TransDigm posted fiscal second-quarter results ahead of expectations, with organic growth of about 11% across all three channels, commercial aftermarket revenue up roughly 14% to an all-time-high bookings level, commercial OEM up about 12%, and defense up about 11%. EBITDA as defined margin rose to 52.6% despite nearly 2 points of acquisition dilution, and the company raised full-year sales and EBITDA guidance while retaining over $10 billion of M&A firepower. Management flagged caution over the Middle East conflict, which slowed air traffic and sharply cut affected carriers' RFQs, adding fuel-price and demand uncertainty to the second half.
Thank you and welcome to TransDigm's fiscal 2026 2nd quarter earnings conference call. Presenting on the call this morning are TransDigm's President and Chief Executive Officer, Mike Lisman, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Joel Reiss, and Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Wynne. Also present for the call today is our Co-Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Murphy. Please visit our website at transdigm.com to obtain a supplemental slide deck and call replay information. Before we begin, the company would like to remind you that statements made during this call, which are not historical in fact, are forward-looking statements. For further information about important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the company's latest filings with the SEC available through the investor section of our website or at sec.gov.
The company would also like to advise you that during the course of the call we will be referring to EBITDA, specifically EBITDA as defined, adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share, all of which are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the tables and related footnotes in the earnings release for a presentation of the most directly comparable GAAP measures and applicable reconciliations. I will now turn the call over to Mike.
Good morning. Thanks for calling in today. First, I'll start off with the usual quick overview of our strategy. Second, make a few comments about the quarter. Third, discuss our revised fiscal 2026 outlook. Joel and Sarah will give some additional color on the quarter. To reiterate, we believe we are unique in the industry in both the consistency of our strategy in both good times and bad, as well as our steady focus on intrinsic shareholder value creation through all phases of the aerospace cycle. To summarize, here are some of the reasons why we believe this. About 90% of our net sales are generated by unique proprietary products. Most of our EBITDA comes from aftermarket revenues, which generally have significantly higher margins and over any extended period have typically provided relative stability in the downturns.
We follow a consistent long-term strategy. First, we own and operate proprietary aerospace businesses with significant aftermarket content. Second, we utilize a simple, well-proven, value-based operating methodology. Third, we have a decentralized organizational structure and unique compensation system closely aligned with shareholders. Fourth, we acquire businesses that fit this strategy and where we see a clear path to private equity-like returns. Lastly, our capital structure and allocation are a key part of our value creation methodology. Our long-standing goal is to give our shareholders private equity-like returns with the liquidity of a public market. To do this, we stay focused on both the details of value creation as well as careful allocation of our capital. As you saw from our earnings release, we delivered a good quarter.
Our Q2 results ran ahead of our expectations, and we once again raised our guidance for the year. During the quarter, we saw solid growth in revenue, both sequentially and compared to the prior year in all three of our market channels: commercial OEM, commercial aftermarket, and defense. Bookings in the quarter also meaningfully surpassed shipments across all three of these market channels. Through February, commercial aerospace market trends have been favorable, with takeoffs and landings increasing in the 4% ballpark year-over-year and RPM growth trending in the 4%-7% range. In March and April, activity took a step back as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, with global RPM growth slowing to 2.1% for the month of March and takeoffs and landing cycles dipping into slightly negative territory.
Excluding the Middle East, March RPM growth was 8%, highlighting strong demand in other regions of the world. Time will tell how flight activity is impacted for the remainder of the fiscal year given the current dynamic market environment and evolving situation in the Middle East. To date, we have not seen a significant change in commercial aftermarket ordering activity relative to levels prior to the start of the conflict, including from the Middle Eastern airlines most directly impacted, but we remain cautious here. Ultimately, the impact felt will depend upon the duration of the conflict. Note that we are increasing our commercial aftermarket guidance today despite this market uncertainty. This is to reflect the strong performance seen in our fiscal second quarter and our best guess at how we will finish the year as we sit here today.
As mentioned, and as you saw in our results, commercial aftermarket growth rebounded in Q2 from prior recent quarter growth rates. It was good to see this stronger performance, and it is a reminder of the lumpiness we can at times see in this particular market channel. In the commercial OEM market, Boeing and Airbus are continuing to ramp production rates. Airline demand for new aircraft remains high, with backlogs increasing. The OEM production rate recovery to date has been bumpy. We are encouraged by the consistent improvements being made each quarter as well as our bookings pace. Additionally, our defense end market saw a double-digit revenue increase this quarter and also built a sizable amount of backlog that will drive continued growth as we head into the back half of our fiscal 2026 and into fiscal 2027.
