CRH (CRH) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved 9% year-over-year revenue growth to $7.4 billion in Q1 2026, driven by strong demand, disciplined execution, and acquisitions.

• Adjusted EBITDA rose 18% to $586 million, with margin improving to 8.0% from 7.3% a year ago.

• Net loss widened to ($180) million, impacted by a $48 million impairment in International Solutions, higher depreciation, and interest expense.

• Announced $1.9 billion in divestitures of non-core businesses and $900 million in nine value-accretive acquisitions, including Axius Water.

• Continued significant shareholder returns via $400 million in share buybacks YTD and a 5% increase in quarterly dividend to $0.39 per share.

Financial highlights

• Q1 revenues reached $7.4 billion, up 9% year-over-year, supported by strong demand and acquisitions.

• Adjusted EBITDA was $586 million, up 18% year-over-year, with margin improving to 8.0% from 7.3% in Q1 2025.

• Net loss margin for Q1 2026 was -2.4%, compared to -1.5% prior year.

• Gross profit increased 11% to $2.0 billion, with gross margin up 50bps to 27.7%.

• Interest expense increased to $203 million, up $22 million year-over-year due to higher debt balances.

Outlook and guidance

• Reaffirmed FY26 guidance: Adjusted EBITDA $8.1–$8.5 billion, net income $3.9–$4.1 billion, diluted EPS $5.60–$6.05.

• Capital expenditure guidance set at $2.8–$3.0 billion; effective tax rate of 24%.

• Guidance assumes normal seasonal weather, no major geopolitical or macroeconomic disruptions, and excludes significant one-off items.

• Positive demand outlook across transportation, water, and reindustrialization, with robust backlogs and strong funding support.

• Residential new-build remains subdued, but repair and remodel activity is expected to be resilient.