FTSE Russell Announces Russell Microcap Index Changes
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- New Additions: FTSE Russell's preliminary list indicates that Conduent, Energous, Ageagle Aerial Systems, Sidus Space, and Forward Industries are set to be added to the Russell Microcap Index, which is expected to enhance these companies' market visibility and investment appeal.
- Removals: Conversely, Redwire, Blue Bird, Amprius, Astronics, and Tutor Perini are slated for removal from the index, which may lead to decreased liquidity for these companies and potentially impact their stock performance negatively.
- Adjustment Timeline: The changes to the Microcap Index will take effect after US equity markets close on Friday, June 26, prompting investors to pay close attention to this date for potential adjustments in their investment strategies.
- Market Reaction Expectations: As space stocks continue to gain momentum due to optimism surrounding SpaceX's public debut, the market's response to the newly added companies could further drive their stock performance, especially given the sustained positive sentiment towards the space industry.
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Analyst Views on BLBD
Wall Street analysts forecast BLBD stock price to fall
7 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 70.870
Low
49.00
Averages
65.71
High
78.00
Current: 70.870
Low
49.00
Averages
65.71
High
78.00
About BLBD
Blue Bird Corporation is an independent designer and manufacturer of school buses. The Company is a principal manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications in the United States. In addition, the Company specializes in alternative powered product offerings with its propane powered, gasoline powered and all-electric powered school buses. The Company’s segments include Bus and Parts. The Bus segment involves the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and extended warranties. The Parts segment includes the sale of replacement bus parts. The Company’s ability spans Type A, C, and D school buses, as well as multi-purpose and commercial vehicles across diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric powertrains. The Company sells its buses and parts through an extensive network of United States and Canadian dealers that, in their territories, are exclusive to Blue Bird on Type C and Type D school buses.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
FTSE Russell Announces Russell Microcap Index Changes
- New Additions: FTSE Russell's preliminary list indicates that Conduent, Energous, Ageagle Aerial Systems, Sidus Space, and Forward Industries are set to be added to the Russell Microcap Index, which is expected to enhance these companies' market visibility and investment appeal.
- Removals: Conversely, Redwire, Blue Bird, Amprius, Astronics, and Tutor Perini are slated for removal from the index, which may lead to decreased liquidity for these companies and potentially impact their stock performance negatively.
- Adjustment Timeline: The changes to the Microcap Index will take effect after US equity markets close on Friday, June 26, prompting investors to pay close attention to this date for potential adjustments in their investment strategies.
- Market Reaction Expectations: As space stocks continue to gain momentum due to optimism surrounding SpaceX's public debut, the market's response to the newly added companies could further drive their stock performance, especially given the sustained positive sentiment towards the space industry.
See More
BLUE BIRD: BARCLAYS INCREASES TARGET PRICE FROM $55 TO $75
- Bluebird Bio Update: Bluebird Bio's stock target price has been raised by Barclays.
- New Target Price: The new target price is set at $75, an increase from the previous $55.
See More
School District Launches Electric Bus Initiative
- Electric Bus Initiative: The Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District, in partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, is launching an electric bus initiative that includes the deployment of eight Blue Bird electric buses and the construction of a dedicated charging depot expected to be completed by early 2027, aiming to enhance safety and reliability in student transportation.
- Charging Infrastructure Development: The charging infrastructure is being designed around the district's transportation schedule to ensure buses are charged and ready for daily routes, while also allowing for future fleet expansion, reflecting the district's commitment to modernizing its transportation system.
- Environmental Impact Improvement: The electric buses are expected to reduce students' exposure to air pollution by up to 16%, improving the in-cabin environment for students and staff, which aligns with the district's commitment to cleaner air and healthier transportation options.
- Long-term Maintenance Cost Reduction: Compared to traditional diesel vehicles, electric buses have fewer moving parts, which can lower long-term maintenance needs and help the district avoid fuel price volatility, thereby achieving more predictable operational costs.
See More
Rio Bravo School District Launches Electric Bus Initiative
- Electric Bus Initiative: The Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District, in partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, is launching an electric bus program, planning to deploy eight Blue Bird electric buses, with charging infrastructure expected to be completed by early 2027, marking a significant step towards electrified transportation.
- Charging Infrastructure Development: The new charging depot will be designed around the district's transportation schedule, ensuring buses are charged before daily routes while allowing for future fleet expansion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
- Environmental Impact Improvement: The electric buses are projected to reduce students' exposure to air pollution by up to 16%, improving the in-cabin environment and ensuring the health and safety of students and staff during rides.
- Long-term Cost Reduction: With fewer maintenance needs compared to traditional diesel vehicles, electric buses will help the district avoid fuel price volatility, leading to more predictable operational costs and promoting sustainable development.
See More
Blue Bird Corporation to Release Q2 Fiscal 2026 Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Blue Bird Corporation is set to announce its fiscal 2026 second quarter results on May 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET, with executives discussing the results in a webcast, which is expected to attract significant investor interest.
- Webcast Details: The audio webcast will include a slide presentation, and investors can access dial-in information and the webcast link through the Investor Relations section of Blue Bird's website, ensuring transparency and timely communication of information.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the webcast will be accessible approximately two hours after the call concludes via the same link, enhancing communication efficiency between the company and investors, ensuring all stakeholders can access key information promptly.
- Company Background: Since its founding in 1927, Blue Bird has been recognized as a technology leader in school buses, having sold over 25,000 low- and zero-emission buses, highlighting its leadership position in clean energy solutions within the student transportation industry.
