UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
 
 
FORM 6-K
 
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A - 16 OR 15D - 16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
25 August 2016
Commission File No. 001-32846
 
____________________________
CRH public limited company
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
 
 
____________________________
 
 
Belgard Castle, Clondalkin,
Dublin 22, Ireland.
(Address of principal executive offices)
____________________________
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
 
Form 20-F X Form 40-F___
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):_________
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):________
 
 
2016 INTERIM RESULTS
 
Key Points
Strong profit delivery
Good operating leverage
Margins and returns ahead in all divisions
Good cash management
De-leveraging ahead of plan
Interim dividend per share increased 1.6% to 18.8c
 
Trading Highlights
Reported sales increased 35% to €12.7 billion. Reported EBITDA more than doubled to €1.12 billion.
Proforma1 sales up 8%; up 3% in Europe, up 13% in the Americas and up 4% in Asia.
Proforma EBITDA increased 20%; up 5% in Europe, up 39% in the Americas and up 7% in Asia.
Proforma EBITDA margin 9.0% (proforma H1 2015: 8.1%).
 
Strategic Highlights
Operating cash outflow of €0.3 billion; better than the normal seasonal pattern.
Net debt at 30 June of €7.1 billion; on track to deliver year-end debt metrics at or below normalised levels.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended 30 June
2016
2015
Reported
Proforma1
 
 
€ m
€ m
Change
Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales revenue
12,693
9,370
+35%
+8%
 
EBITDA
1,120
555
+102%
+20%
 
EBITDA Margin
8.8%
5.9%
 
+90bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit (EBIT)
588
189
+€399m
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit before tax
407
63
+€344m
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
€ cent
€ cent
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
33.8
5.7
+28.1 cent
 
 
Dividend per share
18.8
18.5
+1.6%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Albert Manifold, Chief Executive, said today:
“We have had a very satisfactory first half, with good performance from our heritage businesses and contributions from 2015 acquisitions delivering significant profit growth for CRH. As always, we have maintained a strong focus on cash management, and with de-leveraging ahead of plan, I am pleased to report that we expect year-end debt metrics to be at, or below, normalised levels. Against this backdrop, the Board has decided to increase the interim dividend by 1.6% to 18.8c per share. With continued positive momentum in the Americas and the modest impact of early-stage economic recovery in Europe, and assuming normal weather conditions for the remainder of the season, we expect further progress in the second half with full year reported EBITDA in excess of €3 billion.”
Announced Thursday, 25 August 2016
This document contains certain forward-looking statements as defined under US legislation. By their nature, such statements involve uncertainty; as a consequence, actual results and developments may differ from those expressed in or implied by such statements depending on a variety of factors including the specific factors identified in this document and other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC
 
1See page 33 for glossary of financial terms used throughout this interim report
 
2016 INTERIM RESULTS
 
OVERVIEW
 
Trading results for the first half of 2016 reflect continued positive momentum in the Americas combined with a more moderate experience in Europe and the inclusion of results from the two major acquisitions completed in the second half of 2015. With the benefit of favourable weather patterns, our Americas operations started the year well and construction market activity outpaced overall economic growth. In Europe, where our key markets are in the early stages of recovery, underlying results were marginally ahead.
Reported sales of €12.7 billion for the period were 35% ahead of 2015. On a proforma basis, sales were 8% higher than 2015; this reflected an increase of 13% in the Americas, while proforma sales were 3% ahead in Europe and 4% ahead in Asia.
Following the significant acquisition activity undertaken during 2015, the Group has made some adjustments to its segmental reporting structure. The LH Assets were acquired in Q3 2015, and the Group’s reported results for 2015 included post-acquisition trading from these assets as separate items in the analysis of results by segment. These businesses have been integrated in to the Group and are now reported as part of Europe Heavyside and Americas Materials, and in a newly-created Asia reporting segment.
Margins and Returns
The first half saw a more than doubling of EBITDA to €1.12 billion. On a proforma basis, EBITDA was 20% higher than 2015, reflecting good operating leverage. Proforma EBITDA margin for the Group improved to 9.0% (H1 2015: 8.1%) and was ahead in all seven reporting segments.
In the Americas, the continued positive economic backdrop resulted in good demand in residential and non-residential markets while, with funding underpinned, the infrastructure market increased modestly. In Europe, against a backdrop of modest recovery, and with the benefits of our profit improvement initiatives, margins improved in all three reporting segments. With strong underlying fundamentals driving demand in the Philippines, margin also increased in Asia.
Operating Profit and EPS
After depreciation and amortisation charges of €532 million (H1 2015: €366 million), first half operating profit amounted to €588 million (H1 2015: €189 million).
Net finance costs for the period were broadly similar to the first six months of 2015 at €206 million (H1 2015: €199 million), as the non-recurrence of a cost of €38 million charged in 2015 for the early redemption of a portion of the US$ bonds was more than offset by the cost of increased debt in H1 2016. First half profit before tax was €407 million, compared with a profit of €63 million in H1 2015.
The interim tax charge has been estimated, as in prior years, based on current expectations of the full-year tax charge. Earnings per share for the period amounted to 33.8c (H1 2015: 5.7c), with the increase in the weighted average number of shares in issue to 825.1 million (H1 2015: 802.8 million) reflecting the placing of c.74 million shares in February 2015.
Note 2 on page 18 analyses the key components of first half 2016 performance.
 
DIVIDEND
 
The Board has decided to increase the interim dividend to 18.8c per share, an increase of 1.6% compared with last year’s level of 18.5c per share. It is proposed to pay the interim dividend on 4 November 2016 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 9 September 2016. A scrip dividend alternative will be offered to shareholders.
 
CAPITAL EFFICIENCY
 
On the divestment front, the Group completed four transactions and realised total business and asset disposal proceeds of €140 million during the first half of 2016. Development activity during the same period was €150 million on 12 acquisitions and investments (including deferred consideration in respect of prior year acquisitions).
H1 2016 Divestments
In Europe, our Distribution division disposed of a roofing products company in the Netherlands while the Heavyside business continued its exit from the precast business in Poland with the divestment of a precast concrete operation. Our Americas Products division disposed of a non-core commercial pavement products operation in North Carolina while the Americas Materials division disposed of certain aggregates and asphalt operations in Missouri. In addition, the Group realised proceeds of €65 million from the disposal of surplus property, plant and equipment.
H1 2016 Acquisitions
Development spend of €150 million comprised consideration of €136 million on acquisitions and investments, together with €14 million in respect of deferred consideration, net cash acquired and adjustments to prior year acquisitions.
In Europe, five acquisitions and investments were completed for consideration of €25 million. Our Lightside business completed two acquisitions in the UK adding annualised sales of €26 million. One company is a supplier of composite products and is a highly complementary acquisition for our Cubis business; the other acquisition is a strategic bolt-on for our garage doors operation. Europe Heavyside acquired a quarry in Ireland, entered into a sand & gravel joint venture in France and further invested in an existing joint venture in Ireland.
Our Americas Materials division completed two acquisitions and one investment in first-half 2016 for a total consideration of €78 million. The principal acquisition was of a significant aggregates and asphalt operation in Utah. This acquisition provides three asphalt plants, one ready-mix plant, one portable crushing plant and access rights to 16 aggregates sites, adding 28 million tonnes of reserves and annualised sales of US$73 million. A further acquisition in New Jersey added cumulative reserves of 39 million tonnes. An investment in an asphalt and paving company in Texas was also completed.
The Americas Products division completed four acquisitions at a spend of €33 million. The major acquisition was of a leading exterior surfaces company based in Canada, a strong addition to APG’s branded product portfolio, which will add annualised sales of CAD27 million. The division acquired a precast concrete producer located in Colorado which will increase its capacity in the region. The division also acquired the majority position in a Louisiana based operation aimed at enhancing our modular steel capabilities. Finally, a glass hardware company was acquired in Perth, Australia, which will significantly enhance our CRL operations in Western Australia.
 
FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE
 
Net debt of €7.1 billion at 30 June 2016 was €5.9 billion higher than the figure reported at 30 June 2015, reflecting the major acquisition spend in the second half of 2015, and was €0.4 billion higher than year-end 2015. The first half cash outflow of €0.3 billion from operations is better than the normal seasonal pattern of the Group and reflects the strong focus on cash management and rigorous discipline with regard to capital expenditure and working capital management. As usual we expect a strong operating cash inflow in the second half of 2016. Given the focused approach to portfolio management and with the Group’s strong track record in converting a significant proportion of its EBITDA into operating cash flow, we expect year-end 2016 debt metrics to be at or below normalised levels.
 
OUTLOOK
 
In Europe, trading conditions in the first half of 2016 reflected the modest impact of early-stage economic recovery. While the impact of the recent UK vote to leave the EU remains unclear for the medium term, the outlook for our European operations for the remainder of this year is for a continuation of first half trends.
In the Americas, we expect the positive momentum seen in construction markets during the first half of the year to continue into the second half, although the very strong finish for our Americas business in 2015 means that the second half comparatives for this year are expected to be somewhat tougher.
 
In Asia, we expect the positive demand backdrop experienced in the Philippines to continue for the rest of the year.
 
For the Group overall, assuming normal weather conditions for the remainder of the season, we expect further progress in the second half with full year reported EBITDA in excess of €3 billion.
 
EUROPE HEAVYSIDE
 
 
%
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Total
 
Analysis of change
 
€ million
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
Exchange
 
Acquisitions
 
Divestments
 
Organic
 
Sales revenue
 
+107%
 
3,637
 
1,760
 
+1,877
 
-42
 
+1,855
 
-93
 
+157
 
EBITDA
 
+190%
 
362
 
125
 
+237
 
-5
 
+249
 
-11
 
+4
 
Operating profit
 
+326%
 
162
 
38
 
+124
 
-3
 
+130
 
-7
 
+4
 
EBITDA/sales
 
 
10.0%
 
7.1%
 
 
Op. profit/sales
 
4.5%
 
2.2%
 
The acquisition impact substantially relates to the European part of the LH Assets acquired in H2 2015.
 
