The advertising market is improving for JCDecaux .

The world number two communication displays a turnover increase of external almost 15% in the first quarter. The group maintained its forecast.

JCDecaux becomes optimistic. Group communication said Wednesday after market revenues rose 14.7% to 487.2 million euros against 424.6 million a year earlier. Organic growth was 5.6%, above the 5% expected. "This increase in organic revenue reflects a significant improvement in the economic environment month after month during the quarter," said a delighted group in a statement.
Street furniture is the pole, which represents half of its activity, the group owes its progress. The revenue from this sector climbed 23.5% to 245.3 million euros thanks to the consolidation of the German Wall, who became majority shareholder in JCDecaux in September 2009 and the assets of Titan Outdoor UK, acquired in January. The increase also reflects an increase in demand and prices.
The Transport division saw its sales increase by 8.1%, driven by the resumption of air traffic in North America and Asia Pacific. However, the decline continues in Europe.
Finally, the activity display a growth of 5.3%. The group said they had struggled for most of its European markets, except the United Kingdom and France, where growth was around 5%.
With increased market visibility, JCDecaux expects organic growth of about 9% in the second quarter. "While the economy is improving advertising, JCDecaux will continue to outperform," enthuses Goldman Sachs in a note providing an organic growth of 8% in 2010, against a consensus of 5%.
JCDecaux does not provide a forecast for 2010, reaffirming its priority to "strict control" of its costs and investments.