Hexcel Corporation (NYSE:HXL) is a leading global manufacturer of advanced composite materials used in a wide range of industries, with a primary focus on the commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial markets. The company's innovative lightweight solutions have made it an indispensable partner to major aircraft manufacturers and defense contractors around the world.
Business Overview
Hexcel's two reportable segments are Composite Materials and Engineered Products. The Composite Materials segment produces carbon fiber, specialty reinforcements, resin systems, prepregs, and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, as well as honeycomb core products. The Engineered Products segment manufactures lightweight high-strength composite structures, RF/EMI and microwave absorbing materials, engineered core, and specialty machined honeycomb products.Hexcel's advanced composite materials are critical components in the production of next-generation aircraft, enabling enhanced fuel efficiency, range, and sustainability. The company's products are found on major commercial platforms like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, as well as numerous defense and space applications. Hexcel's deep customer relationships, technical expertise, and global manufacturing footprint have solidified its position as a leader in the advanced composites industry.
Financials
In fiscal year 2023, Hexcel reported annual revenue of $1.789 billion and net income of $105.7 million. The company generated $257.1 million in annual operating cash flow and $148.9 million in free cash flow. These strong financial results demonstrate Hexcel's ability to capitalize on the growing demand for lightweight composite materials across its end markets.For the second quarter of 2024, Hexcel reported net sales of $500.4 million, a 10.1% increase compared to the prior year period. The company's Composite Materials segment saw an 8.0% year-over-year increase in net sales to $408.6 million, driven by a 21.3% surge in Commercial Aerospace revenue. Hexcel's Engineered Products segment also delivered impressive results, with a 21.1% year-over-year increase in net sales to $91.8 million.
Gross margin for the second quarter of 2024 was 25.3%, up from 24.4% in the prior year period, reflecting improved operating leverage and price realization. Adjusted operating income for the quarter was $72.0 million, or 14.4% of sales, compared to $61.8 million, or 13.6% of sales, in the second quarter of 2023.
Outlook
Hexcel has revised its full-year 2024 guidance to reflect a more cautious near-term outlook. The company now expects sales of $1.9 billion to $1.98 billion, down from the previous range of $1.925 billion to $2.025 billion. Adjusted diluted earnings per share are now projected to be $2.02 to $2.18, compared to the prior guidance of $2.10 to $2.30. Free cash flow is expected to be around $200 million, down from the previous estimate of greater than $200 million.The revised guidance is primarily due to recent announcements from Hexcel's major customers, Airbus and Boeing, indicating softer production rates in the second half of 2024 compared to previous expectations. Specifically, Airbus has signaled a reduction in deliveries for 2024 from 800 to 770 aircraft, which is expected to impact Hexcel's sales.
Despite the near-term headwinds, Hexcel remains confident in the company's mid-term outlook. The strong recovery in air travel, combined with a record aircraft backlog of over 14,700 units for Airbus and Boeing, is expected to drive a continued increase in production rates over the coming years. Hexcel is well-positioned to benefit from this industry-wide recovery, with the necessary capital, capacity, and staffing in place to meet customer demand.
Hexcel's global footprint allows the company to serve customers worldwide. In the second quarter of 2024, the company generated 64% of its revenue from the Commercial Aerospace market, 28% from Space & Defense, and 8% from Industrial applications.
Within the Commercial Aerospace segment, Hexcel saw double-digit growth in both widebody and narrowbody aircraft sales, as well as a 15.4% increase in the "Other Commercial Aerospace" category, which includes regional and business jets. The Space & Defense segment grew 1.4% year-over-year, with strength in military helicopter programs and the F-35 program, partially offset by declining V-22 sales. The Industrial segment, which includes wind energy, automotive, and other industrial applications, declined 22.3% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to weakness in the wind energy market.
Liquidity
Hexcel maintains a strong financial position, with $75.4 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024. The company has $794.9 million in long-term debt, resulting in a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 34%. Hexcel's senior unsecured credit facility provides $750 million in borrowing capacity, with $655 million in undrawn availability as of the end of the second quarter.Hexcel's capital allocation strategy focuses on funding organic growth opportunities, investing in productivity and innovation, and returning capital to shareholders. In the first half of 2024, the company repurchased $201.8 million of its common stock, leaving $285.3 million remaining under its current share repurchase authorization. Hexcel also pays a quarterly dividend, with the most recent declaration of $0.15 per share.