BALFOUR Beatty has revealed it continues to expect ‘high single digit percentage growth’ in profit from operations from its earnings-based businesses in 2026.
The group announced a trading update ahead of its AGM for the period 1 January 2026 to date.
Balfour Beatty said it has performed well, with the group’s contract mix continuing to provide ‘strong protection from the volatile macroeconomic backdrop and related inflationary pressures’.
Positive momentum across key markets has continued into 2026. The group said it continues to apply a ‘disciplined and selective bidding approach’ in pursuit of a ‘high‑quality, low‑risk’ forward order book, which at the end of Q1 remained in line with the year‑end position.
During the period, the business made further progress in securing new contract awards and advancing opportunities for future work across its four chosen growth markets, comprising UK energy, US buildings, UK transport, and UK defence.
Over the first three months of 2026, the average monthly closing net cash balance was £1,554 million (FY 2025 average: £1,212 million, 2025 closing: £1,446 million). The board continues to expect 2026 average net cash in the range of £1.3 – £1.5 billion.
Balfour Beatty added that the £200 million share buyback is on track to be completed by the end of the year, with approximately £54 million completed to date.