 
Results for the first six months of 2016 at our Europe Heavyside operations reflect the inclusion of the European part of the LH Assets acquired in the second half of 2015 and now integrated into the business operations referred to below. Our businesses have benefited from a broad based recovery in the Netherlands, Ireland and Denmark, with more subdued activity in Switzerland, Poland and Germany. Sales on a proforma basis were 4% ahead of last year reflecting the regional variations. Proforma EBITDA and margin were ahead of 2015 due to the sales improvement, the ongoing focus on cost control and improved capacity utilisation. Synergy targets are on track and continue to focus on procurement, operational and organisational efficiencies.
Western Europe
Construction activity in the first half of the year in the UK increased modestly compared with 2015 and volumes of cement, aggregates and readymixed concrete were ahead. A benign cost backdrop also contributed to an improved proforma EBITDA performance.
In France, with improving residential and non-residential demand partly offset by continued low government infrastructure spend, volumes of cement and aggregates improved modestly while the pricing environment remained competitive. Overall proforma EBITDA and margin were ahead of 2015.
Construction activity in Switzerland continues to be affected by the impact of the strong Swiss franc which has led to a challenging trading backdrop for our operations. Although volumes were ahead for each of the main products, price pressure continues to be experienced. Overall operating profit and margin were below 2015.
In the Netherlands, our structural and concrete products businesses performed well, benefiting from the recovering residential environment, while the readymixed concrete and aggregates businesses continued to be affected by the competitive trading environment. The construction market in Belgium is more subdued with concrete and cement volumes growing modestly compared to the first six months of 2015. Overall operating profit and margin were ahead.
In both Ireland and Denmark, construction activity continues to gather momentum with continued residential and non-residential growth. With the benefit of cost reduction initiatives and the resizing of our businesses over the past number of years, operating profit and margin improved and our Irish and Danish operations are in a strong position to benefit from the growth.
Sales volumes in Germany were ahead of the first half of 2015, however price pressure persists in both cement and landscaping products. Proforma EBITDA was behind 2015 due to product mix and the competitive pricing backdrop.
Eastern Europe
While our Poland activities are supported by a solid macro-economic backdrop and continued construction growth, cement volumes were behind the first half of 2015 and price pressure was experienced across all our main product lines. Overall margin and operating profit were behind the first half of 2015.
The west of Ukraine, where our operations are based, continues to be less impacted by the ongoing political uncertainty and our cement volumes increased in the first half. The higher volumes, together with good price improvements resulted in operating profit being above 2015.
Recovery of the construction market in Finland continues and volumes in all products were ahead for the first six months although the pricing environment remains competitive. Operating profit and margin were ahead of the first half of 2015.
With very wet weather in the second quarter and moderating infrastructure spend offsetting good progress in residential and non-residential investment, volumes in Romania and South East Europe were broadly in line with the first six months of 2015. Proforma EBITDA was behind 2015.
 
EUROPE LIGHTSIDE
 
 
%
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Total
 
Analysis of change
 
€ million
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
Exchange
 
Acquisitions
 
Divestments
 
Organic
 
Sales revenue
 
-
 
477
 
475
 
+2
 
-9
 
+16
 
-26
 
+21
 
EBITDA
 
+7%
 
49
 
46
 
+3
 
-1
 
+1
 
-2
 
+5
 
Operating profit
 
+15%
 
38
 
33
 
+5
 
-1
 
+1
 
-1
 
+6
 
EBITDA/sales
 
 
10.3%
 
9.7%
 
 
Op. profit/sales
 
8.0%
 
6.9%
 
 
Europe Lightside reported an increase of €21 million in organic sales for the first six months of 2016, driven by modest improvements in most end-use markets. EBITDA was also above 2015 due to the higher sales, lower input costs and fixed cost savings.
Construction Accessories
Our Construction Accessories businesses supply a broad range of connecting, fixing and anchoring systems to the construction industry. Like-for-like sales were 6% ahead of last year due to increased construction activity in our major markets, particularly the UK engineered accessories sector. The increased sales, together with lower input costs and improved product mix resulted in improved operating profit and margin.
Shutters & Awnings
These businesses serve the attractive RMI and late-cycle residential markets, supplying sun protection, energy-saving, and outdoor living technologies. Sales were ahead of the first half of 2015 as the German businesses, in particular, developed positively. Operating profit and margin were also ahead.
Perimeter Protection & Network Access Products
Lower sales at our perimeter protection business were driven by reduced volumes of permanent fencing only partially offset by higher volumes of early-cycle mobile fencing. Like-for-like sales of Network Access Products were 7% ahead of 2015 due to strong UK Telecoms sales and a favourable product mix. Overall operating profit was broadly in line with 2015.
 
EUROPE DISTRIBUTION
 
 
%
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Total
 
Analysis of change
 
€ million
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
Exchange
 
Divestments
 
2015 Swiss Fine
 
Organic
 
Sales revenue
 
-1%
 
1,982
 
2,010
 
-28
 
-20
 
-26
 
-
 
+18
 
EBITDA
 
+63%
 
88
 
54
 
+34
 
-
 
-1
 
+32
 
+3
 
Operating profit
 
+231%
 
53
 
16
 
+37
 
-
 
-
 
+32
 
+5
 
EBITDA/sales
 
 
4.4%
 
2.7%
 
 
Op. profit/sales
 
2.7%
 
0.8%
 
 
Our Distribution business, like our other European operations, benefited from improving demand in some key markets. Organic sales, EBITDA and margin were slightly ahead of 2015 reflecting the benefits of our continued focus on cost control, commercial excellence and procurement optimisation.
Professional Builders Merchants
Our professional builders merchants business has strong market positions in all of its regions, supplying a full range of building materials to general building contractors. Operating profit for this business was broadly in line with 2015, with the impact of lower sales in Switzerland and lower margins in France and Austria offset primarily by higher sales in the Benelux.
Our Benelux business saw an increase in like-for-like sales compared with the first half of 2015 due to the recovering residential backdrop in the Netherlands. Higher operating profit was driven by the increased sales combined with delivery from performance improvement initiatives. Sales at our operations in Switzerland were behind 2015 due to strong competition and reduced activity in some sectors. Operating profit was slightly behind due to the reduced sales partly offset by a better sales mix and continued reduction in operating expenses. Sales and operating profit were slightly ahead in Germany while sales levels in France and Austria were marginally behind and operating profit decreased compared with the first half of 2015.
DIY
Our DIY platform in Europe operates under three main brands; Gamma and Karwei in the Benelux and Hagebau in Germany. Sales marginally decreased during the period due to an increased focus on improving margins. Operating profit and margin were slightly higher than the first six months of 2015 due to performance improvement initiatives.
Sanitary, Heating and Plumbing (“SHAP”)
Our SHAP businesses operate in three countries, serving the growing RMI focused sanitary, heating and plumbing market.
While the businesses in Belgium and Germany delivered improved sales and profit performance, trading in Switzerland was impacted by the challenging conditions experienced by our merchanting activities. Organic sales and operating profit were ahead of the first half of 2015.
 
AMERICAS MATERIALS
 
 
%
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Total
 
Analysis of change
 
€ million
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
Exchange
 
Acquisitions
 
Divestments
 
Organic
 
Sales revenue
 
+33%
 
2,975
 
2,235
 
+740
 
-
 
+529
 
-27
 
+238
 
EBITDA
 
+122%
 
251
 
113
 
+138
 
-
 
+33
 
+1
 
+104
 
Operating profit/(loss)
 
n/m
 
61
 
-34
 
+95
 
-
 
-2
 
+2
 
+95
 
EBITDA/sales
 
 
8.4%
 
5.1%
 
 
Op. profit/sales
 
2.1%
 
-1.5%
 
The acquisition impact primarily relates to the Americas part of the LH Assets acquired in H2 2015.
 
 
Americas Materials had a strong first half, with good demand feeding healthy volume and margin gains across our main regions and product areas. Against a backdrop of modestly increasing publicly-funded infrastructure activity and improving residential and non-residential demand, volumes increased. Proforma sales increased 12%, while EBITDA was also markedly higher.
Aggregates
Proforma volumes increased by 13% while, on average, first half prices increased by 3%. Margin was well ahead of 2015 due to the increased volumes, better plant demand balance and good commercial management.
Asphalt
For the first six months proforma volumes were 17% ahead compared with 2015. On average, prices declined by 8%, however, this was more than offset by reduced bitumen and energy input costs. The leverage on the increased volumes and the reduced input cost backdrop combined to deliver margin improvement.
Readymixed Concrete
Proforma volumes increased by 12% compared with the first six months of 2015. On average, first half prices increased by 4%. While raw material input costs were higher, our margin increased.
Paving and Construction Services
Supported by favourable early season weather, increased federal highway funding and certain state initiatives, paving activity increased. The increased work combined with our internal efficiency improvements delivered increased construction revenue and margins.
Cement
Volumes at the Canadian and U.S. cement operations acquired as part of the LH Assets in 2015 were ahead on a proforma basis while prices remained relatively stable. With the higher volumes and focus on cost control, proforma EBITDA margin improved.
Regional performance
Unseasonably mild and dry weather in the early months of the year in the U.S. underpinned strong volume growth in the North region; aggregates, asphalt and readymixed concrete like-for-like volumes were 16%, 20% and 7% ahead respectively, with the key states of Ohio, Michigan and New York performing particularly well. In the South region, robust residential and commercial demand in Florida was only partly offset by reduced activity in West Virginia with like-for-like aggregates and asphalt volumes up modestly, while readymixed concrete volumes increased 14% in the period. Good market conditions and favourable weather in the key state of Texas in the Central region led to improved like-for-like volumes with aggregates and asphalt volumes both up 17% while readymixed concrete was 15% ahead. In the West region, expanding population and the economic backdrop supported good commercial and residential demand with like-for-like aggregates volumes ahead 12%, asphalt up 10% and readymixed concrete 16% above last year.
 
A strong start to the year in Canada was aided by improved backlogs combined with favourable weather contributing to higher volumes across all business lines while pricing remained competitive. Performance was strong in the core markets of Ontario and Quebec as underlying demand was supported by aggregates and construction projects.
 
Construction demand in Brazil continues to be affected by significant economic, financial and political problems.
 
AMERICAS PRODUCTS
 
 
%
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Total
 
Analysis of change
 
€ million
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
Exchange
 
Acquisitions
 
Divestments
 
Organic
 
Sales revenue
 
+18%
 
2,249
 
1,903
 
+346
 
-41
 
+283
 
-145
 
+249
 
EBITDA
 
+47%
 
264
 
179
 
+85
 
-3
 
+60
 
-
 
+28
 
Operating profit
 
+78%
 
199
 
112
 
+87
 
+3
 
+44
 
+4
 
+36
 
EBITDA/sales
 
 
11.7%
 
9.4%
 
 
Op. profit/sales
 
8.8%
 
5.9%
 
The acquisition impact primarily relates to CRL, which was acquired in H2 2015.
 
