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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
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FORM 10-K

/X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

OR

/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___________________ TO ___________________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-8472

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HEXCEL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE 94-1109521
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

281 TRESSER BOULEVARD
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06901
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (203) 969-0666

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:



NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED
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Common Stock New York Stock Exchange
Pacific Stock Exchange


SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
7% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2011
7% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2003

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes __X No ____

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

The aggregate market value as of March 16, 1998 of voting stock held by
nonaffiliates of the registrant: $472,793,149

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
of reorganization confirmed by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Yes __X No ____

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.



OUTSTANDING AT MARCH 16,
CLASS 1998
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Common Stock 36,866,641


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS (TO THE EXTENT SPECIFIED
HEREIN)--PART III.

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS

Hexcel Corporation, founded in 1946, was incorporated in California in 1948,
and reincorporated in Delaware in 1983. Hexcel Corporation and subsidiaries
(herein referred to as "Hexcel" or the "Company") is a leading international
developer and manufacturer of carbon fibers, reinforcement fabrics, and
lightweight, high-performance composite materials, and engineered products for
use in the commercial aerospace, space and defense, recreation, and general
industrial markets. The Company serves international markets through
manufacturing and marketing facilities located in the United States and Europe,
as well as sales offices in Asia, Australia and South America. The Company is
also a participant in one operating joint venture and two additional joint
venture projects in Asia.

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

Hexcel acquired the worldwide composites division of Ciba-Geigy Limited, a
Swiss corporation ("CGL"), and Ciba-Geigy Corporation, a New York corporation
("CGC" and together with CGL, "Ciba"), including most of Ciba's composite
materials, parts and structures businesses, on February 29, 1996. The Company
subsequently acquired Ciba's Austrian composites business on May 30, 1996, and
various remaining assets of Ciba's worldwide composites division at various
dates through February 28, 1997. The composites businesses acquired from Ciba
(collectively, the "Acquired Ciba Business") are engaged in the manufacture and
marketing of reinforcement fabrics and lightweight, high-performance composite
materials, and engineered products for commercial aerospace, space and defense,
recreation, and general industrial markets. Product lines include reinforcement
fabrics, pre-impregnated fabrics ("prepregs"), structural adhesives, honeycomb
core, sandwich panels and fabricated composite parts and structures and
interiors. The aggregate purchase price for the net assets acquired was
approximately $208.7 million.

Hexcel acquired the composite products division of Hercules Incorporated
("Hercules"), including Hercules' carbon fibers and prepreg businesses (the
"Acquired Hercules Business"), on June 27, 1996. The Acquired Hercules Business,
which manufactures carbon fibers and prepregs for commercial aerospace, space
and defense, recreation, and general industrial markets, was purchased for
$139.4 million in cash.

On September 30, 1997, Hexcel acquired from Fiberite, Inc., ("Fiberite") its
satellite business consisting of intangible assets and inventory, and certain
non-exclusive, worldwide rights to other prepreg technologies, for $37.0 million
in cash. The acquisition was substantially downsized from an original agreement
whereby the Company had, subject to certain terms and conditions, committed to
purchase selected assets and businesses of Fiberite for approximately $300
million. As a result of the downsized transaction, the Company wrote-off $5.0
million of acquisition and financing costs to business acquisition and
consolidation expenses. In addition, the Company expensed $8.0 million of
acquired in process research and technology expenses purchased from Fiberite,
which is also included in business acquisition and consolidation expenses.

Further discussion of the business acquisitions is contained under the
caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations," and in Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

BUSINESS CONSOLIDATION

In 1996, Hexcel announced plans to consolidate the Company's operations over
a period of three years. The objective of the program is to integrate the
Acquired Ciba Business and the Acquired Hercules Business (collectively, the
"Acquired Businesses") into Hexcel, and to reorganize the Company's
manufacturing and research activities around strategic centers dedicated to
select product technologies.

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The business consolidation program is also intended to eliminate excess
manufacturing capacity and redundant administrative functions.

The total expense of the business consolidation program through December 31,
1997 was $54.7 million, including $13.0 million related to the Fiberite
transaction which was not included in the original program. The Company does not
expect to incur any further significant additional expenses in relation to this
program. As of December 31, 1997, remaining cash expenditures to complete this
program are estimated at $12 million, which approximates amounts accrued. Thus,
when the program is complete, the Company expects that cash expenditures (for
expenses and capital, net of estimated proceeds from asset sales) necessary to
complete the program will approximate the initial estimate of $51 million.

Further discussion of the business consolidation program, including a
description of certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause
the actual expense and cash expenditures of the consolidation program to differ
materially from the estimated amounts, is contained under the caption
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," and in Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RECENTLY ANNOUNCED JOINT VENTURE ACTIVITIES

In January 1998, the Company reached an agreement in principle with The
Boeing Company ("Boeing") and Aviation Industries of China to form a joint
venture, BHA Aero Composite Parts Co., Ltd., to manufacture composite parts for
secondary structures and interior applications on commercial aircraft. This
joint venture will be located in Tianjin, China. In February 1998, the Company
signed an agreement with Boeing, Sime Darby Berhad and Malaysia Helicopter
Services to form another joint venture, Asian Composite Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.,
to manufacture composite parts for secondary structures on commercial aircraft.
This joint venture will be located in Alor Setar, Malaysia. Products
manufactured by both joint ventures will be shipped to the Company's Kent,
Washington facility for final assembly, inspection and shipment to Boeing as
well as other customers worldwide. It is anticipated that the first parts will
be delivered to customers in 2000. The Company's total estimated financial
commitment to both of these joint ventures will be approximately $31 million,
which is expected to be made in increments through 2000. However, implementation
of these projects, including the related investments, remain subject to certain
significant conditions, including U.S. and foreign government approvals.

BUSINESS SEGMENT

Hexcel is a vertically integrated manufacturer of a variety of products
within a single business segment: Advanced Structural Materials. The Company
manufactures and sells advanced structural materials to commercial aerospace,
space and defense, recreation, and general industrial markets throughout the
U.S. and the world. Net sales, income (loss) before income taxes, total assets,
capital expenditures, and depreciation and amortization for the Company's U.S.
and international geographic segments for the past three years are contained in
Note 18 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

In connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business in 1996,
Hexcel reorganized itself into strategic business units with responsibility for
specific product groups or geographic areas. The research, manufacturing and
marketing activities of each of the strategic business units are supported by
global administrative functions such as human resources, finance and information
systems, legal affairs, and research and technology coordination. The purchase
of the Acquired Ciba Business provided the Company with additional manufacturing
and marketing capabilities for reinforcement fabrics, prepregs, structural
adhesives, and various honeycomb products, in geographically complementary
areas. In addition, this acquisition extended the Company's range of product
offerings to include a variety of engineered products

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made from reinforcement fabrics and composite materials. These engineered
products encompass a number of composite parts and structures, including
finished components for aircraft structures and interiors.

As a result of the purchase of the Acquired Hercules Business, Hexcel
further extended its range of product offerings to include carbon fibers, an
important raw material for many reinforcement fabrics and prepregs. This
acquisition also provided the Company with additional prepreg manufacturing
capabilities and increased the number of products the Company is qualified to
supply for various commercial and military aerospace applications.

As a result of the purchase of the Fiberite assets, Hexcel gained immediate
access to new products and technologies in the commercial aerospace, and space
and defense industries.

Following the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses, Hexcel is now a
vertically integrated supplier of advanced structural materials to a range of
markets throughout the world. The Company's vertical integration provides it
with an enhanced ability to control the cost, quality and delivery of its
products, and enables the Company to offer its customers a variety of solutions
to their structural materials requirements. The Company sells advanced
structural materials to major airframe manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus
Industrie ("Airbus"), as well as many other commercial and military aerospace
customers throughout the U.S. and the world. The Company believes that it has
the broadest range of product qualifications for aerospace applications of any
advanced structural materials manufacturer in the world, and supplies material
on every commercial aircraft manufactured by Boeing and Airbus. In addition, the
Company's sales to commercial aerospace and space and defense markets are
complemented by sales of a number of advanced structural materials to recreation
and general industrial markets. Such materials are used in a variety of product
applications, including golf club shafts, fishing rods, tennis rackets, skis,
snowboards, printed circuit boards, window blinds, trains, high-speed ferries,
trucks, automobiles and civil engineering/construction applications.

Hexcel's advanced structural materials business is organized around
strategic business units within three product groups: Fibers and Fabrics,
Composite Materials, and Engineered Products. The following table identifies, by
each of these three product groups, the Company's principal products and
examples of their primary end uses.

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PRODUCT GROUP PRODUCTS PRIMARY END USE
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Fibers and Fabrics Carbon Fibers Raw materials for reinforcement fabrics and prepregs
and for filament winding for various space, defense
and industrial applications.

Reinforcement fabrics Raw materials for prepregs and honeycomb;
Various marine applications;
Printed circuit boards;
Window blinds;
Insulation;
Metal and fume filtration systems;
Soft body armor; and
Civil engineering and construction applications.


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Composite Materials Prepregs Raw materials for composite structures and interiors
for aircraft, rail, marine, etc.;
Semi-finished aircraft and space components;
Rail, marine and automotive components;
Wind energy turbine blades;
Skis, snowboards, golf club shafts, fishing rods,
tennis rackets, bike frames;
Yacht bows and masts; and
Formula 1 and Indy car components.

Structural Adhesives Bonding of structural materials and components,
including composite panels.

Honeycomb Lightweight, structural core material for composite
structures and interiors for aircraft, rail, marine,
etc.;
Energy absorbers in rail and automotive industries;
Athletic shoe and protective clothing materials; and
Building facia.
Special Process Semi-finished aircraft components used in helicopter
Honeycomb blades;
Space shuttle doors;
Aircraft control surfaces (flaps, wing tips, elevators,
and fairings);
Automotive fuel injection components; and
Industrial components.
Composite Panels Aircraft flooring and interior components;
High speed ferry and train interiors:
Structural panels for train flooring; and
Semi-structural panels for ferry car decks.


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Engineered Products Composite Structures Aircraft structures and finished aircraft
components, including:
Wing-to-body and flap track fairings;
Radomes;
Engine cowls and inlet ducts; and
Wing panels.

Interiors OEM and retrofit aircraft interiors, including:
Overhead stowage compartments;
Lavatories; and
Sidewalls and ceilings.

Composite Systems Structural elements and materials for repair and
and Industrial strengthening applications for civil
Structures engineering/construction; and
Composite structural parts for automotive, truck and
other industrial applications.


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FIBERS AND FABRICS

The Fibers and Fabrics business units have worldwide responsibility for
manufacturing and marketing carbon fibers and reinforcement fabrics. These
business units operate manufacturing facilities in Decatur, Alabama; Salt Lake
City, Utah; Seguin, Texas; and Les Avenieres and Decines, France.

CARBON FIBERS: Carbon fibers are manufactured for sale to third party
customers and for use by Hexcel in manufacturing certain reinforcement fabrics
and composite materials. Carbon fibers are woven into carbon fabrics, used as
reinforcement in conjunction with a resin matrix to produce prepregs, and used
in filament winding and advanced fiber placement to produce various other
composite materials.

REINFORCEMENT FABRICS: Reinforcement fabrics are made from a variety of
fibers, including several types of fiberglass as well as carbon, aramid,
Thorstrand-Registered Trademark-, quartz, ceramic and other specialty
reinforcements. These fabrics are sold to third-party customers for use in a
wide range of products and are used by the Company to manufacture prepregs and
other composite materials.

Hexcel's net sales of carbon fibers and reinforcement fabrics to third party
customers were $170.1 million in 1997, $155.2 million in 1996 and $119.1 million
in 1995, respectively. The Company acquired its carbon fibers business in
connection with the purchase of the Acquired Hercules Business, and expanded its
reinforcement fabrics business in connection with the purchase of the Acquired
Ciba Business. Pro forma net sales of carbon fibers and fabrics for 1996 and
1995, giving effect to the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses as if those
transactions had occurred at the beginning of each respective year, were $181.8
million and $194.4 million, respectively. Approximately 44% and 35% of the
Company's production of carbon fibers and reinforcement fabrics was used
internally to manufacture composite materials in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The percentage of production of carbon fibers and reinforcement fabrics for
internal use increased significantly in 1997, due to the increase in commercial
aerospace composite materials sales.

COMPOSITE MATERIALS

The Composite Materials business units, which are organized around U.S. and
European markets, have worldwide responsibility for manufacturing and marketing
prepregs, structural adhesives, honeycomb, specially machined honeycomb parts
and composite panels. These business units operate manufacturing and research
facilities in Linz, Austria; Welkenraedt, Belgium; Duxford and Swindon, United
Kingdom; Les Avenieres and Dagneux, France; Parla, Spain; Casa Grande, Arizona;
Dublin and Livermore, California; Lancaster, Ohio; Pottsville, Pennsylvania;
Salt Lake City, Utah; and Burlington, Washington.

PREPREGS: Prepregs are manufactured for sale to third party customers and
for use by Hexcel in manufacturing other composite materials and structures,
including finished components for aircraft structures and interiors. Prepregs
are manufactured by combining high performance reinforcement fabrics or
unidirectional fibers with a resin matrix to form a composite material with
exceptional structural properties not present in either of the constituent
materials. Reinforcement fabrics used in the manufacture of prepregs include
S-2-Registered Trademark- and E-type fiberglass, carbon, aramid (including
Kevlar-Registered Trademark-), quartz, ceramic,
Thorstrand-Registered Trademark-, polyethylene and other specialty
reinforcements. Resin matrices include bismaleimide, cyanates, epoxy, phenolic,
polyester, polyimide and other specialty resins.

STRUCTURAL ADHESIVES: As a result of the purchase of the Acquired Ciba
Business, Hexcel designs and markets a comprehensive range of
Redux-Registered Trademark- film adhesives. These structural adhesives, which
bond a wide range of composite, metallic, and honeycomb surfaces, are used in a
variety of product applications.

HONEYCOMB, HONEYCOMB PARTS AND COMPOSITE PANELS: Honeycomb is a unique,
lightweight, cellular structure generally composed of hexagonal cells nested
together. The product is similar in appearance to a cross-sectional slice of a
beehive. The hexagonal cell design gives honeycomb a high strength-to-weight
ratio when used in "sandwich" form and a uniform resistance to crushing. These
basic characteristics are

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combined with the physical properties of the material from which the honeycomb
is made to meet various engineering requirements.

The Composite Materials business units produce honeycomb from a number of
metallic and non-metallic materials. Most metallic honeycomb is made from
aluminum and is available in a selection of alloys, cell sizes and dimensions.
Non-metallic honeycomb materials include fiberglass, carbon, thermoplastics,
Nomex-Registered Trademark- (a non-flammable aramid paper),
Kevlar-Registered Trademark- (an aramid fiber), Korex-Registered Trademark- and
several other specialty materials.

The Composite Materials business units sell honeycomb core material in
standard block and sheet form, and in laminated panel form. In the construction
of composite panels, sheets of aluminum, stainless steel, prepreg or other
laminates are bonded with adhesives to each side of a slice of honeycomb core,
creating a "sandwich" structure. Hexcel also possesses advanced processing
capabilities which enable the Company to design and manufacture complex
fabricated honeycomb parts and bonded assemblies to meet customer
specifications. Such parts and assemblies are used as semi-finished components
in the manufacture of composite structures.

Hexcel's net sales of composite materials to third-party customers, sold
separately and together as complex bonded structures, were $585.4 million in
1997, $438.2 million in 1996 and $231.1 million in 1995. The Company expanded
its composite materials business in connection with the acquisitions of the
Acquired Businesses. Pro forma net sales of composite materials for 1996 and
1995, giving effect to the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses as if those
transactions had occurred at the beginning of each respective year, were $502.0
million and $463.4 million, respectively. Approximately 11% and 7% of the
Company's production of composite materials was used internally to manufacture
composite structures and interiors in 1997 and 1996, respectively. These
products have benefited from the recent increase in commercial aerospace build
rates as further discussed under the caption "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".

ENGINEERED PRODUCTS

Hexcel entered the composite structures and interiors businesses in
connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business. The Engineered
Products business unit has worldwide responsibility for manufacturing and
marketing composite structures and interiors, primarily for commercial and
military aerospace markets, and operates manufacturing facilities in Kent and
Bellingham, Washington. The Company also manufactures composite structures at a
facility in Brindisi, Italy.

COMPOSITE STRUCTURES: Composite structures, and structural parts, are
manufactured from a variety of composite materials (prepregs, honeycomb and
structural adhesives) using such manufacturing processes as autoclave
processing, multi-axis numerically controlled machining, press laminating, heat
forming and other composite manufacturing techniques. Hexcel manufactures a wide
range of composite structures and parts for the commercial and military
aerospace markets.

INTERIORS: The interiors operations of the Engineered Products business
unit design and produce innovative, light weight, high-strength composite
interior systems for aircraft. Interior products are sold to Boeing and other
airframe manufacturers for production on certain aircraft, and to airlines for
replacement of existing interior components. With increasing airline traffic and
the trend of increased use of rolling carry on luggage, airlines are
increasingly requesting larger overhead stowage bins, which will accommodate
these larger bags. Hexcel Interiors has applied for and/or patented a number of
new bin designs for commercial aircraft, which will hold this larger luggage.
Sales of these products will begin in 1998.

Hexcel's net sales of engineered products to third party customers were
$181.4 million in 1997 and $101.9 million in 1996. Pro forma net sales of
engineered products for 1996 and 1995, giving effect to the acquisition of the
Acquired Ciba Business as if it had occurred at the beginning of each respective
year,

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were $114.7 million and $113.5 million, respectively. The improvement for
engineered products in 1997 primarily reflects the production of structural and
interior components outsourced to Hexcel by Boeing starting in the second half
of 1996.

PACIFIC RIM

The Pacific Rim business unit is responsible for business development in the
Asia-Pacific region, and for the sale of all of Hexcel's products within this
region. The Pacific Rim business unit operates sales offices in Sydney,
Australia; Hong Kong; Singapore; Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai, China; and
Pleasanton, California. This business unit is also responsible for the Company's
participation in a joint venture in Japan to manufacture and market composite
materials in Asia.

Further discussion of Hexcel's business operations is contained under the
caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations."

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY; PATENTS AND KNOW-HOW

Hexcel's Research and Technology function ("R&T") supports all of the
Company's businesses worldwide. R&T maintains expertise in chemical formulation
and curatives, fabric forming and textile architectures, advanced composites
structures, process engineering, analysis and testing of composite materials,
computational design and prediction, and other scientific disciplines related to
the Company's worldwide business base. Additionally, R&T performs a limited
amount of contract research and development in the U.S. and Europe for
strategically important customers in the areas of ceramics, higher temperature
polymers, advanced textiles and composite structures manufacturing.

Each of Hexcel's strategic business units maintains research and engineering
staff and facilities to support its business operations. Worldwide investment in
research and technology is directed and coordinated by a committee consisting of
R&T representatives from each of the Company's strategic business units. This
committee is responsible for ensuring that R&T investments are targeted towards
maximizing the Company's long-term profitability and strengthening its
competitive position in the marketplace. Additionally, the committee oversees
the Company's portfolio of patents, technology licenses and other intellectual
property.

Hexcel spent $18.4 million for research and technology in 1997, $16.7
million in 1996 and $7.6 million in 1995. These expenditures were expensed as
incurred.

Hexcel's products rely primarily on the Company's expertise in materials
science, textiles, engineering and polymer chemistry. Consistent with market
demand, the Company has been placing more emphasis on cost effective product
design and lean manufacturing in recent years. Towards this end, the Company has
entered into formal and informal partnerships, as well as licensing and teaming
arrangements, with several customers, suppliers, external agencies and
laboratories. Management believes that the Company possesses unique capabilities
to design, develop and manufacture composite materials and engineered products.
In addition to the rights to certain technologies obtained as part of the
Fiberite transaction, the Company owns and maintains in excess of 400 patents
worldwide, has licensed many key technologies, and has granted technology
licenses and patent rights to several third parties in connection with joint
ventures and joint development programs. It is the Company's policy to actively
enforce its proprietary rights. Management believes that the patents and
know-how rights currently owned or licensed by the Company are adequate for the
conduct of its business.

