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Serco Group plc (GB:SRP)
LSE:SRP
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Serco Group plc (SRP) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:SRP

Serco Group plc

(LSE:SRP)

Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
260.00p
▲(13.34% Upside)
Serco Group plc's stock score is driven by strong technical indicators and positive earnings call sentiment, despite valuation concerns. Financial performance shows mixed results, with strong cash flow but profitability and debt challenges. The stock's bullish momentum and strategic growth in the defense sector are key strengths.

Serco Group plc (SRP) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Serco Group plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSerco Group plc (SRP) is a leading international service company that manages and delivers essential public services across various sectors, including defense, transport, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. With a strong presence in the UK, Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region, Serco provides a diverse range of services such as operating prisons, managing public transportation systems, and delivering healthcare services to government clients and organizations.
How the Company Makes MoneySerco Group plc primarily generates revenue through long-term contracts with government agencies and public sector organizations. The company's revenue model is based on providing outsourced services that are typically funded by government budgets. Key revenue streams include contracts for defense services, where Serco provides operational support and management; transportation services, including the operation of rail and bus networks; and healthcare services, where they manage patient care facilities and deliver medical services. Additionally, Serco benefits from performance-based incentives included in some contracts, which can enhance profitability based on the quality and efficiency of services provided. Significant partnerships with various government departments and agencies also contribute to its financial stability and growth, as these relationships facilitate ongoing service contracts and opportunities for expansion.

Serco Group plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 07, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 9.55%|
Next Earnings Date:Mar 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a strong first half performance with significant growth in revenue and order intake, particularly in the defense sector. Despite challenges in the Asia Pacific region, the company maintained high contract retention rates and demonstrated operational efficiency improvements. Overall, the positive aspects of the call notably outweigh the challenges.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue Growth
Serco delivered a revenue of GBP 2.4 billion for the first half, marking a 5% increase on a constant currency basis, with 9% organic growth from the North America business.
Impressive Order Intake
Order intake reached GBP 3.2 billion, representing a book-to-bill ratio over 130%.
Expansion of Defense Segment
The defense sector experienced an 11% organic growth, with the segment now accounting for over 40% of group revenue.
High Contract Retention
Serco reported a 95% contract retention rate, demonstrating strong customer satisfaction and competitive solutions.
Improved Safety and Efficiency
A 19% reduction in lost time incidents was achieved, contributing to a total reduction of 31% since the beginning of last year.
Negative Updates
Challenges in Asia Pacific
Revenue in Asia Pacific declined 3% organically due to the ending of Australian immigration contracts.
Weak Order Intake in Asia Pacific
Order intake in Asia Pacific was weak, with a focus on rebuilding the pipeline for future growth.
Impact of Australian Immigration Contract End
The conclusion of the Australian immigration contract was a notable factor impacting the revenue performance.
Company Guidance
During the call, Serco's management highlighted a robust financial performance for the first half of 2025, with revenue reaching GBP 2.4 billion, marking a 5% increase on a constant currency basis. The company reported an underlying operating profit of GBP 146 million, maintaining a strong margin of 6%. They achieved an impressive order intake of GBP 3.2 billion, translating to a book-to-bill ratio of over 130%. Serco's North America business exhibited significant growth, with a 9% organic increase. The firm emphasized strong contract retention rates of 95% and outlined a growing pipeline of new opportunities, reaching GBP 11.9 billion. Additionally, Serco announced a GBP 50 million share buyback and an 8% increase in the interim dividend. The company remains focused on operational excellence, competitiveness, and growth, with defense now accounting for around 40% of the group's revenue.

