Total Sales Growth
Q1 2026 sales of $502 million, up ~10% year-over-year (8.8% in constant currency), reflecting a return of commercial aerospace demand and higher production levels.
Commercial Aerospace Strength
Commercial Aerospace sales of ~$333–334 million (≈66% of total), up ~19% YoY (18.8%), with growth across Airbus A350 and A320 and Boeing 787 and 737 MAX programs; Other commercial aerospace (regional and business jets) up 15.6%.
Margin and Profitability Improvement
Gross margin expanded to 26.9% from 22.4% a year ago. Adjusted operating income rose to $68 million (13.5% of sales) from $45 million (9.9%). Composite Materials adjusted operating margin improved to 17.6% from 14.2%.
Adjusted EBITDA and EPS
Adjusted EBITDA increased 26% to $107 million (from $85 million). Adjusted EPS for Q1 was $0.59; company reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $2.10–$2.30.
Improved Cash Flow and Working Capital
Net cash provided by operating activities was $19 million vs. a $29 million use a year ago. Free cash flow was a use of $6 million vs. a use of $55 million prior year; working capital cash use improved to $63 million from $98 million.
Liquidity and Capital Actions
Refinanced $750 million revolver, extending maturity to 2031 (from 2028) with slightly improved pricing. Accelerated share repurchase completed in early March repurchasing ~4.5 million shares (~6% of float); remaining repurchase authorization ~$381 million. Quarterly dividend declared $0.18.
Program-Specific Production Momentum
A350 production aligning with Hexcel volumes (outlook ~80 units in 2026 with potential upside); 737 MAX production showing notable improvement (Q1 ~40/month; Boeing may exceed mid-400s forecast for 2026); 787 production a little above 7/month, validating the 90–100 unit expectation for 2026.
Operational Execution and Capacity Leverage
Improved capacity utilization and operational discipline drove operating leverage; management planning measured capacity bring-up (e.g., additional carbon fiber line(s)) to capture margin benefits while controlling incremental costs and start-up phasing.
Defense Demand Trends and Strategic Positioning
Defense & Space (excluding divested industrial business) saw low single-digit organic growth with strength in European fighter programs and U.S./European military rotorcraft; company emphasizes strategic focus on organic growth in Defense and long-term opportunity from rearmament.