Rocket Lab and Hexcel Compared: Which Aerospace Stock Soars Higher?

Analysts weigh in on the relative strengths of these two aerospace companies.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) and Hexcel (NYSE:HXL) are both aerospace companies, but which one is the better investment? This analysis compares the two firms across key metrics like profitability, valuation, dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, and risk.

Why it matters

As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, understanding the relative positioning of key players like Rocket Lab and Hexcel is crucial for investors looking to capitalize on growth opportunities in this dynamic sector.

The details

The analysis shows that Rocket Lab has a stronger consensus rating from analysts and higher potential upside, suggesting it is viewed more favorably. However, Hexcel has higher revenue and earnings, and is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio, making it potentially more affordable. In terms of volatility, Rocket Lab's stock is significantly more volatile than Hexcel's. Both companies have strong institutional ownership, but Hexcel has a higher percentage of shares held by institutions.

  • The analysis is based on data as of February 14, 2026.

The players

Hexcel Corporation

A manufacturer of carbon fibers, structural reinforcements, honeycomb structures, resins, and composite materials for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial applications.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc.

A space company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, manufacturing, and on-orbit management solutions, as well as designs and manufactures small and medium-class rockets.

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The takeaway

This analysis highlights the key differences between Rocket Lab and Hexcel, two prominent players in the aerospace industry. Investors will need to weigh factors like growth potential, valuation, and risk tolerance to determine which stock best fits their investment strategy.