 
Against a backdrop of unusually mild weather, construction activity in the United States continued to advance in 2016, and the improving residential and non-residential trends resulted in stronger demand for our Americas Products businesses in the first half. Overall proforma sales in the first half were 16% ahead compared with 2015. Higher sales together with a favourable product mix and continued commercial focus helped increase profits and margins.
Architectural Products
APG is a leading supplier of concrete masonry and hardscape products and has strong national positions in dry mixes and packaged lawn and garden products. In addition to contractor-based new construction, the DIY and professional RMI segments are significant end-users. Like-for-like sales were up 17% compared with first-half 2015 reflecting the stronger demand and more favourable weather patterns than in 2015, together with the benefit of increased Homecenter penetration. The leverage on the increased sales, combined with modestly higher selling prices, generated margin improvement and operating profit was ahead of 2015.
Precast
Our Precast business supplies a broad range of value-added concrete, and related utility products with the electrical, telecommunications, water and transportation sectors being major end-markets. Strong demand across most end-use segments and favourable weather resulted in like-for-like sales increasing 9% compared with the first half of 2015 with all main markets performing well. Modest price improvement together with a relatively benign cost backdrop positively impacted margin and overall operating profit was ahead of last year.
BuildingEnvelope®
The BuildingEnvelope® group is North America’s largest supplier of architectural glass, aluminium glazing systems and custom hardware products to the glass and glazing industry. In September 2015, we acquired CRL, a highly complementary platform at a total cost of €1.2 billion. CRL is the leading North American manufacturer and supplier of custom door hardware and glazing installation products. Integration of CRL is complete and realisation of synergies is well underway. With the benefit of improving market conditions, overall proforma sales rose by 9%. The business experienced a positive price environment and a favourable product mix, which together with the impact of the acquisition, resulted in overall operating profit and margin for BuildingEnvelope® being ahead of 2015.
 
AMERICAS DISTRIBUTION
 
 
%
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Total
 
Analysis of change
 
€ million
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
Exchange
 
Acquisitions
 
Divestments
 
Organic
 
Sales revenue
 
+11%
 
1,099
 
987
 
+112
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
+112
 
EBITDA
 
+26%
 
48
 
38
 
+10
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
+10
 
Operating profit
 
+38%
 
33
 
24
 
+9
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
+9
 
EBITDA/sales
 
 
4.4%
 
3.9%
 
 
Op. profit/sales
 
3.0%
 
2.4%
 
 
Americas Distribution, trading as Allied Building Products (“Allied”), reported strong sales and profit growth in the first half of 2016. Activity levels improved in the Exterior and Interior products segments, as well as the growing Solar business, and both margin and operating profit were ahead of 2015.
Exterior Products
Exterior Products is largely comprised of commercial and residential roofing, siding and related products, the demand for which is greatly influenced by residential and commercial replacement activity (75% of sales volume is RMI-related). Allied continues to maintain its position as one of the top three roofing and siding distributors in the United States.
With very favourable weather conditions throughout the US in the first half of 2016, RMI roofing market shipments in all major regions increased, while with continued focus on commercial positioning and the internal cost base, margin improved.
Interior Products
This business specialises in the distribution of wallboard, steel studs and acoustical ceiling systems to specialised contractors, and has low exposure to weather-driven replacement activity; demand is driven primarily by new commercial construction activity, although the business also supplies the multi-family home building sector. Allied is the third largest Interior Products distributor in the US.
Demand growth for core products was strong in the first half, particularly in the West and Southeast, contributing to higher sales and improved operating profit.
 
ASIA
 
 
%
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
€ million
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Sales revenue
 
n/m
 
274
 
-
 
EBITDA
 
n/m
 
58
 
-
 
Operating profit
 
n/m
 
42
 
-
 
EBITDA/sales
 
 
21.2%
 
-
 
Op. profit/sales
 
15.3%
 
-
 
 
The newly formed Asia division is reported for the first time. The figures above reflect the results from the Philippines’ operations acquired as part of the LH Assets in the second half of 2015 together with CRH Asia’s divisional costs.
 
Philippines
With a strong economic backdrop supported by continued government spending, strong foreign direct investment in the outsourced services sector and migrant labour remittances, both cement volumes and prices moved ahead at our Philippines operations. These combined with a benign cost environment resulted in improved proforma EBITDA and margin.
 
India and China
The Group’s investments in India and China are equity accounted and CRH’s share of profit after tax from these businesses is reported in profit before tax along with the Group’s other equity accounted investments.
 
In India, our joint venture, My Home Industries, benefited from the favourable macro-economic situation in the country and volumes were 10% ahead of the first six months of 2015, although with new competitor production capacity, prices were under significant pressure.
 
First half GDP in China was c. +7% driven primarily by residential construction in tier 1 cities as well as growth in the technology, healthcare and education sectors. Traditional heavy industries, especially in Northeast China, are under pressure due to falling global demand, overcapacity and increased environmental focus. Volumes and prices at Yatai Building Materials, based in the Northeast of China and in which the Group has a 26% investment, remained under pressure.
 
Six Months to 30 June Proforma Comparisons
 
CRH
Exclude
 
 
 
 
Reported
Divested
One-off
Proforma
Proforma
Proforma
 
H1 2016
entities
Items1
H1 2016
H1 20152
% Change
Sales
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
3,637
-
 
3,637
3,503
4%
Europe Lightside
477
-
 
477
440
8%
Europe Distribution
1,982
-
 
1,982
1,964
1%
 
6,096
-
 
6,096
5,907
3%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Materials
2,975
-14
 
2,961
2,648
12%
Americas Products
2,249
-
 
2,249
1,935
16%
Americas Distribution
1,099
-
 
1,099
987
11%
 
6,323
-14
 
6,309
5,570
13%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asia
274
-
 
274
263
4%
 
12,693
-14
 
12,679
11,740
8%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
362
-
15
377
362
4%
Europe Lightside
49
-
-
49
43
14%
Europe Distribution
88
-
-
88
84
5%
 
499
15
514
489
5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Materials
251
2
10
263
156
69%
Americas Products
264
-
-
264
219
21%
Americas Distribution
48
-
-
48
38
26%
 
563
2
10
575
413
39%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asia
58
-
-
58
54
7%
 
1,120
2
25
1,147
956
20%
Proforma EBITDA Margin
 
 
 
9.0%
8.1%
 
 
1 The significant "one-off" costs incurred by CRH in the first half of 2016 relate to expenses of €25 million associated with the integration of the LH Assets.
 
2 See detailed reconciliation of 2015 reported information to proforma 2015 on page 32.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
 
 
 
Year ended
 
Six months ended 30 June
31 December
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Revenue
12,693
 
9,370
 
23,635
Cost of sales
(8,717)
 
(6,684)
 
(16,394)
Gross profit
3,976
 
2,686
 
7,241
Operating costs
(3,388)
 
(2,497)
 
(5,964)
Group operating profit
588
 
189
 
1,277
Profit on disposals
20
 
72
 
101
Profit before finance costs
608
 
261
 
1,378
Finance costs
(181)
 
(144)
 
(303)
Finance income
3
 
5
 
8
Other financial expense
(28)
 
(60)
 
(94)
Share of equity accounted investments’ profit
5
 
1
 
44
Profit before tax
407
 
63
 
1,033
Income tax expense - estimated at interim
(114)
 
(16)
 
(304)
Group profit for the financial period
293
 
47
 
729
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity holders of the Company
279
 
46
 
724
Non-controlling interests
14
 
1
 
5
Group profit for the financial period
293
 
47
 
729
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Ordinary Share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
33.8c
 
5.7c
 
89.1c
Diluted
33.6c
 
5.7c
 
88.7c
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Group profit for the financial period
293
 
47
 
729
 
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
Currency translation effects
(304)
 
739
 
661
Gains/(losses) relating to cash flow hedges
6
 
6
 
(2)
 
(298)
 
745
 
659
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations
(284)
 
171
 
203
Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income
50
 
(28)
 
(30)
 
(234)
 
143
 
173
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income for the financial period
(532)
 
888
 
832
Total comprehensive income for the financial period
(239)
 
935
 
1,561
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity holders of the Company
(242)
 
932
 
1,538
Non-controlling interests
3
 
3
 
23
Total comprehensive income for the financial period
(239)
 
935
 
1,561
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
 As at 30
 
 As at 30
As at 31
June 2016
 
June 2015
 
December 2015
 
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
12,608
 
7,822
 
13,062
Intangible assets
7,691
 
4,411
 
7,820
Investments accounted for using the equity method
1,260
 
1,415
 
1,317
Other financial assets
27
 
25
 
28
Other receivables
218
 
106
 
149
Derivative financial instruments
129
 
70
 
85
Deferred income tax assets
194
 
146
 
149
Total non-current assets
22,127
 
13,995
 
22,610
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
Inventories
2,997
 
2,537
 
2,873
Trade and other receivables
4,927
 
3,577
 
3,977
Current income tax recoverable
18
 
11
 
5
Derivative financial instruments
26
 
22
 
24
Cash and cash equivalents
1,394
 
5,239
 
2,518
Total current assets
9,362
 
11,386
 
9,397
Total assets
31,489
 
25,381
 
32,007
 
 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders
 
 
 
 
Equity share capital
283
 
280
 
281
Preference share capital
1
 
1
 
1
Share premium account
6,160
 
6,014
 
6,021
Treasury Shares and own shares
(12)
 
(39)
 
(28)
Other reserves
266
 
227
 
240
Foreign currency translation reserve
407
 
794
 
700
Retained income
5,471
 
5,245
 
5,800
 
12,576
 
12,522
 
13,015
Non-controlling interests
535
 
22
 
529
Total equity
13,111
 
12,544
 
13,544
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
7,940
 
6,169
 
8,465
Derivative financial instruments
3
 
14
 
5
Deferred income tax liabilities
1,975
 
1,399
 
2,023
Other payables
273
 
184
 
410
Retirement benefit obligations
872
 
590
 
588
Provisions for liabilities
647
 
323
 
603
Total non-current liabilities
11,710
 
8,679
 
12,094
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Trade and other payables
5,241
 
