Annual Report 2011
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Contents
The Year
Key Financial Figures 2011
Market Leadership Positions
Product Range and End-use
CRH: Sustainable and Responsible
Chairman’s Statement
Chief Executive’s Review
Finance Review
Group Operations
CRH Executive Management Team
Operations Reviews
Governance
Board of Directors
Corporate Governance Report
Report on Directors’ Remuneration
Directors’ Report
Financial Statements
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Financial Statements
Accounting Policies
Notes on Consolidated Financial Statements
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2
4
6
8
11
17
21
24
26
38
40
48
56
59
60
64
71
Other Information
112
Shareholder Information
114
Group Financial Summary
116 Management
118
Principal Subsidiary Undertakings
124
Principal Joint Venture Undertakings
125
Principal Associated Undertakings
About CRH
CRH plc was formed through a merger in 1970 of
two leading Irish public companies, Cement Limited
(established in 1936) and Roadstone, Limited (1949).
The newly-formed group was the sole producer of
cement and the principal producer of aggregates,
concrete products and asphalt in Ireland. In 1970,
the Group had sales amounting to the equivalent
of €27 million, circa 95% in Ireland.
Since that time, CRH’s strategic vision has been to
become an international leader in building materials,
delivering superior and sustained shareholder returns
while achieving a balance in its geographic presence
and portfolio of products.
CRH is a diversified building materials group which
manufactures and distributes building material products
from the fundamentals of heavy materials and elements
to construct the frame, through value-added exterior
products that complete the building envelope, to
distribution channels which service construction fit-out
and renewal. CRH employs approximately 76,000
people at 3,600 operating locations in 36 countries.
The International Building Materials Group
Key Financial Figures 2011
€ million
Sales 18,081 +5%
EBITDA 1,656 +3%
Operating profit (EBIT) 871 +25%
Profit before tax 711 +33%
cent
Earnings per share 82.6 +35%
Cash earnings per share 194.0 no change
Dividend per share 62.5 no change
times
Net Debt/EBITDA 2.1
EBITDA/Net interest cover 6.4
EBIT/Net interest cover 3.4
Dividend cover 1.3
CRH
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An international, national and regional leader
The Americas
Materials:
44 US States
Products:
40 US States
Argentina, Canada,
Chile, Mexico
Distribution:
34 US States
(including Alaska
and Hawaii)
United States
No.1 Asphalt
No.3 Aggregates
Top 3 Readymixed concrete
No.1 Concrete products
No.2 Construction accessories
Top 3 Roofing/siding distributor
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CRH
Western Europe
Materials:
Belgium, Finland,
Ireland, Netherlands,
Portugal, Spain,
Switzerland,
United Kingdom
Products:
Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Denmark,
France, Germany,
Ireland, Italy,
Netherlands,
Norway, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland,
United Kingdom
Distribution:
Austria, Belgium,
France, Germany,
Netherlands, Portugal,
Switzerland
Developed economies:
Western Europe,
North America and
Australia
Developing economies:
Eastern Europe,
North Africa, Asia
and South America
Western Europe
Materials:
Belgium, Finland,
Ireland, Netherlands,
Portugal, Spain,
Switzerland,
United Kingdom
Products:
Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Denmark,
France, Germany,
Ireland, Italy,
Netherlands,
Norway, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland,
United Kingdom
Distribution:
Austria, Belgium,
France, Germany,
Netherlands, Portugal,
Switzerland
Developed economies:
Western Europe,
North America and
Australia
Developing economies:
Eastern Europe,
North Africa, Asia
and South America
Developing Economies
Materials:
China, Estonia,
India, Israel,
Latvia, Lebanon,
Poland, Russia,
Slovakia, Tunisia,
Turkey, Ukraine
Products:
Czech Republic,
Hungary, Poland,
Romania, Slovakia,
Europe
Top 10 Cement
Regional leadership in aggregates
and readymixed concrete
No.1 Concrete products
No.1 Construction accessories
Top 3 Building materials distributor
Developing Economies
No.1 Building materials in Poland
No.1 Cement in northeast China*
No.2 Cement in Andhra Pradesh,
India**
*26% CRH share **50% CRH share
CRH
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Our diverse product range services the breadth of construction needs
Infrastructure 35%, residential 35% and non-residential 30% (EBITDA)
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CRH operates strong vertically-integrated primary materials
businesses which have strategically located long-term reserves,
balanced end-use exposure and leading market positions in all its
major markets. This business model enables CRH to interact with
the market at many levels and to earn profit at multiple stages of
the supply chain with the pull-through of aggregates and cement
into a broad range of downstream products. This is underpinned
by long-term permitted reserves which totalled 15 billion tonnes
at end 2011. In addition it provides a broad balance of exposure
to end-use demand drivers and multiple platforms for growth.
CRH continuously invests in plant and equipment for quality,
efficiency and customer service while also seeking out value-
creating expansion opportunities via greenfield development and
acquisitions in selected markets.
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CRH manufactures products for use in residential, non-
residential and, to a lesser extent, infrastructure construction
applications. These include building systems and engineered
concrete solutions for use in the electrical, transportation, and
communications industries; architectural concrete products
to enhance the facade and surroundings of buildings;
and construction accessories to assist in the construction
process. Complementary value-added exterior products
include architectural glass, aluminium glazing systems, clay
brick and block, and entrance control products. Focussed on
growth opportunities in stable markets, these businesses offer
customers a broad range of engineered products and innovative
building solutions to service both new build and the growing
repair and maintenance demand in mature economies.
CRH distributes building materials to general building contractors
and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) customers in Europe and to professional
roofing/siding and interior products contractors in the United
States. The business model centres on building an extensive
network of locations that penetrate major metropolitan areas and
which, with strong category and logistics management, maximises
the franchise potential. With a network of over 760 branches in
Europe and approximately 190 branches in the United States, CRH
is a leading international player in building materials distribution
with exposure to the growing RMI markets in developed Europe
and the United States.
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CRH
New construction 55% (EBITDA)
Repair, maintenance and improvement 45% (EBITDA)
CRH
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CRH: Sustainable and Responsible
CRH’s strategic vision is clear and consistent – to be a responsible international
leader in building materials delivering superior performance and growth.
To achieve this, CRH has embedded the twin concepts of sustainability
and corporate social responsibility (CSR) throughout its activities. CRH
is committed to managing, in a sustainable and responsible manner, all
aspects of its operations relating to employees, customers, neighbours, local
communities, shareholders and other stakeholders.
Sustainability Strategy
CRH’s sustainability and responsibility commitments are focussed on four
specific areas of business. These are: health and safety; environment and
climate change; corporate governance and social performance. In each of
these areas, CRH has clearly defined policies, objectives, implementation
programmes, review procedures and reporting mechanisms.
During the year, many new initiatives were implemented to augment existing
systems in areas of contractor safety, transport safety, operational safety,
maintenance safety and others.
Despite these safety improvements, CRH deeply regrets that seven fatalities
(four employees and three contractors) occurred in Group subsidiary
companies during 2011. Each fatality is a tragedy, not only for the immediate
family, but also for the broader CRH community. During the year, we have
intensified our efforts to eliminate fatalities from our operations, and have
introduced revised procedures to ensure that circumstances surrounding such
events are promptly identified, and that lessons learned are communicated
throughout the Group as a matter of urgency. The elimination of fatalities
remains a key priority across CRH.
Environment and Climate Change
During 2011, CRH further developed its platforms on sustainable development
and CSR. CRH firmly believes that making progress in these areas is essential
for continued strong corporate performance and provides significant
opportunities for growth.
CRH continues to focus on achieving the highest standards of environmental
management and control. Environmental reporting across the Group is to
globally recognised guidelines. Many of our locations have independently
accredited environmental management systems.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of all those working for CRH continues to receive the
highest priority. CRH is fully committed to maintaining the safety, health and
welfare of employees and contractors at all locations.
CRH remains fully committed to addressing the challenges of climate change.
Ongoing programmes to improve energy efficiency, increase the use of
alternative fuels, optimise water use, reduce waste and increase recycling
are core to the Group’s activities. In addition, product development and
innovation, with emphasis on lower carbon products, is increasingly a priority.
Top left: CRH’s Polish subsidiary
Olszty ´n skie Kopalnie Surowców
Mineralnych (OKSM) has managed
restoration plans covering all of its
sand pits in northeastern Poland.
This lake was formed following
the restoration of lands close to
the current active extraction area
at Brze ´z no and it now provides a
habitat for aquatic wildlife. OKSM’s
quality, environmental and safety
management systems are certified to
ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS
18001 standards respectively.
6
CRH
CRH remains on target to meet its commitment to reduce specific cement
plant carbon emissions by 15% on 1990 levels by 2015.
CRH continues to work on the restoration of worked-out pits and quarries and
is committed to maintaining biodiversity in the locations in which it operates.
Corporate Governance
CRH is widely recognised as operating to the highest levels of corporate
governance. At Board level, CRH complies fully with the requirements of
the 2010 UK Corporate Governance Code and also with the provisions of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in so far as they apply to CRH. A detailed review of
corporate governance is provided on pages 40 to 47 of this Report.
Communications
CRH attaches great importance to communications with all stakeholders and
in 2011 maintained its open door policy on stakeholder engagement. During
the year, CRH communicated regularly with key stakeholder groups on a broad
range of issues, including its sustainability and responsibility commitments
and performance.
Full details of CRH’s sustainability and responsibility performance are published
in separate annual CSR Reports, which are available for download from
www.crh.com. CRH continues to ensure full independent verification of its
reporting in these areas to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) A+ level. The
verified 2011 CRH Sustainability and CSR Report will be available by mid-2012.
Social and Community
External Endorsements
CRH believes that continued sustainable business success depends on the
excellent relationships maintained with stakeholders – employees, customers,
suppliers, neighbours and others.
CRH provides significant employment at its 3,600 locations worldwide and
contributes significantly to local economies and communities. In addition to
local purchasing, use of local services and payment of local taxes and rates,
CRH supports a variety of local community and social initiatives. In 2011,
many CRH locations hosted open days so neighbours could see at first hand
the sustainable nature of CRH production processes and products.
In 2011, CRH maintained its distinguished record of being ranked among
sector leaders by leading Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) rating
agencies. CRH continues as a constituent member of several sustainability
indices including the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and the FTSE4Good
Index. In addition, many Group locations have won high-ranking accolades for
excellence in sustainability achievements.
Top centre, top right and below:
Following extensive consultation with
neighbours, civic groups and both
local and state regulators, our US
subsidiary APAC Mid-South opened
the Warren County Quarry in Camak,
Georgia in September 2011. The
award-winning granite quarry, which
incorporates a sophisticated rail
load-out facility to enable sustainable
transport, features many impressive
safety and environmental elements.
The development combines a highly
advanced safety system with the
latest technology in operational
control. Sustainable use of resources
is also promoted – for example,
90% of water used in the energy-
efficient plant is recycled and 180
acres of undisturbed nature areas
surrounding the plant have been
protected and will be maintained.
CRH
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Chairman’s Statement
The global financial and economic crisis continued to impact trading conditions
in our main markets during 2011. Against this background the Group recorded
a profit before tax of €711 million and earnings per share of 82.6c after
restructuring and impairment costs. The profit and earnings per share out-
turns represent increases of 33% and 35% compared with the 2010 outcome
of €534 million and 61.3c respectively. We regard this as a good result in the
prevailing circumstances.
Details of the challenges faced by the Group during 2011 and of the
performances of the separate business segments are given in the Chief
Executive’s Review and in the Finance and Operations Reviews which follow.
Dividend
The Board decided in August last to maintain the interim dividend at 18.5c.
Taking into account the 2011 profit out-turn and strong balance sheet, and
having regard to the current economic and trading outlook, the Board is
recommending a final dividend of 44c per share which, if approved at the
Annual General Meeting in May, will maintain the full year dividend at 62.5c.
Development Activity
Total acquisition spend for 2011 was €610 million (2010: €567 million) which
included 45 traditional bolt-on transactions. First-half expenditure included
acquisitions across all six operating segments, strengthening our existing
market positions and adding valuable and well-located aggregate reserves. The
second-half saw a step-up in the pace of development activity with expenditure
of €447 million on 23 acquisitions including the VVM Group, an important
strategic add-on for our existing Benelux-based Cementbouw business,
adding two cement grinding mills in Belgium with a combined capacity of 1.5
million tonnes plus two readymixed concrete plants in Belgium and France.
We also continued to expand our footprint in developed markets in the United
States and Europe and to invest further in northeastern China through our 26%
holding in Yatai Building Materials.
Portfolio Review
In my statement last year I referred to the continuing re-evaluation of the
Group’s portfolio which led to agreements to dispose of a number of businesses
where we did not see potential for CRH to gain market leadership positions or
which were non-core businesses for the Group. The Ivy Steel business in the
United States was sold in late 2010 and the Insulation and Climate Control
divestments in Europe were completed in the first half of 2011. In September
2011 we sold Premier Periclase, our seawater magnesia operation in Ireland.
During the year we also disposed of our 35% associate investment in the Trialis
distribution business in France.
Share Listings
In November 2011, CRH announced the reclassification of its Ordinary Shares
from being primary-listed to being secondary-listed on the Irish Stock Exchange
(ISE). The Group retained its premium listing on the London Stock Exchange
(LSE), which it has had since the 1970s, although with effect from 9 November
2011 CRH Ordinary Shares listed in London are traded in Sterling pence rather
than in euro. These changes facilitated the inclusion of CRH in the FTSE 100
and the FTSE All-Share indices. Trading continues in euro on the ISE and we
continue to be a member of the Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50 Index which
comprises 50 of the leading blue chip companies in the Eurozone.
The changes represent a logical progression for CRH given the international
nature of our business and the fact that the majority of trading in the Group’s
shares has been on the LSE for some years. I believe the new listing
arrangements will increase the Group’s attractiveness to a wider international
investor base.
Corporate Governance
The Board is responsible for the leadership, oversight, control, development
and long-term success of the Group. The Board and management are
committed to maintaining very high standards of corporate governance and
“The global financial and economic crisis
continued to impact trading conditions
in our main markets during 2011. Against
this background the Group recorded a
profit before tax of €711 million (+33%) and
earnings per share of 82.6c (+35%). The
strength and depth of our management team
has been demonstrated once again by our
ability to achieve resilient returns even in the
current exceptionally difficult environment.”
ethical business conduct and are satisfied that appropriate risk management
and internal controls are in place throughout the Group. Risk management
has, quite correctly, been the subject of far more attention in the past few
years in the context of the recessionary environment and high profile failures of
risk systems in global organisations. The Board has delegated responsibility
for the monitoring of risk management and internal controls to the Audit
Committee. In addition, management has undertaken a significant review of
the Group’s risk management framework to ensure that the systems in place
are appropriately robust and reflect the organisation structure and diversity
of the Group.
A report on CRH’s key governance principles and practices is provided on
pages 40 to 47 This report sets out in detail how the Board operates and
leads the Group. It also outlines how the 2010 UK Corporate Governance
Code, which applies to the Company, is implemented. As Chairman,
8
CRH
I am satisfied that the Board operates effectively. Board meetings are
characterised by open debate and positive interaction between executive and
non-executive Directors. The internal mechanisms in place to evaluate Board
performance, which are set out in detail in the Corporate Governance Report,
provide a robust means to verify this each year. The Board has decided to
enhance the internal review process through the appointment of an external
service provider to facilitate the Board evaluation every three years. The first
externally-facilitated evaluation will take place later in 2012.
Board and Senior Management
Liam O’Mahony retired from the Board on 31 December 2011 after over 40
years with the Group and 20 years as a Board member, including eight years
as an executive Director, followed by nine years as Group Chief Executive
and the past three years as a non-executive Director. Liam has made a huge
contribution to the growth and development of CRH during his outstanding
career in all of these roles. On behalf of the Board, I thank him for his valued
advice, wise counsel and commitment to the interests of shareholders.
The Directors and I are committed to ensuring that the Board is sufficiently
diverse and appropriately balanced, and these are core elements taken
into account by the Nomination & Corporate Governance Committee when
it makes recommendations on Board appointments. The renewal policy is
described in detail on page 40. The recent appointments of Ernst Bärtschi
and Heather Ann McSharry are very much in keeping with these principles,
continuing the process of board renewal at a pace which is consistent with
the maintenance of the Board’s teamwork and core values.
Ernst Bärtschi was co-opted to the Board on 26 October 2011 as a non-
executive Director. Ernst, who is a Swiss national, is a former Chief Executive
of Sika AG, a manufacturer of specialty chemicals for construction and general
industry. Over the course of his career he has gained extensive experience in
India, China and the Far East generally.
Heather Ann McSharry was co-opted to the Board on 22 February 2012 as a
non-executive Director. Heather Ann is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
Bank of Ireland Pension Fund and is a director of IDA Ireland and the Institute
of Directors. She is a former Managing Director of Reckitt Benckiser and Boots
Healthcare in Ireland and was previously a director of Bank of Ireland and
Enterprise Ireland.
Both Ernst and Heather Ann bring valuable experience to the Board. I have
agreed a tailored induction programme with each of them, which over the
course of their first year on the Board will provide them with an in-depth
understanding of the Group.
The individual members of the CRH Board have the skills, knowledge and
experience, including international experience, to lead the Company. I have
conducted a formal evaluation of the performance of all Directors. This process
covers the training and development needs of individual Directors, where
appropriate. I can confirm that each of the Directors continues to perform
effectively and to demonstrate strong commitment to the role. In accordance
with the policy adopted in 2011, the Directors will retire at the Annual General
Meeting on 9 May 2012. I strongly recommend that each of them be re-elected.
At the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on 9 May 2012, I will
step down as Chairman and from the Board. I would like to express my
personal appreciation to my colleagues on the Board, to our shareholders,
to management and to the staff of CRH for the support and goodwill they
have extended to me since I joined the Board in 1998, and particularly since I
became Chairman in 2007. I consider myself as very fortunate to have had the
company of such outstanding people and the opportunity to be part of such
an exceptional company.
I am particularly happy that the Board has chosen Nicky Hartery to succeed
me as Chairman. His experience, capabilities and commitment will ensure that
the Board continues to lead the Company in a responsible and effective fashion
in the years ahead.
Management and Staff
The strength and depth of our management team has been demonstrated once
again by our ability to achieve resilient returns even in the current exceptionally
difficult economic and trading environment. I thank Myles Lee and all CRH
employees for their contribution and commitment to the success of the Group.
Conclusion
Management’s views on the outlook for 2012 are set out in the Chief Executive’s
Review and the various Operations Reviews. The overall trading outlook for
2012 remains challenging. There is uncertainty about the future of the global
economy and consequently about the recovery of construction markets, given
the lag effect for our sector. Against the background of this environment, the
basic fundamentals of our strategy are as valid today as they were pre-crisis.
We will continue to focus relentlessly on ensuring that our businesses are well-
positioned to deal with whatever trading conditions present themselves.
Kieran McGowan
27 February 2012
CRH
9
10 CRH
Chief Executive’s Review
Key Aspects of 2011 Results
Sales increased by just over 5% to €18.1 billion (2010:
€17.2 billion). Underlying like-for-like sales advanced
by just under 5% while incremental sales arising from
2010/2011 acquisitions outweighed the impact of
business disposals and adverse exchange
translation effects.
EBITDA amounted to €1,656 million, a €41 million
increase on the €1,615 million reported for 2010.
EBITDA is stated after charging costs of €61 million
(2010: €100 million) associated with the Group’s
ongoing restructuring initiatives.
Operating profit increased by 25% to €871 million
(2010: €698 million) after restructuring and impairment
charges of €82 million (2010: €202 million).
Profit before taxation of €711 million (2010: €534
million) showed an increase of 33% after charging
total restructuring and impairment charges (including
associates) of €93 million (2010: €224 million).
Earnings per share up 35% to 82.6c (2010: 61.3c) with
dividend per share maintained at 62.5c. Dividend cover
improved to 1.3 times from 1.0 times.
Year-end net debt of €3.5 billion was in line with
December 2010. CRH continues to have one of the
strongest balance sheets in our sector with year-end net
debt to EBITDA of 2.1 times and 2011 EBITDA to net
interest ratio of 6.4 times.
My thanks to our world-wide team across 36 countries
for their ongoing commitment and dedication
throughout a challenging year.
“The positive profit outcome
for 2011 demonstrates
the advantages of CRH’s
product and sectoral end-use
balance and the benefits of
the extensive reorganisation
and restructuring measures
implemented in response to the
exceptionally difficult markets
of recent years.”
Myles Lee
Left: Glen-Gery Brick, CRH’s leading brick brand in the US,
manufactured the clay bricks for Meier Hall Dormitory in Elmira
College, New York. This five-storey student housing facility is based
on a traditional collegiate Gothic architectural style that matches the
rest of the campus. The project was awarded a Best In Class finish
in the 2010 Brick In Architecture Awards.
CRH 11
Americas Distribution enjoyed good sales growth in 2011 and finished the year
strongly. Although markets were competitive and product costs rose sharply,
margins moved ahead at both EBITDA and operating profit level.
The cost reduction and operational excellence initiatives which commenced in
2007 continued in 2011 and cumulative annualised savings from these actions
over the five years to 2011 now stand at €2 billion. The incremental savings
generated in 2011 amounted to €154 million but were more than offset by input
cost increases that were not recovered in pricing.
Development
Total development spend amounted to €0.6 billion in 2011 of which
approximately 74% was invested in materials operations, 16% in distribution
and 10% in products activities.
Our Europe Materials Division acquired the VVM Group of businesses whose
main operations include two cement grinding mills in Belgium with a combined
capacity of 1.5 million tonnes. This transaction represented an important strategic
opportunity for our existing Cementbouw cement trading and readymixed concrete
business in the Benelux and also complements our Products operations in the
region which encompasses structural, landscaping and infrastructure products
in concrete. The Division also completed two transactions in Ukraine which
Chief Executive’s Review continued
2011 Operations
Trading in the early months of 2011 benefited from a much more favourable
weather backdrop than at the start of 2010. Reported sales revenue for the
first half increased by 7%; on a like-for-like basis, excluding the impact of
acquisitions, divestments and translation, underlying sales increased by 5%.
With increased strains in financial markets, the pace of underlying growth,
particularly in core Eurozone markets, slowed through the third quarter while
heavy September rainfall in parts of the United States also had an adverse
impact. However, a strong finish to the year with mild November/December
weather conditions resulted in a 4% second-half sales increase (5% underlying).
Overall sales revenue for the year of €18.1 billion was ahead of 2010. The
underlying increase of 5% comprised a volume increase of approximately 3%
and an increase of approximately 2% in average selling prices. This level of price
increase, achieved in highly competitive markets, was not sufficient to recover
the higher input costs experienced across the Group.
Europe Materials delivered improved overall profits despite energy input cost
challenges and lower benefits from trading in CO² allowances. Results from
operations in developing and stable regions, which account for roughly 85% of
this segment’s EBITDA, were generally positive and benefited from acquisitions;
however trading remained tough in the “austerity economies” of Ireland, Spain
and Portugal, which together generated roughly 15% of segment EBITDA.
Europe Products made good overall progress in 2011, although with increasing
uncertainty in Eurozone financial markets in the second half of the year sales
momentum slowed compared with the first half. Higher restructuring costs and
the absence of earnings from businesses disposed of resulted in a slight decline
in overall EBITDA; however, with lower impairment charges operating profit
showed a significant increase.
Europe Distribution had a landmark year as, assisted by acquisitions, sales
revenue exceeded the €4 billion level for the first time while margins moved
ahead. Although demand moderated in the second half, this segment’s Repair,
Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) exposure mitigated the slow-down.
The full year out-turn for Americas Materials was better than projected in our
November trading statement as a favourable end to the construction season
weather-wise enabled us to out-perform our earlier expectations. Total energy-
related costs, including liquid asphalt, diesel, gasoline and fuel oils, as a
proportion of segment sales, increased by over 2 percentage points. Against
this backdrop, and with highly competitive markets, limiting the margin decline
for this business to less than 1% was a considerable achievement.
Americas Products delivered improved results and a return to operating profit
following significant impairment costs and tough trading in 2010. With higher
fuel and other input costs, and the costs associated with the roll-out of the
Building Solutions programme, like-for-like results in North America were
below 2010. Lower profitability in Argentina led to a reduced contribution from
South America.
Right: Rudus delivered circa 3,000
cubic metres of frost-resistant
concrete for the 473 metre long Lövö
Bridge, completed in June 2011.
The bridge has replaced a ferry
connection in this scenic location in
the Kemiö archipelago, Finland.
12 CRH
enhance our market presence when combined with our recently commissioned
state-of-the-art cement plant in western Ukraine.
Americas Materials had an active year with the investment of approximately
US$0.3 billion on 19 transactions which added over 0.5 billion tonnes of long-
term reserves and expanded our geographic footprint across 15 states.
Our ongoing approach to portfolio review was reflected in the completion of
a number of business divestments during 2011. These combined with the
ongoing disposal of surplus land, plant and equipment across our various
activities generated total proceeds from disposals of almost €0.5 billion.
Organisation and People
European Distribution continued the build-out of its Sanitary Heating and
Plumbing (SHAP) activities in Belgium doubling to 20 the number of stores
operated in the country. We see SHAP as a growth sector for the Group in
Europe with opportunities to further expand our existing positions in Belgium,
Northern Germany and Switzerland.
With effect from January 2011, as part of an organisational alignment to
accelerate the capture of market growth opportunities while streamlining
common business processes and functions, the Architectural, Precast and MMI
groups within Americas Products were combined to form a new product group
– Building Products – under the leadership of Keith Haas.
Americas Distribution was also active in adding to its branch network, particularly
in its exterior products segment. The most significant transaction was the
acquisition of a 15-branch exterior products distributor in the Northern Plains
region with branches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas and Nebraska. This
acquisition brings our total branch network in this region to 26.
Development spend in the Products segments remained subdued throughout
2011 as acquisition targets in these activities continued to face challenging
new-build construction markets. As a result, CRH adopted a very selective
approach to transactions in this business segment.
This reorganisation has proved very successful and we have now further re-
aligned our management structure in the Americas. With effect from 20 February
2012, Doug Black, previously Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Americas
Materials, took on the role of President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of
Oldcastle, Inc. (holding company for CRH’s operations in the Americas) reporting
to Oldcastle CEO, Mark Towe. Randy Lake took over from Doug as CEO of Americas
Materials, again with effect from 20 February 2012. Keith Haas took on expanded
responsibilities with the absorption of our BuildingEnvelope™ operations into
the Building Products structure. Randy and Keith, together with Bob Feury, CEO
of Americas Distribution, all report to Doug in his role as COO, Oldcastle.
Francisco Irazusta joined Europe Products & Distribution in early 2011 and
has assumed responsibility for our Products operations reporting to Erik Bax,
Managing Director, Europe Products & Distribution.
With these changes I believe we have an experienced and highly skilled team
positioned to deliver for CRH in the years ahead.
In July 2011 Bill Sandbrook resigned from our US operations to take up a
position elsewhere in the industry. We thank Bill for his long and committed
service over many years.
Group Strategy
CRH strategy is to sustain and grow a geographically diversified business with
exposure to all segments of construction demand, enabling CRH to achieve its
vision of being a responsible international leader in building materials delivering
superior performance and growth.
CRH’s Business Model
CRH outperforms in its business operations, develops its people and builds
regional market leadership positions across an actively managed portfolio,
while a federal structure effectively combines large company resources
and local company entrepreneurship. The portfolio is well balanced across
geographies, sector end-uses, and both new and RMI construction, thus
providing exposure to multiple demand drivers which help smooth the effects
of varying economic cycles.
CRH 13
In the Americas, the flow of economic data in the US has been incrementally
positive since the third quarter of 2011, with ongoing favourable job creation
numbers and an improving growth outlook after a soft patch in the economy
in mid-2011. These indicators suggest that the US should avoid a double-dip
recession with some commentators now projecting more robust GDP growth in
2012 than that achieved overall in 2011.
It is still too early to assess the effect of recent financial market volatility on
European construction prospects for 2012 although first half demand seems
likely to suffer some impact. Nevertheless, for the year as a whole we currently
expect resilient demand in Poland and Germany and only modest declines
from a strong 2011 in Finland and Switzerland (these four countries accounted
for roughly a quarter of 2011 Group sales), while our recently-commissioned
cement plant in Ukraine will yield major operational improvements. Activity in our
other European markets is likely to be more subdued than in 2011. While the
outlook for the Benelux and France (together almost 20% of 2011 Group sales)
has weakened, our significant RMI exposures in these countries should once
again support performance in 2012.
In the Americas, indications of a likely pick-up in new housing activity in the US
have strengthened over recent months while there is increasing evidence that
non-residential markets are beginning to bottom out. With the current extension
to the Federal Highway Funding programme expiring at end-March, political
debate on a renewed programme, or on further extensions to the existing
programme, has intensified. Our expectation is that an extension at a funding
level close to that provided for 2011 will eventually be agreed for 2012.
Assuming no major economic or energy market dislocations, we expect to
generate further like-for-like revenue growth in 2012 with the achievement
of targeted price increases a key priority. This combined with benefits from
acquisitions completed in 2011 leads us to expect further progress in the
year ahead.
Chief Executive’s Review continued
With a rigorous approach to capital allocation and a strong focus on cash
generation, CRH reinvests in its existing assets and acquires well-run, value-
creating businesses while seeking exposure to new development opportunities
and creating platforms for future growth. In a fragmented industry, CRH typically
acquires small to mid-sized companies which complement the existing network;
however this is augmented from time to time with larger transactions where
we see compelling value. This sustainable business model and overall strategic
approach has enabled CRH to deliver superior long-term performance through
the business cycle.
Developed Economies
In the developed world, CRH’s strategic focus is to continue to reinvest in its
established platforms for operational efficiency, product quality and customer
service. The development of these businesses is primarily through bolt-on
acquisitions which enhance vertical integration, bolster our strong long-term
permitted reserves positions and fill out regional and product level positions.
In Western Europe and North America CRH has built a balanced portfolio of
businesses which service the breadth of building materials demand from
the fundamentals of heavy materials and elements to construct the frame,
through value-added exterior products that complete the building envelope, to
distribution channels which service construction fit-out and renewal. In many
of its regions, CRH’s diverse business base is uniquely positioned to provide a
broad product offering to the construction industry. While our heavyside building
materials operations support the Group’s exposure to new-build construction,
the lightside of our product range enables CRH to participate in the growing RMI
markets of mature economies.
Developing Economies
In emerging regions, CRH’s strategy is to target premium assets as an initial
footprint, usually in cement and often in partnership with strong local established
businesses. We identify entry platforms that have well-located quality
operations and good regional market positions and which have the potential
to develop further downstream into integrated building materials businesses as
construction markets become more sophisticated over time. In the mid-1990s,
CRH applied this approach to its entry into the Polish market and today the
Group is the leading integrated building materials company in Poland. CRH is
now replicating this approach in its platforms in Ukraine, India and China. As
these markets develop, more sophisticated construction methods will emerge
and, as has been our experience in Eastern Europe, a wide range of value-
added construction products will be required, enabling CRH to roll out a broader
range of products over time across the industry.
2012 Outlook
In Europe, the European Central Bank’s Long Term Refinancing Operations
which commenced in late December have eased the pressures on funding
in the Eurozone banking sector. However, the banking sector remains highly
leveraged and continuing reductions in bank balance sheets are leading to lower
corporate and personal lending. These factors are contributing to the current
uncertainty in relation to the growth outlook for Europe in 2012.
14 CRH
Performance 2002 – 2011
€ billion
25
Sales
IFRS
20
15
10
5
0
EBITDA
I FRS
€ billion
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
’02
’03
’04
’05
’06
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
’02
’03
’04
’05
’06
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
€ billion
2.5
Operating profit (EBIT)
IFRS
Earnings per share
I FR S
cent
250
200
150
100
50
0
’02
’03
’04
’05
’06
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
’02
’03
’04
’05
’06
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
Dividends per share
Total shareholder return*
€ 000
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
’02
’03
’04
’05
’06
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
’02
’03
’04
’05
’06
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
* Total Shareholder Return calculated at each period end on an initial €100 investment in 1970. The Group has delivered superior
long-term growth in total shareholder return, averaging 15.8% per annum since the Group was formed in 1970.
CRH 15
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
cent
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
16 CRH
“The combination of strong
debt metrics, significant
liquidity, and a well-balanced
profile of debt maturities over
the coming years means that
CRH continues to have one
of the most flexible balance
sheets in the sector.”
Maeve Carton
Finance Review
Overall like-for-like sales for the year were 5% ahead of
2010, the first annual organic sales increase for the Group
since 2007.
With higher sales revenue, improved efficiencies and
lower restructuring costs, EBITDA was ahead of last year,
although the impact of significant energy-related cost
increases, particularly on our materials businesses in
both Europe and the Americas, limited the increase to
€41 million (+3%). The full year depreciation and
amortisation expense, before impairment charges, was 6%
lower than last year at €764 million (2010: €815 million);
this, combined with a €81 million reduction in impairment
charges, contributed to a 25% improvement in operating
profit. Group operating profit margin improved to 4.8%
(2010: 4.1%), the first increase in this metric since 2007.
Year-end 2011 net debt of €3.5 billion was in line with year-
end 2010. Net debt/EBITDA improved to 2.1 times (2010:
2.2 times) and EBITDA/net interest cover for the year was
6.4 times (2010: 6.5 times).
The Group remains in a very strong financial position
with €1.3 billion of cash and cash equivalents and liquid
investments at year-end; 99% of the Group’s gross debt
was term/bond debt or drawn under committed term
facilities, 91% of which mature after more than one year.
In August 2011, the Group completed a new €1.5 billion
syndicated 5-year facility with 13 major international
banks. At year-end 2011, total undrawn committed bank
facilities amounted to €1.9 billion; this, together with cash
and liquid investments of €1.3 billion at that date, leaves
the Group with significant liquidity and one of the most
flexible balance sheets in the sector. Since year-end, the
Group has issued €500 million in 7-year Eurobonds at a
coupon rate of 5%, the Group’s lowest ever coupon for a
maturity greater than 5 years.
In December 2011, changes in the Group’s listing
arrangements facilitated the inclusion of CRH in the
FTSE 100 and FTSE All-Share indices, a move which we
believe will increase the Group’s attractiveness to a wider
international investor base. CRH continues to be included
in the MSCI Euro indices, the EuroStoxx indices and in the
ISEQ 20 and ISEQ Overall indices, among others.
Left: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science
and Art in New York features Oldcastle’s BuildingEnvelope™
architectural windows and curtain wall.
CRH 17
Finance Review continued
Key Components of 2011 Performance
Table 1 analyses the change in results from 2010 to 2011. Additional detail
on the sales, EBITDA and operating profits for each of CRH’s six reporting
segments is set out in the reviews on pages 26 to 37.
Currency movements had a relatively minor impact on 2011 results, with a 12%
strengthening of the average Swiss Franc exchange rate versus the euro partly
offset by the weaker average US Dollar (-5%) and average Polish Zloty (-3%)
rates.
Acquisitions completed in 2010 and 2011 contributed incremental sales
revenue of €805 million and operating profit of €49 million in 2011. The impact of
divested activities was a negative €469 million in sales, and, as these operations
generated net losses in 2010, the disposal impact at operating profit level was
a contribution of €16 million.
We continue to review and, when required, extend our cost reduction
programme. Costs of €61 million incurred in 2011 to implement these savings
were €39 million lower (2010: €100 million).
Impairment charges for 2011 at €32 million were significantly lower (2010: €124
million), and included €11 million (2010: €22 million) related to our investment
in associates.
Revenue from ongoing operations increased by €815 million (+5%) on a like-
for-like basis in 2011, with the Europe segments accounting for 70% of the
increase. Despite the recovery in sales, price competition remained intense and
higher input costs, especially energy-related costs, were not fully recovered and
as a result organic operating profit declined by €8 million.
Net finance costs of €257 million were slightly higher than 2010.
Financial Performance Indicators
Some key financial performance indicators which, taken together, are a measure
of performance and financial strength are set out in Table 2 opposite.
The Group EBITDA margin declined by 0.2 percentage points as the significant
increase in input costs was not fully recovered in selling prices. Operating profit
margin however improved by 0.7 percentage points in 2011 to 4.8%, reflecting
the lower impairment charges this year. Management believes that the EBITDA/
Net interest cover ratio is useful to investors because it matches the earnings
and cash generated by the business to the underlying funding costs. With
similar levels of EBITDA and interest in both 2010 and 2011, interest cover was
little changed at 6.4 times (2010: 6.5 times).
The effective tax rate of 16% of pre-tax profit was lower than 2010 (17.8%),
primarily reflecting the lower non-tax-deductible impairment charges.
The share price at 31 December 2011 was €15.36, 1% lower than the 2010
closing price (€15.50); however, with the 2011 dividend at 62.5c, the net return
for shareholders for the year was a positive 3%. This follows returns of -16% in
2010 and +22% in 2009. With effect from 16 December 2011, CRH is included
in the FTSE 100 and FTSE All Share indices. At year-end 2011, CRH’s market
capitalisation was €11.0 billion (2010: €11.0 billion), ranking the Group at
number three in its building materials peer group (see page 49).
Total shareholders’ equity increased by €0.2 billion to €10.6 billion during 2011,
with the net comprehensive income for the year of €0.5 billion and share issue
proceeds of €0.1 billion offset by dividends of €0.4 billion. Year-end net debt
of €3.5 billion was also broadly in line with year-end 2010, and accordingly
the percentage of net debt to total equity remained at 33% at year-end 2011.
With year-end market capitalisation broadly in line with year-end 2010, the debt/
market capitalisation percentage also remained in line with 2010 at 32%.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Table 3, opposite, summarises the main cash flows for 2011 and 2010.
Cash flows from operations
Total operating cash inflows amounted to €1,335 million in 2011, a reduction
of €372 million compared with 2010, largely as a result of net working capital
movements. Working capital levels are driven by trends in overall sales and
also by seasonal weather patterns. The organic sales growth achieved in 2011,
combined with the strong finish to the year as a result of better weather in
Table 1 Key Components of 2011 performance
Revenue
EBITDA
Operating
profit
Profit on
disposals
Finance
costs
Associates’
Profit
after tax
Pre-tax
profit
17,173
(243)
16,930
805
(469)
-
-
815
18,081
+5%
1,615
(24)
1,591
78
(1)
39
-
(51)
1,656
+3%
698
(4)
694
49
16
39
81
(8)
871
+25%
55
(1)
54
-
17
-
-
(16)
55
(247)
5
(242)
(8)
5
-
-
(12)
(257)
28
-
28
-
(3)
-
11
6
42
534
-
534
41
35
39
92
(30)
711
+33%
€ million
2010 as reported
Exchange effects
2010 at 2011 exchange rates
Incremental impact in 2011 of:
2010 and 2011 acquisitions
2010 and 2011 divestments
Restructuring costs
Impairment charges
Ongoing operations
2011
% change
18 CRH
November/December 2011 (compared with the same period in 2010), resulted
in a net working capital outflow of €161 million in 2011 (2010: inflow of €256
million). Despite this net outflow, our working capital metrics for 2011 remained
in line with 2010, maintaining the strong progress achieved in 2009 and 2010.
share of associates’ profits, profit on disposals and share-based compensation
expense) which are included in arriving at profit before tax, together with
payments made to address pension deficits in the Group’s defined benefit
schemes.
Operating cash outflows increased to €1,309 million (2010: €1,042 million)
mainly due to higher capital expenditure, which at €576 million represented
3.2% of Group revenue (2010: 2.7%) and amounted to 78% of depreciation
(2010: 59%). “Other” outflows reflect the elimination of non-cash items (such as
Table 2 Key Financial Performance Indicators
EBITDA margin
Operating profit margin
EBITDA/Net interest cover
Effective tax rate
Shareholder return
Net debt as % of total equity
Net debt as % of market capitalisation
2011
2010
9.2%
4.8%
6.4x
9.4%
4.1%
6.5x
16.0%
17.8%
+3%
33%
32%
-16%
33%
32%
Table 3 Summarised Cash Flow
€ million
Inflows
Profit before tax
Depreciation/amortisation (including impairment)
Working capital (outflow)/inflow
2011
2010
711
785
(161)
534
917
256
Cash flows from investing and financing activities
The Group completed 45 acquisitions and investment transactions in 2011
spending a total of €610 million (2010: €567 million).
Proceeds (including net debt assumed by purchasers) from disposal of non-
current assets and businesses amounted to €492 million (2010: €188 million),
reflecting the divestment of our European Insulation and Climate Control
businesses, Premier Periclase in Ireland and our 35% associate investment in
the Trialis distribution business in France.
Net proceeds from share issues include €135 million (2010: €140 million) arising
on the take-up of shares in lieu of dividends, together with proceeds of €6
million (2010: €45 million) from issues under the Group’s share option and share
participation schemes.
Exchange rate movements during 2011 increased the euro amount of net
foreign currency debt by €59 million principally due to the 3% strengthening in
the year-end exchange rate of the US$ versus the euro, from 1.3362 at end-
2010 to 1.2939 at end-2011.
Borrowings and Credit Facilities
An analysis of the components of net debt, together with information on the
currency and maturity profile of our debt and on the interest rates applicable to
that debt, are set out in notes 22 to 25 to the financial statements.
In August 2011 CRH completed a new 5-year €1.5 billion committed revolving
facility provided by 13 international banks and cancelled €0.6 billion of shorter-
dated facilities. CRH believes that its current facilities are sufficient to meet its
capital expenditure and other expenditure requirements for 2012.
The Group’s major bank facilities and debt issued pursuant to Note Purchase
Agreements in private placements require the Group to maintain certain financial
covenants, details of which are set out in note 23 to the financial statements.
Outflows
Tax paid
Dividends (before scrip dividend)
Capital expenditure
Other
Operating cash inflow
Acquisitions and investments
Proceeds from disposals
Share issues (including scrip dividend)
Translation
(Increase)/decrease in net debt
1,335
1,707
CRH remains committed to maintaining an investment grade credit rating.
(96)
(445)
(576)
(192)
(100)
(438)
(466)
(38)
(1,309)
(1,042)
26
(610)
492
141
(59)
(10)
665
(567)
188
185
(221)
250
CRH does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are
reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on CRH’s financial
condition.
Financial Risk Management
The Board sets the treasury policies and objectives of the Group, which include
controls over the procedures used to manage financial market risks. Details
of these policies are set out in note 21 to the financial statements. With the
significant volatility and uncertainty in the Eurozone during 2011, the Group has
made appropriate adjustments to its cash transmission, collection and holding
policies in order to minimise the associated risks.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
For the year ended 31 December 2010, management concluded that internal
control over financial reporting was effective; Ernst & Young audited the
effectiveness of these controls and issued an unqualified opinion thereon. The
2011 assessment and related auditors’ report will be included in the 2011
Annual Report on Form 20-F which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission by the end of the first quarter of 2012.
CRH 19
“We responded to the challenges
of 2011 through disciplined
price management, a relentless
focus on cost reduction and the
delivery of greater operational
efficiencies. We continue
to strive for higher outputs,
improved productivity and
lower costs, in the knowledge
that these competitive
improvements will be key to
ensuring that we meet our
operational and financial
targets in the future.”
Albert Manifold
Group Operations
The continuation in 2011 of the difficult trading conditions experienced
since the start of the global financial crisis required that we remained
focussed on the short-term imperative of streamlining our businesses and
sizing our operations for near-term demand levels. At the same time we
continued to invest in our business and our people in order to maintain
our strong business model, and we used the full breadth of our portfolio
to build our business where opportunities existed.
As always safety is our first priority. Throughout 2011 we continued to
refine our strategies to ensure awareness of and adherence to the safest
working practices throughout our Group. As we expand our presence in
emerging markets, the challenges facing the Group in improving safety
in these regions are significant. We are committed to extending and
developing the training and education programmes which we know will
help foster a culture of safety and an improved safety performance in
these regions.
CRH has a strong record of productivity and continuous improvement,
and a culture across the Group of sharing ideas that help improve our
performance. We know that finding better, faster and more productive
ways to run our businesses has been a vital contributor to the success
of the Group. In 2011 we continued to robustly manage our operations
to improve our operational performance and enhance our competitive
position. We responded to the challenges of the year through disciplined
price management, a relentless focus on cost reduction and the delivery
of greater operational efficiencies. We continue to strive for higher
outputs, improved productivity and lower costs, in the knowledge that
these competitive improvements will be key to ensuring that we meet our
operational and financial targets in the future.
2011 saw a continuation of the upward trend in commodity prices in all
our markets. During the year we built further on the existing Group-wide
initiatives to reduce our energy consumption and to leverage better the
benefits of global procurement. These closer inter-divisional linkages allow
the Group to develop a more integrated and comprehensive approach to
address inflationary cost challenges and to contribute to initiatives that are
benefiting the Group.
We have taken the necessary actions to protect CRH during this
recessionary cycle. We are confident that measures taken during this
crisis will build long-term value in our business. We know that our
operations teams have worked hard during this past year to make the
right decisions that will benefit the Group and help build momentum for
our businesses for the future.
Left: The “Cotrans 8”, a 1,000 tonne capacity barge,
delivering gravel to Cementbouw’s Zouterwoude
readymixed concrete plant in western Netherlands.
CRH operational snapshot 2011
Financials
Materials
Geography and products (EBITDA)
Europe
Americas
Europe
€ million
% of Group
Austerity Economies 15%
Sales
EBITDA
EBIT
EBITDA margin
EBIT margin
2,985
436
264
14.6%
8.8%
17
26
30
Americas
€ million
% of Group
Sales
EBITDA
EBIT
EBITDA margin
EBIT margin
4,395
530
264
12.1%
6.0%
24
32
30
Stable Economies 45%
East 65%
Developing Economies 40%
West 35%
Products
Europe
Americas
Europe
€ million
% of Group
Sales
EBITDA
EBIT
EBITDA margin
EBIT margin
2,648
194
66
7.3%
2.5%
15
12
8
Concrete 50%
Americas
€ million
% of Group
Sales
EBITDA
EBIT
EBITDA margin
EBIT margin
2,378
164
42
6.9%
1.8%
Clay 15%
13
10
5
Building products 35%
Distribution
Europe
€ million
% of Group
Sales
EBITDA
EBIT
EBITDA margin
EBIT margin
4,340
267
190
6.2%
4.4%
24
16
22
Europe
DIY 30%
Americas
€ million
% of Group
Builders Merchants 55%
Building products 75%
BuildingEnvelope™ 20%
South America 5%
South America 5%
Americas
Exterior products 85%
Sales
EBITDA
EBIT
EBITDA margin
EBIT margin
1,335
65
45
4.9%
3.4%
7
4
5
SHAP 15%
Interior products 15%
22 CRH
Sector exposure and end-use (EBITDA)
Europe
Americas
Residential 35%
Non-residential 25%
Infrastructure 40%
Residential 10%
Non-residential 25%
Infrastructure 65%
New 80%
RMI
20%
New 35%
RMI 65%
Europe
Americas
Residential 45%
Residential 50%
Non-residential 35%
Infrastructure 20%
Non-residential 40%
Infrastructure 10%
New 70%
RMI 30%
New 65%
RMI 35%
Europe
Americas
Annualised Production Volumes
Europe
Cement – 15.6m tonnes*
Aggregates – 53.3m tonnes
Asphalt – 2.7m tonnes
Readymixed Concrete – 10.2m cubic metres*
Lime – 1.0m tonnes
Concrete Products – 6.0m tonnes
Americas
Aggregates – 116.5m tonnes
Asphalt – 39.6m tonnes
Readymixed Concrete – 5.9m cubic metres
Europe
Architectural Concrete – 5.7m tonnes
Precast Concrete – 7.1m tonnes
Clay – 2.1m tonnes
Fencing & Security – 3.8m lineal metres
Americas
Architectural Concrete – 7.7m tonnes
Precast Concrete – 0.9m tonnes
Pipe & Prestressed concrete – 0.3m tonnes
Clay – 0.8m tonnes
BuildingEnvelope™ – 8.4m square metres glass,
17.7k tonnes aluminium
Construction Accessories – 22.7k tonnes
Fencing Products – 9.7m lineal metres
Residential 50%
Non-residential 50%
Outlets
Europe
Builders Merchants 522 branches
DIY 241 stores
Americas
Exterior Products 142 branches
Interior Products 50 branches
Residential 70%
Non-residential 25%
Infrastructure 5%
New 35%
RMI 65%
New 45%
RMI 55%
* Excludes CRH share of cement (c. 8.9m tonnes)
and readymixed concrete (c. 0.7m cubic metres)
attributable to associates, Uniland in Spain (26%),
Mashav in Israel (25%) and Yatai Building Materials
in China (26%).