Our EBITDA as defined margin was 52.6% for the quarter, which includes slightly less than 2 full percentage points of dilution from recent acquisitions. Contributing to the solid Q2 margin performance is the growth in our commercial aftermarket, along with diligent focus on our operating strategy, which is allowing margin performance to expand across all segments. Additionally, improvements in operating margins at our recent acquisitions, Servotronics and Simmonds, are running slightly ahead. Next, an update on our capital allocation activities and priorities. Regarding the current M&A activities and pipeline, we continue to actively look for opportunities that fit our model. As usual, the potential targets are mostly in the small and mid-size range. As always, we will remain disciplined around our approach to M&A. Additionally, acquisitions are by their nature hard to predict.
Consistent with past practice, I will not be saying too much on what is currently active in our M&A funnel. We are pleased to have closed the acquisitions of Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra shortly after the quarter ended. We continue to work towards a closing on Stellant and look forward to owning this business in the not-too-distant future. The capital allocation priorities at TransDigm are unchanged. Our first priority is to reinvest in our businesses. Second, do accretive, disciplined M&A. Third, return capital to our shareholders via buybacks or dividends. A fourth option, paying down debt, seems unlikely at this time, though we do still take this into consideration. We are continually evaluating all of our capital allocation options.
Our recent capital allocation actions still leave us with significant liquidity and financial flexibility to meet any likely range of capital requirements or other opportunities in the readily foreseeable future. Pro forma for the announced acquisitions, we have significant M&A firepower and capacity remaining, in excess of $10 billion. Moving over to our outlook for fiscal 2026. As noted in our earnings release, we are increasing our full-year 2026 sales and EBITDA as defined guidance to reflect our strong second quarter results and our current expectations for the remainder of the year. At the midpoint, sales guidance was raised $420 million, and EBITDA as defined guidance was raised $210 million. The guidance assumes no additional acquisitions or divestitures and is based on current expectations for continued performance in our primary commercial end markets throughout fiscal 2026.
Note that the large majority of this guidance increase is coming from the solid and better-than-expected performance in our base business, with a much smaller portion of the total guidance increase coming from our inclusion of Jet Parts and Victor Sierra now that we officially own both businesses. Our current guidance for fiscal 2026 is as follows and can also be found on slide 6 in the presentation for today. Note that the pending acquisition of Stellant Systems is excluded from this guidance until the acquisition closes. The midpoint of our fiscal 2026 revenue guidance is now $10.36 billion, or up approximately 17% over the prior year.
In regard to the market channel growth rate assumptions that this revenue guidance is based on, we are now updating the full-year market channel assumptions for our three primary end markets, commercial OEM, commercial aftermarket, and defense. To account for the better-than-originally forecast result, forecasted results in our first half and current expectations for the second half of our fiscal year. The updated revenue guidance provided today is based on the following market channel growth rate assumptions. We expect commercial OEM revenue growth in the low double-digit to mid-teens percentage range. The growth seen here remains dependent on the evolution of the production rates in the commercial OEM environment.
We expect commercial aftermarket revenue growth to be in the high single-digit to low double-digit percentage range, with this growth dependent upon the dynamic and evolving situation in the Middle East. Lastly, we expect defense revenue growth in the high single-digit percentage range. The midpoint of fiscal 2026 EBITDA as defined guidance is now $5.42 billion or up approximately 14%, with an expected margin of around 52.3%. We are very pleased with our margin performance in the year-to-date period, and we are running ahead of where we thought we'd be. Adjusting for the two dilutive factors we discussed last quarter, the margins in our base businesses steadily improved in our second quarter, more than we had expected.
As a reminder, the dilutive factors are approximately 200 basis points of margin dilution from our recent acquisitions and about 0.5 percentage point to 1 full percentage point from commercial OEM and defense mix headwind. The margin dilution for the full year from recent acquisitions increased due to the inclusion of Jet Parts and Victor Sierra, the overall dilution remains in the 2% area plus or minus due to the slightly better-than-planned performance at Servotronics and Simmonds, each of which we've now owned for more than six months. The midpoint of adjusted EPS is now expected to be $39.52. We believe we are well positioned for the second half of our fiscal 2026. We'll continue to closely watch how the aerospace and capital markets develop and react accordingly.
