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Hexcel (HXL)
NYSE:HXL
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Hexcel (HXL) AI Stock Analysis

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HX

Hexcel

(NYSE:HXL)

Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$60.00
▲(1.75%Upside)
Hexcel's overall score reflects solid financial performance with strong profitability and cash flow generation. Technical indicators and valuation suggest cautious optimism, while recent earnings call and corporate events highlight strategic challenges and shareholder support.
Positive Factors
Future Outlook
Management remains optimistic in their outlook for the A350 as Airbus is still expecting to ramp to 12/mo by 2028.
Management Strategy
HXL is more actively working to manage through the issues with headcount reductions that align with current builds, buybacks, and reduced capex.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
HXL reported $0.37, missing the consensus of $0.43, with weaker-than-expected results in the Commercial segment.
Production Challenges
Airbus cites intensifying bottlenecks on the A350s 'Section 15' subassembly, which are affecting production rates.
Supply Chain Issues
The supply chain issues across the aerospace industry have negatively impacted HXL's earnings again.

Hexcel (HXL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Hexcel Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHexcel Corporation (HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology. The company develops, manufactures, and markets lightweight, high-performance structural materials, including carbon fibers, reinforcements, prepregs, and other specialty materials. Hexcel serves various industries, primarily focusing on aerospace, defense, industrial, and wind energy sectors, enabling its customers to enhance performance and efficiency while reducing weight and emissions.
How the Company Makes MoneyHexcel Corporation generates revenue through the sale of its advanced composite materials, primarily targeting the aerospace and defense sectors, which are its largest markets. The company supplies carbon fiber, prepregs, and other composite materials to major aircraft manufacturers, such as Boeing and Airbus, for use in commercial and military aircraft. Additionally, Hexcel serves the wind energy sector by providing lightweight materials that improve the efficiency of wind turbines. The industrial sector also contributes to its revenue stream, with sales of materials used in automotive, sporting goods, and other applications. Partnerships with leading aerospace companies and long-term supply agreements further bolster Hexcel's revenue, as these relationships ensure a steady demand for its products.

Hexcel Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 21, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 16.77%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Negative
The earnings call revealed notable achievements in defense and space growth and financial management, but these were overshadowed by significant challenges in commercial aerospace sales, revised guidance due to production setbacks, and margin pressures. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs also adds to the cautious outlook.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Defense and Space Growth
Defense and space sales grew 3.3% in constant currency compared to Q1 of 2024, driven by programs like the CH-53K, Blackhawk, and various space initiatives, highlighting Hexcel's robust position in the defense market.
Recognition and Awards
Hexcel received the 'Best Supplier of the Year' award from Embraer for their materials category, underscoring their commitment to quality and reliability.
Share Repurchase and Refinancing Success
Hexcel repurchased $50 million of common stock in Q1, with an additional $185 million authorized. They also refinanced a $300 million fixed-rate note at an attractive interest rate spread, showcasing financial confidence.
Negative Updates
Decline in Commercial Aerospace Sales
Commercial aerospace sales decreased 6.3% on a constant currency basis from Q1 2024, primarily due to lower sales in Boeing 787 and 737 MAX programs.
Revised Guidance and Production Challenges
The 2025 sales guidance was reduced by $85 million, largely due to Airbus's cut in A350 production. Expected ship sets were reduced from 84 to 68, impacting forecasts significantly.
Gross Margin Compression
Gross margin for Q1 2025 decreased to 22.4% from 25% in the same period last year, impacted by lower operating leverage and a power outage costing $2-3 million.
Tariff Uncertainty
Potential tariff impacts were highlighted, with an estimated direct impact of $3-4 million per quarter, though not included in guidance due to uncertainty.
Company Guidance
During Hexcel Corporation's first quarter 2025 earnings call, several key metrics were highlighted to provide guidance on the company's future outlook. The company reported sales of $457 million and an adjusted diluted EPS of $0.37 for Q1 2025. Hexcel's commercial aerospace sales were $280.1 million, reflecting a 6.3% decline on a constant currency basis compared to the previous year, due primarily to lower sales from Boeing 787 and 737 MAX programs. However, other commercial aerospace saw a 7.1% increase due to international demand. The defense space and other segments generated $176.4 million in sales, marking a 2.7% increase from Q1 2024, driven by programs like CH-53K and Blackhawk. Despite lower-than-expected sales, Hexcel remains optimistic about future growth, particularly as Airbus and Boeing ramp up production to address backlogs. The company revised its 2025 guidance, reducing sales expectations due to lowered Airbus A350 production forecasts while maintaining a focus on cost control and efficiency improvements. Hexcel also highlighted a $50 million share repurchase and a $17.1 million capital expenditure for Q1, while projecting a free cash flow of around $190 million for the year.

