Opus reported earnings before interest and tax (ebit) of $14.4 million for the six months ended June, an increase of 7% on the previous corresponding period (pcp).
The reported profit was $10.8 million, down 5% on the pcp, which benefited from a $1.4 million tax credit. Revenue was $203.5 million, a 3.5% increase on the pcp.
A 4c-per-share fully imputed dividend will be paid.
It was a good result for Opus, given continuing weakness and uncertainty in the global economy, Mr McDonald said.
"Our overall performance and operating cash flow continued to support a healthy cash position and our base of long-term contracts has helped to underpin our performance and spread risk in these challenging times."
The strong focus on continuous improvement in all aspects of the business had also been important, he said.
Managing director David Prentice said the company had performed well in New Zealand.
The market had strengthened in some areas and the rebuilding of Christchurch was gaining momentum.
The Canadian business had also shown good progress on the back of a solid performance from Opus DaytonKnight.
Market conditions were generally difficult in the United Kingdom. In Australia, where markets and performance were down on expectations, the result was affected by a significant doubtful debt of $A600,000 ($NZ779,000).
Despite the challenging economic conditions, there were also some positive results, Dr Prentice said.
The global demand for better "whole of life" asset management was growing and Opus had positioned itself for that demand. In the UK, Opus had successfully targeted opportunities in the rail sector and expected growth in that area.
Opus, with joint venture partner Arup, recently secured a major new contract for road network management services for the Hertfordshire County Council, in the UK. The seven-year contract came with an option of a five-year extension.
The Opus team would grow by more than 130 people in the coming months, he said.
