CRH Public Limited Company - CRH STOCK NEWS

CRH PLC reports a positive start to 2022, with Q1 sales, EBITDA, and margin exceeding last year's figures. Key highlights include a 13% increase in Americas Materials sales and a robust pipeline of acquisition opportunities totaling $0.6 billion year-to-date. The company's share buyback program is ongoing, with $0.6 billion expected to be completed by June 2022. The outlook for H1 anticipates strong performance, driven by favorable demand and effective execution of their integrated solutions strategy.

CRH plc has completed the latest phase of its share buyback program, returning $0.3 billion to shareholders, bringing the total to $3.2 billion since May 2018. A further buyback of up to $300 million will commence on March 17, 2022, lasting until June 27, 2022. This buyback aims to reduce the share capital by repurchasing a maximum of 45 million ordinary shares on Euronext Dublin. The program aligns with capital needs assessments and market conditions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

CRH plc has published its 2021 Annual Report and Form 20-F as of March 11, 2022. This report, alongside the Notice of the 2022 Annual General Meeting and Form of Proxy, is now accessible on the company's website. The documents, which comply with ESEF standards, are also filed with Euronext Dublin and the U.K. National Storage Mechanism. Shareholders can request hard copies, expected to be sent out by March 30, 2022. Additionally, the report has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

CRH PLC announced its 2021 Full Year Results, highlighting record sales of $31.0 billion, a 12% increase from 2020, with EBITDA rising 16% to $5.35 billion. The company achieved a 35% increase in EPS, reaching 328.8 cents, and improved its margins despite inflationary pressures. Notably, a $3.8 billion divestment of its Building Envelope business was agreed upon, and $1.5 billion was invested in 20 acquisitions. CRH plans to continue its dividend policy, raising it 5% to 121.0 cents per share, while ongoing share buybacks totaled $0.9 billion in 2021.

CRH plc has announced a binding agreement to divest its Building Envelope business to KPS Capital Partners for an enterprise value of $3.8 billion. The transaction includes $3.45 billion in cash and $0.35 billion in lease liabilities, pending regulatory approvals. This business generated IFRS EBITDA of $337 million and a profit before tax of $210 million in 2020. The proceeds will enhance CRH's capital allocation for value-enhancing expenditures and shareholder returns. Full-year results for 2021 will be disclosed on 3 March 2022.

CRH has confirmed it is actively engaged in discussions regarding the potential sale of its Building Envelope business, responding to recent media speculation. The company has indicated that further updates about this potential divestment will be provided as necessary. This move could impact the company's strategic focus and financial structure in the future.

KPS Capital Partners has signed an agreement to acquire Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Inc. from CRH for approximately $3.45 billion. The transaction, expected to close in mid-2022, will enhance KPS's portfolio by adding North America's leading manufacturer of architectural hardware and glazing systems. OBE operates 84 facilities and employs over 6,700 people across the U.S. and Canada. Both KPS and OBE management express confidence in the partnership to drive future growth and operational excellence.

CRH's subsidiary, Oldcastle APG, has acquired the recycling and mulch operations of South Jersey Agriculture Products (SJAP) as of December 2021. This strategic acquisition enhances Oldcastle APG's production capacity and reinforces its market share within the Mid-Atlantic region, elevating its lawn and garden category. SJAP's offerings, made entirely from recycled materials, align with sustainability goals by promoting soil health and outdoor aesthetics. This move continues Oldcastle APG's expansion strategy following recent acquisitions aimed at bolstering its landscape materials position.

CRH has completed the latest phase of its share buyback program, returning an additional $0.3 billion to shareholders. From September 30 to December 23, 2021, the company repurchased 5.8 million shares at an average discount of 0.73%. The total cash returned to shareholders since the program began in May 2018 has reached $2.9 billion. A new buyback of up to $300 million will commence on December 24, 2021, concluding by March 30, 2022, aimed at reducing share capital in accordance with company authority.