3,532
 
4,761
Current income tax liabilities
426
 
129
 
401
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
642
 
351
 
756
Derivative financial instruments
25
 
9
 
19
Provisions for liabilities
334
 
137
 
432
Total current liabilities
6,668
 
4,158
 
6,369
Total liabilities
18,378
 
12,837
 
18,463
Total equity and liabilities
31,489
 
25,381
 
32,007
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 
Attributable to the equity holders of the Company
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury
 
Foreign
 
 
 
 
Issued
Share
Shares/
 
currency
 
Non-
 
 
share
premium
own
Other
translation
Retained
controlling
Total
 
capital
account
shares
reserves
reserve
income
interests
equity
 
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
For the financial period ended 30 June 2016 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 1 January 2016
282
6,021
(28)
240
700
5,800
529
13,544
Group profit for period
-
-
-
-
-
279
14
293
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
(293)
(228)
(11)
(532)
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
(293)
51
3
(239)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)
2
139
-
-
-
-
-
141
Share-based payment expense
-
-
-
26
-
-
-
26
Treasury/own shares reissued
-
-
18
-
-
(18)
-
-
Shares acquired by the Employee Benefit Trust (own shares)
-
-
(2)
-
-
-
-
(2)
Tax relating to share-based payment expense
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
Dividends (including shares in lieu of dividends)
-
-
-
-
-
(363)
(5)
(368)
Non-controlling interests arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
8
At 30 June 2016
284
6,160
(12)
266
407
5,471
535
13,111
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the financial period ended 30 June 2015 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 1 January 2015
254
4,324
(76)
213
57
5,405
21
10,198
Group profit for period
-
-
-
-
-
46
1
47
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
737
149
2
888
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
737
195
3
935
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)
27
1,690
-
-
-
-
-
1,717
Share-based payment expense
-
-
-
14
-
-
-
14
Treasury/own shares reissued
-
-
37
-
-
(37)
-
-
Share option exercises
-
-
-
-
-
41
-
41
Dividends (including shares in lieu of dividends)
-
-
-
-
-
(359)
(2)
(361)
At 30 June 2015
281
6,014
(39)
227
794
5,245
22
12,544
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - continued
For the financial year ended 31 December 2015 (audited)
 
Attributable to the equity holders of the Company
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury
 
Foreign
 
 
 
 
Issued
Share
Shares/
 
currency
 
Non-
 
 
share
premium
own
Other
translation
Retained
controlling
Total
 
capital
account
shares
reserves
reserve
income
interests
equity
 
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
 
At 1 January 2015
254
4,324
(76)
213
57
5,405
21
10,198
Group profit for year
-
-
-
-
-
724
5
729
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
643
171
18
832
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
643
895
23
1,561
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)
28
1,697
-
-
-
-
-
1,725
Share-based payment expense
-
-
-
27
-
-
-
27
Treasury/own shares reissued
-
-
51
-
-
(51)
-
-
Shares acquired by the Employee Benefit Trust (own shares)
-
-
(3)
-
-
-
-
(3)
Tax relating to share-based payment expense
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
5
Share option exercises
-
-
-
-
-
57
-
57
Dividends (including shares issued in lieu of dividends)
-
-
-
-
-
(511)
(4)
(515)
Non-controlling interests arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
-
-
-
-
-
-
489
489
At 31 December 2015
282
6,021
(28)
240
700
5,800
529
13,544
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Year ended
31 December
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2015
 
 
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit before tax
407
 
63
 
1,033
 
Finance costs (net)
206
 
199
 
389
 
Share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax
(5)
 
(1)
 
(44)
 
Profit on disposals
(20)
 
(72)
 
(101)
 
Group operating profit
588
 
189
 
1,277
 
Depreciation charge
497
 
344
 
843
 
Amortisation of intangible assets
35
 
22
 
55
 
Impairment charge
-
 
-
 
44
 
Share-based payment expense
26
 
14
 
27
 
Other (primarily pension payments)
(1)
 
10
 
(47)
 
Net movement on working capital and provisions
(814)
 
(598)
 
585
 
Cash generated from operations
331
 
(19)
 
2,784
 
Interest paid (including finance leases)
(169)
 
(203)
 
(302)
 
Corporation tax paid
(93)
 
(47)
 
(235)
 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities
69
 
(269)
 
2,247
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds)
140
 
670
 
889
 
Interest received
3
 
5
 
8
 
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
15
 
33
 
53
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(408)
 
(338)
 
(882)
 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)
(117)
 
(74)
 
(7,296)
 
Other investments and advances
(4)
 
(7)
 
(19)
 
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid
(26)
 
(32)
 
(59)
 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities
(397)
 
257
 
(7,306)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issue of shares (net)
10
 
1,593
 
1,593
 
Proceeds from exercise of share options
-
 
41
 
57
 
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases
379
 
1,656
 
5,633
 
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments
26
 
27
 
47
 
Premium paid on early debt redemption
-
 
(38)
 
(38)
 
Treasury/own shares purchased
(2)
 
-
 
(3)
 
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases
(942)
 
(1,231)
 
(2,744)
 
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company
(232)
 
(235)
 
(379)
 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
(5)
 
(2)
 
(4)
 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities
(766)
 
1,811
 
4,162
 
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,094)
 
1,799
 
(897)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
2,518
 
3,295
 
3,295
 
Translation adjustment
(30)
 
145
 
120
 
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,094)
 
1,799
 
(897)
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
1,394
 
5,239
 
2,518
 
Reconciliation of opening to closing net debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net debt at beginning of period
(6,618)
 
(2,492)
 
(2,492)
 
Debt in acquired companies
(3)
 
-
 
(175)
 
Debt in disposed companies
-
 
-
 
20
 
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases
(379)
 
(1,656)
 
(5,633)
 
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments
(26)
 
(27)
 
(47)
 
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases
942
 
1,231
 
2,744
 
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,094)
 
1,799
 
(897)
 
Mark-to-market adjustment
(1)
 
47
 
(1)
 
Translation adjustment
118
 
(114)
 
(137)
 
Net debt at end of period
(7,061)
 
(1,212)
 
(6,618)
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Selected Explanatory Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
1.
Basis of Preparation and Accounting Policies
The financial information presented in this report has been prepared in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as approved by the European Union and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.
These Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015.
The accounting policies and methods of computation employed in the preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements are the same as those employed in the preparation of the most recent Annual Consolidated Financial Statements in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015, except for the adoption of standard amendments effective as of 1 January 2016.
Adoption of new IFRSs and/or IFRICs
The following standard amendments became effective for the Group as of 1 January 2016:
Annual Improvements 2011-2014 Cycle
The application of these amendments did not result in material changes to the Group’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Translation of Foreign Currencies
The financial information is presented in euro. Results and cash flows of operations based in non-euro countries have been translated into euro at average exchange rates for the period, and the related balance sheets have been translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. The principal rates used for translation of results and balance sheets into euro were:
 
Average
 
Period end
 
Six months ended
Year ended
 
Six months ended
Year ended
30 June
31 December
30 June
31 December
euro 1 =
2016
2015
2015
 
2016
2015
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brazilian Real
4.1295
3.3103
3.7004
 
3.5898
3.4699
4.3117
Canadian Dollar
1.4844
1.3774
1.4186
 
1.4384
1.3839
1.5116
Chinese Renminbi
7.2965
6.9408
6.9733
 
7.3755
6.9366
7.0608
Hungarian Forint
312.7135
307.5057
309.9956
 
317.0600
314.93
315.9800
Indian Rupee
75.0019
70.1244
71.1956
 
74.9603
71.1873
72.0215
Philippine Peso
52.3278
49.7225
50.5217
 
52.2410
50.4740
50.9990
Polish Zloty
4.3688
4.1409
4.1841
 
4.4362
4.1911
4.2639
Pound Sterling
0.7788
0.7323
0.7258
 
0.8265
0.7114
0.7340
Romanian Leu
4.4956
4.4479
4.4454
 
4.5234
4.4725
4.5240
Serbian Dinar
122.9869
120.8973
120.7168
 
123.2547
120.3582
121.5612
Swiss Franc
1.0960
1.0567
1.0679
 
1.0867
1.0413
1.0835
Ukrainian Hryvnia
28.4216
24.0453
24.3693
 
27.5700
23.5271
26.1434
US Dollar
1.1159
1.1158
1.1095
 
1.1102
1.1189
1.0887
 
1.
Basis of Preparation and Accounting Policies - continued
Impairment
As at 30 June 2016, the Group performed a review of indicators of impairment relating to goodwill allocated to cash-generating units for which sensitivity analysis of the recoverable amounts was disclosed in the year-end 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements. The carrying values of items of property, plant and equipment were also reviewed for indicators of impairment. These reviews did not give rise to any impairment charges in the first half of 2016 (H1 2015: €nil). While we have not identified any impairments in our half-year review, we recognise that the economic environment in some of the Group’s markets remain challenging. As part of our annual process we will be updating our impairment reviews prior to the finalisation of the full-year Consolidated Financial Statements for 2016, and will assess the impact of the items noted above (and of our consequential management actions) to determine whether they have an impact on the long-term valuation of our cash-generating units.
Going Concern
The Group has considerable financial resources and a large number of customers and suppliers across different geographic areas and industries. In addition, the local nature of building materials means that the Group’s products are not usually shipped cross-border.
Having assessed the relevant business risks, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage these risks successfully and have a reasonable expectation that CRH plc, and the Group as a whole, has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future with no material uncertainties. For this reason, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.
Operating Segments
The Group has completed the integration of the businesses acquired from Lafarge S.A. and Holcim Limited during Q3 2015. In light of this, CRH has re-visited its operating segment disclosures to ensure that they continue to reflect the Group’s organisational structure and the nature of the financial information reported to and assessed by the Group Chief Executive and Finance Director, who are together determined to fulfil the role of Chief Operating Decision Maker (as defined in IFRS 8 Operating Segments). As a result, a new operating segment for Asia has been identified and activities reported in 2015 in the “LH Assets” operating segment have been reallocated within the Europe Heavyside, Americas Materials and the new Asia segments. Accordingly, the Group now reports across the following seven operating segments in this interim report:
 Europe Heavyside
 Europe Lightside
 Europe Distribution
 Americas Materials
 Americas Products
 Americas Distribution
 Asia
In note 3 on page 19, comparative amounts for full year 2015, and at year-end 2015, have been restated where necessary to reflect the new format for segmentation.
2.
Key Components of Performance for the First Half of 2016
€ million
Sales revenue
EBITDA
Operating profit
Profit on disposals
Finance costs (net)
Assoc. and JV PAT
Pre-tax profit
First half 2015
9,370
555
189
72
(199)
1
63
Exchange effects
(112)
(9)
(1)
-
3
-
2
2015 at 2016 rates
9,258
546
188
72
(196)
1
65
Incremental impact in 2016 of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 2015/2016 acquisitions
2,957
401
215
-
(39)
1
177
- 2015/2016 divestments
(317)
(13)
(2)
(53)
2
(4)
(57)
- Swiss fine
-
32
32
-
-
-
32
- Early bond redemptions
-
-
-
-
38
-
38
- Organic
795
154
155
1
(11)
7
152
First half 2016
12,693
1,120
588
20
(206)
5
407
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% Total change
35%
102%
 
