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Beneteau Q1 2026: Revenue rises despite ‘marked slowdown’ since Middle East conflict

Groupe Beneteau has reported revenues of €169.5m for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 30.1 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, or 34.5 per cent at constant currency.

The result partly reflects nearly €20m in deliveries carried over from the end of 2025, due to US customs clearance timeframes.

Retail sales to end clients rose by more than €20m year-on-year, representing growth of over 10 per cent. The increase was driven mainly by the motor segment. The group links this performance to demand for models introduced in 2025 and continues to plan 24 new model launches in 2026.

The group reports a slowdown in order intake since the start of the conflict in the Middle East in March 2026. However, the order book for deliveries during the year remains about 10 per cent higher at constant currency at the end of April.

“The first-quarter growth validates our strategy to promote innovation and accelerate launches of new models, which the group aims to continue moving forward with at the same sustained pace this year,” says Bruno Thivoyon, Groupe Beneteau chief executive. “The increase in retail sales over the period reflects the success of the new models from 2025, with end clients in a challenging macroeconomic environment.

“Despite the marked slowdown in order intake since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, our order book is still at a solid level, enabling us to maintain the full-year outlook, subject to an improvement in the geopolitical situation by the end of the first half of this year.”

Segment performance

Revenues from the Sailing business came to €63.7m, up 18 per cent on a reported basis and 18.6 per cent at constant currency. Growth was spread across monohull and multihull segments, supported by sales of models introduced in 2025 and a recovery in demand from charter operators. Sales to charter professionals rose by 22 per cent during the quarter following a decline in 2025.

The motor business generated €96.9m in revenue, with growth of 38 per cent on a reported basis and 45.2 per cent at constant currency. Excluding the impact of deferred deliveries, growth for this segment was 26 per cent. Performance was supported by European markets, particularly in dayboating segments. Demand for premium motor yacht models remained more subdued, with increased promotional activity, though this was partly offset by new model launches and renewed access to the Prestige brand.

Other activities contributed €9m in revenue, up 45.5 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2025.

Geographically, revenues in Europe reached €84.4m, up 15.9 per cent. North and Central America recorded €64m, representing growth of 93.2 per cent on a reported basis and 110.3 per cent at constant currency, including the effect of deferred deliveries. Without this effect, growth in the region exceeded 30 per cent. Revenues in other regions declined to €6.8m, while fleet sales increased to €14.4m, up 22 per cent.

E-Lektra Marine joint venture

Bruno Thivoyon, chair of Groupe Beneteau, and Mathieu Fountaine, deputy chief executive of Fountaine Pajot
Bruno Thivoyon, chair of Groupe Beneteau (right), and Mathieu Fountaine, deputy chief executive of Fountaine Pajot

At the Multihull Show in La Grande-Motte (22-26 April), the group announced the creation of E-Lektra Marine, a joint venture with Fountaine Pajot. The initiative focuses on standardising alternative propulsion and onboard energy management systems for sailing yachts. The partnership brings together seven monohull and multihull brands, representing close to 60 per cent of the market, and remains open to additional participants.

The initiative targets an electric adoption rate of 10 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030. It follows the introduction of boats equipped with fully electric propulsion systems and the rollout of 48V hybrid systems. High-voltage hybrid configurations are currently available on the Lagoon 55 and Lagoon 60 models.

Further developments include the use of Elium recyclable resin on a multihull from the Excess brand, alongside the expansion of refit offerings within the Lagoon range.

Groupe Beneteau is maintaining its outlook for full-year sales growth, subject to an improvement in conditions in the Middle East before the end of the first half of the year. Measures are also being put in place to support operating margins.

The Combined General Shareholders’ Meeting is scheduled for 11 June 2026. The meeting will be broadcast live, with a recording available on the company’s website within seven working days.

The group will report second-quarter revenues on 27 July 2026 and first-half earnings on 23 September 2026.

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