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Hexcel (HXL)
NYSE:HXL

Hexcel (HXL) AI Stock Analysis

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HXL

Hexcel

(NYSE:HXL)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$88.00
▲(15.06% Upside)
Hexcel's overall stock score reflects a stable financial position with strong cash flow management and a solid balance sheet. The technical analysis indicates strong bullish momentum, which is a significant positive factor. However, the high P/E ratio suggests overvaluation, and recent revenue declines pose a risk to future profitability. The earnings call highlights both growth opportunities and near-term challenges, contributing to a balanced outlook.
Positive Factors
Strong Cash Flow Management
Hexcel's robust cash flow management supports its financial stability, enabling strategic investments and shareholder returns over the long term.
Defense and Space Segment Growth
Growth in the Defense and Space segment highlights Hexcel's strong market position and potential for sustained revenue in a stable industry.
Positive Aerospace Market Outlook
A growing backlog in commercial aircraft indicates strong future demand, supporting Hexcel's long-term revenue prospects in aerospace materials.
Negative Factors
Revenue Decline
The significant decline in revenue growth poses a risk to Hexcel's future profitability and may challenge its ability to sustain financial health.
Gross Margin Decline
Declining gross margins due to tariffs and inventory issues could pressure profitability, affecting Hexcel's long-term financial performance.
CFO Resignation
Leadership changes, such as the CFO's resignation, can disrupt strategic continuity and impact investor confidence in Hexcel's management stability.

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

Hexcel Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHexcel Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets structural materials for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial markets. It operates through two segments, Composite Materials and Engineered Products. The Composite Materials segment manufactures and markets carbon fibers, fabrics and specialty reinforcements, prepregs and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, structural adhesives, honeycomb, molding compounds, tooling materials, polyurethane systems, and laminates that are used in military and commercial aircraft, wind turbine blades, recreational products, and other industrial applications, as well as in automotive, marine, and trains. The Engineered Products segment manufactures and markets aircraft structures and finished aircraft components, including wing to body fairings, wing panels, flight deck panels, door liners, rotorcraft blades, spars, and tip caps; and aircraft structural sub-components and semi-finished components used in rotorcraft blades, engine nacelles, and aircraft surfaces, such as flaps, wings, elevators, and fairings. The company sells its products directly through its managers, product managers, and sales personnel, as well as through independent distributors and manufacturer representatives in the Americas, Europe, the Asia Pacific, India, and Africa. Hexcel Corporation was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
How the Company Makes MoneyHexcel generates revenue primarily through the sale of its advanced composite materials and products. The company has a diversified revenue model that includes long-term contracts with major aerospace manufacturers, which provide a steady income stream. Key revenue streams include the supply of carbon fibers, prepregs, and honeycomb structures, particularly for commercial aerospace applications. Additionally, Hexcel benefits from partnerships with leading companies in the aerospace and automotive sectors, which enhance its market position and contribute to earnings. The demand for lightweight and durable materials in these industries, driven by the need for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, further supports Hexcel's financial performance.

Hexcel Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue By Segment
Revenue By Segment
Chart Insights
Data provided by:The Fly