Serco Group plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Serco Group plc exhibits strong cash flow generation and stable equity positioning, although challenges persist with profitability and rising debt levels. The ability to convert revenue into profit and manage operational costs effectively will be crucial moving forward.
Income Statement
65
Positive
The income statement reveals a mixed performance. The gross profit margin shows stability with a modest increase over recent years. However, the net profit margin declined significantly in the latest year, indicating profitability challenges. Revenue growth has been inconsistent, with a slight contraction in the latest period. The EBIT margin has seen a noticeable decrease, reflecting operational inefficiencies, while EBITDA margin also fell, indicating pressure on earnings before depreciation and amortization.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The balance sheet reflects moderate financial health. The debt-to-equity ratio has risen, suggesting increased leverage, which could pose risks if earnings do not improve. Return on equity has decreased, showing reduced efficiency in generating profits from shareholders' equity. However, the equity ratio remains stable, indicating reasonable financial stability and asset management.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
Cash flow statements indicate strong cash generation. Free cash flow has grown consistently, demonstrating effective cash management and operational efficiency. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust, signaling that cash flow generation remains strong relative to accounting profits. The free cash flow to net income ratio also suggests solid cash conversion, despite lower net income.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.79B4.87B4.53B4.42B3.88B
Gross Profit518.60M495.50M493.50M468.00M383.00M
EBITDA326.90M422.00M382.00M365.20M299.90M
Net Income44.20M202.40M155.40M303.90M133.80M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.66B2.61B2.75B2.73B2.41B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments183.00M94.40M57.20M198.40M335.70M
Total Debt806.40M659.90M708.90M807.30M791.40M
Total Liabilities1.82B1.58B1.72B1.73B1.70B
Stockholders Equity842.50M1.03B1.03B1.01B713.30M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow385.00M368.40M307.80M317.80M218.40M
Operating Cash Flow419.40M393.10M327.20M349.90M268.50M
Investing Cash Flow-7.40M-5.40M-35.30M-232.30M600.00K
Financing Cash Flow-322.30M-347.90M-436.80M-250.10M-24.70M

Serco Group plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price229.40
Price Trends
50DMA
208.45
Positive
100DMA
190.59
Positive
200DMA
171.94
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
5.73
Negative
RSI
78.09
Negative
STOCH
89.93
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:SRP, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 229.4 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 215.51, above the 50-day MA of 208.45, and above the 200-day MA of 171.94, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 5.73 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 78.09 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 89.93 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:SRP.

Serco Group plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
£7.25B20.6229.71%3.37%1.14%17.74%
77
Outperform
£2.27B47.175.21%1.33%0.84%-62.73%
74
Outperform
£1.92B17.9023.48%2.96%14.34%-16.43%
67
Neutral
£358.74M38.194.01%2.02%6.90%
66
Neutral
£9.17B35.855.93%2.06%-1.58%-34.64%
63
Neutral
$10.71B16.256.57%2.09%2.65%-16.21%
57
Neutral
£262.19M16.029.00%-4.87%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:SRP
Serco Group plc
229.40
61.24
36.42%
GB:RTO
Rentokil Initial
361.10
-107.30
-22.91%
GB:CPI
Capita plc
230.00
-43.90
-16.03%
GB:ITRK
Intertek
4,654.00
53.74
1.17%
GB:RST
Restore
262.00
0.40
0.15%
GB:MTO
Mitie Group plc
145.40
27.74
23.58%

Serco Group plc Corporate Events

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Serco Group Enhances Shareholder Value with Strategic Buy-Back
Positive
Aug 18, 2025

Serco Group plc has announced the purchase of 268,484 ordinary shares, which will be held in treasury, as part of its ongoing share buy-back program initiated on 7 August 2025. This move increases the total number of shares held in treasury to 1,334,166, with 1,022,521,077 shares remaining in issue. The buy-back program is a strategic decision that could enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares available in the market, potentially increasing earnings per share and signaling confidence in the company’s financial health.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Serco Group Expands Share Buy-Back Program
Positive
Aug 15, 2025

Serco Group plc has announced the purchase of 276,684 ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buy-back program, initiated on 7 August 2025. The company plans to hold these shares in treasury, which increases its total treasury shares to 1,065,682. This move is part of a strategic effort to manage its capital structure, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting confidence in its financial health.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Serco Group Enhances Shareholder Value with Strategic Share Buy-Back
Positive
Aug 14, 2025

Serco Group plc has announced the acquisition of 277,001 of its own ordinary shares, which will be held in treasury. This purchase is part of a larger share buy-back program initiated on 7 August 2025, bringing the total number of shares acquired under the program to 788,998. The company now holds these shares in treasury, with 1,023,066,245 ordinary shares remaining in issue. This move is likely aimed at strengthening shareholder value and optimizing capital structure, reflecting positively on Serco’s financial strategy.

