Keller Group forecasts in-line results despite "global uncertainty"

(Alliance News) - Keller Group PLC on Wednesday reported "strong" trading so far this year and said it "remains resilient" to rises in energy and material costs.

The London-based geotechnical specialist contractor said that trading for the first four months of 2026 was in line with its expectations, and was strong compared with the prior year, especially within its North American foundations operations.

This was "despite significant macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty," Keller said. It added that it "remains resilient to macro-driven increased energy and material costs by capturing price increases across new contracts and through existing contract mechanisms."

Keller's management "remains confident" that it will deliver full-year results in line with board expectations, and will sustain "the improved operational and financial performance experienced in recent years".

The company plans to announce its interim results on August 4, and to host a Capital Markets Day on October 14.

Keller also noted that is order book strengthened during the period to approximately GBP1.7 billion at the end of April. "Tendering activity remains buoyant and the group has good visibility of future opportunities across all divisions," it added.

Additionally, for the first half Keller expects its net debt/Ebitda leverage to be "similar" to the prior year's 0.2x ratio, staying "well below" its 0.5x to 1.5x target range.

This was despite higher dividends, Keller having increased its total payout for 2025 by 42% to 70.4 pence per share, and the further GBP100 million buyback programme launched on March 30. Under the new buyback, following its previous programme which returned around GBP50 million, Keller said it has repurchased around 834,000 shares for approximately GBP18 million.

"I am very pleased with the performance our teams have delivered so far this year," commented Chief Executive Officer James Wroath. "This has been achieved against a backdrop of continued global uncertainty reflecting the resilience of Keller's portfolio, the diversity of our contracts and the group's ability to pivot to growing markets.

"Looking ahead, we continue to target potential bolt-on opportunities across our markets and remain confident in our ability to sustain this momentum and deliver strong performance through the remainder of 2026."

Keller shares traded 1.2% higher at 2,292.00p on Wednesday in London.

By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Keller