Blue Bird(US:BLBD)2025-08-06 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record sales and adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025, with adjusted EBITDA at $58 million, a 20% increase compared to the previous year [10][23][26] - Revenue for Q3 reached $398 million, which is $65 million or 20% higher than the prior year [11][23] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $52 million, significantly higher than the previous year [23][30] - The company raised its full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA to $210 million, reflecting a 14.5% margin [33][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company sold 2,467 buses in Q3, marking a 15% increase year-over-year [23] - Electric vehicle (EV) sales reached a record 271 units, which is 33% higher than the previous year [25][26] - Parts revenue remained flat at $26 million year-over-year [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog at the end of Q3 was nearly 4,000 units, indicating a slight decrease due to tariff uncertainties [24][25] - The average selling price for buses increased by approximately $7,700 per unit compared to the previous quarter [14][26] - The company noted that the fleet is aging, leading to a heavy replacement cycle, which is expected to drive future demand [13][54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its manufacturing strategy, including automation and production efficiency improvements [6][9] - Investment in differentiated products and features is planned to drive top-line growth [9][10] - The company aims to maintain a competitive edge in alternative-powered vehicles, particularly in the EV segment [7][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for EVs, despite current demand softening due to tariff uncertainties [7][16] - The company is well-positioned to navigate tariff impacts to achieve a margin-neutral outcome [10][90] - Management believes the current order drop is temporary and expects a pickup in orders as tariff uncertainties stabilize [54][90] Other Important Information - The company has initiated production at its new MicroBird plant, which will double small bus capacity [18][19] - A new share repurchase program of up to $100 million has been approved, reflecting strong cash flow generation [32][45] - The company is also working on a new commercial chassis, expected to enter production in 2026 [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Order and backlog commentary - Management noted that the drop in backlog was consistent with industry trends and attributed it to tariff uncertainties, which are expected to stabilize [50][52][54] Question: Operational improvements and margin sustainability - Management confirmed that operational improvements have contributed to margin stability and that they are less sensitive to product mix changes [58][60] Question: EV sales visibility and backlog - The company has 500 EV units in backlog and projects to sell about 200 units in Q4, with additional opportunities expected from EPA funding [68][70] Question: Pricing strategy and market conditions - Management discussed their pricing strategy, emphasizing that tariffs are viewed as a tax and that customers understand the need for price adjustments [88][92] Question: Long-term growth outlook and chassis orders - Management highlighted that the new commercial chassis and MicroBird expansion will contribute to revenue growth and profitability [98][99]