A smaller than expected decline in revenues
The Bénéteau Group, the largest industrialist in the pleasure boat construction sector, published its sales figures for the 2019-2020 financial year on February 25, 2021. With an exceptional duration of 16 months, the industrialist having decided to recalibrate its results, previously on September 1, to the calendar year, it closes with sales of ?1.344 billion. In published data compared to the equivalent period in 2018/2019, it is down 15.1%. The dynamic remains strongly downward for the last period from September to December, posting revenues of 195n3 Meuros, falling by 21.2%. Nevertheless, the trend is less pronounced than anticipated in October 2020, when management was forecasting a decline of 25 to 30%.
Outboard boats make up for the drop in charter business
The Vendée-based leader in the marine industry is highlighting the dynamism of the outboard motorboat market, which has helped cushion the crisis. Sales of these boats increased by 13.6% in the last four months of 2020. Boat sales to private individuals rose by 10.2% in Europe and 6% in North America, while remaining flat in other markets. Purchases by pleasure boaters partially offset the sharp decline in yacht charter activity. Charter fleet operators reduced their orders to the Bénéteau Group by 70.9% over the last four months, whereas business had grown by 80.6% over the same period in 2019.
Resumption of production
In addition to the pandemic crisis, the manufacturer has been managing the effects of a cyber attack since February 19. The management took advantage of the publication of the turnover to announce a gradual resumption of production from February 26, one week after its sudden stop. More details will be announced on March 17.
