Industry Overview - Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming integral to global transportation, with advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure making them more practical and affordable for everyday use [1] - Modern EV batteries have improved in longevity, charging speed, and production costs, narrowing the price gap with gas-powered vehicles and expanding EV appeal [1] - Fast-charging networks are expanding in major markets, addressing one of the significant concerns for potential buyers: charging time [1] Market Dynamics - Despite uneven adoption rates, the long-term shift toward electrification is firmly established, with global EV sales rising 21% year over year to 18.5 million vehicles in the first 11 months of 2025 [4] - The number of electric vehicles in use is expected to grow by 30% in 2026, reaching 116 million units worldwide, with plug-in hybrid vehicles forecasted to increase by 32% [4] - China is a key driver of this transition, with competitive pricing, strong government support, and innovation leading to a majority share of light-vehicle sales [5] - Global plug-in vehicle sales increased by 25% in 2024 to 17.8 million units, capturing nearly 20% of the light-vehicle market, projected to rise to 22.1 million in 2025 [6] Company Highlights - **Blue Bird Corporation (BLBD)**: A leader in low- and zero-emission school buses, with over 20,000 buses operating in the U.S. The company aims for $1.5 billion in revenues and $220 million in adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2026, with a target of adjusted EBITDA margins above 16% on approximately $2 billion in revenues [7][8][10] - **Workhorse Group Inc. (WKHS)**: Focused on medium-duty electric commercial vehicles, with a production capacity of over 5,000 vehicles per year. The company has a solid sales pipeline and a growing backlog, with a projected year-over-year improvement of 90% and 56% for 2025 and 2026, respectively [11][12][13] - **QuantumScape Corp. (QS)**: Developing solid-state lithium batteries with significant advancements in manufacturing processes. The company recorded $12.8 million in customer billings for the first time and is moving closer to commercialization [14][16] - **ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (CHPT)**: A leading player in EV charging, connecting drivers to over 1.3 million charging ports worldwide. The company reported a 6% year-over-year revenue increase to $105.7 million in fiscal Q3 2026, with subscription revenues up 15% [17][19]

Industry Overview - The global rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has slowed, impacting employment, industry planning, and climate targets, with road transportation contributing about one-fifth of global carbon dioxide emissions [2] - Adoption of EVs is crucial for achieving net-zero emissions, but momentum has waned due to reduced government incentives, high EV costs, lagging charging infrastructure, and fading policy support [2] - In Europe, lawmakers are reconsidering a strict 2035 ban on new combustion-engine vehicles, acknowledging that the transition to zero-emission transportation will take longer than expected [2] Sales and Market Performance - Global sales of EVs and plug-in hybrids increased by 26% in 2024, down from 34% the previous year, with China accounting for almost two-thirds of the 17.6 million EVs sold globally [3] - In the United States, EV sales rose by 12% in the first three quarters of 2025 despite subsidy withdrawals, while sales in Europe increased by 26% from January to October 2025, although still below emissions standards requirements [3] - All-electric vehicles were approximately 30% more expensive than similar gasoline vehicles in Europe and 27% more costly in the United States in 2024 [3] Industry Adjustments - The slowdown in EV adoption has led legacy automakers to reduce their anticipated 2030 EV sales by over 5 million units to 21.7 million [4] - Lawmakers have delayed penalties for environmental violations and allowed the continued sale of combustion-engine and hybrid vehicles, risking a postponed transition to decarbonization and urban air pollution reductions [4] - Employment in the EV sector is affected as EV production requires fewer workers compared to traditional vehicle manufacturing [4] Investment Opportunities - A list of the 10 best EV stocks to buy heading into 2026 has been compiled, focusing on stocks with analyst upside potential of over 20% as of December 17 [7] - The methodology involved analyzing ETFs and online rankings to identify promising EV stocks, with a focus on hedge fund holdings to enhance investment performance [8] Company Highlights - **Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ:BLBD)**: Analysts' upside potential is 24.83%, with 31 hedge fund holders. The company reported Q1 net revenue of $409 million, a 17% year-on-year increase, and a 64% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $68 million [9][11] - **Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:LI)**: Analysts' upside potential is 29.47%, with 14 hedge fund holders. The company faced a 36% revenue drop in the last quarter, attributed to higher operating costs and a decline in total deliveries [14][15]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the author's extensive experience in investment and research, particularly in mid-sized hedge funds with assets ranging from $100 million to $500 million [1] - The investment strategy focuses on medium-term opportunities that have catalysts for value unlocking or downside risks for short selling, with a preference for growth stories at reasonable prices [1] Sector Preferences - The author has a generalist approach but has primarily analyzed the industrial, consumer, and technology sectors, indicating higher conviction in investments within these areas [1]

Core Insights - Blue Bird Corporation is a significant player in the automotive sector, particularly in the school bus production market, and is making notable advancements in the electric vehicle sector, aligning with the global clean energy transition [1][6] - The company is currently rated as a strong "Buy" with a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating a positive earnings outlook, in contrast to Tesla's Zacks Rank of 3, which suggests a more moderate outlook [3][6] Financial Performance - Blue Bird's financial health is robust, characterized by a solid balance sheet and a $100 million buyback initiative, reflecting confidence in future growth [4][6] - In 2025, Blue Bird delivered 901 electric buses, an increase from 704 the previous year, as part of a strategy to ramp up annual deliveries to 12,000-13,500 buses by 2029-2030, with projected revenues between $1.8 billion and $2 billion [4] - The company has a P/E ratio of 12.86 and a price-to-sales ratio of 1.11, indicating favorable market valuation of its earnings and revenue, alongside a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 1.74, demonstrating its ability to meet short-term liabilities [5]