RAW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES

Due to the vertically integrated nature of Hexcel's operations, the Company
produces several materials used in the manufacture of certain reinforcement
fabrics, composite materials and engineered products, as well as the
polyacrylonitrile ("PAN") used as a precursor material in the manufacture of

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carbon fibers. However, the Company purchases most of the raw materials used in
production. Several key materials are available from relatively few sources, and
in many cases the cost of product qualification makes it impractical to develop
multiple sources of supply. The unavailability of these materials, which the
Company does not anticipate, could have a material adverse effect on operations.
The Company coordinates closely with key suppliers in an effort to avoid raw
material shortages.

Hexcel believes that the availability of certain carbon fibers, an important
raw material in manufacturing advanced structural materials, is currently
insufficient to satisfy worldwide demand. The Company estimates it has
production capacity and sufficient fiber supplier commitments to meet its
estimated 1998 and 1999 aerospace customer requirements. However, should
customer demand grow faster than expected or the mix or timing of customer
requirements change, the Company may not be able to satisfy all of its
customers' requirements. In early 1997, the Company and various other carbon
fiber manufacturers announced plans to increase carbon fiber production
capacity. During 1997, the Company substantially completed a carbon fiber
capacity expansion program costing approximately $16 million, which has
increased its capacity by 50%.

Hexcel's production activities are generally based on a combination of "make
to order" and "make to forecast" production requirements. Machined and
fabricated honeycomb parts and composite structures and interiors are
manufactured almost entirely on a "make to order" basis.

MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS

Hexcel's products are sold for a broad range of uses. The following tables
summarize net sales to third-party customers by market and by geography for the
three years ended December 31:



1997 1996 1995
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NET SALES BY MARKET
Commercial aerospace................................................ 64% 56% 45%
Space and defense................................................... 9 11 11
Recreation.......................................................... 7 10 9
General industrial and other........................................ 20 23 35
--------- --------- ---------
Total............................................................. 100% 100% 100%
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------

NET SALES BY GEOGRAPHY
United States....................................................... 56% 49% 51%
U.S. exports........................................................ 8 8 5
International....................................................... 36 43 44
--------- --------- ---------
Total............................................................. 100% 100% 100%
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------


Boeing and related subcontractors accounted for approximately 36% of 1997
sales, and Airbus and related subcontractors accounted for approximately 10% of
1997 sales. The loss of all or a significant portion of the business with Boeing
or Airbus, which Hexcel does not anticipate, could have a material adverse
effect on sales and earnings.

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COMMERCIAL AEROSPACE

Commercial aerospace activity fluctuates in relation to two principal
factors. First, the number of revenue passenger miles flown by the airlines
affects the size of the airline fleets and generally follows the level of
overall economic activity. A recent document, published by Boeing, projects that
revenue passenger miles will increase an average of 6% per year over the next
decade, with the Asian market having the highest growth rate. Recent events in
the Asian market which have occurred after this document was published, may
result in difficulties in achieving this projected growth rate. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" for further discussion. The second factor, which is less sensitive
to the general economy, is the replacement and retrofit rates for existing
aircraft. These rates, resulting mainly from obsolescence, are determined in
part by Federal Aviation Administration regulations as well as public concern
regarding aircraft age, safety and noise. These rates may also be affected by
the desire of the various airlines for higher payloads and more fuel efficient
aircraft, which in turn is influenced by the price of fuel.

The number of commercial aircraft delivered by Boeing (the 7-series) and
Airbus declined by nearly 45% from 1992 to 1995. At the lowest point during this
period, Boeing (the 7-series) and Airbus reported combined deliveries of 330
aircraft. Reported aircraft deliveries by Boeing (the 7-series) and Airbus
improved only modestly in 1996, to a combined 344 aircraft. Combined aircraft
deliveries for 1997 were 503, or an increase of 46% over 1996. This increase was
the result of the surge in the commercial aerospace industry. Further, combined
backlog orders at December 31, 1997, were at record levels of 2,608 aircraft;
including 1,599 for Boeing (the 7-series) and 1,009 for Airbus. Published
industry analysis indicates that combined deliveries by these two manufacturers
in 1998 should approximate 730 aircraft. The Company sells material used on
every model of commercial aircraft sold by Boeing and Airbus, with sales per
aircraft ranging from $0.2 million to over $1.0 million per aircraft on the
Boeing 777.

Hexcel's commercial aerospace business volume is expected to increase in
1998 due both in part to the general industry improvement and to the increased
utilization of composite materials on new generation aircraft, which is
attributable to demands for improved aircraft performance. In addition, the
Company began to produce additional structural and interior components for
Boeing in the second half of 1996, and expects to continue producing such
components through 1998. Despite customer preferences for many of the high
performance characteristics of Hexcel's products, the Company must continuously
demonstrate the cost benefits of its products for aerospace applications.

SPACE AND DEFENSE

The space and defense market for composite materials and structures declined
significantly during the early part of this decade, as a result of substantial
decreases in military aircraft procurement that began in the late 1980's. The
current international and domestic political climate suggests that overall
military spending, including aircraft procurement, is not likely to change
significantly from current levels in the near future. Consequently, management
does not expect a significant change in 1998 from the current level of sales to
the space and defense market. However, by the start of the next decade a number
of new military aircraft programs in both the U.S. and Europe are anticipated to
move from development to full scale production. The Company currently has
composite material and carbon fiber qualifications on a number of these
significant military programs, including the European Fighter Aircraft, F-22,
F-18, V-22, C-17 and the Titan and Delta space programs. These programs may be
accomplished without a significant increase in defense expenditures by switching
current cost incurred in their development to funding aircraft production. These
new generation aircraft have a significantly higher portion of their fuselage
built from composite materials than their predecessors or current commercial
aircraft.

Contracts to supply materials for military and some commercial projects
contain provisions for termination at the convenience of the U.S. government or
the buyer. In the case of such a termination, Hexcel is entitled to recover
reasonable incurred cost plus a provision for profit on the incurred cost. In

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addition, the Company is subject to U.S. government cost accounting standards,
which are applicable to companies with more than $25 million of government
contract or subcontract awards each year.

RECREATION, GENERAL INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER MARKETS

Hexcel has focused its participation in recreation and general industrial
markets in areas where the application of composites technology offers
significant benefits to the end user. As a result, the Company has chosen to
focus on select opportunities where high performance, cost effective advanced
material situations can be provided to customers. Accordingly, future
opportunities and growth depend primarily upon the success of the individual
programs and industries in which the Company has elected to participate. Within
the recreation market, key industry sectors and product applications in which
the Company is involved include golf club shafts, fishing rods, tennis rackets,
skis, snowboards, and athletic shoes. Within general industrial markets, key
sectors and applications include printed circuit boards, wind energy, civil
engineering/construction and surface transportation. Hexcel's participation in
these markets is a valuable complement to its commercial and military aerospace
businesses, and the Company is committed to the growth of composites technology
in recreation and industrial applications.

HEXCEL VENTURES

In October 1997, the Company created Hexcel Ventures, a new internal
organization responsible for certain entrepreneurial activities, outside of the
Company's aerospace and space and defense markets. This new organization will
focus on leveraging Hexcel's vertically integrated capabilities and geographic
reach to bring cost effective advanced materials solutions to new customers and
applications. In particular, Hexcel Ventures will seek to stimulate internally
and externally driven growth and diversification through targeted projects in
areas such as automotive, civil engineering/construction and composite part
making for industrial applications.

Further discussion of Hexcel's markets and customers, including certain
risks, uncertainties and other factors with respect to "forward-looking
statements" about those markets and customers, is contained under the caption
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."

SALES AND MARKETING

A staff of salaried market managers, product managers and salespeople sell
and market Hexcel products directly to customers worldwide. The Company also
uses independent distributors and manufacturer representatives for certain
products, markets and regions.

10

BACKLOG

The following table summarizes the backlog of orders by product group as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996 (in millions):


RECREATION &
BACKLOG AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 AEROSPACE(a) INDUSTRIAL TOTAL
- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------

Fibers and Fabrics...................................... $ 33.3 $ 24.4 $ 57.7
Composite Materials..................................... 273.2 19.1 292.3
Engineered Products..................................... 170.0 -- 170.0
------ ------ ---------
Total................................................. $ 476.5 $ 43.5 $ 520.0
------ ------ ---------
------ ------ ---------



RECREATION &
BACKLOG AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 AEROSPACE(a) INDUSTRIAL TOTAL
- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------

Fibers and Fabrics...................................... $ 26.9 $ 33.6 $ 60.5
Composite Materials..................................... 194.6 15.8 210.4
Engineered Products..................................... 126.0 4.8 130.8
------ ------ ---------
Total................................................. $ 347.5 $ 54.2 $ 401.7
------ ------ ---------
------ ------ ---------


(a) Includes commercial aerospace and space and defense markets.

The backlog of orders for aerospace materials to be filled within 12 months
was $476.5 million as of December 31, 1997, $347.5 million as of December 31,
1996 and $88.3 million as of December 31, 1995. The significant increase from
the end of 1996 to the end of 1997 is attributable to increased commercial
aircraft build rates. The increase from the end of 1995 to the end of 1996 is
attributable to the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses and to increased
commercial aircraft build rates. A major portion of the backlog is cancelable by
the Company's customers without penalty.

Orders for aerospace materials generally lag behind the award of orders for
new aircraft by a considerable period. Thus, the level of new aircraft
procurement normally will not have an impact on aerospace orders received by
Hexcel for about one to three years, depending on the nature of the product, the
manufacturer, and delivery schedules. Aerospace orders are generally received by
the Company between one and eighteen months prior to scheduled delivery of the
aircraft to the customer.

Backlog for recreation and general industrial markets amounted to $43.5
million at December 31, 1997 compared with $54.2 million at December 31, 1996
and $33.5 million at December 31, 1995. Most of this backlog is expected to be
filled within six months. Markets for Hexcel products outside of the aerospace
industry are generally highly competitive and require shorter lead times for
delivery or stock for immediate sale.

COMPETITION

In the production and sale of its materials, Hexcel competes with numerous
U.S. and international companies on a worldwide basis. The broad markets for the
Company's products are highly competitive, and the Company has focused on both
specific markets and specialty products within markets to obtain market share.
In addition to competing directly with companies offering similar products, the
Company's products compete with substitute structural materials such as
structural foam, wood, metal, and concrete. Depending upon the material and
markets, relevant competitive factors include price, delivery, service, quality,
product performance and total life cycle costs. The acquisitions of the Acquired
Businesses and the Fiberite assets enhanced the Company's competitive position
by broadening and extending the Company's product portfolio and by strengthening
the Company's position in certain geographic regions, particularly in Europe.

11

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

To date, environmental control regulations have not had a significant
adverse effect on overall operations. A discussion of environmental matters is
included in Item 3, "Legal Proceedings," and in Note 16 to the accompanying
consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 1997, Hexcel employed 5,597 full-time employees, compared
with 5,013 and 2,127 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
increase from the end of 1996 to the end of 1997 is primarily attributable to
the growth in the Company's sales. As a result of the acquisitions of the
Acquired Businesses, Hexcel added approximately 2,300 employees to its workforce
in 1996.

Approximately 25% of Hexcel's employees have various union affiliations.
Although the Company had a brief strike by certain union affiliated employees at
the Company's Salt Lake City, Utah plant, which was settled in January of 1997,
and had labor disruptions in its Belgium facility in 1997, which have also been
settled, management believes that labor relations in the Company are generally
satisfactory.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Hexcel owns manufacturing and sales offices located throughout the United
States and in other countries as noted below. The corporate offices and
principal corporate support activities for the Company are located in leased
facilities in Stamford, Connecticut and Pleasanton, California. The Company's
corporate research and technology administration and certain composite materials
laboratories are located in Dublin, California.

The following table lists the manufacturing facilities of Hexcel by
geographic location, approximate square footage, and principal products. The
following table does not include a manufacturing facility in Komatsu, Japan that
is owned by a joint venture in which the Company has a 45% equity interest.

12

MANUFACTURING FACILITIES



APPROXIMATE
FACILITY LOCATION SQUARE FOOTAGE PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS
- ----------------------------------------- -------------- ------------------------------------------------------

United States:
Decatur, Alabama....................... 159,000 PAN Precursor (used to produce Carbon Fibers)
Salt Lake City, Utah................... 371,000 Carbon Fibers; Prepregs
Seguin, Texas.......................... 204,000 Reinforcement fabrics
Livermore, California.................. 141,000 Prepregs
Lancaster, Ohio........................ 49,000 Prepregs
Casa Grande, Arizona................... 307,000 Honeycomb and Honeycomb Parts
Pottsville, Pennsylvania............... 134,000 Honeycomb Parts
Burlington, Washington................. 73,000 Honeycomb Parts
Kent, Washington....................... 883,000 Composite Structures; Interiors
Bellingham, Washington................. 188,000 Interiors

International:
Les Avenieres, France.................. 476,000 Reinforcement fabrics; Prepregs
Decines, France........................ 90,000 Reinforcement fabrics
Dagneux, France........................ 130,000 Prepregs
Linz, Austria.......................... 163,000 Prepregs
Welkenraedt, Belgium................... 223,000 Honeycomb and Honeycomb Parts
Parla, Spain........................... 43,000 Prepregs
Duxford, United Kingdom................ 440,000 Prepregs; Honeycomb and Honeycomb Parts
Swindon, United Kingdom................ 20,000 Honeycomb Parts
Brindisi, Italy........................ 110,000 Engineered Products


Hexcel leases the Swindon, U.K. facility and the land on which the
Burlington, Washington facility is located. The Company also leases portions of
the Casa Grande, Arizona; Bellingham and Kent, Washington; Linz, Austria; and
Les Avenieres, France facilities.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Hexcel is involved in litigation, investigations and claims arising out of
the conduct of its business, including those relating to government contracts,
commercial transactions, and environmental, health and safety matters. The
Company estimates its liabilities resulting from such matters based on a variety
of factors, including outstanding legal claims and proposed settlements,
assessments by internal and external counsel of pending or threatened
litigation, and assessments by environmental engineers and consultants of
potential environmental liabilities and remediation costs. Such estimates
exclude counterclaims against other third parties. Such estimates are not
discounted to reflect the time value of money due to the uncertainty in
estimating the timing of the expenditures, which may extend over several years.
Although it is impossible to determine the level of future expenditures for
legal, environmental and related matters with any degree of certainty, it is the
Company's opinion, based on available information, that it is unlikely that
these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows of the Company.

LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND PROCEEDINGS

Hexcel has been named as a potentially responsible party with respect to
several hazardous waste disposal sites that it does not own or possess which are
included on the Superfund National Priority List of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency or on equivalent lists of various state governments. The
Company estimates that its liability with respect to these sites is not
material.

13

Pursuant to the New Jersey Environmental Responsibility and Clean-Up Act,
Hexcel signed an administrative consent order to pay for the environmental
remediation of a manufacturing facility it owns and formerly operated in Lodi,
New Jersey. The Company's estimate of the remaining cost to satisfy this consent
order is accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The ultimate
cost of remediating the Lodi site will depend on developing circumstances.

In connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business, Hexcel
assumed various liabilities including a liability with respect to certain
environmental remediation activities at an acquired facility in Kent,
Washington. The Company is a party to a cost sharing agreement regarding the
operation of certain environmental remediation systems necessary to satisfy a
post-closure care permit issued to a previous owner of the Kent site by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Under the terms of the cost sharing agreement,
the Company is obligated to reimburse the previous owner for a portion of the
cost of the required remediation activities. The Company's estimate of its share
of the cost is accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996.

PRODUCT CLAIMS

In 1993, Hexcel became aware of an aluminum honeycomb sandwich panel
delamination problem with panels produced by its wholly-owned Belgium
subsidiary, Hexcel Composites S.A., and installed in rail cars in France and
Spain. Certain customers have alleged that Hexcel Composites S.A. is responsible
for the problem. The Company and its insurer continue to investigate these
claims. The Company is also working with the customers to repair or replace
panels when necessary, with certain costs to be allocated upon determination of
responsibility for the delamination. Two customers in France requested that a
court appoint experts to investigate the claims; to date, the experts have not
reported any conclusions. The Company's primary insurer for this matter has
agreed to fund legal representation and to provide coverage of the claim to the
extent of the policy limit. The Company believes that, based on available
information, it is unlikely that these claims will have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows of the Company.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

None.

14

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Hexcel common stock is traded on the New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges.
The range of high and low sales prices of Hexcel common stock on the New York
Stock Exchange Composite Tape is contained in Note 23 to the accompanying
consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
and is incorporated herein by reference.

Hexcel did not declare or pay any dividends in 1997, 1996 or 1995. The
payment of dividends is generally prohibited under the terms of certain of the
Company's credit agreements.

On March 16, 1998, there were 2,290 holders of record of Hexcel common
stock.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The information required by Item 6 is contained on page 35 of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K under "Selected Financial Data" and is incorporated herein
by reference.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.

The information required by Item 7 is contained on pages 36 to 47 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and are incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The information required by Item 8 is contained on pages 48 to 83 of this
Form 10-K under "Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and
is incorporated herein by reference. The reports of the independent public
accountants for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are contained
on pages 50 and 51 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under "Report of
Independent Accountants" and "Independent Auditors' Report" and are incorporated
herein by reference.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

On July 10, 1997, the Company changed independent auditors. There were no
disagreements or other reportable events related to this change.

15

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

(a) Listed below are the directors of Hexcel as of March 16, 1998, the
positions with the Company held by them and a brief description of each
director's prior business experience.



DIRECTOR
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

John J. Lee.................. 61 1993 Has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hexcel since
February 1996, Chief Executive Officer since January 1994,
President since May 1997, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
from January 1994 to February 1995, Chairman and Co-Chief
Executive Officer from July 1993 to December 1993 and a director
of Hexcel since May 1993. Mr. Lee also serves as Chairman of the
Nominating Committee and a member of the Finance Committee of
Hexcel. In addition, Mr. Lee has served as Chairman of the
Operating Committee of Hexcel since May 1997 (the Operating
Committee is a committee comprised of certain members of senior
management of Hexcel which provides oversight of, and
establishes policies in connection with, Hexcel's worldwide
business operations). Mr. Lee is also a director of Aviva
Petroleum Corporation, an oil and gas exploration company and of
Hvide Marine Incorporated, a marine support and transportation
services company, and has served as Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Office of Lee Development
Corporation, a merchant banking company, since 1987. Mr. Lee is
a Trustee of Yale University and has been an adviser to the
Clipper Group, a private investment partnership, from 1993 to
December 1997. Mr. Lee served as a director of XTRA Corporation,
a transportation equipment leasing company, from 1990 to January
1996. From July 1989 through April 1993, Mr. Lee served as
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Seminole
Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of fertilizer. From
April 1988 through April 1993, Mr. Lee served as a director of
Tosco Corporation, a national refiner and marketer of petroleum
products and as President and Chief Operating Officer of Tosco
Corporation from 1990 through 1993. Mr. Lee is also a director
of various privately held corporations.


16



DIRECTOR
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

John M.D. Cheesmond.......... 48 1996 Has been a director of Hexcel since February 1996. Mr. Cheesmond
also serves as Chairman of the Executive Compensation Committee
and a member of the Finance Committee of Hexcel. Mr. Cheesmond
is Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Strategy, and
a member of the Executive Committee of Ciba Specialty Chemical
Holding Inc., ("CSCH"), a leading global specialty chemical
company and successor to Ciba's industrial chemicals business.
Mr. Cheesmond also serves as a member of Beirat of TFL, a
European headquartered joint venture in leather chemicals. Mr.
Cheesmond served as Senior Vice President and Head of Regional
Finance and Control of CGL from 1994 to 1996. From 1991 to 1993,
Mr. Cheesmond served as Group Vice President, Planning,
Information and Control at Ciba Vision Corporation.

Marshall S. Geller........... 59 1994 Has been a director of Hexcel since August 1994. Mr. Geller also
serves as a member of the Audit, Executive Compensation and
Nominating Committees of Hexcel. Mr. Geller is currently
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and founding
partner at Geller & Friend Capital Partners, Inc., a merchant
banking firm, since November 1995. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Geller
was Senior Managing Director of Golenberg & Geller, Inc., a
merchant banking firm. From 1988 to 1990, he was Vice Chairman
of Gruntal & Company, an investment banking firm. From 1967 to
1988, he was a Senior Managing Director of Bear, Stearns & Co.
Inc., an investment banking firm. Mr. Geller is currently a
director of Ballantyne of Omaha, iMALL, Inc., Datalink Systems
Corp., Players International, Value Vision International, Inc.,
Cabletel Communications Corp. and various privately-held
corporations and charitable organizations. Mr. Geller currently
serves as Chairmen of the Investment Committee for both Players
International and Value Vision International, Inc.


