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    Blue Bird Delivers Strong Fiscal 2015 Financial Performance

    12/15/2015
    Company Release - 12/15/2015 7:06 AM ET

    Fourth Quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $29 Million up 53% Over Prior Year

    Full-Year Bus Unit Volume Up 8% Over Prior Year

    FORT VALLEY, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blue Bird Corporation (“Blue Bird”) (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, announced today its fiscal fourth quarter and full-year results.

    Highlights

    • Delivered full-year net sales of $919 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $73 million1, excluding $3 million in ongoing public company costs, in line with fiscal year 2015 guidance
    • Generated net sales for the fourth quarter of $308 million, up 12% over the same period last year, and Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter of $29 million, up 53% over prior year
    • Grew bus unit sales in the fourth quarter 13% over prior year to 3,468 buses. Overall unit sales for the year were up 8% to 10,378 units, with propane-powered bus sales up 14% to 1,688 units
    • Generated strong Free Cash Flow in the fourth quarter of $53 million. Full-year Adjusted Free Cash Flow was $45 million2
    • Prepaid $25 million of debt in September as a result of strong cash position
    • Delivered Diluted Earnings Per Share of $0.59 for the year, $0.46 better than prior year. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share was $1.113
    • Initiated investment in major new powertrains and other product programs that will help further differentiate Blue Bird and drive sales
    • Positioned for continued growth in fiscal year 2016 with net sales guidance of $960-985 million and Adjusted EBITDA guidance, including ongoing public company expenses, of $72-75 million
           

    Three Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

     

    B/(W)
    2014

    Twelve Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

     

    B/(W)
    2014

    Unit Sales 3,468 402 10,378 774
    Revenue (Mils.) $ 308 $ 34 $ 919 $ 63
    Net Income (Mils.) $ 16 $ 17 $ 15 $ 12
    Adjusted EBITDA (Mils.) $

    29

    $ 10 $ 70 $ 3
    Diluted Earnings Per Share $

    0.63

    $ 0.63 $ 0.59 $ 0.46
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share3 $

    0.65

    0.37

    $ 1.11 (0.13 )
     

    "It was an exciting year at Blue Bird," said Phil Horlock, President and CEO of Blue Bird. "We became a public company in February and began trading on Nasdaq. We invested in a number of innovative new products, including four all-new powertrains. We continued to build capabilities in our dealer network, grew our mix of propane-powered bus sales and delivered solid top and bottom line growth that was consistent with our guidance. I am very pleased with the performance the Blue Bird team delivered in fiscal 2015 and am looking forward to another good year in 2016."

    1 Consistent with the information provided in our proxy statement filed on January 20, 2015, guidance for FY2015 Adjusted EBITDA specifically excludes the ongoing incremental costs required to operate as a publicly-traded company. These costs represented $2.9 million for FY2015

    2 See reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to Adjusted Free Cash Flow in attachment

    3 See reconciliation of GAAP Diluted EPS to Non-GAAP Adjusted Diluted EPS in attachment

    Fourth Quarter & Full-Year 2015 Results

    Sales

    Fourth Quarter:

    Total net sales for the quarter were $307.6 million, up 12% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

    Bus unit sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 were 3,468, up 13% from the fourth quarter of last year. Net bus sales of $292.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 were up 13% from the prior year.

    Net parts sales for the quarter were $15.7 million, $0.7 million higher when compared with the fourth quarter of last year.

    Full-Year:

    Total net sales were $919.1 million for the fiscal year ending October 3, 2015, an increase of $63.4 million or 7.4% compared with prior year.

    Blue Bird sold 10,378 buses in this period, up 8.1% compared with the same period last year. Net bus sales revenue for the year of $861.7 million was 7.5% higher than prior year.

    Full-year net parts sales were $57.5 million, up 6.6% compared with 2014, driven by success with many of our go-to-market initiatives.

    Gross Profit

    Fourth Quarter:

    Fourth quarter gross profit of $41.2 million was an increase of $12.1 million over the fourth quarter of the prior year.