CRH 23
CRH Executive Management Team
Maeve Carton was appointed
Finance Director and became a
CRH Board Director in May 2010.
Since joining CRH in 1988, she has
held a number of roles in the Group
Finance area and was appointed
Group Controller in 2001 and Head
of Group Finance in January 2009.
She has broad-ranging experience of
CRH’s reporting, control, budgetary
and capital expenditure processes
and has been extensively involved
in CRH’s evaluation of acquisitions.
Prior to joining CRH, she worked for
a number of years as a chartered
accountant in an international
accountancy practice.
Myles Lee was appointed a CRH
Board Director in November 2003. He
joined CRH in 1982. Prior to this he
worked in a professional accountancy
practice and in the oil industry. He
was appointed General Manager
Finance in 1988 and to the position
of Finance Director in November
2003. A civil engineer and chartered
accountant, he has 30 years’
experience of the building materials
industry and of CRH’s international
expansion. He was appointed Group
Chief Executive with effect from
January 2009.
Albert Manifold was appointed
Chief Operating Officer of CRH and
to the CRH Board with effect from
January 2009. He joined CRH in
1998. Prior to joining CRH he was
Chief Operating Officer with a private
equity group. He has held a variety
of senior positions, including Finance
Director of the Europe Materials
Division and Group Development
Director of CRH. Prior to his current
appointment, he was Managing
Director, Europe Materials.
This page left to right:
Maeve Carton, Finance Director
Myles Lee, Chief Executive
Opposite page left to right:
Standing: Doug Black,
President and Chief Operating
Officer Oldcastle, Inc.
Erik Bax, Managing Director
Europe Products & Distribution
Seated: Albert Manifold,
Chief Operating Officer
Henry Morris, Managing Director
Europe Materials
Mark Towe, Chief Executive
Officer Oldcastle, Inc.
24 CRH
Doug Black, a BS in Mathematical
Science/Civil Engineering and MBA,
joined CRH in 1995 as Vice-President
Business Development and in
1996 helped establish Oldcastle
Distribution with the acquisition
of Allied Building Products. Doug
was President of Oldcastle Precast
Southeast from 1996 to 2000, was
promoted to Chief Operating Officer
Oldcastle Architectural in 2000 and
was President and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) Oldcastle Architectural
from 2002 to July 2006. Doug was
appointed CEO Americas Materials
in 2008 after two years serving as
President of this Division and became
President and Chief Operating Officer,
Oldcastle, Inc. (the holding company
for CRH’s operations in the Americas)
in February 2012.
Henry Morris, a mechanical
engineer and MBA, joined Irish
Cement Limited as a graduate. He
held a number of operational roles in
CRH’s cement business prior to his
appointment as Managing Director
of CRH’s Aerobord business in 1990.
Henry left the Group to join Barlo
Group plc in 1993 and returned to
CRH in 2001 as Regional Director,
Finland and Switzerland. He was
appointed Chief Operating Officer,
Europe Materials in 2007 and
Managing Director of the Division in
January 2009.
Erik Bax, a building & construction
engineer and MBA, joined CRH in
1984 as Manager, New Business
at Vaculux and was appointed
Managing Director Vaculux in 1993.
He subsequently held a number of
senior positions in Europe Products &
Distribution. Erik became Managing
Director CRH Europe Building
Products in 2003 and Managing
Director CRH Europe Distribution in
2007. He was appointed Managing
Director of CRH Europe Products &
Distribution in 2010.
Mark Towe was appointed a CRH
Board Director with effect from July
2008. A United States citizen, he
joined CRH in 1997. In 2000, he was
appointed President of Oldcastle
Materials, Inc. and became the Chief
Executive Officer of this Division
in 2006. He was appointed to his
current position of Chief Executive
Officer of Oldcastle, Inc. (the holding
company for CRH’s operations in
the Americas) in July 2008. With
approximately 40 years’ of experience
in the building materials industry,
he has overall responsibility for the
Group’s aggregates, asphalt and
readymixed concrete operations in
the United States and its products
and distribution businesses in the
Americas.
CRH 25
Operations Review – Materials
I
S
L
A
R
E
T
A
M
Europe Materials
Europe Materials’ strategy is to build strong vertically-
integrated regional positions. Operating in 20 countries,
the business is founded in resource-backed cement
and aggregates assets which support the manufacture
and supply of aggregates, concrete and asphalt
products. With a network of well-invested facilities,
Europe Materials focuses on operational excellence
initiatives which include production efficiencies, greater
use of alternative fuels and manufacture of low carbon
cements, while the scale of our operations provides
economies in purchasing and logistics management.
Development focus is centred on bolt-on acquisitions
for synergies, reserves and further vertical integration in
addition to opportunities in contiguous regions to extend
and strengthen regional positions. Europe Materials
has championed CRH’s entry into developing markets
that offer long-term growth potential, with entry via
cement and aggregates assets and the potential to roll
out its operational excellence programmes and vertical
integration approach over time. In total, Europe Materials
employs approximately 11,600 people at close to 650
locations.
Americas Materials
Americas Materials’ strategy is to build strong regional
positions underpinned by well-located, long-term
reserves. Operating in 44 states with 12.4 billion
tonnes of permitted aggregates reserves of which 80%
are owned, this business is vertically integrated from
primary resource quarries into aggregates, asphalt and
readymixed concrete products. With 65% exposure
to infrastructure, the business is further integrated
into asphalt paving services through which it is a
principal supplier of product to US highway repair and
maintenance demand.
Our national network of operations and deep local
market knowledge drive local performance and national
synergies in procurement, cost management and
operational excellence. In a largely unconsolidated
sector where the top ten industry participants account
for just 30% of US aggregates production, 25% of
asphalt production and 20% of readymixed concrete
production, CRH is structured and positioned to
participate as the industry consolidates further. Americas
Materials employs approximately 17,800 people at close
to 1,200 operating locations.
Top: CRH is the market leader in
building materials in Poland.
Featured above is the Drahle
sand and gravel pit based in the
northeast of Poland.
Bottom: The watchful eyes of four
United States Presidents observe
CRH employees as they pave
Highway 244 at the base of the
Mount Rushmore National
Memorial in South Dakota.
26 CRH
CRH operates strong vertically-integrated primary
materials businesses which have strategically located
long-term reserves, balanced end-use exposure and
leading market positions in all its major markets.
EuRoPE
AnDHRA PRADESH,
InDIA
Market leadership positions – Europe
Cement
Top 10 Western Europe
No.1 Finland, Ireland
No.2 Portugal (49%), Switzerland
No.3 Poland, Tunisia (49%)
No.4 Ukraine
No.1 Aegean Region - Turkey (50%)
No.1 Northeast China (26%)
No.2 Andhra Pradesh, India (50%)
Aggregates
No.1 Finland, Ireland, Portugal (joint) (49%)
noRtHEAStERn CHInA
Asphalt
No.1
Ireland
unItED St AtES
Readymixed
concrete
No.1 Finland, Ireland
No. 2 Portugal (49%), Switzerland
Agricultural &
chemical lime
No.1
Ireland
No.2 Poland
Concrete products No.1 Blocks and rooftiles, Ireland
Market leadership positions – Americas
Asphalt
Aggregates
No.1
No.3
United States
United States
Readymixed concrete
Top 3
United States
Reserves – Europe
Physical Proven & probable
million tonnes
location
Years to
depletion
Cement
Aggregates
Ireland
Poland
Switzerland
Ukraine
Other
Finland
Ireland
Poland
Spain
Other
Lime
Ireland/Poland
Subtotal
Reserves – America
Aggregates - US
East
West
131
68
11
107
525
193
850
258
106
333
50
2,632
7,757
4,661
Cement - US
American Cement
10
67
19
8
61
90
11
66
29
62
32
36
118
102
60
Subtotal
Group Total
12,428
15,060
CRH 27
Europe Materials
Results
€ million
Sales revenue
EBITDA*
Operating profit*
EBITDA/sales
Operating profit/sales
%
Change
+12%
+3%
+5%
Total
Change
+320
+13
+13
2011
2,985
436
264
14.6%
8.8%
2010
2,665
423
251
15.9%
9.4%
Analysis of change
Organic Acquisitions Divestments Restructuring
Exchange
+243
-18
-13
+110
+17
+10
-35
-1
-
-
+14
+14
+2
+1
+2
* EBITDA and operating profit exclude profit on disposals
Restructuring costs amounted to €19 million (2010: €33 million); no impairment charges were incurred (2010: nil)
Central and Eastern Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Asia
(40% of EBITDA)
In Poland, construction activity was very strong particularly in the second
half of the year. Our cement volumes were up 16%, and aggregates and
concrete volumes were also well ahead of 2010 mainly due to completion of
infrastructure projects in advance of the European football championship in mid-
2012. Activity in the residential market started to recover after two weak years.
Some price improvement was achieved which, combined with the increased
volumes, resulted in a significant improvement in operating profit. In Ukraine,
cement volumes were up 17%. Although clinker production from the new kiln
commenced in the second half, results were affected by the higher running
costs of the old plant and the overall operating result was lower. In Turkey,
while domestic cement volumes for our 50% joint venture in the Aegean region
increased by 20% compared with 2010, export volumes fell, resulting in a total
net volume increase of 7%. Operating profit was higher than 2010. In southern
India, market demand weakened across our 50% cement joint venture’s core
markets; however, price improvements delivered higher operating profit. In
China, further growth in construction, driven primarily by improved residential
activity and a continued roll-out of major infrastructure projects, saw cement
demand grow by over 10% in the northeastern region, where our wholly-owned
and 26% associate operations are located. In this environment, volumes, selling
prices and profitability moved ahead strongly.
Outlook
The outlook remains challenging for Ireland, Portugal and Spain. However,
capacity reduction, cost efficiencies and improved use of alternative fuels
should help our businesses to maintain margins. We expect a modest decline in
overall construction activity in Switzerland, Finland and the Benelux. The pace
of construction demand in Poland and Ukraine should be robust in the run up
to the EURO 2012 football championship while a full year’s contribution from
our new cement plant in Ukraine will result in cost efficiencies and improved
margins. Cement demand is expected to continue to grow in both of our Asian
markets, albeit at a slower rate as tighter government fiscal strategy impacts the
level of construction activity.
Like-for-like sales increased by 9% in 2011, with improved construction activity
in the more stable European economies and stronger growth in the developing
economies to the east more than offsetting declines in western and south-
western Europe. With the benefit of contributions from acquisitions, profits
were ahead of last year; however good improvements in pricing as the year
progressed, together with greater alternative fuel usage, did not offset the
impact of lower benefits from trading of CO² allowances and margins declined.
Excluding the impact of CO² allowances (€38 million in 2011 compared with
€67 million in 2010), underlying EBITDA increased by €11 million for the year
(and by €33 million in the second half), EBITDA margin was stable and our
operating profit margin improved.
2011 saw a further pick-up in acquisition activity with €232 million spent on a
total of 7 transactions, of which the most significant was the expansion of the
Division’s activities in Benelux with the acquisition of VVM, a cement grinding
and readymixed concrete business in Belgium. We continued to invest in our
associate Yatai Building Materials as it expanded its presence in northeastern
China. In 2011 we sold Premier Periclase, our Irish seawater magnesia operation.
Ireland, Portugal, Spain (15% of EBITDA)
In Ireland, activity again fell and cement volumes were 16% lower than 2010.
Our cost and capacity reduction programmes continued during 2011. With
lower restructuring charges operating losses reduced compared with 2010. In
Portugal, activity levels, particularly in the public sector, fell steeply and cement
volumes were 15% lower. Our 49% joint venture, Secil, was impacted by the
reduced domestic construction activity, although prices improved and Secil
maintained a high level of exports. Overall operating profit was down on 2010. In
Spain, construction activity fell by a further 19% with declines across all sectors
and results were lower than 2010.
Switzerland, Finland, Benelux (45% of EBITDA)
Construction activity in Switzerland remained robust in 2011; however, the
strength of the Swiss Franc contributed to some pricing pressures in the second
half of the year. With the help of acquisitions, volumes in both our cement and
aggregates operations continued to be strong and operating profit improved.
Construction output in Finland grew by almost 3%, led by increased activity
in the residential sector. Non-residential construction recovered slightly, while
infrastructure volumes were steady. Overall cement volumes increased by
14% and this, combined with good volumes in our downstream businesses,
ongoing cost reduction programmes and increased use of alternatives fuels,
led to increased operating profit. In the Benelux, our readymixed concrete
and aggregates business benefited from higher volumes; in an increasingly
competitive environment underlying operating profit was marginally ahead of
2010. VVM, acquired in August 2011, has traded in line with expectations.
28 CRH
Americas Materials
Results
€ million
Sales revenue
EBITDA*
Operating profit*
EBITDA/sales
Operating profit/sales
%
Change
-
-6%
-8%
Total
Change
-22
-36
-24
2011
4,395
530
264
12.1%
6.0%
2010
4,417
566
288
12.8%
6.5%
Analysis of change
Organic Acquisitions Divestments Restructuring
Exchange
+59
-37
-28
+130
+20
+10
-
-
-
-
+8
+8
-211
-27
-14
* EBITDA and operating profit exclude profit on disposals
Restructuring costs were €9 million (2010: €17 million); no impairment charges were incurred (2010: nil)
While sales revenue remained stable, energy cost increases and pricing
pressures presented considerable challenges throughout 2011. Aggressive
actions to reduce variable and fixed costs moderated the decline in operating
profit. Overall US Dollar EBITDA was 2% lower than 2010 with operating profit
down 4%.
Americas Materials completed 19 acquisitions in 2011 with a total spend of
€218 million, adding 23 quarries (538 million tonnes of reserves), 13 asphalt
plants and 9 readymixed concrete plants with annual production of 5.5 million
tonnes of aggregates, 1.6 million tonnes of asphalt and 0.3 million cubic metres
of readymixed concrete.
Energy and Other Costs: The price of bitumen, a key component of asphalt
mix, rose by 14% in 2011 following a similar increase in 2010. Prices of diesel
and gasoline, important inputs to aggregates, readymixed concrete and paving
operations, increased by 30% and 28% respectively. The price of energy used at
our asphalt plants, consisting of fuel oil, recycled oil, electricity and natural gas,
increased by 19%. As a result, energy costs as a proportion of sales rose by over
two percentage points. Against this backdrop and with ongoing competitive
pressures, we continued to improve efficiency, reduce cost, increase the use
of recycled materials, and raise quality and service levels to customers while
maintaining price discipline. As a result, our overall margin decline was limited to
less than one percentage point.
Aggregates: Like-for-like volumes increased by 4%, with total aggregates
volumes including acquisitions up 10%. Volume gains were driven primarily by
an increase in sales of lower value materials on a number of large projects.
Accordingly, average like-for-like prices fell by 1% reflecting the lower value
product mix. Operating profit improved as gains in efficiency more than offset
higher energy costs, resulting in a 2% reduction in unit production costs.
Asphalt: Like-for-like volumes were 1% lower than in 2010. Including
acquisitions, volumes were flat. Unit cost increased 8% with higher bitumen
and burner fuel cost more than offsetting the benefit of greater recycled asphalt
usage. Challenging trading conditions limited our like-for-like asphalt price
increase to 5% and accordingly our overall margin for this business declined.
Readymixed Concrete: Volumes increased by 10% on a like-for-like basis with
total volume including acquisitions up 13%. In a very competitive environment
average prices declined by 1% on a like-for-like basis and, with a 1% increase
in unit cost, margins declined. With better volumes however, profitability was
similar to last year.
Paving and Construction Services: While sales revenue remained broadly
unchanged, margins were lower due to continued severe competition for
infrastructure projects and rising input and energy costs.
Regional Performance
East (65% of EBITDA)
The East region, comprising operations in 22 states, is organised into four
divisions; the most important states in the region are Ohio, New York, Florida,
Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Overall operating profit
was lower than 2010. Performance in our Mid-Atlantic division continued to
be strong in 2011. Despite continuing weak markets in the Southeast, the
operating result was higher than 2010 as restructuring initiatives positively
impacted performance. Operating profit in our Northeast and Central divisions
was only moderately lower than in 2010 despite significant margin pressures
and particularly adverse weather conditions in the spring and autumn.
West (35% of EBITDA)
The West region also has operations in 22 states, the most important of which
are Utah, Texas, Washington, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Mississippi, and is
organised into three divisions. Overall operating profit was lower. In our Central
West division, which experienced disruptions to first-half construction activity in
certain markets caused by the flooding of the Mississippi river and its tributaries,
operating profit was lower than in 2010 as both public and private activity
declined. Our Mountain West and Northwest divisions benefited from large jobs
and moderately improved market demand leading to increases in volume. Both
of these divisions delivered improved profits.
Outlook
The US housing market appears to have stabilised and we have seen some
expansion in commercial activity underpinned by growth in the manufacturing
and energy sectors. Overall we expect commercial and residential demand to
be flat to slightly up in 2012. The most recent extension of the federal highway
programme expires on 31 March, 2012. We anticipate a new bill or further
extensions to be achieved over the coming months with funding for highways
close to that in 2011. Ongoing state and local government fiscal pressures
coupled with the roll-off of the federal stimulus bill will likely result in moderately
lower Infrastructure volume for the year as a whole.
Overall, we expect 2012 volume for our mix of business to be relatively flat with
2011. Our focus for 2012 is therefore to achieve further price increases and
efficiency improvements against a continuing challenging input cost backdrop.
CRH 29
Operations Review – Products
S
T
C
U
D
O
R
P
Europe Products
Europe Products’ strategy is to build and grow scalable
businesses in the large European construction markets.
The strategy is delivered by increasing the penetration
of CRH products, developing positions to benefit from
scale and best practice. We create competitive advantage
through product, process and end-use innovation, while
maintaining a balanced exposure to demand drivers.
Operating in 19 countries, this business is a regional leader
in concrete products, concrete landscaping, clay products,
construction accessories and entrance control systems.
Leveraging the benefits of our regional platforms, we realise
operational and procurement synergies across the network.
Pan-European product development provides construction
solutions which increase efficiencies on site, creating more
design freedom for architects and enhancing the built
environment. Europe Products’ development strategy is to
further penetrate the growing RMI markets of developed
Europe and to broaden the product range in developing
regions as construction markets in those regions become
more sophisticated. This Segment employs approximately
16,600 people at close to 400 operating locations.
Americas Products
Americas Products’ strategy is to build a national footprint
of an optimised portfolio of businesses which offer
regional leadership positions across a full range of Building
Products (precast and architectural concrete, clay and
fencing products, packaged lawn and garden products,
and packaged concrete mixes) and BuildingEnvelope™
solutions (glass and aluminium glazing systems) under the
Oldcastle brand name. A coordinated approach at both a
national and regional level achieves economies of scale and
facilitates sharing of best practices which drive operational
and commercial improvement. Through Oldcastle’s North
American research and development centre, a continuous
pipeline of innovative value-added products and design
solutions are maintained.
Operating in 40 states, CRH has the breadth of product
range and national footprint to provide a national service
to customers with the personal touch of a local supplier.
Focussing on strategic and national accounts, the new
Oldcastle Building Solutions initiative provides an additional
platform for growth as it is uniquely positioned in the
industry to offer solutions to customers across all phases
of building construction. Employees total approximately
14,900 at close to 380 locations.
Top: CRH’s security fencing company
Heras’ new iGate, which won a
prestigious Red Dot Design award
in 2011, enables a company to
customise a gate with its own design
on the panels.
Bottom: A crane placing a 2.75
metre precast concrete pipe,
manufactured by Oldcastle
Precast, for a large wastewater
treatment plant expansion in Utah.
30 CRH
CRH manufactures products for use in residential, non-
residential and, to a lesser extent, infrastructure construction
applications. Complementary value-added exterior products
include architectural glass, aluminium glazing systems, clay
brick and block, and entrance control products.
EuRoPE
Market leadership positions – Europe
Architectural
concrete products
No.1 paving products: Benelux, France,
Slovakia
No.1 paving/landscape walling: Germany
No.1 architectural masonry: UK
No.2 paving products: Denmark
Structural concrete
products
No.1 precast flooring: Benelux
No.1 precast architectural concrete:
noR tH AMERICA
AuStRALIA
Clay products
Denmark
No.1 utility precast: France
No.1 precast structural elements:
Hungary, Switzerland
No.1 concrete fencing and lintels: UK
No.1 facing bricks: UK
No.2 facing bricks, pavers & blocks:
Europe
Construction
accessories
No.1 Western Europe
Fencing & security
No.1 security fencing and perimeter
protection: Europe
Market leadership positions – Americas
Concrete masonry,
patio products,
pavers & rooftiles
Packaged concrete
mixes
Clay bricks, pavers
and tiles
Packaged lawn &
garden products
Precast concrete
products
Building envelope
solutions
Construction
accessories
No.1 paving & patio: North America
No.1 masonry: United States
No.2 United States
No.1 brick producer: northeast and
midwest United States
No.1 rooftiles: Argentina
No.2 floor and wall tiles: Argentina
No.4 clay block producer: Argentina
No.2 United States
No.1 precast concrete utility products:
United States
No.1 North America
No.2 United States
Fencing products
No.2 fencing distributor and manufacturer:
United States
CRH 31
SoutH AMERICA
Europe Products
Results
€ million
Sales revenue
EBITDA*
Operating profit*
EBITDA/sales
Operating profit/sales
%
Change
-6%
-2%
n/m
2011
2,648
194
66
7.3%
2.5%
2010
2,817
198
11
7.0%
0.4%
Analysis of change
Total
Change
-169
-4
+55
Organic Acquisitions Divestments
Restructuring/
Impairment
Exchange
+175
+9
+19
+20
+3
+1
-364
-8
+3
-
-8
+31
-
-
+1
* EBITDA and operating profit exclude profit on disposals
Restructuring costs amounted to €24 million (2010: €16 million); impairment charges of €15 million were incurred (2010: €54 million)
Overall, Europe Products experienced better trading conditions in 2011
although it was a mixed picture across our various businesses, and reported
results were impacted by divestments completed during 2011. The first half was
helped by significantly better weather conditions, particularly in the early months
of the year, and like-for-like sales grew by 8%. The second half saw the rate of
growth in organic sales moderate to 4% as weakening consumer confidence
and further austerity measures in the Eurozone economies contributed to
negative sentiment. With lower restructuring and impairment charges, second-
half operating profit improved versus 2010.
2011 saw the completion of the divestment of our Insulation and Climate
Control businesses, in addition to some smaller business disposals. The table
above reflects the impact in 2011 of the disposal of these businesses, which
had incurred a net loss in 2010 and which accounted for €48 million of the total
€54 million restructuring charges in 2010.
Concrete Products (50% of EBITDA)
Activity levels in 2011 were supported by more benign winter weather conditions
in the first and fourth quarter compared with 2010. Against this, weakening
consumer sentiment in the second half of the year, together with the impact
of government austerity measures and higher energy input costs, resulted in
slower activity in the Netherlands. This was partly offset by resilient demand in
Germany and an improved performance in Denmark. With the strong first and
fourth quarter performance, operating profit for the full year was significantly
higher than 2010.
Our Architectural operations (tiles, pavers, blocks) were impacted by weaker
consumer confidence in the second half of the year, in particular within the garden
segment in Benelux, and revenues were lower than 2010. In the Netherlands,
weaker government and municipal spending had a negative impact on demand.
Our German operations, where we have invested in three additional plants,
showed a strong performance in 2011. Overall operating profit was ahead of
2010. Our Structural operations reported operating profit well ahead of 2010 on
the back of restructuring initiatives in previous years in all markets. In Denmark,
our results advanced strongly. Our sand lime block business in the Netherlands
and our Belgian specialty business, which supplies the residential, industrial
and agricultural sector, continued to deliver strong results. Within central and
eastern Europe, Hungary experienced a recovery and trading conditions in
Poland remained positive. With lower restructuring costs, operating profit for
the structural business was well ahead of last year.
Clay Products (15% of EBITDA)
In the UK new house completions increased during 2011; however, this
improvement was partly offset by a decline in housing repair and maintenance
activity, and industry brick volumes were largely in line with 2010. Although
delays in recovering significant energy cost increases impacted our business,
overall operating profit was ahead of 2010 as a result of efficiencies and once-
off gains resulting from our restructuring programme. In Mainland Europe our
markets remained challenging. Operating profit was lower than 2010 as a result
of significant production cutbacks to reduce stock levels and two further plant
closures in Germany.
Building Products (35% of EBITDA)
This group reported a 3% increase in sales from continuing businesses for
the year. Volumes increased slightly, however market pressure on sales prices
and higher raw material input costs negatively affected margins, causing
operating profit from continuing businesses to be marginally behind last year.
Our Construction Accessories business, which is the market leader in Western
Europe, started the year well with increased volumes in the first half. Due to
the economic uncertainty, volumes fell in the second half and, with increasing
pressure on margins; overall operating profit for the year was broadly in line
with 2010. The Outdoor Security business, specialising in entrance control and
perimeter protection solutions, showed a mixed picture. Fencing had to cope
with weaker volumes and fierce competition, resulting in a lower operating profit
outcome. Our Shutters & Barriers business did very well in the beginning of
2011, but faced a more difficult second half with lower volumes than last year;
however, with tight cost control, and a good market position, results were ahead
of last year.
Outlook
Our Products businesses, which are predominantly located in the Netherlands,
Germany, Belgium and France, are exposed to new construction. Given the
most recent economic developments in the Eurozone, we are more cautious
in relation to the outlook for 2012. A rapid and continuing decline of consumer
confidence, low activity levels in residential and non-residential markets and
further austerity measures announced by governments to reduce budget
deficits, make for an uncertain outlook in 2012. However, the German and
Danish markets continue to be robust and to perform well and we expect
benefits from our ongoing restructuring measures.
32 CRH
Americas Products
Results
€ million
Sales revenue
EBITDA*
Operating profit*
EBITDA/sales
Operating profit/sales
%
Change
-4%
+6%
n/m
2011
2,378
164
42
6.9%
1.8%
2010
2,469
154
(24)
6.2%
-1.0%
Analysis of change
Total
Change
-91
+10
+66
Organic Acquisitions Divestments
Restructuring/
Impairment
Exchange
+51
-26
-16
+37
+7
+6
-70
+8
+13
-
+25
+61
-109
-4
+2
* EBITDA and operating profit exclude profit on disposals
Restructuring costs amounted to €4 million (2010: €29 million); impairment charges of €4 million were incurred (2010: €40 million)
2011 saw the pace of decline in our markets moderate significantly, and we
saw some top-line growth in the year. Overall like-for-like sales were 2% ahead
compared with 2010. Organic profits and margins were impacted by higher
fuel and other input costs, and by costs associated with the first-year roll-out
of our Building Solutions programme. However, higher sales, together with the
benefit of ongoing cost reduction initiatives, lower restructuring and impairment
costs and a full year of our reorganised Building Products group, resulted in a
significant improvement in overall operating profit to €42 million (2010: loss of
€24 million).
Our Precast business again suffered from weak demand and competitive pricing
pressures across its markets. Further declines in the commercial sector in
particular impacted results, and full-year volumes were flat compared with 2010.
Our enclosures business, which had been challenged in recent years, showed
a welcome improvement in profitability; however, this was more than offset by
margin declines in our traditional precast activities. The construction accessories
business (formerly part of MMI) was successfully absorbed into the precast
organisation and losses reduced. Overall operating profit was lower, despite
further progress in reducing costs.
Our Building Products group completed 4 bolt-on transactions during 2011. The
acquisition of a leading paving manufacturer in Canada in May was the largest
transaction; this complements and strengthens our existing business in eastern
Canada. In our masonry business, we acquired a small block manufacturer and
distributor in Indiana in July. Our Lawn and Garden business closed on a small
mulch and soils supplier serving the greater Boston market in December, while
our Precast business unit acquired a Florida-based highway barrier and specialty
precast manufacturer in the first half of 2011.
The impact of divestments shown in the table above reflects the effect of the
disposal in late 2010 of the loss-making Ivy Steel business acquired as part of
the 2006 MMI acquisition.
Building Products (75% of EBITDA)
With effect from January 2011 our architectural products and precast
groups, together with the retained MMI construction accessories and fencing
businesses, were combined to form the Building Products group. This group has
been successful in capturing market growth opportunities while saving costs by
applying common business processes and functions.
With the benefit of acquisitions, our Architectural Products business showed
modest sales growth in 2011, against a background of continuing soft residential
and non-residential markets. Our Canada business, which had held up well in
recent years, slowed in 2011. However, we benefited from continued stability
across the full breadth of architectural products in our businesses which supply
both the DIY and professional RMI segments. Cost reduction and rationalisation
measures partly offset the impact of higher input costs. Results from the fencing
business improved, and significantly reduced losses were recorded. Overall, this
business recorded an increase in underlying operating profit for the year.
BuildingEnvelope™ (20% of EBITDA)
Non-residential sector activity was again depressed in 2011, providing another
year of very challenging markets for this group. Despite these market conditions,
we were able to increase sales by 9% and improve our competitive position
in our traditional Architectural Glass and Storefront business. Our ongoing
efforts to maintain market share, together with tight cost controls and improved
processes, resulted in improved operating profit in this business after a poor
2010. Our Engineered Glazing Systems business also improved and continued
to generate favourable margins through strong execution on some large jobs
which were completed in 2011.
South America (5% of EBITDA)
While our Chile businesses continued to perform well, operating profit in our
Argentina operations was much lower. Our ceramic tile business suffered from
significant price competition, cost inflation pressures, and periodic production
disruptions caused by natural gas shortages. Overall, while sales were higher,
operating profit in our South American operations was significantly lower.
Outlook
There are increasing signs that residential construction activity has finally
stabilised, while the rate of decline in the non-residential sector has slowed.
Against this backdrop we expect further modest sales growth in 2012. This
combined with further progress on, and benefit from, the cost and streamlining
measures mentioned above, gives cause for cautious optimism for an improved
operating profit outcome for 2012.
CRH 33
Operations Review – Distribution
Europe Distribution
Europe Distribution’s strategy is to seek opportunities to
increase its network density in the largely unconsolidated
core European markets while also investing in other
attractive segments of building materials distribution.
Organisational initiatives leverage expertise between DIY
and builders merchants and use best-in-class IT to deliver
operational excellence, optimise the supply chain and
provide superior customer service.
From a solid base in the Netherlands, CRH has extensively
expanded its leading Builders Merchants positions in
Switzerland, Germany, Austria and France in addition
to growing its DIY “Gamma” format in the Benelux.
Substantial opportunities remain to increase our existing
network in core European markets and to establish
new platforms aimed at growing our exposure to RMI
market demand. A recent example is CRH’s entry into
the developing Sanitary, Heating and Plumbing (SHAP)
distribution market through the acquisition of a Swiss
provider of high-end sanitary ware, since replicated in
contiguous markets in Germany and Belgium. Europe
Distribution employs approximately 12,100 people at over
760 operating locations.
Americas Distribution
Americas Distribution’s strategy is focussed on being the
supplier of choice to the professional roofing and siding
contractor and to applying this successful distribution
model to the Interior Products demand segment. Demand
in the Exterior Products business is largely influenced by
residential and commercial replacement activity with the
key products having an average life span of 25 years. The
Interior Products division has less exposure to replacement
activity as demand is largely driven by the new commercial
construction market. State-of-the-art IT, disciplined
and focussed cash management and well-established
procurement and commercial systems support supply
chain optimisation and enable CRH to provide superior
customer service.
Growth opportunities include investment in new regions,
in complementary private label and energy-efficient
product offerings, and in other attractive building materials
distribution segments that service professional dealer
networks. Employees total approximately 3,300 at over
190 operating locations.
I
N
O
T
U
B
R
T
S
D
I
I
Top: The picture above shows
Bauking, CRH’s leading distribution
brand in Germany, making an on-
site delivery at one of the biggest
construction zones in Germany, Berlin
Brandenburg Airport. The airport is
scheduled to open in June 2012.
Bottom: Allied, CRH’s distribution
brand in the Americas, has over
190 outlets in the United States.
The Allied location pictured above
is a newly-opened 650 square
metre contractor tool centre in
New Jersey.
34 CRH
CRH distributes building materials to general building
contractors and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) customers in Europe
and to professional roofing/siding and interior products
contractors in the united States.
EuRoPE
Market leadership positions – Europe
Builders merchants
No.1 Austria
No.1 Netherlands
No.1 Switzerland
No.1 North Germany
No.1 France: Burgundy,
Franche-Comté and
Rhône-Alps
Ile-de-France
No.2
DIY stores
No.1 Netherlands
No.3 Belgium
Member of Gamma franchise
No.5 Germany
Member of Hagebau franchise
No.2 Portugal (joint) (50%)
HAwAII
ALASkA
unItED St AtES
Market leadership positions – Americas
Roofing/siding
distributor
Interior products
distributor
No.3 United States
No.3 United States
CRH 35
Europe Distribution
Results
€ million
Sales revenue
EBITDA*
Operating profit*
EBITDA/sales
Operating profit/sales
%
Change
+22%
+25%
+41%
2011
4,340
267
190
6.2%
4.4%
2010
3,566
214
135
6.0%
3.8%
Analysis of change
Total
Change
+774
+53
+55
Organic Acquisitions Divestments
Restructuring/
Impairment
Exchange
+154
+12
+19
+486
+32
+23
-
-
-
-
-
+6
+134
+9
+7
* EBITDA and operating profit exclude profit on disposals
Restructuring costs amounted to €4 million (2010: €4 million); impairment charges of €2 million were incurred (2010: €8 million)
DIY (30% of EBITDA)
Our DIY platform in Europe operates a network of 241 stores under four different
brands; Gamma and Karwei in the Benelux, Bauking in Germany and MaxMat
in Portugal. With lower restructuring costs in 2011, overall DIY operating profit
was ahead of 2010.
In the Netherlands, weakening consumer confidence as the year progressed
resulted in lower sales in 2011. Despite this market development, we were able
to maintain our operating profit with better margins as a result of a successful
purchasing programme, our strong focus on efficient store operations and cost-
control programmes. In Belgium our network of 19 stores reported stable sales
but better operating profit. With increasing consumer confidence and continued
strong focus on costs, operating profit for Bauking’s 47-store DIY network in
Germany improved to satisfactory levels. The economic environment in Portugal
became more difficult and sales declined further; operating results remained at
the level of 2010.
Outlook
After a successful 2011 we believe that market circumstances may deteriorate
somewhat in 2012. We continue to have favourable expectations with our strong
footprint in the German, Austrian, Swiss and Belgian markets; however, for the
Netherlands and France the outlook has weakened. With 65% end-use sector
exposure to RMI and with continuing operational excellence programmes we
expect to see an improvement in 2012.
2011 saw satisfactory like-for-like sales growth in most of our markets with both
the new residential and RMI sectors benefiting from benign winter conditions
at the beginning and end of the year. While the first half of the year saw a 7%
increase in like-for-like sales, this moderated in the second half to bring the full
year organic sales increase to 4%. Overall operating profit and margins for the
year improved as a result of better cost control and our focus on commercial
excellence and procurement optimisation.
Recent acquisitions have enhanced the geographic balance of Europe
Distribution’s business: in 2011, approximately 35% of Europe Distribution’s sales
arose in the Benelux, with Switzerland accounting for almost 30%, Germany for
approximately 20% and other countries, mainly France and Austria, accounting
for the remaining 15%. The December 2010 acquisition of an additional 50%
of Bauking in Germany, and the full-year inclusion of Sax Sanitair in Belgium
(acquired in August 2010), contributed strongly to the increase in overall operating
profit. In 2011 Europe Distribution acquired three Belgian specialist merchants in
SHAP materials, adding a total of 10 branches to Sax Sanitair’s existing network.
Professional Builders Merchants (55% of EBITDA)
With 419 locations in six countries, Professional Builders Merchants has strong
market positions in all its regions. Overall operating profit for this business
improved in 2011.
While markets in Benelux remained stable, both sales and operating profit
increased during 2011. Sales levels in France increased significantly compared
with 2010; despite some pressure on margins, profitability improved strongly
reflecting the impact of the restructuring actions initiated in 2010. Our operations
in Switzerland had another good year as a result of strong margin management
and the roll-out of various excellence programmes. Austria, which has seen a
turnaround in performance in recent years, delivered a good increase in sales
and a strong improvement in both margin and operating profit. In Germany, like-
for-like sales in Bauking improved significantly during 2011, with strong market
growth and integration benefits positively impacting operating profit.
Sanitary, Heating and Plumbing (15% of EBITDA)
Our SHAP business in Germany and Switzerland again proved to be a stable
performer in 2011 with robust sales and further improved operating profit
performance. Our business in Belgium performed strongly and exceeded
expectations. With a total of 103 branches in three countries, our expanded
SHAP business is taking shape in line with our strategy to build a European
platform in the growing repair, maintenance and improvement focussed SHAP
market.
36 CRH
Americas Distribution
Results
€ million
Sales revenue
EBITDA*
Operating profit*
EBITDA/sales
Operating profit/sales
%
Change
+8%
+8%
+22%
Total
Change
+96
+5
+8
2011
1,335
65
45
4.9%
3.4%
2010
1,239
60
37
4.8%
3.0%
Analysis of change
Organic Acquisitions Divestments Restructuring
Exchange
+133
+9
+11
+22
-1
-1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-59
-3
-2
* EBITDA and operating profit exclude profit on disposals
Restructuring costs amounted to €1 million (2010: €1 million); no impairment charges were incurred (2010: nil)
Interior Products (15% EBITDA)
This business sells wallboard, steel studs and acoustical ceiling systems to
specialised contractors, and has low exposure to weather-driven replacement
activity; however, it is heavily dependent on the new commercial construction
market. Allied is the third largest Interior Products distributor in the US. The new
construction market appears to have stabilised at historically low activity levels;
shipments of wallboard, a good barometer of market activity, were generally
unchanged for the year in Allied’s market areas. Sales and operating performance
improved, with notable recovery in some of our Western markets, helped by an
increase in market share, improved cost base and the consolidation of smaller
and underperforming locations.
Outlook
With good indications that we have finally reached a trough in residential activity,
we look to continuing improved performance in our RMI-focussed Exterior
Products business. However, commercial construction activity continues to
decline modestly, impacting the short-term outlook for our Interior Products
segment. Overall, with the benefit of the consolidation and cost reduction
measures outlined above, we are looking to a year of further progress in 2012.
Americas Distribution, trading as Allied Building Products (Allied), showed good
growth in 2011. Activity levels in both segments of our business improved and,
although gross margins came under some pressure as suppliers implemented
price increases, operating profit improved significantly over 2010.
Allied’s organisation structure was further streamlined in 2011, providing
opportunity to consolidate its market footprint and position the group for future
opportunities. The business has continued its focus on purchasing, logistics and
pricing initiatives and rationalisation of administrative and geographic oversight
functions, thereby increasing efficiency, control and profitability. This aggressive
operating approach again benefited 2011 operating results.
After three years of curtailed development activity during which the business
responded to the difficult macro-economic environment with organisational
changes and other cost saving initiatives, Allied had a busy year in 2011 with the
completion of six acquisitions. The largest transaction, the acquisition of United
Products, a 15-branch exterior distributor headquartered in Minnesota, and with
branches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota and Nebraska, was
completed in December. United brings our network of branches in the Northern
Plains to 26, and is expected to improve significantly the operational efficiency
and effectiveness of our existing businesses while increasing our sales footprint
in the region. In September, the acquisition of Pacific Source, a four-branch
distributor providing Hawaiian builders with a broad range of products required
to complete building projects, extended Allied’s existing footprint in Hawaii while
providing the opportunity to generate significant fixed cost synergies. The other
transactions included a four-branch distributor in Philadelphia, a two-branch
business in Detroit and two single-branch opportunities in Atlanta and Austin.
TriBuilt, Allied’s proprietary private label brand, continued to gain strength as new
products were added and market acceptance grew. The TriBuilt label has helped
to differentiate Allied in the market while building an exclusive brand identity. In
addition, a merchandising initiative was launched to enhance the look and feel of
branch showrooms and increase the number of products available to contractors
at point of purchase. The reconfigured showrooms provide a one-stop-shop for
customers while increasing sales of higher margin tools and accessories.
Exterior Products (85% of EBITDA)
Allied is one of the top three roofing and siding distributors in the United States.
Demand is influenced by residential and commercial replacement activity (75%
of sales volume is RMI-related) with key products having an average life span of
25 years. Volumes improved in line with national shipments of asphalt shingles
up 13% in the year; this was however from a very low 2010 base. Regionally,
the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Upper Midwest and California markets have held
up better and the Exterior Products division recorded further sales growth and a
good advance in operating profit for the year, despite costs associated with flood
damage arising from substantial September rainfall in the Northeast.
CRH 37
Board of Directors
Executive Directors
U-H. Felcht
Utz-Hellmuth Felcht became a non-
executive Director in July 2007. A
German national, he was, until May
2006, Chief Executive of Degussa
AG, Germany’s third largest chemical
company. He is a partner in the private
equity group One Equity Partners
Europe GmbH, Chairman of the
German rail company Deutsche Bahn
AG, and a member of the Supervisory
Board of Jungbunzlauer Holding AG.
He was until May 2011 Chairman of
the Supervisory Board of Süd-Chemie
Aktiengesellschaft. (Aged 64).
N. Hartery BE, CEng, FIEI, MBA
Chairman Designate
Nicky Hartery became a non-
executive Director in June 2004 and
was appointed Chairman Designate
in February 2012. He was Vice
President of Manufacturing and
Business Operations for Dell Inc.’s
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
operations from 2000 to 2008. Prior
to joining Dell, he was Executive
Vice President at Eastman Kodak
and previously held the position
of President and Chief Executive
Officer at Verbatim Corporation,
based in the United States. He is
Chief Executive of Prodigium, a
consulting company which provides
business advisory services. He is
also a non-executive director of
Musgrave Group plc, a privately
owned international food retailer, and
Eircom Limited, a company which
provides telecommunications services
in Ireland. (Aged 60).
J.M. de Jong
Jan Maarten de Jong became a non-
executive Director in January 2004.
A Dutch national, he is a member of
the Supervisory Board of Heineken
N.V. He is a former member of the
Managing Board of ABN Amro Bank
N.V. and continued to be a Special
Advisor to the board of that company
until April 2006. He is also a director
of a number of European banking,
insurance and industrial holding
companies, including AON Groep
Nederland B.V. and KBC Bank N.V.
(Aged 66).
M. Lee BE, FCA
Chief Executive
(Aged 58)
A. Manifold FCPA, MBA, MBS
Chief Operating Officer
(Aged 49)
M. Carton MA, FCA
Finance Director
(Aged 53)
M.S. Towe
Chief Executive Officer
Oldcastle, Inc.
(Aged 62)
Biographies of the Executive
Directors are shown on pages 24
and 25
Non-executive Directors
E.J. Bärtschi LIC.OEC.HSG
Ernst Bärtschi became a non-
executive Director in October 2011.
A Swiss national, he was until 31
December 2011 Chief Executive of
Sika AG, a manufacturer of speciality
chemicals for construction and general
industry. Prior to joining Sika, he
worked for the Schindler Group and
was Chief Finance Officer between
1997 and 2001. Over the course of
his career he has gained extensive
experience in India, China and the
Far East generally. He is a member of
the board of Bucher Industries AG, a
mechanical and vehicle engineering
company based in Switzerland.
(Aged 59).
W.P. Egan
Bill Egan became a non-executive
Director in January 2007. A United
States citizen, he is founder
and General Partner of Alta
Communications and Marion Equity
Partners LLC, Massachusetts-based
venture capital firms. He is a director of
the Irish venture capital company Delta
Partners Limited. He also serves on
the boards of several communications,
cable and information technology
companies. He is past Chairman of
Cephalon Inc., and past President
and Chairman of the National Venture
Capital Association. (Aged 66).
38 CRH
J.W. Kennedy MSc, BE, CEng,
FIEE
John Kennedy became a non-
executive Director in June 2009. He is
past Chairman of Wellstream Holdings
plc. In a 40 year career, he has
served as Executive Vice President
of Halliburton Company, President
of Dresser Enterprises and Chief
Operations Officer of Brown and Root
Services. He is a director of Integra
Group and is non-executive Chairman
of Maxwell Drummond International
Limited, Hydrasun Holdings Limited,
Welltec A/S and BiFold Group Limited.
He is also a past director of the UK
Atomic Energy Authority. (Aged 61).
K. McGowan
Chairman
Kieran McGowan became Chairman
of CRH in 2007 having been a non-
executive Director since 1998. He is
a director of Elan Corporation plc and
Charles Schwab Worldwide Funds plc
and is Chairman of Property Industry
Ireland (PII) Limited and Business in
the Community Ireland. He was Chief
Executive of IDA Ireland (Ireland’s
inward investment promotion agency)
from 1990 to 1998 and has served
as President of the Irish Management
Institute and as Chairman of the
Governing Authority of University
College Dublin. (Aged 68).
H.A. McSharry BComm, MBS
Heather Ann McSharry became a
non-executive Director in February
2012. She is Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of the Bank of Ireland
Pension Fund and is a director of
Ergonomics Solutions International,
IDA Ireland and the Institute of
Directors. She is a former Managing
Director of Reckitt Benckiser and
Boots Healthcare in Ireland and was
previously a director of Bank of Ireland
and Enterprise Ireland. (Aged 50).
D.N. O’Connor BComm, FCA
Dan O’Connor became a non-
executive Director in June 2006. He is
a former President and Chief Executive
Officer of GE Consumer Finance -
Europe and a former Senior Vice-
President of GE. He was until October
2010 Executive Chairman of Allied Irish
Banks, plc. (Aged 52).
Board Committees
Length of service
on Committee
Acquisitions
K. McGowan, Chairman
M. Carton
U-H. Felcht
M. Lee
A. Manifold
D.N. O’Connor
11 years
1.5 years
Newly appointed
8 years
3 years
5 years
Audit
J.M. de Jong, Chairman*
E.J. Bärtschi
H.A. McSharry
D.N. O’Connor*
8 years
Newly appointed
Newly appointed
5.5 years
Finance
K. McGowan, Chairman
M. Carton
U-H. Felcht
M. Lee
4.5 years
1.5 years
4.5 years
8 years
Nomination & Corporate
Governance
K. McGowan, Chairman
W.P. Egan
N. Hartery
J.W. Kennedy
4.5 years
4.5 years
7.5 years
2.5 years
Remuneration
N. Hartery, Chairman
W.P. Egan
J.W. Kennedy
7.5 years
4.5 years
2.5 years
Senior Independent Director
N. Hartery
*Audit Committee Financial Expert
Inset left: Heather Ann McSharry, right: Ernst Bärtschi
Main photograph, taken during a visit to the
Cementbouw plant at Zooterwoude, Netherlands.
Left to right: Liam O’Mahony (since retired),
Myles Lee, Maeve Carton, John Kennedy,
Kieran McGowan, Jan Maarten de Jong,
Nicky Hartery, Bill Egan, Utz-Hellmuth Felcht,
Dan O’Connor, Mark Towe, Albert Manifold
CRH 39
Corporate Governance Report
CRH, which is incorporated in Ireland and subject
to Irish Company Law, has a premium listing on the
London Stock Exchange, a secondary listing on
the Irish Stock Exchange and its American
Depositary Shares are listed on the New York
Stock Exchange.
