Drone Volt: Revenue Up 19% in H1 2026, Acceleration in Services
Drone Volt reports a revenue of €5.0 million in the first half of 2026, up by 19%. This growth is driven by the success of its strategic pivot towards service activities, which have increased by 24% and now generate nearly 70% of the gross margin. However, the group acknowledges experiencing export administrative delays that have impacted billing. Concurrently, the manufacturer raised €3.85 million to secure its growth phase.
High-Value Services Drive Growth
The revenue of the Factory, Services & Academy division reached €3.5 million, up 24% year-on-year. This dynamic reflects an increase in specific missions, including power line analysis and critical infrastructure monitoring. The Distribution activity also grew, albeit more modestly, at €1.4 million (+8%).
The gross margin increased by 23%, amounting to €2.2 million. This improvement is attributed 70% to service activities, confirming their high-value nature. The gross margin rate now stands at 44%, up by 2 points from the previous year, reflecting a gradual reorientation of the business portfolio.
Administrative Delays Hinder Drone Sales
The group explicitly acknowledges suffering from administrative slowdowns related to export sales, which have caused delivery and thus billing delays for the semester. This issue nuances the revenue figures and explains why overall growth only reached 19%, while services showed a 24% increase.
This administrative friction does not seem to affect the group's confidence in the remainder of the fiscal year. Marc Courcelle, CEO, highlights the 'success' of the strategic pivot and the 'very good visibility' for services in the second half of the year, with contracts spanning long periods. The commercial momentum remains described as 'well-oriented'.
Capital Strengthening to Support Growth
Drone Volt raised €3.85 million from American investors during the first half of the year to strengthen its financial structure. This capital increase aims to support and secure the group's growth phase, enabling it to finance targeted recruitments or acquisitions. The operation occurs in a favorable context for drones and services dedicated to critical infrastructures, both in France and internationally.
For investors, the main challenge lies in Drone Volt's ability to realize its pivot towards services while resolving the administrative bottlenecks that have affected export sales. The group has 'good visibility' for the second semester, backed by a portfolio of long-term contracts and a commercial dynamic in line with its announcements.