See More
Blue Bird Corporation Appoints New SVP of Engineering
- Strategic Appointment: Blue Bird Corporation has appointed Lyndon Lie as Senior Vice President of Engineering, tasked with overseeing all engineering functions to support the company's long-term growth strategy, which is expected to enhance its competitiveness in the electric and low-emission school bus market.
- Extensive Experience: With over 30 years of global engineering experience, Lyndon Lie has held senior engineering and technology leadership roles at renowned companies such as Volkswagen, Nikola Corporation, and General Motors, and his expertise in vehicle systems and electrification will be critical for Blue Bird's technological transformation.
- Acquisition Integration: Lie will manage the integration of engineering activities related to the Micro Bird acquisition, aiming to enhance the product portfolio and engineering capabilities to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.
- Market Demand Response: Lie expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the executive team to drive advancements in platform engineering and ensure seamless integration of the Micro Bird acquisition, thereby better addressing the changing demands of the market and further solidifying Blue Bird's leadership in the student transportation industry.
See More
FTSE Russell Announces Russell Microcap Index Changes
- New Additions: FTSE Russell's preliminary list indicates that Conduent, Energous, Ageagle Aerial Systems, Sidus Space, and Forward Industries are set to be added to the Russell Microcap Index, which is expected to enhance these companies' market visibility and investment appeal.
- Removals: Conversely, Redwire, Blue Bird, Amprius, Astronics, and Tutor Perini are slated for removal from the index, which may lead to decreased liquidity for these companies and potentially impact their stock performance negatively.
- Adjustment Timeline: The changes to the Microcap Index will take effect after US equity markets close on Friday, June 26, prompting investors to pay close attention to this date for potential adjustments in their investment strategies.
- Market Reaction Expectations: As space stocks continue to gain momentum due to optimism surrounding SpaceX's public debut, the market's response to the newly added companies could further drive their stock performance, especially given the sustained positive sentiment towards the space industry.
See More
BLUE BIRD: BARCLAYS INCREASES TARGET PRICE FROM $55 TO $75
- Bluebird Bio Update: Bluebird Bio's stock target price has been raised by Barclays.
- New Target Price: The new target price is set at $75, an increase from the previous $55.
See More
School District Launches Electric Bus Initiative
- Electric Bus Initiative: The Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District, in partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, is launching an electric bus initiative that includes the deployment of eight Blue Bird electric buses and the construction of a dedicated charging depot expected to be completed by early 2027, aiming to enhance safety and reliability in student transportation.
- Charging Infrastructure Development: The charging infrastructure is being designed around the district's transportation schedule to ensure buses are charged and ready for daily routes, while also allowing for future fleet expansion, reflecting the district's commitment to modernizing its transportation system.
- Environmental Impact Improvement: The electric buses are expected to reduce students' exposure to air pollution by up to 16%, improving the in-cabin environment for students and staff, which aligns with the district's commitment to cleaner air and healthier transportation options.
- Long-term Maintenance Cost Reduction: Compared to traditional diesel vehicles, electric buses have fewer moving parts, which can lower long-term maintenance needs and help the district avoid fuel price volatility, thereby achieving more predictable operational costs.
See More
Rio Bravo School District Launches Electric Bus Initiative
- Electric Bus Initiative: The Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District, in partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, is launching an electric bus program, planning to deploy eight Blue Bird electric buses, with charging infrastructure expected to be completed by early 2027, marking a significant step towards electrified transportation.
- Charging Infrastructure Development: The new charging depot will be designed around the district's transportation schedule, ensuring buses are charged before daily routes while allowing for future fleet expansion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
- Environmental Impact Improvement: The electric buses are projected to reduce students' exposure to air pollution by up to 16%, improving the in-cabin environment and ensuring the health and safety of students and staff during rides.
- Long-term Cost Reduction: With fewer maintenance needs compared to traditional diesel vehicles, electric buses will help the district avoid fuel price volatility, leading to more predictable operational costs and promoting sustainable development.
See More
Blue Bird Corporation to Release Q2 Fiscal 2026 Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Blue Bird Corporation is set to announce its fiscal 2026 second quarter results on May 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET, with executives discussing the results in a webcast, which is expected to attract significant investor interest.
- Webcast Details: The audio webcast will include a slide presentation, and investors can access dial-in information and the webcast link through the Investor Relations section of Blue Bird's website, ensuring transparency and timely communication of information.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the webcast will be accessible approximately two hours after the call concludes via the same link, enhancing communication efficiency between the company and investors, ensuring all stakeholders can access key information promptly.
- Company Background: Since its founding in 1927, Blue Bird has been recognized as a technology leader in school buses, having sold over 25,000 low- and zero-emission buses, highlighting its leadership position in clean energy solutions within the student transportation industry.
See More
Blue Bird Corporation Appoints New SVP of Engineering
- Strategic Appointment: Blue Bird Corporation has appointed Lyndon Lie as Senior Vice President of Engineering, tasked with overseeing all engineering functions to support the company's long-term growth strategy, which is expected to enhance its competitiveness in the electric and low-emission school bus market.
- Extensive Experience: With over 30 years of global engineering experience, Lyndon Lie has held senior engineering and technology leadership roles at renowned companies such as Volkswagen, Nikola Corporation, and General Motors, and his expertise in vehicle systems and electrification will be critical for Blue Bird's technological transformation.
- Acquisition Integration: Lie will manage the integration of engineering activities related to the Micro Bird acquisition, aiming to enhance the product portfolio and engineering capabilities to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.
- Market Demand Response: Lie expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the executive team to drive advancements in platform engineering and ensure seamless integration of the Micro Bird acquisition, thereby better addressing the changing demands of the market and further solidifying Blue Bird's leadership in the student transportation industry.
See More
