Shares of Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD), a school bus manufacturing company, experienced a notable increase of 5.6% during afternoon trading, driven by optimistic analyst evaluations in anticipation of the upcoming earnings report. Analyst Michael Shlisky from DA Davidson reaffirmed a “Buy” rating for Blue Bird and set a price target of $70, indicating sustained confidence in the company’s future prospects. Investors are particularly focused on the company’s quarterly earnings announcement, scheduled for November 24, 2025, especially following last quarter’s impressive performance, where Blue Bird exceeded earnings per share (EPS) estimates by $0.26. The stock closed the day at $53.84, reflecting a total increase of 6% from the previous close.
Blue Bird’s stock has exhibited significant volatility over the past year, registering 11 instances of price movements exceeding 5%. Today’s price increase highlights the market’s acknowledgment of the analyst’s commentary, although it does not suggest any fundamental shifts in the company’s overall outlook. Notably, two months ago, the stock rose 3.1% as investor confidence surged amid changing market dynamics influenced by the Federal Reserve’s decisions. Recent developments include a 25 basis point cut in the benchmark interest rate, which is seen as a positive signal for the stock market, lowering borrowing costs for businesses and making equities more attractive compared to fixed-income investments.
Since the beginning of the year, Blue Bird shares have surged by 39.6%, although they are still 11.4% below the 52-week high of $60.86 reached in September 2025. This performance indicates a strong recovery, with investors who purchased $1,000 worth of shares five years ago now holding an investment valued at approximately $3,295.
As Wall Street navigates through varied market conditions, the positive sentiment surrounding Blue Bird showcases the potential for growth within the public transportation sector. With continued interest and support from analysts, the future looks promising for Blue Bird and its investors.