions within preset parameters.

The buyback will be conducted in compliance with U.S. Securities Exchange Act rules and EU Market Abuse Regulation, exclusively through U.S. markets.

Positive

• Completed $0.3B share buyback, reducing share count
• Strong track record of returning capital - $8.5B since 2018
• New $0.3B buyback program announced
• Clear commitment to shareholder returns

Negative

• Reduced cash reserves available for operations/investments

Insights

Financial Analyst

CRH's announcement of completing a $0.3 billion share repurchase (3 million shares) and immediately authorizing another $0.3 billion buyback demonstrates the company's strong cash flow generation and commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The program's continuity since 2018, now totaling $8.5 billion, represents approximately 12.5% of CRH's current $68 billion market capitalization - a substantial return of value over time.

This consistent buyback strategy serves multiple financial purposes: it enhances earnings per share by reducing the share count, signals management's confidence in business fundamentals, and potentially indicates they view their stock as undervalued relative to future prospects. The decision to cancel repurchased shares rather than holding them as treasury stock confirms this is a true capital reduction strategy rather than share management for compensation programs.

For investors, this buyback continuation offers several insights: First, CRH clearly generates excess cash flow beyond its operational and growth investment needs. Second, management prioritizes shareholder returns over alternative uses such as debt reduction or major acquisitions. Third, the building materials leader appears confident in maintaining financial flexibility despite ongoing capital returns.

While buybacks generally signal corporate confidence, they also raise questions about growth opportunities within CRH's core markets. The steady buyback approach over 7 years suggests a mature business model with predictable cash flows rather than one requiring substantial reinvestment for growth. This capital allocation strategy aligns with CRH's position as an established leader in a cyclical, capital-intensive industry where maintaining financial strength while returning capital has proven more valuable than aggressive expansion.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CRH (NYSE: CRH), the leading provider of building materials solutions, is pleased to announce that it has completed the latest phase of its share buyback program, returning a further $0.3 billion of cash to shareholders.

Between November 7, 2024 and February 26, 2025, 3.0 million ordinary shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange were repurchased. This brings total cash returned to shareholders under our ongoing share buyback program to $8.5 billion since its commencement in May 2018.

CRH today also announces that it has entered into an arrangement with TD Securities (USA) LLC (“TD”) to repurchase ordinary shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange on CRH’s behalf for an aggregate maximum consideration of up to $0.3 billion (the “Buyback”). The Buyback will commence on February 27, 2025, and will end no later than May 2, 2025.

TD will conduct the Buyback on CRH’s behalf and will make trading decisions under the Buyback independently of CRH in accordance with certain pre-set parameters. The maximum number of ordinary shares which may be acquired pursuant to the Buyback is 45,000,000. The purpose of the Buyback is to reduce the share capital of CRH.

The Buyback will be conducted within the parameters prescribed by (i) Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and (ii) the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 as such legislation forms part of the law in the United Kingdom (“UK”) pursuant to the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as may be amended and/or supplemented from time to time). No repurchases will be made outside of the United States. The repurchased ordinary shares will be cancelled.

Any decision in relation to any future buyback program will be based on an ongoing assessment of the capital needs of the business and general market conditions.

Jim Mintern		Chief Executive Officer
Alan Connolly		Interim Chief Financial Officer
Lauren Schulz		Chief Communications Officer
Tom Holmes		Head of Investor Relations

About CRH

CRH plc (NYSE: CRH, LSE: CRH) is the leading provider of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. Employing approximately 78,500 people at approximately 3,390 operating locations in 28 countries, CRH has market leadership positions in both North America and Europe. As the essential partner for transportation and critical utility infrastructure projects, complex non-residential construction and outdoor living solutions, CRH’s unique offering of materials, products and value-added services helps to deliver a more resilient and sustainable built environment. The company is ranked among sector leaders by Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating agencies. A Fortune 500 company, CRH’s shares are listed on the NYSE and LSE.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as "will" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts or matters of fact at the date of this document. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and/or are beyond CRH’s control or precise estimate. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, expectations related to the structure, timing and volume of the Buyback and manner in which the Buyback will be conducted and expectations related to decisions on any future buyback program. There are important factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different, including risks and uncertainties relating to CRH described in Item 1.A —Risk Factors of CRH’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and CRH’s other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document. CRH expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250226897024/en/

ir@crh.com

media@crh.com

Source: CRH

FAQ

How much has CRH returned to shareholders through its buyback program since 2018?

CRH has returned $8.5 billion to shareholders through its buyback program since May 2018.

What is the value and timeline of CRH's newest share buyback program?

CRH's newest buyback program is worth $0.3 billion and runs from February 27 to May 2, 2025.

How many shares can CRH repurchase in its latest buyback program?

The maximum number of ordinary shares that may be acquired in the latest buyback is 45 million.

Who will execute CRH's latest share buyback program?

TD Securities (USA) will execute the buyback program independently on CRH's behalf.