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Costain Group plc (GB:COST)
:COST
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Costain (COST) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:COST

Costain

(LSE:COST)

Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
142.00p
▲(6.77% Upside)
Costain's overall stock score reflects a stable financial position with room for improvement in profitability and cash flow efficiency. Technical indicators point to bearish momentum, which weighs on the score. The valuation is reasonable but not compelling, limiting upside potential.

Costain (COST) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Costain Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCostain Group PLC provides smart infrastructure solutions for the energy, water, transportation, and defense markets in the United Kingdom. The company operates through two segments, Transportation and Natural Resources. The Transportation segment operates in the road, rail, and integrated transport markets. The Natural Resources segment operates in the water, energy, and defense markets. It offers future shaping strategic consultancy, consultancy and advisory, digital technology, asset optimization, and complex program delivery solutions and services. The company was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in Maidenhead, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyCostain generates revenue primarily through the provision of engineering and construction services, which include project management, consultancy, and specialized technical services. The company engages in long-term contracts with public and private sector clients, delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. Key revenue streams include fixed-price contracts, cost-reimbursable contracts, and framework agreements with major clients in sectors such as transportation, water, and energy. Additionally, strategic partnerships and collaborations with other firms and governmental bodies enhance Costain's ability to secure projects and expand its market reach, contributing significantly to its earnings.

Costain Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Costain has shown a positive trajectory in its financial metrics with stable revenue growth and strong equity position. However, its profit margins and cash flow efficiency need improvement, impacting its overall financial score.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Costain has shown a positive trajectory in its income statement metrics over the recent years. The Gross Profit Margin for 2024 is approximately 8.26%, while the Net Profit Margin sits at 2.44%. The company has managed a slight revenue growth from 2023 to 2024, indicating stability. Notably, the EBIT Margin is 2.49%, and the EBITDA Margin is 3.71%, reflecting operational efficiency improvements. However, the margins are relatively low compared to industry standards, suggesting room for further profitability enhancements.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
The balance sheet reveals a strong equity position with an Equity Ratio of 43.06% in 2024, supported by a manageable Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.11. These metrics indicate a solid capital structure with low leverage, which reduces financial risk. Return on Equity (ROE) is healthy at 12.98%, showcasing effective use of shareholders' equity to generate profits. The company's financial stability is robust, providing a strong foundation for future growth.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Cash flow analysis shows a decline in Free Cash Flow from 2023 to 2024, with a significant Free Cash Flow of £37.2M in 2024. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is 1.4, indicating solid cash generation relative to net income. However, the Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is 1.22, reflecting a decrease in cash flow efficiency compared to previous years. The company needs to focus on improving its free cash flow generation to sustain strong liquidity.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.25B1.33B1.42B1.14B978.40M
Gross Profit103.30M103.50M82.20M39.10M-59.10M
EBITDA52.60M50.90M47.20M4.60M-65.10M
Net Income30.60M22.10M25.90M-5.80M-78.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets547.20M468.60M482.20M532.40M489.90M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments158.50M164.40M123.80M159.40M150.90M
Total Debt25.80M24.30M24.10M66.20M80.10M
Total Liabilities311.50M249.20M271.00M333.40M333.40M
Stockholders Equity235.70M219.40M211.20M199.00M156.50M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow37.20M55.60M13.60M27.30M-50.90M
Operating Cash Flow42.70M55.70M14.10M29.50M-46.80M
Investing Cash Flow-9.00M-100.00K-1.30M-2.20M4.50M
Financing Cash Flow-25.60M-15.00M-48.40M-18.80M12.90M

Costain Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price133.00
Price Trends
50DMA
151.74
Negative
100DMA
135.61
Negative
200DMA
118.69
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-6.63
Positive
RSI
32.16
Neutral
STOCH
20.90
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:COST, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 133 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 150.98, below the 50-day MA of 151.74, and above the 200-day MA of 118.69, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -6.63 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 32.16 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 20.90 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:COST.

