Hexcel Corporation (HXL)

Founded in 1948, Hexcel designs and manufactures a range of highly engineered composite fibers, fabrics, resins, and structures for use primarily in the commercial aerospace and defense markets. These are lighter than metal and perform under rigorous conditions in aircraft frames, wings, engine nacelles, and other structures and subassemblies. The company's name derives from the six-sided honeycomb structures that lend many of its products their light weight and rigidity. Hexcel's biggest customers are Airbus (40% of 2024 sales) and Boeing (15% of 2024 sales; 25% before the pandemic) and their respective subcontractors.