Hexcel

HXL · NYSE

$91.32−$0.29 (−0.32%)TodayMarket closed · Oct 20, 7:32 PM ET

Prev close $91.61

HXL analyst rating

HoldConsensus of 12 analysts over the last 12 months. 42% rate it a buy.

Strong buy0
Buy5
Hold7
Underperform0
Sell0

12-month price target · 16 analysts

Average $109.39 (+19.8% upside)

Low: $84.06
Now: $91.32
High: $129.15

Upgrades and downgrades

The latest rating actions, newest first

HXL analyst upgrades, downgrades and rating actions
Firm	Date	Action	Rating	Price target	Hit rate
Morgan Stanley	Oct 19, 2026	Maintains	Equal-Weight	$110.00 → $97.00	61%
RBC Capital	Oct 15, 2026	Maintains	Outperform	$115.00 → $105.00	59%
Seaport Global	Oct 12, 2026	Upgrade	Neutral → Buy	$104.00	50%
TD Cowen	Oct 9, 2026	Maintains	Hold	$115.00 → $90.00	63%
Wells Fargo	Sep 30, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$120.00 → $105.00	69%
Jefferies	Sep 28, 2026	Maintains	Hold	$110.00 → $98.00	55%
Guggenheim	Sep 15, 2026	Initiates	Buy	$120.00	71%
Goldman Sachs	Aug 4, 2026	Maintains	Neutral	$88.00 → $97.00	56%
Wells Fargo	Aug 4, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$95.00 → $120.00	69%
Jefferies	Aug 2, 2026	Maintains	Hold	$105.00 → $110.00	55%

The case for and against

Updated Oct 21, 2026

Bull case

Hexcel is attractive because its engineered composite content benefits directly from a commercial aerospace recovery, with Airbus and Boeing production likely improving after recent certification and supply-chain issues are resolved. The company’s high fixed-cost manufacturing base should drive strong operating leverage, helping margins expand as volumes rise, while management has indicated that reaching peak build rates could unlock about $500 million of incremental annual sales from existing contracts and another $200 million in Defense and Space by decade end. Its defense portfolio adds durability and upside through sole- or near-sole-source content on major platforms like the F-35 and CH-53K, supporting resilient cash generation and above-consensus long-term earnings power.

Bear case

Hexcel is fundamentally challenged by its heavy reliance on Boeing and Airbus production rates, with Airbus at 40% of 2024 sales and Boeing at 15%, leaving results vulnerable to any slowdown in commercial aerospace demand. The balance sheet adds pressure, as 2Q26 debt stood at $959M versus only $62M of cash, while the issuance of $800M of senior notes and refinancing of a $750M revolver lifted interest expense to $24M in 1H26 from $17M in 1H25. In addition, its European manufacturing footprint exposes margins to Euro and British pound volatility and raw material swings, and those risks can offset operating leverage even as volume improves.

Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Market data is delayed at least 15 minutes and is provided without warranty. Analyst ratings, price targets and company data come from third-party sources. Past performance does not guarantee future results.