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The buoyant winds of the post-Covid period are fading for multihull builders. Like Catana Group, which saw its sales fall sharply in the third quarter of the 2024âeuros2025 financial year, the industry is facing a change of cycle. The manufacturer based in Canet-en-Roussillon is adjusting its âeuros¯ strategy: production modulation, targeted price reductions, launch of new models and diversification into motonautics and floating homes.
Marked decline in sales amid a wait-and-see attitude
For the first nine months of the year, Catana Group posted consolidated sales of 128.4âeuros¯Mâ¬, compared with 167.5âeuros¯M⬠a year earlier. In the third quarter alone, to May 31, 2025, sales fell by 23.6% to 47.2âeuros¯Mâ¬. This sharp fall was due to a slowdown in the market, particularly in North America, marked by the expectation of clarification of economic policy by the new American administration. This wait-and-see attitude affected order intake, particularly in the new units segment.
Voluntary regulation of production to preserve balance
Aware of the overheating of previous years, Catana anticipated this downturn. The Group has activated the flexibility of its industrial units to adjust production rates, thus avoiding the build-up of inventories. This ability to adapt is the result of a multi-site organization and internal management of the production chain, which allows for fine modulation without disruption. The aim is to maintain healthy operating profitability in times of slowdown.
Tariff review to stimulate demand
After several years of steadily rising prices, Catana has revised its sales policy. Between 2 and 10âeuros¯% reductions were applied, depending on the model, in order to reposition the offer at more accessible levels. This initiative led to renewed interest at the Autumn 2024 shows, with a return of orders in certain segments. It is part of a long-term strategy to restore fluidity to the order book, without devaluing existing ranges.
New model launches and strategic diversification
Despite the economic climate, Catana continues to expand its portfolio. The BALI 5.8 has gone into production, as has the YOT 41, the second model in the motorboat range. The next BALI 5.2 is expected to strengthen the medium-length range, while the future Ocean Class 50 will target offshore customers. At the same time, development of the Seaty brand, focused on floating homes, will take shape, with the first unit to be presented at La Rochelle in September 2025. This diversification is in line with the Group's strategy of investing in emerging segments that are less sensitive to cyclicality.
A still resilient financial situation
Despite the downturn in business, the Group continues to report solid indicators. At mid-year, operating profitability remains positive at 8.2âeuros¯M⬠(around 10âeuros¯% of sales), and cash flow forecast for 2023/2024 reached 38.5âeuros¯Mâ¬. This situation enables Catana to continue investing in its infrastructure and product development, while maintaining a balanced financial structure.
In a reshaping multihull market, the ability to adapt quickly and diversify our growth drivers will be decisive. The second half of the year and the back-to-school trade shows will be a key test to validate these orientations.