Costain Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
£2.92B16.5616.34%2.12%9.97%-15.46%
78
Outperform
£420.96M10.6335.97%3.92%22.39%179.53%
73
Outperform
£805.27M18.9810.20%3.01%8.04%6.94%
73
Outperform
£634.05M14.0122.62%2.40%3.23%2.00%
64
Neutral
£1.96B12.8524.19%2.41%6.93%21.50%
64
Neutral
$10.74B15.628.14%2.00%2.79%-14.82%
60
Neutral
£359.91M11.3813.21%1.80%-12.98%5.51%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:COST
Costain
133.00
30.88
30.24%
GB:BBY
Balfour Beatty
589.00
188.68
47.13%
GB:GFRD
Galliford Try
420.00
139.89
49.94%
GB:KIE
Kier Group plc
181.80
36.50
25.12%
GB:MGNS
Morgan Sindall
4,050.00
1,234.76
43.86%
GB:RNWH
Renew Holdings plc
792.00
-241.03
-23.33%

Costain Corporate Events

Stock Buyback
Costain Completes £10 Million Share Buyback Program
Positive
Aug 18, 2025

Costain Group PLC has completed its £10 million share buyback program, purchasing a total of 6,395,100 ordinary shares for cancellation. This move reduces the company’s total number of shares in issue to 266,603,375, potentially enhancing shareholder value and indicating a strong financial position.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Strategy
Positive
Aug 15, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase of 167,773 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The shares, bought at a weighted average price of 163.24 pence, will be canceled, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 266,829,275. This move is part of Costain’s strategy to enhance shareholder value and optimize its capital structure.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Aug 14, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase of 179,220 of its own ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure, potentially increasing shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Aug 13, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 173,096 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move is part of a larger strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure, with a total of 5,822,207 shares purchased for cancellation to date, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 267,176,268. This initiative is likely to impact the company’s financial metrics positively and reflects a commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Stock Buyback
Costain Advances Share Buyback Programme with Latest Purchase
Positive
Aug 11, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase of 169,296 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move, which brings the total number of shares purchased for cancellation to over 5.4 million, aims to optimize the company’s capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value. The cancellation of these shares will reduce the total number of shares in issue, which may impact the company’s stock market performance and investor perception.

Stock Buyback
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Aug 8, 2025

Costain Group PLC, a leading UK-based infrastructure solutions company, announced the purchase and cancellation of 169,780 of its own ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This transaction, conducted through Panmure Liberum on the London Stock Exchange, is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company buy back a total of 5,316,814 shares. The move is expected to reduce the number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and reflecting the company’s commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
Aug 7, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 154,884 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move is part of a larger strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure, having already cancelled over 5 million shares, potentially increasing shareholder value and impacting its market positioning.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Aug 6, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 163,485 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move, which aligns with the company’s strategic financial management, reduces the total number of shares in issue to 268,006,325, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting confidence in the company’s market position.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Positive
Aug 5, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback transaction, purchasing 123,653 of its ordinary shares at an average price of 163.02 pence per share. This transaction is part of the company’s ongoing buyback program, which has seen a total of 4,828,665 shares repurchased for cancellation, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 268,169,810. This strategic move is likely aimed at optimizing the company’s capital structure and potentially enhancing shareholder value.

Stock Buyback
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
Aug 4, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 166,244 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, executed through Panmure Liberum, is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company cancel a total of 4,705,012 shares, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 268,293,463. The buyback program is designed to optimize the company’s capital structure, potentially increasing shareholder value and demonstrating confidence in the company’s future performance.

Stock BuybackRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Costain Group Updates on Total Voting Rights and Share Capital
Neutral
Aug 1, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced its total voting rights and capital as of July 31, 2025, with an issued share capital comprising 269,649,530 ordinary shares, each carrying one vote. This update is crucial for shareholders to determine their interest in the company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, reflecting all shares bought back and canceled to date.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Jul 31, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 361,774 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move, which is part of a larger strategy to repurchase a total of 4,249,340 shares, reduces the company’s total number of shares in issue to 268,749,135. The buyback is expected to enhance shareholder value and optimize the company’s capital structure.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Latest Share Purchase
Positive
Jul 30, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 269,339 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value, reflecting Costain’s commitment to maintaining a robust financial position.

