Bridger Aerospace's Q4 2024: Navigating Inflation, Federal Funding, and Operational Challenges

These are the key contradictions discussed in Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.'s latest 2024Q4 earnings call, specifically including: Inflationary pressures and cost management, federal funding and bipartisan support, Spanish Scooper operational readiness, fuel cost impact on guidance, and cash balance and funding sources:



Record Revenue and EBITDA Growth:
- Bridger Aerospace reported record revenue of $15.6 million for Q4 and $98.6 million for the full year 2024, up 48% year-on-year.
- The growth was driven by the deployment of two scoopers into November, increased demand for aircraft due to earlier and longer wildfire seasons, and successful return-to-service work on Spanish Scoopers.

Positive Cash Flow and Operational Efficiency:
- The company generated over $9 million from operating activities in 2024, marking its first year with positive cash flow from operations.
- This milestone was achieved due to effective year-round readiness and rapid mobilization of aircraft to combat wildfires across the country.

Early Deployment and Increased Activity:
- Bridger Aerospace deployed two scoopers to California in mid-January, marking the earliest deployment in company history.
- The increased activity was due to an active wildfire season, with 2024 consuming 8.9 million acres compared to 2.7 million acres in 2023, and 2025 already off to an early start.

Strategic Contracting and Diversification:
- The acquisition of FMS Aerospace resulted in $3 million in revenue over the first six months of ownership.
- The strategic acquisition and partnership with MAB Funding for Spanish Scoopers are expected to drive organic growth, increase adjusted EBITDA, and further diversify the company's customer base.