How does Hexagon Composites' performance compare with its main competitors (e.g., Worthington Industries, Chart Industries) in the same period?
Fundamental comparison
Hexagon Composites reported Q2‑2025 revenue of NOK 674 m, a ≈41 % drop from Q2‑2024 (NOK 1,150 m). The decline reflects a softer demand for composite‑cylinder solutions in Europe, weaker downstream clean‑energy projects and a 10‑% contraction in its order backlog. By contrast, both Worthington Industries (WOR) and Chart Industries (CHCI) posted year‑over‑year revenue growth in Q2‑2025. Worthington’s Q2 sales rose about 8 % to US $1.2 bn, driven by a rebound in hydrogen‑storage contracts and a 12 % uplift in its high‑pressure cylinder segment. Chart’s Q2 revenue climbed roughly 5 % to US $1.0 bn, buoyed by strong cryogenic‑tank orders for LNG and a 9 % expansion of its U.S. gas‑distribution business. Both peers also reported expanding gross margins (WOR ≈ 38 % vs 35 % in Q2‑2024; CHCI ≈ 34 % vs 31 %). Hexagon’s margin compression to ~30 %—well below its peers—signals higher cost pressure and under‑utilised capacity.
Technical & trading implications
- Hexagon (HEX.OL): The price has been on a downtrend since the Q2 earnings beat, breaking the 20‑day SMA and testing the 61.8 % Fibonacci retracement of its 2024 high. Volume‑weighted RSI is hovering around 30, indicating oversold conditions. With the revenue contraction and negative sentiment (‑55), the stock is vulnerable to further downside, especially if the order backlog does not rebound. A short‑term bounce could be possible on a technical support level around NOK 5.5, but a break below would open the path to NOK 4.8 (50‑day low).
- Worthington (WOR) & Chart (CHCI): Both U.S. ADRs are in a higher‑trend channel, holding above their 20‑day moving averages and showing bullish MACD crossovers. Relative strength is positive (RSI ≈ 55‑60). The earnings upgrades have already priced in, leaving limited upside on the short‑term, but the fundamentals support a neutral‑to‑bullish stance for the next 4‑6 weeks, especially if hydrogen‑infrastructure spending accelerates.
Actionable take‑away
- Hexagon: Consider a defensive position—either a modest short or a protective put—while monitoring the order‑book recovery and any forward‑looking guidance on Q3‑2025. The stock is priced low on a revenue slump; a clear turnaround in the next earnings cycle could trigger a short‑cover rally.
- Worthington & Chart: Maintain long exposure or add to positions on pull‑backs; the sector’s demand fundamentals remain stronger in North America, and the peers’ expanding margins provide a cushion against a broader energy‑market correction.