    Bus gross profit of $35.4 million for the fourth quarter improved by $11.8 million compared with the same period last year. Gross profits for the quarter were favorably impacted by higher volume, positive changes in customer mix, a richer mix of propane-powered buses and lower material costs.

    Parts gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2015 of $5.8 million was $0.3 million higher when compared with the same period in 2014. This was primarily the result of higher volume.

    Full-Year:

    Full-year gross profit was $120.4 million, up $11.0 million from the prior year. Bus gross profit of $99.3 million was up $10.0 million or 11% over prior year. The increase was driven by higher unit sales and favorable material costs, partially offset by a less profitable product and customer mix in the first half of the fiscal year as well as higher overtime costs.

    Parts gross profit for the year of $21.1 million was up $1.0 million or 5% compared with the prior year. Higher sales of parts drove the profitability growth.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Fourth Quarter:

    Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $29.0 million, $10.0 million or 53% higher than the prior year. This increase is primarily the result of higher gross profit partially offset by an increase in ongoing SG&A expenses, as we invest in growth and product initiatives as well as ongoing public company costs.

    Full-Year:

    Full-year Adjusted EBITDA was $69.8 million, up $3.0 million compared with prior year. The improvement was primarily the result of higher gross profit partially offset by an increase in ongoing SG&A expenses to support growth and product initiatives as well as ongoing public company expenses.

    Excluding ongoing public company expenses of $2.9 million for the year, fiscal year 2015 Adjusted EBITDA was $72.7 million. Our guidance specifically excluded ongoing public company expenses, as outlined in our proxy statement filed on January 20, 2015.

    Net Income/Loss

    Fourth Quarter:

    Net income for the fourth quarter was $16.0 million, compared with a net loss of $(0.9) million in the same period last year. The $16.8 million improvement was driven primarily by an increase in operating profit of $18.9 million, partially offset by an increase in tax expense of $3.0 million and an increase in interest expense of $0.3 million.

    Full-Year:

    Net income was $14.9 million for the year, an increase of $12.2 million compared with net income of $2.8 million in the same period last year. This primarily reflects an increase in operating profit of $17.9 million and a $6.0 million reduction in income tax expense, partially offset by a $12.9 million increase in interest expense.

    Fiscal Year 2016 Guidance

    Blue Bird is issuing the following guidance for fiscal year 2016:

    Net Sales:$960-985 million, up from $919 in FY2015

    Adjusted EBITDA:$72-75 million, up from $70 million in FY2015

    AdjustedFree Cash Flow: $30-35 million, compared with $45 million in FY2015. No adjustments are included in the FY2016 Free Cash Flow guidance

    Adjusted EBITDA will be impacted by higher spending as we invest in new initiatives and product programs that will establish a foundation for future growth.

    Free Cash Flow will be impacted by higher cash taxes and higher capital spending as we invest in product programs, information technology and facility actions that will support capacity expansion.

    The seasonality of our business is expected to be more pronounced in fiscal 2016 with first quarter sales and Adjusted EBITDA lower than last year and first half sales and Adjusted EBITDA approximately flat with prior year. Our second shift will help us meet higher production requirements in the seasonally-strong second half to support our growth plans. We have a solid plan in place that will continue to deliver results and move Blue Bird forward.

    Conference Call Details

    Blue Bird will discuss its fourth quarter and full-year 2015 results and other related matters in a conference call at 8:00 AM EST today. Participants may listen to the audio portion of the conference call either through a live audio webcast on the Company's website or by telephone. The slide presentation and webcast can be accessed via the Investor Relations portion of Blue Bird's website at www.blue-bird.com.

    • Webcast participants should log on and register at least ten minutes prior to the start time on the Investor Relations homepage of Blue Bird’s website at http://investors.blue-bird.com. Click the link in the events box on the Investor Relations landing page.
    • Participants desiring audio only should dial 877-407-4018 or 201-689-8471.

    A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes via the same link on Blue Bird’s website.

