Bristow Group Inc. (VTOL)
SIC breadcrumb: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > SIC Major Group 45 > SIC 4522 Air Transportation, Nonscheduled
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1525221. Latest filing source: 0001525221-26-000013.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read VTOL's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read VTOL's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,490,512,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-26 |
| Net income | 129,074,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-26 |
| Assets | 2,311,261,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-26 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-26. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001525221.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 281,837,000 | 247,228,000 | 231,321,000 | 221,676,000 | 1,369,662,000 | 1,178,062,000 | 1,209,968,000 | 1,297,429,000 | 1,415,491,000 | 1,490,512,000 | ||||
| Net income | 8,705,000 | -7,978,000 | -28,161,000 | 13,922,000 | -336,847,000 | -56,094,000 | 9,215,000 | -6,780,000 | 94,797,000 | 129,074,000 | ||||
| Operating income | 46,163,000 | 42,651,000 | 24,294,000 | -3,369,000 | -136,464,000 | 28,070,000 | -3,278,000 | 60,751,000 | 132,608,000 | 158,806,000 | ||||
| Diluted EPS | 0.42 | -0.39 | -1.36 | 0.64 | -9.42 | 2.32 | 0.32 | -0.24 | 3.21 | 4.32 | ||||
| Operating cash flow | 44,456,000 | 58,504,000 | 20,096,000 | 54,354,000 | -109,437,000 | 96,845,000 | -7,727,000 | 32,037,000 | 177,420,000 | 198,406,000 | ||||
| Capital expenditures | 40,902,000 | 14,844,000 | 31,068,000 | 81,507,000 | 255,393,000 | 142,021,000 | ||||||||
| Share buybacks | 2,079,000 | 161,000 | 52,000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 10,501,000 | 41,158,000 | 2,713,000 | 4,054,000 | 15,213,000 | ||||
| Assets | 955,173,000 | 792,097,000 | 764,863,000 | 764,515,000 | 1,945,261,000 | 1,992,270,000 | 1,812,001,000 | 1,937,278,000 | 2,125,246,000 | 2,311,261,000 | ||||
| Liabilities | 482,535,000 | 342,650,000 | 298,125,000 | 304,961,000 | 1,369,260,000 | 1,093,627,000 | 1,025,062,000 | 1,114,099,000 | 1,233,974,000 | 1,251,638,000 | ||||
| Stockholders' equity | 275,078,000 | 436,255,000 | 460,654,000 | 471,303,000 | 426,485,000 | 897,613,000 | 787,307,000 | 823,687,000 | 891,707,000 | 1,059,705,000 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 26,950,000 | 13,583,000 | 50,753,000 | 117,366,000 | 196,662,000 | 228,010,000 | 160,029,000 | 180,265,000 | 247,503,000 | 286,208,000 | ||||
| Free cash flow | -150,339,000 | 82,001,000 | -38,795,000 | -49,470,000 | -77,973,000 | 56,385,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 3.09% | -3.23% | -12.17% | 6.28% | -24.59% | -4.76% | 0.76% | -0.52% | 6.70% | 8.66% | ||||
| Operating margin | 8.62% | -1.36% | -58.99% | 12.66% | -0.24% | 4.68% | 9.37% | 10.65% | ||||||
| Return on equity | 1.85% | -6.25% | 1.17% | -0.82% | 10.63% | 12.18% | ||||||||
| Return on assets | -0.84% | -3.56% | 1.82% | -44.06% | -2.82% | 0.51% | -0.35% | 4.46% | 5.58% | |||||
| Liabilities / equity | 3.21 | 1.22 | 1.30 | 1.35 | 1.38 | 1.18 | ||||||||
| Current ratio | 3.76 | 2.54 | 4.02 | 3.86 | 1.76 | 1.92 | 1.73 | 1.82 | 1.90 | 1.90 |
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001525221-26-000013; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001525221-26-000013; concept PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets | Free cash flow: accession 0001525221-26-000013; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001525221-26-000013; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-06. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001525221.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2021-09-30 | 0.10 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2021-12-31 | 0.00 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | -0.05 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 319,383,000 | -1,637,000 | -0.06 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 338,090,000 | 4,317,000 | 0.15 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 337,934,000 | -7,938,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 337,094,000 | 6,605,000 | 0.23 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 359,749,000 | 28,157,000 | 0.96 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 365,122,000 | 28,242,000 | 0.95 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 353,526,000 | 31,793,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 350,530,000 | 27,359,000 | 0.92 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 376,429,000 | 31,748,000 | 1.07 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 386,289,000 | 51,544,000 | 1.72 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 377,264,000 | 18,423,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 388,705,000 | 13,106,000 | 0.44 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001525221-26-000082; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001525221-26-000082; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001525221-26-000082; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001525221-26-000082.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes, included elsewhere herein, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 26, 2026 (the “Annual Report on Form 10-K”). Unless the context otherwise indicates, in this MD&A, any references to the “Company,” “Bristow,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Bristow Group Inc. and its consolidated entities.
In the discussions that follow, the terms “Current Quarter”, “Preceding Quarter” and “Prior Year Quarter” refer to the three months ended March 31, 2026, December 31, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 we are filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in particular, the risks discussed in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this report and those discussed in other documents we file with 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
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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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are qualified by these cautionary statements and are only made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result 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.
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Overview
Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides 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 business is comprised of three reportable segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services. Our offshore energy customers primarily use our services to transport personnel to, from and between offshore energy installations. Our government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby we operate specialized helicopters and provide highly trained personnel. Our other customers primarily include fixed wing passengers utilizing our regional airline in Australia and companies that dry-lease helicopters from us in support of other industries and markets in which we do not directly compete or operate in.
Bristow currently has 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 U.S.
In general, the winter months are seasonally our lowest revenue periods, with fewer daylight hours resulting in reduced flight hours in our Offshore Energy Services segment and fewer missions in our Government Services segment. For example, operations in the U.S. Gulf of America are often at their highest levels from April to September, as daylight hours increase, and are at their lowest levels from December to February, as daylight hours decrease. See “Segments and Markets” in Part I, Item 1, “Business” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on seasonality.
Fleet Information
The management of our fleet involves a careful evaluation of the expected demand for helicopter services across global markets, segments, and the types of helicopters needed to meet this demand. Heavy and medium helicopters fly longer distances and can carry heavier payloads than light helicopters and are usually equipped with sophisticated avionics permitting them to operate in more demanding weather conditions and difficult climates. Heavy and medium helicopters are most commonly used for crew changes on large offshore production facilities and drilling rigs servicing the offshore energy industry and for SAR operations.
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.
[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","Percentage of Total Revenues","","Helicopters","","Fixed Wing","","","","UAS"],["","Heavy","","Medium","","Light Twin","","Light Single","","","Total"],["Offshore Energy Services","65","%","","57","","","60","","","12","","","\u2014","","","\u2014","","","","","\u2014","","","129"],["Government Services","28","%","","32","","","11","","","3","","","20","","","\u2014","","","","","3","","","69"],["Other Services","7","%","","\u2014","","","\u2014","","","\u2014","","","5","","","13","","","","",
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
A discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 can be found in Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025.
Overview
We are the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, primarily providing aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Our business comprises three reportable segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services, using a fleet of 214 aircraft located across five continents and in 15 different countries. Today, we serve customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, Ireland, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, UK and the U.S. Our offshore energy customers primarily use our services to transport personnel to, from and between offshore energy installations. Our government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby we operate specialized helicopters and provide highly trained personnel. Our other customers primarily include fixed wing passengers utilizing our regional airline in Australia and companies that dry-lease helicopters from us in support of other industries and markets in which we do not directly compete or operate in.
During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, approximately 66% and 68%, respectively, of our total revenues were derived from Offshore Energy Services while approximately 26% and 23%, respectively, were derived from Government Services and approximately 8% and 9%, respectively, were derived from Other Services.
Recent Developments
Initiation of Quarterly Dividend Program
On February 25, 2026, Bristow launched its quarterly cash dividend program and declared a dividend of $0.125 per share of its common stock. The cash dividend will be paid on March 26, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 13, 2026. See Part II, Item 5 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details on the Company’s dividend policy.
Irish Coast Guard Contract Transition
On February 1, 2026, Bristow’s last Irish SAR base went live at Waterford Airport, in south-east Ireland. Bristow will provide critical, life saving, day and night-time operations in Ireland, delivering nationwide all-weather 24-hour coverage, 365 days a year. The 10-year, ~€670 million IRCG contract includes the use of six specialized SAR-configured AW189 helicopters equipped with the latest evolution of mission systems along with two specialized fixed-wing aircraft providing operational support for search and rescue and environmental monitoring.
Closing of $500 Million Senior Secured Notes and Extension of ABL Facility
In January 2026, Bristow closed a private offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2033 (the “6.750% Senior Notes”), which were issued at par and bear interest payable semiannually. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds to irrevocably deposit funds with the trustee under the indenture governing its existing 6.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “6.875% Senior Notes”) in an amount sufficient to redeem the 6.875% Senior Notes in full on March 1, 2026, resulting in the satisfaction
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and discharge of the indenture governing the 6.875% Senior Notes upon deposit, with the remaining net proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes.
In January 2026, Bristow entered into an amendment and restatement of its asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Facility”), which, among other things, extended the maturity date to January 26, 2031 (subject to certain provisions), reduced the total commitments under the ABL Facility from $85 million to $70 million, permitted an increase of the total commitments up to a maximum aggregate amount of $105 million (subject to satisfaction of certain terms and conditions) and revised the interest rate pricing by reducing the applicable margin under each tranche by 25 basis points and eliminating the 0.10% credit spread adjustment in respect of the first-out tranche introduced in connection with the 2022 transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”).
See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
Completes Its First Electric Aviation Test Project in Norway
In February 2026, Bristow completed its first electric aviation test project, conducted as an international test arena alongside partners BETA Technologies, Inc. (“Beta”), Avinor and Norway CAA, using BETA's ALIA CX300 aircraft. Over a six-month period, the aircraft performed regular test flights on a cargo route between Stavanger and Bergen, bringing the project to a close and delivering valuable real-world experience in electric aircraft operations, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. As a result, airports, air traffic control, and regulators gained hands-on experience with charging infrastructure, winter operations, new procedures, and future training needs.
Signs Launch Agreement with Electra to Secure First Delivery Slot for EL9 Aircraft
In January 2026, Bristow announced it had signed a deposit agreement with Electra.aero, Inc. (“Electra”) to secure the first delivery slots for five Electra EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft, subject to aircraft certification. The EL9 aircraft is capable of carrying nine passengers with baggage or 3,000 pounds of cargo for 330 nautical miles, and has a maximum ferry range of 1,100 nautical miles. Upon certification and delivery of aircraft, Bristow plans to deploy the EL9 across turnkey mobility solutions for corporate customers, premier destinations and resorts, major and regional airlines, and government agencies operating essential public service routes.
Advances Role in Electric Air‑Taxi Network with Vertical Aerospace and Skyports
In December 2025, Bristow announced its expanded role in advancing the UK’s first electric air‑taxi network through a new collaboration with Vertical Aerospace (“Vertical”) and Skyports Infrastructure (“Skyports”), with initial service targeted for early 2029. Under the arrangement, Bristow will leverage its operational expertise and Air Operator Certificates to lead early route operations connecting Canary Wharf with major transportation hubs, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Cambridge, and Oxford, supported by Vertical’s newly introduced Valo eVTOL aircraft (“Valo”) and Skyports’ infrastructure. Valo is designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph with zero operating emissions, and engineered to meet airliner-level safety standards. The aircraft is targeting certification in 2028, enabling entry into service in the U.S. and globally with airline and operator customers. Furthermore, this partnership is also working on a range of future mobility solutions for Valo in the U.S., including routes in and out of Manhattan, New York. The plans are expected to cut multi-hour road journeys to minutes, such as flying from John F. Kennedy (JFK) and other airports to Manhattan, as well as other use cases such as event travel, leisure and aerial sightseeing tours, cross-town urban transfers and emergency services.
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Market Outlook
Offshore Energy Services
Many energy industry observers believe that the combination of increasing long-term energy demand tied to global economic growth, geopolitical conflicts leading to energy security concerns, and a growing desire for more efficient and consistent energy sources are contributing to the shift towards deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling. While initial costs are higher, deepwater and ultra-deepwater regions often hold vast, untapped reservoirs of oil and natural gas that can produce energy over decades while proving better returns on invested capital over their useful lives compared to onshore wells. In recent years, innovations in deepwater technology, such as advanced seismic imaging and high-pressure drilling equipment, have reduced exploratory risks and improved operational efficiency and safety, making previously inaccessible reserves viable for development. As energy exploration, development and production moves further offshore and into deeper waters, more heavy and medium helicopters and newer technology helicopters are expected to be required by our customers. In addition, markets such as Nigeria and Brazil continue to show growth and increased demand for vertical lift. We believe we are well positioned to benefit from higher pricing and improved cash flows as legacy contracts expire and are renegotiated at higher rates and on better terms for the service provider. While drilling and exploration activity is likely amidst a mid-cycle activity plateau that may persist for much of 2026, many energy analysts expect exploration activity to increase in late 2026 and beyond.
Fortunately, the dynamics that continue to support the positive outlook for our sector differ from those of other oilfield services companies in key ways. For instance, although the offshore energy market is highly cyclical with demand linked to the price of oil and gas, the impacts of short-term fluctuations in commodity prices are less severe on our primarily production-focused business. While long periods of depressed prices would have more significant impacts, we believe current prices can continue to provide the fundamentals needed for sustained growth.
During the offshore energy downturn that began in late 2014 and continued through 2021, deliveries of new helicopters for offshore operations were limited. Throughout this downturn, numerous helicopters were sold or otherwise exited the offshore market. However, the recent increase in offshore energy activity that began in 2022 is driving a constructive supply and demand balance for offshore helicopters, and the once excess available capacity has shrunk, with effective utilization levels for offshore-configured medium, super medium and heavy helicopters near 100%. A significant portion of recent offshore helicopter deliveries have been to closed-market operators and jurisdictions (e.g., China and the Middle East) that do not address the demand across our target markets and do not directly impact the markets or helicopter fleet with which we compete. In addition, militaries and governments placing orders for helicopter models that share OEM production lines with civilian aircraft have contributed to longer lead times for new builds, in some instances taking upwards of 24 months for new order deliveries. In addition to longer delivery lead times, there are fewer helicopter manufacturers building certified, relevant models for our operating segments compared to just a decade ago.
Severe supply chain challenges have also delayed parts and repairs for relevant offshore helicopter models, thereby, at times, limiting the number of aircraft that are serviceable and further tightening the overall supply. The limited available capacity in our markets at this time has resulted in significant net increases in leading-edge rates, and the current utilization levels combined with longer lead times for new builds comes at a time when we have reset only a portion of our Offshore Energy Services contracts at leading-edge rates, with approximately half set to renew in 2026. Additionally, given our sector’s late cycle exposure and the lag effect involving new projects, helicopter operators are typically contracted later amongst the late-cycle businesses servicing offshore energy exploration and production platforms, often long after rig announcements and often on longer duration contracts than other offshore equipment operators. As such, any mid-cycle lulls or downturns take longer to impact the offshore helicopter industry. As a result of the lack of spare capacity and current helicopter market tightness, customer contract lead times are also beginning to increase. Due to the current favorable environment for service providers, new offshore energy contracts have begun to include more beneficial cancellation provisions and better terms and conditions around certain operational risks. However, any further exacerbation of the supply chain issues could offset a portion of the benefits we expect to derive, primarily through the application of customer-levied penalties or lost opportunities, while relief or return to pre-pandemic supply chain conditions can positively influence our results.
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Government Services
Over the past few years, we have experienced growth from notable awards of Government Services contracts, and the investments we are making to grow and diversify our leading Government Services business are expected to result in attractive long-term cash flow yields for the Company well into the middle of the next decade, as the duration of our Government Services contracts generally last for ten or more years with options for extensions. Operations for the previously announced IRCG contract commenced in late 2024, and the final base transitioned as of early 2026. The transition to the previously announced UKSAR2G contract also commenced in the fourth quarter of 2024, and the last base will finish transitioning in late 2026. We expect the effects of these contract transition completions to have positive impacts on our financial results in 2026 and beyond. Any strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to local currencies, particularly the British pound sterling and the Euro, and the impacts of penalties due to aircraft availability, primarily related to supply chain challenges that are expected to persist, could offset a portion of the benefits we expect to derive from increased activity.
Privatization of aviation services historically operated by the public sector depend heavily on governmental agencies receiving funding through budget appropriation and the desire to outsource such services. Government Services, especially the public SAR market, are continuing to evolve, and we believe further outsourcing of public SAR services and other government contract work will become available to the private sector in the future. For example, recent announcements by NATO members regarding defense spend targets and a commitment to spending 5% of their GDP on core defense and resilience initiatives by 2035, provide promising opportunities, as we believe it would be difficult to achieve these targets without some combination of private and public partnerships. We believe that we are well positioned to continue to serve the government services market as more opportunities arise.
Other Services
Other Services has experienced growth in recent years from charter revenues and increased passenger activity in Australia. Performance for this market is largely tied to passenger demand in Northern and Western Australia. We believe the financial performance of this business will remain consistent, with at or near current levels of activity.
Components of Revenues and Expenses
We derive our revenues primarily from providing aviation services, and our profits depend on our cost of capital, the acquisition costs of aircraft, our operating costs, market conditions, customer demand and our ability to win and negotiate profitable contracts. A majority of our revenues are generated through two types of contracts: helicopter services and fixed wing services. We operate in three segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services.
The primary drivers of our revenues are utilization, rates and capacity. Utilization can refer to either aircraft utilization, which is the number of hours an aircraft has flown during the period, or contract utilization, which is the commencement or end of contracts and the number of aircraft on contract in a given period. Rates mainly refer to the Monthly Standing Charge (“MSC”), which is the fixed monthly fee charged to a customer for the right to use an aircraft, or the Fixed Hourly Rate (“FHR”), which is an incremental per flight hour charge for hours flown. Capacity can refer to new aircraft that have been added to the fleet, older aircraft that have been removed from the fleet, or when an existing aircraft has been moved to a different market, increasing or decreasing the capacity in that market.
Revenues under our Offshore Energy Services segment are primarily generated from offshore energy exploration, development and production activities by our customers, with contracts generally ranging between one to five years or in some cases, longer. Revenues are typically earned through a combination of an MSC plus an incremental FHR. Ad hoc revenues are typically earned through either a combination of a daily fixed fee plus a charge based on hours flown or an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily.
In our Government Services segment, we provide public sector SAR and other aviation services to government agencies. Revenues for these emergency response services are also earned through an MSC plus an incremental FHR fee.
In our Other Services segment, we derive revenues from our fixed wing operations by providing transportation services through regular passenger transport (scheduled airline service with individual commercial ticket sales)
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and charter services. For charter services, our contracts typically include variable rates based on the number of passengers, flights or flight hours. These charter service agreements may also include an MSC; however, this is much less common as compared to helicopter contracts.
For helicopters that we lease to third parties under arrangements whereby the customer assumes operational responsibility (dry leases), we often provide technical parts support but generally do not incur other material operating costs. In some instances, we may provide training and other services to support our leasing customers for an additional charge.
In many cases, aircraft components, such as engines and transmissions, are maintained by third-party vendors under contractual agreements also referred to as power-by-the-hour (“PBH”) maintenance agreements. Under these agreements, the Company is charged an agreed amount per hour of flying time related to maintenance, repair and overhaul of the parts and components covered. The costs under these arrangements are expensed in the period that the flight hours were incurred. When the Company places a helicopter in a PBH program after a maintenance period has begun, it may be necessary to pay an initial buy-in charge based on hours flown since the previous maintenance event. The timing of entering or exiting third-party PBH programs and the timing of credits issued by the OEMs (also referred to as vendor credits) may create variation in our operating expenses between comparative periods.
For aircraft that are not covered by PBH programs, maintenance and repair costs, including major aircraft component overhaul costs, are recognized in the period they are incurred.
In our industry, vendor credits are common practice and generally provided for reasons such as (i) credits tied to asset purchases, particularly when a customer has placed orders for several aircraft; (ii) OEM performance and delays; and (iii) incentives when entering or extending long-term PBH and other maintenance contracts or as refunds when exiting such contracts or as aircraft covered by PBH contracts are retired. We have historically applied vendor credits towards aircraft and inventory parts purchases or towards ongoing maintenance.
Our policy of expensing helicopter repair costs as incurred, particularly for those aircraft not on PBH agreements, and recognizing vendor credits may result in operating expenses varying substantially when compared with a prior year or prior quarter if a disproportionate number of repairs, refurbishments, overhauls or credits are undertaken.
The aggregate cost of our operations depends primarily on the size and asset mix of the fleet and the number of flight hours. Our direct operating expenses are grouped into the following categories:
•personnel (includes wages, benefits, payroll taxes and savings plans);
•repairs and maintenance (includes hourly charges for PBH maintenance contracts, amortization of PBH buy-in charges, vendor credits, inventory usage and adjustments and additional maintenance and repair costs, including major aircraft component overhaul costs);
•insurance (includes the cost of hull and liability insurance premiums and loss deductibles);
•fuel;
•leased-in equipment (includes the cost of leasing helicopters and equipment); and
•other (primarily base and facility expenses, amortization of deferred contract costs, subcontractor costs, property, sales and use taxes, training, transportation, freight, flight systems costs and other).