Corporate governance is the system by which
companies are directed and controlled; it is
concerned with the way in which a board operates
and sets the values for a company, rather than with
the day-to-day operational management of a
company by full-time executives. As the Chairman
sets out in his Statement on page 8, the Directors
and management of CRH are committed to
maintaining very high standards of corporate
governance and ethical business conduct, and this
Report describes CRH’s governance principles and
practice and the Group’s risk management and
internal control systems. The Report also sets out
how CRH applies the main and supporting
principles of the 2010 UK Corporate Governance
Code (the 2010 Code) which, with effect from 1
January 2011 for CRH, replaced the June 2008
Combined Code on Corporate Governance. This
Report also takes into account the disclosure
requirements set out in the corporate governance
annex to the listing rules of the Irish Stock
Exchange. The Chairman’s Statement on pages 8
and 9 contains further commentary on governance
issues, including in relation to the renewal and
effective operation of the Board and risk
management.
A copy of the 2010 Code can be obtained
from the Financial Reporting Council’s website,
www.frc.org.uk.
Board of Directors
Role of the Board
The Board is collectively responsible for the
leadership, control, development and long-term
success of the Group. We are also responsible for
instilling the appropriate culture, values and
behaviour throughout the organisation. There is a
formal schedule of matters reserved to the Board
for consideration and decision. This includes Board
appointments, approval of the Annual Report, the
Interim Results and the annual budget, major
acquisitions, significant capital expenditure and
approval of strategic plans for the Group. The
Group’s strategy, which is regularly reviewed by the
Board, and its business model are summarised on
pages 13 and 14.
The Board has delegated responsibility for the
management of the Group, through the Chief
Executive, to executive management. It has been
our practice since the formation of the Group in the
1970s that the roles of Chairman and Chief
Executive are not combined. There is a clear
division of responsibilities, which is set out in
writing and has been approved by the Board,
between the two roles. The responsibilities of the
Chairman are covered in detail on page 41. The
Chief Executive has full day-to-day operational and
profit responsibility for the Group and is
accountable to the Board for all authority delegated
to executive management. His overall brief is to
execute agreed strategy, to co-ordinate and
oversee the profitable growth of a diverse group of
international businesses and to maximise the
contribution of senior management to business
planning, operational control and profit
performance.
Non-executive Directors are expected to
constructively challenge management proposals
and to examine and review management
performance in meeting agreed objectives and
targets. In addition, they are expected to draw on
their experience and knowledge in respect of any
challenges facing the Group and in relation to the
development of proposals on strategy.
The Board has delegated some of its
responsibilities to Committees of the Board. The
work of each Committee is set out on pages 42 to
46 of this Report. While responsibility for monitoring
the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management
and internal control systems has been delegated to
the Audit Committee*, the Board retains ultimate
responsibility for determining the Group’s “risk
appetite” and annually considers a report in relation
to the monitoring, controlling and reporting of
identified risks and uncertainties. In addition, the
Board receives regular reports from the Chairman
of the Audit Committee in relation to the work of
that Committee in the area of risk management.
Individual Directors may seek independent
professional advice, at the expense of the
Company, in the furtherance of their duties as a
Director.
The Group has a Directors’ and Officers’ liability
insurance policy in place.
Membership of the Board
It is our practice that a majority of the Board
comprises non-executive Directors, considered by
the Board to be independent, and that the
Chairman is non-executive. At present, there are
four executive and nine non-executive Directors.
Biographical details are set out on pages 24, 25
and 38. While there is an ongoing process of
planned refreshment and renewal, we consider the
* In accordance with Section 91(6)(b) of the EC (Directive 2006/43) Regulations 2010
40 CRH
current size and composition of the Board to be
within a range which is appropriate. We also
believe that the current size of the Board is
sufficiently large to enable its Committees to
operate without undue reliance on individual
non-executive Directors, while being dynamic and
responsive to the needs of the Company. The
spread of nationalities of the Directors reflects the
geographical reach of the Group and we consider
that the Board as a whole has the appropriate
blend of skills, knowledge and experience, from a
wide range of industries, regions and backgrounds,
necessary to lead the Company. Directors are
appointed for specified terms and are subject to
annual re-election at the Annual General Meeting
and to the Memorandum and Articles of
Association of the Company.
None of the executive Directors is a non-executive
director of a listed company.
As outlined below, the Nomination & Corporate
Governance Committee is responsible for keeping
the ”bench-strength” of the Board, and the need
for refreshment and renewal, under review.
Board succession policy and diversity
The Board plans for its own succession with the
assistance of the Nomination & Corporate
Governance Committee. Independent consultants
are engaged to search for suitable candidates to
serve as non-executive Directors.
We are committed to ensuring that the Board is
sufficiently diverse and appropriately balanced. In
its work in the area of Board renewal, the
Nomination & Corporate Governance Committee
looks at four criteria when considering candidates:
(i) international business experience, particularly in
the regions in which the Group operates or in
which it intends to expand; (ii) skills, knowledge
and expertise in areas relevant to the operation of
the Board; (iii) diversity, including nationality and
gender; and (iv) the need for an appropriately sized
Board. During the ongoing process of Board
renewal, each, or a combination, of these factors
can take priority. Consequently, to date the Board
has not set specific objectives in relation to
diversity.
Independence of Directors
The independence of Board members is
considered annually. The Board is assisted in this
by the annual review carried out by the Senior
Independent Director which addresses the
independence of the individual members of the
Board (see Performance appraisal and Board
evaluation section overleaf), and by the work of the
Nomination & Corporate Governance Committee,
which annually reviews each Board member’s
directorships and considers any relevant business
relationships between Board members. We have
concluded that all of the Directors bring
independent judgement to bear on issues of
strategy, performance, resources, key
appointments and standards, and have determined
that each of the non-executive Directors is
independent. In reaching that conclusion, we
considered the principles relating to independence
contained in the 2010 Code, together with the
guidance provided by a number of shareholder
voting agencies, and have taken the view that
independence is determined by a Director’s
character, objectivity and integrity. Those principles
and guidance highlight a number of factors that
might appear to affect the independence of
Directors, including former service as an executive,
extended service on the Board and cross-
directorships, while making it clear that a Director
may be considered independent notwithstanding
the presence of one or more of these factors.
Chairman
Kieran McGowan, who has been Chairman of the
Group since May 2007, will retire as Chairman and
from the Board at the conclusion of the 2012
Annual General Meeting. On his appointment as
Chairman, Mr. McGowan met the independence
criteria set out in the June 2006 Combined Code.
The Board has appointed Nicky Hartery as
Chairman Designate. Mr. Hartery, who was
appointed to the Board in June 2004 meets the
independence criteria set out in the 2010 Code.
The process used for the appointment of the new
Chairman is set out on page 45.
The Chairman is responsible for the efficient and
effective working of the Board. He ensures that
Board agendas cover the key strategic issues
confronting the Group, that the Board reviews and
approves management’s plans for the Group and
that Directors receive accurate, timely, clear and
relevant information. He oversees the search for
new Board members and is available to meet with,
and hear the views of, institutional investors. While
Mr. McGowan holds a number of other
directorships (see details on page 38), the Board
considers that these do not interfere with the
discharge of his duties to CRH.
Senior Independent Director
Nicky Hartery has been the Senior Independent
Director since May 2008. The Board has decided
that Dan O’Connor will take on the role of Senior
Independent Director when Mr. Hartery assumes
the role of Chairman in May 2012.
Company Secretary
The appointment and removal of the Company
Secretary is a matter for the Board. All Directors
have access to the advice and services of the
Company Secretary, who is responsible to the
Board for ensuring that Board procedures are
complied with.
Terms of appointment of non-executive Directors
The standard terms of the letter of appointment of
non-executive Directors are available for inspection
at the Company’s registered office and at the
Annual General Meeting.
Induction, training and development of Directors
New Directors are provided with extensive briefing
materials on the Group and its operations, the
procedures relating to the Board and its
Committees and their duties and responsibilities as
Directors under company law. The Chairman
agrees a tailored and comprehensive induction
programme with each new Director. The aim of the
programme, which generally covers the first year of
a new Director’s appointment, is to provide them
with a detailed insight into the Group. The
programme involves meeting with the Chief
Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Finance
Director, Company Secretary and key senior
executives at Head Office and Divisional level. It
covers areas such as strategy, development
priorities, acquisition evaluation, organisation
structure, succession planning, financing,
corporate social responsibility, compliance and
ethics, investor relations and risk management.
New Directors also meet with the Senior
Independent Director to discuss the most recent
Board evaluation exercise and, after approximately
six months, a session is organised with the
Chairman to review progress. All Directors can also
avail of opportunities to hear the views of and meet
with the Group’s investors and analysts. Directors
regularly receive copies of research and analysis
conducted on CRH and the building materials
sector. The Board receives regular updates from
the external auditors in relation to regulatory and
accounting developments. Updates in relation to
other relevant matters, for example, changes in
company law, are provided from time to time.
Throughout the year, Directors meet with key
executives and, in the course of twice-yearly visits
by the Board to Group locations, see the
businesses at first hand and meet with local
management teams.
For newly-appointed members of the Audit
Committee, training arrangements include meeting
with the key members of the external audit, internal
audit and finance (Head Office and Divisional)
teams and where required, relevant financial
courses are provided. Committee members also
receive details of relevant conferences organised
by external parties. New members of the
Remuneration Committee meet with the
Committee’s remuneration consultants in the year
of their appointment to the Committee.
Remuneration of Directors
Details of remuneration paid to the Directors are
set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration
on pages 48 to 55. The 2011 Report on Directors’
Remuneration will be presented to shareholders
for the purposes of an advisory non-binding vote
at the Annual General Meeting to be held on
9 May 2012.
Ownership and dealing by Directors in CRH
securities
Details of the shares held by Directors are set out
on page 50. CRH has a policy on dealings in
securities that applies to all Directors and senior
management. Under the policy, Directors are
required to obtain clearance from the Chairman
and Chief Executive before dealing in CRH
securities. Directors and senior management are
prohibited from dealing in CRH securities during
designated prohibited periods and at any time at
which the individual is in possession of inside
information (as defined in the Market Abuse
(Directive 2003/6/EC) Regulations 2005). The
policy adopts the terms of the Model Code, as set
out in the Listing Rules published by the UK Listing
Authority (which has been amended in relation to
Irish company law and taxation references).
Performance appraisal and Board evaluation
The Senior Independent Director conducts an
annual review of corporate governance, the
independence of Board members, the operation
and performance of the Board, and its Committees,
the effectiveness of Board communications and the
performance of the Chairman. This is achieved
through discussion in one-to-one sessions with
each Director. The meetings, which cover specific
topics and allow for free-ranging discussion,
provide a forum for an open and frank discourse.
The Senior Independent Director circulates a written
report to the Board each year, which summarises
the outcome of the review and sets out any
recommendations from Board members in relation
to areas where improvements can be made.
Consideration of the Senior Independent Director’s
report is a formal agenda item at a scheduled
Board meeting each year. This evaluation process
will be facilitated in 2012 by a third party expert in
CRH 41
Corporate Governance Report continued
this area. This is dealt with further in the Nomination
& Corporate Governance Committee section on
pages 44 and 45.
A review of individual Directors’ performance is
conducted by the Chairman and each Director is
provided with feedback gathered from other
members of the Board. Performance is assessed
against a number of measures, including the
ability of the Director to contribute to the
development of strategy, to understand the major
risks affecting the Group, to contribute to the
cohesion of the Board, to commit the time
required to fulfil the role and to listen to and
respect the views of other Directors and the
management team. As part of that review process
the Chairman discusses with each individual their
training and development needs and, where
appropriate, agrees for suitable arrangements to
be put in place to address those needs.
Directors’ retirement and re-election
All Directors retire at each Annual General Meeting
and, unless they are stepping down from the
Board, submit themselves to shareholders for
re-election. Re-appointment is not automatic.
Directors who are seeking re-election are subject
to a performance appraisal, which is overseen by
the Nomination & Corporate Governance
Committee.
Board meetings and time commitment
There were eight full meetings of the Board during
2011. Details of Directors’ attendance at those
meetings are set out in the table on page 44.
Each year, additional meetings, to consider
specific matters, are held when and if required.
The Chairman sets the agenda for each meeting,
in consultation with the Chief Executive and
Company Secretary. In addition to the Group
budget, trading results, large acquisitions,
financial results and reports and regular Board
matters, during the course of the year the Board
receives updates on health and safety, with a
particular focus on the Group’s fatality elimination
programme, environmental issues, human
resources and the Company’s investor relations
programme. A report on the performance of
acquisitions against the original Board proposal
following three years of Group ownership is also
considered by the Board. In July, the Board
meeting is held over two days, with the main
focus being on Group strategy. The Chief
Executive regularly updates the non-executive
Directors, in sessions at which other executive
Directors are not present, regarding succession
planning for senior management in each Division.
Board papers are circulated to Directors in
advance of meetings. Directors can, if they wish,
obtain their papers electronically by way of a
secure application for portable electronic devices.
Two visits are made each year by the Board to
Group operations; one in Europe and one in North
America. Each visit lasts between three and five
days and incorporates a scheduled Board
meeting. In 2011, these visits were to The
Netherlands in Europe and to the Michigan area in
the United States.
The non-executive Directors met twice during
2011 without executives being present.
Prior to their appointment, potential non-executive
Directors are made aware of the calendar of
meetings and are asked to confirm that they are
able to allocate sufficient time to meet the
expectations of their role. The agreement of the
Chairman is required before accepting additional
commitments that might impact adversely on the
time they are able to devote as a non-executive
Director of the Company.
Committees of the Board
The Board has established five permanent
Committees to assist in the execution of its
responsibilities. These are the Acquisitions
Committee, the Audit Committee, the Finance
Committee, the Nomination & Corporate
Governance Committee and the Remuneration
Committee. Ad hoc committees are formed from
time to time to deal with specific matters.
Each of the permanent Committees has terms of
reference, under which authority is delegated to
them by the Board. The terms of reference are
available on the Group’s website, www.crh.com.
The Chairman of each Committee reports to the
Board on its deliberations, and minutes of all
Committee meetings are circulated to all
Directors.
The current membership of each Committee, and
each member’s length of service, is set out on
page 38. Attendance at meetings held in 2011 is
set out in the table on page 44.
Chairmen of the Committees attend the Annual
General Meeting and are available to answer
questions from shareholders.
During the year each of the relevant Committees
reviewed its performance and terms of reference.
Acquisitions Committee
The role of this Committee is to approve
acquisitions, divestments and capital expenditure
projects within limits agreed by the Board.
Audit Committee
This Committee consists of four non-executive
Directors, considered by the Board to be
independent. As at the date of this Report, the
Board has determined that Mr. Jan Maarten de
Jong and Mr. Dan O’Connor are the Committee’s
financial experts. It will be seen from the Directors’
biographical details, appearing on page 38, that
the members of the Committee bring to it
experience and expertise from a wide range of
industries, including the financial services sector.
The Committee met nine times during 2011. While
its terms of reference, which were last updated in
2010, remained unchanged, the Committee
reorganised its calendar of meetings in 2011
resulting in a reduction in meetings (from 14 in
2009 and 2010). The Finance Director and the
Head of Internal Audit normally attend meetings of
the Committee, while the Chief Executive and
other executive Directors attend when necessary.
The external auditors attend the majority of
Committee meetings and report on any issues
they believe should be brought to the attention of
the Committee; in addition, they have direct
access to the Committee Chairman at all times.
During the year, the Committee met with the Head
of Internal Audit and with the external auditors in
the absence of management.
In 2011, the Committee reviewed, and discussed
with management the content of, the Company’s
interim management statements, the 2010
preliminary results announcement/Annual Report
and financial statements, the 2010 Annual Report
on Form 20-F, which was filed with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission, and
the interim report for the period ended 30 June
2011. In February 2011, the Committee approved
the annual internal audit plan and, in July, the
external auditors presented their audit plans for
the 2011 audit. In February 2012, at the meeting
at which the 2011 year-end financial statements
were considered, the Committee received a report
from the external auditors in relation to the audit
process. Each year, the Committee also considers
a report from the external auditors containing their
observations and comments on issues that arose
during the audit.
Throughout the year, the Committee received
reports and updates from the Head of Internal
Audit in relation to internal audit reviews, Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 20021 and the
arrangements in place to enable employees to
raise concerns, in confidence, in relation to
possible wrongdoing in financial reporting or
other matters.
1 A copy of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 can be obtained from the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, www.sec.gov.
42 CRH
Assessments of the Internal Audit function are
carried out periodically by management and
validated by an independent third party assessor.
The most recent assessment was conducted in
late 2009, during which no major weaknesses were
identified; the assessment did result in a number of
recommendations, most of which have been
implemented, and the Committee receives updates
on the status of the implementation of the
remaining recommendations. The Committee
approves Internal Audit’s charter and any
amendments thereto.
A number of factors are taken into account by the
Committee in assessing whether to recommend
the auditors for re-appointment or to seek other
competitive bids for the audit. These include the
quality of reports provided to the Audit Committee
and the Board and the quality of advice given; the
level of understanding demonstrated of the Group’s
business and industry; the objectivity of the
auditors’ views on the financial controls around the
Group and their ability to co-ordinate a global audit,
and the results of formal evaluations of the
auditors.
In 2011, the Committee met with senior finance
personnel from the Group’s operations to discuss
inter-alia, internal audit review findings, the
implementation of resulting changes to control
structures, work in relation to improving the control
environment and culture in each Division,
co-ordination with the work of the external
auditors, actions being taken to prevent fraud and
the harmonisation of IT platforms, where
appropriate, across the Group.
As part of its response to the difficult trading
conditions in recent years, the Group has
implemented a programme of cost savings and
has periodically announced updates on the
annualised savings under that programme. The
Head of Internal Audit reviews these savings, and
the related implementation costs, and reports his
findings to the Committee.
During the year, the Committee reviewed the
workings in relation to goodwill impairment testing
and the sensitivity analysis referred to in note 15 to
the consolidated financial statements and
discussed the outcome of the process with
management and the external auditors in the
context of developments in the wider industry.
The Board has delegated responsibility for
monitoring the effectiveness of the Group’s risk
management and internal control systems to the
Audit Committee. Further details in relation to the
Committee’s work in this area are set out in the
section on Risk Management and Internal Controls
on page 47.
The Committee regularly reviews the position in
relation to the implementation of plans to mitigate
the Group’s pension scheme liabilities. The
Committee also regularly reviews the structures in
place to ensure the Group complies with its
obligations, particularly under competition and
anti-corruption legislation throughout the world.
Under its terms of reference, the Audit Committee
makes recommendations to the Board in relation to
the appointment of the external auditors.
Ernst & Young have been the Group’s auditors
since 1988. Following an evaluation carried out in
2009, the Committee recommended to the Board
that Ernst & Young be retained as the Group’s
external auditors. There are no contractual
obligations which act to restrict the Audit
Committee’s choice of external auditor. The
Committee has decided that such evaluations
should be carried out at least every five years, with
periodic interim reviews, and it monitors the
implementation of the recommendations made as
part of the evaluation process. The Committee
considers the risk of withdrawal by Ernst & Young
from the market and the potential impact on the
Group, were that eventuality to materialise.
The Committee has put in place safeguards to
ensure that the independence of the audit is not
compromised. Such safeguards include: seeking
confirmation from the external auditors that they
are, in their professional judgement, independent
from the Group; obtaining from the external
auditors an account of all relationships between the
auditors and the Group; monitoring the Group’s
policy prohibiting the employment of former staff of
the external auditors, who were part of the CRH
audit team, in senior management positions until
two years have elapsed since the completion of the
audit, monitoring the number of former employees
of the external auditors currently employed in
senior positions in the Group and assessing
whether those appointments impair, or appear to
impair, the auditors’ judgement or independence;
considering whether, taken as a whole, the various
relationships between the Group and the external
auditors impair, or appear to impair, the auditors’
judgement or independence; and reviewing the
economic importance of the Group to the external
auditors and assessing whether that importance
impairs, or appears to impair, the external auditors’
judgement or independence.
The Group has a policy governing the conduct of
non-audit work by the auditors. The policy, which
was updated in 2011, is available on the CRH
website, www.crh.com. Under the policy, the
external auditors are prohibited from performing
services where they may be required to audit their
own work, participate in activities that would
normally be undertaken by management; are
remunerated through a ‘success fee’ structure,
where success is dependent on the audit; or act in
an advocacy role for the Group. Other than the
above, the Group does not impose an automatic
ban on the external auditors undertaking non-audit
work. The external auditors are permitted to
provide non-audit services that are not, or are not
perceived to be, in conflict with auditor
independence, providing they have the skill,
competence and integrity to carry out the work and
are considered by the Committee to be the most
appropriate to undertake such work in the best
interests of the Group. The engagement of the
external auditors to provide any non-audit services
must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee or
entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and
procedures established by the Committee. The
pre-approval policy specifies the services that are
prohibited and the services which have general
pre-approval. The Committee has delegated to the
Finance Director responsibility for confirming
whether a service, which has general pre-approval,
can be provided by Ernst & Young. The Finance
Director reports regularly to the Committee on
services which have been approved.
In 2011, the external auditors provided a number
of audit-related and non-audit services, including
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404/regulatory reporting;
services in relation to Securities and Exchange
Commission registrations in the United States;
work associated with bond and treasury issues;
and due diligence services associated with
proposed acquisitions. They were also engaged
during 2011 in a number of jurisdictions in which
the Group operates to provide help with local tax
compliance, advice on taxation laws and other
related matters; assignments which typically
involve relatively small fees. The Audit Committee
is satisfied that the external auditors’ knowledge
of the Group was an important factor in choosing
them to provide these services. The Committee is
also satisfied that the fees paid to Ernst & Young
for non-audit work, which amounted to circa 20%
of the consolidated audit fee, did not compromise
their independence or integrity. Details of the
amounts paid to the external auditors during the
year for audit and other services are set out in
note 4 to the consolidated financial statements
on page 74.
The Group external audit engagement partner is
replaced every five years.
CRH 43
Corporate Governance Report continued
Attendance at Board and Board Committee meetings during the year ended 31 December 2011
Board
Acquisitions
Audit
Finance
Nomination
Remuneration
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
E.J. Bärtschi *
M. Carton
W.P. Egan
U-H. Felcht
N. Hartery
J.M. de Jong
J.W. Kennedy
M. Lee
K. McGowan
A. Manifold
D.N. O’Connor
J.M.C. O’Connor **
W.I. O’Mahony ***
M.S. Towe
2
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
2
8
8
2
8
8
6
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
2
8
8
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
9
9
9
3
7
9
9
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
7
7
7
7
7
6
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
2
4
4
Column A - indicates the number of meetings held during the period the Director was a member of the Board and/or Committee.
Column B - indicates the number of meetings attended during the period the Director was a member of the Board and/or Committee.
Mr. Felcht was unable to attend some meetings during the course of 2011 due to diary conflicts and personal circumstances.
* Appointed on 26 October 2011
** Retired on 4 May 2011
*** Retired on 31 December 2011
Finance Committee
This Committee, which advises the Board on the
financial requirements of the Group and on
appropriate funding arrangements, considers and
makes recommendations to the Board in relation to
the issue and buy-back of shares and debt
instruments and to the Group’s financing
arrangements; considers and makes
recommendations to the Board in relation to
dividend levels on the Ordinary shares; keeps the
Board advised of the financial implications of Board
decisions in relation to acquisitions; assists
management, at their request, in considering any
financial or taxation aspect of the Group’s affairs.
During 2011, the Committee considered a review
of the Group’s listing arrangements, which resulted,
in December 2011, in the re-classification of CRH’s
listing of Ordinary shares on the Irish Stock
Exchange from a primary listing to a secondary
listing (the “Listing Re-classification”). CRH retained
the premium listing of its Ordinary shares on the
London Stock Exchange and there was no change
to its listing of American Depositary Shares on the
New York Stock Exchange. The Listing Re-
classification facilitated the Group’s inclusion in the
FTSE 100 and FTSE All Share indices.
Nomination & Corporate Governance Committee
This Committee consists of four independent
non-executive Directors. The Committee has
recommended to the Board that, in accordance
with evolving governance norms in some regions,
the Nomination & Corporate Governance
Committee should be made up entirely of
non-executive Directors. Accordingly, the Chief
Executive stepped down from the Committee in
February 2012. Mr. Lee continues to be consulted
on issues related to Board, senior management
succession and corporate governance
developments and is invited to attend meetings of
the Committee when appropriate. The Committee
is responsible for assisting the Board in ensuring
that the composition of the Board and its
Committees is appropriate to the needs of the
Group; for keeping corporate governance
developments under review and recommending
changes, where appropriate, to the Board; for
monitoring compliance with governance codes;
and for reviewing the content of the Corporate
Governance Report to shareholders.
In 2010, the Committee recommended to the
Board that the Company appoint an external
service provider to facilitate the evaluation of the
performance of the Board at least once every three
years. The first evaluation will take place in 2012
and will supplement existing processes and
reviews carried out by the Chairman and the Senior
Independent Director (as outlined in the
Performance appraisal and Board evaluation
section of this Report on pages 41 and 42). A
number of potential providers based in Ireland and
the UK were considered. The provider which the
Committee recommended to the Board, and which
was subsequently engaged, is based in the UK
and has an extensive record in facilitating Board
evaluations in large listed companies both in Ireland
and the UK. While the provider is part of an
44 CRH
organisation which also supplies software solutions
to the Group, the Committee is satisfied that the
annual value of the relevant contracts is not
material to either party. The Committee has agreed
the terms of reference for the evaluation and will
review the results.
The factors taken into account by the Committee in
considering the composition of the Board are set
out in the policy for Board renewal which is detailed
on page 40. The Committee establishes processes
for the identification of suitable candidates for
appointment to the Board and oversees
succession planning for the Board and senior
management. Non-executive Directors are typically
expected to serve two three-year terms, although
they may be invited to serve for a further period.
The Committee keeps the tenure of Board
members under review, with the aim of ensuring
phased renewal and refreshment, particularly when
a number of non-executive Directors are appointed
in any one year.
During 2011 and in the year to date, the
Committee identified, and recommended to the
Board, two suitable candidates for appointment as
non-executive Directors, Ernst Bärtschi and
Heather Ann McSharry.
To facilitate the search for suitable candidates to
serve as non-executive Directors, the Committee
uses the services of independent consultants.
When prospective candidates have been identified,
each member of the Committee meets with them.
The Committee led the succession process for the
appointment of Mr. McGowan’s successor as
Chairman and, having sought the views of each
Director in relation to the filling of this position,
recommended to the Board that Mr. Hartery be
appointed as Chairman Designate. The Committee
was, in the absence of Mr. McGowan and Mr.
Hartery, chaired by Mr. Egan when considering its
recommendation. The Committee set out the
duties, responsibilities and time commitment
required by Mr. McGowan’s successor and
determined that, due to the calibre of internal
candidates, there was no requirement to seek
external candidates. Consequently, the position of
Chairman was not advertised and external
consultants were not engaged. Mr. Hartery is a
non-executive Director of Musgrave Group plc (an
unlisted public limited company), Eircom Limited
and is a business consultant.
As referred to above in the section on
Independence of Directors, each year the
Committee reviews details of the non-CRH
directorships of each Director, including any
relationship between those companies and the
Group. The Committee also reviews any business
relationships between individual Board members.
Remuneration Committee
This Committee consists of three non-executive
Directors considered by the Board to be
independent and is chaired by the Senior
Independent Director. The Directors’ biographical
details, on page 38, demonstrate that the
members of the Committee bring to it a wide range
of experience in large organisations and public
companies, including experience in the area of
senior executive remuneration. The Committee
receives advice from Mercer, a leading
compensation and benefit consultant. The Chief
Executive is fully consulted about remuneration
proposals. A statement regarding other services
provided by Mercer to the Group is available on the
CRH website, www.crh.com.
In 2011, the Committee determined the salaries of
the executive Directors and the level of awards
made under the performance-related incentive
plans, which were based on measured targets. The
Committee set the remuneration of the Chairman
and reviewed the remuneration of senior
management. It also approved an award of share
options to the executive Directors and key
management under the 2010 Share Option
Scheme, which was approved by shareholders in
May 2010 (the 2010 Scheme), and the conditional
allocation of shares under the 2006 Performance
Share Plan. In addition, the Committee approved
the partial release of awards made under the 2006
Performance Share Plan in 2008 and released
deferred shares awarded in 2008.
The Committee oversees the preparation of the
Report on Directors’ Remuneration, which contains
details on pages 48 to 55 of the Group’s
remuneration policy, the structure of executive
Substantial Holdings
As at 31 December 2011, the Company had received notification of the following interests in its Ordinary share capital:
Name
31 December 2011
31 December 2010
31 December 2009
BlackRock, Inc.*
Capital Group International
Holding/Voting
Rights
% at year
end
Holding/Voting
Rights
% at year
end
Holding/Voting
Rights
% at year
end
28,961,677
4.02%
28,235,082
3.98%
-
-
-
-
-
-
20,863,228
2.98%
Capital Research and Management Company (CRMC)**
69,367,916
9.64 %
77,242,667
10.89%
34,997,266
5.01%
The Growth Fund of America (GFA)**
Harbor International Fund
Norges Bank (The Central Bank of Norway)
Templeton Global Advisors Limited*
UBS AG
-
21,999,275
21,543,277
21,503,171
26,380,604
-
3.05%
2.99%
2.99%
3.66%
-
-
-
-
21,707,149
3.06%
-
-
28,597,372
4.09%
-
-
-
-
-
-
26,380,604
3.72%
26,380,604
3.77%
Since 31 December 2011, the Company has not been advised of any changes in the holdings set out above.
* BlackRock, Inc. and Templeton Global Advisors Limited have advised that their interests in CRH shares arise by reason of discretionary investment management
arrangements entered into by them or their subsidiaries.
** In early 2010, CRMC advised the Company that, with effect from 1 January 2010, it had been granted proxy voting authority by various Capital Group funds,
including the GFA, which previously voted independently from CRMC.
CRH 45
Corporate Governance Report continued
Directors’ remuneration, awards made under the
Group’s share incentive plans, the factors taken
into account when assessing the level of vesting
under the Performance Share Plan and executive
Directors’ pension arrangements.
Following the Listing Re-classification referred to on
page 44, the Committee determined that it
remained appropriate for CRH, as an Irish
incorporated company, to continue to have regard
to the guidelines and recommendations of the Irish
Association of Investment Managers (IAIM) in
relation to share incentive plans. In early 2012, the
IAIM approved amendments to the performance
criteria in respect of the grant of options under the
2010 Scheme in 2012. Subsequently, the
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee wrote to
the Group’s major shareholders in relation to the
changes. Further details in relation to the
performance criteria for the 2010 Scheme are set
out on page 49 in the Report on Directors’
Remuneration. In addition to the guidelines of the
IAIM, the Group takes cognisance of remuneration
guidelines issued by institutional shareholders and
the provisions of Schedule A to the 2010 Code will
be followed in relation to the design of
performance-related incentive schemes.
A Committee of the Chairman and the executive
Directors makes recommendations to the Board in
relation to the remuneration of the non-executive
Directors. In accordance with the Articles of
Association, shareholders set the maximum
aggregate amount of the fees payable to
non-executive Directors. The current limit was set
by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting
held in 2005.
On the recommendation of the Nomination &
Corporate Governance Committee, the
Committee’s terms of reference were updated in
2010 to the effect that the Group’s Chairman may
be a member of the Committee provided his/her
tenure on the Board does not exceed 12 years.
Accordingly, Mr. McGowan ceased to be a
member of the Committee in 2010. He is consulted
on Remuneration matters and is invited to attend
meetings of the Committee when appropriate. Mr.
Hartery, who was appointed to the Board in 2004
will remain a member of the Committee when he
becomes Chairman in May 2012.
Communications with Shareholders
Communications with shareholders are given high
priority and we communicate with shareholders in
a number of ways. There is regular dialogue with
institutional shareholders and proxy voting
agencies, as well as presentations and webcasts at
the time of the release of the annual and interim
46 CRH
results. Conference calls are held following the
issuance of interim management statements and
major announcements by the Group, which afford
Directors the opportunity to hear investors’
reactions to the announcements and their views on
other issues. Interim management statements are
issued in May and November. Major acquisitions
are notified to the Stock Exchanges in accordance
with the requirements of the Listing Rules. In
addition, development updates, giving details of
other acquisitions completed and major capital
expenditure projects, are usually issued in January
and July each year.
During 2011, the Board received and considered
reports on the issues raised by investors in the
course of the presentations and meetings.
The Group’s website, www.crh.com, provides the
full text of the Annual and Interim Reports, the
Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is filed annually
with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission, the CSR Report, interim management
statements and copies of presentations to analysts
and investors. News releases are made available in
the Media section of the website immediately after
release to the Stock Exchanges. Webcasts of key
investor briefings are broadcast live and are made
available as recordings in the Media section.
In addition, we respond throughout the year to
numerous letters from shareholders on a wide
range of issues.
The Chief Executive presented an overview of CRH
strategy to shareholders at the 2011 Annual General
Meeting. The presentation, which also set out
management’s response to the market challenges of
recent years, is available on the CRH website.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is embedded
in all CRH operations and activities. Excellence in
governance, environmental (including climate
change), health and safety and social performance
is a daily key priority of line management. Group
policies and implementation systems are
summarised on pages 6 and 7 and are described
in detail in the CSR Report on the Group’s website,
www.crh.com. During 2011, CRH was again
recognised, by several leading socially responsible
investment (SRI) agencies, as being among the
leaders in its sector in this area.
Code of Business Conduct
The CRH Code of Business Conduct, which was
updated recently to ensure it continues to be at the
forefront of best practice in this area, is applicable
to all Group employees. The updated Code will be
published and available on the Group’s website,
www.crh.com during the first quarter of 2012 and
will be available on the website in 20 languages
during the course of 2012. Regional hotline
facilities are in place, to enable employees to report
suspected breaches of the Code.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
The Company’s Memorandum of Association sets
out the objects and powers of the Company. The
Articles of Association detail the rights attaching to
each share class; the method by which the
Company’s shares can be purchased or re-issued;
the provisions which apply to the holding of and
voting at general meetings; and the rules relating to
the Directors, including their appointment,
retirement, re-election, duties and powers. Details
of transactions in the Company’s own shares are
included on pages 57 and 58 of the Directors’
Report.
At the 2012 Annual General Meeting, shareholders
will be asked to approve minor changes to the
Articles of Association. Further details in relation to
the proposed changes are set out in a letter to
shareholders which is available on the CRH
website.
A copy of the current Memorandum and Articles of
Association can be obtained from the Group’s
website, www.crh.com.
General Meetings
The Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM),
which is held in Ireland, affords individual
shareholders the opportunity to question the
Chairman and the Board. All Directors attended the
2011 AGM. The Notice of the AGM, which
specifies the time, date, place and the business to
be transacted, is sent to shareholders at least 20
working days before the meeting. At the meeting,
resolutions are voted on by means of an electronic
voting system. The votes of shareholders present
at the meeting are added to the proxy votes
received in advance and the total number of votes
for, against and withheld for each resolution are
announced. This information is made available on
the Company’s website following the meeting.
All other general meetings are called Extraordinary
General Meetings (EGMs). An EGM called for the
passing of a special resolution must be called by at
least 21 clear days’ notice.
A quorum for a general meeting of the Company is
constituted by five or more shareholders present in
person and entitled to vote. The passing of
resolutions at a meeting of the Company, other
than special resolutions, requires a simple majority.
To be passed, a special resolution requires a
majority of at least 75% of the votes cast.
Going Concern
The Company’s business activities, together with
the factors likely to affect its future development,
performance and position are set out in the Chief
Executive’s Review and in the Directors’ Report on
pages 11 to 14 and pages 56 to 58. The financial
position of the Company, its cash flows, liquidity
position and borrowing facilities are described in
the Finance Review on pages 17 to 19. In addition,
notes 21 to 25 to the financial statements include
the Company’s objectives, policies and processes
for managing its capital; its financial risk
management objectives; details of its financial
instruments and hedging activities; and its
exposures to credit, currency and liquidity risks.
The Company 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 Company is well placed
to manage these risks successfully and have a
reasonable expectation that the Company, and the
Group as a whole, have adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
financial statements.
Compliance
In the period under review, CRH complied with the
provisions of the 2010 Code. The Company also
complied with the rules issued by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission to
implement the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002, in so far
as they apply to the Group.
Shareholders have the right to attend, speak, ask
questions and vote at general meetings. In
accordance with Irish company law, the Company
specifies record dates for general meetings, by
which date shareholders must be registered in the
Register of Members of the Company to be entitled
to attend. Record dates are specified in the notes
to the Notice of a general meeting. Shareholders
may exercise their right to vote by appointing a
proxy/proxies, by electronic means or in writing, to
vote some or all of their shares. The requirements
for the receipt of valid proxy forms are set out in
the notes to the Notice convening the meeting and
in the notes on the proxy form. A shareholder, or a
group of shareholders, holding at least 5% of the
issued share capital of the Company, has the right
to requisition a general meeting. A shareholder, or a
group of shareholders, holding at least 3% of the
issued share capital of the Company, has the right
to put an item on the agenda of an AGM or to table
a draft resolution for inclusion in the agenda of a
general meeting, subject to any contrary provision
in Irish company law.
The Group’s website, www.crh.com, contains
answers to questions frequently asked by
shareholders (FAQs), including questions regarding
shareholder rights in respect of general meetings.
The FAQs can be accessed in the Investors section
of the website under “Equity Investors”.
Risk Management and Internal Control
The Board has delegated responsibility for the
monitoring of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk
management and internal control systems to the
Audit Committee*. Such systems are designed to
manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to
achieve business objectives and, in the case of
internal control systems, can provide only
reasonable and not absolute assurance against
material misstatement or loss.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared
subject to oversight and control of the Finance
Director, ensuring correct data is captured from
Group locations and all required information for
disclosure in the consolidated financial statements
is provided. An appropriate control framework has
been put in place around the recording of
appropriate eliminations and other adjustments.
The consolidated financial statements are reviewed
by the CRH Financial Review and Disclosure Group
prior to being reviewed by the Audit Committee
and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Directors confirm that the Group’s ongoing
process for identifying, evaluating and managing its
principal risks and uncertainties (as outlined in the
Directors’ Report on pages 56 and 57) is in
accordance with the updated Turnbull guidance
(Internal Control: Revised Guidance for Directors on
the Combined Code) published in October 2005.
The process has been in place throughout the
accounting period and up to the date of approval
of the Annual Report and financial statements.
Group management has responsibility for major
strategic development and financing decisions.
Responsibility for operational issues is devolved,
subject to limits of authority, to product group and
operating company management. Management at
all levels is responsible for internal control over the
business functions that have been delegated. This
embedding of the system of internal control
throughout the Group’s operations ensures that the
organisation is capable of responding quickly to
evolving business risks and that significant internal
control issues, should they arise, are reported
promptly to appropriate levels of management.
During the year, the Board and Audit Committee
received, on a regular basis, reports from
management on the key risks to the business and
the steps being taken to manage such risks and
considered whether the significant risks faced by
the Group were being identified, evaluated and
appropriately managed, having regard to the
balance of risk, cost and opportunity. In addition,
the Audit Committee met with internal auditors on
a regular basis and satisfied itself as to the
adequacy of the Group’s internal control system,
met with the Chairman of the Remuneration
Committee to ensure that the Group’s
remuneration policies and structures were in line
with the Group’s “risk appetite” (which the Board
has determined to be low) and reviewed the
principal risks and uncertainties outlined in the
Directors’ Report.
The Audit Committee also met with, and received
reports from, the external auditors. The Chairman
of the Audit Committee reported regularly to the
Board on all significant issues considered by the
Committee and the minutes of its meetings were
circulated to all Directors.
The Directors confirm that, in addition to the
monitoring carried out by the Audit Committee
under its terms of reference, they have reviewed
the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management
and internal control systems up to and including
the date of approval of the financial statements.
This had regard to all material controls, including
financial, operational and compliance controls, that
could affect the Group’s business.
* In accordance with Section 91(6)(b) of the EC (Directive 2006/43) Regulations 2010
CRH 47
Report on Directors’ Remuneration
The Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee of the Board consists
of independent non-executive Directors of the
Company. Under its terms of reference, which are
available on the CRH website www.crh.com, the
Remuneration Committee is responsible for
determining the Group’s policy on executive
remuneration and considering and approving
salaries and other terms of the remuneration
packages for the executive Directors. The
Remuneration Committee also recommends and
monitors the level and structure of remuneration for
senior management. It receives advice from leading
independent firms of compensation and benefit
consultants, when necessary, and the Chairman
and the Chief Executive attend meetings except
when their own remuneration is being discussed.
Further details regarding the members of the
Remuneration Committee, including their length of
service and biographies are set out on page 38.
Remuneration Policy
CRH is an international group of companies, with
activities in 36 countries. CRH’s policy on Directors’
remuneration is designed to attract and retain
Directors of the highest calibre who can bring their
experience and independent views to the policy,
strategic decisions and governance of CRH.
Executive Directors must be properly rewarded and
motivated to perform in the long-term interest of the
shareholders. The spread of the Group’s operations
requires that the remuneration packages in place in
each geographical area are appropriate and
competitive for that area. In setting remuneration
levels, the Remuneration Committee takes into
consideration the remuneration practices of other
international companies of similar size and scope,
trends in executive remuneration generally, in each
of the regions in which the Company operates, and
the EU Commission’s recommendations on
remuneration in listed companies. Extensive reviews
of the structure of executive remuneration were
carried out in 2005 and in 2009.
The EU Commission’s recommendations were
published in December 2004 in a document entitled
“fostering an appropriate regime for the
remuneration of the directors of listed companies”
and those recommendations were supplemented
by additional recommendations issued in 2009. The
Remuneration Committee supports the general
objectives of the EU’s recommendations and the
broad issues they aim to address. This is reflected
in the detailed disclosures in this Report and in the
Corporate Governance Report in relation to the
composition of the Remuneration Committee, the
Group’s remuneration policy, the elements of
executive Directors’ remuneration (including bonus
structure, deferred bonus arrangements and share
incentive plans), the collective and individual
remuneration of Directors and pension entitlements.
The Company believes that shareholders are
entitled to have a “say on pay” and, accordingly, the
Report on Directors’ Remuneration is presented to
shareholders each year for the purposes of an
advisory vote. In 2011, 96.4% of the votes on this
resolution were cast in favour. A number of the EU
Commission’s recommendations, some of which
are the subject of ongoing consideration at
48 CRH
government level and in investment associations,
have not been implemented by the Remuneration
Committee. Those areas will continue to receive the
Remuneration Committee’s active consideration
and their relevance and practicality in the business
context in which CRH operates will be assessed on
an ongoing basis.
Performance-related rewards, based on measured
targets, are a key component of remuneration.
CRH’s strategy of fostering entrepreneurship in its
regional companies requires well-designed incentive
plans that reward the creation of shareholder value
through organic and acquisitive growth. The typical
elements of the remuneration package for executive
Directors are basic salary and benefits, a
performance-related incentive plan, pension
arrangements and participation in the performance
share and share option plans. It is policy to grant
participation in these plans to key management to
encourage identification with shareholders’ interests
and to create a community of interest among
different regions and nationalities. The Chairman of
the Remuneration Committee meets with the Audit
Committee annually to review the Group’s
remuneration structures and ensure they are in line
with its risk policies and systems.
The Group also operates share participation plans
and savings-related share option schemes for
eligible employees in all regions where the
regulations permit the operation of such plans. In
total there are approximately 6,750 employees of all
categories who are shareholders in the Group.
Executive Directors’ Remuneration
Basic salary and benefits
The basic salaries of executive Directors are
reviewed annually having regard to personal
performance, company performance, step changes
in responsibilities and competitive market practice
in the area of operation. Employment-related
benefits relate principally to relocation costs, the
use of company cars and medical/life assurance.
No fees are payable to executive Directors.
Performance-related incentive plan
The performance-related incentive plan is totally
based on achieving clearly defined and stretch
annual profit targets and strategic goals with an
approximate weighting of 80% for profits and cash
flow generation and 20% for personal and strategic
goals. At target performance, payout is 80% of
basic salary for Europe-based participants and 90%
of basic salary for US-based participants. A
maximum payout of 1.5 times these levels is
payable for a level of performance well in excess of
target.
The four components of the plan are:
(i) Individual performance
(ii) Profit before tax and earnings per share growth
targets
(iii) Cash flow generation targets
(iv) Return on net assets targets
Up to one-third of the bonus in each year is payable
in CRH shares and the entitlement to beneficial
ownership of the shares is deferred for a period of
three years (the Deferred Shares), with the individual
not becoming beneficially entitled to the Deferred
Shares in the event of departure from the Group in
certain circumstances during that time period.
Deferred Shares are awarded in respect of the
portion of any bonus payout that exceeds target
performance. The principal objective of the deferral
element is to tie a portion of the annual award to
the longer-term performance of the CRH share
price. In 2011, the Remuneration Committee
authorised the release of the Deferred Shares
awarded to Mr. Lee in 2008.
In addition to the annual performance incentive
plan, the Chief Executive, Mr. Lee, has a special
long-term incentive plan (LTIP) incorporating targets
set for the five-year period 2009-2013. The plan,
the structure of which is the same as for LTIPs put
in place for previous CRH chief executives,
incorporates challenging goals in respect of Total
Shareholder Return by comparison with a peer
group, growth in earnings per share and the
strategic development of the Group, with a total
maximum earnings potential of 40% of aggregate
basic salary. While accruals are made on an annual
basis, there is no commitment to any payment until
the end of the period. Any payments under the plan
will not be pensionable. Details of the manner in
which the earnings are provided for under the plan
are set out in note 2 to the table of Directors’
remuneration on page 51.
Performance Share Plan/Share Option Scheme
Long-term incentive plans involving conditional
awards of shares are a common part of executive
remuneration packages, motivating high
performance and aligning the interests of executives
and shareholders. The Performance Share Plan
approved by shareholders in May 2006 is tied to
Total Shareholder Return (TSR). Half of the award is
assessed against TSR for a group of global building
materials companies and the other half against TSR
for the constituents of the Eurofirst 300 Index.
The maximum award under the Performance Share
Plan is 150% of basic salary per annum in the form
of conditional shares and the vesting period is three
years. The awards lapse, if over the three-year
period, CRH’s TSR is below the median of the peer
group/index; 30% of the award vests if CRH’s
performance is equal to the median while 100%
vests if CRH’s performance is equal to or greater
than the 75th percentile; for TSR performance
between the 50th and the 75th percentiles,
between 30% and 100% of the award vests on a
straight-line basis.
When approved by shareholders in 2006, the
Performance Share Plan incorporated an earnings
per share (EPS) growth underpin of the Irish
Consumer Price Index plus 5% per annum, a
requirement of the Irish Association of Investment
Managers (IAIM) at the time. The circular issued in
2006 in connection with the proposed adoption of
the Performance Share Plan advised shareholders
that the “Committee may modify the EPS
performance condition if, following agreement with
the Irish Association of Investment Managers, it is
satisfied that there are valid reasons to do so or
where such requirement has ceased to be a
requirement of the Irish Association of Investment
Managers”. In 2009, the IAIM advised that it did not
regard this financial test as an additional hurdle but
rather as a mechanism to assist the Remuneration
Committee in determining whether TSR reflected
performance. Following discussion with the IAIM,
the rules of the PSP were amended to delete the
underpin requirement, substituting in its place the
condition that no award, or portion of an award,
which had satisfied the TSR performance criteria
would be released unless the Remuneration
Committee had confirmed the validity of the TSR
performance and reviewed EPS performance to
assess its consistency with the objectives of the
assessment.
During 2011, the Remuneration Committee
determined that 46.21% of the award made under
the Performance Share Plan in 2008 had vested.
The Company’s TSR performance, which was
verified by the Remuneration Committee’s
remuneration consultants, was between the 50th
and the 75th percentiles referred to above when
assessed against the building materials sector,
while TSR performance was below the median in
relation to the Eurofirst 300 Index. Prior to making
its vesting determination in each case, the
Remuneration Committee satisfied itself that the
TSR outcome was valid and had not been
significantly affected by unusual events or
extraneous factors.
The peer group against which the Performance
Share Plan was measured for the 2008 award was:
Boral
Kingspan Group
Buzzi Unicem
Lafarge
Cemex
Ciments Francais
Cimpor
Grafton Group
Martin Marietta
Materials
Saint Gobain
Titan Cement
Heidelberg Cement
Travis Perkins
Holcim
Home Depot
Italcementi
Vulcan Materials
Weinerberger
Wolseley
Participants in the Plan are not entitled to any
dividends (or other distributions made) and have no
right to vote in respect of the shares subject to the
award, until such time as the shares vest. Details of
awards to Directors under the Plan are provided on
page 54.
