Volatus Aerospace Corp. (VOL:TSX; VLTTF:OTCQB) landed its first contract with a large, unnamed, U.S.-based energy company, for CA$4M, and is to commence related operations next month, reported Echelon Capital Markets analyst Rob Goff in a Sept. 11 research note.
"We view this contract positively where it signifies the company's strategic move into a larger market, building on its expertise and capabilities in the oil and gas industry," Goff wrote.
He explained that energy companies and oil and gas pipeline users employ drones to monitor their infrastructure for safety and regulatory compliance.
Potential 241% gain
Based on the news, Echelon reiterated its Speculative Buy rating and CA$0.75 per share target price on the Canadian provider of unmanned area vehicle solutions, noted Goff. Volatus' current share price, in comparison, is CA$0.22 per share.
The difference between the current and target prices reflects a substantial return for investors, of 241%.
Benefits of contract
The new contract should help Volatus grow to CA$4M in annualized revenue and surpass a 10% EBITDA margin, according to management, Goff reported.
Landing this work should also help the company develop a "track record that favors it in future contract pursuits, either through a request for proposal (RFP) or direct," added the analyst.
Large U.S. market
Goff highlighted the scope of the oil and gas pipeline industry in the U.S., and thus growth potential for Volatus. The network in the States encompasses about 4.2 million kilometers of pipeline, five times the size of Canada's.
Further, the industry in the U.S. is estimated to reach US$1.1 billion in value over the next 10 years.
Pursuing similar contracts
Volatus has been vying for contracts for long-line inspection work through the RFP process. The duration of long-line inspection contracts is typically three to five years, and the likelihood of renewal is high.
"The recurring nature of the business warrants a premium against equipment sales," Goff wrote.
This year alone, Volatus management expects to generate CA$12−14M in revenue from long-line inspection.
The company is well-situated versus competitors given its two significant advantages, Goff noted. They are its proprietary Aerial Information Reporting System technology and its partnerships with artificial intelligence and advanced sensor companies. Given its technological capacity, Volatus compiles inspection data for clients in a database. As such, it can and does inform them of any changes in the numbers over time.
Also, the company can offer and provide clients with drone technology to replace manned aircraft, a prospect with fewer financial and environmental impacts.
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