What caused CRH's Q2 2024 EPS to fall short?

CRH's Q2 2024 EPS fell short, missing the consensus of $1.88 by approximately 4.3%, resulting in an EPS of $1.88. The primary reasons for this shortfall can be attributed to **Weather Conditions and Project Delays** and **Geopolitical Factors**. |code|Ticker|Name|Date|Diluted EPS YoY|Diluted EPS|market_code| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |CRH|CRH.N|CRH|2023 Q3||1.8|169| |CRH|CRH.N|CRH|2024 Q1|420|0.16|169| |CRH|CRH.N|CRH|2024 Q2|16.04938271604937|1.88|169| 1. **Weather Conditions and Project Delays**: Unfavorable weather conditions in key markets and project delays significantly impacted CRH's Q2 performance. Although the company experienced positive pricing momentum and early-season project activity, which were partly offsetting factors, the adverse weather conditions ultimately led to a shortfall in earnings per share. 2. **Geopolitical Factors**: Geopolitical factors, such as tensions in the Middle East, contributed to increased volatility in the energy market. This volatility had a negative impact on CRH's energy-related businesses, further contributing to the EPS shortfall. In summary, CRH's Q2 2024 EPS was affected by a combination of unfavorable weather conditions and project delays, as well as geopolitical factors, which together led to the company missing its earnings target for the quarter.