Analysis – construction activities

At the end of March 2021, the order book for construction activities remained at a high level of €33.4 billion, up 2% year-on-year. It provides good visibility on future activity.
In France, the order book for construction activities was slightly down by 2% compared to the end of March 2020, at €13.7 billion. Bouygues Construction's order book was up by 3%, supported by dynamic commercial activity in the last year, with the signing of several projects such as the Villejuif and Le Bourget stations, a building renovation project on Boulevard des Capucines in Paris, etc.

Internationally, the order book stood at €19.6 billion at the end of March 2021, stable over one year and up by 4%**. This good commercial performance was driven in particular by Bouygues Energies & Services, which was chosen by the operator Virtus to design and build its data centre in Hayes.
International business accounted for 62% of Bouygues Construction's order book at the end of March 2021, stable compared with the end of March 2020.

Turnover from construction activities amounted to €5.5 billion in the first quarter of 2021, up 5% on the same quarter of 2020.

In France, turnover grew by 16%. It benefits from a favourable comparison base effect due to the entry into strict lockdown on 17 March 2020, which led to a virtual halt in construction from that date. It also reflects the good commercial momentum of the Construction business. Internationally, however, turnover was down by 3% on a like-for-like basis.

The recurring operating income of the construction activities improved significantly over a year (+€155 million) and reached €-192 million.

The current operating margin for the first quarter of 2021 returns to the level of the first quarter of 2019 (-3.5%). Compared to the first quarter of 2020, it improves by 3.1 points. Several elements contribute to these positive developments, including the gradual increase in the current operating margin of the Energy & Services division since the first quarter of 2019. 

**at constant exchange rates and excluding major acquisitions and disposals

Outlook

In an uncertain environment still impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Group confirms its outlook:

- In 2021, the Group's turnover and income are expected to be well above those of 2020, but not at the level of 2019.

- In 2022, the Group's recurring operating income is expected to return to a level equivalent to or slightly higher than that of 2019.

Furthermore, Bouygues is convinced that its success depends on its ability to rally the men and women in its business lines. Gender diversity fosters commitment as a source of richness, creativity and cohesion. In 2021, the Group intends to accelerate career development for women and is launching its new 2021-2023 gender diversity plan on a global scale. It aims to improve the gender mix at all levels of the Group and in particular at the highest management levels.

The Group’s targets for 2023 are:
- 20% of women managers (versus 17% at 1 January 2021);
- 30% of women in executive bodies (versus 20% at 1 January 2021).


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