Latest news with #BridgerAerospaceGroupHoldings
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canaccord Genuity Hikes Bridger Aerospace (BAER) Price Target on New Financial Strategy
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BAER)'s bid to reduce its outstanding debt and bolster financial standing has caught the attention of analysts on Wall Street. On May 27, Canaccord Genuity analysts increased the stock's price target to $5.25 from $5 while maintaining a Buy rating. The revised target reflects substantial growth potential from the current price of $1.37. A shot of a prototype aircraft taking to the skies, the symbol of the companies innovation in aerospace & defense. The Buy rating comes on the company inking an agreement to sell and lease back its headquarters at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. The $46 million the company will generate from the sale will help reduce the $202 million outstanding debt. The sale and debt settlement is part of Bridger Aerospace's financial management strategy. The transaction is also expected to lead to cash savings for the business. Bridger Aerospace expects net cash savings of about $1 million. That's partly because the annual interest expense stands at $4.5 million compared to a new yearly rent of $3.5 million on leasing the property. The bullish stance also comes on Bridger Aerospace delivering robust sales growth in Q1 2025. Revenue in the quarter was up 184% year-over-year to $15.6 million. The company has secured a $20.1 million five-year contract with the US Department of Interior. Consequently, it expects its full-year revenue to range between $105 million and $111 million. Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. specializes in aerial wildfire surveillance, suppression, and relief across the U.S. It operates Viking CL-415EAF (Super Scooper) aircraft for rapid water drops and Air Attack planes for real-time fire intelligence and coordination. The company also provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, offering upgrades and modifications for Spanish scoopers and other aircraft used in firefighting efforts. While we acknowledge the potential of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BAER) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BAER and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BAER Stock Gains Post Record Q1 Earnings and Revenue Performances
Shares of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. BAER have gained 28.1% since the company reported its earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. This compares to the S&P 500 Index's 4.6% gain over the same time frame. Over the past month, the stock has gained 1.2% compared with the S&P 500's 8.8% growth. Bridger Aerospace reported a record first-quarter 2025 revenue of $15.6 million, marking a 184.1% increase from $5.5 million in the same period last year. This surge was largely driven by earlier-than-usual wildfire deployments and the contribution of $1.9 million in revenues from the acquisition of Flight Test & Mechanical Solutions (FMS). Excluding non-recurring return-to-service work on Spanish Super Scoopers, core revenues increased to $9.7 million from $4.5 million a year earlier. The net loss improved to $15.5 million (or $0.41 per diluted share) from $20.1 million (or $0.55 per share) in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA also improved, narrowing to negative $5.1 million from negative $6.9 million in the year-ago quarter. (Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.) Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. Quote Despite higher revenues, the cost of revenues rose 86.9% to $17.2 million from $9.2 million in first-quarter 2024. This included $5.6 million in expenses related to Spanish Scoopers and increased maintenance tied to greater field utilization. Operating loss narrowed significantly to $10.2 million from $15.3 million in the prior year. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased 26% to $8.6 million from $11.6 million, primarily due to lower non-cash stock-based compensation costs. Cash and cash equivalents at the quarter-end were $22.3 million, up from $6.8 million a year ago, although down from $39.3 million at year-end 2024, due to seasonal maintenance and training expenses. CEO Sam Davis emphasized the company's response to increasingly year-round wildfire activity, noting record early deployments in California, Oklahoma and North Carolina as key drivers of first-quarter performance. Bridger Aerospace's strategy involves maintaining year-round readiness and increasing exclusive-use contracts to stabilize revenues. Davis highlighted the deployment of nearly all sensor-equipped and air attack aircraft for 2025, asserting readiness for the upcoming wildfire season. CFO Eric Gerratt reiterated that Bridger Aerospace has historically experienced net losses in the first and fourth quarters due to seasonality, but expressed confidence in improving full-year metrics. SVP John Saunders affirmed that early activity, longer wildfire seasons, and FMS integration support BAER's 2025 outlook. The standout first-quarter revenue was aided by both the early start to the wildfire season and strategic deployments under new contracts. Notably, $5.9 million of revenues stemmed from return-to-service work on the Spanish Scoopers, a one-time revenue stream that significantly boosted top-line results. However, excluding this, core revenue still saw more than 100% growth. Maintenance expenses spiked due to these Scoopers and fleet readiness investments, though management characterized them as largely pass-through costs. The reduction in SG&A was another key factor, stemming from decreased stock-based compensation compared to the 2023 period, which had elevated costs tied to the business combination completed that year. Bridger Aerospace reaffirmed its 2025 guidance of adjusted EBITDA between $42 million and $48 million on projected revenue between $105 million and $111 million. Management emphasized that this guidance excludes potential upside from deploying the Spanish Scoopers in Europe, where contracts are in final