Hexcel Reports 2024 First Quarter Results

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Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) reported Q1 2024 results with net sales of $472 million and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.44 per share. Sales increased in Commercial Aerospace and Space & Defense sectors. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2024 guidance. Hexcel continues to focus on growth, margin expansion, and cash generation in the aerospace market.

Positive

• Hexcel reported a 3.2% increase in net sales to $472 million in Q1 2024 compared to $457.7 million in Q1 2023.
• Adjusted diluted EPS stood at $0.44 per share in Q1 2024, slightly down from $0.50 in Q1 2023.
• Commercial Aerospace sales grew by 5.2% to $299.3 million in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023, driven by higher widebody sales.
• Space & Defense sales increased by 10.2% to $139.1 million in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023, led by fixed-wing aircraft programs.
• Industrial sales decreased by 27.9% to $33.9 million in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023 across all sub-markets.
• The company reaffirmed its full-year 2024 guidance with sales expected to be between $1.925 billion to $2.025 billion and adjusted diluted EPS of $2.10 to $2.30.
• Hexcel's focus remains on growth, margin expansion, and cash generation in the aerospace market as global air passenger traffic recovers post-pandemic.

Negative

• Operating income decreased by 15.8% to $52.9 million in Q1 2024 compared to $62.8 million in Q1 2023.
• Net income declined by 14.5% to $36.5 million in Q1 2024 compared to $42.7 million in Q1 2023.
• Adjusted operating income decreased by 14.1% to $54.1 million in Q1 2024 compared to $63.0 million in Q1 2023.
• Free cash flow was negative at ($35.7) million in Q1 2024 compared to ($41.5) million in Q1 2023.
• Capital expenditures increased to $28.7 million in Q1 2024 compared to $18.1 million in Q1 2023.

Financial Analyst

Hexcel Corporation's reported increased sales reflect a positive trend in revenue growth, signaling an overall increase in demand for their aerospace and defense products. However, this is juxtaposed with a decrease in net income and diluted earnings per share (EPS), both on a GAAP and adjusted basis. This discrepancy suggests potential cost pressures or inefficiencies in the company's operations that may have emerged during the period.

Investors should note the significant decrease in industrial sales, potentially indicative of sector-specific challenges or shifts in customer preferences. Additionally, the company's share repurchase activity is a robust signal of self-confidence in future performance yet reflects a substantial use of capital that might otherwise be used to bolster operations or invest in growth opportunities.

Finally, the commitment to a dividend payout, despite the cash flow being negative, underscores management's commitment to shareholder returns but raises questions about long-term financial sustainability if free cash flow does not improve.

Market Research Analyst

The company's statement regarding the rebound of the aerospace market—particularly with the uptick in global air passenger traffic and new orders for widebody aircraft—is a valuable insight into the industry's recovery post-pandemic. For investors, this provides context for potential future demand for Hexcel's products, which are integral to lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft manufacturing.

The Space & Defense sector's growth, spurred by programs like the Lockheed F-35 and Airbus A400M, is promising. As defense spending remains generally stable, investors can expect this sector to continue to be a reliable revenue stream for Hexcel.

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hexcel Corporation (NYSE: HXL):

Q1 2024 GAAP diluted EPS of $0.43 compared to Q1 2023 GAAP diluted EPS of $0.50. Q1 2024 adjusted diluted EPS of $0.44, compared to Q1 2023 adjusted diluted EPS of $0.50. Q1 2024 Sales were $472 million, an increase of 3.2% over Q1 2023 sales of $458 million (3.1% increase in constant currency). Returned $113 million in Q1 2024 to stockholders via share repurchases and dividends. Full year 2024 guidance is reaffirmed.

See Table C for reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP operating income, net income, earnings per share and operating cash flow to free cash flow. Free cash flow is cash from operations less capital expenditures.

Summary of Results from Operations
		Quarters Ended
		March 31,
(In millions, except per share data)		2024				2023				% Change
Net Sales		$	472.3			$	457.7				3.2	%
Net sales change in constant currency											3.1	%
Operating Income			52.9				62.8				(15.8	)%
Net Income			36.5				42.7				(14.5	)%
Diluted net income per common share		$	0.43			$	0.50				(14.0	)%
Non-GAAP measures for year-over-year comparison (Table C)
Adjusted Operating Income		$	54.1			$	63.0				(14.1	)%
As a % of sales			11.5	%			13.8	%
Adjusted Net Income			37.4				42.9				(12.8	)%
Adjusted diluted net income per share		$	0.44			$	0.50				(12.0	)%

Hexcel Corporation (NYSE: HXL) today reported first quarter 2024 results including net sales of $472 million and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.44 per share.

