Company summary
Serco is an international government-services contractor providing outsourced public services and specialist support. Its customers are mainly national governments and public-sector agencies.
← Back to the 350
SRP
Serco
Support Services
- Index
- FTSE 250
- ISIN
- Not specified
- Book status
- 2026 edition — current
Key activities
Defence support, immigration and justice services, transport operations, citizen services, healthcare support and outsourced government administration.
Key markets
The UK, North America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East, with substantial exposure to defence and central-government contracts.
Key drivers
Government outsourcing, defence spending, contract wins and renewals, order intake, operating margins, acquisitions and delivery of cost efficiencies.
Key risks
Loss or delay of major contracts, government budget changes, contract execution, wage inflation, political scrutiny, reputational risk and currency movements.
Recent Developments
6 August 2026: first-half revenue reached £2.5bn, underlying operating profit rose about 9% to £157m and the margin reached a ten-year high of 6.2%. Defence organic growth was 10%, the opportunity pipeline reached a record £12.8bn and the 2026 share-buyback programme was increased to £150m.
Dividend notes
Serco has a progressive dividend policy supplemented by share buybacks. The 2026 interim dividend is 1.60p per share, up 10%, ex-dividend 27 August and payable 2 October; the 2025 final dividend of 3.05p went ex-dividend on 9 April 2026.
The complete 350 Trade Book — 350 leading UK-listed companies, presented in one consistent working reference.