CRH Posts 2014 Profit

posted a pretax profit for 2014. CRH posted a pretax profit of EUR761 million for the year, versus a year-ago loss of EUR215 million. Its sales gained 5% to 18.9 billion euros ($21.5 billion). Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization gained 11% to EUR1.64 billion in the same period. The company maintained its full-year dividend per share at 62.5 euro cents. Albert Manifold, Chief Executive said, "2014 was a year of strong strategic, operational and financial progress for CRH. We were able to use the underlying strength of our business to capitalise on the recovering markets and deliver a return to profit and margin growth. With further improvements expected in market conditions across our main geographies, together with easing commodity prices, the benefits of cost efficiencies and a favourable exchange translation effect, we expect 2015 to be another year of progress." CRH shares fell 0.07% to close at $28.34 yesterday.