Stock Buyback
Serco Group Enhances Shareholder Value with Share Buy-Back
Positive
Aug 13, 2025

Serco Group plc has announced the purchase of 275,393 of its own ordinary shares, which will be held in treasury. This transaction is part of a share buy-back program initiated on 7 August 2025, through which the company has acquired a total of 511,997 shares. The move is likely aimed at optimizing the company’s capital structure and potentially enhancing shareholder value. Following this transaction, the company now holds 511,997 shares in treasury, with 1,023,343,246 shares remaining in issue, impacting the calculation of voting rights for shareholders.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Serco Group Initiates Share Buy-Back Program
Positive
Aug 12, 2025

Serco Group plc has announced the purchase of 236,604 ordinary shares, which will be held in treasury as part of a share buy-back program initiated on August 7, 2025. This move is part of the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and could potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation, thereby increasing earnings per share.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Serco Group Announces £50 Million Share Repurchase Program
Positive
Aug 11, 2025

Serco Group plc has announced a share repurchase program, intending to buy back shares worth up to £50 million between August 11, 2025, and December 31, 2025. The program will be managed by J.P. Morgan Securities plc, and any repurchased shares will be transferred into treasury and subsequently canceled. This move is in line with the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and is expected to have implications for shareholder value and market perception.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Serco Group Reports Strong First-Half Performance and Announces £50m Share Buyback
Positive
Aug 7, 2025

Serco Group plc reported a strong performance in the first half of 2025, with a revenue increase to £2.4 billion and a robust order intake of £3.2 billion, heavily weighted towards the defense sector. The company announced a new £50 million share buyback, reflecting confidence in its financial position and future growth prospects. The integration of the MT&S acquisition is progressing well, adding scale and capability to Serco’s operations. The company is well-positioned for growth, supported by a growing pipeline and increased order book, particularly in defense, as governments face complex challenges requiring Serco’s services.

Executive/Board Changes
Serco Appoints Keith Williams as New Board Chair
Neutral
Jun 26, 2025

Serco Group plc has announced the appointment of Keith Williams as the new Board Chair, effective from January 2026, succeeding John Rishton. Williams, who brings extensive leadership experience from various industries, is expected to support Serco’s growth and value creation for stakeholders, continuing the company’s trajectory of delivering critical public services globally.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Serco Group Reports Strong First-Half Performance and Confirms Full-Year Guidance
Positive
Jun 26, 2025

Serco Group plc reported a strong performance in the first half of 2025, with revenue reaching approximately £2.4 billion, marking a 2% increase. The company secured around £3 billion in contract awards, particularly in the defense sector, and completed the acquisition of MT&S, enhancing its capabilities in the US and international defense markets. Despite challenges in the immigration sector, Serco remains confident in its full-year guidance, expecting organic revenue growth of about 1% and maintaining an underlying operating profit forecast of £260 million. The company’s strong financial position and strategic acquisitions position it well for future growth and shareholder value.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Serco Completes Strategic Acquisition of MT&S to Boost Defense Sector
Positive
May 27, 2025

Serco Group plc has completed the acquisition of Northrop Grumman’s mission training and satellite ground network communications software business, MT&S, through its US subsidiary, Serco Inc. This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Serco’s defense sector operations, which will now account for approximately 40% of the company’s revenue. The acquisition is projected to contribute $175 million in revenue and $20 million in underlying operating profit for 2025, with the transaction being accretive to earnings per share by 2026. The acquisition strengthens Serco’s position for future organic growth and increases its scale and breadth of solutions in the defense industry.

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 19, 2025