Hexcel (HXL) vs Westlake (WLK)
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 Westlake (WLK) over the past year, gaining 31.8% versus a loss of 24.4%. Over five years, HXL leads with a +38.6% price change compared with -36.5% for WLK. Westlake is the larger company by market cap ($7.96 billion vs $6.42 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while Hexcel is growing revenue faster (-0.5% vs -8.0%).
On valuation, Westlake trades at a lower forward P/E (21.0x vs 27.0x for Hexcel). Westlake offers the higher dividend yield (3.40% vs 0.82%). Hexcel converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 5.8% versus -13.5%.
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 | WLK |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $84.96 | $62.29 |
| Market cap | $6.42B | $7.96B |
| 1-day change | -0.20% | -0.03% |
| YTD return | +14.97% | -15.73% |
| 1-year return | +31.78% | -24.35% |
| 5-year return | +38.55% | -36.48% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 42.91 | — |
| Forward P/E | 26.98 | 21.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.98 | $-9.58 |
| Dividend yield | 0.82% | 3.40% |
| Annual dividend | $0.70 | $2.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.89B | $11.17B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -0.48% | -8.01% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $109.40M | $-1.51B |
| Gross margin | 22.96% | 7.28% |
| Operating margin | 9.06% | -14.13% |
| Net margin | 5.78% | -13.50% |
| 52-week high | $111.74 | $124.23 |
| 52-week low | $60.82 | $56.33 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -23.97% | -49.86% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.71% | +37.47% |
| Average volume | 925.09K | 927.94K |
| Shares outstanding | 75.62M | 127.80M |
| Employees | 5,563 | 14,600 |
| 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 WLK by 56.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Westlake offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.40% vs 0.82%).
- Hexcel is more profitable, keeping 5.8 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -13.5 cents for Westlake.
- Hexcel grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (-0.48% vs -8.01%).
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 Westlake
WLK stock →Westlake Corporation manufactures and markets performance and essential materials, and housing and infrastructure products in the United States, Canada, Germany, China, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Performance and Essential Materials and The Housing and Infrastructure Products.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 14,600 employees
HXL vs WLK FAQ
Which is bigger, Hexcel or Westlake?
Westlake (WLK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.96B compared with $6.42B for Hexcel (HXL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HXL or WLK?
HXL returned +31.78% over the past 12 months, compared with -24.35% for WLK (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Hexcel or Westlake?
Westlake has the higher yield at 3.40%, compared with 0.82% for Hexcel.
Are Hexcel and Westlake in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.