negotiation stages. The company expects a full year of FMS contributions and cost rationalization benefits, which will support margin expansion. Notably, BAER continues to expect most of its adjusted EBITDA to be generated in the third quarter, which coincides with the peak wildfire season. The quarter included multiple strategic advances. Bridger Aerospace secured a five-year, $20.1 million IDIQ contract with the U.S. Department of the Interior for surveillance aircraft in Alaska and won a wildfire mapping contract in Montana, utilizing a Daher Kodiak 100 modified in-house with FMS support. Additionally, BAER's acquisition of FMS not only added revenues but also enhanced engineering capabilities, contributing to competitive bids and margin expansion. On the international front, the company is progressing with the return to service of four Spanish Scoopers acquired via a joint venture, aiming for European deployment in 2025. It also signed a memorandum of understanding with Positive Aviation to serve as the North American launch customer for the FF72 aircraft, with the potential to acquire up to 20 units, positioning Bridger Aerospace for long-term fleet modernization and global expansion. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (BAER): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scoop Up Shares of Bridger Aerospace: A Leader in the Firefighting Revolution
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BAER) provides full suite of firefighting services from surveillance to containment to analytics Structural factors have expanded the fire season and affected geographies over decades Government agencies often need supplemental private help to contain massive fires, as in recent California outbreak that cost hundreds of billions in damage Many firefighting teams still employ antiquated tracking methods like printed maps and analog communications Bridger uses sensor networks collecting real-time data on temperature, humidity and wind speed Satellite connectivity allows Bridger to stay connected even in remote regions Operating leverage continues to help Bridger, with 42% adjusted Ebitda margin in 2025 vs 38% in 2024 Ebitda expected to rise 21% to $45 million at forecast midpoint in 2025 Trades at an enterprise value, adjusted for debt and preferred stock, of just 13 times 2025 Ebitda despite impressive growth and profit profile By John Jannarone and Jarrett Banks The tragic Palisades Fire earlier this year was emblematic of a growing concern around the world: Fire seasons are getting longer, more people live in at-risk areas, and economic damage can run into the hundreds of billions of dollars. It's also an industry ripe for disruption. One company leading the charge is Montana-based Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BAER), which offers a full suite of fire surveillance and suppression services, complete with a plane fleet, satellite connectivity and state-of-the-art analytics. Bridger has been busier than ever, with its earliest-ever dispatch of 'Super Scooper' planes in Texas in 2024 and of course the California blaze in January, which set yet another record for an early start to the year. Bridger's fleet of six Scoopers is one of the world's largest and has become a centerpiece of aerial firefighting. The planes, which are custom-purposed specifically for firefighting, make dives into lakes or other bodies of water and can dump 100,000 gallons a day in containment efforts. What's more, there is ample water near most fires to accommodate the Scoopers: 90% of fires are within 20 miles of Scooper-accessible bodies of water. The Scoopers also have a track record of safety along with impressive economics. Each plane generates enough adjusted Ebitda to recoup its cost in about 4.5 years. After making a recent deal with Spain, Bridger has the option to purchase four more Scoopers, which would expand the fleet to 10 planes if the company decides to proceed. Those workhorses have become more critical than ever as fire concerns worsen. The number of fires larger than 1,000 acres in the western U.S. tripled between the 1970s and 2010s for a host of structural reasons. It's not just climate change: So-called Wild Urban Interface (WUI) areas, where homes are at risk, have expanded dramatically over recent decades and now include 1/3 of U.S. homes. Both federal and state government entities provide a diverse – and expanding – set of revenue streams. And they keep coming back, with a 100% renewal rate on Bridger's core federal and state contracts. There is also need for other services to take control of fires – hopefully before they get out of hand. Bridger's Air Attack aircraft serve as the command center over a wildfire, overseeing both in-air and on-ground assets. On board, the Air Tactical Group Supervisor maintains essential communication with the Incident Commander and coordinates aerial firefighting resources. Finally, the Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) group is equipped with two Pilatus PC-12s and one Shrike Commander 500S. These aircraft are capable of cutting-edge imaging systems and data transmission, with satellite connectivity and robust analytics capabilities. The planes feature sensors with infrared capabilities for heat mapping, firefighter overwatch and more. Importantly, the MMA and Air Attack planes can help generate more revenue year-round as customers face high fire danger across the seasons. Bridger was awarded a multi-year Special Sensor Surveillance Contract for up to $68 million with the Department of the Interior and a 10-year Air Attack contract with the Forest Service for up to $166 million. Believe it or not, some firefighting teams still use decades-old technologies such as analog walkie-talkies, PDF printouts and large physical maps. Bridger's is taking firefighting into the 21st Century: It integrates intelligent sensor networks into its wildfire suppression platforms, collecting real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other environmental factors, enabling firefighters to make informed decisions. While Bridger is focused on expanding its footprint in the U.S. and Canada, there is also plenty of opportunity to help fight fires further afield. Many countries such as France have only begun to work with private operators and Bridger has already pursued a partnership focused on a next-generation aircraft. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with France's Positive Aviation to be the exclusive North American launch partner for the FF72—a water-scooping firefighting plane based on the ATR 72-600. The deal signals Bridger's intent to expand its fleet with newer, more efficient technology. As with the Spanish planes, Bridger has an option rather than an obligation to buy more aircraft, allowing it to avoid unnecessary strains on its balance sheet but have access to planes once it is confident in demand. The French partnership, announced at an aerial firefighting conference in Bordeaux, grants Bridger the ability to purchase up to 20 FF72s and establishes it as the primary sales, service, and training hub for the aircraft in North America. The first deliveries are expected in 2029, a long runway in an industry facing increasing pressure to combat intensifying wildfires. The deal also comes as Bridger has appointed new leadership. CEO Sam Davis, who took the helm permanently in March after serving as interim chief, has been tasked with steering the company's expansion while maintaining profitability. Prior to Bridger, Mr. Davis spent four years at Oracle, Inc. and before that at Meltwater and Natus Medical, Inc. Bridger's founder and former CEO, Sen. Timothy Sheehy, ran the company for 10 years before winning a Senate race last year. Investors should note that Bridger itself was ensnared by series of aggressive political attacks on Sen. Sheehy – possibly causing unjustified damage to the share price – but those headaches have faded away since he left the company for the Senate. In fact, Sen. Sheehy is proving that firefighting technologies are a non-partisan issue and widely supported on both sides of the aisle. In January, Sen. Sheehy, a Republican and Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat from New Mexico, introduced the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat year-round threats. Turning to financials, Bridger has recently begun to see a breakout performance, with margins expected to increase further due to high-capacity utilization, fleet expansion and the benefit of prior cost incurrence. The company sees 2025 Ebitda margins at 42%, up from 38% last year and an average of just 21% between 2021 and 2023. At the midpoint of the company's forecast, Ebitda will rise 21% to $45 million this year. That reflects a multiple of just 13 times the company's enterprise value, adjusted for debt and preferred shares. Bridger's growth and expanding margin profile suggest plenty of room for a re-rating higher. With a disruptive technology that governments covet, structural shifts driving more firefighting in more locations throughout the year and an unrivaled suite of services, Bridger is poised to smoke the competition. Investors should take a closer look before more of the world takes notice. Contact: Editor@ X: @IPOEdge Instagram: @IPOEdge Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Owning 34% in Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BAER) means that insiders are heavily invested in the company's future
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings' significant insider ownership suggests inherent interests in company's expansion 51% of the business is held by the top 6 shareholders Institutional ownership in Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings is 18% A look at the shareholders of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BAER) can tell us which group is most powerful. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are individual insiders with 34% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). With such a notable stake in the company, insiders would be highly incentivised to make value accretive decisions. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings. View our latest analysis for Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index. Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings. Our data shows that Blackstone Inc. is the largest shareholder with 18% of shares outstanding. Timothy Sheehy is the second largest shareholder owning 16% of common stock, and James Muchmore holds about 5.2% of the company stock. We also observed that the top 6 shareholders account for more than half of the share register, with a few smaller shareholders to balance the interests of the larger ones to a certain extent. Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There is a little analyst coverage of the stock, but not much. So there is room for it to gain more coverage. While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own a reasonable proportion of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.. It has a market capitalization of just US$101m, and insiders have US$34m worth of shares in their own names. It is great to see insiders so invested in the business. It might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying recently. The general public-- including retail investors -- own 27% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run. With an ownership of 18%, private equity firms are in a position to play a role in shaping corporate strategy with a focus on value creation. Some might like this, because private equity are sometimes activists who hold management accountable. But other times, private equity is selling out, having taking the company public. Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 3.5%, of the company's shares. Private companies may be related parties. Sometimes insiders have an interest in a public company through a holding in a private company, rather than in their own capacity as an individual. While it's hard to draw any broad stroke conclusions, it is worth noting as an area for further research. While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Take risks for example - Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of. If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
