Question · Q3 2026
Ross Sparenblek inquired about the strong margin performance of VACCO in the quarter, asking if it was a one-time event and if it would be the largest margin contributor to A&D gross margins in 4Q. He also asked about the revised outlook for A&D margins, expecting them to converge with industrial margins. Additionally, he questioned RBC Bearings' industrial business outlook for 2026, comparing it to peers' low single-digit guidance, and asked about channel inventory balance and expected catch-up with elevated OEM build rates.
Answer
Chairman, President, and CEO Michael Hartnett stated that 4Q Aerospace gross margins are expected to be strong and better than Q3, driven by volumes and pricing, and will definitely expand. He clarified that A&D margins are expected to "chase up towards" industrial margins, closing the gap. For the industrial business in 2026, he expressed optimism for "high single digits as worst case," outperforming peers' low single-digit guidance, but refrained from providing full-year guidance.
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