In a market context buoyed by strong demand across its two business lines (Boats and Housing), Groupe Beneteau closed out FY 2021 with revenues of €1,227.1m, up 11.9% based on reported data (+12.9% at constant exchange rates) thanks to strong sales growth in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Supported by the Group’s good operational management, especially by its logistics teams, limiting the impact of the disruption affecting supply chains and international transport, fourth-quarter revenues nearly doubled compared with the same period in 2020 to reach €303.8m.

Boat division: sustained interest in boats across all markets
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Boat division recorded very strong revenue growth of 79.6% based on reported data (+77.9% at constant exchange rates), up to €261.4m.

Full-year revenues are up 10.7% based on reported data (+11.8% at constant exchange rates). The motorboat segment grew to represent nearly 57% of Boat revenues, compared with 43% for the sailing segment.

All of the motorboat brands contributed to this growth, with an increase of almost 17.5% based on reported data (+19.2% at constant exchange rates) compared with the FY 2020 pro forma figure. More specifically, in the dynamic dayboating segment (motorboats under 40 feet), the work carried out on product positioning and distribution for the American brands (FOUR WINNS, WELLCRAFT, GLASTRON and SCARAB) is delivering a range of benefits, enabling them to achieve sales growth of 52.3% at constant exchange rates.

In the sailing segment, with 4.5% growth at constant exchange rates, sales of catamarans to dealers climbed 24%, making it possible to offset the contraction in fleet sales to charter firms, which are expected to pick up again from 2022.

During FY 2021, boat sales in Europe and North America still represented more than 80% of Boat revenues (up +10% and +24.8% respectively at constant exchange rates). Sales in the Asia-Pacific region bounced back strongly, driving the +50.3% increase for the Rest of the World region.

Housing division: very strong upturn in the fourth quarter of 2021
The Housing division is reporting a record level of business for the fourth quarter despite the operational difficulties linked to the fire that affected one of its plants at the end of the summer.

Fourth-quarter revenues tripled compared with the previous period in 2020, while benefiting from a favorable base effect, and came to €42.4m. This good performance confirms the scenario for a “V-shaped curve” for business, with campsites resuming their investments following a sluggish 2020 season.

Housing division revenues for FY 2021 came to €182.4m, up 19.3% compared with the 2020 pro forma figure.

Sales on the French market increased by 10.4%, while export sales recorded strong growth (+55.6%), reflecting good performances in Northern Europe.

Positive impact on income from ordinary operations and net cash for 2021
Based on the fourth quarter’s strong revenue growth, 2021 income from ordinary operations is now expected to exceed the previous forecast announced on November 9, 2021, which was for €59m to €65m.

Net cash after financial debt at December 31, 2021 represents over €200m.

New high for the global order book
Boosted by the 17 new models unveiled in autumn 2021 by the Boat division’s various brands, combined with a return to a very buoyant environment for the Housing division, the global order book at end-January 2022 is up by more than 40% compared with the end of January 2021.

Despite the significant disruption continuing to affect the supply chain, the Group is confirming its forecast for double-digit growth in 2022.

 On March 17, Groupe Beneteau will be reporting its full-year results for 2021 and its outlook for FY 2022 (January 1 to December 31).