Good morning. I'll start with our typical review of results by key market category. For the remainder of the call, I'll provide commentary on a pro forma basis compared to the prior year period in 2025. That is, assuming we own the same mix of businesses in both periods. For reference, the market discussion includes the recent acquisition of Simmonds Precision Products but excludes the Stellant, Jet Parts Engineering, and Victor Sierra Aviation acquisitions. In the commercial market, we will split our discussion into OEM and aftermarket. Our total commercial OEM revenue increased approximately 12% in Q2 compared with the prior year period. Commercial OEM revenue in the second quarter showed strong growth as we continue supporting higher build rates. Commercial transport OEM revenues, which exclude the biz jet sub-market, were up 19% over the comparable prior year period.
As Boeing and Airbus production rates continue to increase, we expect continued strength in the commercial OEM demand. Commercial OEM bookings in the quarter also showed solid growth compared to the same prior year period, significantly outpacing sales. Commercial transport bookings were up nearly 20% in the second quarter. We are pleased to see consistent growth several quarters in a row for the commercial OEM market. We remain encouraged by the continued progress of both Boeing and Airbus as they ramp their production rates. Our operating units are well-positioned to support the higher production rates as they occur. The commercial OEM guidance we are giving today contains what we believe is an appropriate level of risk around the production build rates for the 2026 fiscal year.
Our fiscal 2026 commercial OEM revenue guidance range, which, as Mike mentioned, is increasing to low double-digit to mid-teens percentage growth range, is based on the first half performance and the current outlook on the second half of our fiscal year. Now, moving on to our commercial aftermarket business discussion. Total commercial aftermarket revenue increased by approximately 14% compared with the prior-year period. This quarter, all sub-markets within commercial aftermarket experienced positive growth. Our commercial transport aftermarket revenue growth, which excludes our biz jet sub-market, was up 16%, driven by solid growth in all four of the transport sub-markets: freight, interiors, engine, and passenger. We saw strength in commercial aftermarket transport across most of our operating units. Q2 bookings in commercial aftermarket were also strong, running ahead of our expectations, solidly outpacing sales and supporting the full-year growth outlook.
Additionally, point of sale at our distributors also grew in double digits on a percentage basis this quarter. We are raising our commercial aftermarket revenue guidance to the high single-digit to low double-digit range, supported by strong bookings, a solid book-to-bill ratio, and double-digit distribution point-of-sale growth in the quarter. As all of you know, the conflict in the Middle East has increased both oil and jet fuel prices as well as the availability of jet fuel in certain regions. Time will tell how long jet fuel prices remain elevated and what the ultimate impact will be on commercial air traffic. History tells us that any effect on the commercial aftermarket will lag a bit, with the amount of lag varying across our operating units given the specific nature of the products of each unit.
To date, we have not experienced any meaningful impact. However, we recognize that the uncertainty in the broader market adds risk to our second half. We are cautious and watchful, closely monitoring commercial aftermarket business activity across our companies. Shifting to our defense market. Defense market revenue, which includes both OEM and aftermarket revenues, grew by approximately 11% compared with the prior year period. The past year has been strong for defense, with Q2 delivering another solid quarter. New business wins and elevated demand, both domestically and internationally, along with our solid operational performance by teams were all contributing factors. Q2 defense revenue growth was well distributed across our businesses and customer base. Both OEM and aftermarket components in our defense market were up to the prior year, with aftermarket running slightly ahead of OEM.
Defense bookings for the quarter increased nicely, up year-over-year and outpacing sales for the period. Bookings started the year strong and continue to support our updated full year 2026 defense guidance of high single-digit revenue growth. The current environment is positive for defense spending. As we've said many times before, defense sales and bookings can be lumpy, especially quarter to quarter. We are encouraged by recent booking levels and current backlog in our defense market segment and remain confident in our ability to support the increased demand. Beyond our core commercial and defense performance, I want to touch on an exciting moment for our team in space. We were very proud to contribute to the success of the recent Artemis II mission. TransDigm operating units were present across the spacecraft.
In addition to our most visible product, which were the three re-entry parachutes provided by Airborne Systems North America, we also provided ablative insulation from Kirkhill, astronaut restraints from AmSafe, quick disconnects from AdelWiggins, motors from CDA, electronic components from DDC, and power-related products from PDC. Moving on to our value drivers. We continue to see strong success winning new business at our operating units, and I would like to highlight two new business program wins from last quarter. Airborne Systems was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract for Intuitive Machines for a reusable re-entry parachute system. This product will support Zephyr, a reusable in-orbit manufacturing satellite. In March, DDC was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for a series of electronic components, including our rugged ARINC 429 PCI mezzanine cards and multi-protocol avionic cards for their Light Combat Helicopter.