17



DIRECTOR
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

Stanley Sherman.............. 59 1996 Has been a director of Hexcel since February 1996. Mr. Sherman
also serves as a member of the Executive Compensation and
Finance Committees of Hexcel. Mr. Sherman is President and Chief
Executive Officer of Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation (North
America) and Chairman of the Board of Ciba Specialty Chemicals
Canada Inc., both of which are members of the Ciba group. Mr.
Sherman served as a director and Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of CGC from 1991 to 1996, serving on the
Finance Committee and the Corporate Management Committee of
CGC's Board of Directors. From 1986 to 1991, Mr. Sherman served
as Vice President-Corporate Planning of CGC. Mr. Sherman also
serves on the Board of the Westchester Educational Coalition and
the Chemical Manufacturers Association.

Martin L. Solomon............ 61 1996 Has been a director of Hexcel since May 1996. Mr. Solomon also
serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee and as a member of
the Audit and Executive Compensation Committees of Hexcel. Since
June 1997, Mr. Solomon has been the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of American Country Holdings, Inc., an insurance holding
company. Since 1990, Mr. Solomon has been a private investor.
From 1988 to 1990, he was Managing Director and general partner
of Value Equity Associates, L.L.P., an investment partnership.
From 1985 to 1987, Mr. Solomon was an investment analyst and
portfolio manager with Steinhardt Partners, an investment
partnership. From 1985 to 1996, Mr. Solomon was a Director and
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Great Dane Holdings, Inc., a
company engaged in the manufacture of transportation equipment,
automobile stamping, the lease of taxis and insurance. Since
1995, Mr. Solomon has been a Director of DLB Oil and Gas, Inc.,
a company engaged in oil exploration and production, since 1990,
Mr. Solomon has been a Director of XTRA Corporation, a lessor of
truck trailers, marine containers, and intermodal equipment, and
since June 1997, Mr. Solomon has been a Director of Telephone
and Data Systems, Inc., a diversified telecommunications service
company with established wireless and wireline operations. Mr.
Solomon is also a director of various privately held
corporations and civic organizations.


18



DIRECTOR
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

George S. Springer........... 64 1993 Has been a director of Hexcel since January 1993. Mr. Springer
also serves as Chairman of the Technology Committee of Hexcel.
Mr. Springer is the Paul Pigott Professor and Chairman of the
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and by courtesy,
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Civil
Engineering at Stanford University. Mr. Springer joined Stanford
University's faculty in 1983.

Joseph T. Sullivan........... 58 1996 Has been a director of Hexcel since February 1996. Mr. Sullivan
also serves as a member of the Nominating and Technology
Committees of Hexcel. Mr. Sullivan is Joseph H. Colic Professor
of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University in Blacksburg, VA. Mr. Sullivan served as a
director and Senior Vice President of CGC from 1986 to 1996.

Hermann Vodicka.............. 55 1996 Has been a director of Hexcel since February 1996. Mr. Vodicka
also serves as a member of the Nominating and Technology
Committees of Hexcel. From 1996, Mr. Vodicka has served as the
Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Ciba. Mr. Vodicka
served as President of the Polymers Division and a member of the
Executive Committee of CGL from 1993 to 1996. Mr. Vodicka was
the Chairman of the Board of Mettler-Toledo, a leading worldwide
manufacturer of scales and balances and a wholly owned
subsidiary of CGL, until its sale in 1996. From 1988 to 1993,
Mr. Vodicka was President and Chief Executive Officer of
Mettler-Toledo.

Franklin S. Wimer............ 62 1995 Was a director of Hexcel from February 1995 to February 1996 and
was reelected in May 1996. Mr. Wimer is Chairman of the Audit
Committee and also serves on the Technology Committee of Hexcel.
Mr. Wimer is President and Principal of UniRock Management
Corporation ("UniRock"), a private merchant banking firm based
in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Wimer has been with UniRock since 1987.
UniRock acted as strategic planning consultant to Hexcel from
December 1993 through April 1996. Mr. Wimer is currently
Chairman of the Board of Vista Restaurants, Inc., Chairman of
the Board of Colorado Gaming & Entertainment Co. and is a
director of the Denver Paralegal Institute and Foresight
Products, Inc.


(b) Listed below are the executive officers and other senior management of
Hexcel as of March 16, 1998, the positions held by them and a brief description
of their business experience.



OFFICER
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

John J. Lee.................. 61 1993 See Item 10(a) above for a brief description of Mr. Lee's
positions with Hexcel and his business experience.


19



OFFICER
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

Stephen C. Forsyth........... 42 1994 Has served as Chief Financial Officer of Hexcel since November
1996, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration of
Hexcel since February 1996 and as a member of the Operating
Committee since May 1997. Mr. Forsyth served as Vice President
of International Operations of Hexcel from October 1994 to
February 1996 and General Manager of Hexcel's Resins Business
and Export Marketing from 1989 to 1994 and held other general
management positions with Hexcel from 1980 to 1989. Mr. Forsyth
joined Hexcel in 1980.

Bruce D. Herman.............. 42 1996 Has served as Treasurer of Hexcel since April 1996. Prior to
joining Hexcel, Mr. Herman served as Vice President of Finance
in the Transportation and Industrial Financing Division of USL
Capitol Corp. (formerly U.S. Leasing Inc.) ("USL") from 1993 to
1996, Vice President of Finance in the Equipment Financing Group
of USL from 1991 to 1993 and as Vice President of Corporate
Analysis from 1988 to 1991.

Ira J. Krakower.............. 57 1996 Has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
since September 1996. Prior to joining Hexcel, Mr. Krakower
served as Vice President and General Counsel to Uniroyal
Chemical Corporation from 1986 to August 1996 and served on the
Board of Directors of and as Secretary to Uniroyal Chemical
Company, Inc. from 1989 to 1996.

Wayne C. Pensky.............. 42 1993 Has served as Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of
Hexcel since July 1993. Prior to joining Hexcel in 1993, Mr.
Pensky was a partner at Arthur Andersen & Co., an accounting
firm where he was employed from 1979 to 1993.

Joseph H. Shaulson........... 32 1996 Has served as Vice President of Corporate Development of Hexcel
since April 1996. In addition, Mr. Shaulson served as Acting
General Counsel and Acting Secretary of Hexcel from April 1996
to September 1996. Prior to joining Hexcel, Mr. Shaulson was an
associate in the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom, where he was employed from 1991 to 1996.

David M. Wong................ 53 1996 Has served as Vice President of Corporate Affairs of Hexcel since
February 1996. Mr. Wong served as Hexcel's Director of Special
Projects from July 1993 to February 1996 and Corporate
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Hexcel from 1983 to
1993 and held other general management positions from 1979 to
1983. Mr. Wong joined Hexcel in 1979.


20



OFFICER
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

James N. Burns............... 58 1996 Has served as President of Hexcel's Fibers business unit since
July 1996. Prior to his employment with Hexcel, Mr. Burns served
in a number of management positions with the Composite Products
Division of Hercules Incorporated, including Business Director
from March 1995 through June 1996, Business Unit Director of
Advanced Composite Materials from June 1992 through March 1995
and Vice President of Marketing from June 1986 through June
1992.

Michael Carpenter............ 41 1996 Has served as Vice President of Hexcel's Structures and Interiors
business unit, responsible for the structures business since
February 1996. Mr. Carpenter served as the Vice President of
Structures in the Heath Tecna Division of CGC prior to February
1996. He held various technical and managerial positions with
Heath Tecna from 1983.

Claude Genin................. 62 1996 President of Hexcel's Fabrics business unit since February 1996.
Mr. Genin served as managing director of Hexcel S.A. (France)
from 1977 to 1996. Hexcel S.A. (France) was acquired by Hexcel
in 1985.

William Hunt................. 55 1996 Has served as the President of Hexcel's EuroMaterials business
unit since February 1996, and as a member of the Operating
Committee since October 1997. Mr. Hunt served as the President
of the EuroMaterials unit of the Ciba Composites Business from
1991 to February 1996 and as the Managing Director of Ciba
Plastics from 1990 to 1991. Prior to joining CGP in 1990, Mr.
Hunt held various other technical and managerial positions,
including the position of Managing Director of Illford Limited
(Photographic) Co.

Rodney P. Jenks, Jr.......... 47 1994 Has served as Assistant General counsel from May 1997. Mr. Jenks
served as Vice President and General Counsel of Americas and
Asia-Pacific Operations of Hexcel from April 1996 to May 1997.
From March 1994 to March 1996, Mr. Jenks served as Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary of Hexcel. Prior to
joining Hexcel in 1994, Mr. Jenks was a partner in the law firm
of Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean, where he continued to serve as
counsel until March 1996.

James A. Koshak.............. 54 1996 Has served as President of Hexcel's U.S. Materials business unit
since February 1996. Mr. Koshak served as Vice President of the
Ciba Composites Business and General Manager of the U.S.
Materials unit of the Ciba Composites Business from 1993 to
February 1996 and as Vice President of Ciba's Polymers Division
and General Manager of Ciba's Formulated Systems unit from 1988
to 1993. Mr. Koshak held various other sales, marketing and
general managerial positions with Ciba from 1974 to 1988.


21



OFFICER
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas J. Lahey.............. 57 1991 Has served as President of Hexcel's Pacific Rim business unit
since February 1996. Mr. Lahey served as Vice President of
Worldwide Sales of Hexcel from April 1993 to February 1996, Vice
President of Advanced Composites of Hexcel from 1992 to 1993,
General Manager of Advanced Composites of Hexcel from 1991 to
1992 and General Manager of Advanced Products of Hexcel from
1989 to 1991. Prior to joining Hexcel in 1989, Mr. Lahey held
the position of Executive Assistant to the President of Kaman
Aerospace Corporation from 1987 to 1988 and was a Vice President
of Grumman Corporation from 1985 to 1987.

Linn Matthews................ 60 1997 Has served as Vice President of Corporate Sales and Marketing and
as a member of the Operating Committee since December 1997.
Prior to joining Hexcel, Mr. Matthews served as Vice President
of Venture Operations for Amoco Chemical Asia Pacific, located
in Hong Kong, from 1994 to 1997. From 1993 to 1994, Mr. Matthews
was Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Amoco Performance
Products. Prior to 1993, he has served in other management
positions in Amoco and Union Carbide Corporation.

William P. Meehan............ 62 1993 Has served as Vice President; Deputy Director of Operations of
Hexcel since November 1996 and as a member of the Operating
Committee since May 1997. He also served as Vice President of
Finance and Chief Financial Officer from September 1993 to
November 1996 and as Treasurer of Hexcel from April 1994 to
April 1996. Prior to joining Hexcel in 1993, Mr. Meehan served
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Thousand Trails and
NACO, a membership campground and resort business from 1990 to
1992. From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Meehan served as Vice President of
Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Hadco Corporation.

Robert A. Petrisko........... 43 1993 Has served as Vice President of Research and Technology of Hexcel
since September 1993. Mr. Petrisko served at Hexcel's Chandler
facility as Manager of the Signature Technology Group from 1989
to April 1993 and as Director of Aerospace and Defense
Technology from April 1993 to September 1993. Mr. Petrisko
joined Hexcel in 1989 after serving as a Research Specialist
with Dow Corning Corporation from 1985 to 1989. He holds a Ph.D.
in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from the University of
Michigan and a B.S. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve
University.


22



OFFICER
NAME AGE SINCE POSITIONS WITH HEXCEL AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------------- --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary L. Sandercock........... 57 1989 Has served as Vice President of Manufacturing of Hexcel since
October 1996 and as a member of the Operating Committee since
October, 1997. From February 1996 through October 1996, he
served as President of Hexcel's Special Process business unit.
Mr. Sandercock served as Vice President of Manufacturing of
Hexcel from April 1993 to February 1996, Vice President of
Reinforcement Fabrics of Hexcel from 1989 to 1993 and General
Manager of the Trevarno Division of Hexcel from 1985 to 1989 and
held other manufacturing and general management positions from
1967 to 1985. Mr. Sandercock joined Hexcel in 1967.

David Tanonis................ 41 1996 Has served as Vice President of Hexcel's Structures and Interiors
business unit, responsible for the interiors business, since
February 1996. Mr. Tanonis served as the Vice President of
Interiors in the Heath Tecna Division of CGC prior to February
1996. Mr. Tanonis has held various technical and managerial
positions with Heath Tecna since 1987. Mr. Tanonis held various
management positions with Polymer Engineering, Inc. from 1978 to
1987.

Justin Taylor................ 44 1996 Has served as President of Hexcel's Structures and Interiors
business unit since April 1996. From July 1995 to April 1996,
Mr. Taylor served as a member of CGL's strategic planning unit.
Prior to July 1995, Mr. Taylor held various management positions
in the Heath Tecna Division of CGC.


(c) There are no family relationships among any of Hexcel's directors or
executive officers.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required in Item 11 will be contained in Hexcel's definitive
Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Such information is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required in Item 12 will be contained in Hexcel's definitive
Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Such information is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

The information required in Item 13 will be contained in Hexcel's definitive
Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Such information is
incorporated herein by reference.

23

PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

A. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated financial statements of Hexcel, notes thereto, and reports
of independent accountants are listed on page 48 of this Annual Report on Form
10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

B. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

None.

C. EXHIBITS



EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1 Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of September 29, 1995 among Hexcel, Ciba-Geigy Limited and
Ciba-Geigy Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated as of October 13, 1995).

2.1(a) Amendment dated as of December 12, 1995 to the Strategic Alliance Agreement among Hexcel, Ciba-Geigy
Limited and Ciba-Geigy Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1(a) to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 15, 1996).

2.1(b) Letter Agreement dated as of February 28, 1996 among Hexcel, Ciba-Geigy Limited and Ciba-Geigy
Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1(b) to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 15, 1996).

2.1(c) Distribution Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 among Hexcel, Brochier S.A., Composite Materials
Limited, Salver S.r.l. and Ciba-Geigy Limited (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1(c)
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 15, 1996).

2.1(d) Consent Letter dated February 21, 1997, between Hexcel and Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc.

2.2 Sale and Purchase Agreement dated as of April 15, 1996 among Hexcel Corporation, Hercules
Incorporated, Hercules Nederland BV and HISPAN Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 2.2 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1996).

2.3 Amendment Number One dated as of June 27, 1996 to the Sale and Purchase Agreement among Hexcel
Corporation, Hercules Incorporated, Hercules Nederland BV and HISPAN Corporation (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Hexcel's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 1996).

2.4 Letter Agreement dated as of June 27, 1996 among Hexcel Corporation, Hercules Incorporated, Hercules
Nederland BV and HISPAN Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Hexcel's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 1996).

3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 1 to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated July 9, 1996).

3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to
Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated July 9, 1996).


24



EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.1 Indenture dated as of July 24, 1996 between Hexcel Corporation and First Trust of California,
National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996).

4.2 Indenture dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and First Trust of California, National
Association, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 15, 1996).

4.2(a) First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 27, 1996 between Hexcel and First Trust of California,
N.A., as trustee, to the Indenture dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and First Trust of
California, N.A., as trustee.

4.2(b) Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 5, 1998 between Hexcel and First Trust of California,
N.A., as trustee, to the Indenture dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and First Trust of
California, N.A., as trustee.

4.3 Indenture dated as of August 1, 1986 between Hexcel and the Bank of California, N.A., as trustee.

4.3(a) Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of October 1, 1988 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1993).

10.1 Credit Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 among Hexcel and certain subsidiaries of the Company,
as borrowers, the lenders and issuing banks party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as U.S. administrative
agent, Citibank International plc, as European administrative agent and Credit Suisse, as
syndication agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K dated as of March 15, 1996).

10.2 Second Restated and Amended Reimbursement Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and
Banque Nationale de Paris (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(a) to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.2(a) Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement dated as of June 27, 1996 between Hexcel
Corporation and Banque Nationale de Paris (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996).

10.3 Credit Agreement dated as of June 27, 1996 among Hexcel and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers,
the institutions party thereto as lenders, the institutions party thereto as issuing banks,
Citibank, N.A. as collateral agent and Credit Suisse as administrative agent (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Hexcel's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 1996).

10.4 Consent Number 1 and First Amendment dated as of July 3, 1996 to the Credit Agreement dated as of
June 27, 1996 among Hexcel Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers, the
institutions party thereto as lenders, the institutions party thereto as issuing banks, Citibank,
N.A. as collateral agent and Credit Suisse as administrative agent (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
1996).


25



EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.4(a) Modifications dated as of July 8, 1996 to the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement among Hexcel
Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers, the institutions party thereto as
lenders, the institutions party thereto as issuing banks, Citibank, N.A. as collateral agent and
Credit Suisse as administrative agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Hexcel's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1996).

10.4(b) Consent Number 2 and Second Amendment dated as of November 12, 1996 to the Credit Agreement dated as
of June 27, 1996 among Hexcel Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers, the
institutions party thereto as lenders, the institutions party thereto as issuing banks, Citibank,
N.A. as collateral agent and Credit Suisse as administrative agent (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.4(b) to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996).

10.4(c) Consent Number 3 and Third Amendment dated as of February 27, 1997 to the Credit Agreement dated as
of June 27, 1996 among Hexcel Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers, the
institutions party thereto as lenders, the institutions party thereto as issuing banks, Citibank,
N.A. as collateral agent and Credit Suisse as administrative agent (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.4(c) to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996).

10.4(d) Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 5, 1998 among Hexcel and certain subsidiaries
as borrowers, the lenders and issuing banks party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as U.S. administrative
agent, Citibank International plc, as European administrative agent and Credit Suisse, as
syndication agent.

10.5 Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan as amended and restated January 30, 1997 (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No.
333-36163).

10.5(a) Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan as amended and restated January 30, 1997 and further amended
December 10, 1997.

10.6 Hexcel Corporation Management Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).

10.6(a) Hexcel Corporation Management Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended on December 5, 1996
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6(a) to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
three year ended December 31, 1996).

10.6(b) Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9
to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.7 Form of Employee Option Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.7(a) Form of Employee Option Agreement (1996) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to
Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).

10.7(b) Form of Employee Option Agreement (1995) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).


26



EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.8 Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (1997).

10.8(a) Form of Option Agreement (Directors) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Hexcel's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.9 Form of Short-Term Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Hexcel's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).

10.9(a) Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30,
1997).

10.9(b) Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.9 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).

10.9(c) Form of Reload Option Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of Hexcel's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.9(d) Form of Reload Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Hexcel's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).

10.9(e) Form of Performance Accelerated Stock Option Agreement (Director) (incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10.6 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.9(f) Form of Performance Accelerated Stock Option (Employee) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.7 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.9(g) Form of Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10
to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.10 Hexcel Corporation 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.11 Employment Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and John J. Lee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1995).

10.11(a) Employee Option Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and John J. Lee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1995).

10.11(b) Bankruptcy Court Option Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and John J. Lee
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.11(c) Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel
and John J. Lee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14(c) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).


27



EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.11(d) Short-Term Option Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and John J. Lee
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14(d) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.11(e) Form of Reload Option Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and John J. Lee
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14(e) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.12 Agreement dated September 3, 1996 between Hexcel Corporation and Ira J. Krakower.

10.13 Separation and Release Agreement dated as of January 29, 1998 between Hexcel Corporation and Juergen
Habermeier.

10.14 Agreement between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4(L) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994).

10.15 Agreement between Hexcel Corporation and Gary L. Sandercock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4(I) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994).

10.16 Governance Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and Ciba-Geigy Limited
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.17 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 between Hexcel and Ciba-Geigy Limited
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.18 Agreement Governing United States Employment Matters dated as of September 29, 1995 between Hexcel
and Ciba-Geigy Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit D to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of October 13, 1995).

10.18(a) Amendment dated as of November 22, 1995 to the Agreement Governing United States Employment Matters
between Hexcel and Ciba-Geigy Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23(a) to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.19 Employment Matters Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 among Ciba-Geigy PLC, Composite Materials
Limited and Hexcel (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.20 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Stamford FHI Acquisition Corp., Fiberite, Inc. and Hexcel
Corporation, dated as of April 21, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.21 Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement, by and among Stamford FHI Acquisition Corp., Fiberite,
Inc, and Hexcel Corporation, dated as of August 25, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.11 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1997).


28



EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.22 License of Intellectual Property agreement, by and among Hexcel Corporation and Fiberite, Inc., dated
as of August 29, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Hexcel's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1997).

21. Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23. Consent of Independent Accountants--Price Waterhouse LLP.

23.(2) Independent Auditors' Consent--Deloitte & Touche LLP.

27. Financial Data Schedule (electronic filing only).


29

SIGNATURES

PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON
ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF
STAMFORD, STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

HEXCEL CORPORATION

March 26, 1998 By: /s/ JOHN J. LEE
------------------------------------------
John J. Lee,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.



SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------------


Chairman of the Board of
Directors,
/s/ JOHN J. LEE Chief Executive Officer and March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ President
(John J. Lee) (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
OFFICER)

Senior Vice President and
/s/ STEPHEN C. FORSYTH Chief March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Financial Officer
(Stephen C. Forsyth) (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL
OFFICER)

/s/ WAYNE C. PENSKY Corporate Controller March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ (PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING
(Wayne C. Pensky) OFFICER)

/s/ JOHN M. D. CHEESMOND March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Director
(John M. D. Cheesmond)

/s/ MARSHALL S. GELLER March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Director
(Marshall S. Geller)

/s/ STANLEY SHERMAN March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Director
(Stanley Sherman)

/s/ MARTIN L. SOLOMON March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Director
(Martin L. Solomon)


30



SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------------


/s/ GEORGE S. SPRINGER March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Director
(George S. Springer)

/s/ JOSEPH T. SULLIVAN March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Director
(Joseph T. Sullivan)

/s/ HERMANN VODICKA March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Director
(Hermann Vodicka)

/s/ FRANKLIN S. WIMER March 26, 1998
------------------------------------ Director
(Franklin S. Wimer)


31

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

The following table summarizes selected financial data for continuing
operations as of and for the five years ended December 31:



1997 1996(a) 1995 1994 1993
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net sales.................................................. $ 936,855 $ 695,251 $ 350,238 $ 313,795 $ 310,635
Cost of sales.............................................. 714,223 553,942 283,148 265,367 263,090
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross margin............................................... 222,632 141,309 67,090 48,428 47,545
Selling, general and administrative expenses............... 102,449 79,408 41,706 37,584 44,539
Research and technology expenses........................... 18,383 16,742 7,618 8,201 7,971
Business acquisition and consolidation expenses............ 25,343 42,370 -- -- --
Restructuring expenses..................................... -- -- -- -- 46,600
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income (loss).................................... 76,457 2,789 17,766 2,643 (51,565)
Interest expense........................................... 25,705 21,537 8,682 11,846 8,862
Other (income) expense, net................................ -- (2,994) (791) (4,861) 12,780
Bankruptcy reorganization expenses......................... -- -- 3,361 20,152 641
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
taxes.................................................... 50,752 (15,754) 6,514 (24,494) (73,848)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes....................... (22,878) 3,436 3,313 3,586 6,024
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations................... $ 73,630 $ (19,190) $ 3,201 $ (28,080) $ (79,872)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations
Basic.................................................... $ 2.00 $ (0.58) $ 0.21 $ (3.84) $ (10.89)
Diluted.................................................. 1.74 (0.58) 0.20 (3.84) (10.89)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Current assets............................................. $ 387,050 $ 316,931 $ 128,055 $ 148,352 $ 134,710
Non-current assets......................................... 424,536 384,805 102,547 95,105 128,532
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets............................................. $ 811,586 $ 701,736 $ 230,602 $ 243,457 $ 263,242
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Current liabilities........................................ $ 186,356 $ 188,812 $ 66,485 $ 171,307 $ 72,965
Long-term liabilities...................................... 375,329 333,595 115,743 78,035 169,524
Stockholders' equity (deficit)............................. 249,901 179,329 48,374 (5,885) 20,753
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............... $ 811,586 $ 701,736 $ 230,602 $ 243,457 $ 263,242
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OTHER DATA:
Cash dividends per share................................... -- -- -- -- --
Shares outstanding at year-end............................. 36,856 36,561 18,091 7,301 7,310


- ------------------------

(a) A discussion of the impact of business acquisitions on 1996 selected
financial data is contained in Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.

32

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS

BUSINESS OVERVIEW



YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------- ----------- -----------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

Sales.................................................. $ 936.9 $ 695.3 $ 350.2
Gross margin %......................................... 23.8% 20.3% 19.2%
Adjusted EBITDA(a)..................................... $ 137.6 $ 71.9 $ 29.4
Adjusted operating income %(b)......................... 10.9% 6.5% 5.1%
Income (loss) from continuing operations............... $ 73.6 $ (19.2) $ 3.2
---------- ----------- -----------
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing
operations........................................... $ 1.74 $ (0.58) $ 0.20
Pro forma diluted earnings per share(c)................ $ 1.17 $ 0.48 $ 0.38
---------- ----------- -----------


- ------------------------

(a) Earnings before business acquisition and consolidation expenses, other
income, interest, bankruptcy reorganization expenses, taxes, depreciation
and amortization.

(b) Excludes business acquisition and consolidation expenses.

(c) Excludes business acquisition and consolidation expenses and bankruptcy
reorganization expenses, and assumes a U.S. effective tax provision of 36%
on pro forma basis.

As Hexcel begins its 50th year in 1998, the Company completed 1997 with
record sales, operating income and net income. In just two years since the
bottom of the aerospace cycle, the Company has achieved a 168% increase in
sales, increased its gross margin from 19.2% to 23.8%, and improved its Adjusted
EBITDA from $29.4 million to $137.6 million, or a 368% increase. The Company
expects sales to exceed $1 billion in 1998 for the first time in its history.

The dramatic turnaround was a result of three major factors. First, the
Company led the consolidation of the advanced structural materials industry,
through the acquisitions of the Ciba and Hercules composite materials businesses
in 1996; second, a significant increase in commercial aerospace build
rates--which is expected to lead to record deliveries for Boeing and Airbus in
1998; and third, the Company successfully embarked on a business consolidation
program to eliminate excess capacity and to integrate the Acquired Businesses.
In addition, Hexcel has positioned itself for the future by strengthening its
balance sheet with the issuance of equity to Ciba as part of the consideration
for the Ciba composite materials business, the issuance of $114.5 million of
convertible debt in 1996, and most recently through entering into an amended and
restated credit agreement.

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND CONSOLIDATION

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

Hexcel acquired most of Ciba's composite materials, parts and structures
businesses on February 29, 1996, Ciba's Austrian composites business on May 30,
1996, and various remaining assets of Ciba's worldwide composites division at
various dates through February 28, 1997. The aggregate purchase price for the
net assets acquired were approximately $208.7 million.

Hexcel acquired the assets of the composite products and carbon fibers
businesses of Hercules on June 27, 1996 for $139.4 million in cash.

On September 30, 1997, Hexcel acquired from Fiberite its satellite business
consisting of intangible assets and inventory, and certain non-exclusive,
worldwide rights to other prepreg technologies, for $37.0 million in cash. The
acquisition was substantially downsized from an original agreement whereby the

33

Company had, subject to certain terms and conditions, committed to purchase
selected assets and businesses of Fiberite for approximately $300 million. As a
result of the downsized transaction, the Company wrote-off $5.0 million of
acquisition and financing costs to business acquisition and consolidation
expenses. In addition, the Company expensed $8.0 million of acquired in process
research and technology expenses purchased from Fiberite, which was also
included in business acquisition and consolidation expenses.

Hexcel will pursue the continued expansion of its revenues and profitability
through internally generated growth of existing product lines and by selective,
strategic acquisitions or other business combinations. Recognizing the Company's
significant market position in commercial aerospace, the growth potential of
existing product lines in this market is primarily limited by commercial
aircraft build rates and the penetration of advanced structural materials being
limited to the development of new generations of aircraft. Hexcel therefore
anticipates seeking growth through existing, developed and acquired product
lines in space and defense, recreation, electrical, surface transportation,
civil engineering/ construction and other industrial markets. The Company's
objective is to increase sales to non-commercial markets from the 36% of total
revenues reported in 1997 to less than 50% over time. Hexcel also expects to
pursue financing opportunities that would, among other things, provide support
for these objectives. There can be no assurance that growth can be accomplished
in this manner, or that appropriate acquisitions or financing can be
successfully consummated.

Further discussion of the business acquisitions is contained in Notes 1, 2
and 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESS CONSOLIDATION

In May of 1996, Hexcel announced the commencement of a plan to consolidate
the Company's operations over a period of three years. In December of 1996, the
Company announced the commencement of further consolidation activities
identified during the ongoing integration of the Acquired Businesses. The total
expense of the business consolidation program through December 31, 1997 was
$54.7 million, including $12.3 million and $42.4 million of expenses incurred in
1997 and 1996, respectively. Total expenses exclude $13.0 million of business
acquisition and consolidation expenses relating to the Fiberite transaction
which was not included in the original program. The Company does not expect to
incur any further significant additional expenses in relation to the business
consolidation program. As of December 31, 1997, remaining cash expenditures to
complete this program are estimated at $12 million, which approximates amounts
accrued. Thus, when the program is complete, the Company expects that cash
expenditures (for expenses and capital, net of estimated proceeds from asset
sales) necessary to complete the program will approximate the initial estimate
of $51 million.

The objective of the business consolidation program is to integrate acquired
assets and operations into Hexcel, and to reorganize the Company's manufacturing
and research activities around strategic centers dedicated to select product
technologies. The business consolidation is also intended to eliminate excess
manufacturing capacity and redundant administrative functions. Specific actions
of the consolidation program included the closure of the Anaheim, California
facility acquired in connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business,
the reorganization of the Company's manufacturing operations in Europe, the
consolidation of the Company's U.S. special process manufacturing activities,
and the integration of sales, marketing and administrative resources.

As of December 31, 1997, the primary remaining activities of the business
consolidation program relate to the European operations and the installation and
customer qualifications of equipment transferred from the Anaheim facility to
other U.S. locations. These qualification requirements increase the complexity,
cost and time of moving equipment and rationalizing manufacturing activities. As
a result, the Company continues to expect that the business consolidation
program will take to the end of 1998 to complete.

34

After closing the Anaheim facility on schedule in the third quarter of 1997,
the Company completed the sale of the facility on October 30, 1997. Net cash
proceeds from the sale were approximately $8.5 million, which approximated book
value.

The Company initially estimated that the business consolidation program
would result in annual cost reductions of $32 million per year, beginning in
1999. By the nature of the program (i.e., consolidation of existing and Acquired
Businesses, while at the same time the Company is experiencing an increase in
its commercial aerospace market), the exact amount of annual savings is
difficult to isolate. However, the Company continues to believe that cost
savings have been achieved and, upon completion of the program, estimated cost
savings will equal or exceed the target of $32 million per year. The program was
a key contributor to the Company's improvement in operating margins in 1997.

Further discussion of the business consolidation program is contained in
Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

1997 COMPARED TO 1996

NET SALES: Net sales for 1997 were $936.9 million, compared with net sales
for 1996 of $695.3 million. On a pro forma basis, including full year results of
the Acquired Businesses, 1996 sales were approximately $798.5 million. The 17.4%
increase from pro forma 1996 sales was largely attributable to improved sales of
composite materials to commercial aerospace customers and sales of engineered
products to Boeing, but was partially offset by the translation effect of the
strengthening U.S. dollar. On a constant currency basis, 1997 sales would have
been approximately $38.0 million higher in 1997, reflecting a 22.2% increase
over 1996 pro forma sales.

Approximately 46% of Hexcel's 1997 sales were to Boeing, Airbus, and related
subcontractors, as compared to 32% in 1996. The increase is primarily due to the
growth of the commercial aerospace market and to a much lesser extent Boeing's
acquisition of McDonnell Douglas Corporation, which was completed on August 1,
1997. Reported commercial aircraft deliveries by Boeing (the 7-series) and
Airbus improved significantly in 1997, from a combined 344 aircraft in 1996 to
503 aircraft in 1997, including 321 of the Boeing 7-series and 182 deliveries by
Airbus. Depending on the product, orders placed with Hexcel are received
anywhere between one and eighteen months prior to delivery of the aircraft to
the customer. The Company sells material on every model of commercial aircraft
sold by Boeing and Airbus, with sales per aircraft ranging from $0.2 million to
over $1.0 million per aircraft on the Boeing 777.

The backlog of orders scheduled to be delivered in the next twelve months
was $520 million as of December 31, 1997, a 29% increase over backlog as of
December 31, 1996. In January 1998, Boeing reported that its current planned
production rate for 7-series aircraft is 40 aircraft per month, with plans to
increase this production rate to 43 aircraft per month in the second quarter of
1998. Airbus reported production output of 16.5 aircraft per month in 1997, and
they expect to increase this rate to 24 per month by the end of 1998. Total
estimated Airbus production for 1998 is expected to be 30% greater than that of
1997. Recent announcements regarding delays or cancellations of aircraft orders
from certain Asian airlines have not had an observable impact on Hexcel's sales
or backlog to date. The Company has, however, recently experienced a minor
decline in sales of other materials to the Pacific Rim. Also, should aircraft
orders be delayed or cancelled by the economic situation in Asia, and other
buyers for these orders can not be found, then the Company's sales and earnings
would be negatively impacted.

Hexcel believes that the availability of certain carbon fibers, an important
raw material in manufacturing advanced structural materials, is currently
insufficient to satisfy worldwide demand. The Company estimates it has
production capacity and sufficient supplier commitments to purchase carbon fiber
to meet its estimated 1998 and 1999 aerospace customer requirements. In early
1997, carbon fiber manufacturers, including the Company, announced plans to
increase carbon fiber production capacity.

35

During 1997, the Company substantially completed a carbon fiber capacity
expansion program costing approximately $16 million, which has increased its
capacity by 50%. However, should customer demand grow faster than expected or
the mix or timing of customer requirements change, the Company may not be able
to satisfy all of its customers' requirements.

Net sales to third-party customers by product group and market segment for
1997 and on a pro forma basis for 1996, which includes full year results of the
Acquired Businesses, were as follows:



FIBERS AND COMPOSITE ENGINEERED
FABRICS MATERIALS PRODUCTS TOTAL
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------------
(IN MILLIONS)

1997 NET SALES
Commercial aerospace...................................... $ 23.7 $ 403.9 $ 169.8 $ 597.4 64%
Space and defense......................................... 13.9 64.2 10.2 88.3 9
Recreation................................................ 13.0 53.4 -- 66.4 7
General industrial and other.............................. 119.5 63.9 1.4 184.8 20
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
Total................................................... $ 170.1 $ 585.4 $ 181.4 $ 936.9 100%
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
1996 PRO FORMA NET SALES
Commercial aerospace...................................... $ 17.4 $ 317.1 $ 102.5 $ 437.0 55%
Space and defense......................................... 20.2 60.8 10.4 91.4 11
Recreation................................................ 27.4 63.3 -- 90.7 11
General industrial and other.............................. 116.8 60.8 1.8 179.4 23
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
Total................................................... $ 181.8 $ 502.0 $ 114.7 $ 798.5 100%
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----


The 36.7% growth in net sales to the commercial aerospace market from 1996
to 1997 was largely attributable to increased sales of composite materials and
engineered products. The improvement in sales of composite materials reflects
the commercial aircraft build rate increase noted above. The improvement for
engineered products primarily reflects the production of structural and interior
components outsourced to Hexcel by Boeing throughout 1997, as well as strong
shipments of retrofit interiors to airline customers.

Space and defense net sales decreased 3.4% from 1996 to 1997, reflecting a
decrease in sales of fibers and fabrics, which were partially offset by improved
sales of composite materials to select military programs. The Company believes
that military aircraft procurement, in both the U.S. and Europe, is likely to
increase significantly from current levels over the next five years. The Company
has composite material and carbon fiber qualifications on a number of
significant military programs, including the European Fighter Aircraft, F-22,
F-18, V-22, C-17 and the Titan and Delta space programs.

Recreation net sales also decreased from 1996 to 1997, reflecting the shift
in emphasis of production to the commercial aerospace market as a result of the
increased demand. The 3.0% increase in general industrial and other net sales
was largely due to improved sales of fabrics for printed circuit boards and
composite materials for various transportation applications. Hexcel anticipates
sales to the recreation and general industrial and other markets to grow
modestly throughout 1998.

GROSS MARGIN: Gross margin for 1997 was $222.6 million, or 23.8% of net
sales, compared with $141.3 million, or 20.3% of net sales, for 1996. The
improvement in 1997 gross margin relative to 1996 is the result of higher sales
volume, expansion of the Company's fibers capacity and continued advances in
manufacturing productivity resulting from the Company's consolidation and
restructuring activities. Product price changes were not a significant factor in
the 1997 gross margin improvement.

The integration of the Acquired Businesses into Hexcel, including the
consolidation and rationalization of manufacturing facilities and processes, is
a primary objective of the business consolidation program. While the Company has
begun to realize the productivity improvements as a result of the program, these
improvements will not be fully realized until 1999.

36

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("SG&A") EXPENSES: SG&A expenses were
$102.4 million in 1997, or 10.9% of net sales. This compares to $79.4 million,
or 11.4% of net sales for 1996. The aggregate dollar increase in SG&A is
primarily attributable to the Acquired Businesses.

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (R&T) EXPENSES: R&T expenses were $18.4 million in
1997, or 2.0% of net sales. This compares to $16.7 million, or 2.4% of net sales
for 1996. The aggregate dollar increase in R&T is attributable to the additional
activity from the Acquired Businesses. The Company expects to continue to
increase R&T expenditures in 1998.

OPERATING INCOME: Operating income increased from $2.8 million, or 0.4% of
net sales, in 1996 to $76.5 million, or 8.2% of net sales, in 1997. The
aggregate increase in operating income reflects the higher sales volume,
improved gross margins and a $17.0 million decrease in business acquisition and
consolidation expenses. Excluding business acquisition and consolidation
expenses, operating income as a percentage of sales increased from 6.5% in 1996
to 10.9% in 1997.

INTEREST EXPENSE: Interest expense was $25.7 million, or 2.7% of net sales,
for 1997 compared to $21.5 million, or 3.1% of net sales, for 1996. The increase
in interest expense primarily represents the cost of financing the acquisitions
of the Acquired Businesses. The 1996 amount also includes a $3.4 million
write-off of capitalized debt issuance costs.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES: In accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"), in
1996 and 1995 the Company had fully provided valuation allowance reserves
against its net deferred tax assets primarily in the U.S. and Belgium where
there were uncertainties in generating sufficient future taxable income. In
1997, the Company reversed $59.9 million of its valuation allowance reserve as
follows: $17.0 million due to current year profitable U.S. operations, $39.0
million due to the Company's assessment that the realization of the remaining
U.S. net deferred tax assets is more likely than not, and $3.9 million in
Belgium due to a gain on sale of tangible and intangible assets to other Hexcel
subsidiaries. The Company continues to reserve the balance of the net deferred
tax assets of its Belgium operations. Going forward, the Company expects that
its effective U.S. income tax rate will approximate the statutory rate.

NET INCOME (LOSS): Net income for 1997 was $73.6 million or $1.74 per
diluted share compared with a net loss of $19.2 million or $0.58 per diluted
share for 1996. Excluding the $25.3 million in business acquisition and
consolidation expenses and assuming a U.S. effective income tax rate of 36%,
1997 pro forma net income would have been $1.17 per share on a diluted basis.
Pro forma net income for 1996 would have been $0.48 per diluted share on a
comparable basis.

There were 36.7 million weighted average shares outstanding in 1997 compared
to 33.4 million during 1996. The increase in the number of weighted average
shares in 1997 is primarily attributable to the full year impact of the delivery
of 18.0 million newly issued shares of Hexcel common stock to Ciba on February
29, 1996 in connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business. As of
December 31, 1997, there were 36.9 million shares of Hexcel common stock issued
and outstanding. See Note 15 to the accompanying consolidated financial
statements for the calculation and the number of shares used for diluted
earnings per share.

1996 COMPARED TO 1995

NET SALES: Net sales for 1996 were $695.3 million, compared with net sales
for 1995 of $350.2 million. The results for 1996 include the results of the
Acquired Ciba Business and the Acquired Hercules Business for the periods from
the respective acquisition dates through December 31, 1996. Excluding the
results of the Acquired Businesses, 1996 sales were approximately $385 million,
a 10% increase over 1995. This increase was largely attributable to improved
sales of composite materials to commercial aerospace customers, and reflected
the initial impact of increases in production rates for certain aircraft as well
as the increased utilization of composite materials on new generation aircraft.
In particular, the Company

37

benefited from higher sales of carbon honeycomb core and carbon-based prepregs.
The Company also benefited from improved sales of fabricated honeycomb parts to
the commercial aerospace market, and from increased sales of fabrics for use in
the manufacture of printed circuit boards. Changes in foreign currency exchange
rates did not have a material impact on the level of 1996 sales relative to 1995
sales.