2010 Share Option Scheme
At the 2010 Annual General Meeting, shareholders
approved the introduction of the current share
option scheme (the 2010 Scheme) by a vote of
97.5% to 2.5%. Options are granted annually,
ensuring a smooth progression over the life of the
scheme, at the market price of the Company’s
shares at the time of grant. To ensure transparency,
grants are made after the final results
announcement. The Scheme currently has
approximately 650 active participants, over 50% of
whom are US employees.
It was indicated in the circular to shareholders in
connection with the introduction of the 2010
Scheme that, for the most senior executives in the
Group, the combination of awards under CRH’s
share incentive plans would be biased towards the
TSR-based Performance Share Plan. Awards in
2010 and 2011 were made on this basis and it is
intended to maintain this approach. The maximum
allocation to any executive under the 2010 Scheme
was 150% of basic salary; the maximum allowable
under the rules is 200% of salary (including bonus
and benefits-in-kind).
The 2010 Scheme is based on one tier of options
with a single vesting test. The performance criteria
for the scheme are EPS-based. Vesting only occurs
once an initial performance target has been
reached and, thereafter, is dependant on
performance. In considering the level of vesting
based on EPS performance, the Remuneration
Committee also considers the overall results of the
Group. Performance targets for the initial grant of
options were agreed with the IAIM, which also
approved the Scheme, and were as follows:
• the option award lapses if EPS growth over the
three year target period is less than 12.5%
compounded over the period;
• 20% of the option grant shall be exercisable if
compound EPS growth is equal to 12.5%, while
100% shall be exercisable if compound EPS
growth is equal to 27.5%;
• subject to any reduction which the Remuneration
Committee deems appropriate, options vest
between 20% and 40% on a straight line basis if
compound growth is between 12.5% and
17.5%; and vest between 40% and 100% on a
straight line basis if compound growth is
between 17.5% and 27.5%, which provides for
proportionately more vesting for higher levels of
EPS growth.
The above criteria were also applied for the second
grant of options under the scheme in 2011. In
setting the criteria in March 2010, the Remuneration
Committee took into account the steep fall in CRH
EPS arising from the global financial crisis and also
an expected rebound in economic growth in CRH’s
primary markets. Events over the past two years
have led to a much weaker economic recovery and
in retrospect these targets have proved much too
demanding. As a result, the incentive element in the
Scheme has been severely eroded.
Accordingly, the Committee has reviewed the
performance criteria in the light of the current
economic circumstances and trading backdrop
and, with the approval of the IAIM, has adjusted the
targets to apply for the option grant in April 2012,
as follows:
• the option lapses if EPS growth over the three
year target period is less than 10% compounded
over the period;
• 20% of the option grant shall be exercisable if
compound EPS growth is equal to 10% while
100% shall be exercisable if compound EPS
growth is equal to 20%;
• subject to any reduction which the Remuneration
Committee deems appropriate, options vest
between 20% and 40% on a straight line basis if
compound growth is between 10% and 13%;
and vest between 40% and 100% on a straight
line basis if compound growth is between 13%
and 20%, which provides for proportionately
more vesting for higher levels of EPS growth.
The targets that applied to the 2010 and 2011
option grants remain in place.
The Chairman of the Remuneration Committee has
written to major shareholders regarding the change,
the rationale therefor and the consultation process
with the IAIM.
The Remuneration Committee will review the
targets for future grants in 2013 and subsequent
years in the light of economic and industry
developments.
The Remuneration Committee has discretionary
powers regarding the implementation of the rules of
the 2010 Scheme. These powers have not been
exercised since the adoption of the Scheme. A
summary of the principal features of the 2010
Scheme was included in the circular sent to all
shareholders, with the Notice of the 2010 Annual
General Meeting. The circular is available on the
CRH website, www.crh.com. Under the rules of the
2010 Scheme, the Committee has discretion to
introduce “clawback” provisions on a retrospective
basis for options granted, if such provisions are
required by law or any applicable code of corporate
governance.
The percentage of share capital which can be
issued under CRH share schemes, and individual
share participation limits, comply with institutional
guidelines.
Non-executive Directors’ Remuneration
The remuneration of non-executive Directors,
including that of the Chairman, is determined by the
Board of Directors as a whole. In determining the
remuneration, the Board receives recommendations
from the Remuneration Committee in respect of the
Chairman and in respect of the non-executive
Directors from a committee of the Chairman and
the executive Directors. Remuneration is set at a
level which will attract individuals with the necessary
experience and ability to make a substantial
contribution to the Company’s affairs and reflect the
time and travel demands of their Board duties. They
do not participate in any of the Company’s
performance-related incentive plans or share
schemes.
Pensions
Ms. Carton, Mr. Lee and Mr. Manifold are
participants in a contributory defined benefit plan
which is based on an accrual rate of 1/60th of
pensionable salary for each year of pensionable
service and is designed to provide two-thirds of
salary at retirement for full service. There is provision
for Ms. Carton, Mr. Lee and Mr. Manifold to retire at
60 years of age.
The Finance Act 2006 established a cap on pension
provision by introducing a penalty tax charge on
pension assets in excess of the higher of €5 million
(in the Finance Act 2011, this threshold was
reduced to €2.3 million) or the value of individual
accrued pension entitlements as at 7 December
CRH 49
Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued
2005. As a result of these legislative changes, the
Remuneration Committee decided that Ms. Carton,
Mr. Lee and Mr. Manifold should have the option of
continuing to accrue pension benefits as previously,
or of choosing an alternative arrangement – by
accepting pension benefits limited by the cap – with
a similar overall cost to Group. They have chosen to
opt for the alternative arrangement which involves
capping their pensions in line with the provisions of
the Finance Act 2006 and receiving a
supplementary taxable non-pensionable cash
allowance in lieu of pension benefits foregone.
These allowances are similar in value to the
reduction in the Company’s liability represented by
the pension benefits foregone. They are calculated
based on actuarial advice as the equivalent of the
reduction in the Company’s liability to each
individual and spread over the term to retirement as
annual compensation allowances. The allowances
for 2011 are detailed in note (iii) on page 52.
Mr. Towe participates in a defined contribution
retirement plan in respect of basic salary; and in
addition participates in an unfunded defined
contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan (SERP) also in respect of basic salary, to which
contributions are made at an agreed rate, offset by
contributions made to the other retirement plan.
Since 1991, it has been the Board’s policy that
non-executive Directors do not receive pensions.
Directors’ Service Contracts
No executive Director has a service contract, has a
notice period in excess of 12 months, or is entitled
to any benefits on termination of employment.
Directors’ Remuneration and Interests in
Share Capital
Details of Directors’ remuneration charged against
profit in the year are given in the table on the next
page. Details of individual remuneration and
pension benefits for the year ended 31 December
2011 are given on page 52. Directors’ share
options are shown on pages 54 and 55; Directors’
share-holdings are shown below.
Directors’ interests in share capital at 31 December 2011
The interests of the Directors and Secretary in the shares of the Company as at 31 December 2011, which are beneficial unless otherwise indicated, are shown
below. The Directors and Secretary have no beneficial interests in any of the Group’s subsidiary, joint venture or associated undertakings. The Company’s Register
of Directors’ Interests contains full details of Directors’ shareholdings and options to subscribe for shares.
Ordinary
Shares
Directors
E.J. Bärtschi
M. Carton
W.P. Egan
- Non-beneficial
U-H. Felcht
N. Hartery
J.M. de Jong
J.W. Kennedy
M. Lee
K. McGowan
A. Manifold
D.N. O'Connor
M.S. Towe
Secretary
N. Colgan
31 December
2011
31 December
2010
2,000
42,343
16,112
12,000
1,285
1,302
14,672
1,009
372,401
22,744
29,215
15,883
55,405
9,174
595,545
- *
38,521
16,427
12,000
1,285
1,285
14,036
1,009
348,340
22,001
21,525
15,328
44,644
11,348
547,749
There were no transactions in the above Directors’ and Secretary’s interests between 31 December 2011 and 27 February 2012.
Of the above holdings, the following are held in the form of American Depositary Receipts:
W.P. Egan
- Non-beneficial
M.S. Towe
31 December
2011
31 December
2010
15,000
12,000
3,397
10,000
12,000
3,397
Ms. H.A. McSharry became a Director on 22 February 2012 and her holding at that date is set out below. There were no transactions between 22 February and
27 February 2012.
H.A. McSharry
* Holding as at date of appointment.
50 CRH
22 February
2012
3,556
Directors’ Remuneration
Notes
Executive Directors
Basic salary
Performance-related incentive plan
– cash element
– deferred shares element
Retirement benefits expense
Benefits
1
2011
€000
2010
€000
3,398
3,443
1,559
952
-
-
1,727
1,602
135
164
6,819
6,161
2 Provision for Chief Executive long-term incentive plan
460
460
Total executive Directors’ remuneration
7,279
6,621
Average number of executive Directors
4.00
4.00
Non-executive Directors
Fees
Other remuneration
Total non-executive Directors’ remuneration
578
659
635
667
1,237
1,302
Average number of non-executive Directors
8.52
9.34
3 Payments to former Directors
Total Directors’ remuneration
47
56
8,563
7,979
Notes to Directors’ remuneration
1 See analysis of 2011 remuneration by individual on page 52.
2 As set out on page 48, the Chief Executive has a special long-term incentive plan tied to the
achievement of exceptional growth and key strategic goals for the five-year period 2009 to
2013 with a total maximum earnings potential of 40% of aggregate basic salary. While accruals
are made on an annual basis, there is no commitment to any payment until the end of the five-
year period.
3 Consulting and other fees paid to a number of former directors.
CRH 51
Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued
Individual remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2011
Basic
salary
and fees
(i)
€000
Incentive Plan
Cash
element
(ii)
€000
Deferred
shares
(ii)
€000
Retirement
benefits
expense
(iii)
€000
Other
remuneration
(iv)
€000
Benefits
(v)
€000
Executive Directors
M. Carton (vi)
G. Culpepper (vi)
M. Lee
A. Manifold
M.S. Towe
Non-executive Directors
E.J. Bärtschi (vii)
W.P. Egan
U-H. Felcht
N. Hartery
J.M. de Jong
J. W. Kennedy
K. McGowan
T.V. Neill (viii)
D.N. O'Connor
J.M.C. O'Connor (ix)
W.I. O'Mahony
550
-
1,150
800
898
3,398
11
68
68
68
68
68
68
-
68
23
68
578
255
-
534
371
399
1,559
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
232
-
980
335
180
1,727
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
52
37
56
71
37
337
-
22
8
35
659
13
-
25
31
66
135
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
2011
€000
1,050
-
2,689
1,537
1,543
6,819
15
120
105
124
139
105
405
-
90
31
103
1,237
Total
2010
€000
489
381
2,443
1,385
1,463
6,161
-
120
105
121
139
90
405
36
90
90
106
1,302
(i) Basic salary and fees Salary levels for Irish-based executive Directors were unchanged in 2011 as were fee levels for non-executive Directors. Mark Towe
received a 2011 salary increase in US Dollars which was broadly in line with trends in senior executive remuneration in the United States. The Remuneration
Committee reviewed salary levels in early 2012 and determined that salary levels for Irish-based executive Directors, and fees for non-executive Directors,
should remain unchanged for 2012. The Committee agreed a 2012 salary increase for Mark Towe in line with continuing trends in the United States.
(ii) Performance-related Incentive Plan Under the executive Directors’ incentive plan for 2011, a bonus is payable for meeting clearly defined and stretch
targets and strategic goals. The structure of the 2011 incentive plan is set out on pages 48 and 49. The 2011 plan payout levels reflect progress on strategic
goals and improved earnings per share delivery. For 2011 the bonus is payable entirely in cash.
(iii) Retirement benefits expense The Irish Finance Act 2006 effectively established a cap on pension provision by introducing a penalty tax charge on pension
assets in excess of the higher of €5 million or the value of individual prospective pension entitlements as at 7 December 2005. This cap was further reduced by
the Irish Finance Act 2011 to €2.3 million as at 7 December 2010. As a result of these legislative changes, the Remuneration Committee has decided that
Executive Directors who are members of Irish pension schemes should have the option of continuing to accrue pension benefits as previously, or of choosing
an alternative arrangement - by accepting pension benefits limited by the cap - with a similar overall cost to the Group. Myles Lee and Albert Manifold chose
to opt for the alternative arrangement which involves capping their pensions in line with the provisions of the Finance Acts and receiving a supplementary
taxable non-pensionable cash allowance, in lieu of prospective pension benefits foregone. Prior to 2011, Maeve Carton continued to accrue pension benefits
as previously but for 2011 opted for the alternative arrangement and now receives allowances as described above. These allowances are similar in value to the
reduction in the Company’s liability represented by the pension benefit foregone. They are calculated based on actuarial advice as the equivalent of the
reduction in the Company’s liability to each individual and spread over the term to retirement as annual compensation allowances. For 2011 the compensation
allowances amount to €980,000 (2010: €980,000) for Myles Lee; €335,195 (2010: €354,081) for Albert Manifold and €231,954 for Maeve Carton.
(iv) Other Remuneration Includes remuneration for Chairman, Board Committee work and allowances for non-executive Directors based outside of Ireland. In
the case of Liam O’Mahony payments for services unrelated to Board and Committee work are also included.
(v) Benefits These relate principally to relocation expenses, housing allowance, the use of company cars and medical/life assurance.
(vi) Maeve Carton became a Director on 25 May 2010 while Glenn Culpepper resigned as a Director on the same date and as an executive on 30 June 2010.
Maeve Carton’s remuneration for 2010 is stated from date of appointment while Glenn Culpepper’s remuneration for that year is for the period up to his date
of resignation as a Director.
(vii) Ernst Bärtschi became a Director on 26 October 2011.
(viii) Terry Neill retired on 5 May 2010.
(ix) Joyce O’Connor retired on 4 May 2011.
52 CRH
Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued
Pension entitlements – defined benefit
Executive Directors
M. Carton
M. Lee
A. Manifold
Increase in
accrued
personal
pension
during 2011
(i)
€000
Transfer value
of increase in
dependants’
pension
(i)
€000
Total accrued
personal
pension at
year-end
(ii)
€000
-
-
-
5
-
28
266
287
273
(i) As noted on pages 49 and 50, the pensions of Myles Lee, Albert Manifold and Maeve Carton have been capped in line with the provisions of the Irish Finance
Acts. However, dependants’ pensions continue to accrue resulting in Greenbury transfer values which have been calculated on the basis of actuarial advice.
These amounts do not represent sums paid out or due, but are the amounts that the pension scheme would transfer to another pension scheme in relation to
benefits accrued in 2011 in the event of these Directors leaving service.
(ii) The accrued pensions shown are those which would be payable annually from normal retirement date.
Pension entitlements – defined contribution
The accumulated liablilities related to the unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Mark Towe are as follows:
As at 31
December
2010
€000
2011
contribution
€000
2011
notional
interest
€000
(iii)
Translation
adjustment
€000
As at 31
December
2011
€000
Executive Director
M.S. Towe
1,217
173
63
58
1,511
(iii) Notional interest, which is calculated based on the average bid yields of United States Treasury fixed-coupon securities with remaining terms to maturity of
approximately 20 years, plus 1.5%, is credited to the above plan.
Deferred Shares (iv)
Executive Director
M. Lee
Number at
31 December
2010
Awards of
Deferred
Shares
during 2011
New Shares
allotted under the
Scrip Dividend
Scheme
during 2011
Released
during 2011
Number at
31 December
2011
10,449
-
-
10,449
-
(iv) Under the executive Directors’ incentive plan, up to one third of the bonus in each year is payable in CRH shares and the entitlement to beneficial ownership
of the shares is deferred for a period of three years, with the individual not becoming beneficially entitled to the shares in the event of departure from the Group
in certain circumstances during that time period.
CRH 53
Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued
Directors’ awards under the Performance Share Plan (i)
M. Carton
M. Lee
A. Manifold
M.S. Towe
31 December
2010
Granted in
2011
Released in
2011 (ii)
Lapsed in
2011 (ii)
31 December
2011
Performance
period
Release
date
Market
price in euro
on award
4,436
14,000
10,000
-
28,436
27,725
70,000
75,000
-
172,725
27,725
47,500
55,000
-
130,225
23,289
76,000
60,000
-
159,289
-
-
-
42,000
42,000
-
-
-
88,000
88,000
-
-
-
62,000
62,000
-
-
-
68,000
68,000
2,049
-
-
-
2,049
12,811
-
-
-
12,811
12,811
-
-
-
12,811
10,761
-
-
-
10,761
2,387
-
-
-
2,387
14,914
-
-
-
14,914
14,914
-
-
-
14,914
12,528
-
-
-
12,528
-
14,000
10,000
42,000
66,000
-
70,000
75,000
88,000
233,000
-
47,500
55,000
62,000
164,500
-
76,000
60,000
68,000
204,000
01/01/08 - 31/12/10
01/01/09 - 31/12/11
01/01/10 - 31/12/12
01/01/11 - 31/12/13
March 2011
March 2012
March 2013
March 2014
01/01/08 - 31/12/10
01/01/09 - 31/12/11
01/01/10 - 31/12/12
01/01/11 - 31/12/13
March 2011
March 2012
March 2013
March 2014
01/01/08 - 31/12/10
01/01/09 - 31/12/11
01/01/10 - 31/12/12
01/01/11 - 31/12/13
March 2011
March 2012
March 2013
March 2014
01/01/08 - 31/12/10
01/01/09 - 31/12/11
01/01/10 - 31/12/12
01/01/11 - 31/12/13
March 2011
March 2012
March 2013
March 2014
23.45
17.00
18.51
16.52
23.45
17.00
18.51
16.52
23.45
17.00
18.51
16.52
23.45
17.00
18.51
16.52
(i) Performance Share Plan This is a long-term share incentive plan under which share awards are granted in the form of a provisional allocation of shares for
which no exercise price is payable. The shares scheduled for release in March 2012, March 2013 and March 2014 will be allocated to the extent that the
relative TSR performance conditions are achieved. The structure of the Performance Share Plan is set out on pages 48 and 49.
(ii) On 2 March 2011, the Remuneration Committee determined that 46.21% of the 2008 award vested and that portion of the award was released to participants.
The balance of the 2008 award lapsed.
Directors’ share options
Details of movements on outstanding options and those exercised during the year are set out in the table below:
31 December
2010
Granted in
2011
Lapsed in
2011
Exercised in
2011
31 December
2011
Options exercised during 2011
Weighted
average option
price at
31 December
2011
€
Weighted
average
exercised
price
€
Weighted
average
market price
at date of
exercise
€
55,831
39,924
35,000
1,752
318,435
138,625
85,000
1,752
166,445
48,796
60,000
1,752
576,680
277,250
243,981
155,260
70,000
2,276,483
-
-
42,500
-
-
-
90,000
-
-
-
62,500
-
-
-
-
-
70,000
265,000
-
7,763
-
-
-
27,725
-
-
-
6,654
-
-
138,625
166,350
27,725
27,725
-
402,567
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
55,831
32,161
77,500
1,752
318,435
110,900
175,000
1,752
166,445
42,142
122,500
1,752
438,055
110,900
216,256
127,535
140,000
2,138,916
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
25.75
14.61
17.29
18.39
19.32
14.45
17.36
18.39
21.97
14.36
17.36
18.39
18.88
17.75
20.75
14.44
17.39
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
M. Carton
M. Lee
A. Manifold
W.I. O'Mahony
M.S. Towe
54 CRH
Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued
Options by Price
€
16.4830
16.4830
17.7454
17.7454
11.8573
11.8573
11.9565
11.9565
15.0674
15.0674
15.0854
15.0854
18.7463
18.8545
26.1493
22.3892
29.4855
29.8643
21.5235
16.58
18.39
16.38
31 December
2010
Granted in
2011
Lapsed in
2011
Exercised in
2011
31 December
2011
Earliest
exercise date
Expiry date
166,350
236,217
138,625
182,985
110,900
72,085
27,725
49,905
66,540
68,758
27,725
49,905
72,085
27,725
105,355
221,800
86,502
36,043
143,997
130,000
250,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
265,000
166,350
236,217
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
138,625
182,985
110,900
72,085
27,725
49,905
66,540
68,758
27,725
49,905
72,085
27,725
105,355
221,800
86,502
36,043
143,997
130,000
250,000
265,000
5,256
2,138,916
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(c)
(c)
(d)
March 2012
March 2012
March 2012
March 2012
March 2012
March 2012
March 2012
March 2012
March 2012
March 2012
April 2012
April 2012
April 2013
April 2013
April 2013
April 2013
April 2014
April 2014
April 2014
April 2014
April 2015
April 2015
April 2016
June 2016
April 2017
April 2017
April 2018
April 2019
May 2020
April 2021
July 2013
December 2013
18.3946
5,256
-
2,276,483
265,000
402,567
The market price of the Company’s shares at 31 December 2011 was €15.36 and the range during 2011 was €10.50 to €17.00.
(a) Granted under the 2000 share option scheme, these options are only exercisable when EPS growth exceeds the growth of the Irish Consumer Price Index by
5% compounded over a period of at least three years subsequent to the granting of the options.
(b) Granted under the 2000 share option scheme, these options are only exercisable if, over a period of at least five years subsequent to the granting of the options,
the growth in EPS exceeds the growth of the Irish Consumer Price Index by 10% compounded and places the Company in the top 25% of EPS performance
of a peer group of international building materials and other manufacturing companies. If below the 75th percentile, these options are not exercisable.
(c) Granted under the 2010 share option scheme. Vesting will only occur once an initial performance target has been reached and, thereafter, will be dependent
on performance. The option will lapse if EPS growth over the three year target period is less than 12.5% compounded over the period. 20% of the option will
be exercisable if compound EPS growth is equal to 12.5%, while 100% will be exercisable if compound EPS growth is equal to 27.5%. Subject to any reduction
which the Remuneration Committee deems appropriate, options will vest between 20% and 40% on a straight-line basis if compound growth is between
12.5% and 17.5%; and vest between 40% and 100% on a straight-line basis if compound growth is between 17.5% and 27.5%.
(d) Granted under the 2000 savings-related share option scheme.
CRH 55
Directors’ Report
The Directors submit their report and financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Accounts and Business Review
Sales revenue for 2011 of €18.1 billion was 5%
higher than 2010 (€17.2 billion). Operating profit for
the Group increased by 25% to €871 million after
restructuring and impairment charges totaling €81
million (2010: €202 million). In CRH’s European
segments operating profit increased by €123
million to €520 million, an increase of 31%, due
mainly to better trading in more normal weather
patterns. In the Americas, operating profit
increased by €50 million (17%) to €351 million.
Overall operating profit margin for the Group
increased to 4.8% (2010: 4.1%). Profit on disposal
of non-current assets at €55 million was in line with
2010 (€55 million) and included €27 million in
respect of the disposal of a number of businesses
by the Group.
Profit before tax amounted to €711 million, an
increase of €177 million (+33%) on 2010. After
providing for tax, Group profit for the financial year
amounted to €597 million (2010: €439 million).
Basic earnings per share amounted to 82.6c
compared with 61.3c in the previous year, an
increase of 35%.
Comprehensive reviews of the financial and
operating performance of the Group during 2011
are set out in the Chief Executive’s Review on
pages 11 to 14, the Finance Review on pages 17
to 19 - which includes Key Financial Performance
Indicators on page 19 - and the separate
Operations Reviews for each of the business
segments on pages 26 to 37. The treasury policy
and objectives of the Group are set out in detail in
note 21 to the financial statements.
Events since the end of the financial year
In January 2012, the Group issued €500 million in
7-year Eurobonds at a coupon rate of 5%, the
Group’s lowest ever coupon for a maturity greater
than 5 years. No other important events have
occurred since the end of the financial year which
would have a material effect on the Group’s results
for the year ended 31 December 2011 or on its
financial position at that date, or which would have
a significant impact on the Group’s operations or
outlook for 2012.
Dividend
An interim dividend of 18.5c (2010: 18.5c) per
share was paid in October 2011. The Board is
recommending a final dividend of 44c per share, in
line with the final dividend for 2010. This gives a
total dividend of 62.5c for the year, maintaining last
year’s level. It is proposed to pay the final dividend
on 14 May 2012 to shareholders registered at the
close of business on 9 March 2012. A scrip
dividend alternative will be offered to shareholders.
Development Activity
Total acquisition spend for 2011 amounted to €610
million (2010: €567 million) on a total of 45 bolt-on
transactions which will contribute annualised sales
of approximately €500 million, of which €157
million has been reflected in our 2011 results.
56 CRH
Expenditure of €163 million in the first half included
22 acquisition and investment initiatives across all
six operating segments strengthening our existing
market positions and adding valuable and
well-located aggregates reserves. The second half
of the year saw a step-up in the pace of
development activity with expenditure of €447
million on 23 acquisitions including the VVM Group
in Belgium, an important strategic add-on for our
existing Benelux-based Cementbouw business. We
also saw a return to development activity in our
Americas Distribution business which added a total
of 24 branches in 4 transactions in the second half
of 2011.
Total proceeds from completed disposals in 2011
amounted to €492 million. The previously
announced divestments of Europe Products’
Insulation and Climate Control businesses, together
with the disposal of our 35% associate investment
in the Trialis distribution business in France, were
completed in the first half of the year, while the
second half saw the sale of our seawater magnesia
operation in Ireland. The sales impact of these
disposals, and of the disposal in November 2010 of
our Ivy Steel business in the United States, was a
negative €469 million in 2011.
The Group’s strategy and its business model are
summarised on pages 13 and 14.
Outlook 2012
In Europe, the European Central Bank’s Long Term
Refinancing Operations which commenced in late
December have eased the pressures on funding in
the Eurozone banking sector. However, the banking
sector remains highly leveraged and continuing
reductions in bank balance sheets are leading to
lower corporate and personal lending. These
factors are contributing to the current uncertainty in
relation to the growth outlook for Europe in 2012.
In the Americas, the flow of economic data in the
US has been incrementally positive since the third
quarter of 2011, with ongoing favourable job
creation numbers and an improving growth outlook
after a soft patch in the economy in mid-2011.
These indicators suggest that the US should avoid
a double-dip recession with some commentators
now projecting more robust GDP growth in 2012
than that achieved overall in 2011.
It is still too early to assess the effect of recent
financial market volatility on European construction
prospects for 2012 although first half demand
seems likely to suffer some impact. Nevertheless,
for the year as a whole we currently expect resilient
demand in Poland and Germany and only modest
declines from a strong 2011 in Finland and
Switzerland (these four countries accounted for
roughly a quarter of 2011 Group sales), while our
recently-commissioned cement plant in Ukraine will
yield major operational improvements. Activity in our
other European markets is likely to be more
subdued than in 2011. While the outlook for the
Benelux and France (together almost 20% of 2011
Group sales) has weakened, our significant Repair,
Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) exposures in
these countries should once again support
performance in 2012.
In the Americas, indications of a likely pick-up in
new housing activity in the US have strengthened
over recent months while there is increasing
evidence that non-residential markets are beginning
to bottom out. With the current extension to the
Federal Highway Funding programme expiring at
end-March, political debate on a renewed
programme, or on further extensions to the existing
programme, has intensified. Our expectation is that
an extension at a funding level close to that
provided for 2011 will eventually be agreed for
2012.
Assuming no major economic or energy market
dislocations, we expect to generate further
like-for-like revenue growth in 2012 with the
achievement of targeted price increases a key
priority. This combined with benefits from
acquisitions completed in 2011 leads us to expect
further progress in the year ahead.
Corporate and Social Responsibility
As set out in the Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) section on pages 6 and 7, the Group is fully
committed to operating ethically and responsibly in
all aspects of its business relating to employees,
customers, neighbours and other stakeholders.
Details of CRH’s policies and performance relating
to the Environment and Climate Change, Health &
Safety and Social & Community matters are set out
in the separately published annual CSR Reports
which are available on the Group’s website at www.
crh.com.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
Under Irish Company law (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.
The principal risks and uncertainties, which reflect
the international scope of the Group’s operations
and the Group’s decentralised organisational
structure, are as follows:
Economic, strategic and operational
• CRH operates in cyclical industries which are
influenced by global and national economic
circumstances and the level of construction
activity. Severe weather can reduce construction
activity and lead to a decrease in demand for the
Group’s products in areas affected by adverse
weather conditions. The Group’s financial
performance may also be negatively impacted by
declines in governmental funding programmes
(largely for infrastructure), unfavourable swings in
fuel and other commodity/raw material prices and
by lowered sovereign creditworthiness and
related austerity measures. The adequacy and
timeliness of management response to
unfavourable events is critical.
• As an international business, CRH operates in
many countries with differing, and in some cases
potentially fast-changing, economic, social and
political conditions. Changes in these conditions
or in the governmental and regulatory
requirements in any of the countries in which
CRH operates, and in particular in developing
markets, may adversely affect CRH’s business
thus leading to possible impairment of financial
performance and/or restrictions on future growth
opportunities amongst other matters.
• CRH faces strong volume and price competition
across its activities. Given the commodity nature
of many of its products, market share, and thus
financial performance, will decline if CRH fails to
compete successfully.
• Existing products may be replaced by substitute
products which CRH does not produce or
distribute leading to losses in market share and
constraints on financial performance.
• Growth through acquisition is a key element of
CRH’s strategy. CRH may not be able to continue
to grow as contemplated in its business plan if it
is unable to identify attractive targets, 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.
• CRH does not have a controlling interest in
certain of the businesses (i.e. associates and joint
ventures) in which it has invested and may invest;
these arrangements may require greater
management of more complex business partner
relationships. In addition, CRH is subject to
various restrictions as a result of non-controlling
interests in certain of its subsidiaries.
• Given the decentralised structure of CRH, existing
processes to recruit, develop and retain talented
individuals and promote their mobility may be
inadequate thus giving rise to difficulties in
succession planning and potentially impeding the
continued realisation of the Group’s core strategy
of performance and growth.
Financial and reporting
• CRH uses financial instruments throughout its
businesses giving rise to interest rate, foreign
currency, credit/counterparty and liquidity risks. A
downgrade of CRH’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, against
the backdrop of the heightened uncertainties, in
particular in the Eurozone, insolvency of the
financial institutions with which CRH conducts
business (or a downgrade in their credit ratings)
may lead to losses in CRH’s liquid investments,
derivative assets and cash and cash equivalents
balances or render it more difficult either to utilise
the Group’s existing debt capacity or otherwise
obtain financing for the Group’s operations.
• CRH operates a number of defined benefit
pension schemes in certain of its operating
jurisdictions. The assets and liabilities of these
schemes may exhibit significant period-on-period
volatility attributable primarily to asset valuations,
changes in bond yields and longevity. In addition
to future service contributions, significant cash
contributions may be required to remediate past
service deficits.
• In its worldwide insurance programme, the Group
carries appropriate levels of insurance for typical
business risks (including product liability) with
various leading insurance companies. However, in
the event of the failure of one or more of its
insurance counterparties, the Group could be
impacted by losses where recovery from such
counterparties is not possible.
• CRH’s activities are conducted primarily in the
local currency of the country of operation resulting
in low levels of foreign currency transactional risk.
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
functional and reporting currency) together with
declines in the euro value of the Group’s net
investments which are denominated in a wide
basket of currencies other than the euro.
• Significant under-performance in any of CRH’s
major cash-generating units may give rise to a
material write-down of goodwill which would
have a substantial impact on the Group’s income
and equity.
Compliance and regulatory
• CRH is subject to stringent and evolving laws,
regulations, standards and best practices in the
area of Corporate Social Responsibility
(comprising corporate governance, environmental
management and climate change (specifically
capping of emissions), health and safety
management and social performance) which may
give rise to increased ongoing remediation and/or
other compliance costs and may adversely affect
the Group’s reported results and financial
condition.
• CRH is subject to many laws and regulations
(both local and international) throughout the many
jurisdictions in which it operates and is thus
exposed to changes in those laws and
regulations and to the outcome of any
investigations conducted by governmental,
international and other regulatory authorities,
which may result in the imposition of fines and/or
sanctions for non-compliance.
As demonstrated by CRH’s proven record of
superior performance and strong Total Shareholder
Return, the Group management team has
substantial and long experience in dealing with the
impact of these risks. The mechanisms through
which the principal risks and uncertainties are
managed are addressed in the “Risk Management
and Internal Control” section of the Corporate
Governance Report.
Report on Directors’ Remuneration
Resolution 3 to be proposed at the Annual General
Meeting deals with the Report on Directors’
Remuneration, as set out on pages 48 to 55, which
the Board has decided to present to shareholders
for the purposes of a non-binding advisory vote.
This is in line with international best practice and the
Directors believe that the resolution will afford
shareholders an opportunity to have a “say on pay”.
Board of Directors
Ms. J.M.C. O’Connor retired from the Board on
4 May 2011. Mr. W.I. O’Mahony retired from the
Board on 31 December 2011.
Mr. E.J. Bärtschi was appointed to the Board on
26 October 2011. Ms. H.A. McSharry was
appointed to the Board on 22 February 2012.
Mr. K. McGowan will retire from the Board at the
conclusion of the Annual General Meeting to be held
on 9 May 2012.
Under the Company’s Articles of Association,
co-opted Directors are required to submit
themselves to shareholders for election at the
Annual General Meeting following their appointment
and all the Directors are required to submit
themselves for re-election at intervals of not more
than three years. However, in accordance with the
provisions contained in the 2010 UK Corporate
Governance Code, the Board has decided that all
Directors eligible for re-election should retire at each
Annual General Meeting and offer themselves for
re-election.
Disapplication of Pre-emption Rights
A special resolution will be proposed at the Annual
General Meeting to renew the Directors’ authority to
disapply statutory pre-emption rights in relation to
allotments of shares for cash. In respect of
allotments other than for rights issues to ordinary
shareholders and employees’ share schemes, the
authority is limited to Ordinary/Income Shares
(including Treasury Shares) having a nominal value
of €12,374,000, representing 5% approximately of
the issued Ordinary/Income share capital at
27 February 2012. This authority will expire on the
earlier of the date of the Annual General Meeting in
2013 or 8 August 2013.
Transactions in Own Shares
On 3 January 2008, the Company announced the
introduction of a share repurchase programme of
up to 5% of the 547,227,194 Ordinary/Income
Shares, with a nominal value of €0.32/€0.02
respectively, then in issue and the intention to hold
the repurchased shares as Treasury Shares. Under
the programme, the termination of which was
announced in November 2008, 18,204,355
Ordinary/Income Shares were purchased,
equivalent to 3.3% of the Ordinary Shares in issue
at 31 December 2007, at an average price of
€22.30 per share. During 2011, 287,950 (2010:
2,981,725) Treasury Shares were re-issued under
the Group’s Share Schemes. In addition, 150,330
Ordinary Shares were transferred to the Trustees of
the CRH plc Employee Benefit Trust at €16.35 per
Ordinary Share for the purpose of satisfying the
release of an award, made under the CRH 2006
Performance Share Plan, which vested in 2011. As
at 27 February 2012, 8,889,535 shares were held
as Treasury Shares, equivalent to 1.24% of the
Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury
Shares).
Special resolutions will be proposed at the 2012
Annual General Meeting to renew the authority of
the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, to
purchase up to 10% of the Company’s Ordinary/
Income Shares in issue at the date of the Annual
General Meeting and in relation to the maximum
and minimum prices at which Treasury Shares
(effectively shares purchased and not cancelled)
may be re-issued off-market by the Company. The
minimum price which may be paid for shares
CRH 57
Directors’ Report continued
purchased by the Company shall not be less than
the nominal value of the shares and the maximum
price will be 105% of the average market price of
such shares over the preceding five days. If
granted, the authorities will expire on the earlier of
the date of the Annual General Meeting in 2013 or
8 August 2013.
Regulations 2006, the Company’s Memorandum
and Articles of Association, which set out the rules
that apply in relation to the appointment and
replacement of Directors and the amendment of the
Articles of Association and which are available on
the CRH website, are deemed to be incorporated in
this part of the Directors’ Report.
Special resolutions will also be proposed at the
2012 Annual General Meeting, which, if approved,
will allow for purchases of the Company’s shares to
be made on the London Stock Exchange and
enable the minimum and maximum prices referred
to above to be calculated by reference to trading in
Sterling (GB) pence on the London Stock Exchange.
Under the existing provisions in the Articles of
Association this can only be done by reference to
trading in euro on the Irish Stock Exchange.
The Group has certain banking facilities and bond
issues outstanding which may require repayment in
the event that a change in control occurs with
respect to the Company. In addition, the Company’s
share option schemes and Performance Share Plan
contain change of control provisions which can
allow for the acceleration of the exercisability of
share options and the vesting of share awards in the
event that a change of control occurs with respect
to the Company.
As at 27 February 2012, options to subscribe for a
total of 24,766,479 Ordinary/Income Shares are
outstanding, representing 3.44% of the issued
Ordinary/Income share capital (excluding Treasury
Shares). If the authority to purchase Ordinary/
Income Shares was used in full, the options would
represent 3.83% of the remaining shares in issue.
The Directors do not have any current intention of
exercising the power to purchase the Company’s
own shares and will only do so if they consider it to
be in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders.
Amendments to Articles of Association and
Annual General Meeting
On 27 March 2012, a circular will be issued to
shareholders which will outline proposed minor
changes to the Company’s Articles of Association,
including the changes referred to in the
Transactions in Own Shares section above. The
circular will also contain the Notice of the 2012
Annual General Meeting.
Auditors
The Auditors, Ernst & Young, Chartered
Accountants, are willing to continue in office and a
resolution authorising the Directors to fix their
remuneration will be submitted to the Annual
General Meeting.
Corporate Governance
For the purpose of Statutory Instrument 450/2009
European Communities (Directive 2006/46)
Regulations 2009, as amended by Statutory
Instrument 83/2010 European Communities
(Directive 2006/46/EC) (Amendment) Regulations
2010, the Corporate Governance report is deemed
to be incorporated in this part of the Directors’
Report.
Details of the Company’s employee share schemes
and capital structure can be found in notes 8 and 29
to the financial statements on pages 76 and 77 and
102 and 103 respectively.
Regulation 21 of SI 255/2006 EC (Takeover
Directive) Regulations 2006
For the purpose of Regulation 21 of Statutory
Instrument 255/2006 EC (Takeover Directive)
SI 277/2007 Transparency (Directive 2004/109/
EC) Regulations 2007
For the purpose of Statutory Instrument 277/2007
Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations
2007, the report on Corporate Social Responsibility
as published on the CRH website is deemed to be
incorporated in this part of the Directors’ Report,
together with the following sections of this annual
report: the Chairman’s Statement on pages 8 and 9,
the Chief Executive’s review on pages 11 to 14, the
Finance Review on pages 17 to 19, the Operations
Reviews on pages 26 to 37, the details of earnings
per Ordinary Share in note 13 to the consolidated
financial statements, details of derivative financial
instruments in note 24, the details of the re-issue of
Treasury Shares in note 29 and details of employees
in note 7.
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The Directors, whose names are listed on page 38,
are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and
Financial Statements in accordance with applicable
laws and regulations.
Company law in the Republic of Ireland requires the
Directors to prepare financial statements for each
financial year which give a true and fair view of the
state of affairs of the Parent Company and of the
Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that
period (consolidated financial statements).
In preparing the consolidated financial statements,
the Directors are required to:
– select suitable accounting policies and then apply
them consistently;
– make judgements and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent;
– comply with applicable International Financial
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European
Union, subject to any material departures
disclosed and explained in the financial
statements; and
– prepare the financial statements on the going
concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the Group will continue in business.
The Directors are also required by the Transparency
(Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the
Transparency Rules of the Irish Financial Services
58 CRH
Regulatory Authority to include a management
report containing a fair review of the business and a
description of the principal risks and uncertainties
facing the Group.
The Directors confirm that they have complied
with the above requirements in preparing
the 2011 Annual Report and consolidated financial
statements.
The considerations set out above for the Group are
also required to be addressed by the Directors in
preparing the financial statements of the Parent
Company (which are set out on pages 108 to 111),
in respect of which the applicable accounting
standards are those which are generally accepted in
the Republic of Ireland.
The Directors have elected to prepare the Parent
Company’s Financial Statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting practice in Ireland
(Irish GAAP) comprising the financial reporting
standards issued by the Accounting Standards
Board and published by the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in Ireland, together with the Companies
Acts, 1963 to 2009.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper
books of account which disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the
Parent Company and which enable them to ensure
that the consolidated financial statements are
prepared in accordance with applicable International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the
European Union and comply with the provisions of
the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2009 and Article 4 of
the IAS Regulation.
The Directors have appointed appropriate
accounting personnel, including a professionally
qualified Finance Director, in order to ensure that
those requirements are met. The books and
accounting records of the Company are maintained
at the principal executive offices located at Belgard
Castle, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding
the assets of the Group and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of
fraud and other irregularities.
Subsidiary, Joint Venture and Associated
Undertakings
The Group has over 950 subsidiary, joint venture
and associated undertakings. The principal ones
as at 31 December 2011 are listed on pages 118
to 125.
On behalf of the Board,
K. McGowan, M. Lee,
Directors
27 February 2012
Independent Auditors’ Report
to the members of CRH public limited company
We have audited the Consolidated and Parent Company (“Company”) Financial
Statements (the “financial statements”) of CRH plc for the year ended 31
December 2011 which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and
Company Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity,
the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Accounting Policies, the related
notes 1 to 33 (Group) and the related notes 1 to 12 (Company). These financial
statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.
We read other information contained in the Annual Report and consider
whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements. The other
information comprises only the Directors’ Report, the Chairman’s Statement,
the Chief Executive’s Review, the Operations Reviews, the Finance Review and
the Corporate Governance Statement. We consider the implications for our
Report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material
inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend
to any other information.
This Report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance
with section 193 of the Companies Act, 1990. Our audit work has been
undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters
we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility
to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for
our audit work, for this Report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of Directors and Auditors
The Directors are responsible for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial
Statements in accordance with applicable Irish law and International Financial
Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union, and for the
preparation of the Company Financial Statements in accordance with
applicable Irish law and Accounting Standards issued by the Accounting
Standards Board and promulgated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in
Ireland (“Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland”) as set out in the
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities.
Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with
relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on
Auditing (UK and Ireland).
We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true
and fair view and have been properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Acts, 1963 to 2009 and whether, in addition, the Consolidated
Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with Article 4
of the IAS Regulation. We also report to you our opinion as to: whether proper
books of account have been kept by the Company; whether, at the balance
sheet date, there exists a financial situation which may require the convening of
an extraordinary general meeting of the Company; and whether the information
given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements. In
addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and
explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit and whether the Company
Balance Sheet is in agreement with the books of account.
We also report to you if, in our opinion, any information specified by law or the
Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange regarding Directors’ remuneration
and other transactions is not disclosed and, where practicable, include such
information in our Report.
We are required by law to report to you our opinion as to whether the description
in the Corporate Governance Statement set out in the Directors’ Report of the
main features of the internal control and risk management systems in relation
to the process for preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements is
consistent with the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, we review
whether the Corporate Governance Statement reflects the Company’s
compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code
and the two provisons of the Irish Corporate Governance Annex specified for
our review by the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange, and we report if it
does not. We are not required to consider whether the Board’s statements on
internal control cover all risks and controls, nor to form an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Group’s corporate governance procedures or its risk and
control procedures.
Basis of Audit Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes
examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the
significant estimates and judgements made by the Directors in the preparation
of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are
appropriate to the Group’s and Company’s circumstances, consistently applied
and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and
explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with
sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements
are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other
irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall
adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.
Opinion
In our opinion the Consolidated Financial Statements give a true and fair view, in
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, of the state of affairs
of the Group as at 31 December 2011 and of its profit for the year then ended
and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963
to 2009 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
In our opinion the Company Financial Statements give a true and fair view, in
accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland, of the state
of affairs of the Company as at 31 December 2011 and have been properly
prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2009.
We have obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for
the purposes of our audit. In our opinion proper books of account have been
kept by the Company. The Company Balance Sheet is in agreement with the
books of account.
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the
financial statements and the description in the Corporate Governance Statement
of the main features of the internal control and risk management systems in
relation to the process for preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements is
consistent with the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In our opinion, the Company Balance Sheet does not disclose a financial situation
which under section 40(1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983 would
require the convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the Company.
Breffni Maguire
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young
Dublin
27 February 2012
CRH 59
On behalf of the Board,
K. McGowan, M. Lee,
Directors
27 February 2012
Consolidated Income Statement
for the financial year ended 31 December 2011
Notes
1 Revenue
3 Cost of sales
Gross profit
3 Operating costs
1,4,6 Group operating profit
1,5 Profit on disposals
Profit before finance costs
9 Finance costs
9 Finance income
9 Other financial expense
10 Group share of associates' profit after tax
1 Profit before tax
11 Income tax expense
Group profit for the financial year
Profit attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Group profit for the financial year
2011
€m
2010
€m
18,081
17,173
(13,179)
(12,363)
4,902
(4,031)
4,810
(4,112)
871
55
926
(262)
33
(28)
42
711
(114)
597
590
7
597
698
55
753
(255)
37
(29)
28
534
(95)
439
432
7
439
13 Basic earnings per Ordinary Share
82.6c
61.3c
13 Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share
82.6c
61.2c
All of the results relate to continuing operations.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the financial year ended 31 December 2011
Notes
Group profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation effects
28 Actuarial loss on Group defined benefit pension obligations
24 (Losses)/gains relating to cash flow hedges
11 Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income
Net (expense)/income recognised directly within other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the financial year
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the financial year
K. McGowan, M. Lee, Directors
60 CRH
2011
€m
2010
€m
597
439
107
(278)
(7)
58
(120)
477
470
7
477
519
(33)
10
4
500
939
927
12
939
Consolidated Balance Sheet
as at 31 December 2011
Notes
ASSETS
Non-current assets
14 Property, plant and equipment
15 Intangible assets
16 Investments accounted for using the equity method
16 Other financial assets
24 Derivative financial instruments
27 Deferred income tax assets
Total non-current assets
Current assets
17 Inventories
18 Trade and other receivables
Current income tax recoverable
24 Derivative financial instruments
22 Liquid investments
22 Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
2011
€m
2010
€m
8,936
4,488
948
239
181
290
15,082
2,286
2,663
8
24
29
1,295
6,305
8,892
4,305
1,037
149
194
385
14,962
2,187
2,419
112
14
37
1,730
6,499
Total assets
21,387
21,461
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders
29 Equity share capital
29 Preference share capital
29 Share premium account
29 Treasury Shares and own shares
Other reserves
Foreign currency translation reserve
Retained income
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
23 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
24 Derivative financial instruments
27 Deferred income tax liabilities
19 Trade and other payables
28 Retirement benefit obligations
26 Provisions for liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
19 Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities
23 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
24 Derivative financial instruments
26 Provisions for liabilities
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities
K. McGowan, M. Lee, Directors
247
1
4,047
(183)
168
(119)
6,348
10,509
74
10,583
4,463
20
1,492
204
664
252
7,095
2,858
201
519
10
121
3,709
244
1
3,915
(199)
147
(226)
6,446
10,328
83
10,411
4,695
33
1,693
163
474
253
7,311
2,686
199
666
54
134
3,739
10,804
11,050
21,387
21,461
CRH 61
Notes
29
8
12
31
29
8
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the financial year ended 31 December 2011
Attributable to the equity holders of the Company
Issued
share
capital
€m
Share
premium
account
€m
Treasury
Shares/
own
shares
€m
Other
reserves
€m
Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
€m
Retained
income
€m
Non-
controlling
interests
€m
Total
equity
€m
245
3,915
(199)
147
(226)
6,446
83
10,411
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
132
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
12
-
-
-
-
-
-
107
107
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
590
(227)
363
-
-
-
(16)
6
(445)
-
(6)
7
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
(9)
(2)
(5)
597
(120)
477
135
9
12
-
6
(454)
(2)
(11)
At 1 January 2011
Group profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)
Share-based payment expense
- share option schemes
- Performance Share Plan (PSP)
Treasury/own shares reissued
Share option exercises
Dividends (including shares issued in lieu of dividends)
Non-controlling interests arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
At 31 December 2011
248
4,047
(183)
168
(119)
6,348
74
10,583
for the financial year ended 31 December 2010
At 1 January 2010
Group profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)
Share-based payment expense
- share option schemes
- Performance Share Plan (PSP)
11
Tax relating to share-based payment expense
Treasury/own shares reissued
Share option exercises
12
31
Dividends (including shares issued in lieu of dividends)
Non-controlling interests arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
242
3,778
(279)
128
(740)
6,508
73
9,710
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
137
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
80
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
432
514
514
(19)
413
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2)
(80)
45
(438)
-
-
7
5
12
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6)
6
(2)
439
500
939
140
9
10
(2)
-
45
(444)
6
(2)
At 31 December 2010
245
3,915
(199)
147
(226)
6,446
83
10,411
K. McGowan, M. Lee, Directors
62 CRH
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the financial year ended 31 December 2011
Notes Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax
9 Finance costs (net)
10 Group share of associates' profit after tax
5 Profit on disposals
Group operating profit
3 Depreciation charge (including impairments)
3 Amortisation of intangible assets (including impairments)
8 Share-based payment expense
Other movements
20 Net movement on working capital and provisions
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid (including finance leases)
25 Decrease in liquid investments
Corporation tax paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
5 Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed)
Interest received
Dividends received from associates
14 Purchase of property, plant and equipment
31 Acquisition of subsidiaries and joint ventures (net of cash acquired)
16 Other investments and advances
20 Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid
20 Decrease in finance-related receivables
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of share options
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases
12 Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company
12 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Net cash outflow from financing activities
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents
25 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Translation adjustment
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
25 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December
Reconciliation of opening to closing net debt
25 Net debt at 1 January
Decrease in liquid investments
31 Debt in acquired companies
5 Debt in disposed companies
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Mark-to-market adjustment
Translation adjustment
25 Net debt at 31 December
K. McGowan, M. Lee, Directors
2011
€m
711
257
(42)
(55)
871
742
43
21
(109)
(211)
1,357
(239)
4
(96)
1,026
442
32
20
(576)
(507)
(24)
(21)
-
(634)
6
(11)
101
(63)
(552)
(310)
(9)
(838)
(446)
1,730
11
(446)
1,295
(3,473)
(4)
(47)
50
(101)
63
552
(446)
(18)
(59)
(3,483)
2010
€m
534
247
(28)
(55)
698
786
131
19
(35)
142
1,741
(283)
33
(100)
1,391
188
35
51
(466)
(436)
(67)
(27)
115
(607)
45
(2)
566
82
(885)
(298)
(6)
(498)
286
1,372
72
286
1,730
(3,723)
(33)
(37)
-
(566)
(82)
885
286
18
(221)
(3,473)
CRH 63
Accounting Policies
(including key accounting estimates and assumptions)
Statement of Compliance
– IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, IAS 27 Separate Financial
The Consolidated Financial Statements of CRH plc have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted
by the European Union, which comprise standards and interpretations approved
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). IFRS as adopted by
the European Union differ in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB.
