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Blue Bird Corp (BLBD)
NASDAQ:BLBD

Blue Bird (BLBD) AI Stock Analysis

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Blue Bird

(NASDAQ:BLBD)

Rating:75Outperform
Price Target:
$44.00
▲(8.48%Upside)
Blue Bird's overall score is driven by strong financial performance, attractive valuation, and positive earnings call highlights. The company's solid revenue growth and profitability, along with strategic positioning in EVs, are significant strengths. However, reliance on liabilities and tariff challenges pose risks.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
FQ2 saw record revenue of $359mn, 1% ahead of expectations and record EBITDA of $49.2mn, 4% ahead of consensus.
Market Expansion
The Buy rating is reiterated due to the potential expansion into the class 5/6 truck market which is seen as a growth opportunity beyond the traditional school bus market.
Operational Efficiency
Blue Bird beat and maintained outlook as revamped operations drive outperformance.
Negative Factors
Electric Vehicle Funding
There is elevated uncertainty surrounding electric vehicle school bus deliveries due to concerns over Environmental Protection Agency funding.
Tariff Impact
The 145% tariffs on China severely impact the firm’s EV kits from Accelera, with the potential to add 10% to the price of an EV bus.
Valuation Concerns
Concerns around funding for EV school buses continue to weigh on the stock, with Blue Bird trading at a historically low valuation.

Blue Bird (BLBD) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Blue Bird Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBlue Bird Corporation (BLBD) is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America, known for its innovation and commitment to safety and durability. Founded in 1927, the company has established itself as a staple in the transportation industry, offering a range of school bus products, including Type A, C, and D buses. Blue Bird also provides comprehensive aftermarket services, including parts and maintenance, to ensure the longevity and efficiency of its vehicles.
How the Company Makes MoneyBlue Bird Corporation generates revenue primarily through the sale of its school buses to school districts, private operators, and bus dealers across North America. The company's key revenue streams include the manufacturing and sale of new buses, particularly its Type C and Type D models, which are the most popular among large districts due to their capacity and efficiency. In addition to bus sales, Blue Bird earns income from its aftermarket services, which include spare parts, maintenance, and repair services. This segment not only provides a steady revenue stream but also strengthens customer loyalty by extending the life and performance of its buses. Strategic partnerships with engine and component manufacturers, as well as financing partnerships that facilitate bus purchases for customers, also play a crucial role in driving sales and enhancing market penetration.

Blue Bird Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 7.47%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 06, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Blue Bird reported a record-breaking quarter in terms of revenue and adjusted EBITDA, driven by strong demand and effective cost management. The company maintained its leadership in alternative power vehicles and debuted a promising new commercial chassis. However, significant tariff impacts pose challenges, particularly for EV production, potentially delaying some builds. Despite these challenges, Blue Bird's strong backlog and strategic pricing actions position it well for continued stability.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Quarterly Revenue and Profit
Blue Bird achieved record quarterly revenue of $359 million and a record adjusted EBITDA of $49 million, marking a 6.5% improvement over the previous year's second quarter.
Strong Backlog and Demand
The company ended the quarter with nearly 5,000 units in backlog, representing over six months of production, totaling $770 million in revenue.
Lead Position in Alternative Power Vehicles
Blue Bird maintained its leadership in the alternative power vehicles segment with a 57% mix of unit sales, significantly higher than competitors.
Commercial Chassis Debut
Blue Bird debuted its commercial chassis at the Work Truck Show, receiving overwhelming positive feedback, with a planned launch in 2026.
Negative Updates
Impact of Tariffs on EV Production
New tariffs, particularly a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, are affecting Blue Bird's EV kit costs, potentially leading to a 10% price increase on EV buses.
Decrease in Adjusted Free Cash Flow
Adjusted free cash flow decreased by $35 million compared to the previous year, mainly due to increased tax expenses.
Potential Delay in EV Production
Due to tariff impacts, Blue Bird may intentionally push some EV builds to fiscal 2026, affecting the planned production schedule.
Company Guidance
In the Blue Bird fiscal 2025 second quarter earnings call, the company reported record quarterly revenue and profit, with revenue reaching $359 million and adjusted EBITDA at $49 million, representing a 14% margin. The company maintained its full-year guidance despite challenges such as tariff impacts from the current administration's policies. Blue Bird sold 2,295 buses, including 265 electric vehicles (EVs), which contributed to its strong order intake. The firm's backlog included 4,900 buses, translating to $770 million in revenue. Average selling prices for buses increased by $4,000 per unit over the previous year, driven by higher bus and parts margins, although adjusted free cash flow decreased by $35 million year-over-year, attributed to increased tax expenses. The company also highlighted its first half fiscal year results, including a record revenue of $673 million and adjusted EBITDA of $95 million. Despite the challenges posed by new tariffs, particularly those affecting EVs, Blue Bird's strategic pricing actions and robust demand have positioned it well to achieve its fiscal 2025 targets.

