Another year marked by strong growth of revenue and results, it fully confirms the Group’s objectives for 2019.
> Revenue rose to €25,911 million, up by 6.5% compared with 2017 at constant exchange rates, or 4.7% in like-for-like growth.
The pace of revenue growth was sustained throughout the year: up by 7% in the first quarter, 5.1% in the second, 7.8% in the third and 6.4% in the fourth (at constant exchange rates).
Revenue grew in all geographies:
- In France, revenue increased by 1.6%;
- Europe excluding France posted very solid growth of 7.2% at constant exchange rates. Revenue rose by 2.4% in Italy, 3.5% in Germany, 4.1% in the UK and Ireland, 7.8% in Central and Eastern Europe, 11.6% in the Iberian Peninsula and 29.2% in the Nordic countries (at constant exchange rates);
- Growth remained strong in the rest of the world, with revenue increasing overall by 11.9%. North America grew by 3.9% (12% at constant scope and exchange rates), 5.4% in the Pacific region, 7.8% in Africa-Middle East, 16.9% in Asia (13.3% in China) and 38.2% in Latin America;
- Global Business posted a progression of 3.7% at constant exchange rates).
> EBITDA reached €3,392 million, compared with €3,217 million in 2017 – a 7.3% rise at constant exchange rates.
> Cost savings of €302 million were made in 2018, in line with the annual target.
> Current EBIT was €1,604 million – 9.7% growth at constant exchange rates compared with 2017 (€1,497 million).
> The current net income group share increased to €675 million (compared to €614 million for 2017 represented), up by 14,7% at constant exchange rates and excluding capital gains
