Hexcel Corporation (NYSE: HXL) is a leading advanced structural materials company. It develops, manufactures and markets lightweight, high-performance materials, including carbon fibers, reinforcements, prepregs, honeycomb, matrix systems, adhesives and composite structures. The firm's materials are found in such diverse products as aircraft components, bullet-resistant vests, auto parts, golf clubs, window blinds and printed circuit boards. Customers include General Electric (NYSE: GE), Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) and Boeing (NYSE: BA). BP plc (NYSE: BP) is a major competitor.

The company surprised the Street earlier in the week, when it reported Q1 EPS of 23 cents and revenues of $344.5 million. Analysts had been expecting 20 cents and $314.1 million. The CEO noted that sales for commercial aerospace were up sharply, across the board. Management also guided FY08 EPS to the high end of the range 90-95 cents (93 cent consensus).

Even before Neil Armstrong, the foot-pads of the Apollo 11 lunar landing module made the first footprints on the moon. Those pads were made of a crushable honeycomb foil manufactured by a Stamford, Connecticut innovator in the development of special purpose materials.

Hexcel Corporation (NYSE:HXL) is a leading advanced structural materials company. It develops, manufactures and markets lightweight, high-performance materials, including carbon fibers, reinforcements, pre-impregnated materials,laminates, adhesives and composite structures. The firm's materials are found in such diverse products as aircraft components, bullet-resistant vests, auto parts, golf clubs, window blinds and printed circuit boards. Customers include General Electric (NYSE: GE), Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) and Boeing (NYSE: BA). BP plc (NYSE: BP) is a major competitor.

The company surprised the Street earlier in the week, when it reported Q1 EPS of 17 cents and revenues of $328.7 million. Analysts had been expecting 15 cents and $308.5 million. Management also guided FY2007 revenues to the range $1.25-1.30 billion ($1.28B consensus). The CEO particularly cited a rebound in Space & Defense revenues for the solid first quarter figures.