excellent boardroom radio presentation , page-3

It's really upbeat - good to hear.

Leighton tips fall in full-year net profit to $480m
12:45, Thursday, 12 February 2009

Sydney - Thursday - Feb 12: (RWE Australian Business News) -
Leighton Holdings Ltd (ASX:LEI) expects to report full-year revenue
approaching $19bn and a good underlying operating result after tax of
around $650m.
The group is forecasting a net profit of $480m, which includes
the writedown of investment values already recognised, and to maintain
the full-year dividend at the same level as last year.
The final result and full-year dividend are, however, subject to
market conditions for the remainder of this financial year.
The company achieved a net profit of $608m in the 2008 year,
which was up from $450m for 2007.
Leighton's longer-term outlook remains solid based on a record
level of work in hand, a strong competitive position and a forecast
rebound in the group's core markets from the current uncertainty of the
global financial crisis.
While the timing of recovery in the various markets will vary,
the outlook is positive and the group is well-positioned to take
advantage of the opportunities that will be presented.

*****

"The total engineering construction market is expected to
continue growing into 2009 based on the substantial capital works
programs of the various state governments and investment in mining and
heavy engineering projects.
"Two consortia including Thiess and John Holland have been
shortlisted for the design, construction, financing, operation and
maintenance of Victoria's $3bn Desalination Plant Project," Leighton
chief executive Mr Wal King said.
"The federal and the state governments have ambitious
infrastructure plans aimed at stimulating the economy and overcoming
previous underinvestment.
"The fast-tracking of funds from the Federal Government's $8.7bn
Education Investment Fund and the $5bn Health and Hospitals Fund should
stimulate construction opportunities," he said.
"The longer-term outlook for commodity volumes remains positive
despite a substantial reduction in prices. While recent cutbacks have
been announced by some iron ore and coal producers, the fundamentals for
long-term growth and therefore for the group are sound," Mr King said.