BELGRADE, Mont., Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”), (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies, applauded the announcement by the Departments of Interior and Agriculture of a Wildland Fire Service Plan to modernize federal wildfire response as part of a coordinated action to implement the President's Executive Order 14308, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response. Sam Davis, ...

Company Overview - BK Technologies Corp. (BKTI) designs and manufactures mission-critical communications equipment primarily for government and public safety applications [1] - The company has a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) division that develops public safety smartphone applications, including BKRplay and InteropONE [2] Product and Market Performance - The BKR 9000 multiband radio is driving growth through adoption by federal, state, and local agencies, leveraging competitive pricing as a unified platform replacement for legacy systems [4] - Gross Margin in Q2 expanded sharply to 47.4% from 37.3% in the prior year, driven by a favorable product mix and efficiencies from outsourced manufacturing [5] - The company achieved a 77.5% year-over-year improvement in adjusted EBITDA, indicating strong financial performance [5] Valuation Metrics - The stock is currently trading at 3.1X trailing 12-month EV/Sales, compared to 3.9X for the Zacks sub-industry and 7.5X for the Zacks sector [6] - The stock is trading at 18.2X trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA, which is lower than the Zacks sub-industry average of 29.6X [6] Historical Stock Performance - Over the past five years, the stock has traded as high as 3.3X and as low as 0.4X, with a five-year median of 0.8X [6] - In the past year, the stock has traded as high as 19.1X and as low as 7.6X, with a one-year median of 12.4X [7]

Core Viewpoint - Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is participating in the 31st Annual Gabelli Aerospace & Defense Symposium on September 4, 2025, highlighting its position as a leading aerial firefighting company in the U.S. [1] Company Overview - Bridger Aerospace, based in Belgrade, Montana, is one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the nation, providing services to federal and state government agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service [3] - The company specializes in aerial firefighting and wildfire management services, both domestically and internationally [3] Event Details - Management will present at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time during the symposium, with a live and archived webcast available on the company's investor relations website [2] - Investors interested in participating can contact Bridger Aerospace Investor Relations or their Gabelli representative for more information [2]

Bridger Aerospace Group (BAER) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company Name**: Bridger Aerospace Group (BAER) - **Headquarters**: Bozeman, Montana - **Founded**: 2014 - **Industry**: Aerial firefighting - **Core Services**: - Fire suppression using Super Scoopers - Aerial surveillance for fire detection - In-house engineering for aircraft modification [1][2] Key Points and Arguments Demand and Market Opportunity - There is a growing demand for aerial firefighting assets due to increasing wildfires across the nation, with notable incidents in Palisades and Tennessee [2][3] - Bridger Aerospace has a unique opportunity to meet this demand by acquiring and deploying aircraft quickly [3] - The company operates six of the ten Super Scooper aircraft in the U.S., highlighting a significant market scarcity [7][10] Fleet and Aircraft Comparison - Super Scoopers are more versatile than helicopters and fixed-wing retardant aircraft, allowing for rapid water drops and high daily water capacity [6][7] - The company differentiates itself by focusing on the unique capabilities of scoopers, which can scoop water from nearby bodies of water [7][8] Recent Performance and Utilization - 2024 was a record year for Bridger, with high utilization rates across its fleet, marking a shift in public perception regarding fire management [15][16] - The company has seen a change in government response, with more proactive measures being taken to address fires early [17][18] Legislative and Regulatory Changes - The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act has improved task order response times, allowing for pre-positioning of aircraft in high-risk areas [20][21] - The Department of the Interior has become more progressive in its use of technology for early fire response [23][24] Financial Performance and Strategy - Bridger Aerospace executed a sale leaseback of its hangar space, reducing overall leverage by approximately 25% [25][27] - The company ended the second quarter with about $17 million in cash and $18 million in receivables, indicating sufficient liquidity for operations [42][43] Environmental Factors - Climate change is exacerbating wildfire conditions, leading to hotter and drier environments, which increases fire intensity and duration [28][29] - The movement of people into wildland urban interfaces (WUI) is creating additional challenges for fire management [30][31] Technological Innovations - Bridger is developing multi-mission aircraft capable of various firefighting tasks, including real-time situational awareness through the Ignis app [33][34] - The Ignis app enhances communication and safety for firefighters by providing real-time data and evacuation routes [35][36] International Expansion - Bridger is targeting European countries like Greece, Turkey, and Portugal for potential contracts, driven by increasing fire incidents and aircraft shortages [40][41] Additional Important Insights - The company is positioned to leverage military surplus aircraft for firefighting, particularly in the rotor wing market [38][39] - Bridger's proactive approach to fire management and technology integration is aimed at saving lives and property [36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 reached a record $30,800,000, up 136% from $13,000,000 in Q2 2024 [22] - Positive net income of $300,000 reported, compared to a net loss of $10,000,000 in the previous year, marking the first positive net income in Q2 [7][24] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $10,800,000, compared to $200,000 in Q2 2024 [25] - Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 2025 were $17,000,000, down from $39,300,000 in Q2 2024 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - FMS contributed $400,000 in revenue during Q2 2025, with optimism for year-round revenue growth despite delays due to federal budgeting [11][12] - Revenue from ongoing operations more than doubled to $25,700,000 compared to $11,200,000 in Q2 2024 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date wildfires have been above average in count with approximately 40,000 fires, but below average in acreage burned at just over 3,000,000 acres [10] - The company secured two separate 120-day task orders for its Super Scoopers, indicating strong adoption of its firefighting assets [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on year-round demand and maximizing fleet utilization, with a strategy to enhance operational effectiveness through new technologies [10][12] - Plans to develop a new water scooping firefighting aircraft, the FF72, with the first delivery scheduled for 2029 [13] - The company is pursuing exclusive use contracts with states to provide firefighting assets, anticipating increased demand due to year-round wildfire threats [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the significance of the President's executive order to restructure the national wildland firefighting system, which is expected to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in wildfire management [17][18] - The company is optimistic about future growth driven by federal and state initiatives aimed at improving wildfire response and management [20][30] Other Important Information - The company plans to use proceeds from a sale-leaseback transaction of its Bozeman campus facilities to repay outstanding debt, which will lower ongoing interest expenses [27] - Guidance for 2025 anticipates adjusted EBITDA of $42,000,000 to $48,000,000 on revenue of $105,000,000 to $111,000,000, with expectations for continued improvement in cash flow [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the company's growth? - The company is trending towards the higher end of its annual guidance due to increased adoption of its aircraft and record task orders [30] Question: Are there any updates on the Spanish Super Scoopers? - The company plans to revisit guidance after reporting third-quarter results, which are expected to represent the bulk of revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the year [28]

