Categories
Leisure Marine

Groupe Beneteau to ‘return to growth’ in 2026 as orders increase

Groupe Beneteau expects sales and margins to improve in 2026, thanks to a 10 per cent increase in its order book and the planned rollout of new models.

The outlook follows the publication of its FY2025 results in February 2026, which revealed that the French boating giant saw revenue decline by 18 per cent year-on-year between 2024 and 2025. The firm attributed this to a sharp contraction in demand during the first six months of 2025 (-27 per cent at constant currency). This drop eventually levelled out in H2 2025 as sales picked up again, leaving revenue down 5 per cent in the second six months of 2025.

Beneteau order book increases in 2026

In a statement released on Wednesday (18 March 2026), Beneteau confirms that, as of the end of February 2026, its 2026 order book is up 10 per cent. The firm says this is expected to support a return to growth, with improvements to revenue and margin, over the coming year. The company also plans to accelerate product development, with 24 new models scheduled for launch in 2026.

The group indicates that the combination of order book growth, new product introductions and operational adjustments is expected to support both revenue and margin improvement during 2026.

The group states that operational measures introduced during 2025, alongside continued control of inventory and investment, are expected to contribute to improved margins.

Groupe Beneteau had previously reported income from ordinary operations of -€21.6m for 2025, reflecting a contraction in activity during the first half of the year, as well as the impact of non-recurring items and measures aimed at maintaining workforce capabilities. Net cash stood at €248m, with positive free cash flow of €12m.

During 2025, the group also withdrew from its Charter and Boat Club operator activities, resulting in a €29m impact on net income.

“2025 saw a challenging market environment across all our geographies. In this context, the group’s strategy to promote innovation and accelerate launches of new models showed its relevance, supporting the turnaround in business observed during the second half of the year, in line with our expectations,” says Bruno Thareaut, CEO of Groupe Beneteau. “Our continued discipline in terms of inventory and investment management also enabled us to maintain a high level of net cash.

“The positive response to the new models is reflected in an increase in the order book for 2026 and will support a return to growth during the year. The flexibility measures rolled out have enabled us to preserve our skills, which today represent an important operational driver to support the rebound.”

The post Groupe Beneteau to ‘return to growth’ in 2026 as orders increase appeared first on Marine Industry News.