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Bristow Group Inc.: Q4 FY2025 earnings call

What management said about Q4 FY2025, from the documents filed with the SEC on 25 February 2026: press release. Guidance figures: 1 lowered, 3 new, 13 kept. The quarter’s numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Full-year revenue and net income rose: Full-year revenues were $1.5 billion, against $1.4 billion in 2024. Net income attributable to Bristow was $129.1 million, or $4.32 per diluted share, against $94.8 million, or $3.21. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA met 2025 guidance: Full-year Adjusted EBITDA was $245.6 million, in line with the midpoint of the 2025 EBITDA range given earlier. Source
  • Fourth-quarter profit below third quarter: Fourth-quarter net income was $18.4 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, against $51.5 million, or $1.72, in the third quarter. Operating income was $32.1 million against $50.5 million. Source
  • Government Services revenue grew fastest: Government Services revenue rose 15.1% to $379.4 million for the year, on the Irish Coast Guard contract start and higher UK search and rescue revenue. Operating income fell to $5.1 million from $21.1 million. Source
  • Repairs fell on higher vendor credits: Full-year repairs and maintenance were $236.9 million, $36.4 million lower, mainly on higher vendor credits. Consolidated personnel costs rose $38.4 million to $379.0 million. Source
  • Full-year flight hours declined: Flight hours were 128,783 for the year, against 130,306 in 2024. Europe flew 34,601 hours, down from 38,284, while Africa flew 19,211, up from 16,946. Source
  • Total liquidity reached $346.9 million: At December 31, 2025, unrestricted cash was $286.2 million and ABL availability $60.7 million, for total liquidity of $346.9 million, against $313.4 million at September 30. Source

“With the continued growth and diversification of our Government Services business, Bristow has evolved into a scaled, multi-mission aviation services provider with leading market positions in our core markets,”

Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group

Guidance

AreaPeriodFigureAgainst last quarter
Total revenues Source2026$1,580 - $1,690 millionKept
Offshore Energy Services revenues Source2026$1,010 - $1,080 millionKept
Government Services revenues Source2026$440 - $460 millionKept
Other Services revenues Source2026$130 - $150 millionKept
Offshore Energy Services Adjusted Operating Income Source2026$225 - $235 millionKept
Government Services Adjusted Operating Income Source2026$70 - $80 millionKept
Other Services Adjusted Operating Income Source2026$20 - $25 millionKept
Corporate Adjusted Operating Income Source2026($35 - $30) million, as printedKept
Total Adjusted Operating Income Source2026$280 - $310 millionKept
Adjusted EBITDA Source2026$295 - $325 millionKept
Adjusted EBITDA growth Source2026 compared with 2025approximately 25%Lowered from approximately 27% year-over-year
Cash interest Source2026~$40 millionKept
Cash taxes Source2026$25 - $30 millionKept
Maintenance capital expenditures Source2026$20 - $25 millionKept
Adjusted Free Cash Flow Source2026in excess of $200 millionNew
Government Services Adjusted Operating Income Source2026double the 2025 levelNew
Offshore Energy Services Adjusted Operating Income growth Source2026approximately 15% increaseNew

What changed from last quarter

  • New: Closed a $500 million offering of 6.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2033 and extended the ABL Facility to 2031. Source
  • New: Started a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share, citing the company's position and liquidity. Source
  • Ended: The fixed wing business in Africa closed, lowering fourth-quarter Africa revenue by $2.2 million. Source
  • Guidance lowered: Expected 2026 Adjusted EBITDA growth is now about 25%, against about 27% stated earlier. Source
  • New guidance: A 2026 Adjusted Free Cash Flow expectation above $200 million was set. Source
  • New guidance: A 2026 expectation was stated that Government Services Adjusted Operating Income doubles, and Offshore Energy Services rises about 15%. Source

Full-year results and profit

  • Full-year revenue and net income rose: Full-year revenues were $1.5 billion, against $1.4 billion in 2024. Net income attributable to Bristow was $129.1 million, or $4.32 per diluted share, against $94.8 million, or $3.21. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA met 2025 guidance: Full-year Adjusted EBITDA was $245.6 million, in line with the midpoint of the 2025 EBITDA range given earlier. Source
  • Fourth-quarter profit below third quarter: Fourth-quarter net income was $18.4 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, against $51.5 million, or $1.72, in the third quarter. Operating income was $32.1 million against $50.5 million. Source
  • Operating cash flow rose for the year: Operating cash flow was $198.4 million for the year, against $177.4 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow was $186.7 million against $160.9 million. Source
  • Foreign exchange gains lifted other income: Other income, net was $23.0 million for the year, mainly foreign exchange gains of $22.5 million and $5.0 million of insurance recoveries, partly offset by $4.3 million of pension costs. Source

Segments and regions

  • Government Services revenue grew fastest: Government Services revenue rose 15.1% to $379.4 million for the year, on the Irish Coast Guard contract start and higher UK search and rescue revenue. Operating income fell to $5.1 million from $21.1 million. Source
  • Africa offset lower Europe utilization: Offshore Energy Services revenue rose 2.5% to $990.5 million for the year. Africa added $21.7 million on higher utilization and aircraft capacity, while Europe fell $16.5 million on lower utilization. Source
  • Australia seasonal dip cut fourth quarter: Other Services revenue was $120.6 million for the year, $0.8 million higher. Fourth-quarter revenue fell $5.2 million to $29.7 million as seasonal activity in Australia was lower. Source
  • Government Services fourth-quarter profit fell: Government Services Adjusted Operating Income was $7.6 million in the fourth quarter, against $10.8 million. Operating income moved to a $1.6 million loss from $2.6 million of income. Source

“Overall, we believe the Company’s total Adjusted EBITDA will increase by approximately 25% in 2026 compared to last year, and we expect strong cash flow conversion.”

Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group

Costs and margins

  • Fourth-quarter operating expenses held steady: Total operating expenses were $283.6 million in the fourth quarter, against $283.1 million in the third. Personnel costs rose $5.8 million to $104.4 million, while other costs fell $5.4 million. Source
  • Repairs fell on higher vendor credits: Full-year repairs and maintenance were $236.9 million, $36.4 million lower, mainly on higher vendor credits. Consolidated personnel costs rose $38.4 million to $379.0 million. Source
  • Segment margins moved in opposite directions: Adjusted Operating Income margin was 21% for Offshore Energy Services, up from 20%, and 14% for Other Services, down from 23%. Government Services margin was 8%, against 11%. Source

Flight hours and fleet

  • Full-year flight hours declined: Flight hours were 128,783 for the year, against 130,306 in 2024. Europe flew 34,601 hours, down from 38,284, while Africa flew 19,211, up from 16,946. Source
  • Fourth-quarter flight hours below third quarter: Fourth-quarter flight hours totalled 32,042, against 32,948 in the third quarter. Offshore Energy Services rose to 24,234 hours, while Government Services fell to 4,186 from 5,016. Source
  • Fleet grew to 214 aircraft: The fleet totalled 214 aircraft at December 31, 2025, against 213 at September 30. Helicopters numbered 196, with an average helicopter age of 14 years. Source

“Bristow’s positive financial outlook, robust balance sheet, and strong liquidity position support the initiation of the Company’s cash dividend program”

Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group

Liquidity, capital and interest

  • Total liquidity reached $346.9 million: At December 31, 2025, unrestricted cash was $286.2 million and ABL availability $60.7 million, for total liquidity of $346.9 million, against $313.4 million at September 30. Source
  • Capital spending and disposal proceeds: Purchases of property and equipment were $29.1 million in the fourth quarter, of which $6.0 million was maintenance. Disposal proceeds were $2.0 million, against $28.6 million in the third quarter. Source
  • Interest expense rose on rates: Net interest expense was $39.9 million for the year, $2.3 million higher, reflecting higher rates and accelerated amortization from early debt repayments. Source

Government contracts and fleet build

  • Subcontractor costs expected to subside: Government Services subcontractor costs rose $28.2 million in 2025. Management expects these costs to subside as the new contract transitions conclude in 2026. Source
  • Irish Coast Guard base added: An additional Irish Coast Guard base began operations in the fourth quarter, partly offsetting lower UK search and rescue flying. Source
  • Aircraft under construction and options: Nine aircraft were under construction at year-end, seven of them AW189 heavy helicopters. A further 19 aircraft were under option. Source

Non-operating items and disposals

  • Other expense from exchange and pensions: Other expense, net was $2.9 million in the fourth quarter. Foreign exchange losses of $3.1 million and pension costs of $4.9 million were partly offset by $5.0 million of insurance recoveries. Source
  • Income tax moved to expense: Income tax was a $3.0 million expense in the fourth quarter, against an $11.8 million benefit in the third. Management attributed the change to the geographic mix of global earnings and the prior-quarter Australian allowance release. Source
  • Asset sales produced full-year gains: Four AW139 medium helicopters, one S92 heavy helicopter and other assets were disposed of in 2025, for net gains of $11.8 million. The fourth quarter included a $2.1 million net loss on an S92 and other assets. Source

Coming up, as management said on 25 February 2026

  • Dividend payable March 26: The dividend of $0.125 per share is payable March 26, 2026, to holders of record on March 13, 2026. Source
  • Senior Notes redemption on March 1: The 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028 are to be redeemed in full on March 1, 2026, using deposited funds. Source
  • Investor presentation posted February 26: The investor presentation will be posted on Bristow's website on February 26, 2026. Source
  • Offshore activity expected to rise late 2026: Management expects offshore activity to increase in late 2026 and build further in 2027 as deepwater projects start. Source

Figures management reported

FigureReported
Flight hours, full year 2025 Source128,783 (2024: 130,306)
Flight hours, fourth quarter 2025 Source32,042 (third quarter 2025: 32,948)
Fuel costs, full year 2025 Source$81,435 thousand (2024: $86,946 thousand)
Fuel costs, fourth quarter 2025 Source$20,765 thousand (third quarter 2025: $21,396 thousand)
Fleet, December 31 2025 Source214 aircraft, of which 196 helicopters; average helicopter age 14 years

Risks management discussed

  • Operational: Government Services repairs rose in the fourth quarter on lower vendor credits and repair timing, and personnel costs rose on contract transitions. Source
  • Demand: Lower utilization reduced Americas revenue in the fourth quarter. Source
  • Demand: Lower European utilization reduced full-year Offshore Energy Services revenue by $16.5 million. Source

Earlier plans management reported on

  • Met: Management says 2025 results were in line with the earlier 2025 guidance and that the 2026 guidance was affirmed. Source

Other quarters

Summarised with AI from the documents the company filed with the SEC. Every point is checked against the filing before it is shown: management’s own words word for word, figures against the line or table row they come from. A point that fails the check is left out. Source opens the filing at that line.