Core Viewpoint - Blue Bird (BLBD) is set to report its earnings, with expectations of a decline in EPS but an increase in revenue compared to the previous year [2][3]. Financial Performance - The stock closed at $51.48, reflecting a +1.12% change from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.21% [1] - Over the past month, Blue Bird's shares have decreased by 1.36%, underperforming the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector, which gained 2.04% [1] - The upcoming earnings report is expected to show an EPS of $0.8, a decline of 13.04% year-over-year, while revenue is projected at $350 million, an increase of 11.51% [2] Earnings Estimates - Full-year estimates predict earnings of $4.21 per share and revenue of $1.57 billion, representing year-over-year changes of -3.88% and +5.74%, respectively [3] - Recent analyst estimate revisions indicate a 1.76% increase in the consensus EPS projection over the past 30 days, reflecting positive sentiment [6] Valuation Metrics - Blue Bird has a Forward P/E ratio of 12.09, which is lower than the industry average of 16.56 [7] - The current PEG ratio for Blue Bird is 2.33, compared to the Automotive - Domestic industry average of 1.89 [8] Industry Context - The Automotive - Domestic industry, part of the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 65, placing it in the top 27% of over 250 industries [8][9] - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), currently rates Blue Bird as 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook based on estimate changes [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough personal research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2]. - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not reflect the views of any affiliated organization [4].

Core Viewpoint - Vitreous Glass Inc. is set to hold its annual general and special meeting on February 5, 2026, to discuss various corporate governance matters and financial statements [1][2]. Group 1: Meeting Details - The meeting will take place at 1:00 p.m. Calgary time at the offices of Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP [1]. - December 29, 2025, has been established as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting [2]. Group 2: By-Law Number 2 - The existing by-laws have been repealed, and a new set of by-laws, designated as By-Law Number 2, has been adopted to modernize the governance framework [2][3]. - By-Law Number 2 incorporates amended provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and aligns with current best practices, including advance notice provisions for director nominations [3][4]. Group 3: Meeting Agenda - The agenda includes the following key items: 1. Review of audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 [5]. 2. Fixing the number of directors to be elected at five [5]. 3. Election of the board of directors for the upcoming year [5]. 4. Appointment of MNP LLP as the auditor for the next financial year [5]. 5. Confirmation of the repeal of By-Law Number 1 and adoption of By-Law Number 2 [5]. 6. Approval of a 10% "rolling" stock option plan [5]. 7. Transaction of any other business properly brought before the meeting [5]. Group 4: Advance Notice Provisions - The Advance Notice Provisions establish a deadline for shareholders to submit director nominations and outline the required information for nominees [6]. - These provisions aim to facilitate an orderly meeting process, ensure adequate notice of nominations, and allow shareholders to make informed voting decisions [6].

Core Insights - The Zacks Domestic Auto industry is poised for growth driven by affordable electric vehicles (EVs) and proposed tax incentives, despite economic challenges and rising tariffs [1][3][4] Industry Overview - The Zacks Domestic Auto industry encompasses companies involved in the design, manufacturing, and retailing of various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and electric vehicles [2] - The industry is highly consumer cyclic and plays a significant role in employment and innovation, particularly in electric and autonomous vehicle development [2] Factors Shaping the Industry's Prospects - The introduction of more affordable EVs, priced at $35,000 or below, is expected to increase consumer adoption, countering the impact of higher tariffs on foreign competitors [3] - Proposed tax incentives, allowing buyers of U.S.-assembled vehicles to deduct up to $10,000 in interest on auto loans, are anticipated to stimulate demand for new vehicles [4] Market Performance - The Domestic Auto industry has underperformed compared to the broader auto sector and the S&P 500, with a return of 6.3% over the past year, while the sector and S&P 500 grew by 7.1% and 14.5%, respectively [10] Current Valuation - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 53.06X, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 18.63X and the sector's 25.8X, indicating a premium valuation compared to historical levels [13] Company Highlights - **General Motors (GM)**: Holds a 16.5% share of the U.S. auto market, with strong demand for its brands and upcoming product launches expected to drive growth. GM has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and positive earnings revisions for 2025 and 2026 [14][15] - **Polaris Inc. (PII)**: Reported $1.8 billion in revenues for Q3 and expects adjusted sales of $6.9 billion to $7.1 billion for 2025. PII also holds a Zacks Rank 1, with significant earnings surprises in recent quarters [20][21] - **Blue Bird Corporation (BLBD)**: Focuses on school buses and alternative fuel applications, projecting fiscal 2026 revenues of $1.5 billion and continued growth. BLBD has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and positive earnings revisions for 2026 [23][24]

Core Insights - Crude Value Insights provides an investment service and community focused on the oil and natural gas sectors, emphasizing cash flow and the companies that generate it [1] - The service aims to identify value and growth prospects with real potential for investors [1] - Subscribers benefit from a model account featuring over 50 stocks, detailed cash flow analyses of exploration and production (E&P) firms, and live discussions about the sector [1] Subscription Offer - A two-week free trial is available for new subscribers, allowing them to explore the oil and gas investment opportunities [2]

Core Insights - Crude Value Insights provides an investment service and community focused on the oil and natural gas sectors, emphasizing cash flow and the companies that generate it, which leads to value and growth prospects with real potential [1] Group 1 - The service offers subscribers access to a model account with over 50 stocks, in-depth cash flow analyses of exploration and production (E&P) firms, and live chat discussions about the sector [1]