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Results of Operations in 2025 Compared to 2024
The following table presents our operating results and other statement of operations information for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the “Current Year”) and the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Prior Year”):
Annual Consolidated Statement of Operations by Segment
(in thousands, except percentages)
| Year Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services: | ||||||||||||||
| Europe | $ | 411,281 | $ | 427,739 | (16,458) | (3.8) | % | |||||||
| Americas | 387,501 | 368,319 | 19,182 | 5.2 | % | |||||||||
| Africa | 191,698 | 170,006 | 21,692 | 12.8 | % | |||||||||
| Total Offshore Energy Services | 990,480 | 966,064 | 24,416 | 2.5 | % | |||||||||
| Government Services | 379,437 | 329,654 | 49,783 | 15.1 | % | |||||||||
| Other Services | 120,595 | 119,773 | 822 | 0.7 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,490,512 | 1,415,491 | 75,021 | 5.3 | % | |||||||||
| Operating income (loss): | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services | 165,582 | 132,165 | 33,417 | 25.3 | % | |||||||||
| Government Services | 5,078 | 21,070 | (15,992) | (75.9) | % | |||||||||
| Other Services | 9,814 | 13,747 | (3,933) | (28.6) | % | |||||||||
| Corporate | (21,668) | (34,374) | 12,706 | 37.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total operating income | 158,806 | 132,608 | 26,198 | 19.8 | % | |||||||||
| Interest income | 9,354 | 8,901 | 453 | 5.1 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (39,918) | (37,581) | (2,337) | (6.2) | % | |||||||||
| Other, net | 22,994 | (1,865) | 24,859 | nm | ||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | (7,570) | (30,545) | 22,975 | 75.2 | % | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 151,236 | 102,063 | 49,173 | 48.2 | % | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | (21,809) | (7,193) | (14,616) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net income | 129,427 | 94,870 | 34,557 | 36.4 | % | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (353) | (73) | (280) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | $ | 129,074 | $ | 94,797 | $ | 34,277 | 36.2 | % | ||||||
| Operating income margins: | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services | 17 | % | 14 | % | ||||||||||
| Government Services | 1 | % | 6 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Services | 8 | % | 11 | % |
__________________
nm = Not Meaningful
Flight Hours by Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services: | ||||||||||
| Europe | 34,600 | 38,284 | (3,684) | (9.6) | % | |||||
| Americas | 42,311 | 42,583 | (272) | (0.6) | % | |||||
| Africa | 19,211 | 16,946 | 2,265 | 13.4 | % | |||||
| Total Offshore Energy Services | 96,122 | 97,813 | (1,691) | (1.7) | % | |||||
| Government Services | 18,011 | 18,811 | (800) | (4.3) | % | |||||
| Other Services | 14,648 | 13,682 | 966 | 7.1 | % | |||||
| 128,781 | 130,306 | (1,525) | (1.2) | % |
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Annual Results of Operations
Offshore Energy Services
Revenues from Offshore Energy Services were $24.4 million higher in the Current Year. Revenues in Africa were $21.7 million higher primarily due to higher utilization and additional aircraft capacity. Revenues in the Americas were $19.2 million higher primarily due to higher utilization in the U.S. and Brazil, which was partially offset by the absence of a one-time benefit in the Prior Year related to the transition from cash basis recognition to an accrual basis of accounting in Canada and lower utilization in Trinidad. Revenues in Europe were $16.5 million lower primarily due to lower utilization, partially offset by higher reimbursable revenues, higher rates and favorable foreign exchange rate impacts. Operating income was $33.4 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to the higher revenues coupled with lower general and administrative expenses of $5.9 million and lower operating expenses of $3.6 million, partially offset by lower earnings from unconsolidated affiliates of $0.9 million. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower professional services fees, insurance and lease costs. Repairs and maintenance costs were $34.0 million lower primarily due to higher vendor credits. Fuel costs were $6.5 million lower due to lower global fuel prices and decreased flight hours in Europe. Insurance costs were $1.4 million lower primarily due to lower commercial property insurance premiums. Personnel costs were $21.8 million higher primarily due to increased headcount in Africa and Brazil due to increased activity, unfavorable foreign exchange rate impacts and labor agreement escalations. Other operating expenses were $15.7 million higher primarily due to higher reimbursable expenses, freight, demobilization and training costs. Leased-in equipment costs were $1.0 million higher primarily due to an increase in aircraft and non-aircraft leases.
Government Services
Revenues from Government Services were $49.8 million higher in the Current Year due to the commencement of the IRCG contract and higher UKSAR revenues primarily due to favorable foreign exchange rate impacts and the commencement of fixed wing services. Operating income was $16.0 million lower primarily due to higher expenses attributable to the commencement of new contracts in Ireland and the UK, partially offset by the higher revenues. Operating expenses were $57.9 million higher primarily due to higher subcontractor costs of $28.2 million, which are expected to subside as transitions to the new contracts conclude in 2026, higher amortization of deferred costs of $7.7 million, increased personnel costs of $15.1 million and other operating expenses of $9.4 million, partially offset by lower repairs and maintenance costs of $2.5 million primarily due to increased vendor credits. Additionally, general and administrative costs and depreciation and amortization expenses were $4.4 million and $3.5 million higher, respectively, primarily due to the ongoing transitions of the new Government Services contracts.
Other Services
Revenues from Other Services were $0.8 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to higher activity, partially offset by lower revenues due to the conclusion of certain dry-lease contracts. Operating income from Other Services was $3.9 million lower primarily due to higher operating expenses of $5.9 million, offsetting the higher revenues of $0.8 million and lower depreciation and amortization expenses of $1.0 million. The increase in operating expenses was due to higher other operating expense of $2.3 million, higher personnel costs of $1.6 million and higher lease expenses of $1.6 million, all of which were all primarily driven by increased activity in Australia.
Corporate
Total operating losses for Corporate were $12.7 million lower than the Prior Year primarily due to increased gains on disposal of assets. During the Current Year, the Company sold or otherwise disposed of four AW139 medium helicopters, one S92 heavy helicopter and other assets, resulting in net gains of $11.8 million. During the Prior Year, the Company sold or otherwise disposed of 13 helicopters and various other assets, resulting in net losses of $1.0 million.
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Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net was $2.3 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to higher interest rates and accelerated amortization expense related to early debt repayments offset by higher capitalized interest on new aircraft under construction.
Other, net
Other income, net of $23.0 million in the Current Year primarily resulted from foreign exchange gains of $22.5 million and gains on insurance recoveries of $5.0 million, partially offset by pension related costs of $4.3 million. Other expense, net of $1.9 million in the Prior Year primarily resulted from foreign exchange losses of $8.9 million, partially offset by insurance recoveries of $4.5 million and pension-related income of $2.5 million.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense was $14.6 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to the earnings mix of the Company’s global operations and higher earnings before tax.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
As of December 31, 2025, we had $286.2 million of unrestricted cash and $60.7 million of remaining availability under our ABL Facility for total liquidity of $346.9 million. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 65% of our total cash balance was held outside the U.S. Most of our cash held outside the U.S. could be repatriated to the U.S., and any such repatriation could be subject to additional taxes. If cash held by non-U.S. operations is required for funding operations in the U.S., we may make a provision for additional taxes in connection with repatriating this cash, which is not expected to have a significant impact on our results of operations.
Summary of Cash Flows
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Cash flows provided by or (used in): | ||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 198,406 | $ | 177,420 | ||
| Investing activities | (87,327) | (245,954) | ||||
| Financing activities | (66,045) | 141,104 |
Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $21.0 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to an increase in operating income partially offset by an increase in net working capital uses. Working capital uses of $23.1 million in the Current Year primarily resulted from increases in inventory to support new contracts and to mitigate risks related to supply chain constraints and an increase in other assets primarily related to start-up costs for new Government Services contracts. These working capital uses were partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivables as a result of higher collections. Working capital uses of $0.7 million in the Prior Year were primarily due to increases in inventories and the timing of payments to vendors.
Investing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash used in investing activities was $87.3 million primarily consisting of:
•Capital expenditures of $142.0 million primarily related to payments for aircraft, leasehold improvements and purchases of equipment, partially offset by
•Proceeds of $54.7 million from the sale of assets.
During the Prior Year, net cash used in investing activities was $246.0 million primarily consisting of:
•Capital expenditures of $255.4 million primarily related to payments for aircraft, purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements, partially offset by
•Proceeds of $9.4 million from the sale of assets.
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Financing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash used in financing activities was $66.0 million primarily consisting of:
•Repayments of debt of $57.8 million related to the principal on secured equipment term loans, and
•Share repurchases of $15.2 million, partially offset by
•Proceeds from borrowings of $5.8 million, and
•Exercise of stock options of $1.4 million.
During the Prior Year, net cash provided by financing activities was $141.1 million primarily consisting of:
•Proceeds from borrowings of $164.6 million, partially offset by
•Repayments of debt of $15.4 million,
•Debt issuance costs of $4.5 million, and
•Share repurchases of $4.1 million.
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents denominated in currencies other than the reporting currency are reflected in a separate line on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Through our foreign operations, we are exposed to currency fluctuations, and changes in the value of the GBP relative to the U.S. dollar have the most significant impacts to the effect of exchange rate changes on our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
Capital Allocation Framework
We consistently evaluate the best uses of our cash flow and aim to yield the highest value and return on capital. Our capital allocation strategy includes the following:
Balance Sheet:
•Protect and maintain strong balance sheet and liquidity position by reducing debt balances. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we made $40.1 million (£29.6 million) of accelerated principal payments on the UKSAR Debt, in support of this goal.
•Structure leases and debt to facilitate financial flexibility.
Growth:
•Pursue high impact, high return organic growth opportunities, which currently prioritizes the completion of the UKSAR2G contract transitions. We are also currently upgrading the fleet with new OES configured AW189 helicopters to meet customer demand and enhance profitability.
•Assess other growth opportunities through potential mergers and acquisitions.
•Pursue various Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) opportunities.
Shareholder Capital Returns:
•Opportunistically buy back shares using our $125.0 million share repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased 123,966 shares of common stock in open market transactions for gross considerations of $4.0 million, representing an average cost per share of $32.43. As of December 31, 2025, $121.0 million remained available of the $125.0 million share purchase program authorized in February 2025.
•Pay a quarterly cash dividend beginning in the first quarter of 2026, with an initial dividend payment of $0.125 per share ($0.50 per share annualized).
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Material Cash Requirements
Our primary sources of liquidity include unrestricted cash balances, cash flows from operations, borrowings under our ABL Facility and, from time to time, we may obtain additional liquidity through the issuance of equity, debt, other financing options or through asset sales. Our primary uses of liquidity include working capital needs to fund operations, meeting our capital commitments and growth expenditure plans (including the purchase of aircraft, property and other equipment), the repurchase of shares or debt securities, payment of debt service obligations and executing on our other capital allocation targets. We may, from time to time, redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire our outstanding debt through privately-negotiated transactions, open market purchases, redemptions, tender offers or otherwise, but we are under no obligation to do so.
As of December 31, 2025, we had no near-term debt maturities, other than the current portion of long-term debt of $27.9 million, and our total debt balance, net of deferred financing fees, was $671.5 million, which was comprised of the 6.875% Senior Notes that were set to mature in March 2028, the UKSAR Debt maturing in March 2036, and the IRCG Debt maturing in June 2031.
In January 2026, the Company closed a private offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.750% Senior Notes, which were issued at par and bear interest payable semiannually. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds to irrevocably deposit funds with the trustee under the indenture governing the 6.875% Senior Notes in an amount sufficient to redeem the 6.875% Senior Notes in full on March 1, 2026, resulting in the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture governing the 6.875% Senior Notes upon deposit, with the remaining net proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes.
In January 2026, Bristow entered into an amendment and restatement of its ABL Facility, which, among other things, extended the maturity date to January 26, 2031 (subject to certain provisions), reduced the total commitments under the ABL Facility from $85 million to $70 million, permitted an increase of the total commitments up to a maximum aggregate amount of $105 million (subject to satisfaction of certain terms and conditions) and revised the interest rate pricing by reducing the applicable margin under each tranche by 25 basis points and eliminating the 0.10% credit spread adjustment in respect of the first-out tranche introduced in connection with the 2022 transition from LIBOR to SOFR.
We believe that our cash flows from operations and other sources of liquidity will continue to be sufficient to meet working capital requirements, debt service obligations and capital expenditure commitments, while meeting capital allocation targets. Our long-term liquidity is dependent upon our ability to generate operating profits sufficient to meet our requirements for operations, debt service, capital expenditures and a reasonable return on investment.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
We have various contractual obligations that are recorded as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
As of December 31, 2025, we had unfunded capital commitments of $104.4 million, consisting primarily of agreements to purchase seven AW189 heavy helicopters scheduled to be delivered in 2026 and deposits for preferred delivery slots on five EL9 aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2030 (subject to aircraft certification). In addition, the Company has outstanding options to purchase up to ten additional AW189 helicopters and nine additional H135 helicopters. If these options are exercised, the AW189 helicopters and the H135 helicopters would be scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028. The Company may, from time to time, purchase aircraft for which it has no orders. Orders to purchase electric vertical takeoff and landing and short takeoff and landing aircraft, collectively known as Advanced Air Mobility (“AAM”) aircraft are subject to, among other things, deadlines for regulatory certification of such aircraft and minimum performance requirements, and failure to satisfy such deadlines or requirements would allow such orders to be terminated by the Company without further liability and require the applicable manufacturer to refund certain deposits to the Company. In addition, the Company has outstanding options for several AAM aircraft models with various OEMs that do not involve financial commitments at this time.
Lease Obligations
From time to time, we may, under favorable market conditions and when necessary, enter into aircraft lease agreements in support of our global operations.
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We have non-cancelable operating leases in connection with the lease of certain equipment, including leases for aircraft, land and facilities used in our operations. The related lease agreements, which range from noncancelable to month-to-month terms, generally provide for fixed monthly rentals and can also include renewal options. As of December 31, 2025, aggregate undiscounted future payments under all non-cancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining terms in excess of one year, were as follows (in thousands):
| Aircraft | Other | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2026 | $ | 79,087 | $ | 11,253 | $ | 90,340 | ||||
| 2027 | 60,835 | 8,017 | 68,852 | |||||||
| 2028 | 44,542 | 6,650 | 51,192 | |||||||
| 2029 | 25,880 | 4,410 | 30,290 | |||||||
| 2030 | 18,744 | 1,945 | 20,689 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 52,720 | 8,969 | 61,689 | |||||||
| $ | 281,808 | $ | 41,244 | $ | 323,052 |
Pension Obligations
We operate two defined benefit pension plans related to BHL and Bristow International Aviation (Guernsey) Limited (“BIAGL”). As of December 2025, we had a net pension asset of $15.2 million as the value of the plan assets exceed the present value of the liabilities that existed at that date.
The minimum funding rules of the UK require the employer to agree to a funding plan with the plans’ trustee for securing that the pension plan has sufficient and appropriate assets to meet its technical provisions liabilities. The technical provisions are the measure of liabilities used for UK funding purposes and differs from that used to determine the balance sheet liabilities. When there is a shortfall in assets against these technical provisions, we are required to make scheduled contributions in amounts sufficient to bring the plan up to fully-funded status as quickly as can be reasonably afforded. Any valuation deficits are funded by contributions by BHL and BIAGL.
The timing of the funding is dependent on actuarial valuations and resulting negotiations with the plan trustees. The employer contributions for the defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were $3.6 million, $11.3 million and $14.3 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2025, we have met the technical provisions and no further funding of the pension scheme is required.
Selected Financial Information on Guarantors of Securities
On February 25, 2021, the Company issued its 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028. As of December 31, 2025, the 6.875% Senior Notes, issued under an indenture, were fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to payment by a number of subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, the “Guarantors”). The Company is a holding company with no significant assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries. In order to meet its financial needs and obligations, the Company relies exclusively on income from dividends and other cash flow from such subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantees provided that, in the event of a default on the 6.875% Senior Notes, the holders of the 6.875% Senior Notes could institute legal proceedings directly against the Guarantors to enforce the guarantees without first proceeding against the Company.
None of the non-Guarantor subsidiaries of the Company were under any direct obligation to pay or otherwise fund amounts due on the 6.875% Senior Notes or the guarantees, whether in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. If such subsidiaries were unable to transfer funds to the Company or Guarantors and sufficient cash or liquidity was not otherwise available, the Company or Guarantors may not have been able to make principal and interest payments on their outstanding debt, including the 6.875% Senior Notes or the guarantees. The following selected financial information of the Guarantors presents a sufficient financial position of the Company to have continued to fulfill its obligations under the requirements of the 6.875% Senior Notes. In January 2026, the indenture governing the 6.875% Senior Notes was satisfied and discharged, and the 6.875% Senior Notes will be redeemed in full on March 1, 2026.
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This selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes (in thousands).
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Current assets | $ | 2,634,832 |
| Non-current assets | 2,587,673 | |
| Current liabilities | 1,903,852 | |
| Non-current liabilities | 723,302 | |
| Year Ended December 31, 2025 | ||
| Total revenues | $ | 760,315 |
| Operating income | 72,555 | |
| Net income | 53,338 | |
| Net income attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | 53,211 |
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various litigation matters including, among other things, claims by third parties for alleged property damages and personal injuries. In addition, from time to time, the Company is involved in tax and other disputes with various government agencies. Management has used estimates in determining the Company’s potential exposure to these matters and has recorded reserves in its consolidated financial statements related thereto as appropriate. It is possible that a change in its estimates related to these exposures could occur, but the Company does not expect such changes in estimated costs or uninsured losses, if any, would have a material effect on its business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are affected by significant judgments and uncertainties which could potentially result in materially different accounting under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has prepared the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following critical accounting estimates could potentially result in a material impact to our financial condition or operating results. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.
Taxes
Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination and evaluation of our tax provision and tax positions involves the interpretation of the tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and requires significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits. Changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements, tax treaties and foreign currency exchange restrictions or our level of operations or profitability in each jurisdiction would impact our tax liability in any given year.
We maintain reserves for estimated income tax exposures in jurisdictions of operation. The expenses reported for these taxes, including our annual tax provision, include the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest. We believe that an appropriate liability has been established for estimated exposures. However, actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
As of December 31, 2025, we have recognized deferred tax assets for certain attributes we expect to be realizable. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. If we are unable to benefit from our deferred tax assets, valuation allowances will be established following the “more-likely-than-not” criteria.
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As of each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could affect its view on the future realization of deferred tax assets.
Pension Benefits
Pension obligations for the defined benefit pension plans are actuarially determined. The obligations are measured using assumptions about the future. We evaluate our assumptions periodically and adjust these assumptions as necessary.
Three critical assumptions are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rate and the mortality rate. The assumption for the estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets is evaluated by our actuarial advisor based on future expectations of investment returns for the asset classes held by the plans’ investment portfolios. We utilize a British pound sterling denominated AA corporate bond index as a basis for determining the discount rate for our UK plans. We base mortality rates utilized on actuarial research on these rates. Changes in these and other assumptions used in the actuarial computations could impact our projected benefit obligations, pension liabilities, pension expense and other comprehensive income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements that will, or could possibly, have an effect on our financial condition and results of operations, see Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001525221-25-000016.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Also included is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition
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and results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Due to our fiscal year transition from March 31 to December 31 that was applied on a prospective basis in December 2022, the discussion of the financial condition and results of operations for the comparative twelve months ended December 31, 2022, is reflected on an unaudited pro forma basis.
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional information on the fiscal year end change can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2024. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Overview
We are the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, primarily providing aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Our business comprises three reportable segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services, using a fleet of 210 aircraft located across six continents and 18 different countries. Today, we serve customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, India, Ireland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the UK and the U.S. Our offshore energy customers primarily use our services to transport personnel to, from and between offshore energy installations. Our government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby we operate specialized helicopters and provide highly trained personnel. Our other customers primarily include fixed wing passengers utilizing our regional airline in Australia and companies that dry-lease helicopters from us in support of other industries and markets where we do not directly compete or operate in.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, approximately 68% and 66%, respectively, of our total revenues were derived from Offshore Energy Services while approximately 23% and 26%, respectively, were derived from Government Services and approximately 9% and 8%, respectively, were derived from Other Services.
Recent Developments
Capital Allocation
In February 2025, we announced a new capital allocation framework with key priorities that include: (i) protect and maintain a strong balance sheet and liquidity position; (ii) pursue high impact, high return growth opportunities; and (iii) return capital to shareholders via opportunistic share repurchases and initiate quarterly dividend payments in 2026. Understanding that the Offshore Energy Services segment is inherently volatile, the Company recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet that can withstand challenging market down cycles. As such, Bristow intends to pay down debt to a balance of approximately $500 million gross debt by the end of 2026. Bristow’s Board of Directors has approved a new $125 million share repurchase program that will be deployed on an opportunistic basis. In addition, the Company intends to initiate a quarterly dividend program beginning in the first quarter of 2026, with an initial dividend payment of $0.125 per share ($0.50 per share annualized).
Market Outlook
Recent concerns, amongst industry observers, around the offshore rig count and white space pose important questions about the outlook for global offshore energy markets. While there are headwinds that impact our business, including supply chain challenges and a strong U.S. dollar, the dynamics that continue to support the positive outlook for our sector differ from those of other oilfield services companies in key ways.
For instance, although the offshore energy market is highly cyclical with demand linked to the price of oil and gas, the impacts of short-term fluctuations in commodity prices are less severe on our primarily production-focused business. While long periods of depressed prices would have more significant impacts, we believe current prices can continue to provide the fundamentals needed for sustained growth.
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During the offshore energy downturn that began in late 2014, deliveries of new helicopters were limited, as the price of crude oil had been range-bound for a number of years. This negatively impacted the cash flows of our customers and led to reduced capital and operational expenditures, including reductions related to offshore exploration, development and production activities. Throughout this downturn, numerous helicopters were sold or otherwise exited the offshore market. However, the recent increase in offshore energy activity that began in 2022 is driving a constructive supply and demand balance for offshore helicopters, and the once excess available capacity has shrunk, with utilization levels for offshore-configured medium, super medium and heavy helicopters at or near 100%. Furthermore, militaries and governments placing orders for aircraft models that share OEM production lines with civilian aircraft have led to longer lead times for new builds, in some instances taking upwards of 18 to 24 months for new order deliveries. The long lead times, coupled with at or near full utilization of relevant aircraft models, come at a time when we have only reset a portion of our Offshore Energy Services contracts at leading-edge rates, with the majority set to renew in late 2025 and 2026.
Severe supply chain challenges have also delayed parts and repairs for the S92 heavy helicopters, thereby limiting the number of S92s that are serviceable today and further tightening the overall supply; while this has helped raise rates to some extent, there is now unmet lift demand that serviceable S92s could absorb. Any further exacerbation of this supply chain issue could bias our guidance to the lower end of the range, while relief or return to pre-pandemic levels can positively influence our results.
Additionally, given our sector’s late cycle exposure and the lag effect involving new projects, helicopter operators are typically contracted later amongst the late-cycle businesses servicing offshore energy exploration and production platforms, often long after rig announcements. As a result of the lack of spare capacity and current helicopter market tightness, contract lead times are beginning to increase. Some of our contracts that recently commenced were awarded last year, and conversations with customers are just beginning for services set to commence in 2025 and 2026. Furthermore, markets such as Nigeria and Brazil continue to show growth and increased demand for vertical lift. We believe we are well positioned to meet this demand given our decades-long experience operating in these markets, our reputation for safety and reliability, and our performance history. The combination of all these factors continue to support our outlook that we are in the midst of a multi-year growth cycle that will benefit the offshore helicopter market.
Government Services, especially the public SAR market, are continuing to evolve, and while there are no current active tenders, we believe further outsourcing of public SAR services and other government contract work will become available to the private sector in the future, although the timing of these opportunities is uncertain. Over the past few years, we have experienced growth from notable awards of government services contracts, and the investments we are making to grow and diversify our leading government services business are expected to result in attractive long-term cash flow yields for the Company well into the middle of the next decade. Operations for the previously announced IRCG contract commenced in late 2024 and are expected to finish transitioning in 2025. The transition to the previously announced UKSAR2G contract also commenced in the fourth quarter of 2024, and the last base will finish transitioning in late 2026. We expect the full year impact of these contract commencements to have positive impacts on our financial results in 2026 and beyond, though the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to local currencies, particularly the British pound sterling and the Euro, and the impacts of penalties due to aircraft availability, primarily related to supply chain challenges that are expected to persist, could offset a portion of the benefits we expect to derive from increased activity. Additionally, 2025 will largely remain a transition period for our Government Services segment as we incur costs related to these new contracts while revenues and operations fully ramp, and though the majority of capital expenditures will conclude in 2025, associated operating expenses and delays in contract transitions may not present the full earnings power and quality margins from this business until 2026 and beyond. For further commentary on these risks, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Foreign Currency Risk” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The duration of Government Services contracts generally lasts for ten or more years with options for extensions. Privatization of aviation services historically operated by the public sector depend heavily on governmental agencies receiving funding through budget appropriation and the desire to outsource such services. We believe that we are well positioned to continue to serve the market as more opportunities arise.
Other Services has experienced growth in recent years from charter revenues in Australia, and we observed higher yields in scheduled passenger transport throughout the year. Performance for this market is largely tied to passenger demand in Northern and Western Australia. We believe the financial performance of this business
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will remain consistent with at or near current levels of activity. Dry leasing, albeit a smaller portion of our Other Services, is expected to continue providing cash flows without significant operating or capital requirements.
