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RBC Bearings’ $2.3 Billion Backlog: Can Aerospace & Defense Keep Driving Growth?

RBC Bearings reported fiscal fourth quarter 2026 net sales of $518 million, reflecting an 18.3% year-over-year increase driven mainly by robust growth in its Aerospace & Defense (A&D) segment and steady performance in the Industrial segment. The company’s consolidated gross margin stood at 44.4% (45.3% adjusted), slightly up from the prior-year period, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 27.9% to $3.62. Adjusted EBITDA increased 21% to $168.9 million, and free cash flow remained strong at $67.5 million. The company also continued to reduce leverage, paying down $116 million of debt during the quarter. Revenue breakdown for the quarter showed approximately 43% from A&D and 57% from Industrial operations. The A&D segment saw significant expansion with sales rising 41.2%, fueled by increased demand across defense, space, and commercial aerospace markets. The backlog for this segment grew to about $2.3 billion, underscoring ongoing demand momentum. Commercial aircraft revenues rose 17.8% (17.