Blue Bird Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Blue Bird has demonstrated significant financial improvement, with strong revenue and profit growth, improved margins, and effective cash flow management. The balance sheet is solid with a decrease in leverage and high return on equity. While the company shows financial strength, maintaining prudence in debt management is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Blue Bird shows a robust revenue growth trajectory with substantial improvements in profitability. The gross profit margin is healthy at 18.81% for TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months). Net profit margin has significantly improved to 8.05%, indicating effective cost management. Revenue growth rate from 2023 to TTM is impressive at 18.62%. Both EBIT and EBITDA margins have strengthened, indicating operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The balance sheet exhibits a strong equity position with an equity ratio of 33.57% for TTM. Debt-to-equity ratio has improved, reflecting reduced leverage risk. Return on equity is strong at 60.18%, showcasing high profitability relative to shareholder equity. However, the company needs to maintain a cautious approach to debt management to sustain its financial health.
Cash Flow
90
Very Positive
Cash flow metrics are robust, with free cash flow showing notable growth of 12.44% from 2023 to TTM. Operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 1.27, indicating solid cash generation relative to net earnings. Free cash flow to net income ratio is also favorable at 1.16, suggesting efficient conversion of profits into cash flow.
Breakdown
TTMSep 2024Sep 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
1.34B1.35B1.13B800.64M684.00M879.22M
Gross Profit
252.62M256.16M138.85M36.55M72.14M96.20M
EBIT
134.42M139.33M51.66M-40.70M6.52M21.99M
EBITDA
153.83M152.34M60.92M-23.23M21.95M37.14M
Net Income Common Stockholders
108.12M105.55M23.81M-41.60M-787.00K8.97M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
93.10M127.69M78.99M10.48M11.71M44.51M
Total Assets
456.48M524.89M417.77M366.13M356.02M317.42M
Total Debt
98.60M95.97M131.91M172.33M215.29M181.26M
Net Debt
5.50M-31.71M52.93M161.85M203.58M136.76M
Total Liabilities
350.69M387.73M377.77M364.74M388.68M370.64M
Stockholders Equity
105.79M159.56M40.00M1.38M-32.66M-53.23M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
120.35M95.85M111.41M-30.89M-66.45M-15.51M
Operating Cash Flow
137.31M111.11M119.93M-24.44M-54.24M3.46M
Investing Cash Flow
-18.00M-15.81M-8.52M-6.45M-11.31M-18.80M
Financing Cash Flow
-60.48M-46.60M-42.90M29.66M32.75M-11.11M

Blue Bird Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price40.56
Price Trends
50DMA
36.58
Positive
100DMA
36.39
Positive
200DMA
40.17
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.72
Positive
RSI
61.04
Neutral
STOCH
74.64
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BLBD, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 40.56 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 39.60, above the 50-day MA of 36.58, and above the 200-day MA of 40.17, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.72 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 61.04 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 74.64 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for BLBD.

Blue Bird Risk Analysis

Blue Bird disclosed 41 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Blue Bird reported the most risks in the “Production” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 1 New Risks
1.
Changes in laws, regulations or governmental policies and programs involving grants, subsidies and/or other incentives may negatively impact our sale of alternative powered school buses Q4, 2024

Blue Bird Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$1.23B12.4573.02%7.57%34.82%
62
Neutral
$6.83B11.282.95%3.88%2.70%-24.56%
54
Neutral
$1.15B-63.74%-30.76%20.33%
49
Neutral
$120.08M-186.28%8.52%98.75%
49
Neutral
$28.39M-32.49%36.58%-62.75%
44
Neutral
$8.52M-188.79%-53.55%65.29%
40
Underperform
$5.21M-132.63%-47.62%8.34%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BLBD
Blue Bird
40.56
-15.66
-27.85%
WKHS
Workhorse Group
0.94
-42.06
-97.81%
CENN
Cenntro Electric Group
0.93
-0.91
-49.46%
EVTV
Envirotech Vehicles
0.20
-1.18
-85.51%
FFAI
Faraday Future Intelligent Electric
1.24
-21.16
-94.46%
LVWR
LiveWire Group
5.97
-1.41
-19.11%

Blue Bird Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Blue Bird Reports Record Q2 Sales and Income
Positive
May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, Blue Bird Corporation announced its fiscal 2025 second quarter results, reporting record net sales of $359 million and a GAAP net income of $26 million. The company reaffirmed its fiscal year 2025 guidance, highlighting a strong market demand with a backlog of approximately 4,900 units and a significant push in electric-powered buses, with 265 units delivered in the quarter. The results underscore Blue Bird’s robust operational performance and its leadership in the alternative-powered school bus market.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.