Hexcel Corporation released their second quarter 2026 results including net sales of $529.3 million and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.66 per share.
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Sales in the second quarter of 2026 were $529.3 million compared to $489.9 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Commercial Aerospace: Commercial Aerospace sales of $346.6 million for the second quarter of 2026 increased 18.3% (18.8% in constant currency) compared to the second quarter of 2025. Sales growth was led by the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 widebodies. Narrowbody sales also increased year over year including the Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A320neo and Airbus A220. Other Commercial Aerospace sales increased 3.7% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter of 2025 from growth in regional jets.
Defense, Space & Others: Defense, Space & Other sales of $182.7 million in the second quarter of 2026 decreased 7.2% (7.7% in constant currency) for the quarter as compared to the second quarter of 2025. The sales decrease reflected the September 30, 2025 divestment of the Austrian-based industrial business.
Consolidated Operations: Gross margin for the second quarter of 2026 was 26.1% compared to 22.8% in the second quarter of 2025 as the current period benefited from higher sales leverage. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2026 were 8.9% compared to 8.8% for the second quarter of 2025. R&D expenses as a percentage of sales were 3.3 % in the second quarter of 2026 compared to 2.9% for the second quarter of 2025. Adjusted operating income in the second quarter of 2026 was $73.6 million or 13.9% of sales, compared to $54.2 million, or 11.1% of sales in the second quarter of 2025.
Year-to-Date 2026 Results: Sales for the first six months of 2026 were $1,030.8 million compared to $946.4 million, an 8.9% increase from the same period in 2025.
Commercial Aerospace (66% of YTD sales): Commercial Aerospace sales of $679.3 million increased 18.5% (18.9% in constant currency) for the first six months of 2026 compared to the first six months of 2025.
Defense, Space & Other (34% of YTD sales): Defense, Space & Other sales of $351.5 million decreased 5.8% (7.3% in constant currency) for the first six months of 2026 as compared to the first six months of 2025. The sales decrease reflected the September 30, 2025 divestment of the Austrian-based industrial business.