Hexcel (HXL) vs NewMarket (NEU)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
Hexcel (HXL) has outperformed NewMarket (NEU) over the past year, gaining 31.8% versus a gain of 14.7%. Over five years, NEU leads with a +139.1% price change compared with +38.6% for HXL. NewMarket is the larger company by market cap ($8.22 billion vs $6.42 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while Hexcel is growing revenue faster (-0.5% vs -2.2%).
On valuation, Hexcel trades at a lower forward P/E (27.0x vs 34.6x for NewMarket). NewMarket offers the higher dividend yield (1.32% vs 0.82%). NewMarket converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.4% 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 | HXL | NEU |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $84.96 | $893.36 |
| Market cap | $6.42B | $8.22B |
| 1-day change | -0.20% | -1.14% |
| YTD return | +14.97% | +29.99% |
| 1-year return | +31.78% | +14.65% |
| 5-year return | +38.55% | +139.08% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 42.91 | 19.45 |
| Forward P/E | 26.98 | 34.60 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.98 | $45.94 |
| Dividend yield | 0.82% | 1.32% |
| Annual dividend | $0.70 | $11.75 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.89B | $2.73B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -0.48% | -2.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $109.40M | $418.75M |
| Gross margin | 22.96% | 31.46% |
| Operating margin | 9.06% | 19.95% |
| Net margin | 5.78% | 15.37% |
| 52-week high | $111.74 | $981.66 |
| 52-week low | $60.82 | $580.03 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -23.97% | -8.99% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | — |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.71% | — |
| Average volume | 925.09K | 125.50K |
| Shares outstanding | 75.62M | 9.20M |
| Employees | 5,563 | 2,050 |
| 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 NEU by 17.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Hexcel trades at a higher earnings multiple (42.9x vs 19.4x trailing P/E).
- NewMarket is more profitable, keeping 15.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.8 cents for Hexcel.
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
About NewMarket
NEU stock →NewMarket Corporation, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the manufacture and sale of petroleum additives. It offers lubricant additives for use in various vehicle and industrial applications, including engine oils, transmission fluids, off-road powertrain and hydraulic systems, gear oils, hydraulic oils, turbine oils, and other applications where metal-to-metal moving parts are utilized; engine oil additives designed for passenger cars, motorcycles, on and off-road heavy duty commercial equipment, locomotives, and engines in ocean-going vessels; driveline additives designed for products, such as transmission fluids, axle fluids, and off-road powertrain fluids; and industrial additives designed for products for industrial applications consisting of hydraulic fluids, greases, industrial gear fluids, and industrial specialty applications comprising turbine oils.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 2,050 employees
HXL vs NEU FAQ
Which is bigger, Hexcel or NewMarket?
NewMarket (NEU) is larger, with a market capitalization of $8.22B compared with $6.42B for Hexcel (HXL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HXL or NEU?
HXL returned +31.78% over the past 12 months, compared with +14.65% for NEU (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, HXL or NEU?
NEU has the lower trailing P/E at 19.4, 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, Hexcel or NewMarket?
NewMarket has the higher yield at 1.32%, compared with 0.82% for Hexcel.
Are Hexcel and NewMarket in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.