Element Solutions (ESI) 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
Element Solutions (ESI) has outperformed Hexcel (HXL) over the past year, gaining 39.3% versus a gain of 29.8%. Over five years, ESI leads with a +62.4% price change compared with +38.8% for HXL. Element Solutions is the larger company by market cap ($8.85 billion vs $6.41 billion), about 1.4 times the size.
On valuation, Element Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (17.1x vs 26.9x for Hexcel). Element Solutions offers the higher dividend yield (0.88% vs 0.83%). Element Solutions converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 7.5% 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 | ESI | HXL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $36.33 | $84.80 |
| Market cap | $8.85B | $6.41B |
| 1-day change | -1.04% | -0.39% |
| YTD return | +46.90% | +15.20% |
| 1-year return | +39.32% | +29.79% |
| 5-year return | +62.43% | +38.83% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 49.09 | 42.83 |
| Forward P/E | 17.15 | 26.93 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.74 | $1.98 |
| Dividend yield | 0.88% | 0.83% |
| Annual dividend | $0.32 | $0.70 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.55B | $1.89B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.84% | -0.48% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $190.80M | $109.40M |
| Gross margin | 41.96% | 22.96% |
| Operating margin | 13.41% | 9.06% |
| Net margin | 7.48% | 5.78% |
| 52-week high | $49.25 | $111.74 |
| 52-week low | $22.86 | $60.82 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -26.23% | -24.11% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +28.13% | +27.95% |
| Average volume | 4.60M | 921.65K |
| Shares outstanding | 243.69M | 75.62M |
| Employees | 5,200 | 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.
About Element Solutions
ESI stock →Element Solutions Inc operates as a specialty chemicals technology company in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments: MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions and Element Specialties.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 5,200 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
ESI vs HXL FAQ
Which is bigger, Element Solutions or Hexcel?
Element Solutions (ESI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $8.85B compared with $6.41B for Hexcel (HXL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ESI or HXL?
ESI returned +39.32% over the past 12 months, compared with +29.79% for HXL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ESI or HXL?
HXL has the lower trailing P/E at 42.8, versus 49.1 for ESI. 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, Element Solutions or Hexcel?
Element Solutions has the higher yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.83% for Hexcel.
Are Element Solutions and Hexcel in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.