...Business Risk: Strong Financial Risk: Intermediate + Solid market positions in Europe and North America, with a growing presence in Asia. + Some operations are in a competitive and fragmented industry with limited pricing flexibility. + Highly diversified product portfolio. + Robust margins and ability to generate operating cash flow consistently through the cycle. + Good vertical integration, especially in North America where CRH is a leading supplier of aggregates, asphalt, cement, ready mix, and paving. + Cyclicality, seasonality, and high capital and energy intensity of the heavy building materials' industry. + Prudent balance sheet management. + Ongoing portfolio management, with acquisitions and disposals, forms a key part of management's growth strategy. + Robust cash flow generation has allowed CRH to digest and integrate very sizable debt-funded acquisitions, and quickly lower leverage back to a level commensurate with the existing rating. + Strong liquidity, irrespective of share...
