Blue Bird Corp
NASDAQ:BLBD
Blue Bird Corp
In the realm of American school transportation, Blue Bird Corporation stands out as an enduring symbol of reliability and innovation. Founded in 1927 by Albert L. Luce, Sr., it paved its path as a pioneer in the school bus industry. Headquartered in Fort Valley, Georgia, Blue Bird’s name has become synonymous with the quintessential yellow school bus, an iconic vehicle tracing the journeys of countless students to and from schools across the nation. The company’s primary business revolves around manufacturing and selling a diverse range of purpose-built school buses, catering to various district needs from small to large and conventional to alternative power, such as electric and propane-fueled buses. This diversification not only underscores Blue Bird’s adaptability in a changing transportation landscape but also highlights its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The financial heart of Blue Bird beats robustly by efficiently manufacturing buses and tapping into post-sale revenue streams such as parts and maintenance services. This comprehensive suite of offerings ensures a steady flow of income long after the initial bus sales. By capitalizing on government contracts and educational funding, Blue Bird has solidified a foothold in the lucrative school transportation market. Additionally, the company continuously invests in innovation, partnering with technology and energy firms to develop more environmentally friendly buses, thus aligning with broader sustainability trends. As a result, Blue Bird not only captures revenue from bus sales but also fortifies its brand loyalty, positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in an industry that balances tradition with the necessities of progress.
In the realm of American school transportation, Blue Bird Corporation stands out as an enduring symbol of reliability and innovation. Founded in 1927 by Albert L. Luce, Sr., it paved its path as a pioneer in the school bus industry. Headquartered in Fort Valley, Georgia, Blue Bird’s name has become synonymous with the quintessential yellow school bus, an iconic vehicle tracing the journeys of countless students to and from schools across the nation. The company’s primary business revolves around manufacturing and selling a diverse range of purpose-built school buses, catering to various district needs from small to large and conventional to alternative power, such as electric and propane-fueled buses. This diversification not only underscores Blue Bird’s adaptability in a changing transportation landscape but also highlights its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The financial heart of Blue Bird beats robustly by efficiently manufacturing buses and tapping into post-sale revenue streams such as parts and maintenance services. This comprehensive suite of offerings ensures a steady flow of income long after the initial bus sales. By capitalizing on government contracts and educational funding, Blue Bird has solidified a foothold in the lucrative school transportation market. Additionally, the company continuously invests in innovation, partnering with technology and energy firms to develop more environmentally friendly buses, thus aligning with broader sustainability trends. As a result, Blue Bird not only captures revenue from bus sales but also fortifies its brand loyalty, positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in an industry that balances tradition with the necessities of progress.
Guidance Beat: Blue Bird beat guidance on all metrics for the 13th consecutive quarter, with record Q1 sales and profitability.
Strong Revenue: Q1 revenue hit $333 million, up 6% from last year, and was driven by higher pricing and strong order intake.
Margin Expansion: Adjusted EBITDA reached $50 million (15% margin), boosted by pricing and efficiency gains, with about two-thirds of margin improvement from pricing.
Order Backlog: Backlog stands at 3,400 units, up 45% year-over-year in order intake, putting the company in a strong position for the order season.
EV Momentum: Electric vehicle (EV) sales guidance was raised to 800 units for fiscal 2026, with a robust EV backlog extending into 2027 and continued optimism for future growth.
Tariff Pass-Through: Blue Bird is successfully passing through tariffs to customers, aiming for margin neutrality despite cost volatility.
Raised Guidance: Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance increased to $225 million (from prior guidance), while revenue guidance remains at $1.45–$1.55 billion.
Strong Cash & Buybacks: The company ended the quarter with $242 million in cash, strong liquidity, and continued share buybacks as part of its capital allocation strategy.