    About Blue Bird Corporation

    Blue Bird is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release includes the following non-GAAP financial measures: “Adjusted EBITDA,” “Adjusted Net Income,” “Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” “Free Cash Flow” and “Adjusted Free Cash Flow.” Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income prior to interest income, interest expense and other expense, net and income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, as adjusted to add back certain charges recorded each year, such as stock-compensation expense and transaction costs, as these expenses are not considered an indicator of ongoing company performance. Adjusted Net Income is defined as Net Income, as adjusted to add back certain transaction costs not considered an indicator of ongoing company performance. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share represents adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations divided by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share are calculated net of taxes. Free cash flow represents net cash provided by continuing operations minus cash paid for fixed assets. Adjusted Free Cash Flow represents Free Cash Flow excluding cash paid for special compensation and other business combination expenses.

    There are limitations to using non-GAAP measures. Although Blue Bird believes that such measures may enhance an evaluation of Blue Bird’s operating performance and cash flows, (i) other companies in Blue Bird’s industry may define such measures differently than Blue Bird does and, as a result, they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in Blue Bird’s industry and (ii) such measures may exclude certain financial information that some may consider important in evaluating Blue Bird’s performance and cash flows. Attached to this press release are schedules that reconcile Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share to GAAP measures.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to expectations for future financial performance, business strategies or expectations for our business. Specifically, forward-looking statements include statements in this press release regarding guidance, seasonality, product mix and gross profits and may include statements relating to:

    • Inherent limitations of internal controls impacting financial statements
    • Growth opportunities
    • Future profitability
    • Ability to expand market share
    • Customer demand for certain products
    • Economic conditions that could affect fuel costs, commodity costs, industry size and financial conditions of our dealers and suppliers
    • Labor or other constraints on the Company’s ability to maintain a competitive cost structure
    • Volatility in the tax base and other funding sources that support the purchase of buses by our end customers
    • Lower or higher than anticipated market acceptance for our products
    • Other statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or similar expressions

    These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. The factors described above, as well as risk factors described in reports filed with the SEC by Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. or Blue Bird Corporation (available at www.sec.gov), could cause our actual results to differ materially from estimates or expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements.

       

    BLUE BIRD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

     
    (in thousands except for share data)As of October 3, 2015As of September 27, 2014
     
    Assets
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 52,861 $ 61,137
    Accounts receivable, net 13,746 21,215
    Inventories 49,180 71,300
    Other current assets 3,960 4,353
    Deferred tax asset 9,150   6,057  
    Total current assets $ 128,897   $ 164,062  
    Property, plant and equipment, net 28,933 29,949
    Goodwill 18,825 18,825
    Intangible assets, net 60,378 62,240
    Equity investment in affiliate 12,505 9,871
    Deferred tax asset 15,466 4,073
    Other assets 2,899   2,913  
    Total assets $ 267,903   $ 291,933  
    Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
    Current liabilities
    Accounts payable $ 79,333 $ 94,294
    Accrued warranty costs 7,418 6,594
    Accrued expenses 22,980 37,319
    Deferred warranty income 4,862 4,117
    Other current liabilities 7,072 5,668
    Current portion of senior term debt 11,750   11,750  
    Total current liabilities $ 133,415   $ 159,742  
    Long-term liabilities
    Long-term debt $ 176,596 $ 211,118
    Accrued warranty costs 10,243 8,965
    Deferred warranty income 9,283 7,886
    Other liabilities 13,169 12,136
    Accrued pension liability 46,427   40,881  
    Total long-term liabilities $ 255,718   $ 280,986  
    Guarantees, commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
    Stockholders' deficit

    Series A preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 500,000 issued at October 3, 2015 and liquidation preference of $50,000

    $ 50,000 $
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 20,874,882 and 22,000,000 issued and outstanding at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014, respectively. 2 2
    Additional paid-in capital 15,887
    Accumulated deficit (135,345 ) (102,229 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss (51,774 ) (46,568 )
    Total stockholders' deficit $ (121,230 ) $ (148,795 )
    Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 267,903   $ 291,933  
     
     