Components of Revenues and Expenses
We derive our revenues primarily from providing aviation services, and our profits depend on our cost of capital, the acquisition costs of aircraft, our operating costs and our reputation. A majority of our revenues are generated through two types of contracts: helicopter services and fixed wing services. We operate in three segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services.
The primary drivers of our revenues are utilization, rates and added capacity. Utilization can refer to either aircraft utilization, which is the number of hours an aircraft has flown during the period, or contract utilization, which is the commencement or end of contracts and the number of aircraft on contract in a given period. Rates refer to the Monthly Standing Charge (“MSC”), which is the fixed monthly fee charged to a customer for the right to use an aircraft, or the Fixed Hourly Rate (“FHR”), which is an incremental per flight hour charge for hours flown. Capacity can refer to new aircraft that have been added to the fleet, older aircraft that have been removed from the fleet, or when an existing aircraft has been moved to a different market, increasing or decreasing the capacity in that market.
Revenues under our Offshore Energy Services segment are primarily generated from offshore energy exploration, development and production activities with fixed-term contracts generally ranging between one to five years, subject to provisions permitting early termination by certain customers. Revenues are typically earned through a combination of a MSC plus an incremental FHR. Ad hoc revenues are typically earned through either a combination of a daily fixed fee plus a charge based on hours flown or an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily.
In our Government Services segment, we provide public sector SAR and other aviation services to government agencies. Revenues for these emergency response services are also earned through an MSC plus an incremental FHR fee.
In our Other Services segment, we derive revenues from our fixed wing operations by providing transportation services through regular passenger transport (scheduled airline service with individual commercial ticket sales) and charter services. For charter services, our contracts typically include variable rates based on the number of passengers, flights or flight hours. These charter service agreements may also include an MSC; however, this is much less common as compared to helicopter contracts.
For helicopters that we lease to third parties under arrangements whereby the customer assumes operational responsibility (dry leases), we often provide technical parts support, but generally we incur no other material operating costs. In some instances, we may provide training and other services to support our leasing customers.
In many cases, aircraft components, such as engines and transmissions, are maintained by third-party vendors under contractual agreements also referred to as power-by-the-hour (“PBH”) maintenance agreements. Under these agreements, the Company is charged an agreed amount per hour of flying time related to maintenance, repair and overhaul of the parts and components covered. The costs under these arrangements are expensed in the period that the flight hours were incurred. When the Company places a helicopter in a PBH program after a maintenance period has begun, it may be necessary to pay an initial buy-in charge based on hours flown since the previous maintenance event. The timing of entering or exiting third-party PBH programs and the timing of vendor credits may create variation in our operating expenses between comparative periods.
For aircraft that are not on PBH programs, maintenance and repair costs, including major aircraft component overhaul costs, are recognized in the period they are incurred.
Our policy of expensing helicopter repair costs as incurred, particularly for those aircraft not on PBH agreements, may result in operating expenses varying substantially when compared with a prior year or prior quarter if a disproportionate number of repairs, refurbishments or overhauls are undertaken.
The aggregate cost of our operations depends primarily on the size and asset mix of the fleet and the number of flight hours. Our direct operating expenses are grouped into the following categories:
•personnel (includes wages, benefits, payroll taxes and savings plans);
•repairs and maintenance (includes hourly charges for PBH maintenance contracts, amortization of
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PBH buy-in agreements, vendor credits, inventory write-downs and additional maintenance and repair costs, including major aircraft component overhaul costs, to earnings as the costs are incurred);
•insurance (includes the cost of hull and liability insurance premiums and loss deductibles);
•fuel;
•leased-in equipment (includes the cost of leasing helicopters and equipment); and
•other (primarily base and facility expenses, subcontractor costs, property, sales and use taxes, training, transportation, freight expenses, and other).
Results of Operations in 2024 Compared to 2023
The following table presents our operating results and other statement of operations information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Annual Consolidated Statement of Operations by Segment
(in thousands, except percentages)
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services | $ | 966,064 | $ | 852,956 | $ | 113,108 | 13.3 | % | ||||||
| Government Services | 329,654 | 337,280 | (7,626) | (2.3) | % | |||||||||
| Other Services | 119,773 | 107,193 | 12,580 | 11.7 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,415,491 | 1,297,429 | 118,062 | 9.1 | % | |||||||||
| Operating income (loss): | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services | 132,165 | 45,613 | 86,552 | 189.8 | % | |||||||||
| Government Services | 21,070 | 29,610 | (8,540) | (28.8) | % | |||||||||
| Other Services | 13,747 | 15,398 | (1,651) | (10.7) | % | |||||||||
| Corporate | (34,374) | (29,870) | (4,504) | (15.1) | % | |||||||||
| Total operating income | 132,608 | 60,751 | 71,857 | 118.3 | % | |||||||||
| Interest income | 8,901 | 8,646 | 255 | 2.9 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (37,581) | (41,417) | 3,836 | 9.3 | % | |||||||||
| Other, net | (1,865) | (9,968) | 8,103 | 81.3 | % | |||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | (30,545) | (42,739) | 12,194 | 28.5 | % | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 102,063 | 18,012 | 84,051 | nm | ||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (7,193) | (24,932) | 17,739 | 71.1 | % | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 94,870 | (6,920) | 101,790 | nm | ||||||||||
| Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests | (73) | 140 | (213) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | $ | 94,797 | $ | (6,780) | $ | 101,577 | nm | |||||||
| Operating income margins | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services | 14 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Government Services | 6 | % | 9 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Services | 11 | % | 14 | % |
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Total Revenues by Segment
(in thousands, except percentages)
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services: | |||||||||||||
| Europe | $ | 427,739 | $ | 398,059 | $ | 29,680 | 7.5 | % | |||||
| Americas | 368,319 | 332,259 | 36,060 | 10.9 | % | ||||||||
| Africa(1) | 170,006 | 122,638 | 47,368 | 38.6 | % | ||||||||
| Total Offshore Energy Services | $ | 966,064 | $ | 852,956 | $ | 113,108 | 13.3 | % | |||||
| Government Services | 329,654 | 337,280 | (7,626) | (2.3) | % | ||||||||
| Other Services | 119,773 | 107,193 | 12,580 | 11.7 | % | ||||||||
| $ | 1,415,491 | $ | 1,297,429 | $ | 118,062 | 9.1 | % |
___________________
(1) Includes revenues of approximately $10.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, related to fixed wing revenues in Africa that were previously classified in Other Services.
Flight Hours by Segment
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services: | ||||||||||
| Europe | 38,284 | 42,025 | (3,741) | (8.9) | % | |||||
| Americas | 42,583 | 36,677 | 5,906 | 16.1 | % | |||||
| Africa | 16,946 | 13,656 | 3,290 | 24.1 | % | |||||
| Total Offshore Energy Services | 97,813 | 92,358 | 5,455 | 5.9 | % | |||||
| Government Services | 18,811 | 18,661 | 150 | 0.8 | % | |||||
| Other Services | 13,682 | 11,069 | 2,613 | 23.6 | % | |||||
| 130,306 | 122,088 | 8,218 | 6.7 | % |
Annual Results of Operations
Offshore Energy Services. Revenues from Offshore Energy Services were $113.1 million higher in the Current Year compared to the Prior Year. Revenues in Africa were $47.4 million higher primarily due to higher utilization and increased rates. Revenues in the Americas were $36.1 million higher primarily due to higher utilization and the commencement of new contracts in Brazil. Revenues in Europe were $29.7 million higher primarily due to the commencement of a new contract in Norway. Operating income was $86.6 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to these higher revenues. Operating income was negatively impacted by higher repairs and maintenance costs of $20.1 million and operating personnel costs of $8.7 million, both primarily due to increased activity, partially offset by lower fuel costs of $5.5 million due to lower fuel prices.
Government Services. Revenues from Government Services were $7.6 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to a change in rates after transitioning to the long-term contract with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (“DCCG”). Operating income was $8.5 million lower in the Current Year. In addition to lower revenues, operating income was also impacted by higher personnel costs of $6.8 million primarily due to the finalization of a labor agreement in the UK and higher other operating costs of $1.6 million due to the commencement of the IRCG and UKSAR2G contracts. These increases in operating expenses were partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses of $3.1 million in the Current Year, primarily due to lower professional services fees, and lower depreciation and amortization expense of $1.4 million. Fuel costs were $1.4 million lower due to lower global fuel prices, and repairs and maintenance costs were $1.0 million lower primarily due to decreased activity.
Other Services. Revenues from Other Services were $12.6 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to higher utilization and increased rates. Operating income from Other Services was $1.7 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to higher operating costs in fixed wing services of $12.7 million due to increased subcontractor costs, training and fuel expenses. Depreciation and amortization was $1.6 million higher than the Prior Year.
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Corporate. Total expenses for Corporate were $2.3 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to the full-year impact of increased headcount.
Gains (losses) on disposal of assets.
During the Current Year, the Company sold or otherwise disposed of 13 helicopters and various other assets, resulting in net losses of $1.0 million, compared to $1.1 million of net gains in the Prior Year primarily due to the sale of eight helicopters and disposal of various other assets.
Interest expense, net.
Interest expense was $3.8 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to higher capitalized interest.
Other, net.
Other expense was $1.9 million in the Current Year and $10.0 million in the Prior Year primarily due to foreign exchange losses.
Income tax expense.
Income tax expense was $17.7 million lower than the Prior Year primarily due to the earnings mix of the Company’s global operations, a tax benefit from double taxation relief of $8.1 million, a tax benefit from the expiration of the statute of limitation on uncertain tax positions of $4.1 million and a $3.2 million tax benefit associated with an adjustment to deferred tax liabilities.
Results of Operations in 2023 Compared to 2022
The following table presents our operating results and other statement of operations information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Annual Consolidated Statement of Operations by Segment
(in thousands, except percentages)
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services | $ | 852,956 | $ | 828,764 | $ | 24,192 | 2.9 | % | ||||||
| Government Services | 337,280 | 283,678 | 53,602 | 18.9 | % | |||||||||
| Other Services | 107,193 | 97,526 | 9,667 | 9.9 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,297,429 | 1,209,968 | 87,461 | 7.2 | % | |||||||||
| Operating income (loss): | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services | 45,613 | 11,500 | 34,113 | nm | ||||||||||
| Government Services | 29,610 | 38,889 | (9,279) | (23.9) | % | |||||||||
| Other Services | 15,398 | 2,243 | 13,155 | nm | ||||||||||
| Corporate | (29,870) | (26,633) | (3,237) | (12.2) | % | |||||||||
| Total operating income | 60,751 | 25,999 | 34,752 | nm | ||||||||||
| Interest income | 8,646 | 1,668 | 6,978 | nm | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (41,417) | (40,948) | (469) | (1.1) | % | |||||||||
| Other, net | (9,968) | 33,244 | (43,212) | nm | ||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | (42,739) | (6,036) | (36,703) | nm | ||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 18,012 | 19,963 | (1,951) | (9.8) | % | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | (24,932) | (10,754) | (14,178) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | (6,920) | 9,209 | (16,129) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 140 | 6 | 134 | nm | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | $ | (6,780) | $ | 9,215 | $ | (15,995) | nm | |||||||
| Operating income margins | ||||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services | 5 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Government Services | 9 | % | 14 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Services | 14 | % | 2 | % |
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Total Revenues by Segment
(in thousands, except percentages)
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services: | |||||||||||||
| Europe | $ | 398,059 | $ | 388,859 | $ | 9,200 | 2.4 | % | |||||
| Americas | 332,259 | 347,046 | (14,787) | (4.3) | % | ||||||||
| Africa(1) | 122,638 | 92,859 | 29,779 | 32.1 | % | ||||||||
| Total Offshore Energy Services | $ | 852,956 | $ | 828,764 | $ | 24,192 | 2.9 | % | |||||
| Government Services | 337,280 | 283,678 | 53,602 | 18.9 | % | ||||||||
| Other Services | 107,193 | 97,526 | 9,667 | 9.9 | % | ||||||||
| $ | 1,297,429 | $ | 1,209,968 | $ | 87,461 | 7.2 | % |
___________________
(1) Includes revenues of approximately $10.8 million and $13.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and twelve months ended December 31, 2022, respectively, related to fixed wing revenues in Africa that were previously classified in Other Services.
Flight Hours by Segment
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Offshore Energy Services: | ||||||||||
| Europe | 42,025 | 42,559 | (534) | (1.3) | % | |||||
| Americas | 36,677 | 40,115 | (3,438) | (8.6) | % | |||||
| Africa | 13,656 | 10,663 | 2,993 | 28.1 | % | |||||
| Total Offshore Energy Services | 92,358 | 93,337 | (979) | (1.0) | % | |||||
| Government Services | 18,661 | 17,194 | 1,467 | 8.5 | % | |||||
| Other Services | 11,069 | 12,172 | (1,103) | (9.1) | % | |||||
| 122,088 | 122,703 | (615) | (0.5) | % |
Annual Results of Operations
Offshore Energy Services. Revenues from Offshore Energy Services were $24.2 million higher in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. Revenues in Africa and Europe were $29.8 million and $9.2 million higher, respectively, primarily due to higher utilization and increased rates. These increases were partially offset by lower revenues in the Americas of $14.8 million primarily due to the end of a contract in Guyana. In addition to higher revenues in Africa and Europe, operating income was $34.1 million higher, due to lower fuel costs of $11.9 million and repairs and maintenance costs of $9.3 million due to lower fuel prices and decreased flight hours, respectively. These decreases in operating expenses were partially offset by higher subcontractor and other operating costs associated with new contracts of $10.9 million.
Government Services. Revenues from Government Services were $53.6 million higher in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to new contracts in the Falkland Islands, NLSAR and the DCCG. Operating income was $9.3 million lower primarily due to higher operating expenses of $54.5 million due to higher personnel costs of $20.4 million, other operating costs of $19.8 million, leased-in equipment costs of $6.5 million and repairs and maintenance costs of $5.9 million as a result of the new contracts. General and administrative expenses were $4.4 million higher primarily due to higher compensation costs. Depreciation and amortization expense was $4.1 million higher due to the addition of assets related to new contracts.
Other Services. Revenues from Other Services were $9.7 million higher in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 due to increased rates. Operating income from Other Services was $13.2 million higher. Operating expenses were $5.7 million lower primarily due to lower leased-in equipment costs, repairs and maintenance, and fuel costs in fixed wing, partially offset by higher personnel and other operating costs.
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Corporate. Total expenses for Corporate were $4.9 million higher in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to the full year impact of increased headcount following attrition in prior years and higher non-cash stock compensation.
Gains (losses) on disposal of assets.
In the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold eight helicopters and disposed of various other assets, resulting in net gains of $1.1 million. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold twelve helicopters and other assets resulting in net losses of $0.5 million.
Interest income.
In twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized interest income of $8.6 million compared to $1.7 million in 2022 due to higher investment balances, higher interest rates and income from sales-type leases.
Other, net.
Other expense, net of $9.9 million in twelve months ended December 31, 2023 primarily resulted from foreign exchange losses of $10.7 million, partially offset by a favorable interest adjustment to the Company’s pension liability of $0.4 million. Other income, net of $33.4 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 primarily resulted from foreign exchange gains of $20.9 million, government grants to fixed wing services of $6.2 million, a favorable interest adjustment to the Company’s pension liability of $2.7 million and a gain on sale of inventory of $1.9 million.
Income tax expense.
Income tax expense was $24.9 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 compared to $10.8 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to the earnings mix of the Company’s global operations, particularly an increase in current income tax expense from U.S. earnings and non-U.S. earnings by $6.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, and changes to deferred tax valuation allowances and deferred tax assets of $2.7 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Our ongoing liquidity requirements arise primarily from working capital needs, meeting our capital commitments (including the purchase of aircraft and other equipment) and the payment of debt service obligations. In addition, we may use our liquidity to fund acquisitions, repurchase stock or debt securities or make other investments. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash balances and cash flows from operations and, from time to time, we may obtain additional liquidity through the issuance of equity or debt or other financing options or through asset sales.
Summary of Cash Flows
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Cash flows provided by or (used in): | ||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 177,420 | $ | 32,037 | ||
| Investing activities | (245,954) | (47,319) | ||||
| Financing activities | 141,104 | 22,035 | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (4,951) | 13,226 | ||||
| Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 67,619 | $ | 19,979 |
Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $145.4 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to an increase in operating income and an improvement in working capital. Working capital uses of $0.7 million in the Current Year were primarily due to increases in inventory to support new contracts and to mitigate risks related
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to supply chain constraints and the timing of payments to vendors. These working capital uses were partially offset by a decrease in defined benefit pension plan funding and a decrease in accounts receivables as a result of higher collections. Working capital uses of $59.1 million in the Prior Year were primarily due to increases in accounts receivables and inventories as a result of higher activity.
Investing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash used in investing activities was $246.0 million primarily consisting of:
•Capital expenditures of $255.4 million primarily related to payments for aircraft, purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements, partially offset by
•Proceeds of $9.4 million from the disposal of aircraft and other assets.
During the Prior Year, net cash used in investing activities was $47.3 million primarily consisting of:
•Capital expenditures of $81.5 million primarily related to payments for aircraft, purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements, partially offset by
•Proceeds of $34.2 million from the disposal of aircraft and other assets.
Financing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash provided by financing activities was $141.1 million primarily consisting of:
•Proceeds from borrowings of $164.6 million,
•Exercise of stock options of $0.5 million partially offset by
•Repayments of debt of $15.4 million,
•Debt issuance costs of $4.5 million, and
•Stock repurchases of $4.1 million.
During the Prior Year, net cash provided by financing activities was $22.0 million primarily as follows:
•Proceeds from borrowings of $169.5 million, partially offset by
•Repayments of debt of $142.0 million,
•Payment on deferred financing costs of $2.7 million, and
•Stock repurchases of $2.7 million.
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents denominated in currencies other than the reporting currency are reflected in a separate line on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Through our foreign operations, we are exposed to currency fluctuations, and changes in the value of the GBP relative to the U.S. dollar have the most significant impacts to the effect of exchange rate changes on our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
Material Cash Requirements
The factors that materially affect our overall liquidity include cash from or used to fund operations, capital expenditure commitments, debt service, pension funding, adequacy of bank lines of credit and our ability to attract capital on satisfactory terms. We believe that our cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our working capital requirements. To support our capital expenditure program and/or other liquidity requirements, we may use any combination of operating cash flows, unrestricted cash balances, borrowings under our ABL Facility, proceeds from sales of assets, proceeds from debt or equity issuances, or other financing options.
As of December 31, 2024, approximately 74% of our total cash balance was held outside the U.S. Most of our cash held outside the U.S. could be repatriated to the U.S., and any such repatriation could be subject to additional taxes. If cash held by non-U.S. operations is required for funding operations in the U.S., we may make a provision for additional taxes in connection with repatriating this cash, which is not expected to have a significant impact on our results of operations.
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We have no near-term debt maturities, other than the current portion of long-term debt of $18.6 million, and believe that our cash flows from operations and other sources of liquidity will continue to be sufficient in fulfilling our capital requirements and other obligations. Our long-term liquidity is dependent upon our ability to generate operating profits sufficient to meet our requirements for working capital, debt service, capital expenditures and a reasonable return on investment. As of December 31, 2024, we had $247.5 million of unrestricted cash and $64.0 million of remaining availability under our ABL Facility for total liquidity of $311.5 million.
In January 2024, we entered into a long-term equipment financing to upsize the UKSAR Debt by an aggregate amount of up to £55 million. As of December 31, 2024, we had drawn approximately £52.0 million under this facility. Concurrently with the final draw on this facility, we voluntarily cancelled the remaining aggregate principal amount of approximately £3.0 million. As such, no further amounts remain available to be drawn under the UKSAR Debt.
In June 2024, we entered into a long-term equipment financing for an aggregate amount of up to €100.0 million with National Westminster Bank Plc as the original lender and UK Export Finance guaranteeing 80% of the facility (“IRCG Debt”, formerly known as “UKEF Debt”). As of December 31, 2024, we had drawn approximately €93.4 million under this facility. In February 2025, the Company drew approximately €5.6 million under this facility leaving approximately €1.0 million available.
As of December 31, 2024, our total debt balance, net of deferred financing fees, was $689.8 million and was primarily comprised of the 6.875% Senior Notes due in March 2028 and the UKSAR Debt and IRCG Debt maturing in March 2036 and June 2031, respectively.
We plan to use a combination of cash on hand, operating cash flows, debt financing mentioned above and aircraft leasing to fund our projected future capital expenditures, which include our aircraft purchase commitments, infrastructure and other growth expenditure plans, primarily in support of new long-term contracts such as the UKSAR2G and IRCG contracts, among other growth opportunities.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
We have various contractual obligations that are recorded as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
As of December 31, 2024, we had unfunded capital commitments of $202.4 million, consisting primarily of agreements to purchase eight AW189 heavy helicopters, two AW139 medium helicopters, five AW169 light twin helicopters and two H135 light twin helicopters. The AW189 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered between 2025 and 2026; and the AW139 helicopters and the H135 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in 2025. Delivery dates for the AW169 helicopters have yet to be determined. In addition, the Company has outstanding options to purchase up to ten additional AW189 helicopters and ten additional H135 helicopters. If these options are exercised, the AW189 helicopters would be scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2028, and the H135 helicopters would be scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028. The Company may, from time to time, purchase aircraft for which it has no orders.
As of December 31, 2024, $32.6 million of our unfunded capital commitments may be terminated without further liability other than aggregate liquidated damages of approximately $1.0 million. If we do not exercise our rights to cancel these capital commitments, we expect to finance the remaining acquisition costs for these helicopters through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities, asset sales and financing options.
Lease Obligations
From time to time we may, under favorable market conditions and when necessary, enter into opportunistic aircraft lease agreements in support of our global operations.
We have non-cancelable operating leases in connection with the lease of certain equipment, including leases for aircraft, and land and facilities used in our operations. The related lease agreements, which range from non-cancelable to month-to-month terms, generally provide for fixed monthly rentals and can also include renewal
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options. As of December 31, 2024, aggregate undiscounted future payments under all non-cancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining terms in excess of one year, were as follows (in thousands):
| Aircraft | Other | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twelve months ended December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2025 | $ | 81,383 | $ | 11,508 | $ | 92,891 | ||||
| 2026 | 70,915 | 8,869 | 79,784 | |||||||
| 2027 | 50,727 | 5,963 | 56,690 | |||||||
| 2028 | 34,088 | 4,760 | 38,848 | |||||||
| 2029 | 13,329 | 2,593 | 15,922 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 18,971 | 7,264 | 26,235 | |||||||
| $ | 269,413 | $ | 40,957 | $ | 310,370 |
Pension Obligations
We operate two defined benefit pension plans related to BHL and Bristow International Aviation (Guernsey) Limited (“BIAGL”). At December 2024, we had a net pension asset of $4.8 million as the value of the plan assets exceed the present value of the liabilities that existed at that date.
The minimum funding rules of the UK require the employer to agree to a funding plan with the plans’ trustee for securing that the pension plan has sufficient and appropriate assets to meet its technical provisions liabilities. The technical provisions are the measure of liabilities used for UK funding purposes and differs from that used to determine the balance sheet liabilities. When there is a shortfall in assets against these technical provisions, we are required to make scheduled contributions in amounts sufficient to bring the plan up to fully-funded status as quickly as can be reasonably afforded. Any valuation deficits are funded by contributions by BHL and BIAGL.
