Bouygues SA posted a 48% jump in net profit to €1.09 billion in 2017 from €732 million of 2016.

Excluding exceptional items, net profit came in at €936 million during 2017 from €632 million in the prior year.

Sales for the construction, media and telecoms group rose 4% to €32.90 billion in 2017 from €31.77 billion in the previous year, to which the construction business contributed €25.75 billion.

Bouygues will propose a dividend of €1.70 per share for 2017, 10 euro cents higher year on year. If approved, the dividend will be payable May 4.

Looking ahead, the company expects to gradually improve its profitability in 2018.