10 Best Stocks to Buy According to Seth Klarman

5. CRH plc (NYSE:CRH)

Baupost Group’s Equity Stake: $244.38 Million

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 90

CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) is a basic materials company that provides building materials solutions for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure and commercial and residential buildings. Through strategic acquisitions and worldwide building trends, the construction materials company has boosted its stock price and financials to previously unheard-of levels.

CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) delivered solid 2024 full-year results driven by our customer-connected solutions strategy and leading positions of scale in attractive, higher-growth markets. CRH delivered another year of double-digit profit growth of 15% to $3.5 billion as revenues increased 2% to $35.6 billion. The company also invested $5 billion in 40 value-accretive acquisitions while returning $3 billion of cash to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. CRH’s outlook remains positive, underpinned by favorable demand and positive pricing momentum, leaving it well positioned for another year of growth and value creation.

Last year, CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) expanded its materials solutions business with the acquisition of Dutra Materials. Consequently, it remains in a solid position to provide integrated solutions to customers in California while bringing additional strategic aggregate reserves and asphalt production capabilities. CRH remains well-positioned to pursue growth opportunities in the construction market in California, which is one of the largest in the US. It also plans to acquire $300 million worth of shares by May 2025 as part of a broader financial strategy to enhance shareholder value and optimize its capital structure.