Chairman, CEO and President Nick Stanage said, “Our commercial aerospace market continues to build momentum with our first quarter 2024 sales growing sequentially from the fourth quarter of 2023, including growth in both widebody and narrowbody programs. Volume leverage across the business drove sequential margin expansion demonstrating continued strong execution on our upward trajectory. We remain committed to delivering our full-year 2024 and our mid-term guidance as the Hexcel team focuses on growth, margin expansion and cash generation.”

Mr. Stanage continued, "Reports that global air passenger traffic has now exceeded pre-pandemic levels are encouraging and highlight steadily growing demand for new commercial aircraft and for lightweight composite Hexcel products to build them. We are especially pleased that two airlines recently ordered a sizeable number of new widebody aircraft where Hexcel has significant content. The demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient, composite-intensive aircraft continues to grow, and we remain focused on execution to meet customer demand.”

Markets

Sales in the first quarter of 2024 were $472.3 million compared to $457.7 million in the first quarter of 2023.

Commercial Aerospace (63% of YTD Sales)

• Commercial Aerospace sales of $299.3 million increased 5.2% (5.2% in constant currency) for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023 on higher widebody sales. Other Commercial Aerospace sales decreased 6.3% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023 on lower business jet sales.

Space & Defense (30% of YTD Sales)

• Space & Defense sales of $139.1 million increased 10.2% (10.0% in constant currency) for the quarter as compared to the first quarter of 2023. The sales increase was led by fixed wing aircraft programs including the Lockheed F-35 and Airbus A400M as well as classified programs.

Industrial (7% of YTD Sales)

• Total Industrial sales of $33.9 million in the first quarter of 2024 decreased 27.9% (28.5% in constant currency) compared to the first quarter of 2023, with lower sales across all industrial sub-markets.

Consolidated Operations

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2024 saw another sequential improvement achieving 25.0%. The first quarter of 2023 had a gross margin of 27.9% and benefited from a number of items including particularly favorable absorption and a favorable sales mix. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative and R&T expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were 13.6% compared to 14.1% for the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted operating income in the first quarter of 2024 was $54.1 million or 11.5% of sales, compared to $63.0 million, or 13.8% of sales in 2023. The impact of exchange rates on operating income as a percentage of sales was favorable by approximately 30 basis points in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023.

Cash and other

• Net cash used for operating activities in the first quarter of 2024 was $7.0 million, compared to a use of $23.4 million for the first quarter of 2023. Working capital was a cash use of $84.5 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to a use of $104.0 million in the first quarter of 2023. Capital expenditures on a cash basis were $28.7 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $18.1 million for the first quarter of 2023. Free cash flow was ($35.7) million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to ($41.5) million in the first quarter of 2023. Free cash flow is defined as cash generated from operating activities less cash paid for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures on an accrual basis were $18.6 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $16.8 million for the first quarter of 2023.
• The Company used $100.7 million to repurchase shares of its common stock during the first quarter. The aggregate remaining authorization under the share repurchase program as of March 31, 2024 was $386.4 million following an additional $300 million authorization in February 2024.
• As announced today, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share payable to stockholders of record as of May 3, 2024, with a payment date of May 10, 2024.

2024 Guidance (unchanged)

1. Sales of $1.925 billion to $2.025 billion
2. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.10 to $2.30
3. Free cash flow of greater than $200 million
4. Capital expenditures less than $100 million
5. Effective tax rate of 22.0%

Market-Specific Sales Outlook (unchanged)

• Commercial Aerospace: Up mid-teens
• Space & Defense: Up mid-single digits
• Industrial: Up low to mid-single digits

Hexcel will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET, on April 23, 2024 to discuss first quarter 2024 results. The event will be webcast via the Investor Relations webpage at www.Hexcel.com. The event can also be accessed by dialing +1 (646) 307-1963. The conference ID is 2360739. Replays of the call will be available on the website.