The timing of the funding is dependent on actuarial valuations and resulting negotiations with the plan trustees. The employer contributions for the defined benefit pension plans for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and nine months ended December 31, 2022 were $5.0 million, $15.7 million and $11.1 million, respectively.
Selected Financial Information on Guarantors of Securities
On February 25, 2021, the Company issued its 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028. The 6.875% Senior Notes, issued under an indenture, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to payment by a number of subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, the “Guarantors”). The Company is a holding company with no significant assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries. In order to meet its financial needs and obligations, the Company relies exclusively on income from dividends and other cash flow from such subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantees provide that, in the event of a default on the 6.875% Senior Notes, the holders of the 6.875% Senior Notes may institute legal proceedings directly against the Guarantors to enforce the guarantees without first proceeding against the Company.
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None of the non-Guarantor subsidiaries of the Company are under any direct obligation to pay or otherwise fund amounts due on the 6.875% Senior Notes or the guarantees, whether in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. If such subsidiaries are unable to transfer funds to the Company or Guarantors and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, the Company or Guarantors may not be able to make principal and interest payments on their outstanding debt, including the 6.875% Senior Notes or the guarantees. The following selected financial information of the Guarantors presents a sufficient financial position of the Company to continue to fulfill its obligations under the requirements of the 6.875% Senior Notes. This selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes (in thousands).
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||
| Current assets | $ | 2,298,481 |
| Non-current assets | 2,370,128 | |
| Current liabilities | 2,358,629 | |
| Non-current liabilities | 706,056 | |
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 | ||
| Total revenues | $ | 773,304 |
| Operating income | 81,668 | |
| Net income | 64,068 | |
| Net income attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | 63,988 |
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various litigation matters including, among other things, claims by third parties for alleged property damages and personal injuries. In addition, from time to time, the Company is involved in tax and other disputes with various government agencies. Management has used estimates in determining the Company’s potential exposure to these matters and has recorded reserves in its consolidated financial statements related thereto as appropriate. It is possible that a change in its estimates related to these exposures could occur, but the Company does not expect such changes in estimated costs or uninsured losses, if any, would have a material effect on its business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are affected by significant judgments and uncertainties which could potentially result in materially different accounting under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has prepared the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following critical accounting estimates could potentially result in a material impact to our financial condition or operating results. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.
Taxes
Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination and evaluation of our tax provision and tax positions involves the interpretation of the tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and requires significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits. Changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements, tax treaties and foreign currency exchange restrictions or our level of operations or profitability in each jurisdiction would impact our tax liability in any given year.
We may recognize foreign tax credits available to us to offset the U.S. income taxes due on income earned from foreign sources. These credits are limited by the total income tax on the U.S. income tax return as well as by
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the ratio of foreign source income in each statutory category to total income. These estimates are subject to change based on changes in the market conditions in each statutory category, changes in U.S. income tax laws and the timing of certain deductions available to us in each statutory category.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on Global intangible low-taxed income(“GILTI”) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. We recognize the tax on GILTI as an expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, we have not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period.
We maintain reserves for estimated income tax exposures in jurisdictions of operation. The expenses reported for these taxes, including our annual tax provision, include the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest. We believe that an appropriate liability has been established for estimated exposures. However, actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
As of December 31, 2024, we have recognized deferred tax assets for certain attributes we expect to be realizable. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. If we are unable to benefit from our deferred tax assets, valuation allowances will be established following the “more-likely-than-not” criteria.
As of each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could affect its view on the future realization of deferred tax assets.
We consider the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the U.S. on the basis of estimates that future cash generation will be sufficient to meet future U.S. cash needs and specific plans for foreign reinvestment of those earnings. As such, as of December 31, 2024, we have not provided for deferred taxes on the unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely invested abroad. Should our expectations change regarding the expected future tax consequences, we may be required to record additional U.S. federal deferred income taxes that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, result of operations and cash flows.
Pension Benefits
Pension obligations for the defined benefit pension plans are actuarially determined. The obligations are measured using assumptions about the future. We evaluate our assumptions periodically and adjust these assumptions as necessary.
Three critical assumptions are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rate and the mortality rate. The assumption for the estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets is evaluated by our actuarial advisor based on future expectations of investment returns for the asset classes held by the plans’ investment portfolios. We utilize a British pound sterling denominated AA corporate bond index as a basis for determining the discount rate for our UK plans. We base mortality rates utilized on actuarial research on these rates. Changes in these and other assumptions used in the actuarial computations could impact our projected benefit obligations, pension liabilities, pension expense and other comprehensive income. We base our determination of pension expense on a fair value valuation of assets and an amortization approach for assessed gains and losses that reduces year-to-year volatility. This approach recognizes investment and other actuarial gains or losses over the average remaining lifetime of the plan members. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements that will, or could possibly, have an effect on our financial condition and results of operations, see Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001525221-24-000011.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Due to our fiscal year transition from March 31 to December 31, the comparative twelve months ended December 31, 2022, is reflected on an unaudited pro forma basis. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
A discussion of the financial condition and results of operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 can be found in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company’s Transition Report on Form 10-KT, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2023.
Overview
We are the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, primarily providing aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Our helicopters are primarily used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore energy installations. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 64% and 67%, respectively, of our total operating revenues were derived from offshore energy services while approximately 27% and 24%, respectively, were derived from government services primarily consisting of public sector SAR services, and approximately 9% and 9%, respectively, were derived from fixed wing and other services.
We conduct our business out of one segment, aviation services, and serve customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, India, Ireland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the UK and U.S.
Recent Developments
Bristow Helicopter Accident
On February 28, 2024, one of Bristow’s SAR helicopters, registration LN-OIJ with six crew members onboard, was involved in an accident during a training exercise approximately 15 nautical miles west of Bergen, Norway. Very sadly, one fatality was confirmed. The other five crew members have either been released or are in stable condition in the hospital. Bristow’s highest priority is to take care of our crew and their family members and provide them with any assistance needed. The Company is in the process of collecting pertinent information and will provide updates as appropriate. Bristow is fully cooperating with authorities investigating the accident.
Agreement to Purchase New AW189 Helicopters
On February 27, 2024, Bristow signed an agreement with Leonardo for 10 AW189 super medium helicopters plus options to purchase an additional 10 AW189 helicopters. The new AW189 helicopters will support offshore transport as well as search and rescue (SAR) missions. Bristow currently operates 21 AW189 helicopters globally, with an additional five already scheduled for delivery beginning this year. In addition to its Offshore Energy Services business, Bristow also operates SAR-equipped AW189 helicopters in its Government Services business. The new aircraft will offer added flexibility as well as superior operational and environmental performance, including lower CO2 emissions than comparable aircraft types. The aircraft deliveries will occur over a three-year period from 2025-2028.
Strategic Partnership with The Helicopter and Jet Company (THC)
On February 28, 2024, Bristow announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Helicopter and Jet Company (THC), Saudi Arabia's premier provider of commercial helicopter services and fully owned by the Public Investment
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Fund (PIF). The two companies plan to work together on advanced air mobility (AAM) initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as other collaborative vertical lift endeavors.
Entry into a Long-Term Equipment Agreement
In January 2024, Bristow entered into a new twelve-year secured equipment financing for an aggregate principal amount of up to £55 million with a syndicate of banks led by National Westminster Bank Plc (“NatWest”). The proceeds from the financing will be used to support Bristow's capital commitments related to the UKSAR2G contract. Bristow's obligations will be secured by four new Leonardo AW139 SAR configured helicopters, yet to be delivered. The credit facility has a 15-month availability period and is expected to fund during 2024, subject to delivery of the new SAR configured helicopters. The credit facility will bear interest at a rate equal to the Sterling Overnight Index Average (“SONIA”) plus 2.75% per annum.
Bristow contemporaneously entered into amendments and restatements of the credit facilities with respect to the other two existing tranches of the NatWest Debt (as defined in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statement) in order to, among other things, reflect that certain subsidiaries will be providing guarantees of the term loans under the NatWest Debt.
Market Outlook
The offshore energy market is highly cyclical with demand linked to the price of oil and gas. The prices of oil and gas are critical factors in our customers’ investment and spending decisions. The price of crude oil had been range-bound for a number of years, and then the COVID-19 pandemic further devastated the global oil and gas industry, which negatively impacted the cash flows of our customers and led to reduced capital and operational expenditures, including reductions related to offshore exploration, development and production activities. As such, deliveries of new helicopters were limited during this period.
The offshore energy services market, following several years of challenging industry conditions, is now in the early stages of a multi-year growth cycle. The increasing activity in offshore energy is driving a constructive supply and demand balance for offshore helicopters. The market for AW139 medium helicopters as well as the market for super medium helicopters, such as the AW189 model, was expected to tighten significantly, and placing idle S92 heavy helicopters back to work on new contracts would be the best way to meet increased demand. Due to supply chain challenges that have delayed parts and repairs for the S92 helicopters, thereby limiting the number of S92s that are serviceable today, the overall market has tightened even more quickly than expected. The combination of these factors supports a positive 2024 financial outlook in our offshore energy business. Additionally, given our sector’s late cycle exposure and the lag effect involving new projects, we expect the benefits of increased activity to become evident in our financial results in the coming years. A tighter equipment market, constrained global labor force, and inflationary cost pressures are expected to drive meaningful rate increases for our business. And while we are encouraged by the improved fundamentals and outlook for Bristow’s business in 2024 and beyond, there are some headwinds, including the supply chain challenges and constrained global labor force noted above, as well as a strong U.S. dollar.
Government services, especially the public SAR market, are continuing to evolve, and while there are no current active tenders, we believe further outsourcing of public SAR services and other government contract work will become available to the private sector in the future, although the timing of these opportunities is uncertain. Over the past two years, we have experienced growth from notable awards of government services contracts. Operations on the recently awarded IRCG contract and the transition to the previously announced UKSAR2G contract are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024. We expect the full year impact of these contract commencements to have positive impacts on our financial results in 2025 and beyond, though the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to local currencies, particularly the British pound sterling, could offset a portion of the benefits we expect to derive from increased activity. For further commentary on our foreign exchange risk, see “Item 1.A. Risk Factors - Foreign exchange risks and controls may affect our financial position and results of operations” and “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Foreign Currency Risk.”
The duration of government services contracts generally lasts for ten or more years with options for renewal. Privatization of aviation services historically operated by the public sector depend heavily on governmental agencies receiving funding through budget appropriation, and the desire to outsource such services. As government agencies in various countries begin to see the advantages of outsourcing public SAR services, other opportunities such as firefighting, surveying, training,
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maintenance and emergency response services could become available. We believe that we are well positioned to continue to serve the market as more opportunities arise.
Components of Revenues and Expenses
We derive our revenues primarily from operating equipment, and our profits depend on our cost of capital, the acquisition costs of assets, our operating costs and our reputation. A majority of our revenues are generated through two types of contracts: helicopter services and fixed wing services. Revenues are recognized when control of the identified distinct goods or services has been transferred to the customer, the transaction price is determined and allocated to the satisfied performance obligations and we have determined that collection has occurred or is probable of occurring. Cost reimbursements from customers are recorded as reimbursable revenues with the related reimbursed cost recorded as reimbursable expense on our consolidated statements of operations.
Operating revenues recorded under our offshore energy line of service are primarily generated from offshore energy exploration, development and production activities with fixed-term contracts generally ranging between one to five years, subject to provisions permitting early termination by certain customers. Customers are invoiced on a monthly basis with payment terms of 30 to 60 days. Revenues are typically earned through a combination of fixed monthly fees plus an incremental charge based on flight hours flown. Ad hoc revenues are typically earned through either a combination of a daily fixed fee plus a charge based on hours flown or an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily.
Our customers for SAR services include both the offshore energy industry, where our revenues are primarily dependent on our customers’ operating expenditures, and governmental agencies, where our revenues are dependent on a country’s desire to privatize SAR and enter into long-term contracts. Operating revenues for these emergency response services are earned through a fixed monthly fee plus an incremental charge for flight hours flown, and charter revenues are typically earned through an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily.
We derive revenues from our fixed wing line of service by providing transportation services through passenger transport and charter services, with ticket sales initially recorded under deferred revenues on our consolidated balance sheets. Revenues are recognized over time at the earlier of the period in which the service is provided or the period in which the right to travel expires; this is determined by the terms and conditions of the ticket. For scheduled charter services, our contracts typically include variable rates based on the number of passengers, flights or flight hours. These agreements may also include a monthly standing charge; however, this is much less common as compared to helicopter contracts. Both chartered and scheduled airline services revenues are recognized net of passenger taxes and discounts.
Our policy of expensing all helicopter repair costs as incurred may result in operating expenses varying substantially when compared with a prior year or prior quarter if a disproportionate number of repairs, refurbishments or overhauls are undertaken. This variation can be exacerbated by the timing of entering or exiting third-party power-by-the-hour (“PBH”) programs and the timing of vendor credits.
For helicopters that we lease to third parties under arrangements whereby the customer assumes operational responsibility, we often provide technical parts support, but generally we incur no other material operating costs. In most instances, our leases require customers to procure adequate insurance, but we purchase contingent hull and liability coverage to mitigate the risk of a customer’s coverage failing to respond. In some instances, we may provide training and other services to support our lease customers.
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The aggregate cost of our operations depends primarily on the size and asset mix of the fleet. Our operating expenses are grouped into the following categories:
•personnel (includes wages, benefits, payroll taxes and savings plans);
•repairs and maintenance (primarily routine activities and hourly charges for PBH maintenance contracts that cover helicopter refurbishments and engine and major component overhauls that are performed in accordance with planned maintenance programs);
•insurance (including the cost of hull and liability insurance premiums and loss deductibles);
•fuel;
•leased-in equipment (includes the cost of leasing helicopters and equipment); and
•other (primarily base expenses, property, sales and use taxes, communication costs, freight expenses, and other).
Lines of Service
Offshore Energy Services. We primarily transport personnel to, from and between offshore production platforms, drilling rigs, and other installations and emergency response services for our offshore energy customers. The three main regions where we offer offshore energy transportation services are Europe, the Americas and Africa.
Government Services. We provide SAR services in the UK on behalf of the MCA and support helicopter services such as training, troop movement and SAR for the MOD. We also provide SAR services to the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean and will begin providing SAR services in Ireland in 2024. Additionally, we provide aviation services to various other government agencies globally.
Fixed Wing Services. Our fixed wing services are currently operating in Australia and Nigeria, providing regular passenger transport (scheduled airline service with individual ticket sales) and charter services.
Other Activities and Services. In order to diversify sources of our earnings and cash flow, we deploy a number of helicopters in support of other industries and activities, one of which includes entering into lease arrangements for our helicopters with operators primarily located in international markets such as Chile, India, Mexico and Spain. The helicopters are contracted to non-governmental local helicopter operators, which often prefer to lease helicopters rather than purchase them. Leasing affords us the opportunity to access new markets without significant infrastructure investment and generally without ongoing operating risk, as well as countries where we are not eligible to own and control our own operating certificate. Other aviation services not included in the three lines of service noted above would also be reflected in this line of service.
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Results of Operations
The following table presents our operating results and other statement of operations information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 1,264,298 | $ | 1,173,462 | $ | 90,836 | 7.7 | % | ||||||
| Reimbursable revenues | 33,131 | 36,506 | (3,375) | (9.2) | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,297,429 | 1,209,968 | 87,461 | 7.2 | % | |||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Personnel | 323,681 | 296,035 | (27,646) | (9.3) | % | |||||||||
| Repairs and maintenance | 253,916 | 260,333 | 6,417 | 2.5 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance | 23,785 | 18,860 | (4,925) | (26.1) | % | |||||||||
| Fuel | 91,499 | 106,428 | 14,929 | 14.0 | % | |||||||||
| Leased-in equipment | 99,096 | 96,481 | (2,615) | (2.7) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 165,616 | 130,265 | (35,351) | (27.1) | % | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 957,593 | 908,402 | (49,191) | (5.4) | % | |||||||||
| Reimbursable expenses | 32,810 | 35,873 | 3,063 | 8.5 | % | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 181,745 | 164,685 | (17,060) | (10.4) | % | |||||||||
| Merger and integration costs | 2,201 | 1,818 | (383) | (21.1) | % | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs | — | 2,113 | 2,113 | nm | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 70,606 | 66,506 | (4,100) | (6.2) | % | |||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | 1,244,955 | 1,179,397 | (65,558) | (5.6) | % | |||||||||
| Loss on impairment | — | (5,187) | 5,187 | nm | ||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on disposal of assets | 1,112 | (521) | 1,633 | nm | ||||||||||
| Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates | 7,165 | 1,136 | 6,029 | nm | ||||||||||
| Operating income | 60,751 | 25,999 | 34,752 | nm | ||||||||||
| Interest income | 8,646 | 1,668 | 6,978 | nm | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (41,417) | (40,948) | (469) | (1.1) | % | |||||||||
| Reorganization items, net | (86) | (142) | 56 | 39.4 | % | |||||||||
| Other, net | (9,882) | 33,386 | (43,268) | nm | ||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | (42,739) | (6,036) | (36,703) | nm | ||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 18,012 | 19,963 | (1,951) | (9.8) | % | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | (24,932) | (10,754) | (14,178) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | (6,920) | 9,209 | (16,129) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 140 | 6 | 134 | nm | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | $ | (6,780) | $ | 9,215 | $ | (15,995) | nm |
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Revenues by Service Line. The table below sets forth the operating revenues earned by service line for the applicable periods (in thousands, except percentages):
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Offshore energy: | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
| Europe | $ | 366,034 | $ | 354,475 | $ | 11,559 | 3.3 | % | ||||||
| Americas | 332,165 | 346,093 | (13,928) | (4.0) | % | |||||||||
| Africa | 111,575 | 79,513 | 32,062 | 40.3 | % | |||||||||
| Total offshore energy services | $ | 809,774 | $ | 780,081 | $ | 29,693 | 3.8 | % | ||||||
| Government services | 336,917 | 283,267 | 53,650 | 18.9 | % | |||||||||
| Fixed wing services | 107,232 | 96,758 | 10,474 | 10.8 | % | |||||||||
| Other services | 10,375 | 13,356 | (2,981) | (22.3) | % | |||||||||
| $ | 1,264,298 | $ | 1,173,462 | $ | 90,836 | 7.7 | % |
Operating revenues. Operating revenues were $90.8 million higher in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 (the "Current Year”) compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 (the "Prior Year").
Operating revenues from offshore energy services were $29.7 million higher in the Current Year.
Operating revenues from offshore energy services in the Africa region were $32.1 million higher primarily due to higher utilization and increased rates.
Operating revenues from offshore energy services in the Europe region were $11.6 million higher in the Current Year. Revenues in the UK were $13.0 million higher primarily due to higher utilization and increased rates. Revenues in Norway were $1.5 million lower primarily due to the weakening of the Norwegian krone (“NOK”) relative to the U.S. dollar and lower fuel revenues, partially offset by higher revenues due to the commencement of a new contract.
Operating revenues from offshore energy services in the Americas region were $13.9 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to the end of a contract in Guyana and lower utilization in Suriname, partially offset by higher utilization in Brazil and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Operating revenues from government services were $53.7 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to new contracts in the Falkland Islands, Netherlands SAR and Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
Operating revenues from fixed wing services were $10.5 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to increased rates.
Operating revenues from other services were $3.0 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to lower dry-lease revenues and part sales.
Operating expenses. Operating expenses were $49.2 million higher in the Current Year. Other operating costs were $35.4 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to higher subcontractor and other costs associated with new contracts, higher training and travel costs, lower gains from foreign currency hedging contracts and higher freight costs. Personnel costs were $27.6 million higher primarily due to an increase in headcount. Insurance costs were $4.9 million higher primarily due to a non-cash, nonrecurring write-off related to amounts from legacy insurance policies recognized in the Current Year. Leased-in equipment costs were $2.6 million higher. These increases were partially offset by lower fuel costs of $14.9 million due to lower global fuel prices and decreased flight hours in the Americas region and in fixed wing services. Repairs and maintenance costs were $6.4 million lower primarily due to lower inventory write-offs and the timing of repairs, primarily related to the buy-in agreements entered in the Prior Year, partially offset by higher PBH expenses.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $17.1 million higher primarily due to increased headcount related to backfilling positions that were vacant in the Prior Year, higher non-cash stock compensation expense, severance costs, and higher tax expenses.
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Restructuring costs. During the Prior Year, restructuring costs were $2.1 million primarily due to severance costs in the Africa region.
Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and amortization expenses were $4.1 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to the addition of assets related to new government services contracts.
Loss on impairment. During the Prior Year, the Company recognized a loss on impairment of $5.2 million related to a PBH intangible asset write-off.
Gains (losses) on disposal of assets. During the Current Year, the Company sold or otherwise disposed of eight helicopters and other assets, resulting in net gains of $1.1 million. During the Prior Year, the Company sold twelve helicopters and other assets resulting in net losses of $0.5 million.
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates. During the Current Year, the Company recognized earnings of $7.2 million from unconsolidated affiliates compared to earnings of $1.1 million in the Prior Year.
Interest income. During the Current Year, the Company recognized interest income of $8.6 million compared to $1.7 million in the Prior Year due to higher investment balances, higher interest rates and income from sales-type leases.
Other, net. Other expense, net of $9.9 million in the Current Year primarily resulted from foreign exchange losses of $10.7 million, partially offset by a favorable interest adjustment to the Company’s pension liability of $0.4 million. Other income, net of $33.4 million in the Prior Year primarily resulted from foreign exchange gains of $20.9 million, government grants to fixed wing services of $6.2 million, a favorable interest adjustment to the Company’s pension liability of $2.7 million and a gain on sale of inventory of $1.9 million.
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange gains (losses) | $ | (10,701) | $ | 20,890 | $ | (31,591) | ||||
| Pension-related income | 407 | 2,734 | (2,327) | |||||||
| Other | 412 | 9,762 | (9,350) | |||||||
| Other, net | $ | (9,882) | $ | 33,386 | $ | (43,268) |
Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $24.9 million in the Current Year compared to $10.8 million in the Prior Year primarily due to the earnings mix of the Company’s global operations and changes to deferred tax valuation allowances and assets.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Our ongoing liquidity requirements arise primarily from working capital needs, meeting our capital commitments (including the purchase of aircraft and other equipment) and the repayment of debt obligations. In addition, we may use our liquidity to fund acquisitions, repay debt, repurchase stock or debt securities or make other investments. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash balances and cash flows from operations and, from time to time, we may obtain additional liquidity through the issuance of equity or debt or other financing options or through asset sales.
Summary of Cash Flows
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Cash flows provided by or (used in): | (Unaudited) | |||||
| Operating activities | $ | 32,037 | $ | (7,727) | ||
| Investing activities | (47,319) | (51,984) | ||||
| Financing activities | 22,035 | (24,623) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 13,226 | (29,445) | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 19,979 | $ | (113,779) |
Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $32.0 million in the Current Year compared to $7.7 million used in the Prior Year. The increase in operating cash flows was primarily due to an increase in net income before non cash charges such as depreciation and amortization, equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, impairment, foreign currency gains and losses from revaluations and asset dispositions of $32.6 million.
Working capital uses of $59.1 million in the Current Year were primarily due to increases in accounts receivables and inventories. Working capital uses of $117.5 million in the Prior Year were primarily due to payments on the PBH buy-in agreements of $55.4 million, increased receivables due to the timing of collections in 2021 and prepaid expenses.