 
 
 
 
3.
Segment Information
 
 
Six months ended 30 June - Unaudited
Year ended 31 December –
Restated(i)
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2015
 
 
€ m
%
 
€ m
%
 
€ m
%
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
3,637
28.6
 
1,760
18.8
 
5,256
22.3
Europe Lightside
477
3.8
 
475
5.1
 
961
4.1
Europe Distribution
1,982
15.6
 
2,010
21.4
 
4,158
17.6
Americas Materials
2,975
23.4
 
2,235
23.9
 
7,018
29.7
Americas Products
2,249
17.7
 
1,903
20.3
 
3,862
16.3
Americas Distribution
1,099
8.7
 
987
10.5
 
2,229
9.4
Asia
274
2.2
 
-
-
 
151
0.6
 
12,693
100.0
 
9,370
100.0
 
23,635
100.0
EBITDA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
362
32.3
 
125
22.5
 
460
20.8
Europe Lightside
49
4.4
 
46
8.3
 
100
4.5
Europe Distribution
88
7.8
 
54
9.7
 
171
7.7
Americas Materials
251
22.4
 
113
20.4
 
955
43.0
Americas Products
264
23.6
 
179
32.3
 
391
17.6
Americas Distribution
48
4.3
 
38
6.8
 
140
6.3
Asia
58
5.2
 
-
-
 
2
0.1
 
1,120
100.0
 
555
100.0
 
2,219
100.0
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
 
Europe Heavyside
200
37.6
 
87
23.8
 
325
34.4
Europe Lightside
11
2.1
 
13
3.5
 
25
2.6
Europe Distribution
35
6.6
 
38
10.4
 
77
8.2
Americas Materials
190
35.7
 
147
40.2
 
335
35.6
Americas Products
65
12.2
 
67
18.3
 
142
15.1
Americas Distribution
15
2.8
 
14
3.8
 
29
3.1
Asia
16
3.0
 
-
-
 
9
1.0
 
532
100.0
 
366
100.0
 
942
100.0
Operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
162
27.6
 
38
20.1
 
135
10.5
Europe Lightside
38
6.5
 
33
17.5
 
75
5.9
Europe Distribution
53
9.0
 
16
8.5
 
94
7.3
Americas Materials
61
10.4
 
(34)
(18.0)
 
620
48.6
Americas Products
199
33.8
 
112
59.2
 
249
19.5
Americas Distribution
33
5.6
 
24
12.7
 
111
8.7
Asia
42
7.1
 
-
-
 
(7)
(0.5)
 
588
100.0
 
189
100.0
 
1,277
100.0
Profit/(loss) on disposals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
7
 
 
13
 
 
101
 
 
Europe Lightside
1
 
 
-
 
 
(23)
 
 
Europe Distribution
12
 
 
5
 
 
8
 
 
Americas Materials
(12)
 
 
21
 
 
24
 
 
Americas Products
10
 
 
33
 
 
(11)
 
 
Americas Distribution
2
 
 
-
 
 
2
 
 
Asia
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
 
20
 
 
72
 
 
101
 
 
 
3.
Segment Information - continued
 
 
Six months ended 30 June - Unaudited
Year ended 31 December - Audited
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2015
 
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
 
€ m
 
 
 
Reconciliation of Group operating profit to profit before tax:
 
 
 
Group operating profit (analysed on page 19)
588
 
 
189
 
 
1,277
 
 
Profit on disposals
20
 
 
72
 
 
101
 
 
Profit before finance costs
608
 
 
261
 
 
1,378
 
 
Finance costs less income
(178)
 
 
(139)
 
 
(295)
 
 
Other financial expense
(28)
 
 
(60)
 
 
(94)
 
 
Share of equity accounted investments’
profit
5
 
 
1
 
 
44
 
 
Profit before tax
407
 
 
63
 
 
1,033
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended 30 June - Unaudited
 
Year ended 31 December –
Restated(i)
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
       2015
 
 
€ m
%
 
      € m
         %
 
           € m
           %
Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
9,011
31.7
 
4,326
23.4
 
9,224
33.1
 
Europe Lightside
800
2.8
 
831
4.5
 
767
2.8
 
Europe Distribution
2,331
8.2
 
2,355
12.8
 
2,238
8.0
 
Americas Materials
9,257
32.5
 
6,994
37.9
 
8,780
31.5
 
Americas Products
4,312
15.2
 
2,875
15.6
 
4,146
14.9
 
Americas Distribution
1,181
4.2
 
1,072
5.8
 
1,095
3.9
 
Asia
1,549
5.4
 
-
-
 
1,631
5.8
 
 
28,441
100.0
 
18,453
100.0
 
27,881
100.0
 
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
Investments accounted for using the equity method
1,260
 
 
1,415
 
 
1,317
 
 
Other financial assets
27
 
 
25
 
 
28
 
 
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current)
155
 
 
92
 
 
109
 
 
Income tax assets (current and deferred)
212
 
 
157
 
 
154
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
1,394
 
 
5,239
 
 
2,518
 
 
Total assets
31,489
 
 
25,381
 
 
32,007
 
 
 
(i)
The segmental analysis of the audited results for full year 2015 has been restated to allocate post-acquisition contributions from the LH Assets (acquired Q3 2015) to the relevant segments as described in the operating segments paragraph of note 1 on page 18 above. Similarly, the segmental analysis of the audited total assets at year-end 2015 has also been restated to allocate the total assets attributable to this acquisition to the relevant segments.
 
4.
Seasonality
Activity in the construction industry is characterised by cyclicality and is dependent to a significant extent on the seasonal impact of weather in the Group's operating locations, with activity in some markets reduced significantly in winter due to inclement weather. As shown in the tables on page 19, the Group’s operations exhibit a high degree of seasonality and can be significantly impacted by the timing of acquisitions and divestments; for example, first-half EBITDA in the 2015 financial year accounted for 25% of the EBITDA reported for the full year 2015.
 
5.
Earnings per Ordinary Share
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share is set out below:
 
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Year ended
31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Numerator computations
 
 
 
 
 
Group profit for the financial period
293
 
47
 
729
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
(14)
 
(1)
 
(5)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share
279
 
46
 
724
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator computation
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares (millions) outstanding for the financial period
825.1
 
802.8
 
812.3
Effect of dilutive potential Ordinary Shares (share options) (millions)
4.9
 
3.0
 
3.6
Denominator for diluted earnings per Ordinary Share (millions)
830.0
 
805.8
 
815.9
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Ordinary Share
 
 
 
 
 
 - basic
33.8c
 
5.7c
 
89.1c
 - diluted
33.6c
 
5.7c
 
88.7c
 
6.
Dividends
 
Six months ended 30 June
Year ended
31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
2015
Net dividend paid per share (€ cent)
44.0
 
44.0
62.5
Net dividend declared for the period (€ cent)
18.8
 
18.5
62.5
Dividend cover (Earnings per share/Dividend declared per share)
1.80x
 
0.31x
1.43x
 
7.
Net Finance Costs
 
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Year ended 31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
Finance costs
181
 
144
 
303
 
Finance income
(3)
 
(5)
 
(8)
 
Other financial expense
28
 
60
 
94
 
Total net finance costs
206
 
 199
 
389
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The overall total is analysed as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net finance costs on interest-bearing loans and borrowings and cash and cash equivalents
177
 
142
 
294
 
Net cost/(credit) re change in fair value of derivatives
1
 
(3)
 
1
 
Net debt-related interest costs
178
 
139
 
295
 
Premium paid on early debt redemption
-
 
38
 
38
 
Net pension-related finance cost
6
 
8
 
17
 
Charge to unwind discount on provisions/deferred consideration
22
 
14
 
39
 
Total net finance costs
206
 
199
 
389
 
 
8.
Net Debt
 
As at 30 June
 
As at 30 June
 
As at 31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
Fair value
Book value
 
Fair
 value
Book
value
 
Fair value
Book
value
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
Gross debt
€ m
€ m
 
€ m
€ m
 
€ m
€ m
Non-current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
129
129
 
70
70
 
85
85
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
26
26
 
22
22
 
24
24
Cash and cash equivalents
1,394
1,394
 
5,239
5,239
 
2,518
2,518
Non-current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
(8,469)
(7,940)
 
(6,495)
(6,169)
 
(8,737)
(8,465)
Derivative financial instruments
(3)
(3)
 
(14)
(14)
 
(5)
(5)
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
(642)
(642)
 
(355)
(351)
 
(789)
(756)
Derivative financial instruments
(25)
(25)
 
(9)
(9)
 
(19)
(19)
Group net debt
(7,590)
(7,061)
 
(1,542)
(1,212)
 
(6,923)
(6,618)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross debt, net of derivatives, matures as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As at 30 June
 
 
As at 30 June
 
 
As at 31 December
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2015
 
 
€ m
 
 
€ m
 
 
€ m
Within one year
 
(641)
 
 
(338)
 
 
(751)
Between one and two years
 
(794)
 
 
(469)
 
 
(778)
Between two and five years
 
(2,238)
 
 
(1,077)
 
 
(2,600)
After five years
 
(4,782)
 
 
(4,567)
 
 
(5,007)
Total
 
(8,455)
 
 
(6,451)
 
 
(9,136)
 
8.
Net Debt - continued
Liquidity information - borrowing facilities
The Group manages its borrowing ability by entering into committed borrowing agreements. Revolving committed bank facilities are generally available to the Group for periods of up to five years from the date of inception. The undrawn committed facilities available as at the balance sheet date, in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met, mature as follows:
 
As at 30 June
 
As at 30 June
 
As at 31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
 
   2015
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Within one year
157
 
-
 
31
Between one and two years
37
 
1,840
 
220
Between two and five years
-
 
965
 
2,837
After five years
2,550
 
2,787
 
-
 
2,744
 
5,592
 
3,088
 
Market captialisation
Market capitalisation, calculated as the period-end share price multiplied by the number of ordinary shares in issue, is as follows:
 
As at 30 June
 
As at 30 June
 
As at 31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Market capitalisation at period-end
21,571
 
20,814
 
21,977
 
Lender covenants
The Group's major bank facilities require the Group to maintain certain financial covenants. Non-compliance with financial covenants would give the relevant lenders the right to terminate facilities and demand early repayment of any sums drawn thereunder thus altering the maturity profile of the Group's debt and the Group's liquidity. Calculations for financial covenants are completed for twelve-month periods half-yearly on 30 June and 31 December. The Group was in full compliance with its financial covenants throughout each of the periods presented. The Group is not aware of any stated events of default as defined in the Agreements.
The financial covenants are:
(1)
Minimum interest cover defined as rolling 12 months’ PBITDA/net interest (all as defined in the relevant agreement) cover at no lower than 4.5 times. As at 30 June 2016 the ratio was 9.1 times (30 June 2015: 6.9 times).
(2)
Minimum net worth defined as total equity plus deferred tax liabilities and capital grants less repayable capital grants being in aggregate no lower than €6.3 billion (30 June 2015: €5.6 billion) (such minimum being adjusted for foreign exchange translation impacts). As at 30 June 2016, net worth (as defined in the relevant agreement) was €15.1 billion (30 June 2015: €13.9 billion).
 