Approximately 32% of Hexcel's 1996 sales were to Boeing, Airbus, and related
subcontractors. Reported commercial aircraft deliveries of Boeing 7-series and
Airbus improved only modestly in 1996, from a combined 330 aircraft in 1995 to
344 aircraft in 1996. However, the 1996 sales benefited from the increase in
scheduled deliveries for 1997 as orders placed with Hexcel are received anywhere
between one and eighteen months prior to delivery of the aircraft to the
customer.

PRO FORMA NET SALES: Pro forma net sales for 1996, giving effect to the
acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses as if those transactions had occurred at
the beginning of the year, were $798.5 million. This compares with pro forma net
sales for 1995 of $771.3 million. Pro forma net sales to third-party customers
by product group and market segment for 1996 and 1995 were as follows:



FIBERS AND COMPOSITE ENGINEERED
FABRICS MATERIALS PRODUCTS TOTAL
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------------
(IN MILLIONS)

1996 PRO FORMA NET SALES
Commercial aerospace...................................... $ 17.4 $ 317.1 $ 102.5 $ 437.0 55%
Space and defense......................................... 20.2 60.8 10.4 91.4 11
Recreation................................................ 27.4 63.3 -- 90.7 11
General industrial and other.............................. 116.8 60.8 1.8 179.4 23
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
Total................................................... $ 181.8 $ 502.0 $ 114.7 $ 798.5 100%
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
1995 PRO FORMA NET SALES
Commercial aerospace...................................... $ 14.8 $ 294.7 $ 94.9 $ 404.4 52%
Space and defense......................................... 25.3 49.0 15.8 90.1 12
Recreation................................................ 31.3 74.3 -- 105.6 14
General industrial and other.............................. 123.0 45.4 2.8 171.2 22
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
Total................................................... $ 194.4 $ 463.4 $ 113.5 $ 771.3 100%
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----


The growth in pro forma sales to the commercial aerospace market from 1995
to 1996 was largely attributable to increased sales of composite materials and
commercial aerospace engineered products. The improvement in sales of composite
materials reflects the commercial aircraft build rate and product utilization
increases noted above. The improvement for engineered products primarily
reflects the production of structural and interior components outsourced to
Hexcel by Boeing during the second half of 1996, as well as strong shipments of
retrofit interiors to airline customers.

Pro forma space and defense sales were essentially unchanged from 1995 to
1996, reflecting a decline in sales of fibers and fabrics and engineered
structures, offset by improved sales of composite materials to select military
programs.

The decrease in pro forma sales to the recreation market during 1996 is
primarily attributable to reduced demand for composite materials by ski and
snowboard manufacturers due to excess inventories. Pro forma sales of fabrics
for certain marine applications were also slightly lower. The increase in pro
forma general industrial sales reflects improved sales of fabrics for printed
circuit boards and composite materials for various transportation applications,
partially offset by reduced sales of carbon fibers to non-aerospace customers.

GROSS MARGIN: Gross margin for 1996 was $141.3 million, or 20.3% of sales,
compared with $67.1 million for 1995, or 19.2% of sales. Excluding the Acquired
Businesses, 1996 gross margin was approximately 24% of sales. The improvement in
1996 gross margin relative to 1995, excluding the impact

38

of the Acquired Businesses, is the result of both higher sales volumes and
improved manufacturing productivity, especially for composite materials. Hexcel
also benefited from the cost reductions associated with the completion, in
mid-1995, of a previous restructuring of the Company's composite materials
business. Product price changes were not a significant factor in the 1996 gross
margin improvement.

The aggregate gross margin of the Acquired Businesses from the respective
acquisition dates through December 31, 1996, was approximately 16% of sales. The
integration of the Acquired Businesses into Hexcel, including the consolidation
and rationalization of manufacturing facilities and processes, is a primary
objective of the business consolidation program. Although the consolidation
program commenced in 1996, the productivity improvements expected to result from
this program will not be fully realized until 1999.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("SG&A") EXPENSES: SG&A expenses were
$79.4 million in 1996, or 11.4% of sales. This compares with 1995 SG&A expenses
of $41.7 million, or 11.9% of sales. The aggregate dollar increase in SG&A
expenses from 1995 to 1996 is attributable to the acquisitions of the Acquired
Businesses. The slight decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales
primarily reflects higher sales levels.

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (R&T) EXPENSES: R&T expenses were $16.7 million in
1996, or 2.4% of net sales. This compares to $7.6 million, or 2.2% of net sales
for 1995. The aggregate dollar increase in R&T is attributable to the
acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses.

OPERATING INCOME: Operating income was $2.8 million in 1996, or 0.4% of
sales, compared with $17.8 million in 1995, or 5.1% of sales. The $74.2 million
increase in gross margin from 1995 to 1996 was more than offset by $37.7 million
in additional SG&A expenses and $42.4 million in business acquisition and
consolidation expenses.

INTEREST EXPENSE: Interest expense totaled $21.5 million in 1996 and $8.7
million in 1995. The year-on-year increase primarily reflects the cost of
financing the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses. Hexcel financed
approximately $200 million of aggregate purchase price with various debt and
credit facilities, and wrote off $3.4 million of capitalized debt financing
costs in connection with the acquisition-related refinancing of certain debt in
1996.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES: Income tax provisions of $3.4 million in 1996
and $3.3 million in 1995 primarily reflect international taxes on certain
European subsidiaries, state taxes, and the settlement of various tax audits.
The 1996 income tax provision is net of a $2.5 million benefit from the
favorable resolution of a U.S. federal tax audit. As of December 31, 1996,
Hexcel had net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax
purposes of approximately $70 million and NOL carryforwards for Belgium income
tax purposes of approximately $22 million. For the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995, the Company has not recognized any tax benefits in 1996 or 1995
attributable to the potential future realization of these NOL carryforwards or
any other deferred tax assets.

NET INCOME (LOSS): The 1996 net loss was $19.2 million, or $0.58 per
diluted share, compared with net income for 1995 of $2.7 million, or $0.17 per
diluted share. The 1996 net loss includes business acquisition and consolidation
expenses of $42.4 million, or $1.16 per share after income taxes. Net income for
1995 is after bankruptcy reorganization expenses of $3.4 million, or $0.21 per
share.

There were 33.4 million weighted average shares outstanding during 1996,
versus 15.6 million during 1995. The increase in the number of weighted average
shares in 1996 is primarily attributable to the delivery of 18.0 million newly
issued shares of Hexcel common stock to Ciba on February 29, 1996, in connection
with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business. As of December 31, 1996, there
were 36.6 million shares of Hexcel common stock issued and outstanding.

39

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The Company had a Revolving Credit Facility, which provided up to $254.6
million of borrowing capacity. As of December 31, 1997, outstanding borrowings
and letter of credit commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility totaled
$158.3 million. The Revolving Credit Facility was scheduled to expire in
February of 1999.

On March 5, 1998, the Company amended and restated the Revolving Credit
Facility (the "Amended Facility"). The Amended Facility provides for borrowing
capacity of up to $355 million and extends the expiration date by four years to
March 2003. While the Company continues to be subject to various financial
covenants and restrictions and is generally prohibited from paying dividends or
redeeming capital stock, the Amended Facility provides $100 million in increased
borrowing capacity and more flexibility as to the use of the borrowings than the
Company's prior facility.

The Company expects that the financial resources of Hexcel, including the
Amended Facility, will be sufficient to fund the Company's worldwide operations
for the foreseeable future. Further discussion of the Company's financial
resources is contained in Note 7 to the accompanying consolidated financial
statements.

ADJUSTED EBITDA AND CASH FLOWS

1997: Earnings before business acquisition and consolidation expenses,
other income, interest, bankruptcy reorganization expenses, taxes, depreciation
and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") was $137.6 million. Net cash provided from
operations was $26.0 million including $33.6 million of business acquisition and
consolidation payments and a $47.7 million increase in working capital as a
result of the increase in sales volume.

Net cash used for investing activities was $82.9 million, including $57.4
for capital expenditures and $37.0 million for the Fiberite transaction,
partially offset by $13.5 million of proceeds from the sale of the Anaheim
facility and the Company's 50% interest in the Knytex joint venture to Owens
Corning. These investing activities were funded by cash from operations and
$57.2 million of borrowings primarily under the Revolving Credit Facility.

1996: Adjusted EBITDA was $71.9 million. Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA, giving
effect to the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses as if those transactions
had occurred at the beginning of the year, was approximately $86 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $26.5 million. Net cash used
for investing activities was $206.4 million, including $164.4 million used in
connection with the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses and $43.6 million
for capital expenditures. Net cash provided by financing activities, including
borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and proceeds from the issuance of
$114.5 million in convertible subordinated notes, was $181.7 million. Non-cash
financing of the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business included the issuance of
debt securities valued at $37.2 million and the issuance of 18.0 million shares
of Hexcel common stock valued at $144.2 million.

1995: Adjusted EBITDA was $29.4 million, and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA was
approximately $62 million. Net cash used by operating activities was $2.5
million. Net cash provided by investing activities was $15.7 million, primarily
reflecting $31.9 million in cash proceeds from the sale of various assets and
$12.1 million of capital expenditures. Net cash used by financing activities of
$9.6 million includes proceeds from short-term debt and the issuance of Hexcel
common stock, as well as the repayment of allowed claims in connection with
Hexcel Corporation's emergence from bankruptcy reorganization proceedings.

40

Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA have been presented to provide
a measure of Hexcel's operating performance that is commonly used by investors
and financial analysts to analyze and compare companies. Adjusted EBITDA and pro
forma Adjusted EBITDA do not represent alternative measures of the Company's
cash flows or operating income, and should not be considered in isolation or as
substitutes for measures of performance presented in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

Capital expenditures were $57.4 million in 1997 compared with $43.6 million
in 1996 and $12.1 million in 1995. The increase in 1997 expenditures over prior
years reflects the impact of the Acquired Businesses on capital requirements,
including the impact of certain business consolidation activities. The increase
also reflects expenditures on manufacturing equipment necessary to improve
manufacturing processes and to expand production capacity for select product
lines that are in high demand, such as the Company's carbon fiber capacity
expansion. A modest increase in capital spending is expected in 1998 as a result
of ongoing opportunities for additional manufacturing improvements. Such
expenditures will be financed with cash generated from operations and borrowings
under the Amended Facility.

YEAR 2000

The Company is continuing to monitor as well as implement its plan to
resolve the Year 2000 issue in both existing software and other systems with
embedded microprocessors. The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs
being written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year.
Any of the Company's programs that have time-sensitive software may recognize a
date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in
a major system failure or miscalculations.

The Company presently believes that, with modifications to existing software
and other systems with embedded microprocessors, and conversion to new software
and other systems, the Year 2000 issue will not pose significant operational
problems for the Company's computer and other systems as so modified and
converted. However, if such modifications and conversions are not completed in a
timely manner, or the Company's customers and suppliers do not successfully
address their Year 2000 issues, the Year 2000 issue may have a material impact
on the operations of the Company. The Company continues to evaluate appropriaste
courses of corrective action, including replacement of certain systems whose
associated costs would be recorded as assets and amortized. The Company does not
expect amounts required to be expensed for Year 2000 issues over the next two
years to have a material effect on its financial position or results of
operations. The amount expensed in 1997 was immaterial.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130"). Hexcel is required to adopt
SFAS 130 in the first quarter of 1998. SFAS 130 establishes standards for
reporting comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general
purpose financial statements. Management does not anticipate that the adoption
of SFAS 130 will have a significant impact on the consolidated financial
statements.

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board also issued Statement
No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
("SFAS 131"). Hexcel is required to adopt SFAS 131 in its annual consolidated
financial statements covering the year ending December 31, 1998. SFAS 131
establishes standards for the way business enterprises report information about
operating segments in annual financial statements. Beginning in 1999, the
Company will also be required to report selected information about operating
segments in its interim financial reports to stockholders. The Company has not
yet determined the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 131 will have on
the consolidated financial statements.

41

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS

Certain statements contained in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," elsewhere in this document, the
Company's annual report or other communications (including press releases and
analysts calls) that are not of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking
statements" regarding events and trends which effect the Company's future
operating results and financial position. Such forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to: (a) revenue and profitability growth
objectives, including increasing sales to non-commercial aerospace markets as
well as the execution of strategic acquisitions or other business combinations;
(b) estimates of commercial aircraft orders and deliveries; (c) estimates of
government defense procurement budgets and military and space build rates; (d)
expectations regarding sales growth, sales mix, gross margins, manufacturing
productivity, selling, general and administrative and R&T expenses, and capital
expenditures; (e) the availability and utilization of NOL carryforwards for
income tax purposes; (f) expectations regarding Hexcel's financial condition and
liquidity, as well as future cash flows; (g) expectations regarding capital
expenditures; (h) the estimated total cost of the Company's business
consolidation program, the estimated amount of cash expenditure to complete the
program and the estimated annual cost savings resulting from the consolidation
program; and (i) the Year 2000 issue. The words "believes", "estimates",
"anticipate", "expect", "intend" and "project", as well as other words or
expressions of similar meaning, are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Such statements are based on current expectations, are inherently
uncertain, and are subject to changing assumptions.

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of Hexcel, or industry results, to be materially different from
any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the
following: ability to identify and successfully consummate acquisitions and
secure related financing; general economic and business conditions; changes in
political, social and economic conditions and local regulations, particularly in
Asia and Europe; foreign currency fluctuations; level of profitability by
country; changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations;
demographic changes; changes in customer preferences; changes in build rates;
the loss of any significant customers, particularly Boeing or Airbus; changes in
sales mix; changes in government defense procurement budgets; changes in current
pricing levels; technology; industry capacity; competition; changes in business
strategy or development plans; availability of carbon fiber; disruptions of
established supply channels; manufacturing capacity constraints; indebtedness of
the Company; and the availability, terms and deployment of capital.

Because of the foregoing factors, in addition to other factors that affect
the Company's operating results and financial position, past financial
performance or the Company's expectations should not be considered to be a
reliable indicator of future performance. Investors should not use historical
trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Further, the Company's
stock price is subject to volatility. Any of the factors discussed above could
have an adverse impact on the Company's stock price. In addition, failure of
sales or income in any quarter to meet the investment community's expectations,
as well as broader market trends, can have an adverse impact on the Company's
stock price.

The Company does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking
statements or risk factors to reflect future events or circumstances.

42

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



DESCRIPTION PAGE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------

Management Responsibility for Financial Statements...................... 49

Report of Independent Accountants....................................... 50

Independent Auditor's Report............................................ 51

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996.......... 52

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years ended
December 31, 1997................................................... 53

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the three years
ended December 31, 1997............................................. 54

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended
December 31, 1997................................................... 55

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements........................ 56-83


Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not
applicable or the required information is included in the consolidated financial
statements or notes thereto.

43

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Hexcel management has prepared and is responsible for the consolidated
financial statements and the related financial data contained in this report.
These financial statements, which include estimates, were prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. Management uses its best judgment
to ensure that such statements reflect fairly the consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

Hexcel maintains accounting and other control systems, which management
believes provide reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable for
purposes of preparing financial statements and that assets are safeguarded and
accounted for properly. Underlying this concept of reasonable assurance is the
premise that the cost of control should not exceed benefits derived from
control.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and monitors the
financial reports and accounting practices of Hexcel. These reports and
practices are reviewed regularly by management and by the Company's independent
accountants, Price Waterhouse LLP, in connection with the audit of the Company's
financial statements. The Audit Committee, composed solely of outside directors,
meets periodically, separately and jointly, with management and the independent
accountants.

/s/ JOHN J. LEE
- --------------------------------------
(John J. Lee)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

/s/ STEPHEN C. FORSYTH
- --------------------------------------
(Stephen C. Forsyth)
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

/s/ WAYNE C. PENSKY
- --------------------------------------
(Wayne C. Pensky)
CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER

44

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of Hexcel Corporation:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hexcel
Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit
of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

The financial statements of Hexcel Corporation for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995 were audited by other independent accountants whose report
dated February 28, 1997 expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

San Jose, California
January 28, 1998, except as to
Aggregate Maturities of Notes
Payable in Note 7, which is as
of March 5, 1998

45

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of Hexcel Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Hexcel
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of Hexcel's management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Hexcel Corporation and
subsidiaries at December 31, 1996, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Oakland, California

February 28, 1997

46

HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



DECEMBER 31, December 31,
1997 1996
------------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents......................................................... $ 9,033 $ 7,975
Accounts receivable............................................................... 181,192 151,263
Inventories....................................................................... 165,321 145,884
Prepaid expenses and other assets................................................. 6,665 11,809
Deferred tax asset................................................................ 24,839 --
------------ -------------
Total current assets............................................................ 387,050 316,931
------------ -------------
Property, plant and equipment....................................................... 488,916 468,173
------------ -------------
Less accumulated depreciation....................................................... (157,439) (141,390)
------------ -------------
Net property, plant and equipment............................................... 331,477 326,783
------------ -------------
Intangibles and other assets........................................................ 93,059 58,022
------------ -------------
Total assets.................................................................... $ 811,586 $ 701,736
------------ -------------
------------ -------------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term liabilities..................... $ 13,858 $ 23,835
Accounts payable.................................................................. 70,011 73,117
Accrued compensation and benefits................................................. 37,306 30,969
Other accrued liabilities......................................................... 65,181 60,891
------------ -------------
Total current liabilities....................................................... 186,356 188,812
------------ -------------
Long-term notes payable and capital lease obligations............................... 304,546 254,919
Indebtedness to related parties..................................................... 34,967 32,262
Other non-current liabilities....................................................... 35,816 46,414
------------ -------------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 20,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or
outstanding in 1997 and 1996.................................................... -- --
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, shares issued and
outstanding of 36,856 in 1997 and 36,561 in 1996................................ 369 366
Additional paid-in capital........................................................ 266,177 259,592
Accumulated deficit............................................................... (15,541) (89,171)
Cumulative currency translation adjustment........................................ (1,104) 8,542
------------ -------------
Total stockholders' equity...................................................... 249,901 179,329
------------ -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...................................... $ 811,586 $ 701,736
------------ -------------
------------ -------------


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

47

HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

Net sales.................................................................. $ 936,855 $ 695,251 $ 350,238
Cost of sales.............................................................. 714,223 553,942 283,148
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross margin............................................................... 222,632 141,309 67,090
Selling, general and administrative expenses............................... 102,449 79,408 41,706
Research and technology expenses........................................... 18,383 16,742 7,618
Business acquisition and consolidation expenses............................ 25,343 42,370 --
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income........................................................... 76,457 2,789 17,766
Interest expense........................................................... 25,705 21,537 8,682
Other income, net.......................................................... -- (2,994) (791)
Bankruptcy reorganization expenses......................................... -- -- 3,361
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes............... 50,752 (15,754) 6,514
(Benefit) provision for income taxes....................................... (22,878) 3,436 3,313
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations................................... 73,630 (19,190) 3,201
Discontinued operations:
Losses during phase-out period........................................... -- -- 468
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)...................................................... $ 73,630 $ (19,190) $ 2,733
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic
Continuing operations.................................................... $ 2.00 $ (0.58) $ 0.21
Discontinued operations.................................................. -- -- (0.03)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)...................................................... $ 2.00 $ (0.58) $ 0.18
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Diluted
Continuing operations.................................................... $ 1.74 $ (0.58) $ 0.20
Discontinued operations.................................................. -- -- (0.03)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)...................................................... $ 1.74 $ (0.58) $ 0.17
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average shares:
Basic.................................................................... 36,748 33,351 15,605
Diluted.................................................................. 45,997 33,351 15,742
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

