CRH cements solid results as profits climb to €1.2bn

BUILDERS materials group CRH has reported solid growth in sales and profits including good contributions from recent acquisitions.

Sales in 2005 rose 13% to €13.4 billion and operating profit increased 14% to €1.3bn.

The group boosted earnings per share 14% to 186.7 cents, while shareholders will benefit from an 18% increase to their final dividend to 39 cents per share.