Investing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash used in investing activities was $47.3 million primarily consisting of:
•Capital expenditures of $81.5 million primarily related to payments for aircraft, purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements, partially offset by
•Proceeds of $34.2 million from the sale or disposal of aircraft and other assets.
During the Prior Year, net cash used in investing activities was $52.0 million primarily as follows:
•Capital expenditures of $57.4 million primarily related to payments for aircraft, purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements,
•Cash paid for an acquisition, net of cash received, of $12.6 million, partially offset by
•Proceeds of $18.0 million from the sale or disposal of aircraft and other assets.
Financing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash provided by financing activities was $22.0 million primarily consisting of:
•Proceeds from borrowing of $169.5 million, partially offset by
•Net repayments of debt of $142.0 million primarily related to Lombard debt principal,
•Payment on deferred financing costs of $2.7 million, and
•Stock repurchases of $2.7 million.
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During the Prior Year, net cash used in financing activities was $24.6 million primarily as follows:
•Stock repurchases of $11.9 million,
•Net repayments of debt of $11.8 million related to the Lombard debt principal, and
•Payment on debt issuance costs $0.9 million.
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents denominated in currencies other than the reporting currency are reflected in a separate line on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Through our foreign operations we are exposed to currency fluctuations, and changes in the value of the GBP and NOK relative to the U.S. dollar have the most significant impacts to the effect of exchange rate changes on our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
Entry into a Long-Term Equipment Financing
In January 2023, we entered into two thirteen-year secured equipment financings with NatWest for aggregate proceeds of $169.5 million. The net proceeds from the financings were used to refinance the indebtedness of the Lombard Debt and will be used to provide additional financing to support our obligations under our SAR contracts in the UK. The credit facilities have approximately thirteen-year terms with repayment due in quarterly installments which commenced on March 31, 2023. The credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to the SONIA plus 2.75% per annum. Bristow's obligations under the NatWest Debt are secured by ten SAR helicopters.
In January 2024, Bristow entered into a new twelve-year secured equipment financing for an aggregate principal amount of up to £55 million with a syndicate of banks led by NatWest. The credit facility has a 15-month availability period and is expected to fund during 2024, subject to delivery of the new SAR configured helicopters. Bristow contemporaneously entered into amendments and restatements of the credit facilities with respect to the other two existing tranches of the NatWest Debt (as defined in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statement) in order to, among other things, reflect that certain subsidiaries will be providing guarantees of the term loans under the NatWest Debt.
Material Cash Requirements
The factors that materially affect our overall liquidity include cash from or used to fund operations, capital expenditure commitments, debt service, pension funding, adequacy of bank lines of credit and our ability to attract capital on satisfactory terms. We believe that our cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our working capital requirements. To support our capital expenditure program and/or other liquidity requirements, we may use any combination of operating cash flows, cash balances, borrowings under our ABL Facility, proceeds from sales of assets, issue debt or equity, or other financing options.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately 55% of our total cash balance was held outside the U.S. Most of our cash held outside the U.S. could be repatriated to the U.S., and any such repatriation could be subject to additional taxes. If cash held by non-U.S. operations is required for funding operations in the U.S., we may make a provision for additional taxes in connection with repatriating this cash, which is not expected to have a significant impact on our results of operations.
We have no near-term debt maturities, other than the current portion of long-term debt of $13.2 million, and believe that our cash flows from operations and other sources of liquidity will continue to be sufficient in fulfilling our capital requirements and other obligations. Our long-term liquidity is dependent upon our ability to generate operating profits sufficient to meet our requirements for working capital, debt service, capital expenditures and a reasonable return on investment. As of December 31, 2023, we had $180.3 million of unrestricted cash and $70.9 million of remaining availability under our ABL Facility for total liquidity of $251.2 million.
Our total principal debt balance as of December 31, 2023 was $548.1 million primarily comprised of the 6.875% Senior Notes due in March 2028 and two tranches of the NatWest Debt maturing in March 2036.
We plan to use a combination of cash on hand, operating cash flows, new debt financing and aircraft leasing to fund our projected future capital expenditures, which includes our aircraft purchase commitments, infrastructure and other growth expenditure plans primarily in support of new long term contracts such as the UKSAR2G and IRCG, among other growth opportunities.
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Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
We have various contractual obligations that are recorded as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
As of December 31, 2023, we had unfunded capital commitments of $307.3 million, consisting primarily of agreements to purchase six AW189 heavy helicopters, six AW139 medium helicopters, five AW169 light twin helicopters and five H135 light twin helicopters. The AW139 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in 2024, and the AW189 helicopters and H135 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered between 2024 and 2025. Delivery dates for the AW169 helicopters have yet to be determined. In addition, the Company has outstanding options to purchase up to six additional AW189 helicopters and ten additional H135 helicopters. If these options are exercised, the AW189 helicopters would be scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026, and the H135 helicopters would be scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028. The Company may, from time to time, purchase aircraft for which it has no orders.
As of December 31, 2023, $35.6 million of our unfunded capital commitments (inclusive of deposits paid on options not yet exercised) may be terminated without further liability other than aggregate liquidated damages of approximately $1.1 million. If we do not exercise our rights to cancel these capital commitments, we expect to finance the remaining acquisition costs for these helicopters through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities, asset sales and financing options.
Lease Obligations
From time to time we may, under favorable market conditions and when necessary, enter into opportunistic aircraft lease agreements in support of our global operations.
We have non-cancelable operating leases in connection with the lease of certain equipment, including leases for aircraft, and land and facilities used in our operations. The related lease agreements, which range from non-cancelable to month-to-month terms, generally provide for fixed monthly rentals and can also include renewal options. As of December 31, 2023, aggregate future payments under all non-cancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining terms in excess of one year, were as follows (in thousands):
| Aircraft | Other | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twelve months ended December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | 79,109 | $ | 11,548 | $ | 90,657 | ||||
| 2025 | 71,167 | 9,419 | 80,586 | |||||||
| 2026 | 58,117 | 7,599 | 65,716 | |||||||
| 2027 | 36,325 | 5,000 | 41,325 | |||||||
| 2028 | 22,214 | 4,137 | 26,351 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 25,713 | 9,515 | 35,228 | |||||||
| $ | 292,645 | $ | 47,218 | $ | 339,863 |
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, our long-term operating lease assets and liabilities increased by $47.0 million and $49.0 million, respectively, as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets, primarily due to 14 aircraft lease extensions, three new aircraft leases, an operating base and other assets in support of new contracts.
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Pension Obligations
As of December 31, 2023, we had a net $3.3 million pension asset related to the BHL and Bristow International Aviation (Guernsey) Limited (“BIAGL”) pension plans as recorded on our consolidated balance sheets. The net asset represents the excess of the fair value of plan assets over the defined benefit pension plan of the present value of the liabilities that existed at that date. The minimum funding rules of the UK require the employer to agree to a funding plan with the plans’ trustee for securing that the pension plan has sufficient and appropriate assets to meet its technical provisions liabilities. The technical provisions are the measure of liabilities used for UK funding purposes and differs from that used to determine the balance sheet liabilities. When there is a shortfall in assets against these technical provisions, we are required to make scheduled contributions in amounts sufficient to bring the plan up to fully-funded status as quickly as can be reasonably afforded. The timing of the funding is dependent on actuarial valuations and resulting negotiations with the plan trustees. The employer contributions for the pension plan for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, nine months ended December 31, 2022 and twelve months ended March 31, 2022 were $15.7 million, $11.1 million and $18.0 million, respectively.
Selected Financial Information on Guarantors of Securities
On February 25, 2021, Bristow Group Inc. (“the Parent”) issued its 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028. The 6.875% Senior Notes, issued under an indenture, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to payment by a number of subsidiaries of the Parent (collectively, the “Guarantors”). The Parent is a holding company with no significant assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries. In order to meet its financial needs and obligations, the Parent relies exclusively on income from dividends and other cash flow from such subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantees provide that, in the event of a default on the 6.875% Senior Notes, the holders of the 6.875% Senior Notes may institute legal proceedings directly against the Guarantors to enforce the guarantees without first proceeding against the Parent.
None of the non-Guarantor subsidiaries of the Parent are under any direct obligation to pay or otherwise fund amounts due on the 6.875% Senior Notes or the guarantees, whether in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. If such subsidiaries are unable to transfer funds to the Parent or Guarantors and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, the Parent or Guarantors may not be able to make principal and interest payments on their outstanding debt, including the 6.875% Senior Notes or the guarantees. The following selected financial information of the Guarantors presents a sufficient financial position of the Parent to continue to fulfill its obligations under the requirements of the 6.875% Senior Notes. This selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes (in thousands).
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Current assets | $ | 1,152,830 | $ | 700,931 | ||
| Non-current assets | $ | 2,090,176 | $ | 2,055,765 | ||
| Current liabilities | $ | 836,017 | $ | 283,904 | ||
| Non-current liabilities | $ | 556,479 | $ | 787,024 | ||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 405,400 | ||||
| Operating income | $ | 16,747 | ||||
| Net income | $ | 81,554 | ||||
| Net income attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | $ | 81,457 |
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Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various litigation matters including, among other things, claims by third parties for alleged property damages and personal injuries. In addition, from time to time, the Company is involved in tax and other disputes with various government agencies. Management has used estimates in determining the Company’s potential exposure to these matters and has recorded reserves in its consolidated financial statements related thereto as appropriate. It is possible that a change in its estimates related to these exposures could occur, but the Company does not expect such changes in estimated costs or uninsured losses, if any, would have a material effect on its business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are affected by significant judgments and uncertainties which could potentially result in materially different accounting under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has prepared the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following critical accounting estimates could potentially result in a material impact to our financial condition or operating results. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.
Taxes. Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination and evaluation of our tax provision and tax positions involves the interpretation of the tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and requires significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits. Changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements, tax treaties and foreign currency exchange restrictions or our level of operations or profitability in each jurisdiction would impact our tax liability in any given year.
We may recognize foreign tax credits available to us to offset the U.S. income taxes due on income earned from foreign sources. These credits are limited by the total income tax on the U.S. income tax return as well as by the ratio of foreign source income in each statutory category to total income. These estimates are subject to change based on changes in the market conditions in each statutory category, changes in U.S. income tax laws and the timing of certain deductions available to us in each statutory category.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on GILTI (“Global intangible low-taxed income”) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. We recognize the tax on GILTI as an expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, we have not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period.
We maintain reserves for estimated income tax exposures in jurisdictions of operation. The expenses reported for these taxes, including our annual tax provision, include the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest. We believe that an appropriate liability has been established for estimated exposures. However, actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
As of December 31, 2023, we have established deferred tax assets for certain attributes we expect to be realizable. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. If we are unable to benefit from our deferred tax assets, valuation allowances will be established following the “more-likely-than-not” criteria. We periodically evaluate our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets and, in accordance with accounting guidance related to accounting for income taxes, will record any resulting adjustments that may be required to deferred income tax expense in the period for which an existing estimate changes.
We consider the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the U.S. on the basis of estimates that future cash generation will be sufficient to meet future U.S. cash needs and specific plans for foreign reinvestment of those earnings. As such, as of December 31, 2023, we have not provided for deferred taxes on the unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely invested abroad. Should our expectations change regarding the
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expected future tax consequences, we may be required to record additional U.S. federal deferred income taxes that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, result of operations and cash flows.
Pension Benefits. Pension obligations are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions including discount rates and compensation increases. The recognition of these obligations through the statement of operations is also affected by assumptions about expected returns on plan assets. We evaluate our assumptions periodically and adjust these assumptions as necessary.
Three critical assumptions are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rate and the mortality rate. We evaluate our assumptions regarding the estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and future expectations on investment returns, which are calculated by our third-party investment advisor utilizing the asset allocation classes held by the plans’ portfolios. We utilize a British pound sterling denominated AA corporate bond index as a basis for determining the discount rate for our UK plans. We base mortality rates utilized on actuarial research on these rates, which are adjusted to allow for expected mortality within our industry segment and, where available, individual plan experience data. Changes in these and other assumptions used in the actuarial computations could impact our projected benefit obligations, pension liabilities, pension expense and other comprehensive income. We base our determination of pension expense on a fair value valuation of assets and an amortization approach for assessed gains and losses that reduces year-to-year volatility. This approach recognizes investment and other actuarial gains or losses over the average remaining lifetime of the plan members. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements that will, or could possibly, have an effect on our financial condition and results of operations, see Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001525221-22-000011.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
A discussion of the financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 can be found in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2021.
Overview
We are the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, primarily providing aviation services to a broad base of major integrated, national and independent energy companies and government agencies. Our helicopters are primarily used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore energy installations. In the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, approximately 67% and 69%, respectively, of our total operating revenues were derived from oil and gas services while approximately 24% and 22%, respectively, were derived from government services primarily consisting of public sector SAR services in the U.K., and approximately 9% and 9%, respectively, were from fixed wing and other services.
We conduct our business out of one segment, aviation services, and serve customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, Guyana, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the U.K. and U.S.
Recent Developments
ABL Amendment
On May 20, 2022, the Company entered into a Deed of Amendment, Restatement and Confirmation (the “ABL Amendment”) relating to the ABL Facility, to among other things, (i) extend the maturity to 2027, subject to certain early maturity triggers related to maturity of other material debt or a change of control of the Company; (ii) provide for replacement of LIBOR (x) for certain loans denominated in British pound sterling with SONIA, (y) for certain loans denominated in euro with EURIBOR and (z) for certain loans denominated in U.S. dollars with Term SOFR; and (iii) include the ability of the Company to adopt one or more environmental, social and governance-related pricing adjustments based on specified metrics and performance targets at a date after closing of the ABL Amendment, subject to certain conditions. The Amended ABL provides for commitments in an aggregate amount of $85.0 million. The Company has the ability under the Amended ABL to increase the total commitments by up to $35.0 million, which would result in an aggregate amount of $120.0 million subject to the terms and conditions therein.
Announcement of Acquisition of British International Helicopter Services Limited
In April 2022, Bristow announced its plans to acquire British International Helicopter Services Limited ("BIH"), further enhancing its leading global government services business. BIH will add to Bristow's operations in the UK and adopt the Bristow name and brand throughout its operations. BIH currently operates a fleet of two AW189 SAR-configured helicopters, three S61 helicopters, and one AS365 helicopter, performing various passenger and freight transport as well as hoist operations for the British Armed Forces. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
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COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on economic activity and global supply chains and likely will continue to have a significant impact on the global economy in the near-to-medium-term, which in turn can cause volatility in global markets, generally, and in oil and natural gas prices, more specifically. While demand and oil and natural gas prices have largely recovered, demand is still not back to pre-pandemic levels. There continues to be uncertainty and unpredictability around the extent to which COVID-19 may adversely affect demand for our services. The speed and extent of this recovery will be influenced by whether and at what pace the COVID-19 restrictions that have reduced economic activity and depressed demand globally are eased. Additionally, supply chain and logistics disruptions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting inflationary environment have affected us by increasing the costs, and delaying the deliveries of, critical components for aircraft maintenance, equipment, labor and other services required in our business.
The availability of vaccines around the world improved and business activity increased. Nevertheless, some countries face a resurgence of the virus and its variants that could impact logistics and materials movement and pose a risk to our business. We continue to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of exposure to and spread of the COVID-19 virus in our operations through screening, testing and, when appropriate, quarantining personnel upon arrival to our facilities.
Lines of Service
Beginning in fiscal year 2022, the revenues by line of service tables have been modified to more accurately reflect how management views the Company’s lines of service. These changes include the addition of a government services line of service which includes revenues from U.K. SAR, BSEE, and other government contracts. In addition, our other activities and services (“other” services) will now reflect revenues derived from leasing aircraft to non-governmental third party operators, oil and gas contracts that do not materially fit into one of the three major oil and gas operating regions and other services as they arise. As such, operating revenues from Asia Pacific oil and gas services are now shown under other services following the exit of that line of service in the Asia Pacific region. Prior period amounts will not match the previously reported amounts by individual lines of service. Management believes this change provides more relevant information needed to understand and analyze the Company’s current lines of service.
Oil and Gas. The offshore oil and gas market is highly cyclical with demand highly correlated to the price of oil and gas, which tends to fluctuate depending on many factors, including global economic activity, levels of inventory and overall demand. In addition to the price of oil and gas, the availability of acreage and local tax incentives or disincentives and requirements for maintaining interests in leases affect activity levels in the oil and gas industry. Price levels for oil and gas by themselves can cause additional fluctuations by inducing changes in consumer behavior. The three main regions where we offer oil and gas transportation services are Europe, the Americas and Africa.
Government Services. Since 2015, we have been providing SAR services in the U.K. on behalf of the MCA. Additionally, we provide aviation services to various government agencies globally.
Fixed Wing Services. Our fixed wing services are currently operating in Australia and Nigeria, providing regular passenger transport (scheduled airline service with individual ticket sales) and charter services.
Other Activities and Services. In order to diversify sources of our earnings and cash flow, we deploy a number of helicopters in support of other industries and activities, one of which includes entering into lease arrangements for our helicopters with operators primarily located in international markets such as Chile, India, Mexico and Spain. The helicopters are contracted to non-governmental local helicopter operators, which often prefer to lease helicopters rather than purchase them. Leasing affords us the opportunity to access new markets without significant infrastructure investment and generally without ongoing operating risk, as well as countries where we are not eligible to own and control our own operating certificate. Revenues derived from oil and gas services outside of our three major operating regions and other aviation services not included in the three lines of service noted above are also reflected here.
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Market Outlook
Government services, especially the public SAR market, is continuing to evolve, and we believe further outsourcing of public SAR services and other government contract work will become available to the private sector in the future, although the timing of these opportunities is uncertain. The duration of these contracts generally lasts for ten or more years with options for renewal. Privatization of aviation services historically operated by the public sector depend heavily on governmental agencies receiving funding through budget appropriations, and the desire to outsource such services. As government agencies in various countries begin to see the advantages of outsourcing public SAR services, other opportunities such as firefighting, surveying, training, maintenance and emergency response services could become available. In the past year, we have secured two new SAR contracts and entered into an agreement to purchase BIH to enhance our SAR services. Therefore, we believe that we are well positioned to continue to serve the market as more opportunities arise.
The offshore oil and gas market is highly cyclical with demand linked to the price of oil and gas. The prices of oil and gas are critical factors in our customers’ investment and spending decisions. The price of crude oil had been range-bound for a number of years and then the COVID-19 pandemic further devastated the global oil and gas industry, which negatively impacted the cash flows of our customers and has led them to reduce capital and operational expenditures from prior levels, including reductions related to offshore exploration, development and production activities. More recently, oil and gas prices have shown signs of recovery and many expect a multi-year growth cycle is underway.
Components of Revenues and Expenses
We derive our revenues primarily from operating equipment, and our profits depend on our cost of capital, the acquisition costs of assets, our operating costs and our reputation. A majority of our revenues are generated through two types of contracts: helicopter services and fixed wing services. Revenues are recognized when control of the identified distinct goods or services has been transferred to the customer, the transaction price is determined and allocated to the satisfied performance obligations and we have determined that collection has occurred or is probable of occurring. Cost reimbursements from customers are recorded as reimbursable revenues with the related reimbursed cost recorded as reimbursable expense on our consolidated statements of operations.
Operating revenues recorded under our oil and gas line of service are primarily generated from offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production activities with fixed-term contracts generally ranging between one to five years, subject to provisions permitting early termination by customers. Customers are invoiced on a monthly basis with payment terms of 30 to 60 days. Revenues are typically earned through a combination of fixed monthly fees plus an incremental charge based on flight hours flown. Ad hoc revenues are typically earned through either a combination of a daily fixed fee plus a charge based on hours flown or an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily.
Our customers for SAR services include both the oil and gas industry, where our revenues are primarily dependent on our customers’ operating expenditures, and governmental agencies, where our revenues are dependent on a country’s desire to privatize SAR and enter into long-term contracts. Operating revenues for these emergency response services are earned through a fixed monthly fee plus an incremental charge for flight hours flown, and charter revenues are typically earned through an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily.
We derive revenues from our fixed wing line of service by providing transportation services through passenger transport and charter services, with ticket sales recorded under deferred revenues on our consolidated balance sheet. Revenues are recognized over time at the earlier of the period in which the service is provided or the period in which the right to travel expires; this is determined by the terms and conditions of the ticket. For scheduled charter services, our contracts typically include variable rates based on the number of passengers, flights or flight hours. These agreements may also include a monthly standing charge; however, this is much less common as compared to helicopter contracts. Both chartered and scheduled airline services revenues are recognized net of passenger taxes and discounts.
Our policy of expensing all repair costs as incurred may result in operating expenses varying substantially when compared with a prior year or prior quarter if a disproportionate number of repairs, refurbishments or overhauls are undertaken. This variation can be exacerbated by the timing of entering or exiting third-party power-by-the-hour (“PBH”) programs and the timing of vendor credits.
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For helicopters that we lease to third parties under arrangements whereby the customer assumes operational responsibility, we often provide technical parts support, but generally we incur no other material operating costs. In most instances, our leases require customers to procure adequate insurance, but we purchase contingent hull and liability coverage to mitigate the risk of a customer’s coverage failing to respond. In some instances, we provide training and other services to support our lease customers.
The aggregate cost of our operations depends primarily on the size and asset mix of the fleet. Our operating expenses are grouped into the following categories:
•personnel (includes wages, benefits, payroll taxes and savings plans);
•repairs and maintenance (primarily routine activities and hourly charges for PBH maintenance contracts that cover helicopter refurbishments and engine and major component overhauls that are performed in accordance with planned maintenance programs);
•insurance (including the cost of hull and liability insurance premiums and loss deductibles);
•fuel;
•leased-in equipment (includes the cost of leasing helicopters and equipment); and
•other (primarily base expenses, property, sales and use taxes, communication costs, freight expenses, and other).
