Brandes Investment Partners Reduces $27M in Hexcel Corporation ($HXL)

Brandes Investment Partners has reduced its stake in Hexcel Corporation (NYSE:HXL) by 271,743 shares, according to its latest Form 13F filing with the SEC. This cut represents a 10.84% decrease in its holdings, leaving the fund with 2,234,325 shares valued at approximately $218.3 million as of the reporting period.

What Changed in Brandes Investment Partners' Hexcel Position

The recent filing reveals that Brandes Investment Partners trimmed its position in Hexcel from 2,506,068 shares to 2,234,325 shares. The reduction of 271,743 shares marks a 10.84% decrease in their holdings. The value of the remaining stake is about $218.3 million.

Other Institutional Activity in Hexcel

Other major institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Hexcel. BlackRock, Inc. increased its holdings by 3,658,060 shares, bringing its total to 12,876,454 shares valued at around $1.04 billion. Meanwhile, Price T Rowe Associates Inc reduced its stake slightly by 43,705 shares, ending with 5,060,416 shares worth approximately $409.5 million. State Street Corp added 416,124 shares, totaling 4,766,948 shares valued at about $385.8 million. Earnest Partners LLC trimmed its position by 230,397 shares, leaving it with 4,704,744 shares valued at $380.8 million. AllianceBernstein L.P. significantly reduced its stake by 1,308,737 shares, now holding 3,402,409 shares worth $251.4 million.

Hexcel Corporation Stock Up 5.5%

Shares of Hexcel Corporation (NYSE:HXL) are trading near $97.71. The company has a market cap of approximately $7.37 billion and a P/E ratio of 64.71, with a forward P/E of 30.76. Hexcel's stock has seen a 52-week range from $53.87 to $99.49. Its 50-day moving average stands at $89.12, while the 200-day moving average is $78.55. The company maintains a current ratio of 2.45 and a quick ratio of 1.23, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 78.83.

Recent Earnings

Hexcel reported revenue of $1.94 billion with a growth rate of 9.9%. The company achieved a net margin of 6.07% and a return on equity of 8.41%. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.51. The next earnings report is expected on July 23, 2026.

Dividend

Hexcel offers an annual dividend rate of $0.70, yielding 0.72% with a payout ratio of 45.7%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Hexcel Corporation

Several insiders recently purchased shares of Hexcel Corporation. On May 18, 2026, Nick Stanage, James Cannon, Patricia Hubbard, David Li, Neal Keating, and Cynthia Egnotovich each bought 1,792 shares. These transactions were not part of a pre-planned trading program.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

On April 24, 2026, BMO Capital maintained a hold rating with a $97 price target. Jefferies also maintained its hold rating with an $80 target on April 6, 2026. Wells Fargo initiated coverage on April 1, 2026, with a buy rating and a $95 price target. The consensus among 14 analysts is a "buy" recommendation, with an average target price of $94.64.

About Hexcel Corporation

Hexcel Corporation, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, develops and sells advanced lightweight composites technology. The company operates through two segments: Composite Materials and Engineered Products. It provides carbon fibers, reinforcements, and other materials for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Hexcel employs around 5,563 people and is led by CEO Thomas C. Gentile III.

Bottom Line

Brandes Investment Partners' reduction in Hexcel shares is part of its latest portfolio adjustments. While 13F filings like this one are backward-looking, they offer a glimpse into the fund's past decisions. Investors often track such filings to gauge institutional sentiment and market trends.