Piper Jaffray analyst Alexander Potter reiterates an Underweight rating and $30 price target on shares of Allison Transmission after meeting with California-based electric bus maker Proterra. The company has built a one year-plus backlog and is in the process of aggressively ramping production, Potter tells investors in a research note. He believes that investors become aware of Proterra's success in electrifying municipal buses, they will realize that most specialty/urban vehicle applications are susceptible to disruption by electric vehicles. This trend "will eventually spell trouble" for Allison Transmission, since 70% of the company's revenue comes from on-highway market, the analyst contends. He recommends using the recent rally to sell Allison shares.

Allison Transmission partnered with SANY, a global heavy equipment manufacturer for the mining and construction markets, to integrate the Allison 4970 Specialty Series transmission into SANY's STC5000 500-ton all-terrain crane. These new cranes will be in operation in remote areas of China including the desert and mountain terrain. "Our off-highway vehicles require a powerful transmission designed to meet the challenge of navigating difficult terrain," said Du Jian, R&D Director of Crane Chassis, SANY. "We selected the Allison 4970 SP due to its proven ability to increase vehicle productivity and maneuverability." In addition to SANY's STC5000 crane, Allison is also the propulsion solution provider for the company's SAC600E 60-ton crane.

JPMorgan raised the firm's price target on Allison Transmission to $78 from $70 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares as part of a Q1 earnings preview the trucks group. The firm is positive into the print and raised estimates across the board. The cohort from the last Class 8 cycle peak is entering the replacement age, and demand remains resilient among less than truckload operators, the analyst tells investors in a research note.