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Results of Operations
The following table presents our operating results for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, (in thousands, except percentages):
| Fiscal Year Ending March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 1,139,063 | $ | 1,139,024 | $ | 39 | — | % | ||||||
| Reimbursable revenues | 46,141 | 39,038 | 7,103 | 18.2 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,185,204 | 1,178,062 | 7,142 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Personnel | 304,045 | 313,561 | 9,516 | 3.0 | % | |||||||||
| Repairs and maintenance | 248,509 | 233,468 | (15,041) | (6.4) | % | |||||||||
| Insurance | 24,492 | 21,422 | (3,070) | (14.3) | % | |||||||||
| Fuel | 74,165 | 45,206 | (28,959) | (64.1) | % | |||||||||
| Leased-in equipment | 102,725 | 116,642 | 13,917 | 11.9 | % | |||||||||
| Other | 118,921 | 120,874 | 1,953 | 1.6 | % | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 872,857 | 851,173 | (21,684) | (2.5) | % | |||||||||
| Reimbursable expenses | 45,557 | 38,789 | (6,768) | (17.4) | % | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 159,062 | 153,270 | (5,792) | (3.8) | % | |||||||||
| Merger and integration costs | 3,240 | 42,842 | 39,602 | 92.4 | % | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs | 3,098 | 25,773 | 22,675 | 88.0 | % | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 74,981 | 70,078 | (4,903) | (7.0) | % | |||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | 1,158,795 | 1,181,925 | 23,130 | 2.0 | % | |||||||||
| Loss on impairment | (24,835) | (91,260) | 66,425 | 72.8 | % | |||||||||
| Gain (loss) on disposal of assets | 1,347 | (8,199) | 9,546 | nm | ||||||||||
| Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net | (1,738) | 426 | (2,164) | nm | ||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 1,183 | (102,896) | 104,079 | nm | ||||||||||
| Interest income | 161 | 1,293 | (1,132) | nm | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | (41,521) | (51,259) | 9,738 | 19.0 | % | |||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | (124) | (29,359) | 29,235 | nm | ||||||||||
| Reorganization items, net | (621) | 1,577 | (2,198) | nm | ||||||||||
| Loss on sale of subsidiaries | (2,002) | — | (2,002) | nm | ||||||||||
| Change in fair value of preferred stock derivative liability | — | 15,416 | (15,416) | nm | ||||||||||
| Gain on bargain purchase | — | 81,093 | (81,093) | nm | ||||||||||
| Other, net | 38,505 | 27,495 | 11,010 | 40.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | (5,602) | 46,256 | (51,858) | nm | ||||||||||
| Loss before income taxes | (4,419) | (56,640) | 52,221 | nm | ||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | (11,294) | 355 | (11,649) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net loss | (15,713) | (56,285) | 40,572 | 72.1 | % | |||||||||
| Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests | (78) | 191 | (269) | nm | ||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | $ | (15,791) | $ | (56,094) | $ | 40,303 | 71.8 | % |
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Revenues by Service Line. The table below sets forth the operating revenues earned by service line for the applicable periods (in thousands):
| Fiscal Year Ending March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Oil and gas: | ||||||||||||||
| Europe | $ | 370,833 | $ | 390,305 | $ | (19,472) | (5.0) | % | ||||||
| Americas | 337,482 | 304,434 | 33,048 | 10.9 | % | |||||||||
| Africa | 59,405 | 93,285 | (33,880) | (36.3) | % | |||||||||
| Total oil and gas services | 767,720 | 788,024 | (20,304) | (2.6) | % | |||||||||
| Government services (1) | 272,859 | 252,131 | 20,728 | 8.2 | % | |||||||||
| Fixed wing services | 85,372 | 73,751 | 11,621 | 15.8 | % | |||||||||
| Other services (2) | 13,112 | 25,118 | (12,006) | (47.8) | % | |||||||||
| $ | 1,139,063 | $ | 1,139,024 | $ | 39 | — | % |
(1)Includes revenues of approximately $26.8 million related to government services that were previously included in the oil and gas and other service lines for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.
(2)Includes Asia Pacific and certain Europe revenues of approximately $12.7 million that were previously included in the oil and gas service line for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.
Current Fiscal Year compared to Prior Fiscal Year
Operating Revenues. Operating revenues were consistent in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (the “Current Year”) compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 (the “Prior Year”).
Operating revenues from oil and gas services were $20.3 million lower in the Current Year.
Operating revenues from oil and gas services in the Africa region were $33.9 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to fewer helicopters on contract.
Operating revenues from oil and gas services in the Europe region were $19.5 million lower in the Current Year. Revenues in the U.K were $22.7 million lower primarily due to lower utilization of $29.4 million, partially offset by the strengthening of the British pound sterling relative to the U.S. dollar of $6.7 million. Revenues in Norway were $3.2 million higher primarily due to the strengthening of the Norwegian krone relative to the U.S. dollar of $5.9 million, partially offset by lower utilization of $2.7 million.
Operating revenues from oil and gas services in the Americas region were $33.0 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to higher utilization and the benefit of the Merger with Era Group Inc. (“the Merger”) in June 2020. These increases were partially offset by lower revenues in Canada.
Operating revenues from government services were $20.7 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to the strengthening of the British pound sterling relative to the U.S. dollar, the benefit of the Merger and higher utilization.
Operating revenues from fixed wing services were $11.6 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to higher utilization.
Operating revenues from other services were $12.0 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to the end of oil and gas services in Australia and lower part sales, partially offset by the benefit of the Merger.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses were $21.7 million higher in the Current Year. Fuel expense was $29.0 million higher primarily due to increased global fuel prices and flight hours. Repairs and maintenance costs were $15.0 million higher primarily due to the impact of the Merger and the timing of repairs. Insurance costs were $3.1 million higher primarily due to insurance deductibles related to Hurricane Ida and increased rates. These increases were partially offset by lower leased-in equipment expenses of $13.9 million due to aircraft lease returns since the Prior Year and lower personnel costs of $9.5 million primarily due to headcount reductions. Other operating costs were $2.0 million lower primarily due to a decrease in costs
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associated with the end of a contract, partially offset by higher accommodation expense related to Hurricane Ida and training costs.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses were $5.8 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to higher professional services fees and insurance costs and the absence of certain government grants related to fixed wing services.
Merger and Integration Costs. Merger and integration costs, primarily consisting of professional services fees and severance costs related to the Merger, were $3.2 million in the Current Year compared to $42.8 million in the Prior Year.
Restructuring Costs. Restructuring costs, primarily related to severance costs not related to the Merger, were $3.1 million in the Current Year compared to $25.8 million in the Prior Year.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses were $4.9 million higher primarily due to the addition of existing assets to the depreciation and amortization calculation in the Current Year.
Loss on Impairment. During the Current Year, the Company recognized losses on impairment of $24.8 million consisting of $16.0 million related to Petroleum Air Services (“PAS”), $5.9 million related to certain helicopters held for sale and $2.9 million related to H225 helicopter parts inventory. During the Prior Year, the Company recognized a loss on impairment of $91.3 million consisting of $51.9 million related to its investment in Cougar, $18.7 million related to its investment in Líder Táxi Aéreo S.A. (“Lider”), $12.9 million related to the write down of inventory and $7.8 million related to helicopters that were held for sale.
Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets. During the Current Year, the Company sold 10 aircraft and other equipment resulting in a net gain of $1.3 million. During the Prior Year, the Company sold 54 aircraft, five of which were via sales-type leases, and other equipment resulting in cash proceeds of $67.9 million and losses of $8.2 million.
Earnings (Losses) from Unconsolidated Affiliates, net. During the Current Year, the Company recognized losses of $1.7 million from its equity method investments compared to earnings of $0.4 million in the Prior Year.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $9.7 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to lower debt balances.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt. During the Prior Year, in connection with refinancing, the Company repaid existing term loans and redeemed its 7.750% senior unsecured notes due December 15, 2022 (the “7.750% Senior Notes”) and recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $28.5 million related to the write off of associated discount balances and early repayment fees.
Reorganization Items, net. During the Current Year, the Company recognized losses of $0.6 million related to reorganization items. During the Prior Year, the Company recognized a gain of $1.6 million related to the release of the rabbi trust which held investments for the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the Company’s former executives.
Loss on Sale of Subsidiaries. During the Current Year, the Company recognized a loss of $2.0 million on the sale of its subsidiary in Colombia.
Change in Fair Value of Preferred Stock Derivative. During the Prior Year, the Company recognized a $15.4 million gain on the change in fair value of preferred stock derivative liability.
Gain on Bargain Purchase. During the Prior Year, the Company recognized a bargain purchase gain of $81.1 million related to the Merger.
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Other Income, net. Other income, net was $38.5 million in the Current Year compared to $27.5 million in the Prior Year. Other income in the Current Year primarily consisted of government grants to fixed wing services of $12.4 million, a bankruptcy-related legal settlement of $9.0 million, net foreign exchange gains of $7.0 million, insurance gains of $5.2 million, a favorable interest adjustment to the Company’s pension liability of $2.5 million and a gain on sale of inventory of $1.9 million. Other income, net in the Prior Year was primarily due to government grants to fixed wing services of $11.5 million, net foreign exchange gains of $7.5 million, a favorable interest adjustment to the Company’s pension liability of $3.8 million and insurance proceeds of $2.6 million.
| Fiscal Year Ending March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency gains (losses) | 7,036 | 7,475 | (439) | ||||||
| Pension-related costs | 2,537 | 3,837 | (1,300) | ||||||
| Other | 28,932 | 16,183 | 12,749 | ||||||
| Other income (expense), net | $ | 38,505 | $ | 27,495 | $ | 11,010 |
Income Tax Benefit (Expense). Income tax expense was $11.3 million in the Current Year compared to a benefit of $0.4 million in the Prior Year. The change in income tax expense in the Current Year was driven by the tax impact of net operating losses and valuation allowances on the Company’s net losses, the tax impact of deductible business interest expense, tax impacts of the bankruptcy-related legal settlement and impairment losses, and tax impacts of post-bankruptcy adjustments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Our ongoing liquidity requirements arise primarily from working capital needs, meeting our capital commitments (including the purchase of helicopters and other equipment) and the repayment of debt obligations. In addition, we may use our liquidity to fund acquisitions, repay debt, repurchase shares or debt securities or make other investments. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash balances and cash flows from operations and, from time to time, we may obtain additional liquidity through the issuance of equity or debt or other financing options or through asset sales.
Summary of Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year Ending March 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| Cash flows provided by or (used in): | ||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 123,854 | $ | 96,845 | ||
| Investing activities | (17,370) | 173,274 | ||||
| Financing activities | (63,483) | (245,617) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (8,066) | 7,456 | ||||
| Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 34,935 | $ | 31,958 |
Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $27.0 million higher in the Current Year. Operating income before depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, gains or losses on asset dispositions, net and earnings or losses from unconsolidated affiliates, net, was $27.0 million higher in the Current Year compared to the Prior Year.
During the Current Year, changes in working capital provided cash flows of $5.7 million primarily due to a decrease in receivables and other assets. During the Prior Year, changes in working capital provided cash flows of $16.9 million primarily due to a decrease in receivables and other assets.
Cash paid for interest expense and income taxes was $32.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, in the Current Year compared to $32.3 million and $15.1 million, respectively, in the Prior Year.
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Investing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash used in investing activities was $17.4 million primarily consisting of:
•Capital expenditures of $31.1 million,
•Cash transferred in the sale of subsidiary of $0.9 million, partially offset by
•Proceeds of $14.5 million from the sale or disposal of aircraft and certain other equipment.
During the Prior Year, net cash provided by investing activities was $173.3 million primarily consisting of:
•Increase in cash from the Merger of $120.2 million,
•Proceeds of $67.9 million from the sale or disposal of aircraft and certain other equipment, partially offset by
•Capital expenditures of $14.8 million.
Financing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash used in financing activities was $63.5 million primarily consisting of:
•Share repurchases of $41.2 million,
•Net repayments of debt and redemption premiums of $19.2 million, and
•Payment on debt issuance of $3.1 million.
During the Prior Year, net cash used in financing activities was $245.6 million primarily consisting of:
•Proceeds were $400.0 million from the issuance of 6.875% Senior Notes,
•Net repayments of debt and redemption premiums of $623.9 million,
•Share repurchases of $15.3 million, and
•Debt issuance costs of $6.4 million related to the 6.875% Senior Notes.
Material Cash Requirements
We believe that our cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our working capital requirements. To support our capital expenditure program and/or other liquidity requirements, we may use any combination of operating cash flow, cash balances, borrowings under our ABL Facility, proceeds from sales of assets, issue debt or equity, or other financing options.
The availability of long-term liquidity is dependent upon our ability to generate operating profits sufficient to meet our requirements for working capital, debt service, capital expenditures and a reasonable return on investment. While demand and oil and natural gas prices have largely recovered, demand is still not back to pre-pandemic levels. There continues to be uncertainty and unpredictability around the extent to which oil prices may adversely affect demand for our services, which in turn could affect our business and liquidity. As of March 31, 2022, we had $263.8 million of unrestricted cash and $54.9 million of remaining availability under our ABL Facility for total liquidity of $318.7 million.
As of March 31, 2022, approximately 54% of our total cash balance was held outside the U.S. and is generally used to meet the liquidity needs of our non-U.S. operations. Most of our cash held outside the U.S. could be repatriated to the U.S., and any such repatriation could be subject to additional taxes. If cash held by non-U.S. operations is required for funding operations in the U.S., we may make a provision for additional taxes in connection with repatriating this cash, which is not expected to have a significant impact on our results of operations.
The significant factors that affect our overall liquidity include cash from or used to fund operations, capital expenditure commitments, debt service, pension funding, adequacy of bank lines of credit and the Company’s ability to attract capital on satisfactory terms.
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Property and Equipment Acquisitions
The Company made capital expenditures as follows (in thousands, except number of aircraft):
| Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of aircraft delivered: | ||||||
| Heavy aircraft(1) | 1 | — | ||||
| Total aircraft | 1 | — | ||||
| Capital expenditures: | ||||||
| Aircraft and equipment | $ | 28,832 | $ | 14,173 | ||
| Land and buildings | 2,236 | 671 | ||||
| Total capital expenditures | $ | 31,068 | $ | 14,844 |
___________________
(1)Previously leased S92 heavy helicopter acquired during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, pursuant to a contractual obligation in the lease.
Property and Equipment Dispositions
The following table presents details on the aircraft sold or disposed of (in thousands, except for number of aircraft):
| Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of aircraft sold or disposed of | 10 | 54 | ||||
| Proceeds from sale or disposal of assets | $ | 14,549 | $ | 67,882 |
Debt Obligations
Total principal debt balance as of March 31, 2022 was $547.1 million primarily comprised of the 6.875% Senior Notes due in March 2028 and two tranches of the Lombard Debt due December 29, 2023 and January 30, 2024, respectively.
We believe our cash flows from operations and other sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and fulfill our debt obligations.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
We have various contractual obligations that are recorded as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet.
As of March 31, 2022, we had unfunded capital commitments of $84.7 million, consisting primarily of agreements to purchase helicopters, including three AW189 heavy helicopters and five AW169 light twin helicopters. The AW189 helicopters are scheduled for delivery in fiscal years 2023 through 2025. Delivery dates for the AW169 helicopters have yet to be determined. In addition, we had outstanding options to purchase up to ten additional AW189 helicopters. If these options are exercised, the helicopters would be scheduled for delivery in fiscal years 2024 through 2026.
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As of March 31, 2022, $67.4 million of our capital commitments (inclusive of deposits paid on options not yet exercised) may be terminated without further liability other than aggregate liquidated damages of approximately $1.9 million. If we do not exercise our rights to cancel these capital commitments, we expect to finance the remaining acquisition costs for these helicopters through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities, asset sales and financing options.
Lease Obligations
We have non-cancelable operating leases in connection with the lease of certain equipment, including leases for aircraft, and land and facilities used in our operations. The related lease agreements, which range from non-cancelable and month-to-month terms, generally provide for fixed monthly rentals and can also include renewal options. As of March 31, 2022, aggregate future payments under all non-cancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining terms in excess of one year, including leases for 44 aircraft, were as follows (in thousands):
| Aircraft | Other | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiscal year ending March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | $ | 65,593 | $ | 12,840 | $ | 78,433 | ||||
| 2024 | 51,781 | 10,358 | 62,139 | |||||||
| 2025 | 33,014 | 8,307 | 41,321 | |||||||
| 2026 | 6,814 | 7,104 | 13,918 | |||||||
| 2027 | 1,161 | 5,472 | 6,633 | |||||||
| Thereafter | — | 15,298 | 15,298 | |||||||
| $ | 158,363 | $ | 59,379 | $ | 217,742 |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, was $100.3 million and $112.6 million, respectively.
Pension Obligations
As of March 31, 2022, we had a net $18.2 million pension liability related to the BHL and Bristow International Aviation (Guernsey) Limited (“BIAGL”) pension plans as recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. The net liability represents the excess of the present value of the defined benefit pension plan liabilities over the fair value of plan assets that existed at that date. The minimum funding rules of the U.K. require the employer to agree to a funding plan with the plans’ trustee for securing that the pension plan has sufficient and appropriate assets to meet its technical provisions liabilities. In addition, where there is a shortfall in assets against this measure, we are required to make scheduled contributions in amounts sufficient to bring the plan up to fully-funded status as quickly as can be reasonably afforded. The timing of the funding is dependent on actuarial valuations and resulting negotiations with the plan trustees. The funding for defined benefit pension plans for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, is expected to be $16.9 million. The employer contributions for the pension plan for March 31, 2022 and 2021 were $18.0 million and $16.2 million, respectively.
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Selected Financial Information on Guarantors of Securities
On February 25, 2021, Bristow Group Inc. (“the Parent”) issued its 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes, issued under an indenture, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to payment by a number of subsidiaries of the Parent (collectively, the “Guarantors”). The Parent is a holding company with no significant assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries. In order to meet its financial needs and obligations, the Parent relies exclusively on income from dividends and other cash flow from such subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantees provide that, in the event of a default on the Senior Notes, the holders of the Senior Notes may institute legal proceedings directly against the Guarantors to enforce the guarantees without first proceeding against the Parent.
None of the non-Guarantor subsidiaries of the Parent are under any direct obligation to pay or otherwise fund amounts due on the Senior Notes or the guarantees, whether in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. If such subsidiaries are unable to transfer funds to the Parent or Guarantors and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, the Parent or Guarantors may not be able to make principal and interest payments on their outstanding debt, including the Senior Notes or the guarantees. The following selected financial information of the Guarantors presents a sufficient financial position of the Parent to continue to fulfill its obligations under the requirements of the Senior Notes. This selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes (in thousands):
| March 31, 2022 | March 31, 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | $ | 825,344 | $ | 798,189 | ||
| Non-current assets | $ | 2,048,480 | $ | 1,686,646 | ||
| Current liabilities | $ | 536,662 | $ | 224,078 | ||
| Non-current liabilities | $ | 784,466 | $ | 1,112,490 | ||
| Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2022 | ||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 432,935 | ||||
| Operating income | $ | 44,454 | ||||
| Net income | $ | 35,772 | ||||
| Net income attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | $ | 35,706 |
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various litigation matters including, among other things, claims by third parties for alleged property damages and personal injuries. In addition, from time to time, the Company is involved in tax and other disputes with various government agencies. Management has used estimates in determining the Company’s potential exposure to these matters and has recorded reserves in its condensed consolidated financial statements related thereto as appropriate. It is possible that a change in its estimates related to these exposures could occur, but the Company does not expect such changes in estimated costs or uninsured losses, if any, would have a material effect on its business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are affected by significant judgments and uncertainties which could potentially result in materially different accounting under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has prepared the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following critical accounting estimates could potentially result in a material impact to our financial condition or operating results. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies, as discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.
Taxes. Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination and evaluation of our tax provision and tax
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positions involves the interpretation of the tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and requires significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits. Changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements, tax treaties and foreign currency exchange restrictions or our level of operations or profitability in each jurisdiction would impact our tax liability in any given year.
We may recognize foreign tax credits available to us to offset the U.S. income taxes due on income earned from foreign sources. These credits are limited by the total income tax on the U.S. income tax return as well as by the ratio of foreign source income in each statutory category to total income. These estimates are subject to change based on changes in the market conditions in each statutory category and the timing of certain deductions available to us in each statutory category.
We maintain reserves for estimated income tax exposures in jurisdictions of operation. The expenses reported for these taxes, including our annual tax provision, include the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest. We believe that an appropriate liability has been established for estimated exposures. However, actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
As of March 31, 2022, we have established deferred tax assets for certain attributes we expect to be realizable. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. If we are unable to benefit from our deferred tax assets, valuation allowances will be established following the “more-likely-than-not” criteria. We periodically evaluate our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets and, in accordance with accounting guidance related to accounting for income taxes, will record any resulting adjustments that may be required to deferred income tax expense in the period for which an existing estimate changes.
We consider the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the U.S. on the basis of estimates that future cash generation will be sufficient to meet future U.S. cash needs and specific plans for foreign reinvestment of those earnings. As such, as of March 31, 2022, we have not provided for deferred taxes on the unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely invested abroad. Should our expectations were to change regarding the expected future tax consequences, we may be required to record additional U.S. federal deferred income taxes that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, result of operations and cash flows.
Should our expectations change regarding the expected future tax consequences, we may be required to record additional U.S. federal deferred income taxes that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, result of operations and cash flows.
Property and Equipment. Our property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, represents 52% of our total assets as of March 31, 2022. We determine the carrying value of these assets based on our property and equipment accounting policies, as discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which incorporate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage values.
We review our property and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of assets or asset groups may be impaired or when reclassifications are made from property and equipment to assets held for sale.
Asset impairment evaluations for held for use asset groups are based on estimated undiscounted cash flows for the asset group being evaluated. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we would be required to recognize an impairment loss. When determining fair value, we utilize various assumptions, including projections of future cash flows. An impairment loss is recorded in the period in which it is determined that the aggregate carrying amount of assets within an asset group is not recoverable. This requires us to make judgments regarding long-term forecasts of future revenues and cost related to the assets subject to review. In turn, these forecasts are uncertain in that they require assumptions about demand for our services, future market conditions and technological developments. A change in these underlying assumptions will cause a change in the results of the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts. In such event, we would be required to record a corresponding charge, which would reduce our earnings. Given the nature of these evaluations and their application to specific asset groups and specific times, it is not possible to reasonably quantify the impact of changes in these assumptions.
Pension Benefits. Pension obligations are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions including discount rates, compensation increases and employee turnover rates. The recognition of these obligations through the statement of
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operations is also affected by assumptions about expected returns on plan assets. We evaluate our assumptions periodically and adjust these assumptions as necessary.
Three critical assumptions are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rate and the mortality rate. We evaluate our assumptions regarding the estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and future expectations on investment returns, which are calculated by our third-party investment advisor utilizing the asset allocation classes held by the plans’ portfolios. We utilize a British pound sterling denominated AA corporate bond index as a basis for determining the discount rate for our U.K. plans. We base mortality rates utilized on actuarial research on these rates, which are adjusted to allow for expected mortality within our industry segment and, where available, individual plan experience data. Changes in these and other assumptions used in the actuarial computations could impact our projected benefit obligations, pension liabilities, pension expense and other comprehensive income. We base our determination of pension expense on a fair value valuation of assets and an amortization approach for assessed gains and losses that reduces year-to-year volatility. This approach recognizes investment and other actuarial gains or losses over the average remaining lifetime of the plan members. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates. Unconsolidated affiliates are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We perform regular reviews of each unconsolidated affiliate investee’s financial condition, the business outlook for its products and services and its present and projected results and cash flows. When an investee has experienced consistent declines in financial performance or difficulties raising capital to continue operations, the investment is written down to fair value. A cost method investment is reviewed for impairment, consistent with the guidance in ASC 321, Investments – Equity Securities, by evaluating such investments where the fair value of the equity investment is not readily determinable and the measurement alternative is elected to measure the investment at cost less any impairment.
We own a 25% economic interest in PAS, an unconsolidated affiliate that we account for under the cost method, as we are unable to exert significant influence over its operations. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, upon evaluating our investment in PAS, we identified an indicator for impairment due to a decline in PAS’s performance. As a result, we performed a fair valuation of our investment in PAS using a market approach that relied on significant Level III inputs due to the nature of unobservable inputs that required significant judgment and assumptions. The market approach utilized two methods, each yielding similar valuation outcomes through the use of a multiple relevant to each method, derived from select guideline public companies, and an expected dividend rate or earnings of PAS. This resulted in a $16.0 million loss on impairment recorded during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. As of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, our investment in PAS was $17.0 million.
Business Combinations - Purchase-Price Allocation. Accounting for business combinations requires the allocation of a company’s purchase price to the various assets and liabilities of the acquired business at their respective fair values. We use all available information to make these fair value determinations. Determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed generally involves assumptions regarding the amounts and timing of future revenues and expenditures, as well as discount rates.
