CRH plc Reports 6% Revenue Growth to $10.8 Billion in Q2 2026

CRH plc reported a solid financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2026, with total revenues reaching $10.8 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2026, marking a 6% increase from $10.2 billion in the same period of 2025. For the first half of 2026, revenues rose 7% to $18.1 billion compared to $16.9 billion in the prior year. Net income for the second quarter was $1.5 billion, up 13% from $1.3 billion, while net income for the first half increased by 8% to $1.3 billion from $1.2 billion. The company reported diluted earnings per share of $2.21 for the second quarter, compared to $1.94 in the previous year.

The company experienced notable growth in its product revenues, which increased to $8.5 billion in the second quarter from $7.9 billion a year earlier. Service revenues remained stable at approximately $2.3 billion. The gross profit margin improved to 39.8% in the second quarter, up from 39.4% in the same period last year, driven by effective cost management despite rising energy and labor costs. Selling, general, and administrative expenses also increased, reflecting higher haulage costs and inflationary pressures.

Strategically, CRH completed 16 acquisitions during the first half of 2026 for a total consideration of $1.2 billion, significantly higher than the $0.7 billion spent in the same period of 2025. The largest acquisition was Axius Water, a provider of water quality solutions, acquired for $0.7 billion. Additionally, the company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Arcosa, a U.S. provider of infrastructure-related materials, for approximately $8.5 billion, expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

Operationally, CRH's total assets increased to $58.6 billion as of June 30, 2026, compared to $54.0 billion a year earlier. The company reported a total employee headcount of approximately 77,000, reflecting its growth strategy. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $3.1 billion, down from $4.1 billion at the end of 2025, while total debt increased to $17.9 billion, up from $17.7 billion. The company also returned $0.6 billion to shareholders through share buybacks in the first half of 2026, consistent with the previous year.

Looking ahead, CRH anticipates continued demand across its key markets, supported by significant public investment in infrastructure and ongoing reindustrialization efforts. The company expects to leverage its strong balance sheet and strategic acquisitions to drive growth and value creation in 2026, despite potential challenges from geopolitical and macroeconomic factors.