Drone Volt Refocuses Its Business on High-Margin Services
The French professional drone manufacturer reports an annual revenue of 8.8 million euros in 2025, marked by strong growth in its high-margin activities and a significant improvement in profitability.
Financial Performance and Strategic Shifts
According to the press release issued on January 15, Drone Volt recorded a revenue of 8.8 million euros for the fiscal year 2025, down from 32.7 million euros a year earlier. This decrease is due to the termination of a historic distribution contract at the end of September 2024. The Drone Volt Factory, Services & Academy branch, which includes production, service provisions, and training, reported a revenue of 5.3 million euros, up 21% year-on-year. These activities now represent 61% of the group's total revenue. The manufacturer sold 78 drones during the year, nearly 50% of which were in North America, with 28 units sold in the United States and 9 in Canada. The Services & Academy segment secured several research and development contracts during the fiscal year, including with Hydro-Québec in September 2025 for the development of an electrically immune aerial vector.
Profitability and Revenue Insights
The gross margin of the Drone Volt Factory, Services & Academy branch improved by 33% to reach 3.1 million euros in 2025, up from 2.4 million euros in 2024. The gross margin rate for this division is set at 58%, compared to 53% the previous year. At the global level, the group's gross margin rate reached 42% in 2025, a 29-point increase from the 13% recorded in 2024. This improvement reflects, according to the company, the ramp-up of high-value-added activities. However, the company indicates that the revenues from the latest research and development contracts were lower than anticipated, which will not allow for a positive EBITDA in the second half of 2025, despite the cost structure reduction following the strategic review announced at the end of 2024.
Financial Operations and Future Outlook
The manufacturer conducted several financial operations over the course of 2025, raising approximately 25 million euros. These operations were supported by several American investors, including Armistice Capital L.L.C, and were accompanied by a strengthening of the group's presence in North America. For 2026, Drone Volt anticipates further growth in its high-margin activities, continuing the momentum from the end of 2025. The group reports strong interest in its products and services at the beginning of the year and announces that it has been selected by a major energy group for training activities. Three significant service provision contracts have been signed or are in the final phase of negotiation, according to the press release. Additionally, the company continues its strategic reflection which may lead to a listing on the Nasdaq. The 2025 annual results will be published on March 18, 2026.
