Blue Bird Corporation (BLBD)

Blue Bird Corp.'s stock has experienced significant positive movement, with a rise of approximately 49.27% and even a reported 74.4% increase in the past six months. The company reported robust Q2 and Q3 fiscal year 2025 results, surpassing market expectations for both revenue and earnings per share (EPS). In August 2025, Blue Bird announced a $100 million share buyback program and raised its fiscal 2025 guidance and long-term outlook. In October 2025, Blue Bird terminated a joint venture agreement with Generate Capital. While tariff announcements caused some uncertainty in the EV order book, overall market demand for Blue Bird's products remained resilient, and the company implemented a margin-neutral tariff strategy to pass on cost increases to customers. In August and September 2025, Chief Financial Officer Razvan Radulescu and Director Philip Horlock sold shares of Blue Bird stock.

The school bus industry generally experiences cyclical demand influenced by school district budgeting cycles and government funding initiatives. The company's growth is expected to accelerate as school bus sales are projected to return to pre-pandemic levels in calendar year 2026, indicating an ongoing replacement cycle. Government programs, such as the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, significantly impact demand for alternative-powered buses, providing a tailwind for Blue Bird's electric and alternative fuel offerings.

Blue Bird Corporation specializes in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and sale of school buses and related parts and services, offering Type A, Type C, and Type D school buses, including alternative fuel vehicles like propane, CNG, gasoline, and electric-powered models, alongside traditional diesel options, and provides aftermarket parts and maintenance services.

Blue Bird's primary markets are the United States and Canada, with an export network serving over 60 countries across Latin America, the Middle East, and select European and Asian markets, and its manufacturing facilities are based in Fort Valley, Georgia, United States.

Blue Bird has cultivated a strong brand reputation over its nearly century-long history, recognized for its commitment to safety, quality, durability, and environmental sustainability in student transportation. The company is considered a technology leader and innovator, particularly in the development and production of low- and zero-emission school buses, including propane, natural gas, and electric models. Recent events that have positively impacted its reputation include the continued focus on cleaner energy solutions and the delivery of electric school bus fleets to various school districts. The company is also the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States.

Blue Bird Corporation's ownership is predominantly institutional, with major institutional owners including Fmr Llc, BlackRock, Inc., American Century Companies Inc, Westwood Holdings Group Inc, Vanguard Group Inc, Wellington Management Group Llp, AllianceBernstein L.P., Deroy & Devereaux Private Investment Counsel, Inc., First Trust Advisors LP, and State Street Corp, and institutions collectively hold a significant majority of the company's shares, with individual insiders holding a smaller percentage.