Keller shares spark as it hails record FY results, hikes dividend

(Sharecast News) - Geotechnical specialist contractor Keller Group shot higher on Tuesday as it hailed a record full-year performance, ahead of expectations, hiked its dividend and announced a further £100m share buyback. In the year to the end of December 2025, underlying operating profit rose 2.6% to £218.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit was up 3.1% to £197.3m. Revenue ticked up 3.4% from the previous year to £3.1bn.

The company pointed to a significant improvement in profitability in its Europe and Middle East business, which more than offset the expected year-on-year profit headwind at Suncoast in North America.

The final dividend came in at 52.1p a share, taking the total for the year to 70.4p, up 41.6% on the prior year.

Keller also said it was planning to launch a further £100m share buyback.

The company said demand for its expertise remained robust, supported by long-term structural drivers including infrastructure investment, population growth, energy transition, climate resilience and technology adoption.

"Our focus on customer segments benefitting from these growth drivers has given us a diversified contract portfolio and order book, which has more than offset the subdued conditions we have seen in some markets," it said.

"Alongside this, our disciplined risk management and enhanced focus on operational execution has supported our financial performance, which is reflected in our resilient margins and strong cash generation."

At 0925 GMT, the shares were up 5.8% at 2,115.12p.