UPDATE: Balfour Beatty posts share buyback as pretax profit surges

Balfour Beatty PLC on Wednesday said its long-term outlook remained positive amid ‘strong visibility’ from its order book, as it recommended a higher dividend amid a statutory pretax profit jump.

The London-based international infrastructure construction firm said pretax profit surged 51% to £323 million in 2025 from £214 million in 2024.

Underlying profit from operations rose 16% to £293 million from £252 million.

Revenue climbed 7.5% to £10.77 billion in 2025 from £10.02 billion in 2024.

In its Infrastructure Investments division meanwhile, pretax profit fell 73% to £14 million in 2025 from £51 million in 2024.

‘Tariffs had a relatively low impact on the business in the year, and where incurred, were largely recovered through pre-existing contract terms,’ the firm said.

The company recommended a final dividend per share of 9.8 pence for 2025, up 13% from 8.7p in 2024. This would bring the total payout for 2025 to 14p, up 12% from 12.5p.

Further, Balfour intends to buy back £200 million of shares during the 2026 phase of its multi-year share buyback programme.

Looking ahead, the company expects a high-single digit percentage increase in profit from operations in 2026, including further underlying margin growth in UK construction, when excluding £11 million in insurance recovery in 2025. Further, it cites an improved US construction margin.

‘The group’s long-term outlook remains positive, with the growth forecast in 2026 and 2027 being driven by strong visibility from its high-quality order book, alongside the further opportunities in the energy, transport and defence sectors in the UK and the group’s chosen buildings sectors in the US. This gives the board confidence in Balfour Beatty’s continued ability to deliver profitable managed growth and sustainable cash generation, and in turn significant ongoing shareholder returns,’ the firm said.

Balfour shares rose 7.1% to 752.00 pence each on Wednesday morning in London.

Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Ways to help you invest your money

Our investment accounts

Put your money to work with our range of investment accounts. Choose from ISAs, pensions, and more.

Need some investment ideas?

Let us give you a hand choosing investments. From managed funds to favourite picks, we’re here to help.

Read our expert tips and insights

Our investment experts share their knowledge on how to keep your money working hard across the markets.