Bristow Group Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

HOUSTON, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 

First Quarter Highlights

• Total revenues of $388.7 million in Q1 2026 compared to $377.3 million in Q4 2025
• Net income of $13.1 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in Q1 2026 compared to net income of $18.4 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, in Q4 2025
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ in Q1 2026 was $59.3 million compared to $60.1 million in Q4 2025
• Affirmed 2026 Adjusted EBITDA outlook range of $295 - $325 million

Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL) ("Bristow" or the "Company") today reported net income attributable to the Company of $13.1 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 (the "Current Quarter") on total revenues of $388.7 million compared to net income attributable to the Company of $18.4 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 (the "Preceding Quarter") on total revenues of $377.3 million.

The following table provides select financial highlights for the periods reflected (in thousands, except per share amounts). A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, operating income to Adjusted Operating Income and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow is included in the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section herein.

"Bristow's first quarter results place us on track for what is expected to be a transformational year for the Company in 2026," said Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group. "Bristow is favorably positioned to benefit from three global megatrends, namely: increased defense spending; the importance of energy security; and the electrification of transportation. In the context of a complicated geopolitical landscape and expectations for structurally higher defense spending, we believe there will be compelling organic and inorganic growth opportunities for a specialized aviation services provider with Bristow's track record, operational expertise, and financial flexibility. Recent geopolitical events have also placed an enduring emphasis on where hydrocarbon supplies are located, and the established offshore energy basins that Bristow services represent some of the most attractive and secure sources of supply. In addition, Bristow has created significant option value, with minimal capital commitment to date, as an early leader in what is expected to be a large and rapidly growing addressable market for new generation electric and hybrid-electric aircraft."

Sequential Quarter Results

Offshore Energy Services

Revenues from Offshore Energy Services were $6.9 million higher in the Current Quarter. Revenues in the Americas were $5.6 million higher primarily due to increased rates and higher utilization in the U.S. and Trinidad. Revenues in Africa were $4.0 million higher primarily due to higher utilization and other revenues driven by activity. Revenues in Europe were $2.8 million lower primarily due to lower utilization and reimbursable revenues in the UK, partially offset by favorable foreign exchange impacts.

Operating income from Offshore Energy Services was $6.5 million lower in the Current Quarter primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization expense of $6.0 million, higher operating expenses of $5.6 million and lower earnings from unconsolidated affiliates of $1.8 million, partially offset by the higher revenues.

The higher depreciation and amortization expense was due to accelerated depreciation on S76D medium helicopters resulting from a revision to their estimated useful lives. Repairs and maintenance costs were $10.6 million higher primarily due to lower vendor credits. Leased‑in equipment costs were $0.8 million higher primarily due to additional aircraft leases. Personnel costs were $3.1 million lower primarily due to lower severance costs in Africa and lower benefits costs and decreased headcount in the U.S. Other operating costs were $2.9 million lower primarily due to lower reimbursable expenses and subcontractor costs, partially offset by higher training costs. Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates were $1.8 million lower in the Current Quarter primarily due to dividends received in the Preceding Quarter.

Government Services

Revenues from Government Services were $7.8 million higher in the Current Quarter primarily due to the transition of the Irish Coast Guard ("IRCG") contract, including the full quarter impact of the Sligo base that commenced operations in the Preceding Quarter and the commencement of operations at the final base in Waterford in the Current Quarter. Operating income was $0.9 million in the Current Quarter compared to an operating loss of $1.6 million in the Preceding Quarter primarily due to the higher revenues, partially offset by higher operating expenses of $4.8 million and higher general and administrative expenses of $0.5 million. The increase in operating expenses was due to higher repairs and maintenance costs of $2.3 million primarily related to the timing of repairs, higher personnel costs of $1.6 million due to increased operating personnel headcount in Ireland and higher leased-in equipment costs of $0.5 million related to ongoing transition activities on the second-generation UK search and rescue ("UKSAR2G") contract. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher professional services fees.

Other Services

Revenues from Other Services were $3.2 million lower in the Current Quarter primarily due to lower seasonal utilization in Australia, partially offset by favorable foreign exchange rate impacts. Operating loss was $1.3 million in the Current Quarter compared to operating income of $1.5 million in the Preceding Quarter, primarily due to the lower seasonal revenues, partially offset by lower operating expenses of $0.4 million related to lower activity.

