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Edge16 Oct 2026
Winner, Winner: The Chicken McNugget Story
How a 1940s breeding contest, a Cornell food scientist, and a hedge by Ray Dalio helped McDonald's turn the Chicken McNugget into a fast-food icon.
Costain Group
Costain Group (COST) investor relations material
Costain Group H1 2026 earnings summary
Complete event summary combining all related documents: earnings call transcript, report, and slide presentation.H1 2026 earnings summary13 Aug, 2026
Executive summary
H1 revenue rose 3.4% to £543.1m and adjusted operating profit increased 3.0% to £17.3m, supporting a sixth consecutive year of profit growth.
Record £7.0bn forward work, over 6x FY25 revenue and up 25% year over year, provides 91% revenue visibility for FY26 and FY27.
H1 marked a revenue inflection point, with further growth expected in H2 and a step change anticipated in FY27 and beyond.
Interim dividend doubled to 2.0p per share, and the £20m share buyback programme is underway.
Financial highlights
Revenue was £543.1m, up 3.4% YoY; adjusted operating profit was £17.3m, up 3.0%, with adjusted operating margin steady at 3.2%.
Adjusted basic EPS increased 3.6% to 5.7p; interim dividend rose 100% to 2.0p per share.
Closing net cash was £164.4m, up £19.5m YoY.
Adjusted free cash outflow was £1.4m, compared with £3.0m in H1 2025.
Reported profit before tax was £19.2m, up 5.5% YoY.
Outlook and guidance
FY26 trading remains in line with expectations; H2 revenue growth is anticipated, followed by a step change in FY27 and continued growth beyond.
H2 growth is expected from Water, Integrated Transport and Road as work moves into delivery.
FY26 adjusted operating margin is expected to be ~4.0%; the medium-term ambition is to exceed 5%.
Year-end net cash is forecast at ~£170m after dividends, the £20m buyback and employee share awards.
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Latest events from Costain Group
- Revenue and profit growth on track, supported by strong contract wins and a £7bn forward work position.COST
Trading update - Record £7bn forward work, rising margins, and robust cash flow set the stage for future growth.COSTH2 2025
- Pension changes free up cash for higher dividends and buybacks, with FY 25 results exceeding expectations.COSTTrading update
- Operating profit and margin rose, with £5.6bn forward work and 90% of FY 25 revenue secured.COSTH1 2025
- Adjusted operating profit up 8.7%, EPS up 27.3%, and £10m share buyback announced.COSTH1 2024
- Costain maintains strong trading, record forward work, and new nuclear contracts in 2025.COSTTrading Update
- Profit up 7.5%, margin 3.4%, record £5.4bn forward work, dividend doubled, outlook strong.COSTH2 2024
- Costain's FY24 trading update highlights strong profit guidance and a £5.4bn forward work position.COSTTrading Update
Next Costain Group earnings date
CMD 202619 Nov, 2026
Costain Group
Next Costain Group earnings date
CMD 202619 Nov, 2026
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Frequently asked questions
Costain Group PLC is a UK-based infrastructure solutions company specializing in the design, delivery, and maintenance of complex projects across the transportation, water, energy, and defense sectors. The company offers a range of services, including engineering consultancy, project management, and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. The company is headquartered in Maidenhead, England, and its shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).