Core Viewpoint - Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is set to release its financial results for Q2 2025 on August 7, 2025, and will participate in the Canaccord Genuity Annual Growth Conference on August 12, 2025, in Boston [1][4]. Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, will be released after market close on August 7, 2025 [1]. - An investor conference call is scheduled for August 7 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results and business outlook [2]. Conference Participation - Management will present at the Canaccord Genuity Annual Growth Conference on August 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time [4]. - A live and archived webcast of the presentation will be available on the company's Investor Relations website [4]. Company Overview - Bridger Aerospace, based in Belgrade, Montana, is one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the U.S., providing services to federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service [5].

Core Viewpoint - Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. has signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement for a sale leaseback transaction of its facilities at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport for at least $46 million, aimed at reducing debt and ongoing cash interest [1][4]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale leaseback transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 and is subject to customary closing conditions [1]. - Concurrently, Bridger will enter into a ten-year lease agreement with SR Aviation Infrastructure for the hangar and office headquarters, allowing continued use for aerial firefighting operations [2]. Group 2: Company Background - Bridger Aerospace is one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the U.S., providing services to federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service [5]. - The company is based in Belgrade, Montana, and focuses on wildfire management services both domestically and internationally [5]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The CEO of Bridger expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, highlighting the opportunity to capitalize on real estate value and reduce the company's debt balance, which is expected to enhance shareholder value [4]. - The transaction reflects Bridger's commitment to the Bozeman area while enabling growth and operational efficiency [4].

Core Insights - Bridger Aerospace has received two separate 120-day task orders from the US Forest Service for its CL-415EAF "Super Scooper" aircraft, marking a significant early procurement in the wildfire season [1][2] - The task orders highlight the effectiveness of Super Scoopers in wildfire response and the Forest Service's strategy to pre-position assets for quicker response times [2] - The company aims to enhance revenue predictability by maintaining its fleet readiness year-round [2] Company Overview - Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the United States, providing services to federal and state agencies, including the US Forest Service [3] - The company is based in Belgrade, Montana, and operates both domestically and internationally [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record first quarter revenue of $15,600,000, an increase of 184% compared to $5,500,000 in the same quarter last year [6][19] - Adjusted EBITDA was negative $5,100,000 for Q1 2025, an improvement from negative $6,900,000 in Q1 2024 [21] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $15,500,000 or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $20,100,000 or $0.55 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from ongoing operations, including FMS, more than doubled to approximately $9,700,000 compared to approximately $4,500,000 in Q1 2024 [20] - The company signed a five-year $20.1 million IDIQ contract with the U.S. Department of the Interior for two air attack and surveillance aircraft [10] - The exclusive use agreement for wildfire detection and mapping in Montana has a minimum annual value of $648,000 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wildfire activity in 2025 has been above average, with nearly 22,000 fires and close to 1,000,000 acres burned to date [7] - The company anticipates above-normal temperatures and dryer conditions across much of the U.S. through August, which may increase demand for firefighting services [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on maximizing exclusive use contracts to ensure its fleet is dedicated to wildfire response efforts [26] - Bridger is actively pursuing opportunities with states to provide exclusive use of firefighting assets, indicating a strategic shift towards year-round readiness [10] - The company entered a memorandum of understanding to become the exclusive North American launch customer for the FF72 aircraft, enhancing its fleet capabilities [16][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about beneficial changes at the federal and state levels that will improve wildfire response efficiency [8][10] - The company expects to generate another year of positive cash from operating activities in 2025, with a projected revenue of $105,000,000 to $111,000,000 [23][25] - The solid start to 2025 has increased confidence in the company's guidance, projecting 20% growth in adjusted EBITDA [23] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 2025 with total cash and cash equivalents of $22,300,000, up from $6,800,000 at the end of Q1 2024 [22] - The acquisition of FMS contributed $1,900,000 in revenue during the first quarter [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding DHS and Border Patrol funding - Management confirmed that the PC-12s are currently on contract with high utilization and are looking at new contract opportunities as the budget progresses [30][31] Question: About European contracts - Management indicated ongoing discussions with Turkey and Portugal, as well as other European countries, for potential contracts [34][36]

Core Viewpoint - Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. will release its financial results for Q1 2025 on May 8, 2025, after market close [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, will be announced on May 8, 2025 [1] - An investor conference call is scheduled for May 8 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results and business outlook [2] - The conference call can be accessed via phone or through a live broadcast on the company's Investor Relations website [2] Group 2: Audio Replay Information - An audio replay of the conference call will be available until May 15, 2025 [3] - The replay can be accessed by phone using a specific passcode or through the Investor Relations website [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Bridger Aerospace is one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the U.S., based in Belgrade, Montana [4] - The company provides aerial firefighting and wildfire management services to federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service [4]