However, the Consolidated Financial Statements for the financial years
presented would be no different had IFRS as issued by the IASB been applied.
References to IFRS hereafter should be construed as references to IFRS as
adopted by the European Union.
CRH plc, the Parent Company, is a publicly traded limited company incorporated
and domiciled in the Republic of Ireland.
Basis of Preparation
The Consolidated Financial Statements, which are presented in euro millions,
have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the
measurement at fair value of share-based payments, retirement benefit
obligations and certain financial assets and liabilities including derivative financial
instruments.
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently by all the
Group’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates to all periods presented in
these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior year disclosures have been amended to conform to current year
presentation.
Adoption of IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpretations
Committee (IFRIC) interpretations
Statements effective 1 January 2013
IFRS 10 builds on existing principles by identifying the concept of control as the
determining factor in whether an entity should be included within the
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group. The Group has yet to assess
fully IFRS 10’s impact on its operations and will adopt it from 1 January 2013.
– IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint
Ventures effective 1 January 2013
IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures. The Group currently uses
proportionate consolidation to account for its share of its joint ventures’ income
and expenses, assets and liabilities. Under the revised standard the option to
account for joint ventures (as defined under IFRS 11) using proportionate
consolidation has been removed and these arrangements will be accounted for
using equity accounting. The Group is in the process of assessing the impact of
this standard; however we do not envisage that it will have any effect on the
Group profit. The Group will adopt IFRS 11 from 1 January 2013.
– IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities effective 1 January 2013
IFRS 12 includes the disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other
entities, including joint arrangements, associates, special purpose vehicles and
other off balance sheet vehicles. The Group will adopt IFRS 12 from 1 January
2013.
– IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement effective 1 January 2013
IFRS 13 provides guidance on how fair value accounting should be applied
where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRSs.
The Group has yet to assess IFRS 13’s full impact and will adopt the Standard
from 1 January 2013.
IFRS and IFRIC interpretations adopted during the financial year
– IFRIC 20 Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine effective
1 January 2013
IFRIC 20 provides guidance on the accounting treatment of stripping costs
incurred during the production phase of a surface mine used to extract mineral
resources. The Group has yet to assess the full impact of this interpretation and
will adopt IFRIC 20 from 1 January 2013.
– IAS 19 Employee benefits (revised) effective 1 January 2013
IAS 19 was amended in June 2011. Under the revised standard interest cost
and expected return on plan assets will be replaced with a net amount that is
calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability (asset).
There are also additional disclosure requirements relating to the sensitivity of the
defined benefit obligation to changes in each significant actuarial assumption.
The Group has yet to assess the full impact of the amendment but as the Group
will no longer be permitted to take advanced credit for expected asset returns,
this will likely result in an increase in the 2013 net pension expense. The Group
will apply IAS 19 (revised) from 1 January 2013.
-IFRS 9 Financial Instruments - Classification and Measurement effective 1
January 2015
IFRS 9 addresses the classification and measurement of financial instruments
(Phase 1). The Board’s work on the other phases is ongoing and includes
impairment of financial instruments and hedge accounting. The adoption of the
initial phases of IFRS 9 will have an effect on the classification and measurement
of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities; which will be quantified in
conjunction with the other phases when issued.
There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that
would be expected to have a material impact on the Group.
The Group has adopted the following new and revised IFRS and IFRIC
interpretations in respect of the 2011 year-end:
– IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures (amendment) effective 1 January 2011
– IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation - Classification of Rights Issue
(amendment) effective 1 February 2010
– IFRIC 14 Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement (amendment)
effective 1 January 2011
– IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments effective 1
July 2010
– Improvements to IFRS (May 2010) - amendments applying in respect of the
2011 financial year-end
The application of the above standards and interpretations did not result in
material changes in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
IFRS and IFRIC interpretations effective in respect of the CRH 2012 financial
year-end
The Group has not applied the following standards and interpretations that have
been issued but are not yet effective:
– IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures (amendment) effective 1 July 2011
– IAS 12 Income Taxes (amendment) - Deferred Taxes: Recovery of Underlying
Assets effective 1 January 2012
The standards addressed above will be applied for the purposes of the Group
Consolidated Financial Statements with effect from the dates listed and their
application is not anticipated to have a material impact.
IFRS and IFRIC interpretations effective subsequent to the CRH 2012 financial
year-end:
– IAS 1 Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income - amendments
to IAS 1 effective 1 July 2012
The amendment to IAS 1 changes the grouping of items presented in Other
Comprehensive Income. This change in presentation is not anticipated to have
a significant effect on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements and will be
adopted from 1 July 2012.
64 CRH
Key Accounting Policies which involve Estimates, Assumptions and
Judgements
The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with
IFRS requires management to make certain estimates, assumptions and
judgements that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses at the end of the reporting
period. Management believes that the estimates, assumptions and judgements
upon which it relies are reasonable based on the information available to it at the
time that those estimates, assumptions and judgements are made. In some
cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically
dictated by IFRS and does not require management’s judgement in its
application.
Management consider that their use of estimates, assumptions and judgements
in the application of the Group’s accounting policies are inter-related and
therefore discuss them together below. The critical accounting policies which
involve significant estimates or assumptions or judgements, the actual outcome
of which could have a material impact on the Group’s results and financial
position outlined below are as follows:
Provisions for liabilities – Note 26
A provision is recognised when the Group has a present obligation (either legal
or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate
can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Group anticipates that
a provision will be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate
asset only when it is virtually certain that the reimbursement will arise. The
expense relating to any provision is presented in the Consolidated Income
Statement net of any reimbursement. Provisions are measured at the present
value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The
increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as interest
expense. Provisions arising on business combination activity are recognised
only to the extent that they would have qualified for recognition in the financial
statements of the acquiree prior to acquisition. Provisions are not recognised for
future operating losses.
Rationalisation and redundancy provisions
Provisions for rationalisation and redundancy are established when a detailed
restructuring plan has been drawn up, resolved upon by the responsible
decision-making level of management and communicated to the employees
who are affected by the plan. These provisions are recognised at the present
value of future disbursements and cover only expenses that arise directly from
restructuring measures, are necessary for restructuring and exclude costs
related to future business operations. Restructuring measures may include the
sale or termination of business units, site closures, and relocation of business
activities, changes in management structure or a fundamental reorganisation of
departments or business units.
Environmental and remediation provisions
The measurement of environmental and remediation provisions is based on an
evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site and
considers factors such as existing technology, currently enacted laws and
regulations and prior experience in remediation of sites. Inherent uncertainties
exist in such evaluations primarily due to unknown conditions, changing
governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability, the protracted
length of the clean-up periods and evolving technologies. The environmental
and remediation liabilities provided for in the Consolidated Financial Statements
reflect the information available to management at the time of determination of
the liability and are adjusted periodically as remediation efforts progress or as
additional technical or legal information becomes available. Due to the inherent
uncertainties described above, many of which are not under management’s
control, the accounting for such items could result in different amounts if
management used different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future
accounting periods.
Legal contingencies
The status of each significant claim and legal proceeding in which the Group is
involved is reviewed by management on a periodic basis and the Group’s
potential financial exposure is assessed. If the potential loss from any claim or
legal proceeding is considered probable, and the amount can be estimated, a
liability is recognised for the estimated loss. Because of the uncertainties
inherent in such matters, the related provisions are based on the best information
available at the time; the issues taken into account by management and factored
into the assessment of legal contingencies include, as applicable, the status of
settlement negotiations,
interpretations of contractual obligations, prior
experience with similar contingencies/claims, the availability of insurance to
protect against the downside exposure and advice obtained from legal counsel
and other third parties. As additional information becomes available on pending
claims, the potential liability is reassessed and revisions are made to the
amounts accrued where appropriate. Such revisions in the estimates of the
potential liabilities could have a material impact on the results of operations and
financial position of the Group.
Retirement benefit obligations – Note 28
Costs arising in respect of the Group’s defined contribution pension schemes
are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they
are incurred. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further
contributions in the event that the fund does not hold sufficient assets to meet
its benefit commitments.
The liabilities and costs associated with the Group’s defined benefit pension
schemes (both funded and unfunded) are assessed on the basis of the projected
unit credit method by professionally qualified actuaries and are arrived at using
actuarial assumptions based on market expectations at the balance sheet date.
The discount rates employed in determining the present value of the schemes’
liabilities are determined by reference to market yields at the balance sheet date
on high-quality corporate bonds of a currency and term consistent with the
currency and term of the associated post-employment benefit obligations.
When the benefits of a defined benefit scheme are improved, the portion of the
increased benefit relating to past service by employees is recognised as an
expense in the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the
average period until the benefits become vested. To the extent that the enhanced
benefits vest immediately, the related expense is recognised immediately in the
Consolidated Income Statement.
The net surplus or deficit arising on the Group’s defined benefit pension
schemes, together with the liabilities associated with the unfunded schemes,
are shown either within non-current assets or non-current liabilities in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet. The deferred tax impact of pension scheme
surpluses and deficits is disclosed separately within deferred tax assets or
liabilities as appropriate. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately
in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
The defined benefit pension asset or liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
comprises the total for each plan of the present value of the defined benefit
obligation less the fair value of plan assets out of which the obligations are to be
settled directly. Plan assets are assets that are held by a long-term employee
benefit fund or qualifying insurance policies. Fair value is based on market price
information and in the case of published securities it is the published bid price.
The value of any defined benefit asset is limited to the present value of any
economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan and reductions
in the future contributions to the plan.
The Group’s obligation in respect of post-employment healthcare and life
assurance benefits represents the amount of future benefit that employees have
earned in return for service in the current and prior periods. The obligation is
computed on the basis of the projected unit credit method and is discounted to
present value using a discount rate equating to the market yield at the balance
sheet date on high-quality corporate bonds of a currency and term consistent
with the currency and estimated term of the post-employment obligations.
Assumptions
The assumptions underlying the actuarial valuations from which the amounts
recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements are determined (including
discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of increase in future
compensation levels, mortality rates and healthcare cost trend rates) are
CRH 65
Accounting Policies continued
updated annually based on current economic conditions and for any relevant
changes to the terms and conditions of the pension and post-retirement plans.
These assumptions can be affected by (i) for the discount rate, changes in the
rates of return on high-quality corporate bonds; (ii) for the expected return on
plan assets, changes in the pension plans’ strategic asset allocations to various
investment types or to long-term return trend rates in the capital markets in
which the pension fund assets are invested; (iii) for future compensation levels,
future labour market conditions and (iv) for healthcare cost trend rates, the rate
of medical cost inflation in the relevant regions. The weighted average actuarial
assumptions used and sensitivity analysis in relation to the discount rates
employed in the determination of pension and other post-retirement liabilities
are contained in Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate,
differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect the
obligations and expenses recognised in future accounting periods.
Taxation – current and deferred – Notes 11 and 27
Current tax represents the expected tax payable (or recoverable) on the taxable
profit for the year using tax rates enacted for the period. Any interest or penalties
arising are included within current tax. Where items are accounted for outside of
profit or loss, the related income tax is recognised either in other comprehensive
income or directly in equity as appropriate.
Deferred tax is recognised using the liability method on temporary differences
arising at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities
and their carrying amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements. However,
deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition
of goodwill; in addition deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from
initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business
combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor
taxable profit or loss. No provision has been made for temporary differences
applicable to investments in subsidiaries and interests in joint ventures as the
Group is in a position to control the timing of reversal of the temporary differences
and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable
future. Due to the absence of control in the context of associates (significant
influence only), deferred tax liabilities are recognised where appropriate in
respect of CRH’s investments in these entities on the basis that the exercise of
significant influence would not necessarily prevent earnings being remitted by
other shareholders in the undertaking.
Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted
or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply
when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income
tax liability is settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not subject to
discounting.
Deferred tax assets are recognised in respect of all deductible temporary
differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses to the
extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which the
temporary differences can be utilised. The carrying amounts of deferred tax
assets are subject to review at each balance sheet date and are reduced to the
extent that future taxable profits are considered to be inadequate to allow all or
part of any deferred tax asset to be utilised.
The Group’s income tax charge is based on reported profit and expected
statutory tax rates, which reflect various allowances and reliefs and tax planning
opportunities available to the Group in the multiple tax jurisdictions in which it
operates. The determination of the Group’s provision for income tax requires
certain judgements and estimates in relation to matters where the ultimate tax
outcome may not be certain. The recognition or non-recognition of deferred tax
assets as appropriate also requires judgement as it involves an assessment of
the future recoverability of those assets. In addition, the Group is subject to tax
audits which can involve complex issues that could require extended periods
for resolution. Although management believes that the estimates included in
the Consolidated Financial Statements and its tax return positions are
reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters
will not be different than that which is reflected in the Group’s historical income
tax provisions and accruals. Any such differences could have a material impact
on the income tax provision and profit for the period in which such a
determination is made.
66 CRH
Property, plant and equipment – Note 14
The Group’s accounting policy for property, plant and equipment is considered
critical because the carrying value of €8,936 million at 31 December 2011
represents a significant portion (42%) of total assets at that date. Property, plant
and equipment are stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any
accumulated impairments except for certain items that had been revalued to fair
value prior to the date of transition to IFRS (1 January 2004).
Repair and maintenance expenditure is included in an asset’s carrying amount
or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that
future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the
cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repair and maintenance
expenditure is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement during the
financial period in which it is incurred.
Borrowing costs incurred in the construction of major assets which take a
substantial period of time to complete are capitalised in the financial period in
which they are incurred.
In the application of the Group’s accounting policy, judgement is exercised by
management in the determination of residual values and useful lives. Depreciation
and depletion is calculated to write off the book value of each item of property,
plant and equipment over its useful economic life on a straight-line basis at the
following rates:
Land and buildings: The book value of mineral-bearing land, less an estimate of
its residual value, is depleted over the period of the mineral extraction in the
proportion which production for the year bears to the latest estimates of mineral
reserves. Land other than mineral-bearing land is not depreciated. In general,
buildings are depreciated at 2.5% per annum (“p.a.”).
Plant and machinery: These are depreciated at rates ranging from 3.3% p.a. to
20% p.a. depending on the type of asset.
Transport: On average, transport equipment is depreciated at 20% p.a.
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each
financial year-end. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern
of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are
accounted for by changing the depreciation period or method as appropriate on
a prospective basis.
Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill – Notes 14 and 15
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and goodwill
The carrying values of items of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for
indicators of impairment at each reporting date and are subject to impairment
testing when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
values may not be recoverable. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an
annual basis and at any time during the year if an indicator of impairment is
considered to exist. In the year in which a business combination is effected and
where some or all of the goodwill allocated to a particular cash-generating unit
arose in respect of that combination, the cash-generating unit is tested for
impairment prior to the end of the relevant annual period.
Property, plant and equipment assets are reviewed for potential impairment by
applying a series of external and internal indicators specific to the assets under
consideration; these indicators encompass macroeconomic issues including
the inherent cyclicality of the building materials sector, actual obsolescence or
physical damage, a deterioration in forecast performance in the internal reporting
cycle and restructuring and rationalisation programmes.
Where the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amount (being the
greater of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use), an impairment loss is
recognised by writing down the assets to their recoverable amount. In assessing
value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present
value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of
the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the future
cash flow estimates have not been adjusted. The estimates of future cash flows
exclude cash inflows or outflows attributable to financing activities and income
tax. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the
recoverable amount is determined by reference to the cash-generating unit to
which the asset belongs. Impairment losses arising in respect of goodwill are
not reversed once recognised.
Goodwill relating to associates is included in the carrying amount of the
investment and is neither amortised nor individually tested for impairment.
Where indicators of impairment of an investment arise in accordance with the
requirements of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement,
the carrying amount is tested for impairment by comparing its recoverable
amount with its carrying amount.
The impairment testing process requires management to make significant
judgements and estimates regarding the future cash flows expected to be
generated by the use of and, if applicable, the eventual disposal of, long-lived
assets and goodwill as well as other factors to determine the fair value of the
assets. Management periodically evaluates and updates the estimates based
on the conditions which influence these variables. A detailed discussion of the
impairment methodology applied and key assumptions used by the Group in
the context of long-lived assets and goodwill is provided in Notes 14 and 15
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The assumptions and conditions for determining impairments of long-lived
assets and goodwill reflect management’s best assumptions and estimates,
but these items involve inherent uncertainties described above, many of which
are not under management’s control. As a result, the accounting for such
items could result in different estimates or amounts if management used
different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future accounting
periods.
Other Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of the
Parent Company and all subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, drawn up
to 31 December each year. The financial year-ends of the Group’s subsidiaries,
joint ventures and associates are co-terminous.
Subsidiaries
The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the Consolidated
Financial Statements from the date on which control over the operating and
financial decisions is obtained and cease to be consolidated from the date on
which the Group loses control. The existence and effect of potential voting
rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered in determining
the existence or otherwise of control. A change in the ownership interest of a
subsidiary, without a change of control, is accounted for as an equity
transaction.
Non-controlling interests represent the portion of the equity of a subsidiary not
attributable either directly or indirectly to the Parent Company and are
presented separately in the Consolidated Income Statement and within equity
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, distinguished from Parent Company
shareholders’ equity. Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are accounted
for as transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders and
therefore no goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. On an
acquisition by acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling
interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s
proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets.
Joint ventures – Note 2
The Group’s share of results and net assets of joint ventures (jointly controlled
entities which are entities in which the Group holds an interest on a long-term
basis and which are jointly controlled by the Group and one or more other
venturers under a contractual arrangement) are accounted for on the basis of
proportionate consolidation from the date on which the contractual agreements
stipulating joint control are finalised and are derecognised when joint control
ceases. The Group combines its share of the joint ventures’ individual income
and expenses, assets and liabilities and cash flows on a line-by-line basis with
similar items in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Loans to joint ventures (after proportionate elimination) are classified as loans
and receivables within financial assets and are recorded at amortised cost.
Associates – Note 10
Entities other than subsidiaries and joint ventures in which the Group has a
participating interest, and over whose operating and financial policies the
Group is in a position to exercise significant influence, are accounted for as
associates using the equity method and are included in the Consolidated
Financial Statements from the date on which significant influence is deemed to
arise until the date on which such influence ceases to exist. Under the equity
method, the Consolidated Income Statement reflects the Group’s share of
profit after tax of the related associates. Investments in associates are carried
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at cost adjusted in respect of post-
acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets, less any impairment in
value. If necessary, impairment losses on the carrying amount of an investment
are reported within the Group’s share of associates’ profit after tax in the
Consolidated Income Statement. If the Group’s share of losses exceeds the
carrying amount of an associate, the carrying amount is reduced to nil and
recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the
Group has incurred obligations in respect of the associate.
Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, income and expenses, and any
unrealised gains or losses arising from such transactions, are eliminated in
preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements. Unrealised gains arising
from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the
extent of the Group’s interest in the entity. Unrealised losses are eliminated in
the same manner as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no
evidence of impairment in the Group’s interest in the entity.
Revenue recognition
Revenue represents the value of goods and services supplied and is net of
trade discounts and value added tax/sales tax. Other than in the case of
construction contracts, revenue is recognised to the extent that revenue and
related costs incurred or to be incurred are subject to reliable measurement,
that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and that the
significant risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the buyer, usually
on delivery of the goods.
Construction contracts
The Group engages primarily in the performance of fixed price contracts, as
opposed to cost plus contracts, and recognises revenue in accordance with
the percentage-of-completion method, with the completion percentage being
computed generally by reference to the proportion that contract costs incurred
at the balance sheet date bear to the total estimated costs of the contract.
Contract costs are recognised as incurred. When the outcome of a construction
contract can be estimated reliably and it is probable that the contract will be
profitable, contract revenue is recognised over the period of the contract.
When the outcome of a construction contract cannot be estimated reliably,
contract revenue is recognised only to the extent of contract costs incurred
where it is probable that these costs will be recoverable. When it is probable
that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss
is recognised immediately as an expense. Revenue and/or costs in respect of
variations or contract claims and incentive payments, to the extent that they
arise, are recognised when it is probable that the amount, which can be
measured reliably, will be recovered from/paid to the customer.
If circumstances arise that may change the original estimates of revenues,
costs or extent of progress towards completion, estimates are revised. These
revisions may result in increases or decreases in revenue or costs and are
reflected in income in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to
the revision became known by management.
Segment reporting – Note 1
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal
organisational and management structure and the internal reporting information
provided to the Chief Operating Decision-Maker who is responsible for
allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments.
Share-based payments – Note 8
The Group operates both Share Option Schemes and a Performance Share
Plan. Its policy in relation to the granting of share options and the granting of
awards under the Performance Share Plan together with the nature of the
underlying market and non-market performance and other vesting conditions
are addressed in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 48 and 49.
The Group’s employee share options and shares awarded under the
Performance Share Plan are equity-settled share-based payments as defined
in IFRS 2 Share-Based Payment.
CRH 67
Accounting Policies continued
Share options
For share option awards, the Group measures the services received and the
corresponding increase in equity at fair value at the grant date using the trinomial
model (a lattice option-pricing model in accordance with IFRS 2). Fair value is
determined on the basis that the services to be rendered by employees as
consideration for the granting of share options will be received over the vesting
period, which is assessed as at the grant date. The share options granted by the
Company are at market value at date of grant and are not subject to market-
based vesting conditions within the meaning of IFRS 2.
The cost is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over
the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled. The
cumulative expense recognised at each reporting date until the vesting date
reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Group’s best
estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The
Consolidated Income Statement expense/credit for a period represents the
movement in cumulative expense recognised at the beginning and end of that
period. The cumulative charge to the Consolidated Income Statement is
reversed only where the performance condition is not met or where an employee
in receipt of share options leaves service prior to completion of the expected
vesting period and those options forfeit in consequence.
No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for
share-based payments where vesting is conditional upon a non-vesting
condition which is treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not it is satisfied,
provided that all other performance and/or service conditions are satisfied.
Where an award is cancelled, it is treated as if it is vested on the date of
cancellation, and any expense not yet recognised for the award is recognised
immediately. This includes any award where non-vesting conditions within the
control of either the Company or the employee are not met. All cancellations of
awards are treated equally.
The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are
credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the options
are exercised.
The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution
in the determination of diluted earnings per share.
To the extent that the Group receives a tax deduction relating to the services
paid in shares, deferred tax in respect of share options is provided on the basis
of the difference between the market price of the underlying equity as at the date
of the financial statements and the exercise price of the option; where the
amount of any tax deduction (or estimated future tax deduction) exceeds the
amount of the related cumulative remuneration expense, the current or deferred
tax associated with the excess is recognised directly in equity.
The Group has no exposure in respect of cash-settled share-based payment
transactions and share-based payment transactions with cash alternatives
Awards under the Performance Share Plan
The fair value of shares awarded under the Performance Share Plan is
determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique and is expensed in the
Consolidated Income Statement over the vesting period. The Performance
Share Plan contains inter alia a total shareholder return-based (and hence
market-based) vesting condition; accordingly, the fair value assigned to the
related equity instruments at the grant date is adjusted so as to reflect the
anticipated likelihood as at the grant date of achieving the market-based vesting
condition. Awards are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the
market condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or service
conditions are satisfied.
Business combinations – Note 31
The Group applies the acquisition method in accounting for business
combinations. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the
consideration transferred (excluding amounts relating to the settlement of pre-
existing relationships), the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree
and, in a business combination achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair
value of the acquirer’s previously-held equity interest in the acquiree. Transaction
costs that the Group incurs in connection with a business combination are
expensed as incurred.
68 CRH
To the extent that settlement of all or any part of a business combination is
deferred, the fair value of the deferred component is determined through
discounting the amounts payable to their present value at the date of exchange.
The discount component is unwound as an interest charge in the Consolidated
Income Statement over the life of the obligation. Where a business combination
agreement provides for an adjustment to the cost of the combination contingent
on future events, the amount of the adjustment is included in the cost at the
acquisition date at fair value. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the
contingent consideration will be recognised in profit or loss unless the contingent
consideration is classified as equity, in which case it is not remeasured and
settlement is accounted for within equity.
The assets and liabilities (and contingent liabilities, if relevant) arising on business
combination activity are measured at their acquisition-date fair values. In the
case of a business combination achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair
value of the acquirer’s previously-held equity interest in the acquiree is
remeasured to fair value as at the acquisition date through profit or loss. When
the initial accounting for a business combination is determined provisionally, any
adjustments to the provisional values allocated to the identifiable assets and
liabilities (and contingent liabilities, if relevant) are made within the measurement
period, a period of no more than one year from the acquisition date.
Goodwill – Note 15
Goodwill arising on a business combination is initially measured at cost being
the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the net identifiable assets and
liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition and relates to the future economic
benefits arising from assets which are not capable of being individually identified
and separately recognised. Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at
cost less any accumulated impairment losses. If the cost of the acquisition is
lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the
identification and measurement of the related assets and liabilities and
contingent liabilities are revisited and the cost is reassessed with any remaining
balance recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Goodwill applicable to jointly controlled entities is accounted for on the basis of
proportionate consolidation and is therefore included in the goodwill caption in
the Consolidated Balance Sheet, net of any impairment. The carrying amount of
goodwill in respect of associates is included in investments in associates (i.e.
within financial assets) under the equity method in the Consolidated Balance
Sheet.
Where a subsidiary is disposed of or terminated through closure, the carrying
value of any goodwill which arose on acquisition of that subsidiary is included in
the determination of the net profit or loss on disposal/termination.
Intangible assets (other than goodwill) arising on business combinations
– Note 15
An intangible asset is capitalised separately from goodwill as part of a business
combination at cost (fair value at date of acquisition) to the extent that it is
probable that the expected future economic benefits attributable to the asset
will flow to the Group and that its cost can be measured reliably.
Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any
accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. The
carrying values of definite-lived intangible assets (the Group does not currently
have any indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill) are reviewed for
indicators of impairment at each reporting date and are subject to impairment
testing when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
values may not be recoverable.
The amortisation of intangible assets is calculated to write off the book value of
definite-lived intangible assets over their useful lives on a straight-line basis on
the assumption of zero residual value. In general, definite-lived intangible assets
are amortised over periods ranging from one to ten years, depending on the
nature of the intangible asset.
Amortisation periods, useful lives, expected patterns of consumption and
residual values are reviewed at each financial year-end. Changes in the expected
useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits
embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the amortisation period or
method as appropriate on a prospective basis.
Other financial assets – Note 16
Liquid investments – Note 22
All investments are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration
given plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Where equity investments
are actively traded in organised financial markets, fair value is determined by
reference to Stock Exchange quoted market bid prices at the close of business
on the balance sheet date. Unquoted equity investments are recorded at
historical cost and are included within financial assets in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet given that it is impracticable to determine fair value in accordance
with IAS 39. Where non-derivative financial assets meet the definition of “loans
and receivables” under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurement, such balances are, following initial recognition, recorded at
amortised cost using the effective interest method less any allowance for
impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the loans
and receivables are derecognised or impaired as well as through the
amortisation process.
Leases – Notes 4 and 30
Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership are classified as operating leases. Operating lease rentals are
charged to the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight-line basis over
the lease term.
Inventories and construction contracts – Note 17
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is
based on the first-in, first-out principle (and weighted average, where
appropriate) and includes all expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories
and bringing them to their present location and condition. Raw materials are
valued on the basis of purchase cost on a first-in, first-out basis. In the case of
finished goods and work-in-progress, cost includes direct materials, direct
labour and attributable overheads based on normal operating capacity and
excludes borrowing costs.
Net realisable value is the estimated proceeds of sale less all further costs to
completion, and less all costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and
distribution. Estimates of net realisable value are based on the most reliable
evidence available at the time the estimates are made, taking into consideration
fluctuations of price or cost directly relating to events occurring after the end of
the period, the likelihood of short-term changes in buyer preferences, product
obsolescence or perishability (all of which are generally low given the nature of
the Group’s products) and the purpose for which the inventory is held. Materials
and other supplies held for use in the production of inventories are not written
down below cost if the finished goods, in which they will be incorporated, are
expected to be sold at or above cost.
Amounts recoverable on construction contracts, which are included in
receivables, are stated at the net invoiced value of the work done less amounts
received as progress payments on account. Cumulative costs incurred, net of
amounts transferred to cost of sales, after deducting foreseeable losses,
provisions for contingencies and payments on account not matched with
revenue, are included as construction contract balances in inventories. Cost
includes all expenditure directly related to specific projects and an allocation of
fixed and variable overheads incurred in the Group’s contract activities based
on normal operating capacity.
Trade and other receivables – Note 18
Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for
potentially uncollectible debts. Provision is made when there is objective
evidence that the Group will not be in a position to collect the associated debts.
Bad debts are written-off in the Consolidated Income Statement on
identification.
Cash and cash equivalents – Note 22
Where investments are categorised as cash equivalents, the related balances
have a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition and are
subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are included
within current interest-bearing loans and borrowings in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet. Where the overdrafts are repayable on demand and form an
integral part of cash management, they are netted against cash and cash
equivalents for the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Liquid investments comprise short-term deposits and current asset investments
of less than one year in duration. As the maturity of these investments is greater
than three months, these investments are treated as financial assets and are
categorised as either “held-for-trading” or “loans and receivables”. Where
relevant, the fair value of liquid investments is determined by reference to the
traded value of actively traded instruments.
Derivative financial instruments and hedging practices – Note 24
In order to manage interest rate, foreign currency and commodity risks and to
realise the desired currency profile of borrowings, the Group employs derivative
financial instruments (principally interest rate swaps, currency swaps and
forward foreign exchange contracts).
At the inception of a derivative transaction, the Group documents the relationship
between the hedged item and the hedging instrument together with its risk
management objective and the strategy underlying the proposed transaction.
The Group also documents its assessment, both at the inception of the hedging
relationship and subsequently on an ongoing basis, of the effectiveness of the
hedging instrument in offsetting movements in the fair values or cash flows of
the hedged items.
Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. Where derivatives do not
fulfil the criteria for hedge accounting, changes in fair values are reported in the
Consolidated Income Statement. The fair value of interest rate and currency
swaps is the estimated amount the Group would pay or receive to terminate the
swap at the balance sheet date taking into account interest and currency rates
at that date and the creditworthiness of the swap counterparties. The fair value
of forward exchange contracts is calculated by reference to forward exchange
rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles and equates to the quoted
market price at the balance sheet date (being the present value of the quoted
forward price).
Fair value and cash flow hedges
The Group uses fair value hedges and cash flow hedges in its treasury activities.
For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified either as fair value
hedges (which entail hedging the exposure to movements in the fair value of a
recognised asset or liability or an unrecognised firm commitment that could
affect profit or loss) or cash flow hedges (which hedge exposure to fluctuations
in future cash flows derived from a particular risk associated with a recognised
asset or liability, or a highly probable forecast transaction that could affect profit
or loss).
Where the conditions for hedge accounting are satisfied and the hedging
instrument concerned is classified as a fair value hedge, any gain or loss
stemming from the re-measurement of the hedging instrument to fair value is
reported in the Consolidated Income Statement. In addition, any gain or loss on
the hedged item which is attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted against the
carrying amount of the hedged item and reflected in the Consolidated Income
Statement. Where the adjustment is to the carrying amount of a hedged interest-
bearing financial instrument, the adjustment is amortised to the Consolidated
Income Statement with the objective of achieving full amortisation by maturity.
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability
in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast
transaction that could affect profit or loss, the effective part of any gain or loss
on the derivative financial instrument is recognised as other comprehensive
income, net of the income tax effect, with the ineffective portion being reported
in the Consolidated Income Statement. The associated gains or losses that had
previously been recognised as other comprehensive income are transferred to
the Consolidated Income Statement contemporaneously with the materialisation
of the hedged transaction. Any gain or loss arising in respect of changes in the
time value of the derivative financial instrument is excluded from the measurement
of hedge effectiveness and is recognised immediately in the Consolidated
Income Statement.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is
sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At
that point in time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument
recognised as other comprehensive income remains there until the forecast
transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer anticipated to occur, the
CRH 69
are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All
currency translation differences are taken to the Consolidated Income Statement
with the exception of all monetary items that provide an effective hedge for a net
investment in a foreign operation. These are recognised in other comprehensive
income until the disposal of the net investment, at which time they are recognised
in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Results and cash flows of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates with non-
euro functional currencies have been translated into euro at average exchange
rates for the year, and the related balance sheets have been translated at the
rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Adjustments arising on
translation of the results of non-euro subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates
at average rates, and on restatement of the opening net assets at closing rates,
are recognised in a separate translation reserve within equity, net of differences
on related currency borrowings. All other translation differences are taken to the
Consolidated Income Statement.
On disposal of a foreign operation, accumulated currency translation differences
are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement as part of the overall gain
or loss on disposal. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition of
a foreign operation are regarded as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation,
are expressed in the functional currency of the foreign operation, are recorded
in euro at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and are subsequently
retranslated at the applicable closing rates.
The principal exchange rates used for the translation of results, cash flows and
balance sheets into euro were as follows:
euro 1 =
2011
2010
2011
2010
Average
Year-end
US Dollar
Pound Sterling
Polish Zloty
1.3922
0.8679
4.1212
1.3257
0.8578
3.9947
1.2939
1.3362
0.8353
0.8608
4.4580
3.9750
Ukrainian Hryvnya
11.1202
10.5478
10.3752
10.5676
Swiss Franc
Canadian Dollar
Argentine Peso
Turkish Lira
Indian Rupee
1.2326
1.3763
5.7508
2.3388
1.3803
1.3651
5.1898
1.9965
1.2156
1.2504
1.3215
1.3322
5.5746
5.2744
2.4432
2.0694
64.9067
60.5878
68.7130
59.7580
Chinese Renminbi
8.9968
8.9712
8.1588
8.8220
Accounting Policies continued
net cumulative gain or loss previously recognised as other comprehensive
income is transferred to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period.
Net investment hedges
Where foreign currency borrowings provide a hedge against a net investment in
a foreign operation, and the hedge is deemed to be effective, foreign exchange
differences are taken directly to a foreign currency translation reserve. The
ineffective portion of any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised
immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. Cumulative gains and
losses remain in equity until disposal of the net investment in the foreign
operation at which point the related differences are transferred to the
Consolidated Income Statement as part of the overall gain or loss on sale.
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – Note 23
All loans and borrowings are initially recorded at the fair value of the consideration
received net of directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial
recognition, current and non-current interest-bearing loans and borrowings are,
in general, measured at amortised cost employing the effective interest
methodology. Fixed rate term loans, which have been hedged to floating rates
(using interest rate swaps), are measured at amortised cost adjusted for
changes in value attributable to the hedged risks arising from changes in
underlying market interest rates. The computation of amortised cost includes
any issue costs and any discount or premium materialising on settlement.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an
unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after
the balance sheet date.
Gains and losses are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement through
amortisation on the basis of the period of the loans and borrowings.
Borrowing costs arising on financial instruments are recognised as an expense
in the period in which they are incurred (unless capitalised as part of the cost of
property, plant and equipment).
Share capital and dividends – Notes 12 and 29
Treasury Shares and own shares
Ordinary Shares acquired by the Parent Company or purchased by the
Employee Benefit Trust on behalf of the Parent Company under the terms of the
Performance Share Plan are deducted from equity and presented on the face of
the Consolidated Balance Sheet. No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss
on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Parent Company’s Ordinary
Shares.
Dividends
Dividends on Ordinary Shares are recognised as a liability in the Consolidated
Financial Statements in the period in which they are declared by the Parent
Company.
Emission rights
Emission rights are accounted for such that a liability is recognised only in
circumstances where emission rights have been exceeded from the perspective
of the Group as a whole and the differential between actual and permitted
emissions will have to be remedied through the purchase of the required
additional rights at fair value; assets and liabilities arising in respect of under and
over-utilisation of emission credits respectively are accordingly netted against
one another in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. To the
extent that excess emission rights are disposed of during a financial period, the
profit or loss materialising thereon is recognised immediately within cost of sales
in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Foreign currency translation
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are
measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the
entity operates
functional currency”). The Consolidated Financial
Statements are presented in euro, which is the presentation currency of the
Group and the functional currency of the Parent Company.
(“the
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of
the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
70 CRH
Notes on Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Segment Information
CRH is a diversified international building materials group which manufactures and distributes a range of building materials products from the fundamentals of heavy
materials and elements to construct the frame, through value-added products that complete the building envelope, to distribution channels which service
construction fit-out and renewal. Based on these key strategic drivers across the value chain, the Group is organised into six business segments comprising Europe
Materials (including activities in China and India), Europe Products, Europe Distribution, Americas Materials, Americas Products and Americas Distribution. No
operating segments have been aggregated to form these segments.
Materials businesses are predominantly engaged in the production and sale of a range of primary materials including cement, aggregates, readymixed concrete,
asphalt/bitumen and agricultural and/or chemical lime.
Products businesses are predominantly engaged in the production and sale of architectural and structural concrete products, clay products, fabricated and tempered
glass products, construction accessories and the provision of a wide range of inter-related products and services to the construction sector.
Distribution businesses encompass builders merchanting activities and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) stores engaged in the marketing and sale of supplies to the construction
sector and to the general public.
The principal factors employed in the identification of the six segments reflected in this note include the Group’s organisational structure, the nature of the reporting
lines to the Chief Operating Decision-Maker (as defined in IFRS 8 Operating Segments), the structure of internal reporting documentation such as management
accounts and budgets, and the degree of homogeneity of products, services and geographical areas within each of the segments from which revenue is derived.
The Chief Operating Decision-Maker monitors the operating results of segments separately in order to allocate resources between segments and to assess
performance. Segment performance is predominantly evaluated based on operating profit. As performance is also evaluated using operating profit before
depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA (as defined)*), supplemental information based on EBITDA (as defined)* is also provided below. Given that net finance costs
and income tax are managed on a centralised basis, these items are not allocated between operating segments for the purposes of the information presented to
the Chief Operating Decision-Maker and are accordingly omitted from the detailed segmental analysis below. There are no asymmetrical allocations to reporting
segments which would require disclosure.
A. Operating segments disclosures - Consolidated Income Statement data
Revenue
Europe
Americas
Continuing operations - year ended 31 December
Materials
Products
Distribution
Total Group
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
2,985
4,395
7,380
2,665
4,417
7,082
2,648
2,378
5,026
2,817
2,469
5,286
4,340
1,335
5,675
3,566
1,239
4,805
9,973
8,108
18,081
9,048
8,125
17,173
Group operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA (as defined)*)
Europe
Americas
436
530
966
Depreciation and amortisation (including asset impairment charges)
Europe
Americas
Group operating profit (EBIT)
Europe
Americas
Profit on disposals (i)
Finance costs (net)
Group share of associates' profit after tax (ii)
Profit before tax
172
266
438
264
264
528
423
566
989
172
278
450
251
288
539
194
164
358
128
122
250
66
42
108
198
154
352
187
178
365
11
(24)
(13)
267
65
332
77
20
97
190
45
235
214
60
274
79
23
102
135
37
172
897
759
1,656
835
780
1,615
377
408
785
520
351
871
55
(257)
42
711
438
479
917
397
301
698
55
(247)
28
534
Asset impairment charges of €21 million (2010: €102 million) relate to Europe Products €15 million (2010: €54 million), Europe Distribution €2 million (2010: €8 million)
and Americas Products €4 million (2010: €40 million).
(i) Profit on disposals (note 5)
Europe
Americas
(ii) Group share of associates’ profit after tax (note 10)
Europe
Americas
14
14
28
41
1
42
4
17
21
35
1
36
20
-
20
-
-
-
13
-
13
1
-
1
7
-
7
-
-
-
21
-
21
(9)
-
(9)
41
14
55
41
1
42
38
17
55
27
1
28
* EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of associates’
profit after tax.
CRH 71
1. Segment Information continued
B. Operating segments disclosures - Consolidated Balance Sheet data
Total assets
Europe
Americas
Continuing operations - year ended 31 December
Materials
Products
Distribution
Total Group
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
4,582
5,915
10,497
4,403
5,495
9,898
2,415
2,337
4,752
2,735
2,279
5,014
2,297
827
3,124
2,233
658
2,891
9,294
9,079
18,373
9,371
8,432
17,803
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Other financial assets
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current)
Income tax assets (current and deferred)
Liquid investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
948
239
205
298
29
1,295
21,387
1,037
149
208
497
37
1,730
21,461
Total liabilities
Europe
Americas
1,290
767
2,057
1,043
706
1,749
702
523
1,225
811
437
1,248
591
226
817
530
183
713
2,583
1,516
4,099
2,384
1,326
3,710
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current)
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current)
Income tax liabilities (current and deferred)
Total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
4,982
30
1,693
10,804
5,361
87
1,892
11,050
C. Operating segments disclosures - other items
Additions to non-current assets
Europe:
Property, plant and equipment (note 14)
Financial assets (note 16)
Americas: Property, plant and equipment (note 14)
Financial assets (note 16)
D. Entity-wide disclosures
189
18
192
5
404
167
53
144
4
368
77
-
54
-
131
54
2
51
-
107
51
1
13
-
65
45
8
5
-
58
317
19
259
5
600
266
63
200
4
533
Section 1: Information about products and services
The Group’s revenue from external customers in respect of its principal products and services is analysed in the disclosures above. Segment revenue includes €3,171
million (2010: €3,187 million) in respect of revenue applicable to construction contracts. The bulk of our construction activities are performed by our Americas
Materials reportable segment, are for the most part short-term in nature and are generally completed within the same financial reporting period.
Revenue derived through the supply of services and intersegment revenue is not material to the Group. The transfer pricing policy implemented by the Group between
operating segments and across its constituent entities is described in greater detail in note 32. In addition, due to the nature of building materials, which exhibit a low
value-to-weight ratio, the Group’s revenue streams include a low level of cross-border transactions.
Section 2: Information about geographical areas and customers
CRH has a presence in 36 countries worldwide. The revenues from external customers and non-current assets (as defined in IFRS 8) attributable to the country of
domicile and all foreign countries of operation are as follows; regions which exceed 10% of total external Group revenue have been highlighted separately on the basis
of materiality.
Year ended 31 December
Revenue by destination
As at 31 December
Non-current assets
Country of domicile - Republic of Ireland
Benelux (mainly the Netherlands)
Americas (mainly the United States)
Other
Group totals
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
308
2,593
8,125
7,055
18,081
365
2,495
8,137
6,176
17,173
530
1,351
6,930
5,800
14,611
557
1,384
6,576
5,866
14,383
There are no material dependencies or concentrations on individual customers which would warrant disclosure under IFRS 8. The individual entities within the
Group have a large number of customers spread across various activities, end-uses and geographies.
72 CRH
2. Proportionate Consolidation of Joint Ventures
The Group’s share of the income and expenses of its joint ventures for the years ended 31 December 2011 and 2010, the
assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 and future purchase commitments for property, plant and equipment,
which are proportionately consolidated in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are as follows:
Impact on Consolidated Income Statement
Group share of:
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating costs
Operating profit
Profit on disposals
Profit before finance costs
Finance costs (net)
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Group profit for the financial year
Depreciation
Impact on Consolidated Balance Sheet
Group share of:
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Total equity
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
2011
€m
707
(482)
225
(165)
60
2
62
(6)
56
(11)
45
53
1,302
306
1,608
1,051
371
186
557
2010
€m
1,061
(744)
317
(249)
68
1
69
(7)
62
(21)
41
60
1,324
332
1,656
1,116
371
169
540
Total equity and liabilities
1,608
1,656
Analysis of net debt*
Liquid investments and cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (amounts due to CRH)
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (amounts due to others)
Analysis of net debt included above
* As defined in note 25.
Future purchase commitments for property, plant and equipment
Contracted for but not provided in the financial statements
Authorised by the Directors but not contracted for
77
(1)
(71)
(153)
(148)
9
110
96
-
(66)
(123)
(93)
31
120
A listing of the principal joint ventures is contained on page 124. As noted in the 2010 Annual Report, the Group acquired an
additional 50% of one of its principal joint ventures, Bauking (Europe Distribution), at the end of 2010.
In June 2004, CRH acquired a 49% shareholding with joint management control in Secil (Europe Materials, primarily Portugal)
for an equity consideration of €329 million plus share of net debt at acquisition of €100 million. In August 2011, the Arbitral
Tribunal in Paris (functioning under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce) concluded that the
exercise of a call option for the purchase of CRH’s 49% shareholding in Secil by Semapa (SGPS, S.A.) was valid. As a result
of the ruling, both parties are now obligated to complete the sale and purchase of CRH’s shareholding in Secil at an equity
price of €574 million. In November 2011, Semapa initiated legal proceedings to appeal against this ruling and these legal
proceedings are ongoing. Semapa also purported to terminate the shareholders’ agreement between it and CRH by notice
dated 18 October 2011. The purported termination is disputed by CRH and CRH has now referred this dispute to a further
arbitration under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce.
In 2011 Secil (on the basis of CRH’s 49% shareholding) achieved sales of €248 million and net debt at 31 December 2011
amounted to €70 million.
