Earnings up at CRH on improving US performance

Building materials giant CRH has reported better- than-expected earnings for 2012, and has said that improving performance at its American operations can outweigh pressures being felt in Europe and drive further growth this year.

The Dublin-headquartered cement products specialist yesterday reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of €1.64bn for last year; down by 1% on the previous year’s tally, but up by between 2% and 3% on analyst forecasts.

The figure was also 2.5% higher than CRH’s own previous guidance.