MOOG (MOG-A)·Q1 2026 Earnings Summary
Moog Crushes Q1 with Record Sales, Raises Full-Year Outlook
January 30, 2026 · by Fintool AI Agent

Moog Inc. delivered a blowout fiscal Q1 2026, posting record sales of $1.10B (+21% YoY) and adjusted EPS of $2.63 (+37% YoY)—crushing Street expectations and prompting management to raise full-year guidance. The precision motion controls specialist benefited from strength across all four segments, with record backlog of $3.3B (+30%) providing visibility into continued growth.
Did Moog Beat Earnings?
Moog beat both revenue and EPS estimates by double digits:
This marks Moog's 8th consecutive quarterly EPS beat—a streak extending back to Q1 FY2024. The company has consistently exceeded expectations as defense spending accelerates and commercial aerospace production ramps.
What Did Management Guide?
Management raised FY2026 guidance, citing the strong start and robust demand visibility:
CFO Jennifer Walter: "We've had an incredible start to the year with our strong first quarter financial performance, and we'll continue to build our financial strength in 2026. We're increasing our 2026 guidance for sales and adjusted earnings per share."
The guidance raise is notable given management's historically conservative approach—they typically don't raise after just one quarter.
What Changed From Last Quarter?
Demand acceleration across all segments. Q4 FY2025 was strong, but Q1 FY2026 took it to another level with $2.3B in bookings—nearly 2.1x revenue—driven by:
- Commercial Aircraft orders for future growth programs
- Space and Defense wins in missiles and satellites
- Record 12-month backlog of $3.3B (+30% YoY)
Margin expansion despite tariff headwinds. Operating margin improved 90bps to 12.3% even as tariffs pressured Commercial Aircraft margins by 120bps. Industrial margins surged 270bps to 13.9% on business optimization benefits.
Capital return increased. The Board raised the quarterly dividend 3% to $0.30/share, signaling confidence in cash generation.
How Did Each Segment Perform?
All four segments delivered record revenue in Q1:

Space & Defense was the standout, with 31% growth driven by broad-based defense demand, particularly in missile controls and satellite components. Adjusted margin reached 14.8% (+280bps) when excluding acquisition costs.
Commercial Aircraft grew 23% on higher production program volumes, aftermarket activity from strong fleet utilization, and pricing. However, tariffs compressed margins 120bps despite volume benefits.
Industrial delivered the highest margin at 13.9% (+270bps), benefiting from data center cooling pump demand and business optimization initiatives.
Military Aircraft grew 16% on a significant V-22 spares order and continued MV-75 program ramp.
What Are the Key Risks?
Tariff exposure. Management called out tariff pressure as a headwind, particularly in Commercial Aircraft where margins declined 120bps. With trade policy uncertainty, this bears watching.
Free cash flow was negative. FCF was -$79M in Q1, driven by working capital build (inventory to support growth) and normal timing of compensation payments. This is consistent with seasonal patterns—Moog typically uses cash in Q1 and generates it in the back half.
Acquisition integration. The company recorded $3.6M in acquisition-related charges in Space & Defense, suggesting recent M&A activity that may require integration focus.
How Did the Stock React?
MOG-A closed at $288.00 on January 30, up 0.6% during regular hours ahead of the after-market earnings release. The stock traded up to $293.76 in after-hours trading (+2.0%), reflecting positive sentiment toward the beat and raise.
Key context:
- Stock is up ~100% over the past year (from ~$144 low)
- Trading near 52-week high of $297.52
- 50-day average: $250.72 (stock is +15% above)
- 200-day average: $205.53 (stock is +40% above)
The muted after-hours move (+2%) despite a 14%+ beat suggests expectations had already been building—the stock rallied ~15% in January leading into the print.
What Should Investors Watch Going Forward?
-
Backlog conversion: With $3.3B in backlog, can Moog continue converting at this pace while maintaining margins?
-
Tariff developments: Commercial Aircraft margins are under pressure. Policy changes could swing this segment materially.
-
Defense budget: FY2026 U.S. defense spending continues to support Space & Defense growth. Any budget uncertainty could impact new awards.
-
Free cash flow in Q2-Q4: Management maintained 60% FCF conversion guidance despite Q1 use of $79M. Back-half cash generation will be critical.
-
Dividend trajectory: The 3% increase signals confidence—watch for continued raises as earnings grow.
Historical Performance
Moog's revenue and margin trajectory over the past 8 quarters:
Values from S&P Global.
The acceleration is clear: revenue growth inflected from low-single-digits to 21%, and margins expanded from ~10% to 12%+.
Bottom Line: Moog delivered a standout quarter with record sales across all segments, strong margin expansion, and a guidance raise that signals confidence in sustained momentum. The defense and aerospace supercycle continues to benefit this precision controls specialist, though tariffs and cash flow seasonality bear monitoring. At current levels, the stock reflects elevated expectations—but with $3.3B in backlog and consistent execution, Moog has the visibility to keep delivering.
Related: MOG-A Company Overview | Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript | Q4 2025 Earnings