48

HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


COMMON STOCK MINIMUM CUMULATIVE
-------------------------- ADDITIONAL PENSION CURRENCY
OUTSTANDING PAID-IN ACCUMULATED OBLIGATION TRANSLATION
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL DEFICIT ADJUSTMENT ADJUSTMENT
------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1995................ 7,301 $ 73 $ 62,626 $ (72,714) $ (137) $ 4,267
Net income............................ 2,733
Sale of new common stock under standby
purchase commitment and subscription
rights offering..................... 10,800 108 48,631
Activity under stock plans............ (10) 2
Pension obligation adjustment......... (398)
Currency translation adjustment....... 3,183
------ ----- ----------- ------------ ----- -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995.............. 18,091 181 111,259 (69,981) (535) 7,450
Net loss.............................. (19,190)
Issuance of shares to Ciba at $8, net
of issuance costs of $2,993......... 18,022 180 141,001
Activity under stock plans............ 408 4 7,133
Other issuance of shares.............. 40 1 199
Pension obligation adjustment......... 535
Currency translation adjustment....... 1,092
------ ----- ----------- ------------ ----- -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996.............. 36,561 366 259,592 (89,171) -- 8,542
Net income............................ 73,630
Activity under stock plans............ 292 3 6,535
Conversion of Subordinated Notes...... 3 50
Currency translation adjustment....... (9,646)
------ ----- ----------- ------------ ----- -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997.............. 36,856 $ 369 $ 266,177 $ (15,541) $ -- $ (1,104)
------ ----- ----------- ------------ ----- -----------
------ ----- ----------- ------------ ----- -----------



TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
-------------


BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1995................ $ (5,885)
Net income............................ 2,733
Sale of new common stock under standby
purchase commitment and subscription
rights offering..................... 48,739
Activity under stock plans............ 2
Pension obligation adjustment......... (398)
Currency translation adjustment....... 3,183
-------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995.............. 48,374
Net loss.............................. (19,190)
Issuance of shares to Ciba at $8, net
of issuance costs of $2,993......... 141,181
Activity under stock plans............ 7,137
Other issuance of shares.............. 200
Pension obligation adjustment......... 535
Currency translation adjustment....... 1,092
-------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996.............. 179,329
Net income............................ 73,630
Activity under stock plans............ 6,538
Conversion of Subordinated Notes...... 50
Currency translation adjustment....... (9,646)
-------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997.............. $ 249,901
-------------
-------------


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

49

HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Income (loss) from continuing operations.................................... $ 73,630 $ (19,190) $ 3,201
Reconciliation to net cash provided (used) by continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization............................................. 35,797 26,730 11,623
Deferred income taxes..................................................... (33,203) (520) (329)
Write-off of purchased in-process technologies............................ 8,000 -- --
Accrued business acquisition and consolidation expenses................... 25,343 42,370 --
Business acquisition and consolidation payments........................... (33,595) (11,579) --
Other income.............................................................. -- (1,560) (600)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Increase in accounts receivable......................................... (37,557) (14,695) (1,752)
Increase in inventories................................................. (23,797) (5,072) (8,111)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets................ 1,667 (1,430) 718
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities......... 23,567 15,549 (10,090)
Changes in other non-current assets and long-term liabilities........... (13,878) (4,096) 2,346
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided (used) by continuing operations......................... 25,974 26,507 (2,994)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations.............................. -- -- 486
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities.......................... 25,974 26,507 (2,508)
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures........................................................ (57,369) (43,569) (12,144)
Cash paid for business acquisitions......................................... (37,000) (164,400) (4,150)
Proceeds from sale of certain manufacturing facilities and an interest in a
joint venture............................................................. 13,500 1,560 27,294
Proceeds from sale of discontinued resins business.......................... -- -- 4,648
Other....................................................................... (2,000) -- 17
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities.......................... (82,869) (206,409) 15,665
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt.................................... 3,199 286,974 4,317
Repayments of long-term debt................................................ (9,679) (124,288) (5,402)
Proceeds from the revolving credit facility and short-term debt, net........ 57,186 15,319 20,923
Proceeds from issuance of common stock...................................... 6,538 3,702 48,741
Payments of allowed claims pursuant to the Reorganization Plan.............. -- -- (78,144)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities.......................... 57,244 181,707 (9,565)
---------- ---------- ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents.................. 709 2,341 (694)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents..................................... 1,058 4,146 2,898
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year................................ 7,975 3,829 931
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year...................................... $ 9,033 $ 7,975 $ 3,829
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

50

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Hexcel Corporation and subsidiaries ("Hexcel" or the "Company"), after
elimination of intercompany transactions and accounts. Hexcel is a leading
international developer and manufacturer of carbon fibers, reinforcement
fabrics, and lightweight, high-performance composite materials, parts and
structures for use in the commercial aerospace, space and defense, recreation,
and general industrial markets. The Company serves international markets through
manufacturing and marketing facilities located in the United States and Europe,
as well as sales offices in Asia, Australia and South America. The Company is
also a partner in a joint venture that manufactures and markets composite
materials in Asia.

As discussed in Note 2, Hexcel acquired the worldwide composites division of
Ciba-Geigy Limited ("CGL"), a Swiss corporation, and Ciba-Geigy Corporation, a
New York corporation ("CGC" and together with CGL, "Ciba"), including most of
Ciba's composite materials, parts and structures businesses, on February 29,
1996. The Company subsequently acquired Ciba's Austrian composites business on
May 30, 1996, and various remaining assets of Ciba's worldwide composites
division at various dates through February 28, 1997 (the "Acquired Ciba
Business"). As also discussed in Note 2, Hexcel acquired the composite products
division of Hercules Incorporated ("Hercules"), including Hercules' carbon
fibers and prepreg businesses (the "Acquired Hercules Business"), on June 27,
1996, and the satellite business and rights to certain technologies from
Fiberite, Inc. ("Fiberite") on September 30, 1997. Accordingly, the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
cash flows include the financial position, results of operations and cash flows,
of the businesses acquired from Ciba, Hercules and Fiberite as of such dates and
for such periods that these businesses were owned by the Company.

ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes reflect
numerous estimates and assumptions made by the management of Hexcel. These
estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
the disclosures with respect to contingent assets and liabilities, and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Although management believes that the
estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying consolidated
financial statements and related notes are reasonable in light of known facts
and circumstances, actual results could differ from the estimates used.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Hexcel invests excess cash in investments with original maturities of less
than three months. The investments consist primarily of Eurodollar time deposits
and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company considers
such investments to be cash equivalents for purposes of the statements of cash
flows.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable are net of reserves for doubtful accounts of $6,641 and
$6,625 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

51

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
INVENTORIES

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined
using the first-in, first-out and average cost methods.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Repairs and maintenance
are charged to expense as incurred; replacements and betterments are
capitalized.

The Company depreciates property, plant and equipment over estimated useful
lives. Accelerated and straight-line methods are used for financial statement
purposes. The estimated useful lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and
improvements and from 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment.

INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS

Goodwill and other purchased intangibles are included in "intangibles and
other assets" at cost, less accumulated amortization (see Note 6). Amortization
is provided on a straight-line basis over estimated economic lives which range
from 10 to 20 years.

The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of long-term assets
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset might not be recoverable.

CURRENCY TRANSLATION

The assets and liabilities of European subsidiaries are translated into U.S.
dollars at year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at
average exchange rates during the year. Cumulative currency translation
adjustments are included in stockholders' equity. Realized gains and losses from
currency exchange transactions are recorded in "selling, general and
administrative expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations and were not material to the Company's consolidated results of
operations in 1997, 1996 or 1995.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Product sales are recognized on the date of shipment.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 128, "Earnings
Per Share" ("SFAS 128"), in March 1997 which is effective for reporting periods
ending after December 15, 1997. The Company adopted SFAS 128 in the fourth
quarter of 1997. SFAS 128 requires the presentation of "Basic" earnings per
share which represents net earnings divided by the weighted average shares
outstanding excluding all potential common shares. A dual presentation of
"Diluted" earnings per share reflecting the dilutive effects of all potential
common shares, is also required. The Diluted presentation is similar to fully
diluted earnings per share under the prior accounting standard (see Note 15).

52

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In 1996, Hexcel adopted the disclosure requirements of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), which provide for the disclosure of pro forma net
earnings and earnings per share as if the fair value method were used to account
for stock-based employee compensation plans (see Note 14). Pursuant to SFAS 123,
the Company has elected to continue to use the intrinsic value method to account
for such plans in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees".

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable.
The Company's sales to two customers and their related subcontractors accounted
for approximately 46% and 32% of the Company's 1997 and 1996 net sales,
respectively (see Note 17). The Company performs on-going credit evaluations of
its customers' financial condition but generally does not require collateral or
other security to support customer receivables. The Company establishes an
allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk
of specific customers, historical trends and other financial information.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130"). Hexcel is required to adopt
SFAS 130 in the first quarter of 1998. SFAS 130 establishes standards for
reporting comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general
purpose financial statements. Management does not anticipate that the adoption
of SFAS 130 will have a significant impact on the consolidated financial
statements.

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board also issued Statement
No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
("SFAS 131"). Hexcel is required to adopt SFAS 131 in its annual consolidated
financial statements covering the year ending December 31, 1998. SFAS 131
establishes standards for the way business enterprises report information about
operating segments in annual financial statements. Beginning in 1999, the
Company will also be required to report selected information about operating
segments in its interim financial reports to stockholders. The Company has not
yet determined the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 131 will have on
the consolidated financial statements.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 1997
presentation.

NOTE 2 -- BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

ACQUIRED CIBA BUSINESS

Hexcel acquired most of Ciba's composite materials, parts and structures
businesses on February 29, 1996, Ciba's Austrian composites business on May 30,
1996, and various remaining assets of Ciba's

53

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 2 -- BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
worldwide composites division at various dates through February 28, 1997. The
Acquired Ciba Business is engaged in the manufacture and marketing of
reinforcement fabrics and lightweight, high-performance composite materials,
parts and structures for commercial aerospace, space and defense, recreation,
and general industrial markets. Product lines include reinforcement fabrics,
pre-impregnated fabrics ("prepregs"), structural adhesives, honeycomb core,
sandwich panels and fabricated components, as well as composite structures and
interiors primarily for the commercial and military aerospace markets.

The acquisition of the Acquired Ciba Business was consummated pursuant to a
Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of September 29, 1995, among Ciba and
Hexcel, as amended (the "Strategic Alliance Agreement"). Under the Strategic
Alliance Agreement, the Company acquired the assets (including the capital stock
of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries) and assumed the liabilities of the Acquired
Ciba Business, other than certain excluded assets and liabilities, in exchange
for: (a) 18,022 newly issued shares of Hexcel common stock; (b) $25,000 in cash;
(c) senior subordinated notes in an aggregate principal amount of $34,928,
subject to certain adjustments (the "Senior Subordinated Notes"); and (d) senior
demand notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the cash on hand at
certain of the non-U.S. subsidiaries included in the Acquired Ciba Business (the
"Senior Demand Notes"). In exchange for assets acquired between January 1, 1997
and February 28, 1997, from Ciba affiliates that continued to act as
distributors for the Acquired Ciba Business (the "Ciba Distributors") throughout
1996, Hexcel undertook to deliver additional Senior Subordinated Notes to Ciba
Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc., a Swiss Corporation ("CSCH"), as successor to
Ciba in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $2,300 which was accrued
in 1997. The aggregate purchase price for the net assets acquired was
approximately $208,700.

ACQUIRED HERCULES BUSINESS

Hexcel acquired the assets of the composite products division of Hercules
(the "Acquired Hercules Business") on June 27, 1996. The Acquired Hercules
Business, which manufactures carbon fibers and prepregs for commercial
aerospace, space and defense, recreation, and general industrial markets, was
purchased for $139,400 in cash.

In connection with the purchase of the Acquired Hercules Business, Hexcel
obtained a new revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). As
discussed in Note 7, the Revolving Credit Facility was obtained to: (a)
refinance outstanding indebtedness under a senior secured credit facility; (b)
finance the purchase of the Acquired Hercules Business; and (c) provide for the
ongoing working capital and other financing requirements of the Company,
including business consolidation activities, on a worldwide basis (see Note 3).

ACQUIRED FIBERITE ASSETS

On September 30, 1997, the Company acquired from Fiberite its satellite
business consisting of intangible assets and inventory, and certain
non-exclusive worldwide rights to other prepreg technologies, for $37,000 in
cash. The acquisition was substantially downsized from the original agreement
whereby the Company had, subject to certain terms and conditions, committed to
purchase selected assets and businesses of Fiberite for approximately $300,000.
As a result of the downsized transaction, the Company wrote-off $4,973 of
acquisition and financing costs to business acquisition and consolidation
expenses. In addition, the Company expensed $8,000 of acquired in-process
research and technology purchased from Fiberite which is also included in
business acquisition and consolidation expenses.

54

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 2 -- BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
The acquisition of the satellite business and certain technologies from
Fiberite on September 30, 1997 was accounted for using the purchase method, in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16 "Business
Combinations" ("APBO No. 16"). Under this method, substantially all of the
$37,000 purchase price, less the $8,000 write-off of the acquired in-process
research and technology expenses, was allocated to intangible assets.
Transaction costs in relation to the downsized transaction were not material.

ASSETS ACQUIRED AND LIABILITIES ASSUMED OR INCURRED

The acquisitions of the Acquired Ciba Business and the Acquired Hercules
Business (collectively, the "Acquired Businesses"), have been accounted for
using the purchase method, in accordance with APBO No. 16. The assets acquired
and the liabilities assumed or incurred in 1996 were:



ACQUIRED ACQUIRED TOTAL
CIBA HERCULES ACQUIRED
BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESSES
---------- ---------- ----------

Estimated fair values of assets acquired:
Accounts receivable.................................... $ 53,861 $ 16,819 $ 70,680
Inventories............................................ 63,048 22,289 85,337
Property, plant and equipment.......................... 119,446 110,611 230,057
Goodwill and other purchased intangibles............... 48,539 -- 48,539
Other assets........................................... 3,069 642 3,711
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets acquired.................................. 287,963 150,361 438,324
---------- ---------- ----------
Estimated fair values of liabilities assumed or incurred:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities............... 62,582 7,688 70,270
Notes payable and capital lease obligations............ 4,743 2,774 7,517
Deferred liabilities................................... 14,233 499 14,732
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities assumed or incurred.................. 81,558 10,961 92,519
---------- ---------- ----------
Estimated fair values of net assets acquired............. $ 206,405 $ 139,400 $ 345,805
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Purchase price:
Cash................................................... $ 25,000 $ 139,400 $ 164,400
Senior Subordinated Notes issued to Ciba, at aggregate
fair value........................................... 31,902 -- 31,902
Senior Demand Notes issued to Ciba..................... 5,329 -- 5,329
Hexcel common stock issued to Ciba, valued at $8 per
share................................................ 144,174 -- 144,174
---------- ---------- ----------
Aggregate purchase price............................... $ 206,405 $ 139,400 $ 345,805
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------


The acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses were subject to certain
post-closing adjustments, including the adjustment to the Senior Subordinated
Notes discussed above and the pension adjustment discussed in Note 6.

55

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 2 -- BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The pro forma net sales, net loss and net loss per share of Hexcel for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, giving effect to the acquisitions of the
Acquired Businesses and the related issuance of the Convertible Subordinated
Notes (see Note 7) as if those transactions had occurred at the beginning of the
periods presented, were:



1996 1995
---------- ----------

Pro forma net sales................................................... $ 798,515 $ 771,325
Pro forma net loss.................................................... (21,191) (10,189)
Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share........................ (0.59) (0.30)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Shares used in computing pro forma basic and diluted net loss per
share............................................................... 36,003 33,614
---------- ----------
---------- ----------


Pro forma adjustments giving effect to the Fiberite transaction as if it
occurred at the beginning of 1997 and 1996 would not have had a material effect
to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3 -- BUSINESS CONSOLIDATION

In May of 1996, Hexcel announced the commencement of a plan to consolidate
the Company's operations over a period of three years. In December of 1996, the
Company announced the commencement of further consolidation activities
identified during the ongoing integration of the Acquired Businesses. The total
expense of the business consolidation program was estimated to be approximately
$58,000. Total expenses through December 31, 1997 were $54,700, excluding costs
associated with the Fiberite transaction which were not included in the original
program. The Company does not expect to incur any further significant additional
expenses in relation to this program. As of December 31, 1997, cash expenditures
remaining to complete this program are estimated at $12,000, which approximates
amounts accrued. Thus, when the program is complete, the Company expects that
cash expenditures (for expenses and capital, net of estimated proceeds from
asset sales) necessary to complete the program will approximate the initial
estimate of $51,000.

The objective of the business consolidation program is to integrate acquired
assets and operations into Hexcel, and to reorganize the Company's manufacturing
and research activities around strategic centers dedicated to select product
technologies. The business consolidation is also intended to eliminate excess
manufacturing capacity and redundant administrative functions. Specific actions
of the consolidation program included the closure of the Anaheim, California
facility acquired in connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business,
the reorganization of the Company's manufacturing operations in Europe, the
consolidation of the Company's U.S. special process manufacturing activities,
and the integration of sales, marketing and administrative resources.

As of December 31, 1997, the primary remaining activities of the business
consolidation program relate to the European operations and the installation and
customer qualifications of equipment transferred from the Anaheim facility to
other U.S. locations. These qualification requirements increase the complexity,
cost and time of moving equipment and rationalizing manufacturing activities. As
a result, the Company continues to expect that the business consolidation
program will take to the end of 1998 to complete.

56

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 3 -- BUSINESS CONSOLIDATION (CONTINUED)
After closing the Anaheim facility on schedule in the third quarter of 1997,
the Company completed the sale of the facility on October 30, 1997. Net cash
proceeds from the sale were approximately $8,500, which approximated book value.

Total accrued business acquisition and consolidation expenses at December
31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:



EMPLOYEE FACILITY
SEVERANCE CLOSURE &
AND EQUIPMENT FIBERITE
RELOCATION RELOCATION OTHER TRANSACTION TOTAL
----------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------

BALANCE AS OF JANUARY 1, 1996........................ -- -- -- -- --
Business acquisition and consolidation expenses...... $ 17,285 $ 10,488 $ 14,597 $ -- $ 42,370
Liabilities assumed or incurred in business
acquisitions....................................... 7,104 2,497 -- -- 9,601
Cash expenditures.................................... (5,306) (1,109) (5,164) -- (11,579)
Non-cash usage, including asset write-downs.......... -- (6,678) (8,357) -- (15,035)
----------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996...................... 19,083 5,198 1,076 -- 25,357
Business acquisition and consolidation expenses...... (25) 7,651 4,744 12,973 25,343
Cash expenditures.................................... (6,644) (8,771) (5,207) (12,973) (33,595)
Non-cash usage, including asset write-downs, currency
translation effects and reclassifications.......... (2,759) (2,068) (105) -- (4,932)
----------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997...................... $ 9,655 $ 2,010 $ 508 $ -- $ 12,173
----------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------
----------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------


The consolidation program calls for the elimination of approximately 345
manufacturing, marketing and administrative positions at certain locations,
partially offset by the addition of new positions at other locations. As of
December 31, 1997, approximately 245 positions have been eliminated.

Accrued business consolidation costs of $12,173 as of December 31, 1997 were
included in "other accrued liabilities", and $21,780 and $3,577 as of December
31, 1996, were included in "other accrued liabilities" and "other non-current
liabilities," respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
During 1997 and 1996, business consolidation activities were financed with
operating cash flows and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

NOTE 4 -- INVENTORIES

Inventories as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were:



1997 1996
---------- ----------

Raw materials......................................................... $ 90,429 $ 66,055
Work in progress...................................................... 47,953 45,469
Finished goods........................................................ 26,939 34,360
---------- ----------
Inventories........................................................... $ 165,321 $ 145,884
---------- ----------
---------- ----------


57

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 5 -- PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were:



1997 1996
----------- -----------

Land.............................................. $ 13,729 $ 19,253
Buildings......................................... 206,900 127,863
Equipment......................................... 268,287 321,057
----------- -----------
Property, plant and equipment..................... 488,916 468,173
Less accumulated depreciation..................... (157,439) (141,390)
----------- -----------
Net property, plant and equipment................. $ 331,477 $ 326,783
----------- -----------
----------- -----------


Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
was $33,214, $24,656 and $11,623, respectively.