The net debt metrics are as follows:
 
Six months ended 30 June
Year ended
31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
2015
EBITDA interest cover (times)
-six months to 30 June
6.3
 
4.0
-
 
-rolling 12 months
8.3
6.6
7.5
EBIT interest cover (times)
-six months to 30 June
3.3
 
1.4
-
 
-rolling 12 months
5.0
3.6
4.3
 
 
 
 
 
Net debt as a percentage of market capitalisation
33%
 
6%
30%
Net debt as a percentage of total equity
54%
 
10%
49%
9.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The table below sets out the valuation basis of financial instruments held at fair value by the Group:
 
Level 2 (i)
 
Level 3 (i)
 
As at 30 June
As at 31 December
 
As at 30 June
As at 31 December
 
Unaudited
Audited
 
Unaudited
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
Assets measured at fair value
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Fair value hedges: cross currency
and interest rate swaps
122
 
54
 
81
 
-
 
-
 
-
Cash flow hedges: cross currency, interest rate swaps and commodity forwards
-
 
2
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Net investment hedges: cross currency swaps
23
 
8
 
15
 
-
 
-
 
-
Not designated as hedges
(held-for-trading): interest rate swaps
10
 
28
 
13
 
-
 
-
 
-
Total
155
 
92
 
109
 
-
 
-
 
-
Liabilities measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges: cross currency and interest rate swaps
-
 
(14)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Cash flow hedges: cross currency, interest rate swaps and commodity forwards
(6)
 
-
 
(11)
 
-
 
-
 
-
Net investment hedges: cross currency swaps
(14)
 
(9)
 
(7)
 
-
 
-
 
-
Not designated as hedges (held-for-trading): interest rate swaps
(8)
 
-
 
(6)
 
-
 
-
 
-
Contingent consideration
-
 
-
 
-
 
(123)
 
(110)
 
(111)
Total
(28)
 
(23)
 
(24)
 
(123)
 
(110)
 
(111)
 
The carrying amount of current and non-current trade and other receivables and trade and other payables approximate their fair value largely due to the short-term maturities and nature of these instruments. There were no transfers between Levels 2 and 3 during the periods.
There were no significant changes in contingent consideration recognised in profit or loss or other comprehensive income in the current period. Further details in relation to the inputs into valuation models for contingent consideration are available in the Group’s 2015 Annual Report.
(i)
For financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the degree to which inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Further details in relation to fair value hierarchy are available in the Group’s 2015 Annual Report.
 
10.
Summarised Cash Flow
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Year ended 31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Inflows
 
 
 
 
 
Profit before tax
407
 
63
 
1,033
Depreciation and amortisation including impairments
532
 
366
 
942
 
939
 
429
 
1,975
Outflows
 
 
 
 
 
Working capital (outflow)/inflow (i)
(774)
 
(597)
 
642
Tax payments
(93)
 
(47)
 
(235)
Capital expenditure
(408)
 
(338)
 
(882)
Premium paid on early debt redemption
-
 
(38)
 
(38)
Other (ii)
11
 
(22)
 
(133)
 
(1,264)
 
(1,042)
 
(646)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating cash (outflow)/inflow
(325)
 
(613)
 
1,329
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension payments (in excess of)/greater than pension expense
(1)
 
4
 
(53)
Acquisitions and investments (iii)
(150)
 
(113)
 
(7,549)
Proceeds from disposals
140
 
670
 
1,017
Share issues (iv)
139
 
1,758
 
1,779
Dividends (before scrip dividend)
(363)
 
(359)
 
(511)
Translation and mark-to-market adjustments
117
 
(67)
 
(138)
(Increase)/decrease in net debt
(443)
 
1,280
 
(4,126)
 
(i)
Working capital (outflow)/inflow includes the difference between net finance costs of €206 million (H1 2015: €199 million) (included in profit before tax) and interest paid of €169 million (H1 2015: €203 million) and interest received of €3 million (H1 2015: €5 million).
(ii)
Primarily non-cash items included in profit before tax, including profits on disposals/divestments of €20 million (H1 2015: €72 million), share-based payments expense of €26 million (H1 2015: €14 million) and CRH’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax of €5 million (H1 2015: €1 million). Other cash flows included comprise dividends received from equity accounted investments of €15 million (H1 2015: €33 million) and dividends paid to non-controlling interests of €5 million (H1 2015: €2 million).
(iii)
Acquisitions and investments spend comprises consideration for acquisition of subsidiaries (including debt acquired), deferred and contingent consideration paid, other investments and advances (see note 12 (iii) on page 29).
(iv)
Proceeds from share issues include scrip dividends of €131 million (H1 2015: €124 million) and are net of treasury shares purchased of €2 million (H1 2015: €nil).
 
11.
Share of Equity Accounted Investments’ Profit
The Group’s share of joint ventures’ and associates’ profit after tax is equity accounted and is presented as a single-line item in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement. It is analysed between the principal Condensed Consolidated Income Statement captions as follows:
 
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Year ended
31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Group share of:
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
578
 
664
 
1,457
EBITDA
50
 
64
 
163
Operating profit
18
 
23
 
81
Profit after tax
5
 
1
 
44
 
Analysis of Group share of profit/(loss) after tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Share of joint ventures’ profit after tax
17
(
11
 
41
Share of associates’ (loss)/profit after tax
(12)
 
(10)
 
3
Share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax
5
 
1
 
44
 
 
12.
Acquisitions
The acquisitions completed during the period ended 30 June 2016, together with the completion dates, are detailed below; these transactions entailed the acquisition of an effective 100% stake except where indicated to the contrary:
Europe: Ireland: Carrigtwohill Quarry (11 March); UK: Alluguard Limited (3 May); MCL Group Industries Limited (3 May).
Americas: Australia: Neil Bennett Pty, Ltd. (1 February); Canada: Techniseal Products, Inc. (20 May); Colorado: selected assets of Colorado Precast Concrete, Inc. (7 March); Louisiana: Module X Oldcastle LLC (51%, 12 May); New Jersey: Meer Property (26 February); Utah: selected assets of Nielson Construction (1 February).
The following table analyses the 9 acquisitions (H1 2015: 7 acquisitions) by reportable segment and provides details of the goodwill and consideration figures arising in each of those segments:
 
 
Six months ended 30 June - unaudited
Reportable segments
 
Number of acquisitions
 
         Goodwill
 
                Consideration
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Europe Heavyside
 
1
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2
 
-
Europe Lightside
 
2
 
1
 
10
 
3
 
22
 
10
Europe
 
3
 
1
 
10
 
3
 
24
 
10
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Materials
 
2
 
5
 
9
 
4
 
75
 
18
Americas Products
 
4
 
1
 
6
 
7
 
33
 
48
Americas
 
6
 
6
 
15
 
11
 
108
 
66
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Group
 
9
 
7
 
25
 
14
 
132
 
76
Adjustments to provisional fair values of prior period acquisitions
30
 
-
 
4
 
-
Total
 
 
 
 
 
55
 
14
 
136
 
76
 
None of the acquisitions completed during the financial period was considered sufficiently material to warrant separate disclosure of the attributable fair values. The initial assignment of fair values to identifiable net assets acquired has been performed on a provisional basis in respect of certain acquisitions; any amendments to these fair values made during the subsequent reporting window (within the measurement period imposed by IFRS 3 Business Combinations) will be subject to subsequent disclosure.
 
12.
Acquisitions – continued
The identifiable net assets acquired, including adjustments to provisional fair values, were as follows:
 
 Six months ended 30 June
 
Year ended
 31 December
 
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
Assets
€ m
 
€ m
 
€ m
Non-current assets
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
15
 
36
 
5,413
Intangible assets
10
 
19
 
298
Equity accounted investments
-
 
-
 
24
Other financial assets
-
 
-
 
5
Total non-current assets
25
 
55
 
5,740
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
Inventories
14
 
9
 
621
Trade and other receivables (i)
28
 
12
 
1,533
Cash and cash equivalents
4
 
-
 
494
Total current assets
46
 
21
 
2,648
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Trade and other payables
(22)
 
(12)
 
(1,549)
Provisions for liabilities
26
 
(1)
 
(581)
Retirement benefit obligations
(1)
 
-
 
(87)
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings and finance leases
(3)
 
-
 
(175)
Current income tax liabilities
-
 
-
 
(149)
Deferred income tax liabilities
18
 
(1)
 
(627)
Total liabilities
18
 
(14)
 
(3,168)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total identifiable net assets at fair value
89
 
62
 
5,220
Goodwill arising on acquisition (ii)
55
 
14
 
3,187
Joint Ventures becoming subsidiaries
-
 
-
 
(25)
Non-controlling interests
(8)*
 
-
 
(489)
Total consideration
136
 
76
 
7,893
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consideration satisfied by:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash payments
121
 
74
 
7,790
Deferred consideration (stated at net present cost)
15
 
2
 
97
Profit on step acquisition
-
 
-
 
6
Total consideration
136
 
76
 
7,893
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition
 
 
 