Hexcel Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 22, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 28, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed outlook. While there is strong growth in the Defense and Space segment and a positive long-term aerospace market outlook, current challenges include commercial aerospace destocking and margin pressures from tariffs and inventory adjustments. The company's strategic actions, such as share repurchases, indicate confidence in future growth, but near-term headwinds are notable.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Defense and Space Segment Growth
Defense, Space and Other segment sales were $182 million in the third quarter, an increase of 11.7% on a constant currency basis over the same period last year, driven by strong demand for fighters, rotorcraft, and space programs.
Positive Aerospace Outlook
The backlog for commercial aircraft has grown from 13,000 units before the pandemic to more than 15,000 today. Air traffic has more than recovered to 2019 levels, indicating a strong future demand for aerospace materials.
Share Repurchase Program
Hexcel announced a $600 million share repurchase program and a $350 million accelerated share repurchase program, indicating strong confidence in future growth and cash generation.
Future Growth Expectations
Hexcel expects to generate over $1 billion in cumulative free cash flow over the next 4 years and anticipates significant organic growth opportunities driven by modern lightweight aircraft demand.
Negative Updates
Commercial Aerospace Destocking
Commercial Aerospace third quarter 2025 sales were $274.2 million, a decrease of 7.3% compared to the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to destocking on the Airbus 350 program and Boeing 787 platform.
Gross Margin Decline
Hexcel's gross margin for the third quarter was 21.9% compared to 23.3% in the third quarter of 2024, driven by tariffs, inventory reduction, and lower sales volume.
Tariff and Foreign Exchange Headwinds
Tariffs remain a headwind, impacting margins by $3 million to $4 million per quarter, and foreign exchange tailwinds are beginning to switch to headwinds due to a weaker dollar.
Reduced EPS Guidance
Hexcel reduced its EPS guidance due to the impact of lower production from lingering destocking and the incorporation of tariffs into its guidance.
Company Guidance
During Hexcel's Third Quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided guidance that reflects a positive outlook despite some ongoing challenges. Hexcel anticipates exiting 2025 aligned with customer build rates and is set for growth in 2026, driven by a ramp-up in commercial aerospace production, including Airbus's targets of 12 A350s per month by 2028 and 75 A320s per month by 2027. Hexcel's third-quarter sales totaled $456 million, with a gross margin of 21.9%, compared to 23.3% in the previous year, impacted by seasonal sales slowdowns and destocking by commercial OEMs. Despite these challenges, Hexcel expects to generate over $1 billion in free cash flow from 2025 to 2028 and has announced a $600 million share repurchase program, including a $350 million accelerated share repurchase. The company remains focused on leveraging its strong position in aerospace and defense markets to capitalize on growing demand for fuel-efficient, lightweight aircraft, with anticipated margin expansion as production volumes increase.

Hexcel Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Hexcel presents a stable financial profile with strengths in cash flow management and a solid balance sheet. However, the recent decline in revenue growth is a concern that could impact future profitability. The company maintains moderate leverage and profitability margins, but improving revenue growth will be crucial for sustaining long-term financial health.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Hexcel's income statement shows a mixed performance. The TTM data indicates a decline in revenue growth rate by 43.2%, which is concerning. However, the company maintains a reasonable gross profit margin of 23.13% and a net profit margin of 3.68%. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are moderate at 6.40% and 11.23%, respectively. The annual data from previous years shows fluctuating revenue growth, with a peak in 2022. Overall, while profitability is stable, the recent revenue decline poses a risk.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
Hexcel's balance sheet is relatively strong with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, indicating moderate leverage. The return on equity (ROE) for the TTM is 4.45%, which is lower than previous years, suggesting a decrease in profitability. The equity ratio stands at 56.81%, reflecting a solid equity base. The company has managed its debt levels well over the years, maintaining a stable financial position.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
The cash flow statement reveals positive trends, with a TTM free cash flow growth rate of 13.59%. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 0.94, indicating efficient cash generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.72, showing a healthy conversion of earnings into cash. Overall, Hexcel demonstrates robust cash flow management, supporting its financial stability.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.88B1.90B1.79B1.58B1.32B1.50B
Gross Profit432.30M469.80M433.20M357.10M250.10M239.70M
EBITDA240.90M310.10M268.50M312.20M198.30M155.00M
Net Income68.80M132.10M105.70M126.30M16.10M31.70M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.76B2.73B2.92B2.84B2.82B2.92B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments90.50M125.40M227.00M112.00M127.70M103.30M
Total Debt757.90M726.10M728.90M773.10M823.30M985.80M
Total Liabilities1.19B1.20B1.20B1.28B1.33B1.41B
Stockholders Equity1.57B1.53B1.72B1.55B1.49B1.51B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow193.90M202.90M148.90M96.80M123.80M213.70M
Operating Cash Flow267.60M289.90M257.10M173.10M151.70M264.30M
Investing Cash Flow-76.40M-87.00M-50.70M-54.60M-27.90M-50.60M
Financing Cash Flow-199.40M-301.70M-92.60M-130.00M-96.80M-178.50M

