No surprises as pre-tax profits drop to €1.6bn

CRH has reported a 14% decline in pre-tax profits to €1.6 billion.

The figures are in line with market expectations and the mid-teen guideline given by the group in January.

Earnings per share fell 11% to 233.1 cents, but the full-year dividend has been raised 1.5%, to 69 cents which is in line with company policy to reward shareholders better.