Corporate

Operating loss was $0.6 million in the Current Quarter compared to an operating loss of $10.0 million in the Preceding Quarter, primarily due to net gains on asset dispositions of $7.6 million in the Current Quarter compared to net losses of $2.1 million in the Preceding Quarter. During the Current Quarter, the Company sold two heavy helicopters and various other assets. During the Preceding Quarter, the Company sold or otherwise disposed of a heavy helicopter and various other assets.

Interest income was $1.0 million higher in the Current Quarter primarily due to income earned from U.S. Treasury bill investments on escrowed funds used in the satisfaction and discharge of the 6.875% Senior Secured Notes.

Interest expense was $3.4 million higher primarily due to higher debt balances and concurrent interest expense incurred during the refinancing of the Company's 6.875% Senior Notes.

Loss on extinguishment of debt was $2.8 million due to the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees associated with the redemption of the 6.875% Senior Notes.

Other expense, net of $5.4 million in the Current Quarter was primarily due to foreign exchange losses. Other expense, net of $2.9 million in the Preceding Quarter primarily resulted from pension-related costs of $4.9 million and foreign exchange losses of $3.1 million, partially offset by gains on insurance recoveries of $5.0 million.

Affirms 2026 Outlook

Please refer to the section entitled "Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure" below for further discussion regarding the risks and uncertainties as well as other important information regarding Bristow's guidance. The following guidance contains non-GAAP financial measures. Please read the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for further information.

Select financial outlook for 2026 is as follows (in USD, millions):

Capital Allocation and Liquidity

In the Current Quarter, purchases of property and equipment were $41.3 million, of which $4.4 million were maintenance capital expenditures, and cash proceeds from the sale of assets were $24.9 million. In the Preceding Quarter, purchases of property and equipment were $29.1 million, of which $6.0 million were maintenance capital expenditures, and cash proceeds from the sale of assets were $2.0 million.

As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $342.1 million of unrestricted cash and $51.5 million of remaining availability under its asset-based revolving credit facility (the "ABL Facility") for total liquidity of $393.6 million. Borrowings under the ABL Facility are subject to satisfaction of certain terms and conditions.

Net cash used in operating activities was $8.3 million in the Current Quarter compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $76.9 million in the Preceding Quarter. The negative variance is primarily due to changes in working capital, namely an increase in accounts receivable. This is primarily attributable to timing, as the Company does not have a material amount of aged receivables.

During the Current Quarter, Bristow declared a dividend of $0.125 per share of common stock and paid $3.7 million in cash dividends.

On April 30, 2026, Bristow declared a dividend of $0.125 per share of common stock, payable on May 29, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2026.

Conference Call

The Company's management will conduct a conference call starting at 10:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. CT) on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to review results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. The conference call can be accessed using the following link:

Link to Access Earnings Call: https://bristowgroup-1q2026.open-exchange.net

A replay will be available through May 27, 2026 by using the link above. A replay will also be available on the Company's website at www.bristowgroup.com shortly after the call and will be accessible through May 27, 2026. The accompanying investor presentation will be available on May 5, 2026, on Bristow's website at www.bristowgroup.com.

For additional information concerning Bristow, contact Jennifer Whalen at InvestorRelations@bristowgroup.com, (713) 369-4636 or visit Bristow Group's website at https://ir.bristowgroup.com/.

About Bristow Group

Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. We primarily provide aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Our aviation services include personnel transportation, search and rescue ("SAR"), medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems and ad hoc helicopter services. Our offshore energy customers charter our helicopters primarily to transport personnel to, from and between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. Our government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby we operate specialized helicopters and provide highly trained personnel. Our other services include fixed-wing transportation services through a regional airline in Australia and dry-leasing aircraft to third-party operators in support of other industries and geographic markets.

Our core business of providing aviation services to leading global energy companies and government entities provides us with geographic and customer diversity that helps mitigate risks associated with a single market or customer. We currently have customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, Ireland, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom ("UK") and the United States ("U.S.").