During the fiscal year ended 2021, in connection with the purchase price allocation for the Merger, we derived the fair value of the Era fleet of aircraft from the estimated enterprise value of Era, using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach. The estimated enterprise value of Era was made using principal assumptions such as forecasted revenues and discount rate. All non-aircraft acquired assets and assumed liabilities were valued at fair value, which based upon their nature were more readily determinable. After allocating fair values to all the non-aircraft acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the remaining value was attributed to the aircraft. For additional discussion of purchase price allocations, refer to Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements that will, or could possibly, have an effect on our financial condition and results of operations, see Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001525221-21-000021.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
As a result of the adoption of fresh-start accounting, the Company’s consolidated financial statements subsequent to October 31, 2019 (“Successor”) may not be comparable to the consolidated financial statements prior to October 31, 2019 (“Predecessor”). The results of operations as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements are reported separately for each of these periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), however, the results of operations for the periods from April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019 (Predecessor) and from November 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 (Successor), cannot adequately be compared against the twelve months ended March 31, 2021, without combining the 2019 Predecessor and Successor periods. The combined results for the year ended March 31, 2020, which are referred to herein as results for the "year ended March 31, 2020," represent the sum of the reported amounts for the Predecessor periods from April 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019, and the Successor period from October 31, 2019 through March 31, 2020. These combined results are not considered to be prepared in accordance with GAAP and have not been prepared on a pro forma basis in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X.
In the discussions that follow, the terms “Current Year” and “Prior Year” refer to the twelve months ended March 31, 2021 (Successor) and 2020 (Combined), respectively. For discussion of year-to-year comparisons between the twelve months ended March 31, 2020 (Combined) and the twelve months ended March 31, 2019 (Predecessor), see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company’s joint proxy and consent solicitation statement/prospectus (File No. 333-237557), filed with the SEC on May 5, 2020 (the “Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus”).
Overview
We are the leading global provider of vertical flight solutions, primarily providing aviation services to a broad base of major integrated, national and independent energy companies and government agencies. Our helicopters are primarily used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore oil and gas production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. In the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, approximately 72%, 73% and 69%, respectively, of our operating revenues were derived from oil and gas services.
We conduct our business out of one segment, aviation services, and serve customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the U.K. and U.S.
In addition to providing aviation services to the offshore energy industry, we also provide commercial SAR services in multiple countries and public sector SAR services in the U.K. In the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, approximately 20%, 18% and 18%, respectively, of our operating revenues were derived from U.K. SAR services while approximately 8%, 9% and 13% were from fixed wing and other services.
Recent Developments
Achievement of Part CAMO Designation
In March 2021, Bristow became the first helicopter operator in the UK to achieve the Continued Airworthiness Management Organization certification (“Part CAMO”), a new mandatory international aviation safety standard designed to ensure the airworthiness of our aircraft, well ahead of the required compliance date of August 2021, underscoring our commitment to safety and industry leadership.
Part CAMO includes new procedures, which for the first time formally require the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a management system that includes safety management and compliance monitoring of those responsible for
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airworthiness operations as determined by the Civil Aviation Authority, following European Aviation Safety Agency guidelines. While the use of a management system has been mandatory for operators for several years, Part CAMO includes a comprehensive requirement for airworthiness organizations.
Closing of $400 Million Senior Secured Notes and Repayment of Term Loans
In February 2021, we closed a private offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior secured notes due 2028 (the “6.875% Senior Notes”). We used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering of the 6.875% Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, to repay approximately $152.0 million with respect to our secured equipment term loan with Macquarie Bank Limited and approximately $200.7 million with respect to our term loans with PK AirFinance S.à r.l. (collectively, the "Term Loans"). We also used a portion of the net proceeds together with cash on hand, to redeem our 7.750% Senior Notes due 2022 with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $132.0 million outstanding. This transaction strengthens our financial position and enhances our strategic and operational flexibility. This new financing results in a simpler capital structure, extends our debt maturities, reduces mandatory amortization requirements, and significantly reduces operational friction costs, all of which we believe enhances Bristow's credit profile and future access to capital.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global crisis, with many countries placing restrictions on national and international travel and instituting other measures, including, among other things, reducing or eliminating public gatherings by placing limits on such events, shuttering non-essential stores and services, encouraging voluntary quarantines and imposing involuntary quarantines, in an effort to reduce and slow the spread of COVID-19. The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the global economy is not yet known, but it has had a significant influence on economic activity and likely will continue to have a significant impact on the global economy in the near-to-medium-term, which in turn can cause volatility in global markets, generally, and in oil and natural gas prices, more specifically. Financial markets have also experienced significant volatility.
The outbreak of COVID-19 caused a significant decrease in oil and natural gas prices in the first half of 2020 resulting from demand weakness and oversupply, which has adversely affected demand for our services. Ongoing economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic may further depress the oil and gas market in the future, which may lead to additional decreases in capital spending by oil and natural gas companies.
Together with our customers, we have implemented several measures at our bases, based upon guidance from local public health authorities, to help protect employees and customers, including, but not limited to, measures to restrict access to sites, medical screenings/questionnaires prior to all flights, enhanced sanitization of aircraft and equipment, modification of aircraft and special protocols on travel and passenger transport, and we are also monitoring developments that may require or cause us to modify actions as appropriate. Many of our employees are deemed “essential” in the regions in which they operate and therefore may continue performing their jobs notwithstanding guidance or orders of general applicability issued by governments requiring businesses to close, persons to shelter in place, borders to close and other similar actions. In addition, we have developed and are offering customers COVID-19 medevac transport in certain regions. As of May 2021, a number of our personnel in certain parts of the world have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Merger Involving Bristow Group Inc. and Era Group Inc.
On January 23, 2020, Era, Merger Sub and Old Bristow entered into the Merger Agreement. On June 11, 2020, the Merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement was consummated and Merger Sub merged with and into Old Bristow, with Old Bristow continuing as the surviving corporation and as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Era. Following the Merger, Era changed its name to Bristow Group Inc., and Old Bristow changed its name to Bristow Holdings U.S. Inc.
The Merger was accounted for as an acquisition by Old Bristow of Era even though Era was the legal acquirer and remains the ultimate parent of the Company. As a result, upon the closing of the Merger, Old Bristow’s historical financial statements replaced Era’s historical financial statements for all periods prior to the completion of the Merger, and the financial condition, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of Era have been included in those financial statements since June 12, 2020. Therefore, any information in this MD&A that is presented as of dates or for periods prior to the completion of the Merger relates only to Old Bristow, and not the Company. Effective upon the closing of the Merger, the Company changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to March 31, to correspond with Old Bristow’s fiscal year-end.
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For pro forma consolidated financial statements of the Company giving effect to the Merger, refer to the unaudited pro forma combined financial information filed as Exhibit 99.2 to our fiscal year 2020 Financial Statements.
Lines of Service
Oil and Gas. The offshore oil and gas market is highly cyclical with demand highly correlated to the price of oil and gas, which tends to fluctuate depending on many factors, including global economic activity, levels of inventory and overall demand. In addition to the price of oil and gas, the availability of acreage and local tax incentives or disincentives and requirements for maintaining interests in leases affect activity levels in the oil and gas industry. Price levels for oil and gas by themselves can cause additional fluctuations by inducing changes in consumer behavior. The four main regions where we offer oil and gas transportation services are Europe Caspian, Americas, Africa and Asia Pacific.
U.K. SAR Services. Since 2015, we have been providing SAR services in the U.K. on behalf of the MCA using a mix of U.K. SAR configured S-92s and AW189s. The recently extended U.K. SAR contract will run through December 31, 2026.
Fixed Wing Services. Our fixed wing services are currently operating in Australia and Nigeria, providing regular passenger transport (scheduled airline service with individual ticket sales) and charter services.
Other Activities and Services. In order to diversify sources of our earnings and cash flow, we deploy a number of helicopters in support of other industries and activities, one of which includes entering into lease arrangements for our helicopters with operators primarily located in international markets such as Mexico, India, Chile and Spain. The helicopters are contracted to local helicopter operators, which often prefer to lease helicopters rather than purchase them. Leasing affords us the opportunity to access new markets without significant initial infrastructure investment and generally without ongoing operating risk.
Market Outlook
The offshore oil and gas market is highly cyclical with demand linked to the price of oil and gas. The prices of oil and gas are critical factors in our customers’ investment and spending decisions. The price of crude oil had been range-bound for a number of years and then the COVID-19 pandemic further devastated the global oil and gas industry, which negatively impacted the cash flow of our customers and has led them to reduce capital and operational expenditures from prior levels, including reductions related to offshore exploration, development and production activities. This resulted in reduced oil and gas project sanctioning and total committed spending during the 2020 calendar year. Postponed plans and total sanctioning by oil and gas producers is however expected to recover in late 2021 and cause the total value of final investment decisions (FIDs) to double next year and exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2022 according to Rystad Energy Research published in September 2020.
We generate a vast majority of our operating revenues from contracts supporting our oil and gas customers’ offshore production operations, which have long-term transportation requirements. Production activities are typically less cyclical than the exploration and development activities. Production platforms remain in place over the long-term and are relatively unaffected by economic cycles, as the marginal cost of operation is low. If there are additional declines in the price of oil and gas, there could be a delay or cancellation of planned offshore projects impacting our operations in future periods.
The remainder of our oil and gas revenues primarily comes from transporting personnel to, from and between offshore drilling rigs. Deepwater activity continues to be a significant segment of the global offshore oil and gas markets and typically involves significant capital investment and multi-year development plans. Such projects are generally underwritten by the energy companies using relatively conservative assumptions relating to oil and gas prices. Although these projects are considered to be less susceptible to short-term fluctuations in the price of oil and gas compared to shorter cycle projects, persistently low crude oil prices over the last several years caused these companies to reevaluate their future capital expenditures with respect to deepwater projects and resulted in the rescaling, delay or cancellation of planned offshore projects, which could continue to impact our operations in future periods.
The SAR market is continuing to evolve, and we believe further outsourcing of public SAR services and other government contract work will become available to the private sector in the future, although the timing of these opportunities is uncertain. The duration of these contracts generally lasts for ten or more years with options for renewal. Additionally, advances in offshore wind turbine technology, wind farm development, and operating costs are now cost competitive with other forms of power generation hence creating opportunities for our business. The UK, Germany and China represent the largest portions of
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the current installed base of wind farms, but the U.S., Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Vietnam are expected to ramp up installations significantly between now and 2030 with continued growth in Europe and China, making offshore wind a significant global opportunity over the next decade and beyond.
We believe that we are well positioned to serve the market for support of offshore wind energy.
Components of Revenues and Expenses
We derive our revenues primarily from operating equipment, and our profits depend on our cost of capital, the acquisition costs of assets, our operating costs and our reputation. A majority of our revenues are generated through two types of contracts: helicopter services and fixed wing services. Revenues are recognized when control of the identified distinct goods or services has been transferred to the customer, the transaction price is determined and allocated to the satisfied performance obligations and we have determined that collection has occurred or is probable of occurring. Cost reimbursements from customers are recorded as reimbursable revenue with the related reimbursed cost recorded as reimbursable expense on our consolidated statements of operations.
Operating revenues recorded under our oil and gas line of service are primarily generated from offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production activities with fixed-term contracts generally ranging between one to five years, subject to provisions permitting early termination by customers. Customers are invoiced on a monthly basis with payment terms of 30 to 60 days. Revenues are typically earned through a combination of fixed monthly fees plus an incremental charge based on flight hours flown. Charter revenues are typically earned through either a combination of a daily fixed fee plus a charge based on hours flown or an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily.
Our customers for SAR services include both the oil and gas industry, where our revenues are primarily dependent on our customers’ operating expenditures, and governmental agencies, where our revenues are dependent on a country’s desire to privatize SAR and enter into long-term contracts. Operating revenues for these emergency response services are earned through a fixed monthly fee plus an incremental charge for flight hours flown, and charter revenues are typically earned through an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily.
We derive revenues from our fixed wing line of service by providing transportation services through passenger transport and charter services, with ticket sales recorded under deferred revenues on our consolidated balance sheet. Revenues are recognized over time at the earlier of the period in which the service is provided or the period in which the right to travel expires; this is determined by the terms and conditions of the ticket. For scheduled charter services, our contracts typically include variable rates based on the number of passengers, flights or flight hours. These agreements may also include a monthly standing charge; however, this is much less common as compared to helicopter contracts. Both chartered and scheduled airline services revenues are recognized net of passenger taxes and discounts.
Our policy of expensing all repair costs as incurred may result in operating expenses varying substantially when compared with a prior year or prior quarter if a disproportionate number of repairs, refurbishments or overhauls are undertaken. This variation can be exacerbated by the timing of entering or exiting third-party PBH programs and the timing of vendor credits.
For helicopters that we lease to third parties under arrangements whereby the customer assumes operational responsibility, we often provide technical parts support, but generally we incur no other material operating costs. In most instances, our leases require clients to procure adequate insurance, but we purchase contingent hull and liability coverage to mitigate the risk of a client’s coverage failing to respond. In some instances, we provide training and other services to support our lease customers.
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The aggregate cost of our operations depends primarily on the size and asset mix of the fleet. Our operating costs and expenses are grouped into the following categories:
•personnel (includes wages, benefits, payroll taxes and savings plans);
•repairs and maintenance (primarily routine activities and hourly charges for PBH maintenance contracts that cover helicopter refurbishments and engine and major component overhauls that are performed in accordance with planned maintenance programs);
•insurance (including the cost of hull and liability insurance premiums and loss deductibles);
•fuel;
•leased-in equipment (includes the cost of leasing helicopters and equipment); and
•other (primarily base expenses, property, sales and use taxes, communication costs, freight expenses, and other).
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Results of Operations
The following table presents our operating results and other statement of operations information for the twelve months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, (in thousands, except percentages):
| Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Months Ended October 31, 2019 | Five Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2021 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Predecessor | Successor | Combined | Successor | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 722,919 | $ | 467,725 | $ | 1,190,644 | $ | 1,139,024 | $ | (51,620) | (4.3) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Reimbursable revenues | 34,304 | 18,038 | 52,342 | 39,038 | (13,304) | (25.4) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 757,223 | 485,763 | 1,242,986 | 1,178,062 | (64,924) | (5.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel | 190,805 | 130,111 | 320,916 | 313,561 | 7,355 | 2.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Repairs and maintenance | 140,069 | 102,327 | 242,396 | 233,468 | 8,928 | 3.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | 9,590 | 6,441 | 16,031 | 21,422 | (5,391) | (33.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel | 43,479 | 25,231 | 68,710 | 45,206 | 23,504 | 34.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Leased-in equipment | 97,585 | 49,162 | 146,747 | 116,642 | 30,105 | 20.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 88,312 | 57,365 | 145,677 | 120,874 | 24,803 | 17.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 569,840 | 370,637 | 940,477 | 851,173 | 89,304 | 9.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reimbursable expenses | 33,023 | 17,683 | 50,706 | 38,789 | 11,917 | 23.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Prepetition restructuring charges | 13,476 | — | 13,476 | — | 13,476 | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 88,392 | 64,960 | 153,352 | 153,270 | 82 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs | 4,539 | 227 | 4,766 | 25,773 | (21,007) | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Merger-related costs | — | 6,330 | 6,330 | 42,842 | (36,512) | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 70,864 | 28,238 | 99,102 | 70,078 | 29,024 | 29.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | 780,134 | 488,075 | 1,268,209 | 1,181,925 | 86,284 | 6.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on impairment | (62,101) | (9,591) | (71,692) | (91,260) | (19,568) | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of assets | (3,768) | (451) | (4,219) | (8,199) | (3,980) | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net | 6,589 | 7,262 | 13,851 | 426 | (13,425) | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating loss | (82,191) | (5,092) | (87,283) | (102,896) | (15,613) | (17.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 822 | 662 | 1,484 | 1,293 | (191) | (12.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (128,658) | (22,964) | (151,622) | (51,259) | 100,363 | 66.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | — | (29,359) | (29,359) | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reorganization items, net | (617,973) | (7,232) | (625,205) | 1,577 | 626,782 | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on sale of subsidiaries | (55,883) | — | (55,883) | — | 55,883 | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of preferred stock derivative liability | — | 184,140 | 184,140 | 15,416 | (168,724) | (91.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Bargain purchase gain | — | — | — | 81,093 | 81,093 | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | (3,501) | (9,956) | (13,457) | 27,495 | 40,952 | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other income (expense) | (805,193) | 144,650 | (660,543) | 46,256 | 706,799 | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before benefit (provision) for income taxes | (887,384) | 139,558 | (747,826) | (56,640) | 691,186 | 92.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | 51,178 | (482) | 50,696 | 355 | (50,341) | (99.3) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | (836,206) | 139,076 | (697,130) | (56,285) | 640,845 | 91.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (208) | 152 | (56) | 191 | 247 | nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Bristow Group Inc. | $ | (836,414) | $ | 139,228 | $ | (697,186) | $ | (56,094) | $ | 641,092 | 92.0 | % |
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Revenues by Service Line. The table below sets forth the operating revenues earned by service line for the applicable periods (in thousands):
| Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Months Ended October 31, 2019 | Five Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2021 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Predecessor | Successor | Combined | Successor | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oil and gas: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe Caspian | $ | 266,477 | $ | 177,085 | $ | 443,562 | $ | 391,921 | $ | (51,641) | (11.6) | % | |||||||||||||
| Americas | 137,781 | 97,670 | 235,451 | 328,489 | 93,038 | 39.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Africa | 96,615 | 61,318 | 157,933 | 93,285 | (64,648) | (40.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 22,459 | 5,117 | 27,576 | 11,831 | (15,745) | (57.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total oil and gas | 523,332 | 341,190 | 864,522 | 825,526 | (38,996) | (4.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| UK SAR Services | 128,436 | 90,574 | 219,010 | 225,328 | 6,318 | 2.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Wing Services | 70,755 | 35,579 | 106,334 | 73,751 | (32,583) | (30.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 396 | 382 | 778 | 14,419 | 13,641 | nm | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 722,919 | $ | 467,725 | $ | 1,190,644 | $ | 1,139,024 | $ | (51,620) | (4.3) | % |
Current Twelve Months compared to Prior Year Twelve Months
Operating Revenues. Operating revenues were $51.6 million lower in the twelve months ended March 31, 2021 (the “Current Year”) compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2020 (the “Prior Year”).
Operating revenues from oil and gas operations were $39.0 million lower in the Current Year.
Operating revenues from oil and gas operations in Africa were $64.6 million lower primarily due to lower utilization.
Operating revenues from oil and gas operations in the Europe Caspian region were $51.6 million lower in the Current Year. Revenues in the U.K. decreased $32.5 million primarily due to lower utilization, partially offset by the strengthening of the GBP relative to the U.S. dollar. Revenues in Norway decreased $14.3 million primarily due to lower utilization and the weakening of the NOK relative to the U.S. dollar. Revenues in Turkmenistan decreased $4.7 million due to the end of customer contracts.
Operating revenues from oil and gas operations in the Asia Pacific region were $15.7 million lower in the Current Year. Revenues in Australia decreased $10.0 million primarily due to lower utilization. In addition, the Prior Year included revenues of $5.6 million related Aviashelf, which was sold during the Prior Year.
Operating revenues from oil and gas operations in the Americas were $93.0 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to the Merger. These increases were partially offset by lower utilization in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Trinidad. Revenues in Canada were $6.8 million lower due to to the change in revenue recognition method for leases to Cougar to cash basis recognition, which was effective at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the Current Year.
Operating revenues from U.K. SAR services were $6.3 million higher in the Current Year primarily due to the strengthening of the GBP relative to the U.S. dollar.
Operating revenues from fixed wing services decreased by $32.6 million in the Current Year. Revenues from fixed wing services in the U.K. were $12.8 million lower primarily due to the sale of Eastern Airways International Limited (“Eastern Airways”) during the Prior Year. Revenues from fixed wing services in Africa and Australia were $10.8 million and $9.0 million lower, respectively, primarily due to lower utilization.
Operating revenues from other services were $13.6 million higher due to the Merger and higher part sales.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses were $89.3 million lower in the Current Year. Lease costs were $30.1 million lower in the Current Year primarily due to aircraft lease rejections in the Chapter 11 Cases prior to the Current Year, the absence of $10.8 million in net lease return costs incurred in the Prior Year and the return of leased helicopters during the
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Current Year. Fuel expense was $23.5 million lower primarily due to a decrease in flight hours. Personnel costs were $7.4 million lower primarily due to the full-year benefit of pre-Merger headcount reduction. Maintenance costs were $8.9 million lower primarily due to lower power-by-the-hour (“PBH”) expense related to fewer flight hours, partially offset by an increase in PBH amortization costs related to the recognition of a PBH asset as a result of fresh-start accounting and the Merger. Other operating expenses decreased $24.8 million primarily due to the decrease in activity, including lower training, travel and freight costs. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in insurance costs of $5.4 million primarily due to increased premiums and deductibles related to hurricane damages.
Pre-Petition Restructuring Charges. In the Prior Year, the Company incurred $13.5 million in professional fees prior to the petition date related to the Chapter 11 Cases.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses were $0.1 million lower in the Current Year.
Merger-related costs. Merger-related costs of $42.8 million primarily consist of professional services fees and severance costs related to the Merger.
Restructuring costs. Restructuring costs of $25.8 million during the Current Year were primarily related to separation programs in our Africa region, which were not directly related to the Merger.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $29.0 million in the Current Year primarily due to the revaluation of assets in connection with the adoption of fresh-start accounting and fewer helicopters. Old Bristow recorded all property and equipment at fair value upon emergence from Chapter 11 and made certain changes to the useful lives and salvage value of assets.
Loss on Impairment. During the Current Year, the Company recognized a loss on impairment of $51.9 million related to its investment in Cougar, a loss on the impairment of its investment in Líder of $18.7 million, a loss on impairment of $12.9 million related to the write down of inventory and a loss on impairment of $7.8 million related to helicopters that were transferred to held for sale assets. During the Prior Year, the Company recognized a loss on the impairment of H225 aircraft of $42.0 million, $17.5 million for Airnorth goodwill and $2.6 million for Bristow’s investment in Sky Future Partners, all of which occurred in the Predecessor Period. During the Prior Year Successor Period, the Company also recognized a loss on the impairment for its investment in Líder of $9.6 million.
Loss on Disposal of Assets. During the Current Year, the Company sold eleven H225 heavy, 14 S-76C++ medium, two B412 medium, 19 B407 single engine helicopters, one H225 simulator, three fixed wing aircraft and other equipment for cash proceeds of $67.9 million and disposed of five S-76C++ helicopters via sales-type lease agreements, resulting in losses of $8.2 million. During the Prior Year, the Company sold four H225 heavy, three B412 medium helicopters, a fixed wing aircraft and other equipment, resulting in losses of $4.2 million.
Earnings from Unconsolidated Affiliates, net of Losses. During the Current Year, the Company recognized earnings of $0.4 million from equity investments compared to $13.9 million in the Prior Year. The Current Year includes $4.8 million of losses from Líder and $5.0 million lower earnings from Cougar.
Operating Loss. Operating loss as a percentage of revenues was (8.7)% in the Current Year compared to (7.0)% in the Prior Year. Operating loss in the Current Year was primarily due to losses on impairment, restructuring and merger-related costs. Operating loss in the Prior Year was primarily due to pre-petition restructuring costs, the recognition of lease return costs and the losses on impairments.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $100.4 million lower in the Current Year. During the Prior Year, the Company incurred a $56.9 million expense related to the Chapter 11 Cases. Interest expense was also lower in the Current Year due to lower debt balances and the absence of the amortization of deferred financing fees as these fees were written-off as a result of Chapter 11. These decreases were partially offset by increased debt discount amortization related to the fair valuing of debt as a result of fresh-start and purchase price accounting.
