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Blue Bird Corp (BLBD)
NASDAQ:BLBD
Earnings Data
Report Date
May 13, 2026After Close (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.89Last Year’s EPS
0.96Same Quarter Last Year
Strong Buy
Based on 7 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call highlighted a string of record quarterly achievements — revenue (+6% YoY), record adjusted EBITDA ($50.1M, 15% margin), record free cash flow ($31M), strong liquidity ($385M), and a very large order intake (+45%) and backlog (3,400 units, ~25% EV). Management raised FY2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to about $225M (15%) and reiterated medium- and long-term growth targets, while advancing a factory-of-the-future automation roadmap and proceeding with a DOE-supported new plant. Key risks discussed were tariff volatility, supplier/sourcing complexity, increased labor and engineering costs, and some EV delivery timing/infrastructure delays that push units into FY2027. Overall, the positives — strong execution, cash generation, backlog, and strategic positioning in alt-power/EVs — materially outweigh the operational and policy headwinds described.Company Guidance
Beat Guidance Across All Metrics (13th Consecutive Quarter)
Blue Bird beat guidance on every metric for Q1, marking the thirteenth consecutive quarter of beating guidance and signaling consistent execution by management.
Revenue and Unit Sales Growth
Q1 revenue of $333.0 million, up 6% year-over-year, on sales of 2,135 buses (unit volume roughly flat to slightly above prior year).
Record Adjusted EBITDA and Margin Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA was a record $50.1 million (15% margin), up $4 million versus prior year (≈8.7% increase) and up ~40 basis points in margin year-over-year.
Strong Cash Generation and Liquidity
Record Q1 adjusted free cash flow of $31 million (up $9 million YoY), operating cash flow of $37 million, cash on hand $242 million, and total liquidity of $385 million (a $106 million improvement vs. prior year). Debt reduced by $5 million year-over-year.
Robust Order Intake and Backlog
Q1 order intake increased 45% year-over-year, pushing backlog to a seasonally strong 3,400 units; backlog contains a record EV mix (about 25% EV in backlog).
EV and Alt-Power Leadership
EV sales of 121 units in Q1 (6% of volume) with 855 EVs reported in backlog (pushing into 2027). Company reiterated FY2026 EV guidance of ~800 units and long-term EV outlook of 750–1,000 units annually. Blue Bird continues to lead in propane (exclusive) and offers multiple powertrain options, with all-powered buses representing 48% of unit mix in Q1.
Improved Unit Pricing and Parts Sales
Average bus revenue per unit rose by $9,000 from $135,000 to $144,000 (+6.5%), reflecting pricing actions (including tariff pass-through) and other pricing; parts sales contributed $25 million in the quarter.
Capital Deployment and Strategic Investments
Executed $15 million of share repurchases in Q1 (including $5 million against a new $100 million program), maintaining an active buyback posture. Confirmed DOE-related $80 million MES funding toward a new Fort Valley plant; company plans extraordinary FY2026 CapEx of ~$75 million (its portion) for plant investment and ongoing factory-of-the-future automation roadmap.
BLBD Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
BLBD Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Feb 04, 2026 | $49.69 | ― | ― |
Nov 24, 2025 | $54.86 | $51.84 | -5.50% |
Aug 06, 2025 | $44.14 | $52.31 | +18.51% |
May 07, 2025 | $37.74 | $37.22 | -1.38% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Blue Bird Corp (BLBD) report earnings?
Blue Bird Corp (BLBD) is schdueled to report earning on May 13, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
What is Blue Bird Corp (BLBD) earnings time?
Blue Bird Corp (BLBD) earnings time is at May 13, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is BLBD EPS forecast?
BLBD EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q2) is 0.89.