 
 
Cash consideration
121
 
74
 
7,790
Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired
(4)
 
-
 
(494)
Total (iii)
117
 
74
 
7,296
 
*Measured at the proportionate share of net assets
 
12.
Acquisitions – continued
 
The acquisition balance sheet presented on page 28 reflects the identifiable net assets acquired in respect of acquisitions completed during 2016, together with adjustments to provisional fair values (to the extent identified as of 30 June 2016) in respect of acquisitions completed during 2015. The impact of measurement period adjustments on the acquisition balance sheet as reported on page 28 are outlined below. The measurement period for a number of the acquisitions completed in 2015, including the two most significant acquisitions (LH Assets and CRL), closes in H2 2016.
Measurement period adjustments
 
Six months ended 30 June
 
Unaudited
 
2016
 
€m
Total identifiable net assets at fair value
(20)
Goodwill arising on acquisition
30
Non-controlling interests
(6)
Total consideration
4
 
In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreements, CRH and LafargeHolcim continue to engage in a process to finalise the post-completion consideration for the acquisition of the LH Assets which completed in Q3 2015. No financial adjustment has been made in this respect in our Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements. The position is under continuous review and financial adjustments will be reflected when there is sufficient evidence to do so.
Post-acquisition impact
The post-acquisition sales impact of acquisitions completed during the period amounted to €31 million; the profit impact was not material. The revenue and profit of the Group determined in accordance with IFRS for the period ended 30 June 2016 would not have been materially different than reported on page 12 if the acquisition date for all business combinations completed during the period had been as of the beginning of that period.
Development update
There have been no acquisitions completed subsequent to the balance sheet date which would be individually material to the Group, thereby requiring disclosure under either IFRS 3 Business Combinations or IAS 10 Events after the Balance Sheet Date.
Acquisition-related costs
Acquisition-related costs, excluding post-acquisition integration costs, amounting to €1 million (H1 2015: €25 million) have been included in operating costs in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement.
Contingent liabilities
No contingent liabilities were recognised on the acquisitions completed during the financial period or the prior financial periods.
(i)
The gross contractual value of trade and other receivables as at the respective dates of acquisition equalled its fair value of €28 million (H1 2015: €12 million), all of which is expected to be recoverable.
(ii)
The principal factor contributing to the recognition of goodwill on acquisitions entered into by the Group is the realisation of cost savings and other synergies with existing entities in the Group which do not qualify for separate recognition as intangible assets. Due to the asset-intensive nature of operations in the Europe Heavyside and Americas Materials business segments, no significant intangible assets are recognised on business combinations in these segments. €15 million of the goodwill recognised in respect of acquisitions completed in the first half of 2016 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes (H1 2015: €11 million).
(iii)
The total cash outflow of €117 million arising on acquisitions is reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on page 16. In addition debt arising in acquired companies was €3 million (H1 2015: €nil) and the Group made other investments and advances of €4 million during the period. These amounts, combined with deferred and contingent consideration of €26 million paid in the first half of 2016 in respect of acquisitions in prior years, result in total acquisition and investment spend for the half-year of €150 million; this is the figure reported in the summarised cash flow in note 10 on page 25.
 
13.
Retirement Benefit Obligations
The Group operates either defined benefit or defined contribution pension schemes in all of its principal operating areas.
In consultation with the actuaries to the various defined benefit pension schemes (including post-retirement healthcare obligations and long-term service commitments, where relevant), the valuations of the applicable assets and liabilities have been marked-to-market as at the end of the financial period taking account of prevailing bid values, actual investment returns, corporate bond yields and other matters such as updated actuarial valuations conducted during the period.
Financial assumptions
The discount rates employed in the valuation of scheme assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
 
Six months ended 30 June
Year ended
31 December
 
Unaudited
Unaudited
Audited
 
2016
2015
2015
 
%
%
%
Eurozone
1.75
2.50
2.61
Switzerland
0.35
1.05
0.85
United States and Canada
3.52
4.30
4.22
 
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of scheme assets (at bid value) and the actuarial value of scheme liabilities (using the aforementioned assumptions):
 
Six months ended 30 June - unaudited
 
Assets
Liabilities
Net liability
 
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
 
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
At 1 January
2,399
2,046
(2,987)
(2,757)
(588)
(711)
Administration expenses
(2)
-
-
-
(2)
-
Current service cost
-
-
(30)
(32)
(30)
(32)
Interest income on scheme assets
29
25
-
-
29
25
Interest cost on scheme liabilities
-
-
(35)
(33)
(35)
(33)
Gain on settlements
-
-
-
6
-
6
Arising on acquisition
-
-
(1)
-
(1)
-
Remeasurement adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
-return on scheme assets excluding interest income
46
52
-
-
46
52
-actuarial (loss)/gain from changes in financial assumptions
-
-
(331)
114
(331)
114
-actuarial gain from changes in experience adjustments
-
-
1
5
1
5
Employer contributions paid
33
22
-
-
33
22
Contributions paid by plan participants
6
7
(6)
(7)
-
-
Benefit and settlement payments
(64)
(55)
64
55
-
-
Translation adjustment
(15)
193
21
(234)
6
(41)
Divestments
-
(111)
-
114
-
3
At 30 June
2,432
2,179
(3,304)
(2,769)
(872)
(590)
Related deferred income tax asset
 
 
 
 
161
123
Net retirement benefit obligations
 
 
 
 
(711)
(467)
 
14.
Taxation
The taxation expense for the interim period is an estimate based on the expected full year effective tax rate on full year profits.
 
15.
Future Purchase Commitments for Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Six months ended 30 June
Year ended
31 December
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
Audited
 
2016
 
2015
2015
 
€ m
 
€ m
€ m
 
 
 
 
 
Contracted for but not provided in these Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
292
 
196
311
 
16.
Related Party Transactions
There have been no related party transactions or changes in the nature and scale of the related party transactions described in the 2015 Annual Report that could have had a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Group in the first six months of 2016.
 
17.
Swiss Competition Commission Investigation Update
In March 2016, the Swiss Competition Commission (“ComCo”) published the rationale for its July 2015 decision to impose fines of approximately CHF 80 million on the Association of Swiss Wholesalers of the Sanitary Industry and on major Swiss wholesalers, including CHF 34 million attributed to certain subsidiaries of CRH in Switzerland. On foot of this, CRH has now appealed that decision to the Federal Administrative Tribunal. While the Group remains of the view that the position of ComCo is fundamentally ill-founded and that the fine imposed on CRH is unjustified, a provision of €32 million (2015: €32 million) is recorded in the Group’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
18.
Statutory Accounts and Audit Opinion
The financial information presented in this interim report does not represent full statutory accounts and has not been reviewed or audited by the Company’s auditors. Full statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015 prepared in accordance with IFRS, upon which the auditors have given an unqualified audit report, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies.
 
19.
Board Approval
This announcement was approved by the Board of Directors of CRH plc on 24 August 2016.
 
20.
Distribution of Interim Report
This interim report is available on the Group's website (www.crh.com). A printed copy is available to the public at the Company's registered office. Details of the Scrip Dividend Offer in respect of the interim 2016 dividend will be posted to shareholders on 23 September 2016.
 
H1 2015 Proforma Sales and EBITDA
 
 
 
 
Exclude
 
 
 
CRH
LH Assets/CRL
CRH incl.
Divested
One-off
Currency
Proforma
 
Reported
Proforma1
LH Assets/CRL
entities
items2
translation3
H1 2015
Sales
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
1,760
1,961
3,721
 (93)
 
 (125)
3,503
Europe Lightside
475
-
475
(26)
 
 (9)
440
Europe Distribution
2,010
-
2,010
 (26)
 
 (20)
1,964
 
4,245
1,961
6,206
 (145)
 
 (154)
5,907
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Materials
2,235
496
2,731
 (37)
 
 (46)
2,648
Americas Products
1,903
244
2,147
 (171)
 
 (41)
1,935
Americas Distribution
987
-
987
 
 
 
987
 
5,125
740
5,865
 (208)
 
(87)
5,570
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asia
-
277
277
-
 
 (14)
263
 
9,370
2,978
12,348
(353)
 
 (255)
11,740
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
€ m
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe Heavyside
125
255
380
 (10)
8
 (16)
362
Europe Lightside
46
-
46
 (2)
 -
 (1)
43
Europe Distribution
54
-
54
 (1)
32
 (1)
84
 
225
255
480
 (13)
40
 (18)
489
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Materials
113
23
136
4
17
 (1)
156
Americas Products
179
43
222
 (1)
-
 (2)
219
Americas Distribution
38
-
38
-
-
-
38
 
330
66
396
3
17
 (3)
413
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asia
-
58
58
-
-
 (4)
54
 
555
379
934
(10)
57
 (25)
956
 
1 The LH Assets and CRL acquisitions were completed in the third quarter of 2015, and accordingly the reported first half numbers for CRH in 2015 did not include any contribution from these acquisitions. The adjustment column includes the proforma first half 2015 sales and EBITDA generated by these businesses to provide meaningful comparatives with the consolidated first half 2016 Group numbers.
 
2 Two significant "one-off" costs were incurred by CRH in the first half of 2015: (i) expenses of €25 million associated with the acquisition of the LH Assets, and (ii) a provision of €32 million in respect of a fine imposed on CRH by the Swiss Competition Commission ("ComCo") following an investigation by ComCo into the sanitary (bathroom fixtures and fittings) distribution industry in Switzerland.
 
3 This column reflects the adjustments required to restate proforma H1 2015 numbers on a constant currency basis at 2016 rates to provide a meaningful comparative with the results for first half 2016.
 
Glossary of Financial Terms
The key financial terms used by the Group in this interim report are as follows:
Measure
 
Description
 
Proforma financial information
 
The proforma financial information on page 11 is presented to provide meaningful comparatives for the 2016 results. For this purpose, both 2016 and 2015 figures are adjusted to exclude the results from businesses which have now been divested and also to exclude certain one-off costs.
The information for first-half 2015 has also been adjusted to reflect the following:
–  proforma results attributable to the LH Assets and CRL (both acquired in Q3 2015), and
–  a currency translation adjustment in order to provide comparatives on a constant currency basis with the first-half 2016 figures.
EBITDA
 
EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax.
A reconciliation of Group profit before tax to EBITDA is presented below.
Operating profit (EBIT) is defined as earnings before interest, tax, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax.
 