Stock Buyback
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Jul 29, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced the purchase of 269,282 of its own ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company buy back a total of 3,618,227 shares for cancellation. The move is likely aimed at optimizing the company’s capital structure and potentially enhancing shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Shareholder MeetingsFinancial Disclosures
Costain Group Announces Investor Q&A for 2025 Half Year Results
Neutral
Jul 29, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced an investor Q&A session for their 2025 Half Year Results, to be hosted by CEO Alex Vaughan and CFO Helen Willis on August 21, 2025. This session, accessible via Investor Meet Company, invites existing and potential shareholders to engage and submit questions, reflecting Costain’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Completes First Tranche of Share Buyback Program
Positive
Jul 28, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the completion of the first tranche of its share buyback program, purchasing 63,883 ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange. The company has now bought back a total of 3,348,945 shares for cancellation, reducing its total number of shares in issue to 269,649,530. This move is part of a strategic effort to enhance shareholder value and optimize the company’s capital structure.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Positive
Jul 25, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 143,620 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange. This move is part of a broader strategy to optimize its capital structure, with the purchased shares being canceled, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 269,713,413. The buyback reflects Costain’s commitment to returning value to shareholders and may enhance its financial metrics, potentially impacting its market positioning positively.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Advances Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
Jul 24, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 160,059 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This action reflects Costain’s strategy to optimize its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation, which could positively impact earnings per share.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
UBS Reduces Stake in Costain Group Below 5% Threshold
Neutral
Jul 23, 2025

Costain Group PLC, a UK-based company, has announced that UBS Group AG’s trading book holdings in Costain have fallen below the 5% threshold, making them exempt from reporting. This change in holdings could impact Costain’s market perception and shareholder dynamics, as significant changes in voting rights can influence corporate governance and strategic decisions.

Stock Buyback
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Jul 23, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 130,262 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move, which follows a series of similar transactions, reduces the total number of shares in issue to 270,017,092, potentially enhancing shareholder value and signaling confidence in the company’s financial health.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Jul 22, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the repurchase of 195,003 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme, which was initiated on June 16, 2025. This transaction is part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of shares in circulation, thereby potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and enhancing shareholder value. Following this purchase, the total number of shares bought back under the programme is 2,851,121, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 270,147,354.

Stock Buyback
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Jul 21, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 74,069 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move is part of a larger effort, with a total of 2,656,118 shares purchased for cancellation, reducing the company’s total shares in issue to 270,342,357. The share buyback is aimed at optimizing the capital structure and potentially enhancing shareholder value.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
UBS Reduces Stake in Costain Group PLC Below 5%
Neutral
Jul 18, 2025

UBS Group AG has reduced its trading book holdings in Costain Group PLC to below 5%, which exempts it from reporting obligations. This change in UBS’s holdings reflects a shift in its investment strategy and may impact Costain’s shareholder composition, although it does not affect the company’s operational capabilities or market position.

Stock Buyback
Costain Advances Share Buyback with Latest Purchase
Positive
Jul 18, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 72,540 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move, which is part of a larger initiative that has seen the company buy back over 2.5 million shares, aims to optimize the capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group PLC Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Jul 17, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase of 49,330 of its own ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This transaction, executed through Investec on the London Stock Exchange, is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure by reducing the number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing shareholder value.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Advances Share Buyback Programme with Latest Purchase
Positive
Jul 16, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 128,471 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This transaction, executed on the London Stock Exchange through Investec, is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure and enhance shareholder value. Following this purchase, Costain has acquired a total of 2,460,179 shares for cancellation, reducing its total number of shares in issue to 270,538,296. This move is expected to positively impact the company’s financial metrics and demonstrate its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
UBS Reduces Stake in Costain Group Below 5% Reporting Threshold
Neutral
Jul 15, 2025