These components will be used in their mission computer, digital video recorder system, radio altimeter, avionics computing system, and integrated communication systems. Now, a quick update on our acquisition integration activities. We continue to make good progress at both Servotronics and Simmonds Precision. We are about two quarters in our ownership, and we're very pleased by what we are seeing so far. The Jet Parts and Victor Sierra acquisitions closed after the quarter end. As we said previously, we are adding two solid, well-run, growing businesses into the fold with this acquisition. We are excited about both of these businesses and are confident they will be a good fit into our company. I'd like to wrap up by emphasizing how pleased I am with the team's performance through the first half of fiscal 2026.
We delivered good results for the shareholders this quarter and executed a solid operational performance. The teams continue to execute on our value drivers, and we look forward to the second half of our fiscal year. Our management teams remain focused on our consistent operating strategy and value drivers, and we're well-positioned to convert our strong backlog and bookings into second-half results. With that, I'd like to turn it over to our Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Wynne.
Thanks, Joel. Good morning, everyone. I'll recap the financial highlights for the second quarter and then provide some more information on the guidance. First, on organic growth and liquidity. In the second quarter, our organic growth rate was approximately 11%, and all market channels contributed to this growth, as previously discussed by Mike and Joel. On cash and liquidity, free cash flow, which we traditionally define as EBITDA less cash interest payments, CapEx, and cash taxes, was approximately $350 million for the quarter. This is lower than our average quarterly free cash flow conversion due to the timing of our interest and tax payments in the quarter. We anticipated this, as you may recall, and our Q1 free cash flow came in higher at just under $900 million.
For the full fiscal year, we now expect our free cash flow guidance to be closer to $2.5 billion, an increase from the prior guide of $2.4 billion. This guidance includes the post-quarter completion of Jet Parts and Victor Sierra and the interest expense associated with the $1.5 billion debt issuance raised in April in support of the acquisitions and repurchases. Below that free cash flow line, an investment of net working capital consumed approximately $170 million for the quarter. For the full year, we expect working capital to end roughly in line with historical levels as a percentage of sales. We ended the quarter with a sizable cash balance of $3.9 billion, which includes $2 billion of cash from new debt raised in Q1.
That debt was proactively raised for the acquisitions of Jet Parts Engineering, Victor Sierra, which closed on April 7 following the quarter end. Our net debt to EBITDA ratio ended the quarter just slightly down from the prior quarter at 5.6 times. Pro forma for the closing of the acquisitions, our net debt to EBITDA ratio was 5.9 times. The specific amount of cash we prefer to have on hand varies based on current market conditions. Our current balance and available debt capacity provides ample liquidity to fund pending and future acquisitions through a likely combination of cash on hand and new debt issuance based on our strategy of operating in the 5-7 net debt to EBITDA ratio range.
Our net debt to EBITDA target range also preserves plenty of capacity for additional acquisitions should opportunities arise along with other capital deployment options. Regarding our debt and our capital allocation strategy is to both proactively and prudently manage our debt maturity steps by keeping midterm maturities well extended. In addition, approximately 75% of our $33.7 billion gross debt balance is fixed through fiscal 2029. This is achieved through a combination of fixed rate notes, interest rate swaps, caps and collars. This provides us plenty of protection, at least in the immediate term. Our EBITDA to interest expense coverage ratio ended the quarter at three times, which provides us with comfortable cushion versus our target range of two to three times.
Additionally, during Q2 and continuing into the first week of April, we opportunistically deployed about $800 million of capital via open market repurchases of our common stock. This equates to approximately 670,000 shares, an average purchase price of below $1,200 per share. Including our Q1 repurchase activity, these recent repurchases bring the total amount of stock buybacks in the year-to-date period of $950 million. These share repurchases are grounded in the same targeted returns criteria we have consistently applied over the years and expect this will meet or exceed our long-term return objectives. We continue to seek the best opportunities for providing value to our shareholders through our capital allocation strategy.
We think we remain in good position with adequate flexibility to continue to pursue M&A opportunities or return cash to our shareholders via share buybacks and/or additional dividends during the course of fiscal 2026. With that, I'll hand it back to Mary Hartman, our Director of Investor Relations.
Before we open the line for Q&A, I'd like to ask everyone in the queue to consider your fellow analysts and ask one question only, so we can get to as many people as possible. Operator, can you please open the line?