    BLUE BIRD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

     
    (in thousands except for share data)   2015   2014   2013
     
    Net sales $ 919,128 $ 855,735 $ 776,558
    Cost of goods sold   798,733     746,362     684,109  
    Gross profit $ 120,395   $ 109,373   $ 92,449  
    Operating expenses
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   84,561     91,445     65,332  
    Operating profit $ 35,834 $ 17,928 $ 27,117
    Interest expense (19,078 ) (6,156 ) (2,371 )
    Interest income 113 102 214
    Other income, net       72     96  
    Income before income taxes $ 16,869 $ 11,946 $ 25,056
    Income tax (expense) benefit (4,442 ) (10,441 ) 27,544
    Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate   2,634     1,210     1,767  
    Income from continued operations $ 15,061 $ 2,715 $ 54,367
    Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax   (129 )   42     (159 )
    Net income $ 14,932   $ 2,757   $ 54,208  
    Defined benefit pension plan gain (loss), net of tax of $3,045, $2,326 and $5,709, respectively   (5,206 )   (4,150 )   10,196  
    Comprehensive income (loss) $ 9,726   $ (1,393 ) $ 64,404  
    Net income (from above) $ 14,932 $ 2,757 $ 54,208
    Preferred stock dividend $ (2,247 ) $   $  
    Net income available to common stockholders $ 12,685   $ 2,757   $ 54,208  
    Earnings per share:
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding 21,182,885 22,000,000 22,000,000
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.60 $ 0.13 $ 2.46
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 25,497,602 22,000,000 22,000,000
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.59 $ 0.13 $ 2.46
     
     

    BLUE BIRD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

     
    (in thousands)   2015   2014   2013
     
    Cash flows from operating activities
    Net income $ 14,932 $ 2,757 $ 54,208
    Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 129 (42 ) 159
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization 8,790 9,898 11,808
    Debt amortization/ Non-cash interest expense 3,010 1,301 1,526
    Share-based compensation 1,622
    Equity in net income of affiliate (2,634 ) (1,210 ) (1,767 )
    Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets 510 (67 ) 36
    Deferred taxes (8,626 ) 3,239 (27,611 )
    Change in uncertain tax position 6,390
    Provision for bad debt 34 (9 ) 21
    Amortization of deferred actuarial pension losses 3,567 2,804 4,233
    Changes in assets and liabilities
    Accounts receivable 7,435 (7,713 ) (4,178 )
    Inventories 22,120 (8,697 ) (7,244 )
    Other assets (137 ) (1,415 ) 1,315
    Accounts payable (12,905 ) 18,080 6,889
    Accrued expenses, pension and other liabilities (14,352 ) 12,096   (3,414 )
    Total adjustments $ 8,434   $ 34,697   $ (18,386 )
    Net cash provided by continuing operations $ 23,495   $ 37,412   $ 35,981  
    Net cash used in discontinued operations (129 ) (568 ) (661 )
    Total cash provided by operating activities $ 23,366 $ 36,844 $ 35,320
    Cash flows from investing activities
    Change in net investment in discounted leases $ $ 778 $ 563
    Cash paid for fixed assets (5,190 ) (5,535 ) (4,945 )
    Proceeds from sale of assets 102
    Restricted cash   1,206    
    Total cash used in investing activities $ (5,190 ) $ (3,449 ) $ (4,382 )
    Cash flows from financing activities
    Net borrowings under the senior credit facility $ $ (71 ) $ 71
    Borrowings under the senior term loan 235,000 12,988
    Repayments under the senior term loan (36,750 ) (13,000 ) (35,000 )
    Cash paid for capital leases (142 ) (535 ) (907 )
    Cash paid for debt costs (3,110 ) (12,647 ) (111 )
    Contribution from majority stockholder 13,550
    Payment of dividends (226,821 )
    Change in advances collateralized by discounted leases   (778 ) (563 )
    Total cash provided (used in) financing activities $ (26,452 ) $ (18,852 ) $ (23,522 )
    Change in cash and cash equivalents (8,276 ) 14,543 7,416
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 61,137   46,594   39,178  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 52,861   $ 61,137   $ 46,594  
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
    Cash paid for interest 20,124 1,502 782
    Cash received for interest 113 61 133
    Cash paid for income taxes 7,145 1,424 145
    Cash received for tax refund 48 29
    Non-cash investing and financing activity
    Capital lease acquisitions 563 166 114
    Change in accounts payable for capital additions to property, plant and equipment 671 383 555
    Common stock dividend on Series A preferred stock (market value of common shares) 2,247
    Non-cash reverse merger activity
    Issuance of Common Stock 25,000
    Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock 50,000
    Shares assumed by legal acquirer 42,492
    Repurchase of Common Stock from majority stockholder 100,000
     