About Hexcel

Hexcel Corporation is a global leader in advanced lightweight composites technology. We propel the future of flight, energy generation, transportation, and recreation through excellence in providing innovative high-performance material solutions that are lighter, stronger and tougher, helping to create a better world for us all. Our broad and unrivaled product range includes carbon fiber, specialty reinforcements, prepregs and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, honeycomb, resins, engineered core and composite structures for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial applications.

Disclaimer on Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that are forward looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the estimates and expectations based on aircraft production rates provided by Airbus, Boeing and others, and the revenues we may generate from an aircraft model or program; expectations with regard to the impact of regulatory activity related to the Boeing 737 MAX or Boeing 787 on our revenues; expectations with regard to raw material cost and availability; expectations of composite content on new commercial aircraft programs and our share of those requirements; expectations regarding revenues from space and defense applications, including whether certain programs might be curtailed or discontinued; expectations regarding sales for industrial applications; expectations regarding cash generation, working capital trends, and inventory levels; expectations as to the level of capital expenditures, capacity, including the timing of completion of capacity expansions, and qualification of new products; expectations regarding our ability to improve or maintain margins; expectations regarding our ability to attract, motivate, and retain the workforce necessary to execute our business strategy; projections regarding our tax rate; expectations with regard to the continued impact of macroeconomic factors or geopolitical issues or conflicts; expectations regarding our strategic initiatives, including, our sustainability goals; expectations with regard to the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures; expectations regarding the outcome of legal matters or the impact of changes in laws or regulations; and our expectations of financial results for 2024 and beyond. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward looking statements due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to the extent of the impact of macroeconomic factors or geopolitical issues or conflicts; reductions in sales to any significant customers, particularly Airbus or Boeing, including related to regulatory activity or public scrutiny impacting the Boeing 737 MAX or the Boeing 787; our ability to effectively adjust production and inventory levels to align with customer demand; our ability to effectively motivate, retain and hire the necessary workforce; the availability and cost of raw materials, including the impact of supply disruptions and inflation; our ability to successfully implement or realize our strategic initiatives, including our sustainability goals and any restructuring or alignment activities in which we may engage; changes in sales mix; changes in current pricing due to cost levels; changes in aerospace delivery rates; changes in government defense procurement budgets; timely new product development or introduction; our ability to install, staff and qualify necessary capacity or complete capacity expansions to meet customer demand; cybersecurity-related risks, including the potential impact of breaches or intrusions; currency exchange rate fluctuations; changes in political, social and economic conditions, including the effect of change in global trade policies, such as sanctions; work stoppages or other labor disruptions; our ability to successfully complete any strategic acquisitions, investments or dispositions; compliance with environmental, health, safety and other related laws and regulations, including those related to climate change; the effects of natural disasters or other severe weather events, which may be worsened by the impact of climate change, and other severe catastrophic events, including any public health crisis; and the unexpected outcome of legal matters or impact of changes in laws or regulations. Additional risk factors are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake an obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect future events.

Hexcel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
		Unaudited
		Quarters Ended
		March 31,
(In millions, except per share data)		2024				2023
Net sales		$	472.3			$	457.7
Cost of sales			354.1				330.0
Gross margin			118.2				127.7
% Gross Margin			25.0	%			27.9	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			49.0				50.8
Research and technology expenses			15.1				13.9
Other operating expense			1.2				0.2
Operating income			52.9				62.8
Interest expense, net			6.5				9.4
Income before income taxes, and equity in earnings of affiliated companies			46.4				53.4
Income tax expense			9.9				11.7
Income before equity in earnings of affiliated companies			36.5				41.7
Equity in earnings from affiliated companies			-				1.0
Net income		$	36.5			$	42.7
Basic net income per common share:		$	0.44			$	0.50
Diluted net income per common share:		$	0.43			$	0.50
Weighted-average common shares:
Basic			83.9				84.6
Diluted			84.8				85.5

