New York, January 29, 2026, 15:15 EST — Regular session
- Hexcel shares jumped roughly 6% in the afternoon, hitting $88 at one point during the session.
- The aerospace composites manufacturer projects 2026 sales between $2.0 billion and $2.1 billion, with adjusted EPS expected to range from $2.10 to $2.30.
- Hexcel raised its quarterly dividend by 6%, now paying 18 cents per share.
Hexcel shares jumped roughly 6% Thursday after the aerospace materials supplier reported higher fourth-quarter revenue and unveiled 2026 targets suggesting a boost in aircraft production rates. The stock climbed 6.4% to $85.37, briefly hitting $88, while bigger aerospace firms saw more modest gains.
This shift is significant since Hexcel is positioned near the production line. As Boeing and Airbus ramp up output, demand for composite parts and materials usually spikes. Investors have been eager to pinpoint when “normal” deliveries will resume after yet another year of supplier delays.
The spotlight shifts back to guidance. Hexcel projects growth in 2026 following a flat-to-declining 2025. Traders are hunting for signs that destocking is easing and order flow remains steady.
Hexcel wrapped up the fourth quarter with sales hitting $491.3 million, edging up from $473.8 million a year ago. Adjusted diluted EPS came in at $0.52, excluding certain one-time items to reflect what management calls the core business. Looking ahead to 2026, the company expects sales between $2.0 billion and $2.1 billion, adjusted EPS in the range of $2.10 to $2.30, and free cash flow topping $195 million.
Chief executive Tom Gentile highlighted easing destocking and stronger order trends toward year-end, saying “the commercial aerospace recovery is accelerating,” despite what he described as a tough 2025.
Hexcel’s largest segment, commercial aerospace revenue, climbed 7.6% this quarter to $299.5 million, buoyed by strong demand for the Airbus A320neo. Sales of Boeing 787 and 737 MAX parts also rose year over year, although Airbus A350 numbers dropped amid ongoing destocking, the company said.
Defense, space, and related sales fell 1.9% to $191.8 million. Gains in military helicopter programs and launchers were partly offset by a drop in “other” revenue following a divestment in September.
Hexcel bumped its quarterly dividend by 6% to $0.18 per share, with payment set for Feb. 17 to shareholders on record as of Feb. 9. The company also confirmed it anticipates wrapping up the $350 million accelerated share repurchase program in Q1 2026.
During Thursday’s earnings call, executives stuck to a familiar theme: maintaining production discipline and gearing up for higher rates. Gentile emphasized to investors that the “production system is absolutely critical” for next-generation aircraft, according to a transcript. https://www.investing.com/news/transcripts…
Investors face a sharper question than last quarter: how fast will the A350 channel return to normal, and can Boeing and Airbus maintain their rate increases as supply chains stretch once more.
But the setup isn’t foolproof. A sluggish aircraft ramp-up, fresh parts shortages, or another round of destocking could slam volumes and margins. Hexcel itself warned that delays and disruptions in 2025 have already dragged on sales and profits.
Traders will next eye updates on aircraft build rates and order trends. Meanwhile, Hexcel’s key dates are coming up fast: the dividend record date falls on Feb. 9, with payments due Feb. 17.