CRH 73
3. Cost Analysis
Cost of sales analysis
Raw materials and goods for resale
Employment costs (note 7)
Energy
Repairs and maintenance
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (i)
Change in inventory (note 20)
Other production expenses (primarily sub-contractor costs and equipment rental)
Total
Operating costs analysis
Selling and distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Other operating expenses
Other operating income
Total
(i) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment analysis
Depreciation and depletion (note 14)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment (note 14)
Impairment of intangible assets (note 15)
Amortisation of intangible assets (note 15)
Total
4. Operating Profit Disclosures
Operating lease rentals*
- hire of plant and machinery
- land and buildings
- other operating leases
Total
Auditors’ remuneration*
2011
€m
2010
€m
8,230
1,791
780
416
556
(69)
1,475
13,179
7,165
1,869
694
410
601
(16)
1,640
12,363
2,804
1,175
82
(30)
4,031
2,574
1,390
169
(21)
4,112
Cost of sales
Operating costs
Total
2011
€m
2010
€m
556
-
-
-
556
601
-
-
-
601
2011
€m
170
16
5
38
229
2010
€m
170
15
87
44
316
2011
€m
726
16
5
38
785
2010
€m
771
15
87
44
917
2011
€m
2010
€m
98
173
49
320
90
161
42
293
In accordance with statutory requirements in Ireland, fees for professional services provided by the Group’s independent auditors in respect of each of the following
categories were:
E&Y Ireland (statutory auditor)
E&Y (network firms)
Total
Audit of the
Group accounts (i)
Other assurance
services (ii)
Tax advisory
services
Total
2011
€m
1
12
13
2010
€m
1
12
13
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
1
1
2
1
2
3
-
1
1
-
1
1
2011
€m
2
14
16
2010
€m
2
15
17
(i) Audit of the Group accounts includes Sarbanes-Oxley attestation, parent and subsidiary statutory audit fees, but excludes €2 million (2010: €2 million) paid to
auditors other than E&Y.
(ii) Other assurance services include attestation and due diligence services that are closely related to the performance of the audit.
* Figures include the Group’s proportionate share of amounts in joint ventures.
74 CRH
5. Profit on Disposals
Disposal of subsidiaries
and joint ventures (i)
Disposal of associate
investments (ii)
Disposal of other
non-current assets
Total
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
2010
€m
Assets/(liabilities) disposed of at net carrying amount:
- property, plant and equipment (note 14)
- intangible assets (note 15)
- financial assets (note 16)
- cash and cash equivalents
- working capital and provisions (note 20)
- current tax
- interest-bearing loans and borrowings
- deferred tax (note 27)
- pension liabilities (note 28)
Net assets disposed
Re-classification of currency translation effects on disposal
Total
Proceeds from disposals (net of disposal costs)
Profit on step acquisition (note 31)
Profit on disposals
Net cash inflow arising on disposal
Cash proceeds
Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed
Total
141
65
-
38
35
1
(50)
(9)
-
221
2
223
250
-
27
250
(38)
212
49
7
-
-
17
-
-
(11)
(5)
57
-
57
51
16
10
51
-
51
-
-
128
-
-
-
-
-
-
128
-
128
128
-
-
128
-
128
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
61
-
13
-
-
-
-
-
-
74
-
74
102
-
28
102
-
102
84
1
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
92
-
92
137
-
45
137
-
137
202
65
141
38
35
1
(50)
(9)
-
423
2
425
480
-
55
480
(38)
442
133
8
7
-
17
-
-
(11)
(5)
149
-
149
188
16
55
188
-
188
(i) This relates principally to the disposals in 2011 of the Insulation and Climate Control businesses in Europe Products.
(ii) This relates to the disposal of our 35% associate investment in the Trialis distribution business in France.
6. Directors’ Emoluments and Interests
Directors’ emoluments (which are included in administrative expenses in note 3) and interests are given in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 48 to
55 of this Annual Report.
7. Employment
The average number of employees (including the Group’s proportionate share of employees in joint ventures) is as follows:
Year ended 31 December 2011
Materials
Products Distribution
Europe
Americas
Total
Year ended 31 December 2010
Europe
Americas
Total
Employment costs charged in the Consolidated Income Statement (including the Group’s proportionate
share of joint ventures’ costs) are analysed as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social welfare costs
Other employment-related costs
Share-based payment expense (note 8)
Total pension costs (note 28)
Total
Total charge analysed between:
Cost of sales
Operating costs
Profit on disposals - applicable to defined benefit pension schemes (note 5)
Finance costs (net) - applicable to defined benefit pension schemes (note 9)
Total
11,649
17,805
29,454
11,891
17,751
29,642
16,636
14,895
31,531
17,787
15,103
32,890
12,147
3,301
15,448
10,639
3,247
13,886
2011
€m
2,692
344
378
21
158
3,593
1,791
1,795
-
7
3,593
Total
Group
40,432
36,001
76,433
40,317
36,101
76,418
2010
€m
2,722
337
385
19
173
3,636
1,869
1,762
(5)
10
3,636
CRH 75
8. Share-based Payment Expense
Share option expense
Performance Share Plan expense
Total
2011
€m
9
12
21
2010
€m
9
10
19
Share-based payment expense is reflected in operating costs in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Share option schemes
In May 2010, shareholders approved the adoption of new share option and savings-related share option schemes, which replaced schemes approved by
shareholders in May 2000. The general terms and conditions applicable to the new share option and savings-related share option schemes were set out in a circular
issued to shareholders on 31 March 2010, a copy of which is available on www.crh.com. Due to the immateriality of the savings-related schemes’ expense and the
level of savings-related share options outstanding, detailed financial disclosures have not been provided in relation to these schemes.
Details of options granted under the share option schemes (excluding savings-related share option schemes)
Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted (a)
Exercised (b)
Lapsed
Outstanding at end of year
Exercisable at end of year
Weighted average
exercise price
Number of
options
2011
Weighted average
exercise price
Number of
options
2010
€19.38
€16.38
€13.36
€18.30
23,515,521
3,558,500
(229,898)
(3,252,367)
€19.13
€16.03
23,591,756
6,497,695
€19.21
€18.39
€15.36
€21.14
24,626,022
3,343,700
(2,624,284)
(1,829,917)
€19.38
€16.10
23,515,521
8,698,585
(a) Granted in April 2011 (2010: May), the level of vesting of these options will be determined by reference to certain performance targets (see page 49). If the
performance criteria have been met, these options, or portion thereof as appropriate, may be exercised after the expiration of three years from their date of
grant. All options granted have a life of ten years.
(b) The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of these options was €15.11 (2010: €18.50).
Weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December (years)
Euro-denominated options outstanding at the end of the year (number)
Range of exercise prices (€)
Sterling-denominated options outstanding at the end of the year (number)
Range of exercise prices (Stg£)
2011
5.53
2010
5.24
23,473,569
11.86-29.86
23,388,616
11.86-29.86
118,187
8.17-20.23
126,905
8.17-20.23
The CRH share price at 31 December 2011 was €15.36 (2010: €15.50). The following analysis shows the number of outstanding share options with exercise
prices lower/higher than the year-end share price:
Number of options with prices lower than year-end price:
Exercisable
Not exercisable
Number of options with exercise prices higher than year-end price:
Exercisable
Not exercisable
Total options outstanding
76 CRH
2,780,082
1,613,397
3,091,771
1,780,303
4,393,479
4,872,074
3,717,613
15,480,664
19,198,277
5,606,814
13,036,633
18,643,447
23,591,756
23,515,521
8. Share-based Payment Expense continued
Fair values
The weighted average fair value assigned to the 3-year euro-denominated options granted in 2011 under the 2010 share option scheme was €4.03 (2010: €4.06).
The fair values of these options were determined using the following assumptions:
Weighted average exercise price
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend payments over the expected life
Expected volatility
Expected life in years
2011
2010
€16.38
2.68%
€3.25
32.9%
5
€18.39
1.57%
€3.20
30.8%
5
The expected volatility was determined using a historical sample of 61 month-end CRH share prices. Share options are granted at market value at the date of
grant. The expected lives of the options are based on historical data and are therefore not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may materialise.
Other than the assumptions listed above, no other features of option grants were factored into the determination of fair value. No relevant modifications were
effected to either the 2010 share option scheme or the previously approved 2000 share option scheme during the course of either 2011 or 2010.
Performance Share Plan
The Group operates a Performance Share Plan which was approved by shareholders in May 2006.
The expense of €12 million (2010: €10 million) reported in the Consolidated Income Statement has been arrived at through applying a Monte Carlo simulation
technique to model the combination of market-based and non-market-based performance conditions in the Plan.
Granted in 2008
Granted in 2009
Granted in 2010
Granted in 2011
Share price
at date
of award*
Period to
earliest
release
date
Number of Shares
Initial
award
Rights
Issue
adjustment
Cumulative
lapses/releases
to date**
Net
outstanding
Fair
value
€23.45
3 years
741,000
76,331
(817,331)
-
€10.27
€17.00
3 years
1,658,000
€18.51
3 years
1,459,750
€16.52
3 years
1,684,250
-
-
-
(248,000)
1,410,000
€8.29
(160,500)
1,299,250
€10.01
(58,500)
1,625,750
€9.72
* Share prices in respect of awards prior to the Rights Issue which took place in March 2009 have not been rights adjusted.
** In March 2011, 313,556 (46.2% of the initial award net of lapses and adjusted for the Rights Issue) of the shares awarded under the Performance Share Plan in
2008 vested and accordingly were released to the participants of the scheme.
The fair value of the shares awarded was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique taking account of peer group total shareholder return, volatilities
and correlations, together with the following assumptions:
The CRH share price at 31 December 2011 was €15.36 (2010: €15.50). The following analysis shows the number of outstanding share options with exercise
prices lower/higher than the year-end share price:
Number of options with prices lower than year-end price:
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected volatility (%)
The expected volatility was determined using a historical sample of 37 month-end CRH share prices.
Number of options with exercise prices higher than year-end price:
Exercisable
Not exercisable
Exercisable
Not exercisable
Total options outstanding
2,780,082
3,091,771
1,613,397
1,780,303
4,393,479
4,872,074
3,717,613
5,606,814
15,480,664
13,036,633
19,198,277
18,643,447
23,591,756
23,515,521
2011
2010
2.08
38.6
1.32
33.5
CRH 77
9. Finance Costs and Finance Income
Finance costs
Interest payable on borrowings
Net income on interest rate and currency swaps
Mark-to-market of derivatives and related fixed rate debt:
- interest rate swaps (i)
- currency swaps and forward contracts
- fixed rate debt (i)
Net gain on interest rate swaps not designated as hedges
Net finance cost on gross debt including related derivatives
Finance income
Interest receivable on loans to joint ventures and associates
Interest receivable on liquid investments and cash and cash equivalents
Finance income
Finance costs less income
Other financial expense
Unwinding of discount element of provisions for liabilities (note 26)
Unwinding of discount applicable to deferred and contingent acquisition consideration
Pension-related finance cost (net) (note 28)
Total
2011
€m
2010
€m
335
(65)
12
(2)
(15)
(3)
262
(3)
(30)
(33)
229
15
6
7
28
379
(105)
7
(7)
(19)
-
255
(3)
(34)
(37)
218
15
4
10
29
(i) The Group uses interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate debt to floating rate. Fixed rate debt, which has been converted
to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps, is stated in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at adjusted value to
reflect movements in underlying fixed rates. The movement on this adjustment, together with the offsetting movement
in the fair value of the related interest rate swaps, is included in finance costs in each reporting period.
10. Group Share of Associates’ Profit after Tax
The Group’s share of associates’ profit after tax is equity-accounted and is presented as a single-line item in the Consolidated
Income Statement. The Group’s share of profit after tax generated by associates is analysed as follows between the principal
Consolidated Income Statement captions:
Group share of:
Revenue
Profit before finance costs and impairments
Impairments
Finance costs (net)
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit after tax
2011
€m
2010
€m
1,095
1,070
92
(11)
(19)
62
(20)
42
79
(22)
(9)
48
(20)
28
An analysis of the profit after tax by operating segment is presented in note 1. The aggregated balance sheet data
(analysed between current and non-current assets and liabilities) in respect of the Group’s investment in associates is
presented in note 16.
78 CRH
11. Income Tax Expense
Recognised within the Consolidated Income Statement
(a) Current tax
Republic of Ireland
Overseas
Total current tax
(b) Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences:
Defined benefit pension obligations
Share-based payment expense
Derivative financial instruments
Other items (primarily in relation to losses carried forward in 2011)
Total deferred tax
Income tax expense reported in the Consolidated Income Statement
Recognised within equity
(a) Within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income:
Deferred tax - defined benefit pension obligations
Deferred tax - cash flow hedges
(b) Within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity:
Current tax - share option exercises
Deferred tax - share-based payment expense
Income tax recognised directly within equity
Reconciliation of applicable tax rate to effective tax rate
Profit before tax (€m)
Tax charge expressed as a percentage of profit before tax (effective tax rate):
- current tax expense only
- total income tax expense (current and deferred)
The following table reconciles the applicable Republic of Ireland statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate
(current and deferred) of the Group:
Irish corporation tax rate
Higher tax rates on overseas earnings
Other items (comprising items not chargeable to tax/expenses not deductible for tax)
Total effective tax rate
Factors that may affect future tax charges and other disclosure requirements
2011
€m
-
194
194
27
-
5
(112)
(80)
114
56
2
58
-
-
-
58
2010
€m
5
63
68
7
4
18
(2)
27
95
7
(3)
4
1
(3)
(2)
2
711
534
27.3%
16.0%
12.7%
17.8%
% of profit before tax
12.5
12.5
2.7
4.6
2.6
(1.1)
17.8
16.0
Excess of capital allowances over depreciation
Based on current capital investment plans, the Group expects to continue to be in a position to claim capital allowances in excess of depreciation in future years.
Investments in subsidiaries and associates and interests in joint ventures
Given that participation exemptions and tax credits would be available in the context of the Group’s investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures in the majority of
the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, the aggregate amount of temporary differences in respect of which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised
would be immaterial (with materiality defined in the context of the year-end 2011 financial statements).
Proposed dividends
There are no income tax consequences for the Company in respect of dividends proposed prior to issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements and for which
a liability has not been recognised.
Other considerations
The total tax charge in future periods will be affected by any changes to the corporation tax rates in force in the countries in which the Group operates. The current
tax charge will also be impacted by changes in the excess of tax depreciation (capital allowances) over accounting depreciation and the use of tax credits.
CRH 79
12. Dividends
As shown in note 29, the Company has various classes of share capital in issue comprising Ordinary Shares, 5% Cumulative Preference Shares and 7% ‘A’
Cumulative Preference Shares. The dividends paid and proposed in respect of these classes of share capital are as follows:
Dividends to shareholders
Preference
5% Cumulative Preference Shares €3,175 (2010: €3,175)
7% 'A' Cumulative Preference Shares €77,521 (2010: €77,521)
Equity
Final - 44.00c per Ordinary Share in May 2011 (44.00c paid in May 2010)
Interim - paid 18.50c per Ordinary Share (2010: 18.50c)
Total
Dividends proposed (memorandum disclosure)
Equity
Final 2011 - proposed 44.00c per Ordinary Share (2010: 44.00c)
Reconciliation to Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Dividends to shareholders
Less: issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interests
Total dividends paid
13. Earnings per Ordinary Share
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share is set out below:
Numerator computations - basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share
Group profit for the financial year
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company
Preference dividends
Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company - numerator for basic/diluted earnings per Ordinary Share
Amortisation of intangible assets (including impairments)
Impairment of financial assets
Depreciation charge (including impairments)
Numerator for "cash" earnings per Ordinary Share (i)
Denominator computations
Denominator for basic earnings per Ordinary Share
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares (millions) outstanding for the year (ii)
Effect of dilutive potential Ordinary Shares (employee share options) (millions) (ii) and (iii)
Denominator for diluted earnings per Ordinary Share
Basic earnings per Ordinary Share
Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share
"Cash" earnings per Ordinary Share (i)
2011
€m
2010
€m
-
-
312
133
445
-
-
307
131
438
316
312
445
(135)
310
9
319
2011
€m
597
(7)
590
-
590
43
11
742
1,386
714.4
0.3
714.7
82.6c
82.6c
194.0c
438
(140)
298
6
304
2010
€m
439
(7)
432
-
432
131
22
786
1,371
704.6
1.0
705.6
61.3c
61.2c
194.6c
(i)
“Cash” earnings per Ordinary Share, which is computed through adding amortisation of intangible assets, depreciation and asset impairments to profit attributable
to ordinary equity holders of the Company, is presented here for information as management believes it is a useful indicator of the Group’s ability to generate cash
from operations. “Cash” earnings per Ordinary Share is not a recognised measure under generally accepted accounting principles. “Cash” earnings per Ordinary
Share on a diluted earnings basis amounted to 193.9c (2010: 194.3c).
(ii) Basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share: The weighted average number of Ordinary Shares included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
Ordinary Share has been adjusted to exclude shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust and Ordinary Shares repurchased and held by the Company (CRH plc)
as Treasury Shares given that these shares do not rank for dividend. The number of Ordinary Shares so held at the balance sheet date is detailed in note 29.
(iii) The issue of certain Ordinary Shares in respect of employee share options and Performance Share Plan awards is contingent upon the satisfaction of specified
performance conditions in addition to the passage of time. In accordance with IAS 33 Earnings per Share, these contingently issuable Ordinary Shares (totalling
21,429,061 at 31 December 2011, and 18,485,196 at 31 December 2010) are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per Ordinary Share where the
conditions governing exercisability have not been satisfied as at the end of the reporting period.
80 CRH
14. Property, Plant and Equipment
At 31 December 2011
Cost/deemed cost
Accumulated depreciation (and impairment charges)
Net carrying amount
At 1 January 2011, net carrying amount
Translation adjustment
Reclassifications
Additions at cost (ii)
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposals at net carrying amount
Depreciation charge for year
Impairment charge for year (iii)
At 31 December 2011, net carrying amount
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 31 December 2010
Cost/deemed cost
Accumulated depreciation (and impairment charges)
Net carrying amount
At 1 January 2010, net carrying amount
Translation adjustment
Reclassifications
Additions at cost (ii)
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposals at net carrying amount
Depreciation charge for year
Impairment charge for year (iii)
At 31 December 2010, net carrying amount
At 1 January 2010
Cost/deemed cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount
Land and
buildings (i)
€m
Plant and
machinery
€m
Transport
€m
Assets in
course of
construction
€m
6,372
(1,587)
4,785
4,775
45
51
64
140
(129)
(153)
(8)
4,785
6,170
(1,395)
4,775
4,465
262
36
50
171
(51)
(151)
(7)
4,775
5,710
(1,245)
4,465
7,899
(4,637)
3,262
3,323
20
47
252
185
(62)
(495)
(8)
3,262
7,618
(4,295)
3,323
3,355
183
93
193
109
(66)
(536)
(8)
3,323
7,113
(3,758)
3,355
874
(601)
273
268
8
39
32
14
(10)
(78)
-
273
828
(560)
268
299
20
(2)
17
33
(15)
(84)
-
268
803
(504)
299
616
-
616
526
-
(137)
228
-
(1)
-
-
616
526
-
526
416
24
(127)
206
8
(1)
-
-
526
416
-
416
Total
€m
15,761
(6,825)
8,936
8,892
73
-
576
339
(202)
(726)
(16)
8,936
15,142
(6,250)
8,892
8,535
489
-
466
321
(133)
(771)
(15)
8,892
14,042
(5,507)
8,535
(i) The carrying value of mineral-bearing land included in the land and buildings category above amounted to €2,087 million at the balance sheet date (2010:
€1,974 million).
(ii) Borrowing costs capitalised during the financial year amounted to €8 million (2010: €9 million). The average capitalisation rate employed to determine the
amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 5.5% (2010: 5.5%).
(iii) The impairment charge for 2011 of €16 million (2010: €15 million) represents charges across a number of business units in the Group, none of which is
individually material.
Assets held under finance leases
The net carrying amount and the depreciation charge during the period in respect of assets held under finance leases were not material to the Group.
Future purchase commitments for property, plant and equipment
Contracted for but not provided in the financial statements
Authorised by the Directors but not contracted for
2011
€m
198
183
2010
€m
305
143
CRH 81
15. Intangible Assets
At 31 December 2011
Cost/deemed cost
Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges)
Net carrying amount
At 1 January 2011, net carrying amount
Translation adjustment
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposals
Amortisation charge for year
Impairment charge for year
At 31 December 2011, net carrying amount
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 31 December 2010
Cost/deemed cost
Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges)
Net carrying amount
At 1 January 2010, net carrying amount
Translation adjustment
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposals
Amortisation charge for year
Impairment charge for year
At 31 December 2010, net carrying amount
At 1 January 2010
Cost/deemed cost
Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges)
Net carrying amount
Other intangible assets
Goodwill
€m
Marketing-
related
€m
Customer-
related (i)
€m
Contract-
based
€m
4,358
(57)
4,301
4,113
50
207
(65)
-
(4)
4,301
4,223
(110)
4,113
3,919
206
82
(7)
-
(87)
4,113
3,976
(57)
3,919
44
(30)
14
17
-
1
-
(4)
-
14
42
(25)
17
15
1
5
-
(4)
-
17
35
(20)
15
361
(200)
161
161
5
27
-
(32)
-
161
327
(166)
161
146
14
40
(1)
(38)
-
161
274
(128)
146
24
(12)
12
14
-
1
-
(2)
(1)
12
23
(9)
14
15
1
-
-
(2)
-
14
22
(7)
15
Total
€m
4,787
(299)
4,488
4,305
55
236
(65)
(38)
(5)
4,488
4,615
(310)
4,305
4,095
222
127
(8)
(44)
(87)
4,305
4,307
(212)
4,095
(i) The customer-related intangible assets relate predominantly to non-contractual customer relationships.
Goodwill
The net book value of goodwill capitalised under previous GAAP (Irish GAAP) as at the transition date to IFRS (1 January 2004) has been treated as deemed cost.
Goodwill arising on acquisition since that date is capitalised at cost.
Cash-generating units
Goodwill acquired through business combination activity has been allocated to cash-generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from synergies in that
combination. The cash-generating units represent the lowest level within the Group at which the associated goodwill is monitored for internal management
purposes and are not larger than the operating segments determined in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments. A total of 27 (2010: 30) cash-generating
units have been identified and these are analysed between the six business segments in the Group below. The reduction in the number of CGUs in 2011 relates to
a number of organisational changes in our US businesses. All businesses within the various cash-generating units exhibit similar and/or consistent profit margin
and asset intensity characteristics. Assets, liabilities, deferred tax and goodwill have been assigned to the CGUs on a reasonable and consistent basis.
Europe Materials
Europe Products
Europe Distribution
Americas Materials
Americas Products
Americas Distribution
Total cash-generating units
82 CRH
Cash-generating units
Goodwill (€m)
2011
2010
2011
2010
11
3
1
8
3
1
27
11
3
1
9
5
1
30
858
615
641
1,234
627
326
4,301
782
676
622
1,136
610
287
4,113
15. Intangible Assets continued
Impairment testing methodology and results
Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis. The recoverable amount of each of the 27 CGUs is determined based on a value-in-use computation,
which is the only methodology applied by the Group and which has been selected due to the impracticality of obtaining fair value less costs to sell measurements
for each reporting period. The cash flow forecasts are based on a five-year strategic plan document formally approved by senior management and the Board of
Directors and specifically exclude the impact of future development activity. These cash flows are projected forward for an additional five years to determine the
basis for an annuity-based terminal value, calculated on the same basis as the Group’s acquisition modelling methodology. As in prior years, the terminal value is
based on a 20-year annuity, with the exception of certain long-lived cement assets, where an assumption of a 40-year annuity has been used. The projected cash
flows assume zero growth in real cash flows beyond the initial evaluation period. The value-in-use represents the present value of the future cash flows, including
the terminal value, discounted at a rate appropriate to each CGU. The real pre-tax discount rates used range from 7.0% to 11.8% (2010: 7.4% to 12.4%); these
rates are in line with the Group’s estimated weighted average cost of capital, arrived at using the Capital Asset Pricing Model.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The cash flows have been arrived at taking account of the Group’s strong financial position, its established history of earnings and cash flow generation and the
nature of the building materials industry, where product obsolescence is very low. However, expected future cash flows are inherently uncertain and are therefore
liable to material change over time. The key assumptions employed in arriving at the estimates of future cash flows factored into impairment testing are subjective
and include projected EBITDA (as defined)* margins, net cash flows, discount rates used and the duration of the discounted cash flow model.
Significant goodwill amounts
The goodwill allocated to the Europe Distribution and the Oldcastle Building Products (Americas Products segment) CGUs accounts for between 10% and 20% of
the total carrying amount of €4,301 million. The goodwill allocated to the remaining CGUs is less than 10% of the total carrying value in all other cases. The
additional disclosures required for the 2 CGUs with significant goodwill are as follows:
Carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit at balance sheet date
Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections (real pre-tax)
Average EBITDA (as defined)* margin over the initial 5-year period
Value-in-use (present value of future cash flows)
Excess of value-in-use over carrying amount
Oldcastle
Building Products
Europe Distribution
2011**
2011
2010
€465m
11.5%
10.7%
€1,669m
€150m
€641m
9.7%
7.3%
€2,306m
€646m
€622m
10.1%
6.6%
€1,781m
€280m
The key assumptions and methodology used in respect of these two CGUs are consistent with those described above. The values applied to each of the key
estimates and assumptions are specific to the individual CGUs and were derived from a combination of internal and external factors based on historical experience
and took into account the cash flows specifically associated with these businesses. The cash flows and 20-year annuity-based terminal value were projected in line
with the methodology disclosed above.
Europe Distribution is not one of the CGUs referred to in the “Sensitivity analysis” section. Given the magnitude of the excess of value-in-use over carrying amount,
and our belief that the key assumptions are reasonable, management believe that it is not reasonably possible that there would be a change in the key assumptions
such that the carrying amount would exceed the value-in-use. Consequently no further disclosures relating to sensitivity of the value-in-use computations for the
Europe Distribution CGU are considered to be warranted. Sensitivity analysis for Oldcastle Building Products is presented below.
Sensitivity analysis
Sensitivity analysis has been performed in respect of 6 of the 27 CGUs. The key assumptions, methodology used and values applied to each of the key assumptions
for these cash-generating units are in line with those outlined above. These 6 CGUs had aggregate goodwill of €1,243 million at the date of testing. The table below
identifies the amounts by which each of the following assumptions may either decline or increase to arrive at a zero excess of the present value of future cash flows
over the book value of net assets in the 6 CGUs selected for sensitivity analysis testing:
Reduction in EBITDA (as defined)* margin
Reduction in profit before tax
Reduction in net cash flow
Increase in pre-tax discount rate
Oldcastle
Building Products
Remaining
5 CGUs
0.8 percentage points
10.7%
14.7%
1.5 percentage points
0.9 to 1.7 percentage points
6.9% to 17.6%
6.3% to 15.7%
1.0 to 2.6 percentage points
The average EBITDA (as defined)* margin for the aggregate of these 6 CGUs over the initial 5-year period was 11%. The aggregate value-in-use (being the present
value of the future net cash flows) was €4,229 million and the aggregate carrying amount was €3,781 million, resulting in an aggregate excess of value-in-use over
carrying amount of €448 million.
* EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of
associates’ profit after tax.
** Comparative information for Oldcastle Building Products is unavailable due to the 2011 organisational changes referred to above.
CRH 83
16. Financial Assets
Investments accounted for using the equity method
(i.e. associates)
Share of net
assets
€m
Goodwill
€m
Loans
€m
Total
€m
Other (i)
€m
At 1 January 2011
Translation adjustment
Investments and advances
Disposals and repayments
Reclassifications
Retained profit
At 31 December 2011
732
20
8
(59)
(19)
33
715
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 1 January 2010
Translation adjustment
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Investments and advances
Disposals and repayments
Retained loss
At 31 December 2010
670
33
4
26
-
(1)
732
The total investment in associates is analysed as follows:
294
10
-
(69)
-
(11)
224
289
11
-
16
-
(22)
294
11
-
1
(3)
-
-
9
3
1
-
7
-
-
11
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Net assets
1,037
30
9
(131)
(19)
22
948
962
45
4
49
-
(23)
1,037
2011
€m
1,245
632
(402)
(527)
948
149
4
15
(10)
81
-
239
128
8
2
18
(7)
-
149
2010
€m
1,321
718
(458)
(544)
1,037
A listing of the principal associates is contained on page 125.
The Group holds a 21.13% stake (2010: 21.13%) in Samse S.A., a publicly-quoted distributor of building materials to the
merchanting sector in France which is accounted for as an associate investment above. The fair value of this investment was
€41 million (2010: €45 million) as at the balance sheet date.
The Group completed its annual impairment assessment of its investments in associates; no impairments were recorded as
a result of this review.
(i) Other financial assets primarily comprise loans extended by the Group to joint ventures, trade investments carried at
historical cost and other non-current assets. The balance in respect of loans to joint ventures as at 31 December 2011
was €141 million (2010: €132 million).
84 CRH
17. Inventories
Raw materials
Work-in-progress (i)
Finished goods
Total inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value
2011
€m
648
88
1,550
2,286
2010
€m
622
102
1,463
2,187
(i) Work-in-progress includes €8 million (2010: €2 million) in respect of the cumulative costs incurred, net of amounts transferred to cost of sales under percentage-
of-completion accounting, for construction contracts in progress at the balance sheet date.
An analysis of the Group’s cost of sales expense is provided in note 3 to the financial statements.
Write-downs of inventories recognised as an expense within cost of sales amounted to €14 million (2010: €23 million).
None of the above carrying amounts has been pledged as security for liabilities entered into by the Group.
18. Trade and Other Receivables
Trade receivables
Amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts (i)
Total trade receivables, gross
Provision for impairment
Total trade receivables, net
Other receivables (ii)
Amounts receivable from associates
Prepayments and accrued income
Total
2011
€m
1,879
417
2,296
(153)
2,143
357
2
161
2,663
2010
€m
1,700
342
2,042
(151)
1,891
409
1
118
2,419
The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables approximate their fair value largely due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
(i)
Includes unbilled revenue at the balance sheet date in respect of construction contracts amounting to €121 million (2010: €90 million).
(ii) Other receivables include retentions held by customers in respect of construction contracts at the balance sheet date amounting to €70 million (2010: €84 million).
Provision for impairment
The movements in the provision for impairment of receivables during the financial year were as follows:
At 1 January
Translation adjustment
Provided during year
Written-off during year
Recovered during year
At 31 December
Information in relation to the Group’s credit risk management is provided in note 21 to the financial statements.
Aged analysis
The aged analysis of gross trade receivables and amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts at the
balance sheet date was as follows:
Neither past due nor impaired
Past due but not impaired:
- less than 60 days
- 60 days or greater but less than 120 days
- 120 days or greater
Past due and impaired (partial or full provision)
Total
151
1
56
(50)
(5)
153
158
7
50
(56)
(8)
151
1,731
1,522
232
107
49
177
2,296
193
100
25
202
2,042
Trade receivables and amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts are in general receivable within 90 days of the balance sheet date.
CRH 85
19. Trade and Other Payables
Current
Trade payables
Construction contract-related payables (i)
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income
Amounts payable to associates
Total
Non-current
Other payables
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (stated at net present cost) due as follows:
- between one and two years
- between two and five years
- after five years
Total
2011
€m
2010
€m
1,579
120
28
404
683
44
2,858
81
33
61
29
204
1,376
163
26
403
672
46
2,686
70
18
46
29
163
(i) Construction contract-related payables include billings in excess of costs incurred together with advances received from customers in respect of work to be
performed under construction contracts and foreseeable losses thereon.
Other than deferred and contingent consideration, the carrying amounts of trade and other payables approximate their fair value largely due to the short-term
maturities of these instruments.
20. Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities
Trade
and other
receivables
€m
Trade
and other
payables
€m
Provisions
for
liabilities
€m
Inventories
€m
2,187
32
53
(55)
-
-
-
-
69
2,286
2,008
101
92
(30)
-
-
-
-
16
2,187
2,419
38
62
(90)
-
-
1
(62)
295
2,663
2,454
138
80
(17)
(115)
-
-
2
(123)
2,419
(2,849)
(38)
(49)
102
(42)
21
(11)
-
(196)
(3,062)
(2,638)
(137)
(64)
29
-
(23)
27
6
(49)
(2,849)
(387)
(7)
(15)
8
-
-
(15)
-
43
(373)
(360)
(20)
(7)
1
-
-
-
(15)
14
(387)
Total
€m
1,370
25
51
(35)
(42)
21
(25)
(62)
211
1,514
1,464
82
101
(17)
(115)
(23)
27
(7)
(142)
1,370
At 1 January 2011
Translation adjustment
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposals
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration:
- arising on acquisitions during year (note 31)
- paid during year
Interest accruals and discount unwinding
Reclassifications
Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities
At 31 December 2011
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 1 January 2010
Translation adjustment
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposals
Movement in finance-related receivables
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration:
- arising on acquisitions during year (note 31)
- paid during year
Interest accruals and discount unwinding
Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities
At 31 December 2010
86 CRH
21. Capital and Financial Risk Management
Capital management
Overall summary
The primary objectives of CRH’s capital management strategy are to ensure that the Group maintains a strong credit rating to support its business and to create
shareholder value by managing the debt and equity balance and the cost of capital. No changes were made in the objectives, policy or processes for managing capital
during either 2011 or 2010.
The Board periodically reviews the capital structure of the Group, including the cost of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital. The Group
manages and, if necessary, adjusts its capital structure taking account of underlying economic conditions; any material adjustments to the Group’s capital structure
in terms of the relative proportions of debt and equity are approved by the Board. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new
shares, dispose of assets, amend investment plans, alter dividend policy or return capital to shareholders. The Group is committed to optimising the use of its
balance sheet within the confines of the overall objective to maintain an investment grade credit rating. Dividend cover for the year ended 31 December 2011
amounted to 1.3 times (2010: 1.0 times).
The capital structure of the Group, which comprises net debt and capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders, may be summarised as follows:
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders
Net debt (note 25)
Capital and net debt
Financial risk management objectives and policies
2011
€m
10,509
3,483
13,992
2010
€m
10,328
3,473
13,801
The Group uses financial instruments throughout its businesses: interest-bearing loans and borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, short-dated liquid investments
and finance leases are used to finance the Group’s operations; trade receivables and trade payables arise directly from operations; and derivatives, principally
interest rate and currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are used to manage interest rate risks and currency exposures and to achieve the desired
profile of borrowings. The Group does not trade in financial instruments nor does it enter into any leveraged derivative transactions.
The Group’s corporate treasury function provides services to the business units, co-ordinates access to domestic and international financial markets, and monitors
and manages the financial risks relating to the operations of the Group. The Head of Group Finance reports to the Finance Director and the activities of the corporate
treasury function are subject to regular internal audit. Systems are in place to monitor and control the Group’s liquidity risks. The Group’s net debt position forms
part of the monthly documentation presented to the Board of Directors.
The main risks attaching to the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Commodity price risk arising
from financial instruments is of minimal relevance given that exposure is confined to a small number of contracts entered into for the purpose of hedging future
movements in energy costs. The Board reviews and agrees policies for the prudent management of each of these risks as documented below.
Interest rate risk
The Group’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates stems predominantly from its long-term debt obligations. Interest cost is managed by the Group’s
corporate treasury function using a mix of fixed and floating rate debt. With the objective of managing this mix in a cost-efficient manner, the Group enters into
interest rate swaps, under which the Group contracts to exchange, at predetermined intervals, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated
by reference to a pre-agreed notional principal. Such contracts enable the Group to mitigate the risk of changing interest rates on the fair value of issued fixed rate
debt and the cash flow exposures of issued floating rate debt.
The majority of these swaps are designated under IAS 39 to hedge underlying debt obligations and qualify for hedge accounting; undesignated financial instruments
are termed “not designated as hedges” in the analysis of derivative financial instruments presented in note 24. The following table demonstrates the impact on profit
before tax and total equity of a range of possible changes in the interest rates applicable to net floating rate borrowings, with all other variables held constant. These
impacts are calculated based on the closing balance sheet for the relevant period and assume all floating interest rates and interest curves change by the same
amount. For profit before tax, the impact shown is the impact on closing balance sheet floating rate net debt for a full year while for total equity the impact shown
is the impact on the value of financial instruments.
Percentage change in cost of borrowings
Impact on profit before tax
Impact on total equity
+/- 1% +/- 0.5%
2011
2010
-/+ €8m -/+ €4m
-/+ €3m
-/+ €6m
2011
2010
+/- €2m +/- €1m
-/+ €3m
-/+ €5m
CRH 87
21. Capital and Financial Risk Management continued
Foreign currency risk
Due to the nature of building materials, which in general exhibit a low value-to-weight ratio, CRH’s activities are conducted primarily in the local currency of the
country of operation resulting in low levels of foreign currency transaction risk; variances arising in this regard are reflected in operating costs or cost of sales in the
Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they arise.
Given the Group’s presence in 36 countries worldwide, the principal foreign exchange risk arises from fluctuations in the euro value of the Group’s net investment
in a wide basket of currencies other than the euro; such changes are reported separately within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. A currency
profile of the Group’s net debt and net worth is presented in note 25. The Group’s established policy is to spread its net worth across the currencies of its various
operations with the objective of limiting its exposure to individual currencies and thus promoting consistency with the geographical balance of its operations. In order
to achieve this objective, the Group manages its borrowings, where practicable and cost effective, to hedge a portion of its foreign currency assets. Hedging is done
using currency borrowings in the same currency as the assets being hedged or through the use of other hedging methods such as currency swaps.
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of profit before tax and equity to selected movements in the relevant €/US$ exchange rate (with all other variables
held constant); the US Dollar has been selected as the appropriate currency for this analysis given the materiality of the Group’s activities in the United States. The
impact on profit before tax is based on changing the €/US$ exchange rate used in calculating profit before tax for the period. The impact on total equity and financial
instruments is calculated by changing the €/US$ exchange rate used in measuring the closing balance sheet.
Percentage change in relevant €/US$ exchange rate
Impact on profit before tax
Impact on total equity*
* Includes the impact on financial instruments which is as follows:
+/- 5% +/- 2.5%
2011
2010
-/+ €8m
-/+ €7m
-/+ €4m
-/+ €4m
2011 -/+ €203m -/+ €104m
2010 -/+ €195m -/+ €100m
2011 +/- €105m +/- €54m
+/- €92m +/- €47m
2010
Financial instruments include deposits, money market funds, bank loans, medium term notes and other fixed term debt, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps
and foreign exchange contracts. They exclude trade receivables and trade payables.
Credit risk
In addition to cash at bank and in hand, the Group holds significant cash balances which are invested on a short-term basis and are classified as either cash
equivalents or liquid investments (see note 22). These deposits and other financial instruments (principally certain derivatives and loans and receivables included
within financial assets) give rise to credit risk on amounts due from counterparties. Credit risk is managed by limiting the aggregate amount and duration of exposure
to any one counterparty primarily depending on its credit rating and by regular review of these ratings. Acceptable credit ratings are high investment-grade ratings
- generally counterparties have ratings of A2/A or higher from Moody’s/Standard & Poor’s ratings agencies. The maximum exposure arising in the event of default
on the part of the counterparty is the carrying value of the relevant financial instrument.
Credit risk arising in the context of the Group’s operations is not significant with the total bad debt provision at the balance sheet date amounting to 6.7% of gross
trade receivables (2010: 7.4%). Customer credit risk is managed at appropriate Group locations according to established policies, procedures and controls.
Customer credit quality is assessed in line with strict credit rating criteria and credit limits established where appropriate. Outstanding customer balances are
regularly monitored and a review for indicators of impairment (evidence of financial difficulty of the customer, payment default, breach of contract etc.) is carried out
at each reporting date. Significant balances are reviewed individually while smaller balances are grouped and assessed collectively. Receivables balances are in
general unsecured and non-interest-bearing. The trade receivables balances disclosed in note 18 comprise a large number of customers spread across the Group’s
activities and geographies with balances classified as neither past due nor impaired representing 75% of the total trade receivables balance at the balance sheet
date (2010: 75%); amounts receivable from related parties (notes 18 and 32) are immaterial. Factoring and credit guarantee arrangements are employed in certain
of the Group’s operations where deemed to be of benefit by operational management.
Liquidity risk
The principal liquidity risks faced by the Group stem from the maturation of debt obligations and derivative transactions. The Group’s corporate treasury function
ensures that sufficient resources are available to meet such liabilities as they fall due through a combination of liquid investments, cash and cash equivalents, cash
flows and undrawn committed bank facilities. Flexibility in funding sources is achieved through a variety of means including (i) maintaining cash and cash equivalents
and liquid resources only with a diversity of highly-rated counterparties; (ii) limiting the maturity of such balances; (iii) borrowing the bulk of the Group’s debt
requirements under committed bank lines or other term financing; and (iv) having surplus committed lines of credit.
The undrawn committed facilities available to the Group as at the balance sheet date are quantified in note 23; these facilities span a wide number of highly-rated
financial institutions thus minimising any potential exposure arising from concentrations in borrowing sources. The repayment schedule (analysed by maturity date)
applicable to the Group’s outstanding interest-bearing loans and borrowings as at the balance sheet date is also presented in note 23.
Commodity price risk
The Group’s exposure to commodity price risk is minimal with the fair value of derivatives used to hedge future energy costs being €3 million unfavourable as at the
balance sheet date (2010: €4 million favourable).
88 CRH
21. Capital and Financial Risk Management continued
The tables below show the projected contractual undiscounted total cash outflows (principal and interest) arising from the Group’s trade and other payables, gross
debt and derivative financial instruments. The tables also include the gross cash inflows projected to arise from derivative financial instruments. These projections
are based on the interest and foreign exchange rates applying at the end of the relevant financial year.
At 31 December 2011
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables
Finance leases
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Interest payments on finance leases
Interest payments on interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Interest rate swaps - net cash outflows
Cross-currency swaps - gross cash outflows
Other derivative financial instruments
Gross projected cash outflows
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows
Cross-currency swaps - gross cash inflows
Other derivative financial instruments
Gross projected cash inflows
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 31 December 2010
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables
Finance leases
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Interest payments on finance leases
Interest payments on interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Interest rate swaps - net cash outflows
Cross-currency swaps - gross cash outflows
Gross projected cash outflows
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows
Cross-currency swaps - gross cash inflows
Other derivative financial instruments
Gross projected cash inflows
Within
1 year
€m
Between
1 and 2
years
€m
Between
2 and 3
years
€m
Between
3 and 4
years
€m
Between
4 and 5
years
€m
After
5 years
€m
Total
€m
2,858
3
511
1
286
1
1,207
2
117
3
564
1
268
-
428
1
23
3
920
1
208
-
24
1
24
2
355
1
158
-
327
-
25
1
38
13
3,085
25
1,290
1,070
4,710
1
120
-
-
-
5
327
1
-
2
10
1,367
2
1,986
6
4,869
1,382
1,180
867
1,437
1,456
11,191
(70)
(1,197)
(1)
(1,268)
(53)
(471)
-
(524)
(32)
(24)
-
(56)
(24)
(307)
-
(331)
(18)
-
-
(18)
(15)
-
-
(212)
(1,999)
(1)
(15)
(2,212)
2,686
2
655
1
311
1
1,312
4,968
(113)
(1,244)
(3)
(1,360)
89
2
368
1
274
-
42
776
(69)
(27)
(1)
(97)
17
1
575
-
258
1
427
18
2
908
-
199
-
24
1,279
1,151
(53)
(455)
(1)
(509)
(31)
(24)
-
(55)
19
1
38
4
2,867
12
336
2,251
5,093
-
151
-
327
834
(22)
(298)
-
(320)
2
431
1
-
4
1,624
3
2,132
2,727
11,735
(30)
-
-
(318)
(2,048)
(5)
(30)
(2,371)
CRH 89
22. Liquid Investments and Cash and Cash Equivalents
Liquid investments and cash and cash equivalents balances are spread across a wide number of highly-rated financial
institutions with no material concentrations in credit or liquidity risk.
Liquid investments
Liquid investments comprise short-term deposits and current asset investments which are held as readily disposable stores
of value and include investments in government gilts and commercial paper and deposits of less than one year in duration.
The credit risk attaching to these items is documented in note 21.
Liquid investments held-for-trading (fair value through profit or loss)
Loans and receivables
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
2011
€m
28
1
29
2010
€m
32
5
37
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances held for the purposes of meeting short-term cash commitments and
investments which are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in
value.
Cash and cash equivalents, are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows at
fair value, and are analysed as follows:
Cash at bank and in hand
Investments (short-term deposits)
Total
429
866
1,295
658
1,072
1,730
Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily deposit bank rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying
periods of between one day and three months depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group, and earn
interest at the respective short-term deposit rates.
90 CRH
23. Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings
Loans and borrowings outstanding
2011
2010
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Leases
Bonds and private placements
Other
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings*
Including share of
joint ventures
Excluding share of
joint ventures
Including share of
joint ventures
Excluding share of
joint ventures
€m
64
155
25
4,620
118
4,982
€m
49
40
23
4,614
32
4,758
€m
42
254
12
4,971
82
5,361
€m
33
157
11
4,965
6
5,172
* Including loans of €9 million (2010: €16 million) secured on specific items of property, plant and equipment; these figures do not include finance leases.
Maturity profile of loans and borrowings and undrawn committed facilities
At 31 December 2011
Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
After five years
Total
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 31 December 2010
Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
After five years
Total
Including share of joint ventures
Excluding share of joint ventures
Loans and
borrowings
€m
Undrawn
committed
facilities**
€m
Loans and
borrowings
€m
Undrawn
committed
facilities**
€m
519
604
957
356
1,357
1,189
4,982
666
393
626
945
337
2,394
5,361
135
237
1
37
1,500
28
1,938
366
781
157
2
38
36
1,380
459
580
941
341
1,345
1,092
4,758
621
382
590
939
331
2,309
5,172
132
184
1
-
1,500
1
1,818
357
781
119
-
-
2
1,259
** 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 figures shown above are the undrawn committed facilities available to be drawn by the
Group at 31 December 2011.
In January 2012, CRH Finance BV (a wholly-owned subsidiary) completed an issue of €500 million 7-year corporate bonds at a coupon rate of 5%, which are
unconditionally guaranteed by CRH plc.
Guarantees
The Company has given letters of guarantee to secure obligations of subsidiary undertakings as follows: €4.7 billion in respect of loans, bank advances, derivative
obligations and future lease obligations (2010: €5.2 billion), €427 million in respect of letters of credit (2010: €435 million) and €9 million in respect of other obligations
(2010: €8 million).
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 17, Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, the Company has guaranteed the liabilities of its wholly-owned subsidiary undertakings
and the Oldcastle Finance Company and Oldcastle North America Funding Company general partnerships in the Republic of Ireland for the financial year ended 31
December 2011 and, as a result, such subsidiary undertakings and the general partnerships have been exempted from the filing provisions of Section 7, Companies
(Amendment) Act, 1986 and Regulation 20 of the European Communities (Accounts Regulations), 1993 respectively.
Lender covenants
The Group’s major bank facilities and debt issued pursuant to Note Purchase Agreements in private placements 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. CRH 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 (excluding share of joint ventures) defined as PBITDA/net interest (all as defined in the relevant agreement) cover at no lower than 4.5
times. As at 31 December 2011 the ratio was 7.4 times (2010: 7.3 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 €5 billion
(such minimum being adjusted for foreign exchange translation impacts). As at 31 December 2011 minimum net worth (as defined) was €12.1 billion (2010:
€12.1 billion).