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements are statements about our future business, strategy, operations, capabilities and results; financial projections; plans and objectives of our management, including our expectations regarding our quarterly dividend program and our intention to pay down debt; expected actions by us and by third parties, including our customers, competitors, vendors and regulators; and other matters. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "belief," "forecasts," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "projects," "estimates," "may," "might," "will," "would," "could," "should" or other similar words; however, all statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact or historical financial results, are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements reflect our views and assumptions on the date hereof regarding future events and operating performance. We believe that they are reasonable, but they involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, many of which may be beyond our control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular, the risks discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of such report and those discussed in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

You should consider the following key factors when evaluating these forward-looking statements: the impact of supply chain disruptions, inflation and increased fuel prices and our ability or inability to recoup rising costs in the rates we charge to our customers; our reliance on a limited number of helicopter manufacturers and suppliers and the impact of a shortfall in availability of aircraft components and parts required for maintenance and repairs of our helicopters, including significant delays in the delivery of parts for our S92 and AW189 fleet and aircraft in general; our reliance on a limited number of customers and the reduction of our customer base as a result of consolidation and/or the energy transition; public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics, and any related government policies and actions; our inability to execute our business strategy for diversification efforts related to government services and advanced air mobility; the potential for cyberattacks or security breaches that could disrupt operations, compromise confidential or sensitive information, damage reputation, expose to legal liability, or cause financial losses; the possibility that we may be unable to maintain compliance with covenants in our financing agreements; global and regional changes in the demand, supply, prices or other market conditions affecting oil and gas, including changes resulting from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC") and other producing countries, and geopolitical risks; fluctuations in the demand for our services; the possibility of significant changes in foreign exchange rates and controls; potential effects of increased competition and the introduction of alternative modes of transportation and solutions; the possibility that portions of our fleet may be grounded for extended periods of time or indefinitely (including due to severe weather events); the possibility of political instability, civil unrest, war or acts of terrorism in any of the countries where we operate or elsewhere, including the ongoing conflict in Iran, which could result in operational interruptions and supply impacts, including fuel shortages and price increases; the possibility that we may be unable to re-deploy our aircraft to regions with greater demand; the existence of operating risks inherent in our business, including the possibility of declining safety performance; labor issues, including our inability to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining or union agreements with employees covered by such agreements; the possibility of changes in tax, environmental, trade, immigration and other laws and regulations and policies, including, without limitation, tariffs and actions of the governments that impact oil and gas operations, favor renewable energy projects or address climate change; any failure to effectively manage, and receive anticipated returns from, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures and other portfolio actions; the possibility that we may be unable to dispose of older aircraft through sales into the aftermarket; the possibility that we may impair our long-lived assets and other assets, including inventory, property and equipment and investments in unconsolidated affiliates; general economic conditions, including interest rates or uncertainty in the capital and credit markets; disruptions in global trade, including as a result of tariffs, trade restrictions, retaliatory trade measures or the effect of such actions on trading relationships between the United States ("U.S.") and other countries; the potential effects of any future U.S. government shutdown on our Government Services business; the possibility that reductions in spending on aviation services by governmental agencies where we are seeking contracts could adversely affect or lead to modifications of the procurement process or that such reductions in spending could adversely affect search and rescue ("SAR") contract terms or otherwise delay service or the receipt of payments under such contracts; and the effectiveness of our environmental, social and governance initiatives.

