Hercules PLC, a UK infrastructure and construction services group, announced its final results for the year ended 30 September 2025 and a trading update for the first half of 2026. The company reported a 19% increase in revenue to ยฃ121.2 million, with underlying EBITDA rising 34% to ยฃ6.4 million. Despite a statutory pre-tax profit of ยฃ0.9 million, underlying pre-tax profit reached ยฃ4.0 million. The companys labour supply business expanded, with a successful acquisition in the Power and Energy sector, and its construction services division benefited from the AMP 8 water industry investment programme. However, the company faced challenges with internal controls, leading to a qualified audit opinion, and experienced delays in key infrastructure projects in H1 2026. Hercules remains optimistic about its long-term prospects, supported by significant government infrastructure funding and its strategic acquisitions.
Here is the comparison of financials and debt year on year presented as an HTML table:
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|
| Revenue | ยฃ121.2m | ยฃ101.9m | 19% increase |
| Underlying EBITDA | ยฃ6.4m | ยฃ4.7m | 34% increase |
| Underlying Pre-tax Profit | ยฃ4.0m | ยฃ2.6m | 54% increase |
| Statutory PBT from continuing activities | ยฃ0.9m | ยฃ2.2m | 59% decrease |
| Underlying EPS | 4.74p | 3.47p | 37% increase |
| Cash generated in the year | ยฃ7.6m | ยฃ7.5m | 1% increase |
| Net Debt | ยฃ9.882m | ยฃ6.275m | 57% increase |
| Gearing ratio (net debt / capital) | 45% | 35% | 29% increase |
**Key Observations:** - Revenue and underlying EBITDA showed significant growth, driven by strategic acquisitions and organic growth.
- Underlying pre-tax profit increased substantially, but statutory PBT decreased due to amortization of acquisition-related intangibles and other exceptional items.
- Net debt and gearing ratio increased, primarily due to acquisition-related borrowings and lease liabilities.
- Cash generation remained stable, despite increased investment in IT systems and business development.