Blue Bird Corporation (BLBD)

Blue Bird Corp.'s stock has been impacted by several key events in the past six months. The company announced its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and full-year financial results, reporting record revenue and profit that exceeded guidance. Analysts updated their price targets for BLBD, with a consensus "Strong Buy" rating. Insider trading activity included sales by Philip Horlock and purchases by Daniel Thau. The company's growth was projected to accelerate, with school bus sales anticipated to return to pre-pandemic levels in calendar year 2026. The company has been navigating the impact of tariffs, which led to increased procurement costs for imported inventory.

Demand for Blue Bird's products and services is influenced by the cyclical nature of school bus procurement and broader industry trends. School bus sales are projected to return to pre-pandemic levels in fiscal year 2026 and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2030. The company benefits significantly from strong demand generated by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program and various state-level policies that mandate zero-emission school buses.

Blue Bird Corporation, established in 1927, is an American manufacturer specializing in school and activity buses, operating primarily in the school bus manufacturing industry. The company's business is segmented into the Bus segment, focused on the design, engineering, manufacturing, and sales of school buses, and the Parts segment, focused on the sale of replacement bus parts. Blue Bird is recognized as a technology leader and innovator, particularly in low- and zero-emission school buses.

Blue Bird Corporation's corporate headquarters are located in Macon, Georgia, USA, with its main manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Georgia. The company maintains an extensive network of dealers and parts and service facilities throughout North America and has a global presence, with sales extending to over 60 countries. A Parts Distribution Center is located in Delaware, Ohio.

Blue Bird Corporation has maintained a strong brand reputation as a leader in school bus safety and innovation. The company is recognized for its dedication to safety, reliability, and durability in school bus manufacturing and has solidified its position as a leader in low- and zero-emission school buses. Blue Bird enhanced school bus safety by introducing the industry's first driver airbags and restructured its technician certifications to better support evolving bus technologies. Potential challenges include concerns regarding potential policy changes under President-elect Trump and tariff announcements.

Blue Bird Corporation's ownership structure is heavily dominated by institutional investors, who held approximately 89% of the company's stock as of August 27, 2024. Individual and retail investors collectively hold a significant portion, with approximately 20.60% of the stock. Insider ownership is relatively low, estimated at under 1% to 1.86%.