Bristow Q1 Revenue $388.7M, Exceeds Expectations
Reports Q1 revenue $388.7M, consensus $384.47M. "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."
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- Financial Performance Outlook: Bristow Group anticipates total revenues between $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion for 2026, with adjusted EBITDA ranging from $295 million to $325 million, reflecting a robust growth potential of approximately 25% year-over-year, indicating a strong trajectory in a transformational year.
- Revenue Growth Drivers: Total revenues increased by $11.4 million compared to Q4 2025, primarily driven by heightened activity in Government Services and increased rates in key Offshore Energy Services, showcasing the company's positive performance amid recovering market demand.
- Depreciation Impact: The company recognized an additional $6.4 million in noncash depreciation expense in Q1 related to S76D medium helicopters, with an expected additional $24 million through early 2027, indicating a significant impact on future financial performance due to the transition to newer models.
- Liquidity and Shareholder Returns: As of March 2026, Bristow reported an unrestricted cash balance of $342 million and total liquidity of approximately $394 million, while also paying $3.7 million in dividends during the quarter, demonstrating the company's ability to maintain financial health and return value to shareholders.
- Net Income Decline: Bristow Group reported a net income of $13.1 million for Q1 2026, translating to $0.44 per diluted share, down from $18.4 million and $0.61 per share in Q4 2025, indicating cost pressures despite revenue growth.
- Revenue Growth: Total revenues reached $388.7 million in Q1, a 3.0% increase from $377.3 million in the previous quarter, with offshore energy services revenue rising by $6.9 million, primarily driven by higher utilization rates in the U.S. and Trinidad.
- Operating Income Fluctuation: Operating income from offshore energy services was $35.7 million, down 15.3% from the previous quarter, mainly due to a $6.0 million increase in depreciation and amortization expenses, highlighting challenges in asset management and cost control.
- Future Outlook: Bristow anticipates total revenues for 2026 to range between $1.58 billion and $1.69 billion, reflecting a positive outlook on market demand, particularly in the context of increasing defense spending and energy security concerns.
- Earnings Announcement: Bristow Group is set to release its Q1 2023 earnings on May 5th after market close, with consensus EPS estimated at $1.10 and revenue expected to reach $384.47 million, reflecting a 9.7% year-over-year growth, which will provide investors with an updated view of the company's financial health.
- Earnings Estimate Changes: Over the past three months, EPS estimates have seen no upward revisions and one downward revision, while revenue estimates experienced one upward and one downward revision, indicating some uncertainty in market expectations regarding Bristow's profitability, which could impact investor confidence.
- Long-Term Financial Guidance: Bristow has affirmed its adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026 in the range of $295 million to $325 million, demonstrating the company's confidence in its future financial performance while providing investors with clear earnings expectations.
- Dividend Program Launch: The announcement of a dividend program by Bristow Group aims to reward shareholders and enhance investor appeal, a move that could potentially boost the company's stock market performance and attract more long-term investors.
- Cash Dividend Announcement: Bristow Group has declared a cash dividend of $0.125 per share, payable on May 29, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is set for May 15, 2026, ensuring that shareholders holding stock before this date will receive the dividend, thereby boosting investor confidence.
- Future Dividend Plans: The company intends to pay regular quarterly cash dividends in the foreseeable future, although subsequent dividends and related dates are subject to final determination by the Board after reviewing financial performance, indicating a focus on financial health.
- Business Overview: Bristow Group is a leading global provider of innovative vertical flight solutions, primarily serving offshore energy companies and government entities with aviation services including personnel transport, search and rescue, and medevac, highlighting its significant role in the industry.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Bristow Group plans to release its Q1 2026 financial results after market close on May 5, 2026, which is expected to provide investors with the latest financial data and business performance insights.
- Conference Call Timing: The company has scheduled a conference call for May 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET, allowing investors to participate via an early registration link to gain further insights into the financial results and future outlook.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the conference call will be available until May 27, 2026, and investors can access the replay using the same link, ensuring that those unable to attend live can still obtain key information.
- Investor Presentation: Alongside the earnings release, Bristow will provide a related investor presentation on its website's investor section, aiding investors in better understanding the company's financial status and strategic direction.
- Executive Retirement Announcement: Bristow Group's COO Alan Corbett announced his intention to retire by year-end, while he will remain in his role until a successor is appointed, ensuring a smooth leadership transition and operational continuity for the company.
- Extensive Leadership Experience: Since joining Bristow in 2014, Corbett has held several senior leadership positions, including Region Director for the Europe Business Unit and Vice President of EAMEA, showcasing his deep experience in international operations that aids the company's strategic positioning in global markets.
- Recent Appointment: Corbett was appointed as COO of Government Services in February 2023, responsible for driving the company's business in government contracts, and his successor will face the challenge of continuing this strategic direction.
- Future Outlook: Bristow Group affirms its adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026 at $295 million to $325 million while launching a dividend program, indicating a stable financial outlook during the executive transition period.