UBS Group AG’s trading book holdings in Costain Group PLC have fallen below the 5% threshold, exempting them from mandatory reporting. This change in holdings indicates a shift in UBS’s investment strategy and may impact Costain’s shareholder composition, potentially influencing its market perception and investor relations.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Jul 15, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase of 67,595 of its own ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move, which brings the total number of shares bought back to 2,331,708, is part of Costain’s strategy to optimize its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group’s Shareholding Structure Shifts Amid Share Buyback
Neutral
Jul 14, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced a change in major holdings due to a recent acquisition of voting rights by OP Fund Management Ltd, which now holds a 3.000746% stake in the company. This change was triggered by Costain’s share buyback program, which reduced the total number of shares, thus affecting the threshold for notification of major holdings. OP Fund Management Ltd manages its voting rights independently from its parent company, indicating a strategic investment move that could influence Costain’s shareholder dynamics.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Positive
Jul 14, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 123,382 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange, which will be canceled. This move is part of a larger buyback initiative that has seen the company buy back over 2.26 million shares, reducing its total number of shares in issue to 270,734,362. The cancellation of shares is expected to enhance shareholder value and reflects Costain’s strategic focus on optimizing its capital structure.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Executes Strategic Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jul 11, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback, purchasing 253,694 of its ordinary shares at a weighted average price of 147.7509 pence per share. This transaction is part of a broader buyback program initiated in June 2025, aimed at reducing the number of shares in circulation, thereby potentially enhancing shareholder value. Following this purchase, the total number of shares bought back under the program is 2,140,731, reducing the company’s total shares in issue to 270,857,744. This strategic move could strengthen Costain’s market position by optimizing its capital structure and signaling confidence in its financial health to stakeholders.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group PLC Announces Change in Voting Rights Structure
Neutral
Jul 10, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced a change in its voting rights structure due to an acquisition by UBS Group AG, which now holds 5.322874% of the voting rights. This development may impact Costain’s shareholder dynamics and influence its strategic decisions, reflecting UBS’s growing interest in the company’s operations.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Jul 10, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 37,568 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, conducted through Investec, is part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of shares in circulation, potentially enhancing shareholder value and improving earnings per share.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program
Positive
Jul 9, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase of 81,931 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move is part of a larger initiative to cancel a total of 1,849,469 shares, reducing the overall number of shares in circulation to 271,149,006. This strategic buyback is aimed at optimizing the company’s capital structure and potentially enhancing shareholder value.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Jul 8, 2025

Costain Group PLC, a leading UK-based engineering solutions provider, has announced the purchase and cancellation of 139,017 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This transaction, executed on the London Stock Exchange, is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure, having now bought back a total of 1,767,538 shares. The cancellation of these shares reduces the total number of shares in issue to 271,230,937, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting the company’s commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

Other
UBS Reduces Stake in Costain Group PLC
Neutral
Jul 7, 2025

UBS Group AG, through its investment bank and global wealth management division, has reduced its voting rights in Costain Group PLC to 5.109329% from a previous 6.739402%. This change in voting rights, effective as of July 3, 2025, reflects a significant adjustment in UBS’s stake in the company, potentially impacting Costain’s shareholder dynamics and market perception.

Stock Buyback
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Initiative
Positive
Jul 7, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 95,572 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange at an average price of 145.2407 pence per share. This transaction is part of a broader initiative announced in June 2025, aimed at reducing the number of shares in circulation, thereby potentially enhancing shareholder value and improving the company’s financial metrics.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jul 7, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 95,572 of its ordinary shares at a weighted average price of 145.2407 pence per share. This move is part of a broader strategy to cancel shares, thereby reducing the total number of shares in issue to 271,369,954, which could potentially enhance shareholder value and improve earnings per share.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
UBS Group AG Increases Stake in Costain Group PLC
Neutral
Jul 4, 2025

UBS Group AG has increased its voting rights in Costain Group PLC to 6.739402%, up from a previous position of 5.009369%. This acquisition of voting rights signifies a strengthened influence of UBS Group AG in Costain’s decision-making process, potentially impacting the company’s strategic direction and stakeholder interests.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme with Latest Acquisition
Positive
Jul 4, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced a transaction involving the repurchase of 140,529 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move, executed through Investec on the London Stock Exchange, is part of a broader strategy to optimize capital structure and enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation. Following this transaction, the total number of shares purchased under the programme amounts to 1,532,949, with the company’s total shares in issue now standing at 271,465,526. The cancellation of these shares indicates a commitment to improving financial metrics and potentially increasing earnings per share, which may positively impact investor sentiment.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
UBS Group AG Acquires Major Stake in Costain Group
Positive
Jul 3, 2025

