2019/2020 sales down
The Fountaine-Pajot Group, a specialist in sailing and motor catamarans, and owner of the Dufour monohull sailing yacht brand since 2018, has released the first information concerning its results for the 2019/2020 financial year. Prior to the detailed publication in December, they give the main trends for the period ending August 31, 2020. The Fountaine-Pajot Group's turnover fell back below the 200 million euro mark, to 168.3 million euros, down 18.7%. Management indicates that the suspension of boat production and shipments for several weeks during the containment period and their slow recovery until June explain these results. The publication of the results on 20 October did not worry shareholders, as the price has remained stable since that date.
Export still predominant for Fountaine-Pajot
The Fountaine-Pajot Group, which accounts for 82% of its export sales, was probably affected by the logistical difficulties. Europe represents the largest share of the clientele, accounting for 38% of sales. They are then divided among North America for 13%, major exports for 17% and the Caribbean zone for 14%.
The most buoyant boat models for the Fountaine-Pajot group are the catamarans Saona 47, MY44 and the new Elba 45 and MY40. For the Dufour brand, the Dufour 430 and Dufour 390 sailboats are the heart of the business.
Rethinking Commercialization
Like the yachting industry as a whole, the Fountaine-Pajot Group stresses the need to change business practices after the cancellation of the autumn 2020 boat shows. It does not hide its concerns about the "probable" suspension of the winter boat shows. To this end, it says it is working on setting up private events, strengthening its web marketing and presence among distributors.
