Instead of the generic economic situation the Groupe Beneteau has reported another year of strong growth, in the 2010/11 fiscal year up 18.3 per cent to €921.8m total sales. The Operating income came to €66.9m, representing 7.3 per cent of sales, compared with 5.8 per cent in 2009/10. Net income climbed by 49.2 per cent to €47m after taking into consideration €3.8m in financial income, a €25.8m tax expense and €2.1m for the share in income from equity affiliates.
Beneteau’s boat business reported a particularly strong improvement in profitability. Operating income for the 2010/11 financial year was up 67 per cent to €54.4m compared to the previous 12-month period.
The significant increase in profitability on the boat business factors in the cost of starting up the development drivers — large power yachts, powerboats in North and South America, and the Asia region.