EBITDA is calculated as follows:Year endedSix months ended 30 June31 December201620152015UnauditedUnauditedAudited€ m€ m€ mProfit before tax407631,033Share of equity accounted investments’ profit(5)(1)(44)Finance costs (net)206199389Profit before finance costs6082611,378Profit on disposals(20)(72)(101)Group operating profit5881891,277Depreciation charge497344843Amortisation of intangibles352255Impairment charge--44EBITDA1,1205552,219
Interest cover
 
EBITDA interest cover is the ratio of EBITDA to net debt-related interest costs.
EBIT interest cover is the ratio of EBIT to net debt-related interest costs.
 
Net debt
 
Net Debt comprises current and non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and current and non-current derivative financial instruments.
 
Like-for-like sales, Like-for-like results and Like-for-like EBITDA, Organic movement, Underlying results or Heritage movement
 
The terms ‘like-for-like’, ‘organic’, ‘underlying’ and ‘heritage’ are used interchangeably throughout this interim report.
Organic revenue and organic operating profit is arrived at by excluding the incremental revenue and operating profit contributions from current and prior year acquisitions and divestments, the impact of exchange translation and the impact of any non-recurring items.
 
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Under Section 327 (i) (b) of the Companies Act 2014 and Regulation 5(4)(c)(ii) of the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007, the Group is required to give a description of the principal risks and uncertainties which it faces. These risks and uncertainties reflect the international scope of the Group’s operations and the Group’s decentralised structure.
Strategic Risks and Uncertainties
Industry cyclicality: The level of construction activity in local and national markets is inherently cyclical being influenced by a wide variety of factors including global and national economic circumstances, ongoing austerity programmes in the developed world, governments’ ability to fund infrastructure projects, consumer sentiment and weather conditions. Financial performance may also be negatively impacted by unfavourable swings in fuel and other commodity/raw material prices. Failure of the Group to respond on a timely basis and/or adequately to unfavourable events beyond its control may adversely affect financial performance.
Political and economic uncertainty: As an international business, the Group operates in many countries with differing, and in some cases, potentially fast-changing economic, social and political conditions. These conditions, which have likely been impacted by the outcome of the referendum in the United Kingdom to exit the European Union, could include political unrest, currency disintegration, strikes, civil disturbance and other forms of instability including natural disasters, epidemics, widespread transmission of diseases and terrorist attacks. These factors are of particular relevance in developing/emerging markets. Changes in these conditions, or in the governmental or regulatory requirements in any of the countries in which the Group operates, may adversely affect the Group’s business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects thus leading to possible impairment of financial performance and/or restrictions on future growth opportunities.
Commodity products and substitution: The Group faces strong volume and price competition across its product lines. In addition, existing products may be replaced by substitute products which the Group does not produce or distribute. Against this backdrop, if the Group fails to generate competitive advantage through differentiation and innovation across the value chain (for example, through superior product quality, engendering customer loyalty or excellence in logistics), market share, and thus financial performance, may decline.
Acquisition activity: Growth through acquisition and active management of the Group’s business portfolio are key elements of the Group’s strategy with the Group’s balanced portfolio growing year on year through bolt-on activity occasionally supplemented by larger and/or step-change transactions. In 2015, the Group completed the largest transaction in its history, namely the acquisition of the LH Assets across 11 countries. In addition, the Group may be liable for the past acts, omissions or liabilities of companies or businesses it has acquired. The Group may not be able to continue to grow as contemplated in its business plans if it is unable to identify attractive targets (including potential new platforms for growth), execute full and proper due diligence, raise funds on acceptable terms, complete such acquisition transactions, integrate the operations of the acquired businesses and realise anticipated levels of profitability and cash flows. If the Group is held liable for the past acts, omissions or liabilities of companies or businesses it has acquired, those liabilities may either be unforeseen or greater than anticipated at the time of the relevant acquisition.
Joint ventures and associates: The Group does not have a controlling interest in certain of the businesses (i.e. joint ventures and associates) in which it has invested and may invest. The absence of a controlling interest gives rise to increased governance complexity and a need for proactive relationship management, which may restrict the Group’s ability to generate adequate returns and to develop and grow these businesses. These limitations could impair the Group’s ability to manage joint ventures and associates effectively and/or realise the strategic goals for these businesses. In addition, improper management or ineffective policies, procedures or controls for non-controlled entities could adversely affect the business, results of operations or financial condition of the relevant investment.
Human resources: Existing processes to recruit, develop and retain talented individuals and promote their mobility may be inadequate thus giving rise to employee/management attrition, difficulties in succession planning and inadequate “bench strength”, potentially impeding the continued realisation of the core strategy of performance and growth. In addition, the Group is exposed to various risks associated with collective representation of employees in certain jurisdictions, these risks could include strikes and increased wage demands with possible reputational consequences. In the longer term, failure to manage talent and plan for leadership and succession could impede the realisation of core strategic objectives around performance and growth.
Corporate affairs and communications: As a publicly-listed company, the Group undertakes regular communications with its stakeholders. Given that these communications may contain forward-looking statements, which by their nature involve uncertainty, actual results and developments may differ from those communicated due to a variety of external and internal factors giving rise to reputational risk. Failure to deliver on performance indications and non-financial commitments communicated to the Group’s variety of stakeholders could result in a reduction in share price, reduced earnings and reputational damage.
Cyber and information security/technology: As a result of the proliferation of information technology in the world today, the Group is dependent on the employment of advanced information systems and is exposed to risks of failure in the operation of these systems. Further, the Group is exposed to security threats to its digital infrastructure through cyber-crime. Such attacks are by their nature technologically sophisticated and may be difficult to detect and defend in a timely fashion. Should a threat materialise, it might lead to interference with production processes, manipulation of financial data, the theft of private data or misrepresentation of information via digital media. In addition to potential irretrievability or corruption of critical data, the Group could suffer reputational losses, regulatory penalties and incur significant financial costs in remediation.
Sustainability: The Group is subject to stringent and evolving laws, regulations, standards and best practices in the area of sustainability (comprising corporate governance, environmental management and climate change (specifically capping of emissions), health & safety management and social performance). Non-adherence to such laws, regulations, standards and best practices may give rise to increased ongoing remediation and/or other compliance costs and may adversely affect the Group’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or prospects.
Laws and regulations: The Group is subject to many local and international laws and regulations, including those relating to competition law, corruption and fraud, across many jurisdictions of operation and is therefore exposed to changes in those laws and regulations and to the outcome of any investigations conducted by governmental, international or other regulatory authorities. Potential breaches of local and international laws and regulations in the areas of competition law, corruption and fraud, among others, could result in the imposition of significant fines and/or sanctions for non-compliance, and may inflict reputational damage.
Financial and Reporting Risks and Uncertainties
Financial Instruments (interest rate and leverage, foreign currency, counterparty, credit ratings and liquidity): The Group uses financial instruments throughout its businesses giving rise to interest rate and leverage, foreign currency, counterparty, credit rating and liquidity risks. A significant portion of the cash generated by the Group from operational activity is currently dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on indebtedness. In addition, the Group has entered into certain financing agreements containing restrictive covenants requiring it to maintain a certain minimum interest coverage ratio and a certain minimum net worth. A downgrade of the Group’s credit ratings may give rise to increases in funding costs in respect of future debt and may impair the Group’s ability to raise funds on acceptable terms. In addition, insolvency of the financial institutions with which the Group conducts business (or a downgrade in their credit ratings) may lead to losses in derivative assets and cash and cash equivalents balances or render it more difficult either to utilise existing debt capacity or otherwise obtain financing for operations.
Defined Benefit Pension Schemes and Related Obligations: The Group operates a number of defined benefit pension schemes and related obligations (for example, termination indemnities and jubilee/long-term service benefits, which are accounted for as defined benefit) in certain of its operating jurisdictions. The assets and liabilities of defined benefit pension schemes may exhibit significant period-on-period volatility attributable primarily to asset values, changes in bond yields/discount rates and anticipated longevity. In addition to the contributions required for the ongoing service of participating employees, significant cash contributions may be required to remediate deficits applicable to past service. Further, fluctuations in the accounting surplus/deficit may adversely impact credit metrics thus harming the Group’s ability to raise funds.
Adequacy of Insurance Arrangements and Related Counterparty Exposures: The building materials sector is subject to a wide range of operating risks and hazards, not all of which can be covered, adequately or at all, by insurance; these risks and hazards include climatic conditions such as floods and hurricanes/cyclones, seismic activity, technical failures, interruptions to power supplies, industrial accidents and disputes, environmental hazards, fire and crime. In its worldwide insurance programme, the Group provides coverage for its operations at a level believed to be commensurate with the associated risks. In the event of failure of one or more of the Group’s counterparties, the Group could be impacted by losses where recovery from such counterparties is not possible. In addition, losses may materialise in respect of uninsured events or may exceed insured amounts.
Foreign Currency Translation: The principal foreign exchange risks to which the Consolidated Financial Statements are exposed pertain to adverse movements in reported results when translated into euro (which is the Group’s reporting currency) together with declines in the euro value of net investments which are denominated in a wide basket of currencies other than the euro. Adverse changes in the exchange rates used to translate these and other foreign currencies into euro have impacted and will continue to impact retained earnings. The annual impact is reported in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Goodwill impairment: Significant underperformance in any of the Group’s major cash-generating units or the divestment of businesses in the future may give rise to a material write-down of goodwill. A write-down of goodwill could have a substantial impact on the Group’s income and equity.
 
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors of CRH plc, being the persons responsible within CRH plc, confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
1)
the Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2016 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting, the accounting standard applicable to interim financial reporting adopted pursuant to the procedure provided for under Article 6 of Regulation (EC) no. 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 July 2002, and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2016;
 
2)
the interim management report includes a fair review of:
 
I.
the important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year, and their impact on the condensed consolidated set of financial statements;
II.
the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year;
III.
any related parties' transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year that have materially affected the financial position or the performance of the enterprise during that period; and
IV.
any changes in the related parties' transactions described in the 2015 Annual Report that could have had a material effect on the financial position or performance of the enterprise in the first six months of the current financial year.
 
Albert Manifold
 
Chief Executive
 
 
 
Senan Murphy
 
Finance Director
 
 
SIGNATURE
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
CRH public limited company
(Registrant)
 
 
Date 25 August 2016
 
 
By:___/s/Neil Colgan___
N.Colgan
Company Secretary