Latest news with #SuperScooper
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
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Bridger Aerospace Secures Record 120 Day Task Orders for Four of its Super Scoopers
BELGRADE, Mont., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. ('Bridger', 'the Company' or 'Bridger Aerospace'), (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation's largest aerial firefighting companies, today announced that is has received two separate 120 day task orders from the US Forest Service, each for two of its CL-415EAF 'Super Scooper' aircraft. These procurements are noteworthy in that they were received early in the wildfire year and are for a record 120 days each. 'These task orders recognize the Super Scoopers as one of the most effective tools in responding to wildfires as well as the Forest Service's growing willingness to pre-position assets in order to more rapidly respond, helping to limit damage and better protect lives and property from this increasingly year-round threat,' commented Sam Davis, Bridger's Chief Executive Officer. 'Securing these longer-term task orders also demonstrates the success of our strategy to have our fleet available and ready year-round to increase the visibility and predictability of our revenue.' Davis added, 'Two Scoopers are currently operating on a Task Order in Minnesota. The next Scooper Task Order start date is pending. The last two Super Scoopers will remain on a 'call when needed' basis.' About Bridger Aerospace Based in Belgrade, Montana, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is one of the nation's largest aerial firefighting companies. Bridger provides aerial firefighting and wildfire management services to federal and state government agencies, including the United States Forest Service, across the nation, as well as internationally. More information about Bridger Aerospace is available at Investor Contacts Alison Ziegler Darrow Associates 201-220-2678 [email protected]
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
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bridger Aerospace Super Scoopers and Multi-Mission Aircraft Support Wildfire Efforts in Oklahoma and New Mexico
BELGRADE, Mont., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. ('Bridger' or 'Bridger Aerospace') (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation's largest aerial firefighting companies, today announced that it has deployed aircraft to actively support wildfire efforts in Oklahoma and New Mexico. Two CL-415EAF "Super Scooper" aircraft joined a Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) in Oklahoma on March 11th to provide aerial firefighting support, directly assisting ground crews on multiple fires and helping protect communities and critical infrastructure. Additionally, Bridger dispatched a second MMA over the past weekend, which began contract operations in New Mexico, further enhancing regional wildfire response capabilities in that state. Sam Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Aerospace, stated, 'Our hearts are with the people of Oklahoma as they face these devastating fires, which have tragically led to fatalities, numerous injuries, and the destruction of hundreds of homes, ranches, and properties. We stand in solidarity with affected communities and remain committed to supporting wildfire management agencies across the US through the deployment of critical resources, including our Scoopers and Multi-Mission Aircraft.' The deployment of two Super Scoopers to Oklahoma complements Bridger's MMA, which has been stationed there since mid-February under a Bureau of Indian Affairs contract. A second MMA, recently dispatched to New Mexico under the same contract, further expands Bridger's ability to provide critical surveillance and real-time infrared imagery, enhancing situational awareness and wildfire response effectiveness across the regions. About Bridger Aerospace Based in Belgrade, Montana, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is one of the nation's largest aerial firefighting companies. Bridger provides aerial firefighting and wildfire management services to federal and state government agencies, including the United States Forest Service, across the nation, as well as internationally. More information about Bridger Aerospace is available at Investor Contacts Media Contacts Alison Ziegler Amanda Meador / Caroline Edwards Darrow Associates Prosek Partners 201-220-2678 305-733-7061 / 314-440-5532 aziegler@ Pro-Bridger@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NC Forest Service reminds public it's illegal to fly drones over wildfires
DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Officials with the North Carolina Forest Service are reminding people it's illegal to fly drones in the same airspace as wildfires. If a drone is reported to be near one of the fire-fighting aircrafts, that plane is forced to turn around, putting the pilot and crews on the ground fighting fires, and the public's safety, at risk. 'The most dramatic drone incident is the one in California where a drone impacted a Super Scooper and actually penetrated the wing,' Aviation Division Director Robert Delleo said. 'If that had happened to one of our tankers, as an example, we have what's called a wet wing. If it had penetrated the wing, it would be going into the fuel tank. The drone has a battery in it. The battery is hot. So, it would have been catastrophic.' Earlier this month, a drone was seen in the same airspace as two wildfires in Eastern North Carolina. These pilots fly tree top level in what's already a high-pressure situation, and worrying about drones does not help. 'We'll never see it (a drone). The tankers are operating at a between 125 and 150 miles an hour. I'm flying that lead plane. I'm doing between 150 and 200 miles an hour. So, we're never going to see it,' Delleo said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