     

    BLUE BIRD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit

     
      Common Stock   Convertible Preferred Stock      
    (in thousands except for share data) Shares   Par Value   Additional Paid-In-CapitalShares   AmountAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossAccumulated DeficitTotal Stockholders' Equity/(Deficit)
    Balances, September 29, 2012 as previously reported 100   $ 1     $ 94,999   $   $   $ (52,614 ) $ (27,372 ) $ 15,013  
    Retrospective application of reverse acquisition 22,000,000 2  
    Restated balances at September 29, 2012 22,000,000     2     94,999             (52,614 )   (27,372 )   15,014  
    Net income 54,208 54,208
    Minimum pension liability, net of tax of $5,709 10,196 10,196
    Balances at September 28, 2013 22,000,000     2     94,999             (42,418 )   26,836     79,419  
    Net income 2,757 2,757
    Minimum pension liability, net of tax of $2,326 (4,150 ) (4,150 )
    Dividend (94,999 ) (131,822 ) (226,821 )
    Balances at September 27, 2014 22,000,000     2                 (46,568 )   (102,229 )   (148,795 )
    Issuance of Common Stock 2,500,000 0.3 25,000 25,000
    Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock 500,000 50,000 50,000
    Shares assumed by legal acquirer 4,980,294 0.5 42,492 42,492
    Shares purchased from majority shareholder (10,000,000 ) (1 ) (67,492 ) (32,508 ) (100,000 )
    Settlement of legal acquirer transaction costs (14,825 ) (14,825 )
    Contribution from majority shareholder 13,550 13,550
    Warrant exchange 1,212,500 0.1 715 (715 )
    Series A Preferred Stock Dividend- Common Stock 182,088
    Stock compensation expense 1,622 1,622
    Net income 14,932 14,932
    Minimum pension liability, net of tax of $3,045           (5,206 )   (5,206 )
    Balances at October 3, 2015 20,874,882   $ 2   $ 15,887   $ 500,000   $ 50,000   $ (51,774 ) $ (135,345 ) $ (121,230 )
     
     

    BLUE BIRD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

     
    (in thousands of dollars)  

    Three Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

     

    Three Months Ended
    September 27, 2014

    Total revenue $ 307,624 $ 273,744
    Gross profit 41,225 29,149
    Operating profit 23,477 4,605
    Income (loss) from continuing operation 16,097 (1,055 )
    Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (125 ) 180  
    Net income (loss) $ 15,972 $ (875 )
    Less: Preferred Stock dividend 1,008    
    Net income (loss) available to common stockholders - Basic EPS numerator $ 14,964 $ (875 )
    Income (loss) per common share
    Basic $ 0.72 $ (0.04 )
    Diluted $ 0.63 $ (0.04 )
     

    The following tables reconciles Free Cash Flow to Adjusted Free Cash Flow for the three months ended October 3, 2015 and the twelve months ended October 3, 2015:

       
    (In thousands of dollars)

    Three Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

    Twelve Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

    Net cash provided by continuing operations $ 55,129 $ 23,495
    Cash paid for fixed assets (1,763 ) (5,190 )
    Free cash flow $ 53,366 $ 18,305
    Cash paid for special compensation payment1 13,788
    Cash paid for business combination expenses   12,545  
    Adjusted free cash flow $ 53,366   $ 44,638  
     