CRH 91
24. Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair values of derivative financial instruments are analysed by year of maturity and by accounting designation as follows:
Fair
value
hedges
Cash flow
hedges
Net
investment
hedges
Not
designated
as hedges
€m
€m
€m
€m
At 31 December 2011
Derivative assets
Within one year - current assets
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
After five years
Non-current assets
Total derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Within one year - current liabilities
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
After five years
Non-current liabilities
Total derivative liabilities
6
62
32
-
46
41
181
187
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments
187
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 31 December 2010
Derivative assets
Within one year - current assets
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
After five years
Non-current assets
Total derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Within one year - current liabilities
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
After five years
Non-current liabilities
Total derivative liabilities
10
22
49
34
-
58
163
173
-
-
-
-
-
(4)
(4)
(4)
Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments
169
92 CRH
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
(2)
(1)
-
(17)
-
(2)
(20)
(22)
(21)
3
1
1
-
-
-
2
5
-
-
-
-
(28)
-
(28)
(28)
(23)
12
-
-
-
-
-
-
12
(8)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(8)
4
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
(53)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(53)
(52)
Total
excluding
share of joint
ventures
€m
Total
€m
24
62
32
-
46
41
181
23
62
32
-
46
41
181
205
204
(10)
(1)
-
(17)
-
(2)
(20)
(30)
(10)
(1)
-
(17)
-
-
(18)
(28)
175
176
14
52
50
34
-
58
194
208
(54)
-
-
-
(28)
(5)
(33)
(87)
13
52
50
34
-
58
194
207
(54)
-
-
-
(28)
(4)
(32)
(86)
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
29
-
-
-
-
29
29
(1)
-
-
-
-
(1)
(1)
(2)
27
121
121
24. Derivative Financial Instruments continued
Fair value hedges consist of interest rate swaps and currency swaps. These instruments hedge risks arising from changes
in asset/liability fair values due to interest rate and foreign exchange rate movements.
Cash flow hedges consist of forward foreign exchange and commodity contracts and interest rate and currency swaps.
These instruments hedge risks arising to future cash flows from movements in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices
and interest rates. Cash flow hedges are expected to affect profit and loss over the period to maturity.
Net investment hedges comprise cross-currency swaps and hedge changes in the value of net investments due to currency
movements.
The profit/(loss) arising on fair value, cash flow, net investment hedges and related hedged items reflected in the Consolidated
Income Statement is shown below:
Cash flow hedges - ineffectiveness
Fair value of hedge instruments
Fair value of the hedged items
Net investment hedges - ineffectiveness
Components of other comprehensive income - cash flow hedges
(Losses)/gains arising during the year:
Commodity forward contracts
Interest rate swaps
Reclassification adjustments for (gains)/losses included in:
- the Consolidated Income Statement
Total
2011
€m
2
12
(17)
-
2010
€m
8
(3)
6
1
2011
€m
2010
€m
(4)
(1)
(2)
(7)
7
-
3
10
CRH 93
25. Analysis of Net Debt
Components of net debt
Net debt is a non-GAAP measure which we provide to investors as we believe they find it useful. Net debt comprises cash and cash equivalents, liquid investments,
derivative financial instrument assets and liabilities and interest-bearing loans and borrowings and enables investors to see the economic effects of these in total
(see note 21 for details of the capital and risk management policy employed by the Group). Net debt is commonly used in computations such as net debt as a %
of total equity and net debt as a % of market capitalisation.
As at 31 December 2011
As at 31 December 2010
Fair value (i)
including
share
of joint
ventures
€m
Book value
including
share
of joint
ventures
€m
Book value
excluding
share
of joint
ventures
€m
Fair value (i)
including
share
of joint
ventures
€m
Book value
including
share of
joint
ventures
€m
Book value
excluding
share of
joint
ventures
€m
Cash and cash equivalents (note 22)
Liquid investments (note 22)
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 23)
Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 24)
Group net debt
1,295
29
(5,051)
175
(3,552)
1,295
29
(4,982)
175
(3,483)
1,246
1
(4,758)
176
(3,335)
1,730
37
(5,464)
121
(3,576)
1,730
37
(5,361)
121
(3,473)
1,670
1
(5,172)
121
(3,380)
(i) The fair values of cash and cash equivalents and floating rate loans and borrowings are based on their carrying amounts, which constitute a reasonable
approximation of fair value. The carrying value of liquid investments is the market value of these investments with these values quoted on liquid markets. The
carrying value of derivatives is fair value based on discounted future cash flows at current foreign exchange and interest rates. The fair value of fixed rate debt
is calculated based on actual traded prices for publicly traded debt or discounted future cash flows reflecting market interest rate changes since issuance for
other fixed rate debt.
The following table shows the effective interest rates on period-end fixed, gross and net debt:
As at 31 December 2011
As at 31 December 2010
Weighted
average
fixed period
(Years)
€m Interest rate
Weighted
average
fixed period
(Years)
€m
Interest rate
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings nominal - fixed rate (ii)
Derivative financial instruments - fixed rate
Net fixed rate debt including derivatives
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings nominal - floating rate (iii)
Adjustment of debt from nominal to book value (ii)
Derivative financial instruments - currency floating rate
Gross debt including derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents - floating rate
Liquid investments - floating rate
Net debt including derivative financial instruments
(4,446)
2,010
(2,436)
(289)
(247)
(1,835)
(4,807)
1,295
29
(3,483)
6.3%
6.3
4.7%
(4,777)
2,185
(2,592)
(328)
(256)
(2,064)
(5,240)
1,730
37
(3,473)
6.3%
6.7
4.5%
(ii) Of the Group’s nominal fixed rate debt at 31 December 2011, €2,309 million (2010: €2,505 million) was hedged to floating rate at inception using interest rate
swaps. In accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, hedged fixed rate debt is recorded at amortised cost adjusted for the
change in value arising from changes in underlying market interest rates and the related hedging instruments (interest rate swaps) are stated at fair value.
Adjustments to fixed rate debt values and the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument are reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement. The
balance of nominal fixed rate debt of €2,137 million (2010: €2,272 million) pertains to financial liabilities measured at amortised cost in accordance with IAS 39.
(iii) Floating rate debt comprises bank borrowings and finance leases bearing interest at rates set in advance for periods ranging from overnight to less than one
year largely by reference to inter-bank interest rates (US$ LIBOR, Sterling LIBOR, Swiss Franc LIBOR and Euribor).
94 CRH
25. Analysis of Net Debt continued
Fair value hierarchy
The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:
– Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
– Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived
from prices)
– Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs)
As at 31 December 2011
As at 31 December 2010
Level 1
€m
Level 2
€m
Total
€m
Level 1
€m
Level 2
€m
Assets measured at fair value
Fair value hedges - cross currency and interest rate swaps
Cash flow hedges
Net investment hedges - cross currency swaps
Not designated as hedges (held-for-trading) - interest rate swaps
Held-for-trading (fair value through profit or loss)
Total
Liabilities measured at fair value
Fair value hedges - cross currency and interest rate swaps
Cash flow hedges - cross currency and interest rate swaps
Net investment hedges - cross currency swaps
Not designated as hedges (held-for-trading) - interest rate swaps
Total
-
-
-
-
28
28
-
-
-
-
-
187
1
12
5
-
205
-
(22)
(8)
-
(30)
187
1
12
5
28
233
-
(22)
(8)
-
(30)
-
-
-
-
32
32
-
-
-
-
-
173
5
1
29
-
208
(4)
(28)
(53)
(2)
(87)
Total
€m
173
5
1
29
32
240
(4)
(28)
(53)
(2)
(87)
During the reporting periods ending 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010 there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and
no transfers into and out of Level 3 fair value measurements.
Currency profile
The currency profile of the Group’s net debt and net worth (capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders) as at 31 December 2011 is as follows:
euro
€m
US
Dollar
€m
Pound
Sterling
€m
Swiss
Franc Other (iv)
€m
€m
Total
€m
Net debt by major currency including derivative financial instruments
(1,002)
(2,200)
(29)
(134)
(118)
(3,483)
Non-debt assets and liabilities analysed as follows:
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Non-controlling interests
4,313
1,629
(774)
(1,171)
(24)
6,751
2,145
(1,238)
(1,199)
(7)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders (v)
2,971
4,252
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
497
219
(188)
(201)
-
298
891
366
(233)
(243)
(10)
637
2,449
14,901
598
(179)
(366)
(33)
4,957
(2,612)
(3,180)
(74)
2,351
10,509
Net debt by major currency including derivative financial instruments
(1,151)
(1,941)
(2)
(224)
(155)
(3,473)
Non-debt assets and liabilities analysed as follows:
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Non-controlling interests
4,592
1,619
(716)
(1,174)
(31)
6,520
1,955
(1,337)
(1,100)
(7)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders (v)
3,139
4,090
498
225
(191)
(225)
-
305
875
373
(157)
(244)
(10)
613
2,283
14,768
546
(182)
(276)
(35)
4,718
(2,583)
(3,019)
(83)
2,181
10,328
(iv) The principal currencies included in this category are the Polish Zloty, the Indian Rupee, the Ukranian Hryvnya, the Chinese Renminbi, the Turkish Lira, the
Canadian Dollar, the Israeli Shekel and the Argentine Peso.
(v) Gains and losses arising on the retranslation of net worth are dealt with in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Transactional currency
exposures arise in a number of the Group’s operations and these result in net currency gains and losses which are recognised in the Consolidated Income
Statement and are immaterial (with materiality defined in the context of the year-end 2011 financial statements).
CRH 95
At 1
January
€m
Translation
adjustment
€m
Arising on
acquisition
€m
Provided
during
year
€m
Utilised
during
year
€m
Disposed
during
year
€m
Reversed
unused
€m
Discount
unwinding
(note 9)
€m
At 31
December
€m
26. Provisions for Liabilities
Net present cost
31 December 2011
Insurance (i)
Environment and remediation (ii)
Rationalisation and redundancy (iii)
Other (iv)
Total
Analysed as:
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total
5
2
-
-
7
-
1
1
13
15
51
8
26
15
(47)
(4)
(40)
(15)
100
(106)
207
81
28
71
387
253
134
387
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
31 December 2010
Insurance (i)
Environment and remediation (ii)
Rationalisation and redundancy (iii)
Other (iv)
Total
Analysed as:
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total
201
65
25
69
360
240
120
360
12
7
-
1
20
-
6
-
1
7
37
6
55
23
(50)
(2)
(52)
(19)
121
(123)
-
-
(2)
(6)
(8)
-
(1)
-
-
(1)
(26)
(2)
(1)
(8)
(37)
9
2
1
3
199
88
13
73
15
373
252
121
373
207
81
28
71
(2)
(2)
(1)
(7)
9
2
1
3
(12)
15
387
253
134
387
(i) This provision relates to actual and potential obligations arising under the self-insurance components of the Group’s insurance arrangements which comprise
employers’ liability (workers’ compensation in the United States), public and products liability (general liability in the United States), automobile liability, property
damage, business interruption and various other insurances; a substantial proportion of the total provision pertains to claims which are classified as “incurred
but not reported”. Due to the extended timeframe associated with many of the insurances, a significant proportion of the total provision is subject to periodic
actuarial valuation. The projected cash flows underlying the discounting process are established through the application of actuarial triangulations, which are
extrapolated from historical claims experience. The triangulations applied in the discounting process indicate that the Group’s insurance provisions have an
average life of five years (2010: five years).
(ii) This provision comprises obligations governing site remediation and improvement costs to be incurred in compliance with either local or national environmental
regulations together with constructive obligations stemming from established best practice. Whilst a significant element of the total provision will reverse in the
medium-term (two to ten years), the majority of the legal and constructive obligations applicable to long-lived assets (principally mineral-bearing land) will
unwind over a 30-year timeframe. In discounting the related obligations, expected future cash outflows have been determined with due regard to extraction
status and anticipated remaining life.
(iii) These provisions relate to irrevocable commitments under various rationalisation and redundancy programmes, none of which is individually material to the
Group. In 2011, €26 million (2010: €55 million) was provided in respect of rationalisation and redundancy activities as a consequence of undertaking various
cost reduction initiatives across all operations. These initiatives included removing excess capacity from manufacturing and distribution networks and scaling
operations to match market supply and demand; implementation of these initiatives resulted in a reduction in staffing levels in all business segments over recent
years. The Group expects that these provisions will be utilised within one to two years of the balance sheet date (2010: three years).
(iv) This includes provisions relating to guarantees and warranties of €13 million (2010: €20 million) throughout the Group at 31 December 2011. The Group
expects that these provisions will be utilised within two years of the balance sheet date (2010: three years).
All provisions are discounted at a rate of 5% (2010: 5%), consistent with the average effective interest rate for the Group’s borrowings. The impact on profit before
tax of a 1% change in the discount rate applicable to provisions, with all other variables held constant, is €nil million (2010: €1 million).
96 CRH
27. Deferred Income Tax
The deductible and taxable temporary differences in respect of which deferred tax has been recognised are as follows:
Reported in balance sheet after offset
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets
Net deferred income tax liability
Deferred income tax assets (deductible temporary differences)
Deficits on Group defined benefit pension obligations (note 28)
Revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value
Tax loss carryforwards
Share-based payment expense
Provisions for liabilities and working capital-related items
Other deductible temporary differences
Total
2011
€m
2010
€m
1,492
(290)
1,202
1,693
(385)
1,308
140
12
131
2
209
35
529
108
16
34
2
184
41
385
Deferred income tax assets have been recognised in respect of all deductible temporary differences, with the exception of some tax loss carryfowards. The amount
of tax losses whose recovery is not probable and therefore not recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is €376 million (2010: €235 million), the vast majority
will expire post 2016 (2010: 2015).
Deferred income tax liabilities (taxable temporary differences)
Taxable temporary differences principally attributable to accelerated tax depreciation and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition (i)
Revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value
Rolled-over capital gains
Total
1,697
14
20
1,731
1,656
13
24
1,693
(i) Fair value adjustments arising on acquisition principally relate to property, plant and equipment.
Movement in net deferred income tax liability
At 1 January
Translation adjustment
Net (credit)/charge for the year (note 11)
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposal (note 5)
Movement in deferred tax asset on Group defined benefit pension obligations
Movement in deferred tax asset on share-based payment expense
Movement in deferred tax liability on cash flow hedges
At 31 December
1,308
1,182
14
(80)
27
(9)
(56)
-
(2)
83
27
28
(11)
(7)
3
3
1,202
1,308
CRH 97
28. Retirement Benefit Obligations
The Group operates either defined benefit or defined contribution pension schemes in all of its principal operating areas. Scheme assets are held in separate
trustee-administered funds.
The Group operates defined benefit pension schemes in the Republic of Ireland, Britain and Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Portugal,
Switzerland and the United States; for the purposes of the disclosures which follow, the schemes in the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
and Portugal (49% joint venture) have been aggregated into a “Eurozone” category on the basis of common currency and financial assumptions. In line with the
principle of proportionate consolidation, the assets, liabilities, income and expenses attaching to defined benefit pension schemes in joint ventures are reflected in
the figures below on the basis of the Group’s share of these entities. The majority of the defined benefit pension schemes operated by the Group are funded as
disclosed in the analysis of the defined benefit obligation presented below with unfunded schemes restricted to one scheme in each of the Netherlands, Portugal
and the United States and three schemes in Germany.
Provision has been made in the financial statements for post-retirement healthcare obligations in respect of certain current and former employees principally in the
United States and in Portugal and for long-term service commitments in respect of certain employees in the Eurozone and Switzerland. These obligations are
unfunded in nature and the required disclosures are set out below.
The cumulative actuarial gains and losses attributable to the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme obligations at 1 January 2004 (the date of transition to
IFRS) were recognised in full as at that date and adjusted against retained income. Actuarial gains and losses and the associated movement in the net deferred
tax asset are recognised via the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Actuarial valuations - funding requirements
The funding requirements in relation to the Group’s defined benefit schemes are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent and qualified actuaries and
valuations are prepared in this regard either annually, where local requirements mandate that this be done, or at triennial intervals at a maximum in all other cases.
In Ireland and Britain, either the attained age or projected unit credit methods are used in the valuations. In the Netherlands and Switzerland, the actuarial valuations
reflect the current unit method, while the valuations are performed in accordance with the projected unit credit methodology in Portugal and Germany. In the United
States, valuations are performed using a variety of actuarial cost methodologies - current unit, projected unit and aggregate cost. The dates of the actuarial
valuations range from April 2008 to December 2011.
The assumptions which have the most significant effect on the results of the actuarial valuations are those relating to the rate of return on investments and the
expected rates of increase in salaries and expected inflation. In the course of preparing the funding valuations, it was assumed that the pre-retirement rate of return
on investments would, on average, exceed annual salary increases by 2.5% and the post-retirement rate of return on investments would, on average, exceed
annual inflation by 2% per annum.
In general, actuarial valuations are not available for public inspection; however, the results of valuations are advised to the members of the various schemes.
Financial assumptions - IAS 19
The financial assumptions employed in the valuation of the defined benefit liabilities arising on pension schemes, post-retirement healthcare obligations and long-
term service commitments applying the projected unit credit methodology are as follows:
Scheme liabilities
The major long-term assumptions used by the Group’s actuaries in the computation of scheme liabilities as at 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010 are as follows:
Rate of increase in:
- salaries
- pensions in payment
Inflation
Discount rate
Medical cost trend rate
Eurozone
2011
%
2010
%
Britain and
Northern Ireland
2010
2011
%
%
Switzerland
2011
%
2010
%
United States
2011
%
2010
%
4.00
2.00
2.00
5.00
5.25
4.00
4.00
4.40
2.00 3.00-3.40
3.40-3.70
2.00
5.45
5.25
3.00
4.70
n/a
3.40
5.30
n/a
2.25
0.25
1.25
2.35
n/a
2.25
0.25
1.50
2.85
n/a
3.50
3.50
-
2.00
4.60
7.00
-
2.00
5.40
7.50
The mortality assumptions employed in determining the present value of scheme liabilities under IAS 19 are in accordance with the underlying funding valuations and
represented actuarial best practice in the relevant jurisdictions taking account of mortality experience and industry circumstances. With regard to the most material of the
Group’s schemes, the future life expectations factored into the relevant valuations based on retirement at 65 years of age for current and future retirees, are as follows:
Current retirees
- male
- female
Future retirees
- male
- female
The above data allow for future improvements in life expectancy.
98 CRH
Republic of
Ireland
2011
2010
Britain and
Northern Ireland
2010
2011
Switzerland
2011
2010
22.5
24.1
20.9
23.9
22.7
25.3
22.9
25.6
19.6
21.9
18.7
22.3
25.3
26.5
22.1
25.0
24.1
26.7
24.6
27.3
19.6
21.9
18.7
22.3
28. Retirement Benefit Obligations continued
Scheme assets
The long-term rates of return expected at 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010, determined in conjunction with the Group’s actuaries and analysed by class of
investment, are as follows:
Equities
Bonds
Property
Other
Eurozone
2011
%
7.50
3.50
6.50
1.00
2010
%
7.50
4.00
6.50
2.50
Britain and
Northern Ireland
2010
%
2011
%
Switzerland
2011
%
2010
%
United States
2011
%
2010
%
7.50
4.00
6.50
1.00
7.50
4.50
6.50
2.50
6.05
2.05
4.75
1.50
6.35
2.35
4.75
1.75
7.50
4.00
6.50
1.00
7.50
5.00
6.50
2.50
The methodology applied in relation to the expected return on equities is driven by prevailing risk-free rates in the four jurisdictions listed and the application of an equity risk
premium (which varies by country) to those rates. The differences between the expected return on bonds and the yields used to discount the liabilities in each of the four
jurisdictions listed are attributable to the fact that the bond assets held by many of the Group’s schemes comprise an amalgam of government and corporate bonds. The
property and “other” (largely cash holdings) components of the asset portfolio are not significant. In all cases, the reasonableness of the assumed rates of return is assessed
by reference to actual and target asset allocations in the long-term and the Group’s overall investment strategy as articulated to the trustees of the various defined benefit
pension schemes in operation.
(a) Impact on Consolidated Income Statement
The total expense charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in respect of defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes, post-retirement
healthcare obligations and long-term service commitments is as follows:
Total defined contribution expense
Total defined benefit expense
Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement
2011
€m
2010
€m
134
24
158
125
48
173
At year-end 2011, €40 million (2010: €33 million) was included in other payables in respect of defined contribution pension liabilities.
Analysis of defined benefit expense
The total defined benefit expense (comprising funded and unfunded defined benefit pension schemes and unfunded post-retirement healthcare obligations and
long-term service commitments) is analysed as follows:
Eurozone
2011
€m
2010
€m
Britain and
Northern Ireland
2010
€m
2011
€m
Switzerland
2011
€m
2010
€m
United States
2010
2011
€m
€m
Total Group
2011
€m
2010
€m
Charged in arriving at Group profit before finance costs:
Current service cost
Past service cost
Profit on disposal (note 5)
Settlement/curtailment (gain)/loss
Subtotal
Included in finance revenue and finance costs respectively:
Expected return on scheme assets
Interest cost on scheme liabilities
Subtotal
Net charge to Consolidated Income Statement
11
(2)
-
(13)
(4)
(33)
44
11
7
12
14
13
21
18
2
-
(1)
13
(37)
47
10
23
-
-
(15)
(1)
(30)
30
-
(1)
-
-
(3)
1
-
(1)
-
(5)
-
10
21
13
(27)
31
4
14
(23)
18
(5)
16
(22)
17
(5)
8
1
-
-
-
1
(10)
11
1
2
1
-
-
1
2
(10)
11
1
3
47
(1)
-
(29)
17
44
2
(5)
(3)
38
(96)
103
7
24
(96)
106
10
48
Actual return on pension scheme assets
(24)
50
12
45
5
16
(1)
18
(8)
129
During 2011, the Group implemented changes to the terms of a number of its defined benefit pension schemes in Britain, the Eurozone and Switzerland giving rise
to a gain of €29 million in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Based on the assumptions employed for the valuation of assets and liabilities at year-end 2011, the net charge in the 2012 Consolidated Income Statement is
anticipated to exhibit an increase from the 2011 figure at constant exchange rates.
No reimbursement rights have been recognised as assets in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits.
CRH 99
28. Retirement Benefit Obligations continued
(b) Impact on Consolidated Balance Sheet
The net pension liability (comprising funded and unfunded defined benefit pension schemes and unfunded post-retirement healthcare obligations and long-term
service commitments) as at 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010 is analysed as follows:
Equities
Bonds
Property
Other
Bid value of assets
Actuarial value of liabilities (present value)
Recoverable deficit in schemes
Related deferred income tax asset
Net pension liability
Split of asset values
Equities
Bonds
Property
Other
Total
Eurozone
2011
€m
2010
€m
Britain and
Northern Ireland
2010
€m
2011
€m
Switzerland
2011
€m
2010
€m
United States
2010
2011
€m
€m
Total Group
2011
€m
2010
€m
323
196
31
16
566
(926)
(360)
54
(306)
%
57.1
34.6
5.5
2.8
100
357
198
32
23
610
(844)
(234)
37
(197)
%
58.5
32.5
5.2
3.8
100
254
225
37
9
525
(652)
(127)
33
(94)
%
48.4
42.9
7.0
1.7
100
261
154
16
9
440
(594)
(154)
43
(111)
%
59.3
35.0
3.7
2.0
100
190
240
129
69
628
(715)
(87)
17
(70)
%
30.3
38.2
20.5
11.0
100
167
253
109
77
606
(635)
(29)
6
(23)
%
27.6
41.7
18.0
12.7
100
96
58
-
5
159
(249)
(90)
36
(54)
%
60.4
36.5
-
3.1
100
101
52
-
6
159
(216)
(57)
22
(35)
%
63.5
32.7
-
3.8
100
863
719
197
99
1,878
(2,542)
(664)
140
(524)
%
45.9
38.3
10.5
5.3
100
886
657
157
115
1,815
(2,289)
(474)
108
(366)
%
48.8
36.2
8.7
6.3
100
The asset values above include €1 million in respect of investment in Ordinary Shares of the Company (CRH plc) as at 31 December 2011 (2010: €1 million).
An increase of 25 basis points in the rate of return on scheme assets would have increased scheme assets by €5 million and hence reduced the pension deficit
before deferred tax to €659 million.
Analysis of liabilities - funded and unfunded
Funded defined benefit pension schemes
Unfunded defined benefit pension schemes
Total - defined benefit pension schemes
Post-retirement healthcare obligations (unfunded)
Long-term service commitments (unfunded)
Actuarial value of liabilities (present value)
(876)
(36)
(912)
(7)
(7)
(926)
(795)
(33)
(828)
(8)
(8)
(844)
(652)
-
(652)
-
-
(652)
(594)
-
(594)
-
-
(594)
(710)
-
(710)
-
(5)
(715)
(630)
-
(630)
-
(5)
(635)
(236)
(6)
(242)
(7)
-
(249)
(203)
(6)
(209)
(7)
-
(216)
(2,474)
(42)
(2,516)
(14)
(12)
(2,542)
(2,222)
(39)
(2,261)
(15)
(13)
(2,289)
The impact of a reduction of 25 basis points in the discount rates applied would be as follows (with a corresponding increase in discount rates being inversely
proportional):
Revised discount rate
Revised liabilities figure
4.75
(960)
5.20
(876)
4.45
(687)
5.05
(625)
2.10
(746)
2.60
(658)
4.35
(258)
5.15
(223)
n/a
(2,651)
n/a
(2,382)
Post-retirement healthcare benefits - sensitivity analysis on key actuarial assumptions
The impact of the sensitivity analysis on the key actuarial assumptions employed in the valuation of post-retirement healthcare benefits as required under IAS 19
Employee Benefits is not material to the Group with materiality defined in the context of the year-end 2011 financial statements.
History of scheme assets, liabilities and actuarial gains and losses
Bid value of assets
Actuarial value of liabilities (present value)
Asset limit adjustment
Recoverable deficit
Actual return less expected return on scheme assets
% of scheme assets
Experience gain/(loss) arising on scheme liabilities (present value)
% of scheme liabilities (present value)
100 CRH
2011
€m
2010
€m
2009
€m
2008
€m
2007
€m
1,878
(2,542)
-
(664)
1,815
(2,289)
-
(474)
1,605
(2,059)
-
(454)
1,414
(1,828)
-
(414)
1,846
(1,931)
(10)
(95)
(104)
(5.5%)
33
1.8%
113
(477)
7.0% (33.7%)
(61)
(3.3%)
31
(1.2%)
36
(1.6%)
(13)
0.6%
(15)
0.8%
(25)
1.3%
28. Retirement Benefit Obligations continued
Analysis of amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Eurozone
2011
€m
2010
€m
Britain and
Northern Ireland
2010
€m
2011
€m
Switzerland
2010
€m
2011
€m
United States
2010
2011
€m
€m
Total Group
2011
€m
2010
€m
Actual return less expected return on scheme assets
Experience gain/(loss) arising on scheme liabilities (present value)
Assumptions loss arising on scheme liabilities (present value)
Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised
(57)
23
(102)
(136)
13
31
(50)
(6)
(18)
4
(33)
(47)
18
2
(27)
(7)
(18)
5
(48)
(61)
(6)
1
(16)
(21)
(11)
(1)
(22)
(34)
8
2
(9)
1
(104)
31
(205)
(278)
33
36
(102)
(33)
Actuarial gains and losses recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Actual return less expected return on scheme assets
% of scheme assets
(57)
(10.1%)
13
(18)
2.1% (3.4%)
18
(18)
4.1% (2.9%)
(6)
(1.0%)
(11)
(6.9%)
8
(104)
5.0% (5.5%)
33
1.8%
Experience gain/(loss) arising on scheme liabilities (present value)
% of scheme liabilities (present value)
23
(2.5%)
31
(3.7%)
4
(0.6%)
2
(0.3%)
5
(0.7%)
1
(0.2%)
(1)
2
0.4% (0.9%)
31
(1.2%)
36
(1.6%)
Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised
% of scheme liabilities (present value)
(136)
14.7%
(6)
0.7%
(47)
7.2%
(7)
1.2%
(61)
8.5%
(21)
1
(34)
3.3% 13.7% (0.5%)
(278)
10.9%
(33)
1.4%
Since transition to IFRS on 1 January 2004, the cumulative actuarial loss recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income amounts to €617
million (2010: €339 million).
Reconciliation of scheme assets (bid value)
At 1 January
Movement in year
Translation adjustment
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposals
Settlement
Employer contributions paid
Contributions paid by plan participants
Benefit payments
Actual return on scheme assets
At 31 December
Reconciliation of actuarial value of liabilities
At 1 January
Movement in year
Translation adjustment
Arising on acquisition (note 31)
Disposals
Current service cost
Contributions paid by plan participants
Benefit payments
Past service cost
Interest cost on scheme liabilities
Actuarial gain/(loss) arising on:
- experience variations
- changes in assumptions
Settlement/curtailment
At 31 December
610
584
440
384
606
504
159
133
1,815
1,605
-
3
-
-
17
3
(43)
(24)
566
-
-
-
(10)
27
4
(45)
50
610
16
-
-
(3)
77
-
(17)
12
525
12
-
-
(8)
22
1
(16)
45
440
17
-
-
-
20
12
(32)
5
628
94
26
(38)
-
21
11
(28)
16
606
5
-
-
-
5
-
(9)
(1)
159
10
-
-
-
8
-
(10)
18
159
38
3
-
(3)
119
15
(101)
(8)
1,878
116
26
(38)
(18)
78
16
(99)
129
1,815
(844)
(814)
(594)
(534)
(635)
(519)
(216)
(192)
(2,289)
(2,059)
-
(3)
-
(11)
(3)
43
2
(44)
23
(102)
13
(926)
-
(2)
-
(12)
(4)
45
(2)
(47)
31
(50)
11
(844)
(20)
-
-
(14)
-
17
-
(30)
4
(33)
18
(652)
(17)
-
-
(13)
(1)
16
-
(31)
2
(27)
11
(594)
(18)
-
-
(21)
(12)
32
(1)
(18)
5
(48)
1
(715)
(99)
(27)
43
(18)
(11)
28
-
(17)
1
(16)
-
(635)
(7)
-
-
(1)
-
9
-
(11)
(14)
-
-
(1)
-
10
-
(11)
(45)
(3)
-
(47)
(15)
101
1
(103)
(130)
(29)
43
(44)
(16)
99
(2)
(106)
(1)
(22)
-
(249)
2
(9)
(1)
(216)
31
(205)
32
(2,542)
36
(102)
21
(2,289)
Employer contributions payable in the 2012 financial year (expressed using year-end exchange rates for 2011) are estimated at €98 million. The difference between
the actual employer contributions paid of €119 million in 2011 and the expectation of €52 million included in the 2010 Annual Report is largely attributable to
accelerated funding requirements in certain of the Group’s schemes which could not have been anticipated at the time of preparation of the year-end 2010 financial
statements. Employer contributions are reflected in the reconciliation of scheme assets as paid.
CRH 101
29. Share Capital and Reserves
Equity Share Capital
Authorised
At 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011 (€m)
2011
2010
Ordinary
Shares of
€0.32 each (i)
Income
Shares of
€0.02 each (ii)
Ordinary
Shares of
€0.32 each (i)
Income
Shares of
€0.02 each (ii)
320
20
320
20
Number of Shares at 1 January 2011 and 31 December (‘000s)
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
Allotted, called-up and fully paid
At 1 January (€m)
Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (iii)
At 31 December (€m)
230
3
233
14
-
14
227
3
230
14
-
14
The movement in the number of shares (expressed in '000s) during the financial year was as follows:
At 1 January
Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (iii)
At 31 December
718,508
9,389
727,897
718,508
9,389
727,897
710,485
8,023
718,508
710,485
8,023
718,508
(i) The Ordinary Shares represent 93.67% of the total issued share capital.
(ii) The Income Shares, which represent 5.85% of the total issued share capital, were created on 29 August 1988 for the express purpose of giving shareholders
the choice of receiving dividends on either their Ordinary Shares or on their Income Shares (by notice of election to the Company). The Income Shares carried
a different tax credit to the Ordinary Shares. The creation of the Income Shares was achieved by the allotment of fully paid Income Shares to each shareholder
equal to his/her holding of Ordinary Shares but the shareholder is not entitled to an Income Share certificate, as a certificate for Ordinary Shares is deemed to
include an equal number of Income Shares and a shareholder may only sell, transfer or transmit Income Shares with an equivalent number of Ordinary Shares.
Income Shares carry no voting rights. Due to changes in Irish tax legislation since the creation of the Income Shares, dividends on the Company’s shares no
longer carry a tax credit. As elections made by shareholders to receive dividends on their holding of Income Shares were no longer relevant, the Articles of
Association were amended on 8 May 2002 to cancel such elections.
Share schemes
The aggregate number of shares which may be committed for issue in respect of the share option schemes, the savings-related share option schemes, the share
participation schemes and any subsequent share option schemes, may not exceed 10% of the issued Ordinary share capital from time to time.
Share option schemes
Details of share options granted under the Company’s share option schemes and savings-related share option schemes and the terms attaching thereto are
provided in note 8 to the financial statements and on pages 48 and 49 of the Report on Directors’ Remuneration.
Options exercised during the year (satisfied by the reissue of Treasury Shares)
Number of Shares
2011
2010
248,806
2,680,751
Share participation schemes
As at 31 December 2011, 7,118,587 (2010: 7,079,443) Ordinary Shares had been appropriated to participation schemes. In the financial year ended 31 December
2011, the appropriation of 39,144 shares was satisfied by the reissue of Treasury Shares (2010: 300,974). The Ordinary Shares appropriated pursuant to these
schemes were issued at market value on the dates of appropriation. The shares issued pursuant to these schemes are excluded from the scope of IFRS 2 Share-
based Payment and are hence not factored into the expense computation and the associated disclosures in note 8.
Performance Share Plan
In accordance with the terms of the Performance Share Plan (see note 8), Ordinary Shares have been purchased by the Employee Benefit Trust on behalf of CRH
plc. The number of these shares held as at the balance sheet date was as follows:
At 1 January
Released by the Employee Benefit Trust to the participants of the Performance Share Plan*
At 31 December
163,226
(163,226)
-
462,753
(299,527)
163,226
The nominal value of own shares, on which dividends have been waived by the Trustees of the Performance Share Plan, amounted to €nil million at 31 December
2011 (2010: €0.06 million).
* In addition to the 163,226 Ordinary Shares referred to above, a further 150,330 Ordinary Shares were acquired by the Employee Benefit Trust by way of the
reissue of Treasury Shares by CRH plc to satisfy the release of shares in respect of the 2008 award under the Performance Share Plan.
(iii) Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends
May 2011 - Final 2010 dividend (2010: Final 2009 dividend)
October 2011 - Interim 2011 dividend (2010: Interim 2010 dividend)
Total
102 CRH
Number of Shares
Price per Share
2011
2010
2011
2010
6,950,139
2,438,854
9,388,993
7,308,591
714,402
8,022,993
€15.35
€11.50
€17.86
€12.76
29. Share Capital and Reserves continued
Preference Share Capital
Authorised
At 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011
Allotted, called-up and fully paid
At 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011
5% Cumulative
Preference Shares of
€1.27 each (iv)
7% ‘A’ Cumulative
Preference Shares of
€1.27 each (v)
Number of
Shares (‘000s)
150
50
€m
-
-
Number of
Shares (‘000s)
872
872
€m
1
1
There was no movement in the number of cumulative preference shares in either the current or the prior year.
(iv) The holders of the 5% Cumulative Preference Shares are entitled to a fixed cumulative preference dividend at a rate of 5% per annum and priority in a winding-
up to repayment of capital, but have no further right to participate in profits or assets and are not entitled to be present or vote at general meetings unless their
dividend is in arrears. Dividends on the 5% Cumulative Preference Shares are payable half-yearly on 15 April and 15 October in each year. The 5% Cumulative
Preference Shares represent 0.03% of the total issued share capital.
(v) The holders of the 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares are entitled to a fixed cumulative preference dividend at a rate of 7% per annum, and subject to the
rights of the holders of the 5% Cumulative Preference Shares, priority in a winding-up to repayment of capital, but have no further right to participate in profits
or assets and are not entitled to be present or vote at general meetings unless their dividend is in arrears or unless the business of the meeting includes certain
matters, which are specified in the Articles of Association. Dividends on the 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares are payable half-yearly on 5 April and 5
October in each year. The 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares represent 0.45% of the total issued share capital.
Treasury Shares/own shares
At 1 January
Treasury/own shares reissued
At 31 December
2011
€m
(199)
16
(183)
2010
€m
(279)
80
(199)
As at the balance sheet date, the total number of Treasury Shares held was 8,919,195 (2010: 9,357,475); the nominal value of these shares was €3 million (2010:
€3 million). During the year ended 31 December 2011, 287,950 shares were reissued (2010: 2,981,725) to satisfy exercises and appropriations under the Group’s
share option and share participation schemes (see above). In addition, 150,330 shares were reissued to the CRH plc Employee Benefit Trust in connection with the
release of the award under the Performance Share Plan (see above). These reissued Treasury Shares were previously purchased at an average price of €24.17
(2010: €23.87). No Treasury Shares were purchased during the year ended 31 December 2011 (2010: nil).
Reconciliation of shares issued to net proceeds
Shares issued at nominal amount:
- scrip shares issued in lieu of cash dividends
Premium on shares issued
Total value of shares issued
Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (note 12)
Net proceeds from issue of shares
Share Premium
At 1 January
Premium arising on shares issued
At 31 December
3
132
135
(135)
-
3,915
132
4,047
3
137
140
(140)
-
3,778
137
3,915
In accordance with Section 148(8) of the Companies Act, 1963 and Section 7(1A) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, the Company is availing of the
exemption from presenting its individual profit and loss account to the Annual General Meeting and from filing it with the Registrar of Companies.
30. Commitments under Operating and Finance Leases
Operating leases
Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases at 31 December are as follows:
Within one year
After one year but not more than five years
More than five years
Finance leases
Future minimum lease payments under finance leases are not material for the Group.
2011
€m
251
615
384
1,250
2010
€m
257
595
415
1,267
CRH 103
31. Business Combinations and Acquisitions of Joint Ventures
The principal acquisitions completed during the year ended 31 December 2011 by reportable segment, together with the completion dates, are detailed below;
these transactions entailed the acquisition of an effective 100% stake except where indicated to the contrary below:
Europe Materials: Belgium: VVM Group (2 August); Finland: Karvian Betoni and Kauhajoen Valmisbetoni (24 October); Portugal: Lafarge Portugal aggregates and
readymixed concrete business (49%, JV, 30 June); Ukraine: Lviv Beton (23 May) and Odessa Cement (51%, 21 December).
Europe Products: Australia: Unicon (18 March); Belgium: Juma (25 January); France: Poussard (1 July); the Netherlands: Hylas (30 March).
Europe Distribution: Belgium: Sani Perfect (75%, 28 January), Sanibel (21 November) and Schrauwen (20 December); France: Ploton (45%, JV, 1 February); the
Netherlands: assets of the De Jong group (28 November).
Americas Materials: Colorado: Isgar Reserves (16 August); Michigan: National Asphalt Products (50%, 4 May); Minnesota: New Ulm Quartzite Quarries (22 July);
Mississippi: JJ Ferguson (15 February); Missouri: Everett Quarries (15 July); New Hampshire: Columbia Sand & Gravel (27 May); New Jersey: North Bergen
Companies (1 August); New Mexico: readymixed concrete and sand & gravel assets of Sky Ute (15 April, also Colorado); Ohio: Sidwell reserves (18 January) and
Cunningham Asphalt and Paving (30 December); Oklahoma: limestone reserves in Tulsa (24 October); Pennsylvania: Powers Stone (18 November); Texas: assets
of Austin Reclaimed Materials and Shumaker Enterprises (4 February), Ironhorse Concrete (3 June) and Lindsey Contractors (4 November); Utah: Marriott reserves
(4 February); Virginia: Piedmont JV (50%, 8 April) and Southside Materials JV (50%, 29 April); West Virginia: Central Supply (30 September).
Americas Products: Québec: Transpavé (3 May); Florida: Duratek Precast Structures (13 April); Indiana: Rogers Block (22 July); Massachusetts: Outdoor World
(15 December).
Americas Distribution: Georgia: American Wholesale Building Supply (14 September); Hawaii: Pacific Source (13 September); Michigan: Astro Building Products
(22 June); Minnesota: United Products (19 December, also Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin); Pennsylvania: Ivan Supply (27 October); Texas:
Austin Acoustical Materials (24 June).
The identifiable net assets acquired, including adjustments to provisional fair values, were as follows:
2011
€m
2010
€m
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments in associates
Other financial assets
Deferred income tax assets
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables (i)
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Deferred income tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions for liabilities (stated at net present cost)
Non-current interest-bearing loans and borrowings and finance leases
Total non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities
Provisions for liabilities (stated at net present cost)
Current interest-bearing loans and borrowings and finance leases
Total current liabilities
Total identifiable net assets at fair value
Goodwill arising on acquisition (ii)
Excess of fair value of identifiable net assets over consideration paid (ii)
Non-controlling interests*
Total consideration
Consideration satisfied by:
Cash payments
Deferred consideration (stated at net present cost)
Contingent consideration (iii)
Profit on step acquisition
Total consideration
* Measured at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.
104 CRH
339
29
-
-
2
370
53
62
24
139
(29)
-
(14)
(33)
(76)
(49)
-
(1)
(14)
(64)
369
207
(5)
2
573
531
14
28
573
-
573
321
45
4
2
1
373
92
80
33
205
(29)
(3)
(6)
(10)
(48)
(64)
(6)
(1)
(27)
(98)
432
82
-
(6)
508
469
26
(3)
492
16
508
31. Business Combinations and Acquisitions of Joint Ventures continued
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition
Cash consideration
Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired
Total
2011
€m
531
(24)
507
2010
€m
469
(33)
436
None of the acquisitions completed during the financial year were 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) will be subject to subsequent disclosure.
(i) The gross contractual value of trade and other receivables as at the respective dates of acquisition amounted to €65 million (2010: €83 million). The fair value of
these receivables is €62 million (all of which is expected to be recoverable) (2010: €80 million) and is inclusive of an aggregate allowance for impairment of €3 million
(2010: €3 million).
(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 Materials business
segments, no significant intangible assets are recognised on business combinations in these segments. €82 million of the goodwill recognised in respect of acquisitions
completed in 2011 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes (2010: €46 million). An excess of fair value of identifiable net assets over consideration of €5 million
arose during the year and is included in operating income in note 3.
(iii) The fair value of contingent consideration recognised at date of acquisition is €28 million, arrived at through discounting the expected payment (based on
scenario modelling) to present value at the respective acquisition dates. In general, in order for contingent consideration to become payable, pre-defined profit
and/or profit/net asset ratios must be exceeded. On an undiscounted basis, the corresponding future payments for which the Group may be liable range from
€13 million to a maximum of €53 million. There have been no significant changes in the possible outcomes of contingent consideration recognised on
acquisitions completed in 2010.
Acquisition-related costs amounting to €3 million (2010: €3 million) have been included in operating costs in the Consolidated Income Statement (note 3).
No contingent liabilities were recognised on the acquisitions completed during the financial year or the prior financial years.
The carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities acquired determined in accordance with IFRS before completion of the acquisition, together with the adjustments
made to those carrying values to arrive at the fair values disclosed above, were as follows:
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Non-controlling interests
Identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill arising on acquisition (see (ii) above)
Total consideration
Book
values
€m
Fair value
adjustments
€m
Accounting
policy
alignments
€m
Adjustments
to provisional
fair values
€m
221
146
(56)
(71)
-
240
327
567
151
-
(23)
-
-
128
(128)
-
-
(1)
-
-
-
(1)
1
-
(2)
(6)
3
7
2
4
2
6
Fair
value
€m
370
139
(76)
(64)
2
371
202
573
The following table analyses the 43 acquisitions (2010: 28 acquisitions) by reportable segment and provides details of the goodwill and consideration figures arising
in each of those segments:
Reportable segments
Europe Materials
Europe Products
Europe Distribution
Americas Materials
Americas Products
Americas Distribution
Group totals
** Includes profit on step acquisition in 2010
Number of
Acquisitions
2011
2010
5
4
5
19
4
6
43
5
-
2
18
2
1
28
Goodwill
Consideration
2011
€m
99
4
8
55
5
29
200
2010
€m
3
-
34
42
8
2
89
2011
€m
213
9
26
214
28
77
567
2010 **
€m
102
-
146
238
24
3
513
CRH 105
31. Business Combinations and Acquisitions of Joint Ventures continued
The post-acquisition impact of acquisitions completed during the year on Group profit for the financial year was as
follows:
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating costs
Group operating profit
Loss on disposals
Profit before finance costs
Finance costs (net)
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Group profit for the financial year
2011
€m
157
(111)
46
(30)
16
(1)
15
(4)
11
(3)
8
2010
€m
174
(131)
43
(29)
14
-
14
(2)
12
(3)
9
The revenue and profit of the Group for the financial year determined in accordance with IFRS as though the acquisitions
effected during the year had been at the beginning of the year would have been as follows:
Pro-forma 2011
2011
acquisitions
€m
CRH Group
excluding 2011
acquisitions
€m
Pro-forma
consolidated
Group
€m
Pro-forma
2010
€m
Revenue
Group profit for the financial year
465
11
17,924
18,389
589
600
17,749
462
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 or IAS 10 Events after the Balance Sheet Date. Development
updates, giving details of acquisitions which do not require separate disclosure on the grounds of materiality, are published
in January and July each year.
106 CRH
32. Related Party Transactions
The principal related party relationships requiring disclosure in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group under IAS
24 Related Party Disclosures pertain to: the existence of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates; transactions with these
entities entered into by the Group; and the identification and compensation of key management personnel.
Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of the Company (CRH plc, the ultimate parent) and
its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates as documented in the accounting policies on pages 64 to 70. The Group’s
principal subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are disclosed on pages 118 to 125.
Sales to and purchases from joint ventures are immaterial in the context of the year-end 2011 financial statements. Loans
extended by the Group to joint ventures and associates (see note 16) are included in financial assets (whilst the Group’s share
of the corresponding loans payable by joint ventures is included in interest-bearing loans and borrowings due to the
application of proportionate consolidation in accounting for the Group’s interests in these entities). Sales to and purchases
from associates during the financial year ended 31 December 2011 amounted to €25 million (2010: €27 million) and €488
million (2010: €479 million) respectively. Amounts receivable from and payable to associates (arising from the aforementioned
sales and purchases transactions) as at the balance sheet date are included as separate line items in notes 18 and 19 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Terms and conditions of transactions with subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates
In general, the transfer pricing policy implemented by the Group across its subsidiaries is market-based. Sales to and
purchases from joint ventures and associates are conducted in the ordinary course of business and on terms equivalent to
those that prevail in arm’s-length transactions. The outstanding balances included in receivables and payables as at the
balance sheet date in respect of transactions with associates are unsecured and settlement arises in cash. No guarantees
have been either requested or provided in relation to related party receivables and payables. Loans to joint ventures and
associates (the respective amounts being disclosed in note 16) are extended on normal commercial terms in the ordinary
course of business with interest accruing and, in general, paid to the Group at predetermined intervals.
Key management personnel
For the purposes of the disclosure requirements of IAS 24, the term “key management personnel” (i.e. those persons having
authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company) comprises the Board of
Directors which manages the business and affairs of the Company.
Key management remuneration amounted to:
Short-term benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments (i)
Total
2011
€m
6
2
2
10
2010
€m
6
2
2
10
(i) Calculated in accordance with the principles disclosed in note 8.
Other than these compensation entitlements, there were no other transactions involving key management personnel.
33. Board Approval
The Board of Directors approved and authorised for issue the financial statements on pages 60 to 107 in respect of
the year ended 31 December 2011 on 27 February 2012.
CRH 107
Company Balance Sheet
as at 31 December 2011
Notes
Fixed assets
2 Financial assets
Current assets
3 Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Creditors (amounts falling due within one year)
4 Trade and other creditors
Corporation tax liability
Bank loans and overdrafts
Total current liabilities
2011
€m
2010
€m
526
509
6,494
167
6,661
1,881
1
3
1,885
6,519
163
6,682
1,655
1
4
1,660
Total assets less liabilities
5,302
5,531
Capital and reserves
7 Called-up share capital
7 Preference share capital
7 Share premium
8 Treasury Shares and own shares
8 Revaluation reserve
8 Other reserves
8 Profit and loss account
Shareholders' funds
K. McGowan, M. Lee, Directors
247
1
4,051
(183)
42
158
986
5,302
244
1
3,919
(199)
42
137
1,387
5,531
108 CRH
Notes to the Company Balance Sheet
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with the Companies Acts,
1963 to 2009 and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in the Republic of Ireland (“Irish GAAP”). The following paragraphs
describe the principal accounting policies under Irish GAAP, which have been applied consistently.
