Balchem (BCPC) vs Hexcel (HXL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Hexcel (HXL) has outperformed Balchem (BCPC) over the past year, gaining 29.8% versus a gain of 18.4%. Over five years, HXL leads with a +38.8% price change compared with +11.7% for BCPC. Hexcel is the larger company by market cap ($6.42 billion vs $5.35 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while Balchem is growing revenue faster (+8.8% vs -0.5%).
On valuation, Balchem trades at a lower forward P/E (26.8x vs 27.0x for Hexcel). Hexcel offers the higher dividend yield (0.82% vs 0.57%). Balchem converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.9% versus 5.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BCPC | HXL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $167.83 | $84.96 |
| Market cap | $5.35B | $6.42B |
| 1-day change | -0.47% | -0.20% |
| YTD return | +9.96% | +15.20% |
| 1-year return | +18.39% | +29.79% |
| 5-year return | +11.70% | +38.83% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 33.04 | 42.91 |
| Forward P/E | 26.76 | 26.98 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.08 | $1.98 |
| Dividend yield | 0.57% | 0.82% |
| Annual dividend | $0.96 | $0.70 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.04B | $1.89B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.75% | -0.48% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $154.84M | $109.40M |
| Gross margin | 35.74% | 22.96% |
| Operating margin | 20.18% | 9.06% |
| Net margin | 14.93% | 5.78% |
| 52-week high | $183.90 | $111.74 |
| 52-week low | $140.35 | $60.82 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -8.74% | -23.97% |
| Analyst consensus | none | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +24.68% | +27.71% |
| Average volume | 201.93K | 921.65K |
| Shares outstanding | 31.88M | 75.62M |
| Employees | 1,379 | 5,563 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Major Chemicals | Major Chemicals |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- HXL has outperformed BCPC by 11.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Hexcel trades at a higher earnings multiple (42.9x vs 33.0x trailing P/E).
- Balchem is more profitable, keeping 14.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.8 cents for Hexcel.
- Balchem grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.75% vs -0.48%).
About Balchem
BCPC stock →Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures, and distributes specialty performance ingredients and products for the nutritional, food, pharmaceutical, animal health, medical device sterilization, plant nutrition, and industrial markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 1,379 employees
About Hexcel
HXL stock →Hexcel Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets advanced lightweight composites technology. It operates through two segments, Composite Materials and Engineered Products.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 5,563 employees
BCPC vs HXL FAQ
Which is bigger, Balchem or Hexcel?
Hexcel (HXL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $6.42B compared with $5.35B for Balchem (BCPC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BCPC or HXL?
HXL returned +29.79% over the past 12 months, compared with +18.39% for BCPC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BCPC or HXL?
BCPC has the lower trailing P/E at 33.0, versus 42.9 for HXL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Balchem or Hexcel?
Hexcel has the higher yield at 0.82%, compared with 0.57% for Balchem.
Are Balchem and Hexcel in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.