Hexcel Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price76.48
Price Trends
50DMA
71.35
Positive
100DMA
66.94
Positive
200DMA
60.82
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.94
Positive
RSI
60.29
Neutral
STOCH
69.20
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 76.48 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 75.14, above the 50-day MA of 71.35, and above the 200-day MA of 60.82, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.94 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 60.29 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 69.20 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 (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$7.28B108.471.47%
73
Outperform
$6.05B90.124.36%0.89%-0.37%-34.97%
73
Outperform
$8.33B34.2712.09%0.47%7.11%13.43%
68
Neutral
$1.98B-407.89-1.72%6.19%52.10%
68
Neutral
$6.53B103.866.56%25.38%237.96%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
51
Neutral
$4.23B-1.63-1.31%-78.19%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HXL
Hexcel
76.48
14.38
23.16%
ATRO
Astronics
55.35
39.24
243.58%
MOG.A
Moog
251.02
54.82
27.94%
SPR
Spirit AeroSystems
39.50
5.93
17.66%
LOAR
Loar Holdings Inc.
68.66
-6.70
-8.89%
AMTM
Amentum Holdings, Inc.
29.46
9.65
48.71%

Hexcel Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Hexcel Announces CFO Resignation and Interim Appointment
Neutral
Nov 17, 2025

Hexcel Corporation has announced the resignation of its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Patrick Winterlich, effective November 30, 2025. Michael C. Lenz has been appointed as the Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective upon Winterlich’s resignation, and will serve in this role while the company searches for a permanent successor. Lenz, who has a substantial background in financial leadership roles at FedEx Corp., will receive a base salary and a cash bonus for his interim role, with no pre-existing arrangements influencing his selection.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Hexcel Board Member Jeffrey Campbell to Step Down
Neutral
Nov 10, 2025

On November 10, 2025, Jeffrey C. Campbell announced his decision not to seek reelection to Hexcel Corporation’s Board of Directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Campbell, who has been a board member since 2003 and the Lead Director since 2018, cited no disagreements with the company’s operations or policies as the reason for his decision.

Private Placements and FinancingStock Buyback
Hexcel Announces $350 Million Share Buyback Program
Positive
Oct 23, 2025

On October 22, 2025, Hexcel Corporation announced a new share repurchase program, involving agreements with Bank of America and Goldman Sachs to buy back $350 million of its common stock. This initiative, approved by the Board, is part of a broader $600 million authorization for share repurchases, enhancing Hexcel’s capital return strategy and potentially impacting its stock market performance. The repurchase will be funded by borrowing $350 million under an existing revolving credit facility, with the final settlement expected by the first quarter of 2026.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Hexcel Announces $350 Million Accelerated Share Repurchase
Neutral
Oct 22, 2025

Hexcel Corporation reported its third quarter 2025 results, showing net sales of $456 million, a slight decrease from the previous year. The company experienced a drop in commercial aerospace sales due to inventory destocking, particularly affecting the Airbus A350, while defense and space sales saw growth. Hexcel revised its 2025 guidance due to tariffs and announced a $350 million accelerated share repurchase. Looking forward, Hexcel anticipates benefiting from increased commercial aerospace orders and expects to generate over $1 billion in free cash flow over the next four years, with an additional $600 million authorized for stock repurchases.

Executive/Board Changes
Hexcel Announces CFO Resignation Effective November 2025
Neutral
Oct 22, 2025

On October 20, 2025, Hexcel Corporation announced the resignation of its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Patrick Winterlich, effective November 30, 2025. The resignation was amicable and not due to any disagreements with the company’s operations or policies. The Board of Directors has begun the search for a successor.

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: Dec 09, 2025