Azimut 95 Luxury Yacht
“We are witnessing a reversal in trends and, although we must necessarily be cautious, we are optimistic that the worst is over for Azimut-Benetti,” said Paolo Vitelli, chairman, in the statement.
The Azimut–Benetti Group is reporting a 20 per cent gain in year-over-year sales since January 1, 2010. The Italian conglomerate said in a statement that production has resumed “at full capacity” at its manufacturing facilities.
As of March 30, 2010, the Group had orders that would meet about 90 per cent of its fiscal year budget. The number of orders is about 50 per cent higher than this time last year. “This translates into approximately 250 yachts sold, as against just over 150 in the same period last year,” said Vitelli.
The Azimut-Benetti Group weathered the recession by using a multifold strategy, according to the statement. It increased efficiency by focusing production at its own sites. A government “wages guarantee fund” allowed Azimut-Bentti to train and requalify employees in-house rather than rely on third-party sources. Vitelli said his brands also invested more than €50m in new product development to bring more than 30 new models to market in the next three years. About half of those yachts will be over 100 feet.
The Group has more than €300m in equity, according to the statement. Its “seasonal negative cash flow” is currently €100m, compared to €220m for the same period a year ago.
The company expects their luxury yacht sales and profits to increase over the next months as the sales season proceeds.
If you are interested in chartering an Azimut or Benetti motor yacht talk to CharterWorld, the luxury yacht charter specialists.