Operating income and expense
Operating income and expense arises from the Company’s principal activities as a holding company for the Group and are
accounted for on an accruals basis.
Financial assets
Fixed asset investments, including investments in subsidiaries, are stated at cost (and at valuation at 31 December 1980 for
those investments in existence at that date) less any accumulated impairments and are reviewed for impairment if there are
indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Foreign currencies
The reporting currency of the Company is euro. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange
ruling at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into euro at the
rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date, with a corresponding charge or credit to the profit and loss account.
Share issue expenses and share premium account
Costs of share issues are written off against the premium arising on issues of share capital.
Share-based payments
The Company has applied the requirements of FRS 20 Share-based Payment.
The accounting policy applicable to share-based payments is consistent with that applied under IFRS and is accordingly
addressed in detail on pages 64 to 70 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cash flow statement
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption afforded by FRS 1 Cash Flow Statements not to provide a statement
of cash flows.
Treasury Shares and own shares
Treasury Shares
Own equity instruments (i.e. Ordinary Shares) acquired by the Company are deducted from equity and presented on the face
of the Company Balance Sheet. No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of
the Company’s Ordinary Shares.
Own shares
Ordinary Shares purchased by the Employee Benefit Trust on behalf of the Company under the terms of the Performance
Share Plan are recorded as a deduction from equity on the face of the Company Balance Sheet.
Dividends
Dividends on Ordinary Shares are recognised as a liability in the Company’s Financial Statements in the period in which they
are declared by the Company.
CRH 109
2. Financial Assets
The Company’s investment in its subsidiaries is as follows:
At 1 January 2011 at cost/valuation
Disposals
Capital contribution in respect of share-based payments
At 31 December 2011 at cost/valuation
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 1 January 2010 at cost/valuation
Capital contribution in respect of share-based payments
At 31 December 2010 at cost/valuation
Shares (i)
€m
Other
€m
374
(3)
-
371
374
-
374
135
-
20
155
117
18
135
Total
€m
509
(3)
20
526
491
18
509
(i) The Company’s investment in shares in its subsidiaries was revalued at 31 December 1980 to reflect the surplus on
revaluation of certain property, plant and equipment (land and buildings) of subsidiaries. The original historical cost of the
shares equated to approximately €9 million. The analysis of the closing balance between amounts carried at valuation
and at cost is as follows:
At valuation 31 December 1980
At cost post 31 December 1980
Total
3. Debtors
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
4. Trade and Other Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
2011
€m
47
324
371
2010
€m
47
327
374
2011
€m
2010
€m
6,494
6,519
2011
€m
2010
€m
1,881
1,655
5. Auditors’ Remuneration (Memorandum Disclosure)
In accordance with section 161D of the Companies Act, 1963, the fees paid in 2011 to the statutory auditor for work
engaged by the parent company comprised audit fees of €20,000 (2010: €20,000) and other assurance services of €247,000
(2010: €260,000).
6. Dividends Proposed (Memorandum Disclosure)
Details in respect of dividends proposed of €316 million (2010: €312 million) are presented in the dividends note (note 12) on
page 80 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
7. Called-up Share Capital
Details in respect of called-up share capital, Treasury Shares and own shares are presented in the share capital and reserves
note (note 29) on pages 102 and 103 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
110 CRH
At 31 December 2011
248
4,051
(183)
42
8. Movement in Shareholders’ Funds
At 1 January 2011
Currency translation effects
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)
Profit after tax before dividends
Treasury/own shares reissued
Share option exercises
Share-based payment expense
Dividends (including shares issued in lieu of dividends)
The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows:
At 1 January 2010
Currency translation effects
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)
Profit after tax before dividends
Treasury/own shares reissued
Share option exercises
Share-based payment expense
Dividends (including shares issued in lieu of dividends)
Issued
share
capital
€m
Share
premium
account
€m
Treasury
Shares/
own shares
€m
Revaluation
reserve
€m
Other
reserves
€m
Profit
and loss
account
€m
245
3,919
(199)
42
137
1,387
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
132
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
137
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
80
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
21
-
158
1
-
53
(16)
6
-
(445)
986
-
-
-
-
-
19
-
137
1
-
15
(80)
45
-
(438)
1,387
242
3,782
(279)
42
118
1,844
At 31 December 2010
245
3,919
(199)
42
In accordance with section 148(8) of the Companies Act, 1963 and section 7(1A) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, the Company is availing of the
exemption from presenting its individual profit and loss account to the Annual General Meeting and from filing it with the Registrar of Companies. The loss retained
for the financial year dealt with in the Company Financial Statements amounted to €392 million (2010: loss retained of €423 million).
9. Share-based Payments
The total expense of €21 million (2010: €19 million) reflected in note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements attributable to employee share options and the
Performance Share Plan has been included as a capital contribution in financial assets (note 2) in addition to any payments to/from subsidiaries.
10. Section 17 Guarantees
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 17, Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, the Company has guaranteed the liabilities of its wholly-owned subsidiary undertakings
and the Oldcastle Finance Company and Oldcastle North America Funding Company general partnerships in the Republic of Ireland for the financial year ended 31
December 2011 and, as a result, such subsidiary undertakings and the general partnerships have been exempted from the filing provisions of Section 7, Companies
(Amendment) Act, 1986 and Regulation 20 of the European Communities (Accounts Regulations), 1993 respectively.
Details in relation to other guarantees provided by the Company are provided in the interest-bearing loans and borrowings note (note 23) on page 91 of the notes
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
11. Related Party Transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 8 not to disclose transactions with wholly-owned subsidiaries.
12. Approval by Board
The Board of Directors approved and authorised for issue the Company Financial Statements on pages 108 to 111 in respect of the year ended 31 December 2011
on 27 February 2012.
CRH 111
Shareholder Information
Dividend payments
An interim dividend of 18.5c was paid in respect of Ordinary Shares on 21 October 2011.
A final dividend of 44.0c, if approved at the 2012 Annual General Meeting, will be paid in respect of Ordinary Shares on 14
May 2012 to shareholders on the Register of Members as at the close of business on 9 March 2012. A scrip alternative will
be offered to shareholders.
Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) must be deducted from dividends paid by an Irish resident company, unless a shareholder
is entitled to an exemption and has submitted a properly completed exemption form to the Company’s Registrars, Capita
Registrars (Ireland) Limited (“Capita Registrars”). DWT applies to dividends paid by way of cash or by way of shares under a
scrip dividend scheme and is deducted at the standard rate of Income Tax (currently 20%). Non-resident shareholders and
certain Irish companies, trusts, pension schemes, investment undertakings and charities may be entitled to claim exemption
from DWT. Copies of the exemption form may be obtained from Capita Registrars. Shareholders should note that DWT will
be deducted from dividends in cases where a properly completed form has not been received by the record date for a
dividend. Individuals who are resident in Ireland for tax purposes are not entitled to an exemption.
Shareholders who wish to have their dividend paid direct to a bank account, by electronic funds transfer, should contact
Capita Registrars to obtain a mandate form. Tax vouchers will be sent to the shareholder’s registered address under this
arrangement.
Dividends are generally paid in euro. However, in order to avoid costs to shareholders, dividends are paid in Sterling and US
Dollars to shareholders whose address, according to the Share Register, is in the UK and the United States respectively,
unless they require otherwise.
As the above arrangements can be inflexible for institutional shareholders, where shares are held in CREST, dividends are
automatically paid in euro unless a currency election is made. CREST members should use the facility in CREST to make
currency elections. Such elections must be made in respect of entire holdings as partial elections are not permissible.
Dividends in respect of 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares are paid half-yearly on 5 April and 5 October.
Dividends in respect of 5% Cumulative Preference Shares are paid half-yearly on 15 April and 15 October.
112 CRH
CREST
Website
Transfer of the Company’s shares takes place through the CREST system.
Shareholders have the choice of holding their shares in electronic form or in the
form of share certificates.
Share price data
Share price at 31 December
Market capitalisation
Share price movement during year:
- high
- low
2011
€
Stg£*
15.36
11.0 bn
12.80
9.2 bn
17.00
10.50
14.27
9.03
2010
€
15.50
11.0 bn
22.00
11.51
* With effect from 9 November 2011, CRH Ordinary Shares listed on the London
Stock Exchange are traded in Sterling (GB) pence rather than in euro. The
Sterling high and low prices referred to above have been converted from euro
at the exchange rate prevailing on the relevant dates.
The Group’s website, www.crh.com, provides the full text of the Annual and
Interim Reports, the Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is filed annually with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission, interim management
statements and copies of presentations to analysts and investors. News
releases are made available, in the Media section of the website, immediately
after release to the Stock Exchanges.
Electronic communications
Following the introduction of the 2007 Transparency Regulations, and in order to
adopt a more environmentally friendly and cost effective approach, the Company
provides the Annual Report to shareholders electronically via the CRH website,
www.crh.com, and only sends a printed copy to those shareholders who
specifically request a copy. Shareholders who choose to do so can receive other
shareholder communications, for example, notices of general meetings and
shareholder circulars, electronically. However, shareholders will continue to
receive printed proxy forms, dividend documentation and, if the Company
deems it appropriate, other documentation by post. Shareholders can alter the
method by which they receive communications by contacting Capita Registrars.
Shareholdings as at 31 December 2011
Ownership of Ordinary Shares
Geographic location*
Europe/Other
Ireland
North America
Retail
United Kingdom
Treasury
Number of
shares held
‘000s
146,313
41,855
312,722
74,586
143,502
8,919
727,897
% of
total
20.10
5.75
42.96
10.25
19.71
1.23
100
* This represents a best estimate of the number of shares controlled by fund
managers resident in the geographic regions indicated. Private shareholders
are classified as retail above.
Holdings
1 - 1,000
1,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 100,000
100,001 - 1,000,000
Over 1,000,000
Number of
shareholders
% of
total
Number of
shares held
‘000s
16,106
58.93
9,566
35.00
1,254
319
85
27,330
4.59
1.17
0.31
100
5,759
27,888
33,105
107,144
554,001
727,897
% of
total
0.79
3.83
4.55
14.72
76.11
100
Stock Exchange listings
CRH has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary
listing on the Irish Stock Exchange. The Group’s American Depositary Shares
(ADSs), each representing one Ordinary Share, are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE). The ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts.
Financial calendar
Announcement of final results for 2011
28 February 2012
Ex-dividend date
Record date for dividend
Latest date for receipt of scrip forms
Interim Management Statement
Annual General Meeting
Dividend payment date and first day of dealing
in scrip dividend shares
Announcement of interim results for 2012
Interim Management Statement
7 March 2012
9 March 2012
26 April 2012
9 May 2012
9 May 2012
14 May 2012
14 August 2012
13 November 2012
Electronic proxy voting
Shareholders may lodge a proxy form for the 2012 Annual General Meeting
electronically. Shareholders who wish to submit proxies via the internet may do
so by accessing Capita Registrars’ website as described below.
CREST members wishing to appoint a proxy via CREST should refer to the
CREST Manual and the notes to the Notice of the Annual General Meeting.
Registrars
Enquiries concerning shareholdings should be addressed to:
Capita Registrars
P.O. Box 7117,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.
Telephone: +353 (0) 1 810 2400
Fax: +353 (0) 1 810 2422
Shareholders with access to the internet may check their accounts by accessing
Capita Registrars’ website, www.capitaregistrars.ie and selecting the Shareholder
Portal. This facility allows shareholders to check their shareholdings and dividend
payments, register e-mail addresses, submit proxies electronically and download
standard forms required to initiate changes in details held by Capita Registrars.
Shareholders will need to register for a User ID before using some of the services.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
The ADR programme is administered by the Bank of New York Mellon and
enquiries regarding ADRs should be addressed to:
The Bank of New York Mellon,
P.O. Box 358516,
Pittsburgh,
PA 15252-8516,
U.S.A.
Telephone: Toll Free Number (United States residents): 1-888-269-2377
International: +1 201-680-6825
E-mail: shrrelations@bnymellon.com
Website: http://www.bnymellon.com/shareowner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Group’s website contains answers to questions frequently asked by
shareholders, including questions regarding shareholdings, dividend payments,
electronic communications and shareholder rights. The FAQs can be accessed
in the Investors section of the website under “Equity Investors”.
CRH 113
Group Financial Summary
(Figures prepared in accordance with Irish GAAP)
1995
€m
1996
€m
1997
€m
1998
€m
1999
€m
2000
€m
2001
€m
2002
€m
2003
€m
2004
€m
Turnover including share of joint ventures
2,520
3,354
4,234
5,211
6,734
8,870 10,444 10,794 11,080 12,820
EBITDA (as defined)*
305
387
478
608
951
1,314
1,517
1,575
1,580
1,843
Group operating profit
Goodwill amortisation
Profit on disposal of fixed assets
Exceptional items
Profit on ordinary activities before interest
Net interest payable
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
Taxation on exceptional items
Profit on ordinary activies after taxation
Employment of capital
Fixed assets
- Tangible assets
- Intangible asset - goodwill
- Financial assets
Net working capital
Other liabilities
Total
Financed as follows
Equity shareholders' funds
Preference share capital
Minority shareholders' equity interest
Deferred tax
Net debt
Convertible capital bonds
Total
Purchase of tangible assets
Acquisitions and investments
Total capital expenditure
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Depreciation and goodwill amortisation
Earnings per share after goodwill amortisation (cent)
Earnings per share before goodwill amortisation (cent)
Dividend per share (cent)
Cash earnings per share (cent)
Dividend cover (times)
(e)
(e)
(e)
(e),(f)
(g)
224
-
1
-
225
(21)
204
(42)
-
162
895
-
118
133
(25)
1,121
868
1
12
49
189
2
283
-
1
-
284
(28)
256
(58)
-
198
1,236
-
127
255
(36)
1,582
1,056
1
13
70
442
-
349
-
9
-
358
(36)
322
(76)
-
246
1,519
-
132
313
(72)
1,892
1,308
1
14
104
465
-
442
(1)
11
-
452
(43)
409
(100)
-
309
2,288
138
53
512
(306)
2,685
1,553
1
285
116
730
-
1,121
1,582
1,892
2,685
109
164
273
81
37.1
37.1
9.49
55.9
3.9
150
532
682
104
43.9
43.9
10.64
67.1
4.1
147
241
388
129
52.4
52.4
12.21
80.2
4.3
232
604
836
166
65.0
65.3
14.08
100.3
4.6
676
(19)
7
64
728
(93)
635
(152)
(26)
457
3,226
629
66
608
(449)
4,080
2,201
1
37
172
1,669
-
4,080
360
1,421
1,781
275
87.5
91.6
16.43
145.4
5.3
919
(44)
13
-
888
(191)
697
(194)
-
503
4,551
955
104
915
(487)
6,038
3,074
1
36
307
2,620
-
6,038
430
1,605
2,035
395
102.6
111.6
18.73
184.0
5.5
1,020
(61)
17
-
976
(173)
803
(217)
-
586
5,150
1,153
316
1,040
(495)
7,164
4,734
1
135
400
1,894
-
7,164
452
1,080
1,532
497
104.0
114.8
20.74
192.7
5.0
1,049
(70)
16
-
995
(139)
856
(227)
-
629
5,004
1,154
275
1,078
(457)
7,054
4,747
1
111
485
1,710
-
7,054
367
992
1,359
526
107.5
119.5
22.90
198.2
4.7
1,046
(76)
13
-
983
(118)
865
(218)
-
647
5,145
1,475
349
1,116
(442)
7,643
4,758
1
90
486
2,308
-
7,643
402
1,615
2,017
534
109.9
122.8
25.34
201.4
4.3
1,247
(101)
11
-
1,157
(140)
1,017
(247)
-
770
5,320
1,443
702
1,244
(440)
8,269
5,217
1
82
528
2,441
-
8,269
520
922
1,442
596
129.8
147.1
29.76
231.2
4.4
Notes to Irish GAAP financial summary data
(a) Excluding bank advances and cash and liquid investments which are included under net debt (see note (c) below).
(b) Including deferred and contingent acquisition consideration due after more than one year and provisions for liabilities and charges and excluding deferred tax.
(c) Net debt represents the sum of loans (including finance leases) and overdrafts falling due within one year, bank loans (including finance leases) falling due after
more than one year less cash and liquid investments.
(d) Including supplemental interest.
(e) Per share amounts for 1995 to 2004 have been restated for the bonus element of the Rights Issue in March 2009.
(f) Cash earnings per share equals the sum of profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders, depreciation and goodwill amortisation divided by the
average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding for the year.
(g) Excluding exceptional net gains in 1999.
114 CRH
Group Financial Summary
(Figures prepared in accordance with IFRS)
Revenue
EBITDA (as defined)*
Group operating profit
Profit on disposals
Profit before finance costs
Finance costs (net)
Group share of associates' profit after tax
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Restated
2004
€m
2005
€m
2006
€m
2007
€m
2008
€m
2009
€m
2010
€m
2011
€m
12,755 14,449 18,737 20,992 20,887 17,373
17,173 18,081
1,740
1,957
2,456
2,860
2,665
1,803
1,615
1,656
1,220
11
1,392
20
1,767
40
2,086
57
1,841
69
1,231
(146)
1,412
(159)
1,807
(252)
2,143
(303)
1,910
(343)
19
1,104
(232)
26
1,279
(273)
47
1,602
(378)
64
1,904
(466)
61
1,628
(366)
955
26
981
(297)
48
732
(134)
698
55
753
(247)
28
534
(95)
871
55
926
(257)
42
711
(114)
Group profit for the financial year
872
1,006
1,224
1,438
1,262
598
439
597
Employment of capital
Non-current and current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments in associates/other financial assets
Net working capital
Other liabilities - current and non-current
Total
Capital and reserves excluding preference share capital
Preference share capital
Non-controlling interest
Net deferred income tax liability
Net debt
5,831
1,774
292
1,540
(1,048)
6,824
2,252
635
1,944
(1,255)
7,480
2,966
651
2,420
(1,109)
8,226
3,692
652
2,469
(880)
8,888
4,108
870
2,650
(1,140)
8,535
4,095
1,090
1,991
(1,096)
8,892
4,305
1,186
1,920
(1,111)
8,936
4,488
1,187
2,091
(1,434)
8,389 10,400 12,408 14,159 15,376 14,615 15,192 15,268
4,944
1
34
652
2,758
6,194
1
39
718
3,448
7,062
1
41
812
4,492
7,953
1
66
976
5,163
8,086
1
70
1,128
6,091
9,636
1
73
1,182
3,723
10,327 10,508
1
74
1,202
3,483
1
83
1,308
3,473
(h)
(i)
(j)
Total
8,389 10,400 12,408 14,159 15,376 14,615 15,192 15,268
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Acquisitions and investments
Total
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment**
Amortisation of intangible assets**
Earnings per share after amortisation of intangible assets** (cent)
Earnings per share before amortisation of intangible assets** (cent)
Dividend per share (cent)
Cash earnings per share (cent)
Dividend cover (times)
Notes to IFRS financial summary data
551
1,019
1,570
516
4
147.5
148.1
29.76
236.1
5.0
652
1,298
1,950
556
9
168.3
170.0
35.17
263.7
4.8
832
2,311
3,143
664
25
202.2
206.5
46.89
317.5
4.3
1,028
2,227
3,255
739
35
236.9
242.7
61.31
365.1
3.9
1,039
1,072
2,111
781
43
210.2
217.4
62.22
348.9
3.4
532
458
990
466
567
576
599
1,033
1,175
794
54
88.3
96.3
62.50
214.7
1.4
786
131
61.3
79.9
62.50
194.6
1.0
742
43
82.6
88.6
62.50
194.0
1.3
(k)
(k)
(k)
(k),(l)
(m)
(h) Represents the sum of inventories and trade and other receivables (included in current assets) less trade and other payables (included in current liabilities).
(i) Represents the sum of current income tax liabilities, current and non-current provisions for liabilities, non-current trade and other payables and retirement
benefit obligations.
(j) Represents the sum of current and non-current interest-bearing loans and borrowings and derivative financial instrument liabilities less the sum of liquid
investments, cash and cash equivalents and current and non-current derivative financial instrument assets.
(k) Per share amounts for restated 2004 to 2008 have been restated for the bonus element of the Rights Issue in March 2009.
(l) Cash earnings per share represents profit attributable to equity holders of the Company less preference dividends paid plus depreciation of property, plant and
equipment, amortisation of intangible assets and, where applicable, asset impairments divided by the average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding for the year.
(m) Represents earnings per Ordinary Share divided by dividends per Ordinary Share.
* Defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of associates’ profit after tax.
** Including impairments.
CRH 115
Management
Senior Group Staff
Europe
Materials
Henry Morris
Managing Director
Alan Connolly
Finance Director
Eamon Geraghty
Technical Director
Philip Wheatley
Development Director
John Corbett
Human Resources Director
John McKeon
Procurement Director
John Madden
Cement Operations Manager
Michael O’Sullivan
RMC & Aggregates
Operations Manager
Grainne McKenna
Head of Finance
Europe West/Asia
Ken McKnight
Regional Director
Europe West & Asia
Jim Mintern
Regional Manager
Europe West
Barry Leonard
Managing Director
Irish Cement
Larry Byrne
Managing Director
Clogrennane Lime
Jim Farrell
Managing Director
Roadstone-Wood Group
Mark Lowry
Managing Director
Northstone
Seamus Lynch
Country Manager
Benelux
Myles Lee
Chief Executive
Albert Manifold
Chief Operating Officer
Maeve Carton
Finance Director
Neil Colgan
Company Secretary
Jack Golden
Group Human Resources
Director
Rossa McCann
Head of Group Finance
Éimear O’Flynn
Head of Investor Relations
Noel O’Mahony
Head of Group Strategy
and Development
Pat O’Shea
Group Taxation Director
116 CRH
Sebastia Alegre
Managing Director
Beton Catalan – Spain
Frank Heisterkamp
Country Manager
Portugal
Oliver Mahon
Country Director
India
Peter Buckley
Country Director
China
Ee Ming Wong
Country Manager
China
Central Europe
Owen Rowley
Regional Director
Central Europe
Urs Sandmeier
Country Manager
Switzerland
Kalervo Matikainen
Managing Director
Finnsementti – Finland
Lauri Kivekäs
Managing Director
Rudus – Finland
Mossy O’Connor
Cement Director
Poland
Europe East
Distribution
Declan Maguire
Regional Director
Europe East
David Dillon
Country Director
Russia
Frank Heisterkamp
Country Manager
Turkey
Declan Maguire
Country Director
Ukraine
Products & Distribution
Erik Bax
Managing Director
Edwin Bouwman
Finance Director
Ivo Wetsels
Human Resources Director
Products
Francisco Irazusta
Managing Director Products
Edwin van den Berg
Managing Director
Landscaping Products
Alain Kirchmeyer
Managing Director
Civil Networks
Marc St. Nicolaas
Managing Director
Peter Erkamp
Finance Director
Erik de Groot
Organisational Development
Director
Tom Beyers
Development Director
Harry Bosshardt
Managing Director
Builders Merchants
Switzerland
Ulrich Paulmann
Managing Director
Builders Merchants Austria
Peter Stravers
Managing Director
Builders Merchants Benelux
Khaled Bachir
Managing Director
Builders Merchants France
Emiel Hopmans
Managing Director
DIY Europe
Christoph Lehrmann
Managing Director
Bauking Germany
Taco van Vroonhoven
Managing Director
Sanitary ware, heating
and plumbing
Mariusz Bogacz
Concrete Products Director
Poland
Wayne Sheppard
Managing Director
Clay Products
Brian Walsh
Lime, Aggregates & Blacktop
Director
Poland & Slovakia
Andrzej Ptak
President
.
arów – Poland
z
Grupa O
Dirk Vael
Managing Director
Engineered Accessories
Jean-Luc Bernard
Managing Director
Building Site Accessories
Gerben Stilma
Managing Director
Fencing & Security
Kees-Jan van ‘t Westeinde
Managing Director
Shutters & Barriers
The Americas
North America
Mark Towe
Chief Executive Officer
Materials
Mid-Atlantic
Dan Cooperrider
President
Mid-Atlantic Division
Mark Snyder
President
MidA
Willie Crane
President
AMG – North
Randy Lake
Chief Executive Officer
Charles Brown
Chief Financial Officer
Pascal Convers
Senior Vice President
Development
John Keating
President & Chief Operating
Officer, East
Kevin Bragg
President
AMG – South
Doug Radabaugh
Chief Financial Officer, East
Southeast
John Parson
President & Chief Operating
Officer, West
Jeff Schaffer
Executive Vice President,
West
Doug Black
President & Chief
Operating Officer
Michael O’Driscoll
Chief Financial Officer
Gary Hickman
Senior Vice President Tax &
Risk Management
Michael Lynch
Executive Vice President
Development
Bill Miller
Vice President & General
Counsel
Joe Myers
President
Building Solutions
Rick Mergens
President
Southeast Division
Seán O’Sullivan
President
Mid-South Materials
Robert Duke
President
Oldcastle Southern Group
Northwest
Jim Gauger
President
Northwest Division
Mark Murphy
Vice President
East Region
Craig Mayfield
Vice President
Central Region
Mountain West
Scott Parson
President
Mountain West Division
Randy Anderson
President
Staker Parson North
Michael Kurz
President
Staker Parson South
Rich Umbel
President
Southwest Region
Brian Reilly
Vice President Finance
Northeast
Mark Schack
Executive Vice President
Talent Management
Chris Madden
President
Northeast Division
Christian Zimmermann
President
New England North
Dan Stover
President
New England South
John Cooney, Jr.
President
New York Region
George Thompson
President
Tilcon New Jersey
Central
John Powers
President
Central Division
Ty Nofziger
President
Shelly
Greg Campbell
President
Michigan Paving & Materials
Bob Rowberry
President
Jack B. Parson
Central West
Kirk Randolph
President
Central West Division
Chris Lodge
President
AR/OK & TN/MS
Raymond Lane
President
Texas Region
Craig Lamberty
President
Midwest Region
Products & Distribution
Building Products
Keith Haas
Chief Executive Officer
Bob Quinn
Executive Vice President
Mike Schaeffer
Chief Financial Officer
Paul Valentine
President Masonry &
Hardscapes
Dave Steevens
President Precast
Eoin Lehane
President Lawn & Garden
David Maske
President
Bonsal American
Steve Matsick
President
Glen-Gery
Doug Crawford
Vice President
Development & Strategy
Ted Hathaway
Chief Executive Officer
BuildingEnvelope™
Kevin Watson
Chief Financial Officer
BuildingEnvelope™
Jim Avanzini
Chief Operating Officer
Architectural Glass and
Storefronts
BuildingEnvelope™
Mary Carol Witry
Chief Operating Officer
Engineered Glazing Systems
BuildingEnvelope™
Distribution
Robert Feury, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Frank Furia
Chief Financial Officer
Ron Pilla
President
Interior Products
John McLaughlin
President
Exterior Products East
Jamie Kutzer
President
Exterior Products West
South America
Juan Carlos Girotti
Managing Director
CRH Sudamericana &
Canteras Cerro Negro
Bernardo Alamos
Managing Director
Vidrios Dell Orto & South
American Glass Group
Federico Ferro
Managing Director
Cormela
Jaime Bustamante
Managing Director
Comercial Duomo
CRH 117
Principal Subsidiary Undertakings as at 31 December 2011
Incorporated and operating in
% held Products and services
Europe Materials
Belgium
VVM N.V.
100 Cement transport and trading, readymixed concrete, clinker grinding
Britain & Northern
Ireland
Northstone (NI) Limited
(including Farrans, Ready Use Concrete, R.J.
Maxwell & Son, Scott (Toomebridge) Limited)
100 Aggregates, readymixed concrete, mortar, coated macadam, rooftiles, building
and civil engineering contracting
China
Finland
Premier Cement Limited
100 Marketing and distribution of cement
T.B.F. Thompson (Properties) Limited
100 Property development
Harbin Sanling Cement Company Limited*
100 Cement
Finnsementti Oy
Rudus Oy
100 Cement
100 Aggregates and readymixed concrete
Ireland
Irish Cement Limited
100 Cement
Clogrennane Lime Limited
100 Burnt and hydrated lime
Roadstone Wood Limited
100 Aggregates, readymixed concrete, mortar, coated macadam, concrete blocks
and pipes, asphalt, agricultural and chemical limestone and contract surfacing
Netherlands
Cementbouw B.V.
100 Cement transport and trading, readymixed concrete and aggregates
Poland
Bosta Beton Sp. z o.o.
90.30 Readymixed concrete
Drogomex Sp. z o.o.*
.
arów S.A.
z
Grupa O
Grupa Prefabet S.A.*
Masfalt Sp. z o.o.*
O.K.S.M. Sp. z o.o.
Polbruk S.A.
99.94 Asphalt and contract surfacing
100 Cement
100 Concrete products
100 Asphalt and contract surfacing
99.94 Aggregates
100 Readymixed concrete and concrete paving
ZPW Trzuskawica S.A.
100 Production of lime and lime products
Spain
Beton Catalan S.A.
Cabi S.A.
100 Readymixed concrete
99.99 Cementitious materials
Cantera de Aridos Puig Broca S.A.
99.81 Aggregates
Explotacion de Aridos Calizos S.A.
100 Aggregates
Formigo i Bigues S.A.
Formigons Girona S.A.
Suberolita S.A.
Tamuz S.A.
99.81 Aggregates
100 Readymixed concrete and precast concrete products
100 Readymixed concrete and precast concrete products
100 Aggregates
Switzerland
JURA-Holding AG
100 Cement, aggregates and readymixed concrete
Ukraine
OJSC Podilsky Cement
98.89 Cement
118 CRH
Incorporated and operating in
% held Products and services
Europe Products & Distribution
Austria
Belgium
Quester Baustoffhandel GmbH
100 Builders merchants
Products
Douterloigne N.V.
Ergon N.V.
Marlux Klaps N.V.
Oeterbeton N.V.
Prefaco N.V.
Remacle S.A.
Schelfhout N.V.
100 Concrete floor elements, pavers and blocks
100 Precast concrete structural elements
100 Concrete paving, sewerage and water treatment
100 Precast concrete
100 Precast concrete structural elements
100 Precast concrete products
100 Precast concrete wall elements
J. De Saegher Steenhandel N.V.
100 Clay brick distributor
Plakabeton N.V.
Distribution
100 Construction accessories
Van Neerbos België N.V.
100 DIY stores
Sax Sanitar N.V.
75 Sanitary ware, heating and plumbing
Schrauwen Sanitair en Verwarming BVBA
100 Sanitary ware, heating and plumbing
Britain & Northern
Ireland
Products
Forticrete Limited
100 Concrete masonry products and rooftiles
Supreme Concrete Limited
100 Concrete fencing, lintels and floorbeams
Ibstock Brick Limited
100 Clay brick manufacturer
Kevington Building Products Limited
100 Specialist brick fabricator
Manchester Brick and Precast Limited
100 Brick-clad precast components
Trinity Bricks Limited
Ancon Limited
100 Clay brick distributor
100 Construction accessories
Broughton Controls Limited
100 Access control systems
CRH Fencing Limited
FCA Wholesalers Limited
Geoquip Limited
TangoRail Limited
100 Security fencing
100 Construction accessories
100 Perimeter intrusion detection systems
100 Non-welded railing systems
West Midland Fencing Limited
100 Security fencing
Denmark
Products
Betongruppen RBR A/S
CRH Concrete A/S
100 Paving manufacturer
100 Structural products
France
Products
Béton Moulé Industriel S.A.
99.95 Precast concrete products
Stradal
Ste. Heda S.A.
Heras Clôture S.A.R.L.
Plakabeton France S.A.
Distribution
100 Landscape, utility and infrastructural concrete products
100 Security fencing
100 Temporary fencing
100 Construction accessories
CRH Ile de France Distribution S.A.S.
100 Builders merchants
CRH 119
Principal Subsidiary Undertakings continued
Incorporated and operating in
% held Products and services
Europe Products & Distribution continued
Germany
Products
EHL AG
100 Concrete paving and landscape walling products
CRH Clay Solutions GmbH
100 Clay brick, pavers and rooftiles
Heras-Adronit GmbH
100 Security fencing and access control
Hammerl GmbH & Co. KG
100 Construction accessories
Halfen GmbH
Heras SKS GmbH
100 Metal construction accessories
100 Security fencing
Magnetic Autocontrol GmbH
100 Vehicle and pedestrian access control systems
Reuss-Seifert GmbH
Distribution
100 Construction accessories
Paulsen & Bräuninger GmbH
100 Sanitary ware, heating and plumbing
Hungary
Bauking AG
Products
98.25 Builders merchants, DIY stores
Ferrobeton Beton-és Vasbetonelem gyártó Zrt
100 Precast concrete structural elements
Ireland
Products
Concrete Stair Systems Limited
100 Precast concrete products
Plaka Ireland Limited
100 Metal and plastic construction accessories
Italy
Products
Halfen S.R.L., Societa Unipersonale
100 Metal construction accessories
Plaka Group S.R.L.
100 Construction accessories
Netherlands
Products
CRH Structural Concrete B.V.
100 Precast concrete structural elements
Calduran Kalkzandsteen B.V.
100 Sand-lime bricks and building elements
Dycore B.V.
Jonker Beton B.V.
100 Concrete flooring elements
100 Concrete paving products
Struyk Verwo Groep B.V.
100 Concrete paving products
Kleiwarenfabriek Buggenum B.V.
100 Clay brick manufacturer
CRH Kleiwaren Beheer B.V.
100 Clay brick manufacturer
Kooy Baksteencentrum B.V.
100 Clay brick distributor
Aluminium Verkoop Zuid B.V.
100 Roller shutter and awning systems
Hylas B.V.
Heras B.V.
Mavotrans B.V.
Unipol Holland B.V.
Distribution
100 Roller shutter and awning systems
100 Security fencing and perimeter protection
100 Construction accessories
100 EPS granulates
CRH Bouwmaterialenhandel B.V.
100 Builders merchants
Royal Roofing Materials B.V.
100 Roofing materials merchant
N.V.B. Ubbens Bouwstoffen B.V.
100 Builders merchants
Stoel van Klaveren Bouwstoffen B.V.
100 Builders merchants
Van Neerbos Bouwmarkten B.V.
100 DIY stores
CRH Bouwmaten B.V.
100 Cash & Carry building materials
Van Neerbos Bouwmaterialen B.V.
100 Builders merchants
120 CRH
Incorporated and operating in
% held Products and services
Europe Products & Distribution continued
Norway
Building Products
Poland
Halfen AS
Products
100 Construction accessories
Ergon Poland Sp. z o.o.
100 Structural products
Faelbud Prefabrykaty Sp. z o.o.*
100 Readymixed concrete, concrete products and concrete paving
Romania
CRH Klinkier Sp. z o.o.
Cerabud Agra Sp. z o.o.
Products
Elpreco SA
100 Clay brick manufacturer
99.19 Clay blocks, bricks and rooftiles
100 Architectural products
CRH Structural Concrete SRL
100 Structural products
Slovakia
Products
Premac spol. s.r.o.
100 Concrete paving and floor elements
Ferrobeton Slovakia, s.r.o.
100 Precast concrete structural elements
Spain
Products
Plakabeton S.L.U.
100 Accessories for construction and precast concrete
Sweden
Products
TUVAN-stängsel AB
100 Security fencing
Switzerland
Products
Element AG
F.J. Aschwanden AG
Distribution
100 Prefabricated structural concrete elements
100 Construction accessories
BR Bauhandel AG (trading as BauBedarf
and Richner)
CRH Gétaz Holding AG (trading as Gétaz
Romang and Miauton)
100 Builders merchants, sanitary ware and ceramic tiles
100 Builders merchants
Regusci S.A. (trading as Regusci and Reco)
100 Builders merchants
CRH 121
Principal Subsidiary Undertakings continued
Incorporated and operating in
% held Products and services
Americas Materials
United States
Oldcastle Materials, Inc.
100 Holding company
APAC Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
Callanan Industries, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
CPM Development Corporation
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete, prestressed concrete and related
construction activities
Dolomite Products Company, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
Eugene Sand Construction, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
Evans Construction Company
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
Hills Materials Company
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
Michigan Paving and Materials Company
100 Aggregates, asphalt and related construction activities
Mountain Enterprises, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt and related construction activities
OMG Midwest, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction actitivies
Oldcastle Southern Group, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete, aggregates distribution and related
construction activities
Oldcastle SW Group, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
Pennsy Supply, Inc.
Pike Industries, Inc.
P.J. Keating Company
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
100 Aggregates, asphalt and related construction activities
Staker & Parson Companies
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
The Shelly Company
Tilcon Connecticut, Inc.
Tilcon New York, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
100 Aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and related construction activities
100 Aggregates, asphalt and related construction activities
West Virginia Paving, Inc.
100 Aggregates, asphalt and related construction activities
122 CRH
Incorporated and operating in
% held Products and services
Americas Products & Distribution
Argentina
CRH Sudamericana S.A.
100 Holding company
Canteras Cerro Negro S.A.
99.98 Clay rooftiles, wall tiles and floor tiles
Cormela S.A.
Superglass S.A.
100 Clay blocks
100 Fabricated and tempered glass products
Canada
Building Products Group
Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
(trading as Décor Precast, Groupe Permacon,
and Synertech Moulded Products)
Transpavé, Inc.
BuildingEnvelope™ Group
100 Masonry, paving and retaining walls, utility boxes and trenches
100 Hardscape and patio products
Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope™ Canada, Inc.
100 Custom fabricated and tempered glass products and curtain wall
Chile
Vidrios Dell Orto, S.A.
99.90 Fabricated and tempered glass products
Comercial Duomo Limitada
81 Wholesaler and retailer of specialised building products
United States
Oldcastle, Inc.
100 Holding company
Americas Products & Distribution, Inc.
100 Holding company
CRH America, Inc.
Building Products Group
100 Holding company
Oldcastle Building Products, Inc.
100 Holding company
Big River Industries, Inc.
Bonsal American, Inc.
Oldcastle Surfaces, Inc.
Glen-Gery Corporation
Merchants Metals
Meadow Burke, LLC
100 Lightweight aggregates
100 Premixed cement and asphalt products
100 Custom fabrication and installation of countertops
100 Clay bricks
100 Fabrication and distribution of fencing products
100 Concrete accessories
Oldcastle Architectural, Inc.
100 Holding company
Oldcastle APG Northeast, Inc. (trading
principally as Anchor Concrete Products and
Trenwyth Industries)
Oldcastle APG South, Inc. (trading principally as
Adams Products, Georgia Masonry Supply and
Northfield Block Company)
Oldcastle APG West, Inc. (trading principally
as Amcor Masonry Products, Central Pre-Mix
Concrete Products, Texas Masonry Products,
Miller Rhino Materials, Sierra Building Products
and Superlite Block)
100 Specialty masonry, hardscape and patio products
100 Specialty masonry, hardscape and patio products
100 Specialty masonry and stone products, hardscape and patio products
Oldcastle Lawn & Garden, Inc.
100 Patio products, bagged stone, mulch and stone
Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
Distribution Group
100 Precast concrete products, concrete pipe, prestressed plank and structural elements
Oldcastle Distribution, Inc.
100 Holding company
Allied Building Products Corp.
100 Distribution of roofing, siding and related products, wallboard, metal studs,
acoustical tile and grid
A.L.L. Roofing & Building Materials Corp.
100 Distribution of roofing and related products
AMS Holdings, Inc.
100 Distribution of drywall, acoustical ceiling systems, metal studs and commercial
door solutions
Mahalo Acquisition Corp. (trading as G. W. Killebrew)
100 Holding company
BuildingEnvelope™ Group
Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope™, Inc.
100 Custom fabricated architectural glass
CRH 123
Principal Joint Venture Undertakings as at 31 December 2011
Incorporated and operating in
% held Products and services
Europe Materials
India
Ireland
Portugal
Turkey
My Home Industries Limited
50 Cement
Kemek Limited *
50 Commercial explosives
Secil-Companhia Geral de Cal e Cimento, S.A.* 48.99 Cement, aggregates, concrete products, mortar and readymixed concrete
Denizli Çimento Sanayii T.A. .
50 Cement and readymixed concrete
Europe Products & Distribution
France
Ireland
Distribution
Doras S.A. *
Products
57.85 Builders merchants
Williaam Cox Ireland Limited
50 Glass construction, continuous rooflights and ventilation systems
Netherlands
Distribution
Bouwmaterialenhandel de Schelde B.V.
50 DIY stores
Portugal
Distribution
Modelo Distribuição de Materials de
Construção S.A. *
50 Cash & Carry building materials
Americas Materials
United States
American Cement Company, LLC *
50 Cement
Boxley Aggregates of West Virginia, LLC *
50 Aggregates
Cadillac Asphalt, LLC *
Southside Materials, LLC*
Piedmont Asphalt, LLC*
50 Asphalt
50 Aggregates
50 Asphalt
124 CRH
Principal Associated Undertakings as at 31 December 2011
Incorporated and operating in
% held Products and services
Europe Materials
China
Israel
Spain
Jilin Yatai Group Building Materials Investment
Company Limited *
26 Cement
Mashav Initiating and Development Limited
25 Cement
Corporación Uniland S.A.*
26.30 Cement, aggregates, readymixed concrete and mortar
Europe Products & Distribution
France
Netherlands
Distribution
Samse S.A.*
Distribution
21.13 Builders merchants and DIY stores
Intergamma B.V.
48.57 DIY franchisor
Americas Materials
United States
Buckeye Ready Mix, LLC *
45 Readymixed concrete
* Audited by firms other than Ernst & Young
Pursuant to Section 16 of the Companies Act, 1986, a full list of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated undertakings will be annexed to the Company’s Annual
Return to be filed in the Companies Registration Office in Ireland.
CRH 125
Index
A
Accounting policies
Acquisitions Committee
American Depositary Receipts
Americas Distribution - 2011 Results
Americas Distribution - Operations Review
Americas Materials - 2011 Results
Americas Materials - Operations Review
Americas Products - 2011 Results
Americas Products - Operations Review
Amortisation
- Intangible assets (note 15)
- Segment information (note 1)
Associated undertakings, principal
64
Depreciation
38, 42
- Cost analysis (note 3)
113
- Property, plant and equipment (note 14)
37
37
29
29
33
33
82
71
- Segment analysis (note 1)
Derivative financial instruments (note 24)
Development activity
Directors’ emoluments and interests (note 6)
Directors’ interests in share capital
Directors’ interests - share options
Directors’ remuneration, Report on
Directors’ Report
Directors’ responsibilities, Statement of
125
Distribution
Associates’ profit after tax, Group share of (note 10)
78
Dividend payments (shareholder information)
Audit Committee
Auditors, Report of Independent
Auditors’ remuneration (note 4)
B
Balance sheet
- Company
- Consolidated
38, 42
Dividends (note 12)
59
74
Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes
E
Earnings per Ordinary Share (note 13)
Employees, average numbers (note 7)
108
Employment costs (note 7)
61
End-use
Board approval of financial statements (note 33)
107
- Americas Distribution
Board Committees
Board of Directors
38, 42
- Americas Materials
38
- Americas Products
Business combinations and acquisitions of joint ventures (note 31)
104
- Europe Distribution
Business Model
C
Capital and financial risk management (note 21)
Cash and cash equivalents (note 22)
Cash flow statement, Consolidated
Cash flow - summary
Chairman’s Statement
Changes in Equity: issued share capital, share premium account,
Treasury Shares/own shares, other reserves, foreign currency
translation, retained income and non-controlling interest
Chief Executive’s Review
Code of business conduct
Communications
Corporate governance
Corporate social responsibility
Cost analysis (note 3)
CREST
D
Debt, Analysis of net (note 25)
Deferred acquisition consideration payable (note 19)
Deferred income tax
- Expense (note 11)
- Assets and liabilities (note 27)
13
- Europe Materials
- Europe Products
Environment and climate change
Europe Distribution - 2011 Results
Europe Distribution - Operations Review
Europe Materials - 2011 Results
Europe Materials - Operations Review
Europe Products - 2011 Results
Europe Products - Operations Review
Exective Management Team
Exchange rates
F
Finance Committee
Finance costs and income (note 9)
Finance leases (note 30)
Finance Review
Financial assets (note 16)
Financial calendar
Financial summary, Group (1995-2011)
Frequently asked questions
FTSE4Good
87
90
63
19
8
62
11
46
113
40
6
74
113
94
86
79
97
126 CRH
74
81
71
92
8
75
50
54
48
56
58
34
112
80
7
80
75
75
23
23
23
23
23
23
6
36
36
28
28
32
32
24
70
38, 44
78
103
17
84
113
114, 115
113
7
G
General Meetings
Group operations
Group strategy
46
21
13
Property, plant and equipment (note 14)
Provisions for liabilities (note 26)
Proxy voting, electronic
Guarantees (note 23; note 10 to Company Balance Sheet )
91, 111
H
Health and safety
I
Income Statement, Consolidated
Income tax expense (note 11)
Intangible assets (note 15)
Inventories (note 17)
J
Joint venture undertakings, principal
Joint ventures, proportionate consolidation (note 2)
K
Key components of 2011 performance
Key financial figures 2011
Key financial performance indicators
L
Leadership positions
Leases, commitments under operating and finance (note 30)
Liquid investments (note 22)
Loans and borrowings, interest-bearing (note 23)
M
Management
Materials
N
R
Registrars
6
Related party transactions (note 32)
60
79
82
85
124
73
18
1
19
2
103
90
91
116
26
Remuneration Committee
Retirement benefit obligations (note 28)
Risk management and internal control
S
Sector exposure and end-use
Segment information (note 1)
Senior Independent Director
Share-based payments (note 8)
Share capital and reserves (note 29)
Share options
- Directors
- Employees
Share price data
Shareholder information
Shareholdings as at 31 December 2011
Stakeholder communication
Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Equity, Consolidated
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
Stock Exchange listings
Subsidiary undertakings, principal
Substantial holdings
Summarised cash flow
Nominations & Corporate Governance Committee
Notes on consolidated financial statements
38, 44
T
71 – 107
Total Shareholder Return
O
Operating costs (note 3)
Operating leases (note 30)
Operating profit disclosures (note 4)
Operational snapshot 2011
Operations Reviews:
- Americas Distribution
- Americas Materials
- Americas Products
- Europe Distribution
- Europe Materials
- Europe Products
P
Pensions, retirement benefit obligations (note 28)
Performance and growth 2002 - 2011
Products
Profit on disposals (note 5)
Trade and other payables (note 19)
Trade and other receivables (note 18)
V
Volumes, annualised production
- Americas Distribution
- Americas Materials
- Americas Products
- Europe Distribution
- Europe Materials
- Europe Products
W
Website
Working capital, movement during year and provision for
liabilities (note 20)
74
103
74
22
37
29
33
36
28
32
98
15
30
75
81
96
113
113
107
38, 45
98
47
23
71
38, 41
76
102
54
76
113
112
113
46
60
62
58
113
118
45
19
15
86
85
23
23
23
23
23
23
113
86
CRH 127
Designed and produced
by Lunt McIntyre.
Printed by PrintRun.
CRH® is a registered
trade mark of CRH plc.
Front cover: The distinctive folded
structure gives the new Mülimatt
sports training centre in Brugg
(Switzerland) its special character.
Three CRH companies were
involved in this project: Element
AG Switzerland produced and
assembled the complex precast
concrete elements, Jura Cement
supplied the cement, while the
construction accessories were
provided by Halfen.
The International Building
Materials Group
CRH plc
Belgard Castle
Clondalkin
Dublin 22
Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 404 1000
Fax: +353 1 404 1007
E-mail: mail@crh.com
Website: www.crh.com
Registered Office
42 Fitzwilliam Square
Dublin 2
Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 634 4340
Fax: +353 1 676 5013
E-mail: crh42@crh.com