Hexcel (HXL) vs Sensient Technologies (SXT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
Sensient Technologies (SXT) has outperformed Hexcel (HXL) over the past year, gaining 40.9% versus a gain of 31.8%. Over five years, HXL leads with a +38.6% price change compared with +37.2% for SXT. Hexcel is the larger company by market cap ($6.42 billion vs $5.55 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while Sensient Technologies is growing revenue faster (+3.5% vs -0.5%).
On valuation, Sensient Technologies trades at a lower forward P/E (26.1x vs 27.0x for Hexcel). Sensient Technologies offers the higher dividend yield (1.26% vs 0.82%). Sensient Technologies converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.3% 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 | SXT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $84.96 | $130.37 |
| Market cap | $6.42B | $5.55B |
| 1-day change | -0.20% | -1.26% |
| YTD return | +14.97% | +38.77% |
| 1-year return | +31.78% | +40.93% |
| 5-year return | +38.55% | +37.23% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 42.91 | 35.62 |
| Forward P/E | 26.98 | 26.11 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.98 | $3.66 |
| Dividend yield | 0.82% | 1.26% |
| Annual dividend | $0.70 | $1.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.89B | $1.61B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -0.48% | +3.52% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $109.40M | $134.49M |
| Gross margin | 22.96% | 33.45% |
| Operating margin | 9.06% | 12.85% |
| Net margin | 5.78% | 8.34% |
| 52-week high | $111.74 | $138.82 |
| 52-week low | $60.82 | $82.60 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -23.97% | -6.09% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.71% | +10.76% |
| Average volume | 925.09K | 425.23K |
| Shares outstanding | 75.62M | 42.56M |
| Employees | 5,563 | 4,070 |
| 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 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 Sensient Technologies
SXT stock →Sensient Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets colors, flavors, and other specialty ingredients worldwide. It operates in three segments: Flavors & Extracts, Color, and Asia Pacific.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 4,070 employees
HXL vs SXT FAQ
Which is bigger, Hexcel or Sensient Technologies?
Hexcel (HXL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $6.42B compared with $5.55B for Sensient Technologies (SXT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HXL or SXT?
SXT returned +40.93% over the past 12 months, compared with +31.78% for HXL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, HXL or SXT?
SXT has the lower trailing P/E at 35.6, 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 Sensient Technologies?
Sensient Technologies has the higher yield at 1.26%, compared with 0.82% for Hexcel.
Are Hexcel and Sensient Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.