Balfour Beatty posts 42% profit surge, lifts H1 2026 guidance

Balfour Beatty on Tuesday reported a 42% increase in first-half profit and raised its guidance for the six months to June 2026, citing robust project execution and sustained demand.

The UK-based construction and infrastructure group said underlying profit before tax rose to £142 million ($180 million) in the first half of 2025, up from £100 million in the same period last year. Revenue increased 12% to £4.7 billion, driven by strong performance in its UK construction and infrastructure divisions.

The company also upgraded its full-year 2025 guidance, now expecting underlying operating profit to exceed £300 million, compared with a prior range of £260 million to £280 million. The improved outlook reflects continued momentum in its order book and efficiency gains across operations.

Balfour Beatty’s chief executive, Leo Quinn, said the results demonstrated the group’s ability to deliver value despite market volatility. "Our focus on operational discipline and selective bidding has positioned us well for sustained growth," Quinn said in a statement.

The company’s shares were up 3.2% in early trading on the London Stock Exchange, outperforming the broader UK construction sector. Analysts attributed the positive momentum to the company’s diversified portfolio and strong backlog of projects.

Balfour Beatty operates across the UK, the U.S., and the Middle East, with a focus on transport, energy, and social infrastructure. The group has been expanding its presence in renewable energy and digital infrastructure as part of its long-term strategy.

The improved financial performance follows a period of cost discipline and strategic portfolio management, including the disposal of non-core assets to streamline operations.