Hexcel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
		Unaudited
		March 31,				December 31,
(In millions)		2024				2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	85.9			$	227.0
Accounts receivable, net			271.0				234.7
Inventories, net			353.8				334.4
Contract assets			31.2				25.1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			47.8				43.0
Total current assets			789.7				864.2
Property, plant and equipment			3,194.8				3,195.5
Less accumulated depreciation			(1,536.6	)			(1,516.8	)
Net property, plant and equipment			1,658.2				1,678.7
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net			248.7				251.3
Investments in affiliated companies			5.0				5.0
Other assets			119.6				119.3
Total assets		$	2,821.2			$	2,918.5
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		$	0.1			$	0.1
Accounts payable			128.1				159.1
Accrued compensation and benefits			67.3				75.7
Accrued liabilities			93.1				81.0
Total current liabilities			288.6				315.9
Long-term debt			714.6				699.4
Retirement obligations			44.3				42.6
Other non-current liabilities			141.6				144.1
Total liabilities		$	1,189.1			$	1,202.0
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200.0 shares authorized, 111.3 shares issued at March 31, 2024 and 110.8 shares issued at December 31, 2023		$	1.1			$	1.1
Additional paid-in capital			954.6				936.8
Retained earnings			2,192.6				2,168.7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(89.0	)			(74.1	)
			3,059.3				3,032.5
Less – Treasury stock, at cost, 28.2 shares at March 31, 2024 and 26.7 shares at December 31, 2023			(1,427.2	)			(1,316.0	)
Total stockholders' equity			1,632.1				1,716.5
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	2,821.2			$	2,918.5

Hexcel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
		Unaudited
		Quarters Ended
		March 31,
(In millions)		2024				2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income		$	36.5			$	42.7
Reconciliation to net cash used for operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			31.0				30.7
Amortization related to financing			0.1				0.1
Deferred income taxes			(0.7	)			(2.1	)
Equity in earnings from affiliated companies			-				(1.0	)
Stock-based compensation			13.1				12.9
Restructuring expenses, net of payments			0.7				(2.1	)
Impairment of assets			-				1.7
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable			(37.5	)			(40.5	)
Increase in inventories			(23.0	)			(32.6	)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets			(10.0	)			0.1
Decrease in accounts payable/accrued liabilities			(14.0	)			(31.0	)
Other - net			(3.2	)			(2.3	)
Net cash used for operating activities (a)			(7.0	)			(23.4	)
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures (b)			(28.7	)			(18.1	)
Net cash used for investing activities			(28.7	)			(18.1	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings from senior unsecured credit facilities			15.0				65.0
Net repayments from senior unsecured credit facilities			-				(20.0	)
Repurchases of common stock			(100.7	)			-
Repayment of finance lease obligation and other debt, net			(0.1	)			(0.1	)
Dividends paid			(12.6	)			(10.5	)
Activity under stock plans			(5.9	)			0.4
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities			(104.3	)			34.8
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			(1.1	)			0.4
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(141.1	)			(6.3	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			227.0				112.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	85.9			$	105.7
Supplemental data:
Free Cash Flow (a)+(b)		$	(35.7	)		$	(41.5	)
Accrual basis additions to property, plant and equipment		$	18.6			$	16.8

Hexcel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Net Sales to Third-Party Customers by Market
Quarters Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023														Unaudited								Table A
(In millions)		As Reported												Constant Currency (a)
										B/(W)				FX								B/(W)
Market		2024				2023				%				Effect (b)				2023				%
Commercial Aerospace		$	299.3			$	284.5				5.2			$	(0.1	)		$	284.4				5.2
Space & Defense			139.1				126.2				10.2				0.3				126.5				10.0
Industrial			33.9				47.0				(27.9	)			0.4				47.4				(28.5	)
Consolidated Total		$	472.3			$	457.7				3.2			$	0.6			$	458.3				3.1
Consolidated % of Net Sales		%				%												%
Commercial Aerospace			63.4				62.2												62.1
Space & Defense			29.4				27.6												27.6
Industrial			7.2				10.2												10.3
Consolidated Total			100.0				100.0												100.0

(a)		To assist in the analysis of the Company’s net sales trend, total net sales and sales by market for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 have been estimated using the same U.S. dollar, British pound and Euro exchange rates as applied for the respective period in 2024 and are referred to as “constant currency” sales.
(b)		FX effect is the estimated impact on “as reported” net sales due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Hexcel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Segment Information		Unaudited												Table B
(In millions)		Composite Materials				Engineered Products				Corporate & Other (a)				Total
First Quarter 2024
Net sales to external customers		$	379.5			$	92.8			$	-			$	472.3
Intersegment sales			23.3				0.3				(23.6	)			-
Total sales			402.8				93.1				(23.6	)			472.3
Other operating expense			0.8				0.4				-				1.2
Operating income (loss)			63.7				12.9				(23.7	)			52.9
% Operating margin			15.8	%			13.9	%							11.2	%
Depreciation and amortization			27.2				3.8				-				31.0
Stock-based compensation expense			3.1				0.8				9.2				13.1
Accrual based additions to capital expenditures			16.7				1.9				-				18.6
First Quarter 2023
Net sales to external customers		$	378.2			$	79.5			$	-			$	457.7
Intersegment sales			19.3				1.0				(20.3	)			-
Total sales			397.5				80.5				(20.3	)			457.7
Other operating expense			0.2				-				-				0.2
Operating income (loss)			73.2				12.0				(22.4	)			62.8
% Operating margin			18.4	%			14.9	%							13.7	%
Depreciation and amortization			27.2				3.5				-				30.7
Stock-based compensation expense			3.1				0.8				9.0				12.9
Accrual based additions to capital expenditures			13.1				3.7				-				16.8

