Anybody trading in these shares? I just bought some @ 204.72

Half Yearly Report

Highlights

· Order book2 up 3% at £13.9 billion with a strong US performance
· Firm action to address UK construction underperformance and swift response to market deterioration in Australia expected to deliver Group performance in continuing businesses in line with current market expectations for 2013
· Further strategic progress with 67% of order book now in economic infrastructure
· Significant wins in target sectors and geographies
· Agreement to sell WorkPlace, the UK FM business, for a consideration of c.£190 million
· Strong balance sheet with comfortable headroom
· Interim dividend maintained at 5.6 pence per share

I think the market might think this is a highlight: Underlying profit from continuing operations fell 67% to £52m (2012: £156m).

I don't get that many but this was one of my smarter moves, (post 201) sp now around 234p. I did the same 12 months ago and its paid off again.
2517

It looks like Investec are with you George.

Investec Sell 235.75 250.10 170.00 - Reiterates

Crikey that's a level not seen in many a year.
2517

what is going wrong?

halifax----Profits and EPS down 2/3rds, thinly covered dividend, UK construction underperformance, deterioration in Australia, challenging conditions. There is more but holders may get depressed if I continue.
2517

George it seems they need a serious board shake out.

halifax ----Last month they appointed 2 new non ex directors and a new UK construction CEO, so it will take time for them to make a difference. If the sp drops back around the 200p mark they will look interesting, should things not improve and perhaps the divi looks likely to suffer then I imagine Investec's 170p would be possible..
2517

JP Morgan Cazenove Underweight 0.00 200.00 180.00 Retains

Deutsche Bank Hold 0.00 220.00 220.00 Reiterates

Goldman Sachs Neutral 0.00 241.00 - Retains

Liberum Capital Buy 226.00 226.00 190.00 250.00 Upgrades

Excellent recovery.
2517

Contract win http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4655605

Light at the end of the tunnel for Balfour Beatty?

Contract Win

BALFOUR BEATTY AWARDED £77 MILLION WILMINGTON BYPASS PROJECT IN THE US


Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced today that its Infrastructure business, part of Balfour Beatty Construction Group in the US has been awarded the I-140 Wilmington Bypass project. This £77 million (US $124 million) project includes a 7,185-foot-long bridge over the Cape Fear River in North Carolina.

On behalf of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Balfour Beatty will construct around 1.5 miles of a four-lane road in the southeast counties of Brunswick and New Hanover. Included in the construction are ten bridges, six of which are twin bridges. The bridge over the Cape Fear River will span a delicate wetlands area, requiring careful ecological management. The team will access the bridge construction via a temporary work trestle. This will mitigate temporary wetland impacts while providing safe access for the workers.

"The Wilmington Bypass represents further evidence of the improving outlook for our US business," said Andrew McNaughton, CEO, Balfour Beatty. "This project win perfectly fits our skill set in the US where we have broad experience with these types of jobs and an outstanding record working on projects that require exceptional environmental stewardship and sustainable practices."

When the project is completed, the bypass is expected to positively impact traffic flow and local economies. Traffic volumes are expected to more than double in the next 20 years (from 39,600 vehicles per day to 80,800 in 2035). The project has broad support from the community and is seen as a vital part of reducing the commute from Brunswick County into the City of Wilmington, as well as reducing overall congestion in the Wilmington area. The 54-month project is scheduled to begin in October 2013 and finish in April 2018 and is part of the Wilmington Bypass, identified in the early 1990s as a critical infrastructure need for south eastern North Carolina.

ENDS

Deutsche Bank Buy 274.45 268.50 280.00 280.00 Reiterates

Numis Add 274.45 268.50 285.00 315.00 Reiterates

Contract Win

BALFOUR BEATTY JV GAMMON WINS £148M RAIL CONTRACTS IN SINGAPORE


Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, announces that Gammon Construction, a leading South East Asian construction company that is 50% owned by Balfour Beatty, has won two significant rail contracts in Singapore. Land Transport Authority has awarded an £87 million (S$174 million) contract for the design and construction of the Mayflower Station on The Thomson Line and SMRT Trains has awarded a £61 million (S$122 million) contract for track system replacement on the North-South Line.

The Thomson Line is a 30km underground train line that is expected to be fully completed in 2021 and is operated by the Land Transport Authority. Fully underground, the Thomson Line comprises 22 stations, including Mayflower Station and six interchange stations. When completed it will be the sixth Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line and run parallel to the existing North-South Line. Work is due to start in the first quarter of 2014 and is scheduled to be completed by 2020.

The second contract for SMRT Trains involves the changing of sleepers from timber to concrete as part of the renewal and upgrade of the existing North-South Line and is being delivered collaboratively with the UK rail team. Work on this contract is due to start in the fourth quarter of 2013 and is expected to complete by the end of January 2015.

Commenting on the contracts, Andrew McNaughton, Chief Executive Balfour Beatty said:
"We are excited to have been awarded these prestigious contracts and to be taking part in enhancing Singapore's strategic MRT system expansion.

"Rail is a key focus for the Group. We have great expertise in designing, supplying, constructing, maintaining and managing rail infrastructure. The key to our success is our collaborative approach and the sharing of the knowledge and technology across our business reduces the risk for our clients."

-ends-

BBY on verge of breakout.

BBY could motor up if it breaks the medium term resistance on the chart.

Long term chart showing gapped to be filled to 305p and ultimate target of 360p ish med term..........