CRH - April 2019

CRH's underlying sales in the 1Q19 improved by around four per cent, with European turnover being ahead by 12 per cent and the Americas by four per cent. In The Phillipines volumes and price were ahead. Group EBITDA in the first half expected to be in excess of EUR1500m. First-half results will be announced on 22 August 2019.

Heavy building materials volumes in Great Britain were ahead, thanks to better weather during the period. Irish volumes advanced due to good demand while cement and ready-mixed concrete prices rose. French volumes and prices improved while Swiss cement volumes and prices were slightly ahead. German cement volumes increased thanks to strong demand and prices were up in all products. Polish cement volumes benefited from good weather and price increases. In Finland cement volumes increased and pricing improved slightly. In lightside, like-for-like sales were ahead helped by the better weather. Distribution was ahead in general builders merchants in The Netherlands, France and Germany.

The first-quarter North America turnover from the US states and Canadian provinces saw better weather. Volumes were ahead in aggregates and asphalt, but some volume was affected by the weather in North and South America. Both New build and RMI segments saw benefits from increased investment.