Strong rebound in the first half in a dynamic marine market
On June 18, Fountaine-Pajot presented its results for the first half of 2017/2018. The turnover of the manufacturer of catamarans in La Rochelle posted a significant increase of 51.6%, reaching 44,1 M €. The company explains this evolution by the continued acceleration of its production rate and by the rebound in the boating market. The effect of the last hurricane season, particularly severe on the rental fleets in the West Indies, also boosted the multihull sector.
Gross operating income rose from ?2.8 million in 2017 to ?4.6 million in 2018. Net profit reached ?2.3 million at 28 February 2018.
Hiring and investing
During the first half of 2017/2018, Fountaine-Pajot invested ?14 million. The amount is divided between:
- the new boat models: Astrea 42, the future 67-foot sailboat and the next motor catamaran
- the extension of Aigrefeuille's premises
- investment in the Dream Yacht Charter yacht charter company
70 new employees joined Fountaine-Pajot at the beginning of the year.
Annual growth above 25%
The high level of the order book and the commercial dynamics at the beginning of the year allow Foutaine-Pajot to anticipate an annual growth of between 25% and 30% over the 2017/2018 financial year. In the second half of the year, Fountaine-Pajot's indirect investment will be integrated into sailboat builder Dufour Yachts, in which it becomes majority shareholder. Recruitment will continue in the second half.