NOTE 6 -- INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS

Intangibles and other assets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were:



1997 1996
---------- ----------

Goodwill and other purchased intangibles, net of
accumulated amortization of $4,657 and $2,074 as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively..... $ 67,237 $ 47,692
Debt financing costs, net of accumulated
amortization of $2,487 and $877 as of December
31, 1997 and 1996, respectively................. 4,030 5,915
Prepaid pension asset............................. 8,619 --
Deferred income taxes............................. 9,901 --
Investments in joint ventures..................... -- 1,450
Other assets...................................... 3,272 2,965
---------- ----------
Intangibles and other assets...................... $ 93,059 $ 58,022
---------- ----------
---------- ----------


GOODWILL AND OTHER PURCHASED INTANGIBLES

Goodwill and other purchased intangibles include certain intellectual
property acquired in connection with the purchases of the Acquired Ciba
Business, the Fiberite assets and the Hexcel-Fyfe joint venture (see below).
Amortization expense for these assets for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, was $2,583 and $2,074, respectively.

DEBT FINANCING COSTS

Debt financing costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the related
debt. Unamortized debt financing costs relate to the Revolving Credit Facility
obtained in June of 1996, and to the Convertible Subordinated Notes issued in
July of 1996 (see Notes 2 and 7).

58

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 6 -- INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS (CONTINUED)
INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES

Investments in joint ventures are accounted for by the equity method. Equity
in the earnings of joint ventures were not material to Hexcel's consolidated
results of operations for 1997, 1996 or 1995.

As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, Hexcel owned a 45% and 43% equity interest
in DIC-Hexcel Limited ("DHL"), respectively, a joint venture with Dainippon Ink
and Chemicals, Inc. ("DIC"). On August 12, 1997, the Company sold its 40% equity
interest in Hexcel-Fyfe, LLC, to its joint venture partner, Fyfe Associates
Corporation, for net cash proceeds and the receipt of rights to certain
intangible assets that approximated the Company's investment. On December 31,
1996, the Company sold its 50% equity interest in Knytex Company, LLC to the
joint venture partner, Owens Corning Corporation, for net cash proceeds that
approximated the Company's investment.

The DHL joint venture, which owns and operates a manufacturing facility in
Komatsu, Japan, was formed in 1990 for the production and sale of Nomex
honeycomb, prepregs and decorative laminates for the Japanese market. In
December of 1996, Hexcel and DIC reached an agreement in principle to continue
the DHL joint venture and expand its operations. The Company and DIC agreed to
fund the joint venture's operations through 1998 by each contributing an
additional $3,250 in cash, payable in installments through 1998. Of this amount,
$2,000 was paid in 1997. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company's
liability with respect to funding the venture's activities, has been accrued for
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the Company and
DIC agreed to contribute certain additional technology and product manufacturing
rights to DHL. Under the terms of the agreement in principle, the Company
remains contingently liable to pay DIC up to $4,500 with respect to DHL's bank
debt, but the possibility that such repayment will be required has diminished as
a result of the improvement in the venture's business prospects.

PREPAID PENSION ASSET

As part of the Acquired Ciba Business, the Company acquired a net pension
asset from a defined benefit plan covering employees of a United Kingdom
subsidiary. Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, these employees
continued to participate in a defined benefit retirement plan sponsored by Ciba
up to January 1, 1997, at which time, the net pension asset was valued at $8,688
and was transferred to a newly created plan sponsored by the Company.
Accordingly, the Company recorded the $8,688 as a prepaid pension asset with a
corresponding reduction in goodwill. As of December 31, 1997, the prepaid
pension asset was $8,619, reflecting the net change for the year.

59

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 7 -- NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable, capital lease obligations and indebtedness to related parties
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were:



1997 1996
---------- ----------

Revolving Credit Facility......................... $ 158,267 $ 98,656
European Credit and Overdraft Facilities.......... 13,909 23,405
Convertible Subordinated Notes, due 2003.......... 114,450 114,500
Convertible Subordinated Debentures, due 2011..... 25,625 25,625
Obligations Under IDRB Variable Rate Demand
Notes........................................... -- 8,450
Various notes payable............................. 680 1,212
---------- ----------
Total notes payable............................... 312,931 271,848
Capital lease obligations (see Note 8)............ 5,473 6,906
Senior Subordinated Notes Payable to CSC, net of
unamortized discount of $2,233 and $2,666 as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively........ 34,967 32,262
---------- ----------
Total notes payable, capital lease obligations and
indebtedness to related parties................. $ 353,371 $ 311,016
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term
liabilities..................................... $ 13,858 $ 23,835
Long-term notes payable and capital lease
obligations, less current maturities............ 304,546 254,919
Indebtedness to related parties................... 34,967 32,262
---------- ----------
Total notes payable, capital lease obligations and
indebtedness to related parties................. $ 353,371 $ 311,016
---------- ----------
---------- ----------


REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

In connection with the acquisition of the Acquired Hercules Business on June
27, 1996, Hexcel obtained the Revolving Credit Facility to: (a) refinance
outstanding indebtedness under its current credit facility; (b) finance the
purchase of the Acquired Hercules Business; and (c) provide for the ongoing
working capital and other financing requirements of the Company, including
business consolidation activities, on a worldwide basis. The Revolving Credit
Facility provided for up to $254,600 of borrowing capacity and would have
expired in February 1999. As discussed in Note 24, the Revolving Credit Facility
was amended and restated in March 1998.

Interest on outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility was
computed at an annual rate of 0.4% in excess of the applicable London interbank
rate or, at the option of Hexcel, at the base rate of the administrative agent
for the lenders. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility was subject to a
commitment fee of approximately 0.2% per annum on the unused portion of the
facility. As of
December 31, 1997, letters of credit with an aggregate face amount of $3,700
were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Revolving Credit Facility was secured by a pledge of stock of certain of
Hexcel's subsidiaries. In addition, the Company was subject to various financial
covenants and restrictions under the Revolving Credit Facility, and was
generally prohibited from paying dividends or redeeming capital stock.

60

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 7 -- NOTES PAYABLE (CONTINUED)
As a result of obtaining the Revolving Credit Facility and the corresponding
extinguishment of certain of the Company's credit facilities, Hexcel wrote off
$3,400 of capitalized debt financing costs in 1996. This amount is included in
"interest expense" in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for
1996.

EUROPEAN CREDIT AND OVERDRAFT FACILITIES

In addition to the Revolving Credit Facility, certain of Hexcel's European
subsidiaries have access to limited credit and overdraft facilities provided by
various local lenders. These credit and overdraft facilities, which are only
available to finance certain activities by specific subsidiaries, are primarily
uncommitted facilities that are terminable at the discretion of the lenders. The
credit and overdraft facilities in use by the Company's European subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996, other than the Revolving Credit Facility, bear
interest at rates between 2.5% and 7.7% per year.

CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES, DUE 2003

In July of 1996, Hexcel completed an offering of $114,500 in convertible
subordinated notes due 2003 (the "Convertible Subordinated Notes"). The
Convertible Subordinated Notes carry an annual interest rate of 7% and are
convertible into Hexcel common stock at a conversion price of $15.81 per share,
subject to adjustment under certain conditions. Net proceeds of $111,351 from
this offering were used to repay outstanding borrowings under the Revolving
Credit Facility.

The Convertible Subordinated Notes are redeemable beginning in August of
1999, in whole or in part, at the option of Hexcel. The redemption prices range
from 103.5% to 100.0% of the outstanding principal amount, depending on the
period in which redemption occurs. As of December 31, 1997, $50 of the
Convertible Subordinated Notes had been converted resulting in the issuance of 3
shares of common stock.

CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES, DUE 2011

The 7% convertible subordinated debentures, due 2011, are redeemable by
Hexcel under certain provisions, although any such redemption is restricted by
the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility. Mandatory redemption is scheduled to
begin in 2002 through annual sinking fund requirements. The debentures are
convertible prior to maturity into common stock of the Company at $30.72 per
share, subject to adjustment under certain conditions.

OBLIGATIONS UNDER IDRB VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES

In 1997, Hexcel repaid in full various industrial development revenue bonds
("IDRBs") to obtain the benefit of reduced administration costs. The IDRBs had
original maturity dates after 2001 and were guaranteed by bank letters of credit
issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. The interest rates on the IDRBs were
variable and averaged 4.0% in 1997, 4.2% in 1996 and 6.2% in 1995.

SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE TO CSC

In connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business, Hexcel
delivered Senior Subordinated Notes to Ciba in an aggregate principal amount of
$34,928. Hexcel has also consented to an assignment by Ciba of Ciba's rights and
obligations under the Alliance Agreement to CSCH, and Ciba Specialty Chemicals
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (collectively "CSC"). In connection with the
assignment

61

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 7 -- NOTES PAYABLE (CONTINUED)
of these rights and obligations, the Senior Subordinated Notes that were
previously payable to Ciba are now payable to CSC. In accordance with the terms
of the amended Strategic Alliance Agreement, Hexcel acquired certain assets of
the Ciba Distributors between January 1, 1997 and February 28, 1997, in exchange
for an undertaking to deliver additional Senior Subordinated Notes in an
aggregate principle amount of approximately $2,300. Upon delivery of these
additional Senior Subordinated Notes, the total aggregate principle amount of
Senior Subordinated Notes payable to CSC will be approximately $37,200.

At the date of issue, the aggregate fair value of the Senior Subordinated
Notes was $31,902, or $3,026 less than the aggregate principal amount. The
original discount of $3,026 reflects the absence of certain call protection
provisions from the terms of the Senior Subordinated Notes and the difference
between the stated interest rate on the Senior Subordinated Notes and the
estimated market rate for debt obligations of comparable quality and maturity.
This discount, which is amortized over the life of the Senior
Subordinated Notes, had an unamortized balance of $2,233 and $2,666 as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The Senior Subordinated Notes are general unsecured obligations of Hexcel
that bear interest for three years at a rate of 7.5% per annum, payable
semiannually from February 29, 1996. The interest rate will increase to 10.5%
per annum on the third anniversary of the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business
(February 28, 1999), and by an additional 0.5% per year thereafter until the
Senior Subordinated Notes mature in the year 2003.

As discussed in Note 9, Hexcel has various financial and other relationships
with CSC. Accordingly, the Company's net indebtedness to CSC under the Senior
Subordinated Notes has been classified as "indebtedness to related parties" in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

AGGREGATE MATURITIES OF NOTES PAYABLE

Aggregate maturities of notes payable, excluding capital lease obligations
(see Note 8), as of December 31, 1997, were:



Payable during years ending December 31:
1998............................................ $ 13,511
1999............................................ 672
2000............................................ 147
2001............................................ 154
2002............................................ 1,856
2003 and thereafter............................. 331,558
---------
Total notes payable........................... $ 347,898
---------
---------


At December 31, 1997, amounts owed under the Revolving Credit Facility
totaled $158,267. As discussed in Note 24, the Revolving Credit Facility was
amended and restated in March 1998. Under the amended terms, the facility was
extended to 2003, and accordingly, the above table reflects the amended due
date.

62

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 7 -- NOTES PAYABLE (CONTINUED)
ESTIMATED FAIR VALUES OF NOTES PAYABLE

The Revolving Credit Facility, and substantially all of the various European
credit facilities and other notes payable outstanding as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, are variable-rate debt obligations. Accordingly, management believes
that the estimated fair value of each of these debt obligations approximates the
respective book value.

The aggregate fair values of the Convertible Subordinated Notes, due 2003,
and the Convertible Subordinated Debentures, due 2011, are estimated on the
basis of quoted market prices, although trading in these debt securities is
limited and may not reflect fair value. The aggregate fair value of the
Convertible Subordinated Notes, due 2003, was approximately $196,000 and
$141,700 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The aggregate fair
value of the Convertible Subordinated Debentures, due 2011, was approximately
$25,500 and $24,000 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

NOTE 8 -- LEASING ARRANGEMENTS

Assets, accumulated depreciation and related liability balances under
capital leasing arrangements as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were:



1997 1996
--------- ---------

Property, plant and equipment..................... $ 10,197 $ 11,572
Less accumulated depreciation..................... (3,593) (2,927)
--------- ---------
Net property, plant and equipment................. $ 6,604 $ 8,645
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
Capital lease obligations......................... $ 5,473 $ 6,906
less current maturities........................... (347) (768)
--------- ---------
Long-term capital lease obligations, net.......... $ 5,126 $ 6,138
--------- ---------
--------- ---------


Certain sales and administrative offices, data processing equipment, and
manufacturing facilities are leased under operating leases. Rental expense under
operating leases was $4,559 in 1997, $4,623 in 1996 and $2,871 in 1995.

Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 1997, were:



TYPE OF LEASE
----------------------
CAPITAL OPERATING
--------- -----------

Payable during years ending December 31:
1998............................................ $ 858 $ 3,935
1999............................................ 858 3,304
2000............................................ 783 1,987
2001............................................ 512 714
2002............................................ 512 233
2003 and thereafter............................. 5,948 1,402
--------- -----------
Total minimum lease payments.................. $ 9,471 $ 11,575
--------- -----------
--------- -----------


Total minimum capital lease payments include $3,999 of imputed interest.

63

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 9 -- RELATED PARTIES

In connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business, Hexcel
delivered 18,022 newly issued shares of Hexcel common stock to Ciba,
representing 49.9% of the Hexcel common stock issued and outstanding at that
date. In addition, the Company and Ciba entered into the Alliance Agreement
which currently provides for, among other things, the designation by Ciba of
four of the Company's ten directors, and the approval of a majority of these
four designated directors for the taking of certain significant actions by the
Company. On February 21, 1997, the Company consented to an assignment by Ciba of
Ciba's rights and obligations under the Alliance Agreement to CSC. In connection
with the assignment of these rights and obligations, all of the Hexcel common
stock previously held by Ciba is now held by CSC.

As discussed in Notes 2 and 7, Hexcel has delivered Senior Subordinated
Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $34,928 to Ciba in connection with the
purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business and has undertaken to deliver
approximately $2,300 additional Senior Subordinated Notes in connection with the
acquisition of certain assets of the Ciba Distributors. In connection with the
assignment of Ciba's rights and obligations under the Alliance Agreement, the
Senior Subordinated Notes that were previously payable to Ciba will be payable
to CSC. During 1996, the Company also delivered Senior Demand Notes to Ciba in
an aggregate principle amount of $5,329. The Senior Demand Notes were presented
for payment and paid in full prior to December 31, 1996. Aggregate interest
expense on the Senior Subordinated Notes in 1997 and 1996 was $2,762 and $2,715,
respectively.

Hexcel purchases certain raw materials from various CSC subsidiaries, as
successor to Ciba subsidiaries. In addition, the Company sells certain finished
products to various CSC subsidiaries, including the Ciba Distributors. The
Company's aggregate purchases from CSC subsidiaries and their predecessor Ciba
subsidiaries for 1997 and for the period from March 1, 1996 through December 31,
1996, were $34,255 and $15,116, respectively. The Company's aggregate sales to
CSC subsidiaries and their predecessor Ciba subsidiaries for the same periods
were $5,620 and $32,408, respectively. These sales were primarily to the Ciba
Distributors pursuant to a distribution agreement, which expired February 28,
1997. In addition, in 1997 and 1996 the Company incurred $1,234 and $214,
respectively, of expenses related to the Acquired Ciba Business that are subject
to reimbursement by CSC as successor to Ciba under the terms of the Strategic
Alliance Agreement. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, aggregate receivables from
CSC or CSC subsidiaries and their Ciba predecessors included in "accounts
receivable" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were $400 and
$5,951, respectively. Aggregate payables to CSC or CSC and their Ciba
predecessors included in "accounts payable" and "accrued liabilities" as of the
same dates were $1,196 and $1,812, respectively.

64

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 10 -- OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Other non-current liabilities as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were:



1997 1996
--------- ---------

Postretirement benefit liability (see Note 12).... $ 14,066 $ 13,726
Liability for environmental remediation
activities...................................... 5,080 7,070
Liability for business consolidation activities
(see Note 3).................................... -- 3,577
Liability for DIC-Hexcel Limited (see Note 6)..... -- 3,250
Pension and retirement liability (see Note 11).... 2,702 2,206
Deferred tax liability (see Note 13).............. 2,970 1,433
Other............................................. 10,998 15,152
--------- ---------
Other non-current liabilities..................... $ 35,816 $ 46,414
--------- ---------
--------- ---------


NOTE 11 -- RETIREMENT PLANS

Hexcel maintains a retirement savings and contribution plan and a defined
benefit retirement plan covering most U.S. employees, except for certain
employees with union affiliations. In addition, the Company maintains a separate
retirement savings plan available to certain U.S. employees with union
affiliations, and contributes to a union sponsored multi-employer pension plan
covering these same employees. The Company also maintains various retirement
plans covering certain European employees, as well as defined benefit
supplemental retirement plans for eligible senior executives. The net expense to
the Company of all of these retirement plans was $11,500 in 1997, $9,107 in 1996
and $2,768 in 1995.

Under the U.S. retirement savings and contribution plan, eligible employees
may contribute up to 16% of their compensation to an individual retirement
savings account. Hexcel makes matching contributions to individual retirement
savings accounts equal to 50% of employee contributions, not to exceed 3% of
employee compensation. Furthermore, the Company makes profit sharing
contributions of up to an additional 4% of employee compensation when the
Company meets or exceeds certain annual performance targets. Matching
contributions to the U.S. retirement savings and contribution plan were $2,309
for 1997, $2,160 for 1996 and $1,290 for 1995. The profit sharing contributions
were $3,648 for 1997 and $3,236 for 1996. There was no profit sharing
contribution for 1995.

The U.S. defined benefit retirement plan is a career average pension plan
covering both hourly and salaried employees. Benefits are based on years of
service and the annual compensation of the employee. Hexcel's funding policy is
to contribute the minimum amount required by applicable regulations.

Hexcel maintains a separate retirement savings plan available to certain
U.S. employees with union affiliations of the composite structures business
acquired from Ciba on February 29, 1996. Under this plan, employees may
contribute up to 14% of their compensation to an individual retirement savings
account. There are no matching or profit sharing contributions. In addition, the
Company participates in a union sponsored multi-employer pension plan covering
these same employees. The Company's contributions to this plan were $1,326 for
1997 and $731 for 1996.

As part of the Acquired Ciba Business, the Company acquired a net pension
asset from a defined benefit retirement plan covering employees of a United
Kingdom subsidiary. Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, these
employees continued to participate in a defined benefit retirement plan

65

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 11 -- RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)
sponsored by Ciba up to January 1, 1997, at which time, the accumulated benefit
obligation and net pension asset was valued and transferred to a newly created
plan sponsored by the Company.

The net periodic cost of Hexcel's defined benefit retirement plans for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, were:



U.S. Plans European Plans
1997 1996 1995 1997 1996
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Service cost--benefits earned during the year..... $ 2,310 $ 2,365 $ 661 $ 1,933 $ 150
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation..... 817 646 660 2,168 132
Return on plan assets--actual..................... (739) (477) (1,103) (6,799) (109)
Net amortization and deferral..................... 265 273 1,260 4,002 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net periodic pension cost......................... $ 2,653 $ 2,807 $ 1,478 $ 1,304 $ 173
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------


The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans as of December
31, 1997 and 1996:



U.S. Plans European Plans
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------- --------- --------- ---------

Actuarial present value of benefit obligations--
Vested benefit obligation......................... $ 12,424 $ 9,082 $ 22,813 $ 2,760
Non-vested benefit obligation..................... 613 473 -- --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Accumulated benefit obligation.................... $ 13,037 $ 9,555 $ 22,813 $ 2,760
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Projected benefit obligation...................... $ 14,910 $ 11,070 $ 32,627 $ 3,494
Plan assets at fair value......................... 8,343 5,974 44,557 2,405
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Plan assets more (less) than projected benefit
obligation...................................... (6,567) (5,096) 11,930 (1,089)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss...................... 1,436 157 (3,311) --
Unrecognized net transition obligation............ 169 212 -- --
Unrecognized prior service cost................... 4 32 -- 1,183
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Prepaid (accrued) pension liability............... (4,958) (4,695) 8,619 94
--------- --------- --------- ---------
less current portion............................ 2,256 2,395 -- --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Long-term portion prepaid (accrued) pension
liability....................................... $ (2,702) $ (2,300) $ 8,619 $ 94
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------


66

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 11 -- RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)
Assumptions used to estimate the actuarial present value of benefit
obligations as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, were:



1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------

U.S. defined benefit retirement plans:
Discount rate................................... 7.5 % 7.5 % 7.0 %
Rate of increase in compensation.................. 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.0 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan
assets.......................................... 9.0 % 9.0 % 9.5 %




1997 1996
------------- --------------

European defined benefit retirement plans:
Discount rates.................................. 6.5% - 7.0% 6.5% - 7.5%
Rates of increase in compensation............... 2.0% - 5.0% 2.0% - 4.5%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan
assets........................................ 6.5% - 7.5% 6.5% - 9.0%


NOTE 12 -- POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS

Hexcel provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance
benefits to eligible retirees. Substantially all U.S. employees hired on or
before December 31, 1995, are eligible for benefits, as well as certain U.S.
employees hired on February 29, 1996, in connection with the purchase of the
Acquired Ciba Business, and on June 27, 1996, in connection with the purchase of
the Acquired Hercules Business. Effective January 1, 1996, the Company amended
its postretirement benefit program to eliminate any benefits for employees hired
after December 31, 1995, other than senior executives and certain employees
hired in connection with business acquisitions.

