March 6 (Reuters) - France's Bouygues posted slightly better-than-expected full-year core earnings on Thursday, as strong performances in its energy division Equans and construction unit helped offset a sharp decline in the real estate business.
The construction-to-telecoms group reported 2024 current operating profit from activities (COPA) of 2.54 billion euros ($2.75 billion), above company-compiled consensus of 2.52 billion.
Though full-year sales totalled 56.75 billion euros, falling short of the consensus of 56.85 billion euros.
The company proposed a dividend for 2024 of 2 euros per share, up 5.3% year-on-year.
The family-owned group expects a slight increase in sales and COPA in 2025, compared with 2024.
Bouygues acquired Equans from French power group Engie in October 2022, as the family-owned group — already active in civil engineering, construction, media, and telecom sectors — looks to expand its presence in the energy transition and services markets.
($1 = 0.9246 euros)
Reporting by Michal Aleksandrowicz; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips
Source: Reuters