Statement from Bart Demosky, Executive Vice President and CFO, Bombardier, on Moody’s Ratings Upgrade to Ba3 from B1
Rhea-AI Summary
Bombardier (OTC: BDRBF) said on Dec 1, 2025 that Moody's upgraded its corporate credit rating to Ba3 from B1 with a positive outlook. The company noted that its ratings are now back in the Ba/BB category with both Moody's and S&P for the first time in over a decade. Management attributed the upgrade to strong execution across business segments, solid financial performance, disciplined deleveraging, a robust backlog that supports future deliveries, and expansion of Services and Defense businesses. The company said these factors strengthen diversified revenue streams and its ability to execute on growth plans while focusing on returns on capital.
Positive
- Moody's upgraded credit rating to Ba3
- Ratings now in Ba/BB category with Moody's and S&P for the first time in >10 years
- Company cites robust backlog and expansion of Services and Defense businesses
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, BDRBF declined 4.16%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
BDRBF gained 4.15% while key aerospace & defense peers were broadly flat to mixed (e.g., SAABY +0.22%, FINMY -1.89%, BAESY +0.19%, EADSY +0.19%, SAFRY -0.05%), indicating a stock-specific reaction rather than a sector-wide move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 08 | Aircraft entry-into-service | Positive | +1.8% | Global 8000 business jet entered service with strong performance and range specs. |
| Dec 03 | Services expansion | Positive | +1.9% | Construction progress on Abu Dhabi service center expanding aftermarket footprint and jobs. |
| Dec 03 | Debt redemption | Positive | +1.9% | Redemption of US$99,431,000 of 7.875% notes due 2027 using cash. |
| Dec 01 | Credit rating upgrade | Positive | -4.2% | Moody’s upgraded credit rating to Ba3 with positive outlook and Ba/BB status. |
| Nov 17 | Product collaboration | Positive | -3.8% | Exclusive collaboration with ELIE SAAB for bespoke Global 8000 luxury interior. |
Recent positive news often saw modest gains, but there are instances where upbeat announcements coincided with negative price reactions, indicating occasional sell-the-news dynamics.
Over late 2025, Bombardier highlighted several milestones: a Moody’s upgrade to Ba3 with a positive outlook, completion of redemption of US$99,431,000 of 7.875% notes due 2027, progress on a 120,000 sq. ft. Abu Dhabi service center, Global 8000 entry-into-service, and a luxury interior collaboration. Price reactions to these largely positive updates were mixed, with three events posting gains around 1.8–1.9% and two seeing declines of about 4.16% and 3.81% despite constructive news.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement underscores a Moody’s credit rating upgrade to Ba3 with a positive outlook, returning Bombardier’s profile to the Ba/BB category alongside S&P. Management linked the move to disciplined deleveraging, a robust backlog, and expansion in Services and Defense, themes echoed in recent news on debt redemption and new service facilities. Investors may watch future rating actions, backlog trends, and execution on Global 8000 and aftermarket growth as key indicators of ongoing balance-sheet and earnings strength.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
MONTREAL, Dec. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bombardier team is proud to share that Moody’s has upgraded the company’s credit rating from B1 to Ba3, with a positive outlook. With this recent upgrade, Bombardier’s credit ratings are back in the Ba/BB category with both Moody’s and S&P for the first time in over a decade.
This achievement reflects the company’s strong and consistent execution across business segments, solid financial performance and disciplined deleveraging efforts over recent years. With a robust backlog ensuring visibility on future deliveries and the continued expansion of our Services and Defense businesses, we are building diversified and resilient revenue streams that strengthen our long-term outlook. Combined with our solid financial foundation, these factors allow us to execute on our plan and deliver growth across our portfolio, while maintaining a sharp focus on delivering returns on capital.
I want to extend my appreciation to the entire Bombardier team: your dedication and commitment have been instrumental in reaching this important milestone.
About Bombardier
At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.
For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation — innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it.
Bombardier customers operate a fleet of more than 5,100 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award for Brands and Communication Design.
For Information
For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Sustainability report, as well as the company’s initiative to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book-and-Claim system, visit bombardier.com.
Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at bombardier.com. Follow us on X @Bombardier.
Media Contacts
General media contact webform
| Francis Richer de La Flèche Vice President, Financial Planning and Investor Relations Bombardier +1 514 240-9649 | Mark Masluch Senior Director, Communications Bombardier +1 514 855-7167 |
FAQ
What did Bombardier (BDRBF) announce on December 1, 2025 about its credit rating?
How does the Moody's upgrade affect Bombardier's rating status with S&P for BDRBF?
What reasons did Bombardier give for Moody's upgrade of BDRBF?
Does the Moody's upgrade include a change in outlook for Bombardier (BDRBF)?
What near-term impacts did Bombardier say the upgrade will have for BDRBF shareholders?
When did Bombardier say it last had ratings in the Ba/BB category with both agencies before 2025?