    1Primarily funded by a $13.6 million capital contribution from our majority stockholder at the Business Combination

    The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA for the three-month and years ended October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014:

           
    (in thousands of dollars)

    Three Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

    Three Months Ended
    September 27, 2014

    Twelve Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

    Twelve Months Ended
    September 27, 2014

    Net income $ 15,972 $ (875 ) $ 14,932 $ 2,757
    (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (125 ) 180   (129 ) 42  
    Income from continuing operations $ 16,097 $ (1,055 ) $ 15,061 $ 2,715
    Interest expense, net 4,531 4,888 18,965 6,054
    Income tax expense 4,432 1,726 4,442 10,441
    Depreciation and amortization 2,144 2,501 8,790 9,898
    Special compensation payment 13,788 24,679
    Management incentive compensation 1,384 3,271
    Business combination expenses 316 9,153 5,318 9,326
    Share-based compensation 1,148 1,635
    Public company expenses 340 1,356
    Other*   407   469   407  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 29,008   $ 19,004   $ 69,824   $ 66,791  
    Adjusted EBITDA margin (percentage of net sales) 9.4 % 6.9 % 7.6 % 7.8 %
     

    *Fiscal year 2015 amount reflects a loss on disposal of fixed assets. Fiscal year 2014 amount reflects an immaterial out-of-period adjustment increasing cost of goods sold.

    The following table sets forth a reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations Available to Common Stockholders for the three-month and years-ended October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014:

           
    (in thousands of dollars)

    Three Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

    Three Months Ended
    September 27, 2014

    Twelve Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

    Twelve Months Ended
    September 27, 2014

    Net income $ 15,972 $ (875 ) $ 14,932 $ 2,757
    Less: Preferred stock dividend (1,008 )   (2,247 )
    Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 14,964 $ (875 ) $ 12,685 $ 2,757
    Adjustments net of tax impact
    Special compensation payment 8,962 16,041
    Management incentive compensation (a) 900 2,126
    Discontinued operations

    (125

    )

    (180

    ) (129 ) 42
    Business combination 205 5,950 3,457 6,062
    Public company expenses 221 881
    Loss on disposal of fixed assets     305  
    Total adjustments $

    301

    $

    7,030

    $ 13,476 $ 24,271
    Adjusted net income from continuing operations available to common stockholders $

    15,265

      $

    6,155

      $ 26,161   $ 27,028
    Adjusted net income from continuing operations available to common stockholders - Diluted EPS numerator $

    16,273

      $

    6,155

      $ 28,408   $ 27,028
     

    Note: Marginal tax rate of 35%

    The following table sets forth a reconciliation of GAAP Diluted EPS to Non-GAAP Adjusted Diluted EPS for the three-month and years ended October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014:

         

    Three Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

    Three Months Ended
    September 27, 2014

    Twelve Months Ended
    October 3, 2015

    Twelve Months Ended
    September 27, 2014

    GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.63 $ (0.04 ) $ 0.59 $ 0.13
    Add Preferred Stock dividend * *
    Adjustments net of tax impact
    Special compensation payment 0.35 0.73
    Management incentive compensation (a)

    0.04 0.10
    Discontinued operations

     

    (0.01

    )

    (0.01 )
    Business combination 0.01 0.27 0.14 0.28
    Public company expenses 0.01 0.03
    Loss on disposal of fixed assets     0.01  
    Adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share $

    0.65

      $

    0.28

      $ 1.11   $ 1.24
    Shares used in computing adjusted diluted earnings per share 25,453,687 22,000,000 25,497,602 22,000,000
     

    *Already included in the diluted earnings per share numerator in this period

    (a) Represents incentive compensation paid to officers in excess of a related accrual (typically recorded at 100% target level) due to over-performance relative to budget. This adjustment excludes the amount of the accrual above 200% of the target level.

    Blue Bird Corporation
    Jeff Merten, 478-822-2496
    Investor Relations & New Business Development
    [email protected]

    Source: Blue Bird Corporation

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