UBS Group AG has acquired a significant voting stake in Costain Group PLC, crossing the 5% threshold of voting rights. This acquisition could influence Costain’s strategic decisions and potentially impact its market position, with UBS’s involvement signaling a vote of confidence in the company’s future prospects.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Jul 3, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced the purchase and cancellation of 158,543 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move, executed on the London Stock Exchange, is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting confidence in its financial health.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Costain Group PLC Clarifies Voting Rights Announcement
Neutral
Jul 2, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced a correction to a previous statement regarding its total voting rights, clarifying that there was no increase in the number of voting rights. The company’s issued share capital remains at 272,896,316 ordinary shares, each carrying one vote. This update ensures shareholders have accurate information for compliance with the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Delistings and Listing ChangesDividends
Costain Group PLC Announces Share Capital Increase
Neutral
Jul 1, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced an increase in its issued share capital to 272,896,316 ordinary shares, each carrying one vote, as of June 30, 2025. This increase is due to the allotment of shares to participants in the company’s Scrip Dividend Scheme, impacting shareholders’ calculations for notifying interest changes under FCA rules.

Other
UBS Reduces Stake in Costain Group PLC Below 5%
Neutral
Jul 1, 2025

UBS Group AG’s trading book holdings in Costain Group PLC have fallen below the 5% threshold, exempting them from further reporting obligations. This change in holdings could impact Costain’s market dynamics and investor perceptions, as significant shifts in shareholder positions often influence market confidence and company valuation.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Latest Purchase
Positive
Jul 1, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 102,315 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move, which reduces the total number of shares in issue to 271,874,889, is part of a broader strategy to optimize capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Purchase
Positive
Jun 30, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase of 282,996 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move, which involves canceling the purchased shares, is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Jun 27, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase of 225,616 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move, which results in the cancellation of the purchased shares, is part of Costain’s strategy to manage its capital structure and enhance shareholder value, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 272,260,200.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Positive
Jun 26, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 125,567 ordinary shares at a weighted average price of 143.58 pence per share on the London Stock Exchange. The purchased shares will be canceled, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 272,485,816. This move is part of Costain’s strategy to optimize its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Executives Exercise Share Options, Aligning with Shareholder Interests
Neutral
Jun 25, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced that its CEO, Alex Vaughan, and CFO, Helen Willis, have exercised share options under the company’s 2014 Share Deferral Plan and Long Term Incentive Plan. They sold a portion of these shares to cover tax and national insurance liabilities, with Vaughan selling 751,810 shares and Willis selling 337,117 shares. This transaction reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to aligning executive incentives with shareholder interests, potentially impacting market perceptions and stakeholder confidence.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jun 25, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 195,210 ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange. These shares will be cancelled, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 272,611,383. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance shareholder value and optimize the company’s capital structure.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Group Advances Share Buyback Programme with Recent Purchase
Positive
Jun 24, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced the purchase and cancellation of 89,723 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. This move, executed through Investec on the London Stock Exchange, is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s capital structure, potentially enhancing shareholder value and signaling confidence in the company’s financial health.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Positive
Jun 23, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 68,255 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange at an average price of 141.9211 pence per share. The shares will be cancelled, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 272,896,316. This move is part of Costain’s strategy to optimize its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

Stock Buyback
Costain Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jun 20, 2025

Costain Group PLC has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 33,904 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange for cancellation. This move reduces the total number of shares in issue to 272,964,571, potentially enhancing shareholder value and signaling confidence in the company’s financial health.

Business Operations and Strategy
Costain Group PLC Announces Change in Major Holdings
Neutral
Jun 19, 2025

Costain Group PLC, a UK-based company, has announced a change in its major holdings. Ennismore Fund Management Limited has reduced its voting rights in Costain from 4.66% to 2.97%, as of June 17, 2025. This adjustment in holdings may impact Costain’s shareholder dynamics and influence its strategic decisions.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Costain Announces £10 Million Share Buyback Amid Strong Trading Performance
Positive
Jun 16, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced a £10 million on-market share buyback program following a surplus in its defined benefit pension scheme, suspending contributions and dividend parity arrangements for a year. The company also reported strong trading performance with significant contract wins in nuclear energy and water infrastructure, maintaining confidence in achieving its financial targets for FY 2025.

