Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) saw its stock price skyrocket 22.34% in pre-market trading on Thursday, following a trifecta of positive news that has investors excited about the school bus manufacturer's prospects.
The company reported impressive fiscal 2025 third-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations. Blue Bird posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.19, significantly beating the consensus estimate of $0.96 and representing a 30.77% increase from the same period last year. Quarterly sales also outperformed, reaching $398 million, a 19.39% year-over-year increase and 5.39% above analyst estimates. The company's net income for Q3 reached $36.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $58.5 million.
Adding to the positive momentum, Blue Bird announced a substantial $100 million share buyback program, demonstrating confidence in its financial position and commitment to enhancing shareholder value. Furthermore, the company raised its fiscal year 2025 guidance, projecting revenue of $1.45 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $210 million, and adjusted free cash flow between $90-100 million. This improved outlook, coupled with the strong quarterly performance and share buyback initiative, has significantly boosted investor confidence. In response to the encouraging news, several analysts have raised their price targets for Blue Bird stock, with BTIG increasing its target to $55 from $45 and Needham raising its target to $53 from $49, further fueling the stock's pre-market rally.