Loss on extinguishment of debt. During the Current Year, in connection with the refinancing, the Company repaid existing term loans and redeemed its 7.750% senior unsecured notes due December 15, 2022 (the “7.750% Senior Notes”) and
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recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $29.4 million related to the write-off of associated discount balances and early repayment fees.
Reorganization Items, net. During the Current Year, the Company recognized a gain of $1.6 million related to the release of the rabbi trust which held investments related to the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the Company’s former senior executives, partially offset by bankruptcy trustee fees. Reorganization items incurred in the Prior Year related to the Chapter 11 Cases and consisted of fresh-start accounting adjustments of $686.1 million, reorganization professional and other fees of $86.2 million, debt related expenses of $48.3 million, settlement charges related to the rejection of H175 helicopters of $31.8 million, lease termination costs of $30.2 million, write-off of corporate lease and leasehold improvements of $2.8 million, gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise of $265.6 million, and benefit from adjustment of allowed claim associated with return of four H225 helicopters of $1.9 million. During the Prior Year, the Company also incurred $6.5 million related to professional services fees for fresh start accounting and $0.7 million related to bankruptcy trustee fees.
Loss on sale of Subsidiaries. During the Prior Year, Old Bristow sold two subsidiaries, Eastern Airways and Aviashelf, resulting in losses of $46.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively.
Change in Fair Value of Preferred Stock Derivative. During the Current Year, the Company recognized a benefit of $15.4 million related to a decrease in the fair value of preferred stock derivative. During the Prior Year, Old Bristow recognized a benefit of $184.1 million related to a decrease in the fair value of preferred stock derivative.
Gain on Bargain Purchase. During the Current Year, the Company recognized a bargain purchase gain of $81.1 million related to the Merger. The net tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed in connection with the Merger, were recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The excess of the fair value of Era’s identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as a gain.
Other Income, net. Other income, net was $27.5 million in the Current Year compared to other expense, net of $13.5 million in the Prior Year. Other income in the Current Year was primarily due to other income related to Airnorth (government grants) of $11.5 million, net foreign exchange gains of $7.5 million as shown in the table below, a favorable interest adjustment to the Company’s pension liability of $3.8 million and insurance proceeds of $2.6 million. Other expense, net in the Prior Year was primarily due to net foreign exchange losses of $12.9 million as shown in the table below and an unfavorable interest adjustment to the Company’s pension liability of $0.6 million.
| Seven Months Ended October 31, 2019 | Five Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2021 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Predecessor | Successor | Combined | Successor | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency gains (losses) by region: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe Caspian | $ | (5,392) | $ | (3,107) | $ | (8,499) | 17,910 | $ | (23,302) | ||||||||||||
| Africa | (904) | 1,075 | 171 | (3,001) | 2,097 | ||||||||||||||||
| Americas | 1,007 | (315) | 692 | (1,193) | 2,200 | ||||||||||||||||
| Asia Pacific | (587) | (3,840) | (4,427) | 6,296 | (6,883) | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other | 4,549 | (5,390) | (841) | (12,537) | 17,086 | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency gains (losses) | (1,327) | (11,577) | (12,904) | 7,475 | (8,802) | ||||||||||||||||
| Pension-related costs | (2,256) | 1,658 | (598) | 3,837 | (6,093) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | 82 | (37) | 45 | 16,183 | (16,101) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | $ | (3,501) | $ | (9,956) | $ | (13,457) | 27,495 | $ | (30,996) |
Income Tax Benefit (Expense). Income tax benefit was $0.4 million in the Current Year compared to $50.7 million in the Prior Year Year primarily due to nondeductible expenses related to impairment of foreign investments, variability of earnings in different jurisdictions and the impact of valuation allowances.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Our ongoing liquidity requirements arise primarily from working capital needs, meeting our capital commitments (including the purchase of helicopters and other equipment) and the repayment of debt obligations. In addition, we may use our liquidity to fund acquisitions, repay debt, repurchase shares or debt securities or make other investments. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash balances and cash flows from operations and, from time to time, we may obtain additional liquidity through the issuance of equity or debt or other financing options or through asset sales.
Summary of Cash Flows
| Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Months Ended October 31, 2019 | Five Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Predecessor | Successor | Combined | Successor | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by or (used in): | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | (98,866) | $ | (9,513) | $ | (108,379) | $ | 96,845 | |||||||||
| Investing activities | (58,718) | (17,770) | (76,488) | 173,274 | |||||||||||||
| Financing activities | 227,649 | (25,132) | 202,517 | (245,617) | |||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 2,406 | 1,010 | 3,416 | 7,456 | |||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 72,471 | $ | (51,405) | $ | 21,066 | $ | 31,958 |
Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $96.8 million during the Current Year compared to cash flows used in operating activities of $108.4 million during the Prior Year. The Prior Year was impacted by significant reorganization costs related to Chapter 11, with a net cash flow impact of approximately $89 million. The Current Year benefited from higher other income, primarily related to COVID-19 government relief grants and principal receipts on the Company’s sales-type leases. Operating income before depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, losses on asset dispositions, net and earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net, was $2.9 million lower in the Current Year compared to the Prior Year. In the Current Year, lower operating expenses primarily due to lower lease costs and activity were partially offset by lower revenues, Merger-related costs and restructuring costs.
Cash paid for interest expense and income taxes was $32.3 million and $15.1 million, respectively, in the Current Year compared to $62.3 million and $17.1 million, respectively, in the Prior Year.
Investing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash provided by investing activities was $173.3 million primarily consisting of:
•Increase in cash from the Merger of $120.2 million,
•Proceeds of $67.9 million from the sale or disposal of fifty-four aircraft and certain other equipment, and
•Capital expenditures of $14.8 million primarily consisting of spare helicopter parts, facility improvements and information technology upgrades.
During the Prior Year, net cash used in investing activities was $76.5 million primarily consisting of:
•Capital expenditures of $77.7 million,
•Net payments of $22.5 million for the disposal of Eastern Airways, BHLL and Aviashelf,
•Proceeds of $19.5 million from the sale or disposal of three aircraft and certain other equipment, and
•Proceeds of $4.5 million from deposits on assets held for sale.
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Financing Activities
During the Current Year, net cash used in financing activities was $245.6 million primarily consisting of:
•Proceeds of $400.0 million from the issuance of 6.875% Senior Notes,
•Net repayments of debt and redemption premiums of $623.9 million,
•Share repurchases of $15.3 million, and
•Debt issuance costs of $6.4 million related to the 6.875% Senior Notes.
During the Prior Year, net cash provided by financing activities was $202.5 million primarily consisting of:
•Borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement were $225.6 million,
•Proceeds from issuance of common and preferred stock were $385.0 million, partially offset by
•Debt issuance costs of $14.9 million,
•Net repayments of debt and other securities of $391.9 million, and
•Partial prepayment of put/call obligation of $1.3 million.
Short and Long-Term Liquidity Requirements
We anticipate that we will generate positive cash flows from operating activities and that these cash flows will be adequate to meet our working capital requirements. To support our capital expenditure program and/or other liquidity requirements, we may use any combination of operating cash flow, cash balances, issue debt or equity, ABL or other financing options.
Our availability of long-term liquidity is dependent upon our ability to generate operating profits sufficient to meet our requirements for working capital, debt service, capital expenditures and a reasonable return on investment. While the COVID-19 pandemic, in general, and the related decrease in oil and natural gas prices, more specifically, have not had a material impact on our liquidity, a sustained environment of depressed oil and natural gas prices could affect capital spending for offshore oil and gas exploration, drilling and production, which in turn could affect our business and liquidity. As of March 31, 2021, we had $228.0 million of unrestricted cash and $56.1 million of remaining availability under our amended asset-backed revolving credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) for total liquidity of $284.1 million.
As of March 31, 2021, approximately 78% of our total cash balance was held outside the U.S. and is generally used to meet the liquidity needs of our non-U.S. operations. Most of our cash held outside the U.S. could be repatriated to the U.S., and any such repatriation could be subject to additional taxes. If cash held by non-U.S. operations is required for funding operations in the U.S., we may make a provision for additional taxes in connection with repatriating this cash, which is not expected to have a significant impact on our results of operations.
The significant factors that affect our overall liquidity include cash from or used to fund operations, capital expenditure commitments, debt service, pension funding, adequacy of bank lines of credit and the Company’s ability to attract capital on satisfactory terms.
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The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and capital commitments and their aggregate maturities as of March 31, 2021 (in thousands):
| Fiscal Year Ending | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 2022 | 2023-2024 | 2025-2026 | 2027 and beyond | |||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual obligations: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal | $ | 573,593 | $ | 15,972 | $ | 157,563 | $ | 58 | $ | 400,000 | |||||||||
| Interest | 203,011 | 31,916 | 61,095 | 55,000 | 55,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Other purchase obligations(2) | 21,190 | 21,190 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Aircraft operating leases | 210,902 | 77,354 | 103,008 | 30,540 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other operating leases(3) | 69,459 | 12,832 | 20,927 | 14,475 | 21,225 | ||||||||||||||
| Capital purchase obligations(4) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pension obligations(5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total contractual cash obligations | $ | 1,078,155 | $ | 159,264 | $ | 342,593 | $ | 100,073 | $ | 476,225 | |||||||||
| Other commercial commitments: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Letters of credit | $ | 19,420 | $ | 19,090 | $ | 330 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
| Total commercial commitments | $ | 1,097,575 | $ | 178,354 | $ | 342,923 | $ | 100,073 | $ | 476,225 |
_______________________
(1)Maturities of our borrowings, interest payments pursuant to such borrowings and a capital commitment fee on our ABL are based on contractual terms. Interest amounts represent the expected cash payments for interest on our long-term debt based on the interest rates in place and amounts outstanding as of March 31, 2021.
(2)Other purchase obligations primarily include purchase orders for helicopter inventory and non-cancelable PBH maintenance commitments. These commitments are for goods and services to be acquired in the ordinary course of business and are fulfilled by our vendors within a short period of time.
(3)Operating leases primarily include leases of facilities that have a remaining term in excess of one year.
(4)Capital purchase obligations as of March 31, 2021 represent commitments for the purchase of new helicopters. Of the total unfunded capital commitments, all may be terminated without further liability other than liquidated damages of $2.1 million in the aggregate. These commitments are not recorded as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as we had not yet received the goods or taken title to the property. See discussion of these purchase obligations below.
(5)See discussion of pension obligations below.
We believe our cash flows from operations and other sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and fulfill our debt obligations. While the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material impact on our liquidity, management will continue to closely monitor our liquidity position, the credit markets and oil and gas prices in general.
Debt Obligations
Total principal debt balance as of March 31, 2021 (Successor) was $573.6 million primarily comprised of the 6.875% Senior Notes due in March 2028 and two tranches of the Lombard Debt due December 29, 2023 and January 30, 2024, respectively.
Currently, we do not believe the conditions caused by COVID-19 will affect our ability to meet the maintenance and other covenants in our debt instruments.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
We have various contractual obligations that are recorded as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet such as certain minimum lease payments for the use of property and equipment under operating lease agreements we are contractually committed to make.
As of March 31, 2021, we had unfunded commitments of $85.3 million, primarily stemming from agreements to purchase eight new helicopters, consisting of three AW189 heavy helicopters and five AW169 light twin helicopters. We also
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had $1.3 million of deposits paid on options that have not yet been exercised. The AW189 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in fiscal year 2022. Delivery dates for the AW169 helicopters have not been determined. In addition, we had outstanding options to purchase up to an additional ten AW189 helicopters. If these options were exercised, the helicopters would be delivered in fiscal year 2022 and 2023. All of all of our capital commitments (inclusive of deposits paid on options not yet exercised) may be terminated without further liability other than aggregate liquidated damages of approximately $2.1 million.
We had $21.2 million of other purchase obligations representing non-cancelable PBH maintenance commitments and unfilled purchase orders for aircraft parts.
Lease Obligations
We have non-cancelable operating leases in connection with the lease of certain equipment, including leases for aircraft, and land and facilities used in our operations. The related lease agreements, which range from non-cancelable and month-to-month terms, generally provide for fixed monthly rentals and can also include renewal options. As of March 31, 2021 (Successor), aggregate future payments under all non-cancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining terms in excess of one year, including leases for 44 aircraft, were as follows (in thousands):
| Aircraft | Other | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiscal year ending March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2022 | $ | 77,354 | $ | 12,730 | $ | 90,084 | ||||
| 2023 | 57,646 | 10,775 | 68,421 | |||||||
| 2024 | 45,362 | 9,948 | 55,310 | |||||||
| 2025 | 28,370 | 7,627 | 35,997 | |||||||
| 2026 | 2,170 | 6,644 | 8,814 | |||||||
| Thereafter | — | 21,055 | 21,055 | |||||||
| $ | 210,902 | $ | 68,779 | $ | 279,681 |
During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized $120.3 million and $151.6 million of operating lease expense, respectively.
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 (Successor), was $112.6 million.
Pension Obligations
As of March 31, 2021 (Successor), we had recorded on our balance sheet a net $44.2 million pension liability related to the Bristow Helicopters Limited and Bristow International Aviation (Guernsey) Limited (“BIAGL”) pension plans. The liability represents the excess of the present value of the defined benefit pension plan liabilities over the fair value of plan assets that existed at that date. The minimum funding rules of the U.K. require the employer to agree to a funding plan with the plans’ trustee for securing that the pension plan has sufficient and appropriate assets to meet its technical provisions liabilities. In addition, where there is a shortfall in assets against this measure, we are required to make scheduled contributions in amounts sufficient to bring the plan up to fully-funded status as quickly as can be reasonably afforded. The timing of the funding is dependent on actuarial valuations and resulting negotiations with the plan trustees. The funding for defined benefit pension plans for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022 is expected to be $18.0 million. The employer contributions for the pension plan for the Current Year, the Prior Year and the Predecessor Fiscal Year 2019 were £12.7 million ($16.2 million), £12.7 million ($16.6 million), and £12.8 million ($17.0 million), respectively.
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Selected Financial Information on Guarantors of Securities
On February 25, 2021, Bristow Group Inc. (“the Parent”) issued its 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “Registered Notes”). The Registered Notes, issued under an indenture, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to payment by a number of subsidiaries of the Parent (collectively, the “Guarantors”). The Parent is a holding company with no significant assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries. In order to meet its financial needs and obligations, the Parent relies exclusively on income from dividends and other cash flow from such subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantees provide that, in the event of a default on the Registered Notes, the holders of the Registered Notes may institute legal proceedings directly against the Guarantors to enforce the guarantees without first proceeding against the Parent.
None of the non-Guarantor subsidiaries of the Parent are under any direct obligation to pay or otherwise fund amounts due on the Registered Notes or the guarantees, whether in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. If such subsidiaries are unable to transfer funds to the Parent or Guarantors and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, the Parent or Guarantors may not be able to make principal and interest payments on their outstanding debt, including the Registered Notes or the guarantees. We believe the following selected financial information of the Guarantors presents a sufficient financial position of Bristow Group Inc. to continue to fulfill its obligations under the requirements of the Registered Notes. This selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes (amounts shown in thousands).
| Successor | ||
|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2021 | ||
| Current assets | $ | 798,189 |
| Non-current assets | $ | 1,686,646 |
| Current liabilities | $ | 224,078 |
| Non-current liabilities | $ | 1,112,490 |
| Successor | ||
| Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2021 | ||
| Total revenues | $ | 321,288 |
| Operating income (expense) | $ | (362,903) |
| Net loss | $ | (386,951) |
| Net loss attributable to Bristow Group | $ | (386,994) |
Contingencies
General Litigation and Disputes
In the normal course of our business, we become involved in various litigation matters including, among other things, claims by third parties for alleged property damages and personal injuries. In addition, from time to time, we are involved in tax and other disputes with various government agencies. Management has used estimates in determining our potential exposure to these matters and has recorded reserves in our financial statements related thereto as appropriate. It is possible that a change in our estimates related to these exposures could occur, but we do not expect such changes in estimated costs would have a material effect on our business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are affected by significant judgments and uncertainties which could potentially result in materially different accounting under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has prepared the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following critical accounting estimates could potentially result in a material impact to our financial condition or operating results. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies, as discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.
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Taxes. Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination and evaluation of our annual tax provision and tax positions involves the interpretation of the tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and requires significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits. Changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements, tax treaties and foreign currency exchange restrictions or our level of operations or profitability in each jurisdiction would impact our tax liability in any given year. We also operate in many jurisdictions where the tax laws relating to the offshore oil service industry are open to interpretation which could potentially result in tax authorities asserting additional tax liabilities. While our annual tax provision is based on the best information available at the time, a number of years may elapse before the ultimate tax liabilities in the various jurisdictions are determined.
We recognize foreign tax credits available to us to offset the U.S. income taxes due on income earned from foreign sources. These credits are limited by the total income tax on the U.S. income tax return as well as by the ratio of foreign source income in each statutory category to total income. In estimating the amount of foreign tax credits that are realizable, we estimate future taxable income in each statutory category. These estimates are subject to change based on changes in the market conditions in each statutory category and the timing of certain deductions available to us in each statutory category. We periodically reassess these estimates and record changes to the amount of realizable foreign tax credits based on these revised estimates. Changes to the amount of realizable foreign tax credits can be significant given any material change to our estimates on which the realizability of foreign tax credits is based.
We maintain reserves for estimated income tax exposures in jurisdictions of operation. The expenses reported for these taxes, including our annual tax provision, include the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest. Tax exposure items primarily include potential challenges to intercompany pricing, disposition transactions and the applicability or rate of various withholding taxes. These exposures are resolved primarily through the settlement of audits within these tax jurisdictions or by judicial means, but can also be affected by changes in applicable tax law or other factors, which could cause us to conclude that a revision of past estimates is appropriate. We believe that an appropriate liability has been established for estimated exposures. However, actual results may differ materially from these estimates. We review these liabilities quarterly.
We do not believe it is reasonably possible to estimate the potential effect of changes to the assumptions and estimates identified because the resulting change to our tax liability, if any, is dependent on numerous factors which cannot be reasonably estimated. These include, among others, the amount and nature of additional taxes potentially asserted by local tax authorities; the willingness of local tax authorities to negotiate a fair settlement through an administrative process; the impartiality of the local courts; and the potential for changes in the tax paid to one country to either produce, or fail to produce, an offsetting tax change in other countries. Our experience has been that the estimates and assumptions we have used to provide for future tax assessments have proven to be appropriate. However, past experience is only a guide and the potential exists that the tax resulting from the resolution of current and potential future tax controversies may differ materially from the amounts accrued.
Judgment is required in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. When it is estimated to be more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of specific deferred tax assets, such as foreign tax credit carryovers or net operating loss carry forwards, will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of the deferred tax assets that are estimated to not be realizable. As of March 31, 2021 (Successor), we have established deferred tax assets for certain attributes we expect to be realizable. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. In the event that our earnings performance projections or future financial conditions do not indicate that we will be able to benefit from our deferred tax assets, valuation allowances would be established following the “more-likely-than-not” criteria. We periodically evaluate our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets and, in accordance with accounting guidance related to accounting for income taxes, will record any resulting adjustments that may be required to deferred income tax expense in the period for which an existing estimate changes. If our facts or financial results were to change, thereby impacting the likelihood of establishing and then realizing the deferred tax assets, judgment would have to be applied to determine changes to the amount of the valuation allowance in any given period. Such changes could result in either a decrease or an increase in our provision for income taxes, depending on whether the change in judgment resulted in an increase or a decrease to the valuation allowance. We continually evaluate strategies that could allow for the future utilization of our deferred tax assets.
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We consider the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the U.S. on the basis of estimates that future cash generation will be sufficient to meet future U.S. cash needs and specific plans for foreign reinvestment of those earnings. As such, as of March 31, 2021 (Successor), we have not provided for deferred taxes on the unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely invested abroad. If our expectations were to change, withholding and other applicable taxes incurred upon repatriation, if any, would not be expected to have a significant impact on our results of operations.
Should our expectations change regarding the expected future tax consequences, we may be required to record additional U.S. federal deferred income taxes that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, result of operations and cash flows.
Property and Equipment. Our net property and equipment represents 50% of our total assets as of March 31, 2021. We determine the carrying value of these assets based on our property and equipment accounting policies, as discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which incorporate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage values of our assets.
We review our property and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of assets or asset groups may be impaired or when reclassifications are made between property and equipment and assets held for sale.
Asset impairment evaluations for held for use asset groups are based on estimated undiscounted cash flows for the asset group being evaluated. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we would be required to recognize an impairment loss. When determining fair value, we utilize various assumptions, including projections of future cash flows. An impairment loss is recorded in the period in which it is determined that the aggregate carrying amount of assets within an asset group is not recoverable. This requires us to make judgments regarding long-term forecasts of future revenue and cost related to the assets subject to review. In turn, these forecasts are uncertain in that they require assumptions about demand for our services, future market conditions and technological developments. A change in these underlying assumptions will cause a change in the results of the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts. In such event, we would be required to record a corresponding charge, which would reduce our earnings. Given the nature of these evaluations and their application to specific asset groups and specific times, it is not possible to reasonably quantify the impact of changes in these assumptions.
Pension Benefits. Pension obligations are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions including discount rates, compensation increases and employee turnover rates. The recognition of these obligations through the statement of operations is also affected by assumptions about expected returns on plan assets. We evaluate our assumptions periodically and adjust these assumptions and subsequently record liabilities as necessary.
Three of the most critical assumptions are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rate and the mortality rate. We evaluate our assumptions regarding the estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and future expectations on investment returns, which are calculated by our third-party investment advisor utilizing the asset allocation classes held by the plans’ portfolios. We utilize a British pound sterling denominated AA corporate bond index as a basis for determining the discount rate for our U.K. plans. We base mortality rates utilized on actuarial research on these rates, which are adjusted to allow for expected mortality within our industry segment and, where available, individual plan experience data. Changes in these and other assumptions used in the actuarial computations could impact our projected benefit obligations, pension liabilities, pension expense and other comprehensive income. We base our determination of pension expense on a fair value valuation of assets and an amortization approach for assessed gains and losses that reduces year-to-year volatility. This approach recognizes investment and other actuarial gains or losses over the average remaining lifetime of the plan members. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.
Business Combinations - Purchase-Price Allocation. Accounting for business combinations requires the allocation of a company’s purchase price to the various assets and liabilities of the acquired business at their respective fair values. We use all available information to make these fair value determinations. Determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed generally involves assumptions regarding the amounts and timing of future revenues and expenditures, as well as discount rates.
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During the fiscal year 2021, in connection with the purchase price allocation for the Merger, we derived the fair value of the Era fleet of aircraft from the estimated enterprise value of Era, using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach. The estimated enterprise value of Era was made using principal assumptions such as forecasted revenues and discount rate. All non-aircraft acquired assets and assumed liabilities were valued at fair value, which based upon their nature were more readily determinable. After allocating fair values to all the non-aircraft acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the remaining value was attributed to the aircraft. For additional discussion of purchase price allocations, refer to Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements that will, or could possibly, have an effect on our financial condition and results of operations, see Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.