Bouygues 2015 Current Operating Profit Up 6%; Maintains Dividend - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Bouygues (BOUYY.PK) reported that its 2015 net profit attributable to the Group decreased to 403 million euros from 807 million euros, prior year. Net profit attributable to the Group excluding exceptional items was 489 million euros compared to 492 million euros. Current operating profit was up 6% year-on-year to 941 million euros.

Sales declined 2 percent to 32.4 billion euros from 33.1 billion euros. Sales were down 5% like-for-like and at constant exchange rates.

The Board of Bouygues will ask at the Annual General Meeting on 21 April 2016 for the approval of a dividend payment of 1.60 euros per share, the same as for 2014.

Looking forward, the Group expects to continue to improve profitability in 2016. The Group noted that the roll-out of network sharing with the Numericable-SFR group combined with adaptation plans in the business segments are likely to result in non-current charges of around 200 million euros, which will affect the Group's operating profit in 2016.

Bouygues Telecom, within the context of its standalone strategy, confirmed its target of a return to long-term growth in sales and profits. It has an EBITDA margin target of 25% for 2017. Capital expenditure is expected to reach 750-800 million euros in 2016.

Bouygues said the company is continuing the discussions announced on 5 January 2016 in view of a merger between Bouygues Telecom and Orange that would bolster its long-term presence in the telecom sector.