Hexcel Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Hexcel demonstrates strong profitability and a stable financial position, with efficient cash flow generation. The lack of revenue growth and slight decline in free cash flow could pose challenges. The company maintains balanced leverage, ensuring financial stability.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Hexcel shows solid profitability with a stable gross profit margin of 24.0% for TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) and a net profit margin of 6.6%. However, the revenue has slightly decreased to $1.89 billion from $1.90 billion, showing a stagnant growth rate. The EBIT margin is healthy at 9.3%, indicating efficient core operations. Overall, the company displays good profitability metrics, but revenue growth is a concern.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, indicating moderate leverage. The equity ratio stands at 55.2%, suggesting a sound capital structure. ROE is 8.1% for TTM, demonstrating decent return for shareholders. Stability is evident, but the company should monitor its leverage to maintain financial flexibility.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
Free cash flow has decreased slightly to $184 million from $202.9 million, showing a decline in growth. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 2.15, indicating strong cash earnings. Free cash flow to net income ratio at 1.48 further underscores efficient cash generation. Overall, Hexcel maintains a strong cash flow position despite recent declines.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.89B1.90B1.79B1.58B1.32B1.50B
Gross Profit452.20M469.80M433.20M357.10M250.10M239.70M
EBITDA267.60M310.10M268.50M312.20M198.30M14.10M
Net Income124.50M132.10M105.70M126.30M16.10M31.70M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.78B2.73B2.92B2.84B2.82B2.92B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments89.20M125.40M227.00M112.00M127.70M103.30M
Total Debt787.20M700.70M699.50M723.50M823.30M926.40M
Total Liabilities1.25B1.20B1.20B1.28B1.33B1.41B
Stockholders Equity1.53B1.53B1.72B1.55B1.49B1.51B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow184.00M202.90M148.90M96.80M123.80M213.70M
Operating Cash Flow268.40M289.90M257.10M173.10M151.70M264.30M
Investing Cash Flow-85.50M-87.00M-50.70M-54.60M-27.90M-50.60M
Financing Cash Flow-179.20M-301.70M-92.60M-130.00M-96.80M-178.50M

Hexcel Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price58.97
Price Trends
50DMA
55.04
Positive
100DMA
55.01
Positive
200DMA
58.94
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.19
Negative
RSI
64.07
Neutral
STOCH
64.87
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HXL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 58.97 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 57.05, above the 50-day MA of 55.04, and above the 200-day MA of 58.94, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.19 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 64.07 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 64.87 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for HXL.

Hexcel Risk Analysis

Hexcel disclosed 20 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Hexcel reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Hexcel Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
$8.51B429.771.45%7.32%
73
Outperform
$5.84B28.4811.61%0.63%4.50%9.90%
HXHXL
68
Neutral
$4.72B38.737.87%1.16%5.37%29.15%
68
Neutral
$2.59B158.344.83%0.32%19.84%-51.67%
65
Neutral
$10.81B15.255.26%1.93%3.11%-26.99%
SPSPR
60
Neutral
$4.76B81.63%-2.91%-109.95%
58
Neutral
$3.06B-4.45%5.66%52.71%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HXL
Hexcel
58.97
-3.21
-5.16%
KTOS
Kratos Defense
54.28
32.98
154.84%
MRCY
Mercury Systems
51.68
19.32
59.70%
MOG.A
Moog
186.93
-0.09
-0.05%
SPR
Spirit AeroSystems
40.50
5.45
15.55%
VSEC
VSE
128.98
42.13
48.51%

Hexcel Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Hexcel Announces Leadership Transition Plans
Neutral
Jul 9, 2025

On July 7, 2025, Hexcel Corporation announced that Thierry Merlot, President of Aerospace – EMEA/AP & Industrial, plans to retire in 2026. In preparation, he will transition to Executive Vice President – Strategy by September 29, 2025, with a successor expected to be appointed around the same date.

The most recent analyst rating on (HXL) stock is a Hold with a $65.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hexcel stock, see the HXL Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Hexcel Stockholders Approve Key Proposals at Annual Meeting
Positive
May 14, 2025

At the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 8, 2025, Hexcel Corporation’s stockholders elected all nominated directors, approved executive compensation for 2024, ratified Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditor for 2025, and approved amendments to the 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. These decisions reflect strong shareholder support for the company’s leadership and strategic initiatives, potentially enhancing its operational stability and market position.

The most recent analyst rating on (HXL) stock is a Hold with a $65.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hexcel stock, see the HXL Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Hexcel Revises 2025 Guidance Amid Supply Chain Delays
Negative
Apr 21, 2025

Hexcel Corporation reported a decrease in first quarter 2025 sales to $457 million, down 3.3% from the previous year, with adjusted diluted EPS also declining. The company revised its 2025 guidance due to supply chain delays affecting aircraft production, particularly the Airbus A350, and is managing costs by reducing headcount. Despite challenges in commercial aerospace, Hexcel saw growth in its Defense and Space segment and maintained confidence in its long-term prospects, evidenced by share repurchases and debt refinancing.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 24, 2025