Butler National Corp
Butler National Corp is a diversified operating company with two main businesses: aerospace products and gaming-related professional services. In aerospace, it designs, engineers, manufactures, installs, repairs, and services aircraft modifications, avionics, structural components, and defense-related systems, with a focus on special mission and STC-approved upgrades. In gaming, it manages the Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas, including traditional casino operations and sports wagering through a DraftKings-branded sportsbook. The company was incorporated in 1960 and operates as a holding company that allocates capital across these businesses while pursuing new aircraft modifications and income streams.
Fiscal year 2026 · change from previous year
Development 2021–2026
Business
Share of revenueDesign, engineering, manufacturing, installation, repair, overhaul, and distribution of aircraft structures, avionics, accessories, subassemblies, and special mission systems.
Management of the Boot Hill Casino and Resort, including casino gaming, dining, entertainment, and sportsbook operations in Kansas.
Products
Reported · share of revenue- Aircraft Modification38.0 %
- Casino27.2 %
- Special Mission Electronics19.6 %
- Sportsbook6.7 %
- Casino Nongaming4.3 %
- Aircraft Avionics4.3 %
Source: 10-K FY2026, revenue the company reports per product line (SEC XBRL). Shares are of the lines shown and add up to 100 %.
Customers
The aerospace business sells to aircraft owners, operators, and contractors across private, commercial, business, and government aviation. A meaningful portion of demand comes from the U.S. government, friendly foreign governments, and defense-related customers that need aircraft upgrades, avionics installations, and special mission systems. The company also serves concentrated end customers in specific aircraft platforms such as Learjet, Textron Beechcraft, King Air, and Textron Cessna turboprops. In gaming, the customer base is local and regional casino patrons, sportsbook users, and visitors to Boot Hill Casino and Resort who are attracted by slot machines, table games, dining, and sports wagering.
Buy special mission electronics, gun control units, and aircraft upgrades for military and government aircraft operations.
Buy avionics installations, structural modifications, and repair/overhaul services to improve aircraft capability and compliance.
Buy products and services tailored to Learjet, Beechcraft King Air, and Textron Cessna turboprop fleets.
Visit Boot Hill Casino and Resort for gaming, dining, entertainment, and online/mobile sports wagering.
Buy defense-related articles and systems used in military and special mission applications.
Strategy
Management is focused on growing long-term shareholder value through higher cash generation, earnings growth, and disciplined capital spending. In aerospace, the company is investing in new STCs, aircraft modifications, and proprietary special mission products to expand its addressable market and reduce dependence on a small number of customers. In gaming, it is working to improve the patron experience and grow sports wagering and casino traffic at Boot Hill. The company also emphasizes maintaining moderate leverage and access to bank financing so it can fund operations, capital expenditures, and acquisitions.
New approvals and modifications can open higher-value aircraft retrofit work and reduce reliance on a few customers.
Gaming revenue depends on patron traffic and sportsbook adoption, so improving the entertainment offering supports recurring cash flow.
The company is capital intensive and uses debt, working capital, and capex to support growth and acquisitions.
Geography
Q1/2026Butler National is headquartered in the United States and its operations are primarily U.S.-based, with aerospace sales serving a broad worldwide aviation market. The company specifically notes exposure to the U.S. government and friendly foreign countries, indicating that a portion of aerospace demand is tied to defense and export-related activity. Boot Hill Casino and Resort is located in Dodge City, Kansas, so the gaming business is geographically concentrated in one state and depends on local traffic and Kansas gaming regulation. The company also markets aerospace products in domestic and international markets, so its revenue mix is influenced by both U.S. defense spending and foreign aviation demand.
Share of the revenue the company reports by geography.
Risks
Butler National faces meaningful customer concentration risk in aerospace, where a small number of customers account for a large share of revenue and receivables. The business is also exposed to U.S. government and friendly foreign government spending, so defense budget changes, procurement delays, or shifts in foreign policy can affect demand. Gaming results depend on local patron traffic, Kansas regulation, and the economics of sports wagering, which can be volatile and highly competitive. The company also operates in labor-intensive and technically specialized markets, so shortages of skilled aerospace talent, cybersecurity incidents, and cost inflation in materials, wages, and insurance can pressure margins and execution.
- Customer concentration in Aerospace ProductsImpact: HighLikelihood: Medium
A small number of customers represent a large share of revenue and receivables, so the loss of one account could materially reduce sales and cash collection.
Exposure: One customer accounted for 14.8% of revenue and 32.4% of receivables at April 30, 2025.
- Dependence on U.S. government and friendly foreign spendingImpact: HighLikelihood: Medium
Aerospace demand is tied to defense and government aircraft spending, which can change with budgets and policy priorities.
Exposure: Government and allied-country customers
- Gaming regulation and local demand concentrationImpact: MediumLikelihood: Medium
Boot Hill operates under Kansas law and a management contract, so changes in state rules or patron traffic directly affect revenue.
Exposure: Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas
- Cybersecurity and systems disruptionImpact: MediumLikelihood: Medium
A breach or system failure could interrupt operations, create compliance issues, and lead to remediation costs or reputational damage.
Exposure: Company systems and third-party service providers
Accounting
Judgemental itemsManagement estimates percent completion and total contract costs, which can materially affect timing of revenue and profit recognition.
Impact: Reported margins and quarterly revenue
Aircraft parts and work-in-process may require reserves if demand slows or items become obsolete.
Impact: Gross margin and operating income
STCs, equipment, buildings, and fabrication facilities must be recoverable from future cash flows.
Impact: Asset carrying values and depreciation expense
Kansas revenue-sharing terms changed with the contract renewal, affecting net gaming economics and period comparability.
Impact: Professional Services margin
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Last updated: 24/09/2026