Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Costain wins contract with Northumbrian Water, FY net cash ahead of expectations

(Sharecast News) - Construction and engineering company Costain announced on Wednesday that it has been appointed by Northumbrian Water to shape, create and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme. Costain stated the framework will see it awarded with contracts with a potential value of up to £670.0m over 12 years, with the group working with both NWG and its partners. The contract starts immediately and will run for a seven-year initial term with an option for a five-year extension.

The London-listed group also noted that it has had "a positive trading year" in 2023 and expects to deliver adjusted operating profits in line with market expectations. As a result, and reflecting an increase in financial income compared to 2022 and strong working capital management, Costain has ended 2023 with a net cash position of £164.4m, significantly higher than market expectations of £128.6m.

Chief executive Alex Vaughan said: "This contract win not only reflects our continued growth in the water sector, but it also reinforces our commitment to improving critical infrastructure in the North-East of England. This includes major upgrades to the region's highways and our carbon capture work in Teesside as part of the East Coast Cluster, generating opportunities for regional suppliers and employment for local people.

"We are also pleased to report that we have had a positive trading year and expect to deliver adjusted operating profit in line with market expectations. Our cash performance has been very strong, driven by continued improved operational performance, an increase in financial income compared to 2022, and ongoing positive working capital timings."

As of 0920 GMT, Costain shares were up 5.89% at 66.29p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

The Works raises FY profit guidance as strong early‑year trading boosts momentum
(Sharecast News) - Stationery retailer The Works said on Monday that trading had continued to build momentum in the opening weeks of its new financial year, prompting it to lift profit expectations after a strong start.
Wise to reapply for US trust-bank charter after OCC rejection
(Sharecast News) - Fintech group Wise said on Friday that the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency had denied its application for a national trust bank charter, noting the decision relates to issues in its original submission more than a year ago.
Smiths News inks distribution contract with Associated Newspapers
(Sharecast News) - Print media distributor Smiths News has secured a new long‑term distribution contract with Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and i.
S4 Capital flags tough trading amid volatile macro conditions
(Sharecast News) - Digital advertising and marketing firm S4 Capital said on Thursday that trading through 2025 had continued to reflect volatile macro conditions, with tariff negotiations and geopolitical risks keeping clients cautious.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.