Business Operations and Strategy
Costain Group PLC Announces Change in Major Shareholder Voting Rights
Neutral
Jun 9, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced a change in the voting rights held by Ennismore Fund Management Limited, which has reduced its stake from 5.82% to 4.66%. This adjustment in holdings may impact Costain’s shareholder dynamics and influence within the company, reflecting Ennismore’s strategic financial decisions.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Costain Hosts Investor Site Visit at Heathrow Project
Neutral
Jun 9, 2025

Costain Group PLC is hosting a site visit for analysts and institutional investors at its Heathrow Terminal 2 baggage handling facilities construction site. The event includes a presentation and tour, but no new material information will be disclosed. Costain plans to release its financial results for the first half of 2025 on August 20, 2025.

Business Operations and Strategy
Costain Secures Extension for Anglian Water Pipeline Project
Positive
Jun 4, 2025

Costain Group PLC, as part of the Strategic Pipeline Alliance, has secured an extension to its contract with Anglian Water to deliver an additional 260 kilometers of strategic pipeline in the East of England. This project aims to enhance water resilience by transferring water from wetter to drier regions, addressing critical national needs related to drought and climate change. This extension builds on Costain’s existing work and strengthens its position in the water industry, aligning with the company’s focus on sustainable infrastructure and supporting water companies in meeting regulatory commitments.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
UBS Increases Stake in Costain Group PLC
Positive
Jun 4, 2025

UBS Group AG, through its investment bank and global wealth management division, has increased its voting rights in Costain Group PLC to 6.602084%, crossing a previous threshold of 5.963286%. This change in voting rights indicates a significant stake in Costain, potentially impacting the company’s governance and strategic decisions, and reflecting UBS’s confidence in Costain’s market position.

DividendsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Costain Group PLC Increases Issued Share Capital
Neutral
Jun 2, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced an increase in its issued share capital to 272,998,475 ordinary shares as of May 31, 2025. This increase is due to the allotment of shares to participants in the company’s Scrip Dividend Scheme, impacting shareholders’ calculations under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
UBS Adjusts Voting Rights in Costain Group
Neutral
Jun 2, 2025

UBS Group AG has notified Costain Group PLC of a change in its voting rights, with the threshold being crossed on May 29, 2025. UBS now holds 5.963286% of the voting rights in Costain, down from a previous position of 6.598581%. This change in holdings could impact Costain’s shareholder dynamics and influence corporate governance decisions.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
UBS Group AG Increases Stake in Costain Group PLC
Positive
May 29, 2025

UBS Group AG has increased its voting rights in Costain Group PLC to 6.598581%, up from a previous position of 5.103191%. This acquisition of voting rights signifies a strengthened position for UBS in Costain, potentially impacting the company’s strategic decisions and signaling confidence in Costain’s market performance.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Costain Secures New Four-Year Refinancing Agreement
Positive
May 28, 2025

Costain Group PLC has successfully refinanced its bank and bonding facilities, securing a new four-year agreement until September 2029, with an option to extend for an additional year. The new facility agreements, which replace the previous three-year agreements, include a £100m revolving credit facility and bonding facilities totaling £295m. This refinancing, which includes Banco de Sabadell as a new banking partner, reflects strong lender confidence in Costain’s business model and strategic plans.

Shareholder MeetingsDividends
Costain Group PLC Announces Scrip Dividend Scheme Approval
Neutral
May 27, 2025

Costain Group PLC announced that shareholders have opted to receive 432,388 ordinary shares as part of the scrip dividend scheme for the final dividend of 2024, instead of cash. This move, approved at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, will see these new shares listed on the London Stock Exchange, potentially impacting the company’s liquidity and shareholder value.

Business Operations and Strategy
Ennismore Adjusts Stake in Costain Group PLC
Neutral
May 19, 2025

Ennismore Fund Management Limited has adjusted its holdings in Costain Group PLC, reducing its voting rights from 6.56% to 5.82%. This change, notified on May 19, 2025, reflects a strategic shift in Ennismore’s investment approach, potentially impacting Costain’s shareholder dynamics and market perception.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
UBS Acquires Significant Stake in Costain Group
Neutral
May 19, 2025

Costain Group PLC has announced a change in its voting rights structure following an acquisition by UBS Group AG, which now holds a 6.541474% stake in the company. This development may influence Costain’s strategic decisions and could have implications for its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 21, 2025