(a)

Hexcel does not allocate corporate expenses to the operating segments.

Hexcel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Income, Net Income, EPS and Operating Cash Flow to Free Cash Flow									Table C
		Unaudited
		Quarters Ended
		March 31,
(In millions)		2024				2023
GAAP operating income		$	52.9			$	62.8
Other operating expense (a)			1.2				0.2
Non-GAAP operating income		$	54.1			$	63.0

		Unaudited
		Quarters Ended March 31,
		2024								2023
(In millions, except per diluted share data)		Net Income				EPS				Net Income				EPS
GAAP		$	36.5			$	0.43			$	42.7			$	0.50
Other operating expense, net of tax (a)			0.9				0.01				0.2				-
Non-GAAP		$	37.4			$	0.44			$	42.9			$	0.50

		Unaudited
		Quarters Ended March 31,
(In millions)		2024				2023
Net cash used for operating activities		$	(7.0	)		$	(23.4	)
Less: Capital expenditures			(28.7	)			(18.1	)
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)		$	(35.7	)		$	(41.5	)

(a)

The quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 included restructuring costs.

NOTE: Management believes that adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted net income per share and free cash flow, which are non-GAAP measures, are meaningful to investors because they provide a view of Hexcel with respect to the underlying operating results excluding special items. Special items represent significant charges or credits that are important to an understanding of Hexcel’s overall operating results in the periods presented. Non-GAAP measurements are not recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance.

Hexcel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule of Total Debt, Net of Cash										Table D
		Unaudited
		March 31,				December 31,				December 31,
(In millions)		2024				2023				2022
Current portion finance lease		$	0.1			$	0.1			$	0.2
Total current debt			0.1				0.1				0.2
Senior unsecured credit facility			15.0				-				25.0
4.7% senior notes due 2025			300.0				300.0				300.0
3.95% senior notes due 2027			400.0				400.0				400.0
Senior notes original issue discounts			(0.6	)			(0.7	)			(0.9	)
Senior notes deferred financing costs			(1.4	)			(1.6	)			(2.2	)
Other debt			1.6				1.7				1.4
Total long-term debt			714.6				699.4				723.3
Total Debt			714.7				699.5				723.5
Less: Cash and cash equivalents			(85.9	)			(227.0	)			(112.0	)
Total debt, net of cash		$	628.8			$	472.5			$	611.5

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240422187215/en/

Kurt Goddard | Vice President Investor Relations | Kurt.Goddard@Hexcel.com | +1 (203)-352-6826

Source: Hexcel Corporation

FAQ

What were Hexcel's Q1 2024 net sales?

Hexcel reported net sales of $472 million in Q1 2024.

How did Hexcel's Q1 2024 adjusted diluted EPS compare to Q1 2023?

Hexcel's Q1 2024 adjusted diluted EPS was $0.44 per share, slightly lower than $0.50 in Q1 2023.

What was the percentage change in Hexcel's Q1 2024 sales compared to Q1 2023?

Hexcel's Q1 2024 sales increased by 3.2% over Q1 2023.

What is Hexcel's full-year 2024 guidance for adjusted diluted earnings per share?

Hexcel's full-year 2024 guidance includes adjusted diluted EPS of $2.10 to $2.30.

Which sector saw a decrease in sales for Hexcel in Q1 2024?

Industrial sales for Hexcel decreased by 27.9% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023.

What was the impact of exchange rates on Hexcel's operating income in Q1 2024?

Exchange rates had a favorable impact of approximately 30 basis points on Hexcel's operating income in Q1 2024.