Groundworks giant faces 鈥渧ery difficult鈥 trading in Asia-Pacific

Shares in groundworks giant Keller slumped more than a quarter yesterday after posting a profit warning.

The FTSE 250 firm said yesterday morning its underlying profit for 2016 would be about 15% lower than market expectations, mainly due to losses in the Asia-Pacific region.

Its share price fell more than a quarter in trading yesterday, closing at 拢6.50, down from 拢8.84 the previous day. The firm鈥檚 share price rallied marginally in trading this morning, trading around 拢6.70.

Keller said its North America and EMEA divisions - which together account for 70% of group turnover - were on course for 鈥渟teady results鈥 in line with expectations.

But in Asia-Pacific the firm said 鈥渧ery difficult market conditions鈥 meant the division incurred further operating losses over the third quarter.

The firm added: 鈥淲e continue to experience some contract softness and the pricing environment remains challenging.

鈥淭he recovery in this division is likely to be more gradual and protracted than previously thought.鈥

Keller also told investors it will incur 拢10m of restructuring costs in its second half as it further downsizes.