A return to growth for leading European construction companies – 2017 study
This caution has been confirmed by a year that saw the consolidation of business by leading construction companies: a decrease in activity and a slight margin improvement, reflecting a refocus on core business activities and greater selectivity.
2016, a year of consolidation for major construction companies ahead of recovery in 2017
Although leading construction companies had experienced some little growth in 2015, 2016 saw a slight, 1.1% slow-down in their activities and higher operating margins.
Order book developments in leading companies saw a rise of 5.9% by comparison with 2015, reflecting a recovery in the construction sector. Order book depth has improved across the sample, led by the Americas (North and South) but also in Europe, with a return to investment in this area confirmed by FIEC forecasts.
A healthy outlook for construction in Europe in 2017
For the first time since the crisis, the most recent FIEC publication announced a return to growth in almost every European country. With 2017 growth forecasts of 2.2%, mainly in the residential construction and civil engineering markets, and led by a return to public investment. Europe is strengthening.
The message of growing order books is already being reflected in the 2017 first half accounts published by major construction groups, with an average rise in activities of 8%, and 12% in the Building and Public Works sector.
Europe still accounts for the great majority of activity for these construction companies, at 72% on average at the end of 2016.