The above description of risks and uncertainties is by no means all-inclusive, but is designed to highlight what we believe are important factors to consider. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and are only made as of the date hereof. The forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect our businesses, particularly those discussed in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of the Company's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking, other than as required by law, to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company's management uses EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Operating Income to assess the performance and operating results of its business. Each of these measures, as well as Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, each as detailed below, are non-GAAP measures, have limitations, and are provided in addition to, and not as an alternative for, and should be read in conjunction with, the information contained in the Company's financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") (including the notes), included in the Company's filings with the SEC and posted on the Company's website.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA is defined as Earnings before Interest expense, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA further adjusted for non-cash gains and losses on the sale of assets, non-cash foreign exchange gains (losses) related to the revaluation of certain balance sheet items, and certain special items that occurred during the reported period, such as the amortization of PBH maintenance agreements that are non-cash within the period, gains on insurance claims, non-cash nonrecurring insurance adjustments and other special items which include professional service fees related to unusual litigation proceedings and other nonrecurring costs related to strategic activities. The professional services fees are primarily attorneys' fees related to litigation and arbitration matters that the Company is pursuing (where no gain contingency has been recorded or identified) that are unusual in nature and outside of the normal course of the Company's continuing business operations. The other nonrecurring costs related to strategic activities are costs associated with financing transactions and proposed mergers and acquisitions ("M&A") transactions. These special items are related to various pursuits that are not individually material to the Company and, as such, are aggregated for presentation. The Company views these matters and their related financial impacts on the Company's operating performance as extraordinary and not reflective of the operational performance of the Company's core business activities. In addition, the same costs are not reasonably likely to recur within two years nor have the same charges or gains occurred within the prior two years. The Company includes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to provide investors with a supplemental measure of its operating performance. Management believes that the use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is meaningful to investors because it provides information with respect to the Company's ability to meet its future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements and the financial performance of the Company's assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis. Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA is a recognized term under GAAP. Accordingly, they should not be used as an indicator of, or an alternative to, net income the most directly comparable GAAP measure, as a measure of operating performance. In addition, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not intended to be measures of free cash flow available for management's discretionary use, as they do not consider certain cash requirements, such as debt service requirements. Because the definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (or similar measures) may vary among companies and industries, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited, in thousands).

The Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of projected Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the outlook periods included in this release to projected net income (GAAP) for the same periods because components of the calculation are inherently unpredictable. The inability to forecast certain components of the calculation would significantly affect the accuracy of the reconciliation. Additionally, the Company does not provide guidance on the items used to reconcile projected Adjusted EBITDA due to the uncertainty regarding timing and estimates of such items. Therefore, the Company does not present a reconciliation of projected Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) to net income (GAAP) for the outlook periods.

Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow represents the Company's net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less maintenance capital expenditures. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is Free Cash Flow adjusted to exclude costs paid in relation to certain special items which primarily include (i) professional service fees related to unusual litigation proceedings and (ii) other nonrecurring costs related to strategic activities. The professional services fees are primarily attorneys' fees related to unusual litigation and arbitration matters that the Company is pursuing (where no gain contingency has been recorded or identified) that are unusual in nature and outside of the normal course of the Company's continuing business operations. The other nonrecurring costs related to strategic activities are costs associated with financing transactions and proposed M&A transactions. These special items are related to various pursuits that are not individually material to the Company and, as such, are aggregated for presentation. The Company views these matters and their related financial impacts on the Company's operating performance as extraordinary and not reflective of the operational performance of the Company's core business activities. In addition, the same costs are not reasonably likely to recur within two years nor have the same charges or gains occurred within the prior two years. Management believes that Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are meaningful to investors because they provide information with respect to the Company's ability to generate cash from the business. Neither Free Cash Flow nor Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a recognized term under GAAP. Accordingly, these measures should not be used as an indicator of, or an alternative to, net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Investors should note numerous methods may exist for calculating a company's free cash flow. As a result, the method used by management to calculate Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow may differ from the methods used by other companies to calculate their free cash flow. As such, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. The following table provides a reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow (unaudited, in thousands).

Adjusted Operating Income by Segment

Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) ("Adjusted Operating Income") is defined as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization (including PBH amortization) and gains or losses on asset dispositions that occurred during the reported period. The Company includes Adjusted Operating Income to provide investors with a supplemental measure of each segment's operating performance. Management believes that the use of Adjusted Operating Income is meaningful to investors because it provides information with respect to each segment's ability to generate cash from its operations. Adjusted Operating Income is not a recognized term under GAAP. Accordingly, this measure should not be used as an indicator of, or an alternative to, operating income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure, as a measure of operating performance. Because the definition of Adjusted Operating Income (or similar measures) may vary among companies and industries, it may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation of operating income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to Adjusted Operating Income for each segment and Corporate (unaudited, in thousands).

The table below presents the number of aircraft in our fleet as of March 31, 2026, their distribution among the segments through which we operate, as a percentage of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and the number of aircraft not yet reflected in our fleet as they were on order or under construction as of March 31, 2026.

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SOURCE Bristow Group