On Thursday, RBC Capital Markets upgraded Hexcel Corp . (NYSE: NYSE:HXL) stock, a company specializing in advanced composite materials with a market capitalization of $5 billion, from Sector Perform to Outperform.
The firm also increased its price target on the stock to $74.00, up from the previous $68.00. The stock currently trades near its 52-week low of $57.50, significantly below its high of $77.09.
The upgrade comes as RBC Capital anticipates potential upside for Hexcel, despite acknowledging possible risks to the company's estimates for the years 2025-2026. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains strong financial health with a GOOD overall rating and has achieved 7.14% revenue growth in the last twelve months.
The firm's analyst pointed out that it might be premature to have a high level of confidence in the aerospace original equipment (OE) recovery. However, RBC Capital believes that Hexcel's stock has not yet fully factored in the potential positive outcomes.
RBC Capital's analyst highlighted the fourth quarter of 2024 as a pivotal moment for Hexcel, expecting it to serve as a clearing event where management could reset the company's mid-term and 2025 outlook. This reassessment could provide more clarity on Hexcel's future performance and prospects.
The valuation of Hexcel was also a factor in the upgrade, with RBC Capital noting that the stock is trading at an attractive 16.4 times the firm's 2026 free cash flow (FCF) estimate. While the current P/E ratio stands at 48.15x, InvestingPro's Fair Value analysis suggests the stock is slightly undervalued. The new price target of $74 reflects RBC Capital's increased optimism about the company's valuation and its prospects in the aerospace sector.
In other recent news, Hexcel Corporation, a leader in advanced composites technology, announced key changes in its executive leadership and board of directors. Thomas C. Gentile III has taken over as the new Chairman, replacing the retired Nick L. Stanage, while David Li fills a newly created board seat.
In terms of financial performance, Hexcel reported an 8% increase in sales during its third quarter 2024 earnings call, reaching $457 million, largely driven by a 17% rise in commercial aerospace sales and a 20% increase in adjusted EPS to $0.47.
Recent analyst notes reveal that BMO Capital Markets has revised its price target for Hexcel due to cost pressures, while UBS maintains a neutral stance due to potential volatility. Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), on the other hand, has slightly raised its price target for Hexcel while maintaining an Overweight rating. These assessments come amidst Hexcel's strategic moves such as the divestiture of its Austrian plant and the declaration of a quarterly dividend of $0.15.
The company anticipates results at the lower end of its guidance range for 2024 and has adjusted its EPS guidance due to a more favorable tax rate of around 19%. Despite facing challenges like supply chain disruptions and a strike at Boeing (NYSE:BA), Hexcel remains optimistic about its long-term growth prospects in the commercial aerospace sector. These are the recent developments for Hexcel Corporation.
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