CRH cuts 2026 profit guidance and misses third-quarter estimates, but authorizes a $6 billion buyback

Third-quarter revenue is $11.40 billion against $11.63 billion expected, and the company also raises its quarterly dividend 5% from a year earlier.

CRH has lowered its full-year 2026 outlook and missed third-quarter estimates, while the board approves a share buyback of up to $6 billion that runs to the end of 2030.

The company now expects net income of $3.1 billion to $3.3 billion, down from $3.9 billion to $4.1 billion. Diluted earnings per share are guided to $4.63 to $4.85, down from $5.60 to $6.05. Adjusted EBITDA is expected at $7.8 billion to $8.0 billion. At the midpoint, net income guidance falls by roughly $700 million to $800 million and earnings per share guidance by nearly $1. CRH blames the earlier than expected close of the Arcosa acquisition, cost inflation and weaker residential activity. The early close adds to the cost and demand pressure rather than offsetting it.

Third-quarter earnings per share are $2.09 before impairment, $0.13 below expectations. Revenue is $11.40 billion against $11.63 billion expected.

The company declares a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, 5% higher than a year earlier. It is payable on December 9, 2026 to shareholders of record on November 13, 2026.

CRH also launches Velocity, a two-year change to its operating model. It is expected to deliver about $400 million in annual run-rate benefits by the end of 2028, at a total non-routine cost of about $400 million. Chief executive Jim Mintern says the quarter was resilient, reflecting disciplined commercial execution and performance improvement work, and that Velocity will simplify operations and drive structurally higher margins.

The buyback and dividend rise sit beside the cut, which points to capital return rather than a near-term operating recovery as management's answer. Velocity's savings arrive after the 2026 guidance period, so any lasting margin gain is well beyond it.