Benefits are available to eligible employees who retire on or after age 58
after rendering at least 15 years of service to Hexcel, including years of
service rendered to the Acquired Ciba Business or the Acquired Hercules Business
prior to the dates of acquisition. Benefits consist of coverage of up to 50% of
the annual cost of certain health insurance plans, as well as annual life
insurance coverage equal to 65% of the final base pay of the retiree until the
age of 70. Upon reaching 70 years of age, life insurance coverage is reduced.
Effective January 1, 1996, Hexcel amended its postretirement benefit program to
limit health care benefit coverage to selected health insurance plans for the
majority of active employees.

Hexcel funds postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs on
a pay-as-you-go basis and, for 1997, 1996 and 1995, made benefit payments of
approximately $750, $400 and $600, respectively. Net defined postretirement
benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, were:



1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------

Service cost--benefits earned during the year..... $ 91 $ 80 $ 279
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation.............................. 752 701 780
Net amortization and deferral..................... (213) (222) (201)
--------- --------- ---------
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.......... $ 630 $ 559 $ 858
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------


67

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 12 -- POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS (CONTINUED)
Defined postretirement benefit liabilities as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
were:



1997 1996
--------- ---------

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
Retirees........................................ $ 7,483 $ 7,302
Fully eligible active plan participants......... 1,897 1,658
Other active plan participants.................. 1,456 1,031
--------- ---------
10,836 9,991
Unrecognized prior service credit................. 556 890
Unrecognized net gain............................. 3,210 3,567
--------- ---------
Defined postretirement benefit liability.......... 14,602 14,448
less current portion of postretirement benefit
liability....................................... (536) (722)
--------- ---------
Deferred postretirement benefit liability (see
Note 10)........................................ $ 14,066 $ 13,726
--------- ---------
--------- ---------


Two health care cost trend rates were used in measuring the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation. For indemnity health care costs, the assumed
cost trend in 1997 was 10.0% for participants less than 65 years of age and 6.0%
for participants 65 years of age and older, gradually declining to 5.0% for both
age groups in the year 2002. For Health Maintenance Organization health care
costs, the assumed cost trend in 1997 was 7.0% for participants less than 65
years of age and 4.0% for participants 65 years of age and older, gradually
declining to 5.0% and 4.0%, respectively, in the year 1999.

The weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 7.0% in 1997 and 7.5% in 1996. The rate of
increase in compensation used in determining the obligation was 4.5% in 1997 and
1996 and 4.0% in 1995.

If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1.0%, the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1997 would be
increased by 6.1%. The effect of this change on the sum of the service cost and
interest cost would be an increase of 5.6%.

68

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 13 -- INCOME TAXES

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

Income (loss) before income taxes and the (benefit) provision for income
taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, were:



1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------

Income (loss) before income taxes:
U.S....................................................... $ 24,197 $ (11,956) $ (1,027)
International............................................. 26,555 (3,798) 7,541
---------- ---------- ---------
Total income (loss) before income taxes..................... $ 50,752 $ (15,754) $ 6,514
---------- ---------- ---------
---------- ---------- ---------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Current:
U.S....................................................... $ 798 $ (1,600) $ 197
International............................................. 9,527 5,556 3,445
---------- ---------- ---------
Current provision for income taxes.......................... 10,325 3,956 3,642
---------- ---------- ---------
Deferred:
U.S....................................................... (33,935) -- --
International............................................. 732 (520) (329)
---------- ---------- ---------
Deferred benefit for income taxes........................... (33,203) (520) (329)
---------- ---------- ---------
Total (benefit) provision for income taxes.................. $ (22,878) $ 3,436 $ 3,313
---------- ---------- ---------
---------- ---------- ---------


A reconciliation of the (benefit) provision to the U.S. federal statutory
income tax rate of 35%, 34% and 34% for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995, is as follows:



1997 1996 1995
---------- --------- ---------

Provision (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate........... $ 17,763 $ (5,356) $ 2,215
U.S. state taxes, less federal tax benefit................... 519 21 (254)
Impact of different international tax rates, adjustments to
income tax accruals and other.............................. 18,773 (9,656) 492
Valuation allowance.......................................... (59,933) 18,427 860
---------- --------- ---------
Total (benefit) provision for income taxes................... $ (22,878) $ 3,436 $ 3,313
---------- --------- ---------
---------- --------- ---------


In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"), in 1996 and 1995 the Company had
fully provided valuation allowance reserves against its net deferred tax assets
primarily in the U.S. and Belgium where there were uncertainties in generating
sufficient future taxable income. In 1997, the Company reversed $59.9 million of
its valuation allowance reserve as follows: $17.0 million due to current year
profitable U.S. operations, $39.0 million due to the Company's assessment that
the realization of the remaining U.S. net deferred tax assets is more likely
than not, and $3.9 million in Belgium due to a gain on sale of certain tangible
and intangible assets to other Hexcel subsidiaries. The Company continues to
reserve the balance of the net deferred tax asset related to its Belgium
operations.

69

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 13 -- INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The Company has made no U.S. income tax provision for approximately $46,000
of undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997.
Such earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested. The additional U.S.
income tax on these earnings, if repatriated, would be offset in part by foreign
tax credits.

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the
recognition of items for income tax purposes and financial reporting purposes.
Principal temporary differences as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were:



1997 1996
---------- ----------

Net operating loss carryforwards...................................... $ 21,000 $ 33,922
Reserves and other, net............................................... 31,580 37,596
Accrued business acquisition and consolidation expenses............... 4,380 9,128
Accelerated depreciation and amortization............................. (16,690) (13,646)
Valuation allowance................................................... (8,500) (68,433)
---------- ----------
Net deferred tax asset (liability).................................... $ 31,770 $ (1,433)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------


NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS

As of December 31, 1997, Hexcel had net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards
for U.S. federal and Belgium income tax purposes of approximately $53,000 and
$5,000, respectively. The U.S. NOL carryforwards, which are available to offset
future taxable income, expire at various dates through the year 2010. As a
result of the ownership change, which occurred in connection with the purchase
of the Acquired Ciba Business, the Company has a limitation on the utilization
of U.S. NOL carryforwards of approximately $12,000 per year.

NOTE 14 -- STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS

The Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan as amended and restated
("Incentive Stock Plan"), authorizes the use of Hexcel common stock for
providing a variety of stock-based incentive awards to eligible employees,
officers, directors and consultants. The Incentive Stock Plan provides for
grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and
restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards. In May 1997, Hexcel's
stockholders increased the aggregate number of shares of Hexcel common stock
available for use under the Incentive Stock Plan by 3,850 to 4,013. As of
December 31, 1997, 1,193 options were vested.

As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had outstanding a total of 352
and 286, respectively, of performance accelerated restricted stock units
("PARS"). Subject to certain conditions of employment, PARS vest in increments
through 2004, subject to accelerated vesting under certain circumstances, and
are convertible into an equal number of shares of Hexcel common stock. As of
December 31, 1997, no PARS were vested.

In May 1997, Hexcel's stockholders approved the Management Stock Purchase
Plan (the "MSPP"). The MSPP authorizes an aggregate of 150 shares of Hexcel
common stock for use by the Company in

70

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 14 -- STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS (CONTINUED)
providing stock-based incentive awards to senior executives and certain key
management employees. Eligible executives and employees may purchase Restricted
Stock Units ("Units") for up to 50% of their annual bonus pursuant to an
irrevocable election made previously. Each Unit is purchased at 80% of the fair
market value (as defined in the MSPP) of the Company's common stock at the date
the bonus becomes available and is restricted for a period of three years.
Subject to certain conditions of employment, the Units vest equally over a
period of three years, and upon expiration of the restricted period are
convertible on a one-to-one basis for shares of Hexcel common stock. No Units
had been purchased as of December 31, 1997.

In December 1997, the Board of Directors resolved to permit non-employee
directors to elect to receive a portion or all of their annual retainer fees in
the form of non-qualified stock options issued under the Incentive Stock Plan.
These options may be used to purchase common stock of the Company at a price of
50% of the fair market value at the date of grant. Options vest proportionately
over a period of one year from the date of grant. No such options had been
granted as of December 31, 1997.

Stock option data for the three years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, were:



WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
NUMBER OF EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE
----------- -----------

Options outstanding at January 1, 1995............ 468 $ 12.37
Options granted................................... 787 $ 5.63
Options exercised................................. (1) $ 7.56
Options expired or canceled....................... (240) $ 11.80
----------- -----------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1995.......... 1,014 $ 7.27
Options granted................................... 1,577 $ 12.69
Options exercised................................. (447) $ 9.40
Options expired or canceled....................... (85) $ 11.45
----------- -----------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1996.......... 2,059 $ 10.36
Options granted................................... 3,094 $ 18.24
Options exercised................................. (289) $ 9.64
Options expired or canceled....................... (25) $ 15.51
----------- -----------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1997.......... 4,839 $ 15.39
----------- -----------
----------- -----------


71

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 14 -- STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS (CONTINUED)
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1997:



OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
------------------------------------------- ------------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
NUMBER OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE
OPTIONS REMAINING LIFE EXERCISE OPTIONS EXERCISE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING (IN YEARS) PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE
- ------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------------- ----------- ----------- -----------

$ 4.75 - 5.00................................... 160 7.3 $ 4.75 160 $ 4.75
$ 5.01 - 10.00................................... 373 5.5 $ 5.99 335 $ 6.10
$10.01 - 15.00................................... 1,211 8.0 $ 12.43 648 $ 12.42
$15.01 - 20.00................................... 3,058 9.1 $ 18.13 49 $ 16.71
$20.01 - 25.00................................... 15 9.2 $ 20.13 -- --
$25.01 - 30.00................................... 20 9.6 $ 27.39 1 $ 29.38
$30.01 - 32.06................................... 2 9.2 $ 30.49 -- $ 32.06
--
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
$ 4.75 - 32.06................................... 4,839 8.5 $ 15.39 1,193 $ 9.80
-- --
--
--
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------


EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN ("ESPP")

In July 1997, the Company established an ESPP to provide eligible employees
an additional opportunity to share in the ownership of Hexcel. The maximum
number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP is 200.
Under the ESPP, eligible employees may contribute up to 10% of their base
earnings toward the quarterly purchase of the Company's common stock at a
purchase price equal to 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the
purchase date. During 1997, approximately 3 shares of common stock were issued
under the ESPP.

PRO FORMA DISCLOSURES

In 1996, Hexcel adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123, which
provide for the disclosure of pro forma net earnings and net earnings per share
as if the fair value method were used to account for stock-based employee
incentive plans. Pursuant to SFAS 123, the Company has elected to continue to
use the intrinsic value method to account for its stock option plans in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements, in accordance with APBO No. 25.

If compensation expense had been determined for stock options granted in
1997, 1996 and 1995 using the fair value method at the date of grant, consistent
with the provisions of SFAS 123, Hexcel's pro forma net income (loss) and
diluted income (loss) per share would have been as follows:



1997 1996 1995
--------- ---------- ---------

Net income (loss), as reported.................... $ 73,630 $ (19,190) $ 2,733
Pro forma compensation adjustment................. (6,275) (43) (1,029)
--------- ---------- ---------
Pro forma net income (loss)....................... $ 67,355 $ (19,233) $ 1,704
--------- ---------- ---------
--------- ---------- ---------
Diluted net income (loss) per share, as
reported........................................ $ 1.74 $ (0.58) $ 0.17
Pro forma compensation adjustment................. (0.14) 0.02 (0.06)
--------- ---------- ---------
Pro forma diluted net income (loss) per share..... $ 1.60 $ (0.56) $ 0.11
--------- ---------- ---------
--------- ---------- ---------


72

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 14 -- STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS (CONTINUED)
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 1997, 1996 and
1995 were $18.24, $12.75 and $5.63, respectively. The following ranges of
assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes pricing models for options granted in
1997, 1996 and 1995: risk-free interest of 5.6% to 6.2%, estimated volatility of
40% to 49%, and an expected life of 3.6 years to 4.7.

During 1996, the Company recognized $3,635 of compensation expense under the
intrinsic value method resulting from stock options which vested in connection
with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business. This compensation expense was
based on the difference between the exercise price of the stock options granted
and the market price of Hexcel common stock on the date that the Company's
stockholders approved the Incentive Stock Plan under which these options were
granted. The recognition of compensation expense in connection with these stock
options resulted in a corresponding $3,635 increase in the additional paid-in
capital of the Company.

NOTE 15 -- EARNINGS PER SHARE

In the fourth quarter of 1997, Hexcel adopted SFAS 128. SFAS 128 requires
the presentation of "Basic" earnings per share which represents net earnings
divided by the weighted average shares outstanding excluding all potential
common shares. A dual presentation of "Diluted" earnings per share reflecting
the dilutive effects of all potential common shares is also required. The
Diluted presentation is similar to fully diluted earnings per share under the
prior accounting standard.

73

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 15 -- EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONTINUED)
Computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, are as follows:



1997 1996 1995
--------- ---------- ---------

Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations...... $ 73,630 $ (19,190) $ 3,201
--------- ---------- ---------
Weighted average common shares outstanding........ 36,748 33,351 15,605
--------- ---------- ---------
Basic earnings (loss) per share................... $ 2.00 $ (0.58) $ 0.21
--------- ---------- ---------
--------- ---------- ---------
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations...... $ 73,630 $ (19,190) $ 3,201
Effect of dilutive securities--
Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2003............. 5,087 -- --
Senior Subordinated Debentures, due 2011........ 1,111 -- --
--------- ---------- ---------
Adjusted net income (loss) from
continuing operations........................... $ 79,828 $ (19,190) $ 3,201
--------- ---------- ---------
Weighted average common shares outstanding........ 36,748 33,351 15,605
Effect of dilutive securities--
Stock options................................... 1,176 -- 137
Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2003............. 7,239 -- --
Senior Subordinated Debentures, due 2011........ 834 -- --
--------- ---------- ---------
Adjusted weighted average common shares
outstanding..................................... 45,997 33,351 15,742
--------- ---------- ---------
Diluted earnings (loss) per share................. $ 1.74 $ (0.58) $ 0.20
--------- ---------- ---------
--------- ---------- ---------


The Convertible Subordinated Notes, due 2003, which were issued in 1996, and
the Convertible Subordinated Debentures, due 2011, were excluded from the 1996
and 1995 computations of diluted earnings (loss) per share, as applicable, as
they were antidilutive. Substantially all of the Company's stock options were
included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended
December 31, 1997.

NOTE 16 -- CONTINGENCIES

Hexcel is involved in litigation, investigations and claims arising out of
the conduct of its business, including those relating to government contracts,
commercial transactions, and environmental, health and safety matters. The
Company estimates its liabilities resulting from such matters based on a variety
of factors, including outstanding legal claims and proposed settlements,
assessments by internal and external counsel of pending or threatened
litigation, and assessments by environmental engineers and consultants of
potential environmental liabilities and remediation costs. Such estimates
exclude counterclaims against other third parties. Such estimates are not
discounted to reflect the time value of money due to the uncertainty in
estimating the timing of the expenditures, which may extend over several years.
Although it is impossible to determine the level of future expenditures for
legal, environmental and related matters with any degree of certainty, it is the
Company's opinion, based on available information, that it is unlikely

74

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 16 -- CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material
adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows of the Company.

LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND PROCEEDINGS

Hexcel has been named as a potentially responsible party with respect to
several hazardous waste disposal sites that it does not own or possess which are
included on the Superfund National Priority List of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency or on equivalent lists of various state governments. The
Company believes that its liability with respect to these sites is not material.

Pursuant to the New Jersey Environmental Responsibility and Clean-Up Act,
Hexcel signed an administrative consent order to pay for the environmental
remediation of a manufacturing facility it owns and formerly operated in Lodi,
New Jersey. The Company's estimate of the remaining cost to satisfy this consent
order is accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The ultimate
cost of remediating the Lodi site will depend on developing circumstances.

In connection with the purchase of the Acquired Ciba Business, Hexcel
assumed various liabilities including a liability with respect to certain
environmental remediation activities at an acquired facility in Kent,
Washington. The Company is a party to a cost sharing agreement regarding the
operation of certain environmental remediation systems necessary to satisfy a
post-closure care permit issued to a previous owner of the Kent site by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Under the terms of the cost sharing agreement,
the Company is obligated to reimburse the previous owner for a portion of the
cost of the required remediation activities. The Company's estimate of its share
of the cost is accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996.

PRODUCT CLAIMS

In 1993, Hexcel became aware of an aluminum honeycomb sandwich panel
delamination problem with panels produced by its wholly-owned Belgium
subsidiary, Hexcel Composites S.A., and installed in rail cars in France and
Spain. Certain customers have alleged that Hexcel Composites S.A. is responsible
for the problem. The Company and its insurer continue to investigate these
claims. The Company is also working with the customers to repair or replace
panels when necessary, with certain costs to be allocated upon determination of
responsibility for the delamination. Two customers in France requested that a
court appoint experts to investigate the claims; to date, the experts have not
reported any conclusions. The Company's primary insurer for this matter has
agreed to fund legal representation and to provide coverage of the claim to the
extent of the policy limit. The Company believes that, based on available
information, it is unlikely that these claims will have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows of the Company.

U.S. GOVERNMENT CLAIMS

Hexcel, as a defense subcontractor, is subject to U.S. government audits and
reviews of negotiations, performance, cost classifications, accounting and
general practices relating to government contracts. Under the direction of the
Corporate Administrative Contracting Officer ("CACO"), the Defense Contract
Audit Agency ("DCAA") reviews cost accounting and business practices of
government contractors and subcontractors, including the Company. In 1996, the
Company was engaged in discussions with the CACO and the DCAA regarding a number
of cost accounting issues identified during the course

75

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 16 -- CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
of various audits performed by the DCAA. The Company reached an agreement with
the CACO and the DCAA that resolved the primary issues identified during the
course of these audits. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid the
U.S. federal government $1,314 in exchange for the irrevocable discharge of any
claims with respect to the issues that were resolved.

NOTE 17 -- RAW MATERIALS, SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS AND MARKETS

Hexcel purchases most of the raw materials used in production. Several key
materials are available from relatively few sources, and in many cases the cost
of product qualification makes it impractical to develop multiple sources of
supply. The unavailability of these materials, which the Company does not
anticipate, could have a material adverse effect on sales and earnings.

The Boeing Company ("Boeing") and Boeing subcontractors accounted for
approximately 36% of 1997 sales, 22% of 1996 sales and 21% of 1995 sales. The
Airbus Industrie ("Airbus") consortium and Airbus subcontractors accounted for
approximately 10% of 1997 and 1996 sales, and less than 10% of 1995 sales. The
loss of all or a significant portion of the business with Boeing or Airbus,
which Hexcel does not anticipate, could have a material adverse effect on sales
and earnings.

Net sales by market for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
were:



1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------

Commercial aerospace.............................................. 64% 56% 45%
Space and defense................................................. 9 11 11
Recreation........................................................ 7 10 9
General industrial and other...................................... 20 23 35
--------- --------- ---------
Net sales......................................................... 100% 100% 100%
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------


76

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 18 -- BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA

Hexcel operates within a single business segment: Advanced Structural
Materials. The following table summarizes certain financial data for continuing
operations by geographic area as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and for
the years then ended:



1997 1996 1995
---------- ----------- ----------

Net sales to non-affiliates:
U.S................................................... $ 598,555 $ 394,524 $ 197,665
International......................................... 338,300 300,727 152,573
---------- ----------- ----------
Consolidated.......................................... $ 936,855 $ 695,251 $ 350,238
---------- ----------- ----------
---------- ----------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes:
U.S................................................... $ 34,684 $ (2,934) $ 2,912
International......................................... 16,068 (12,820) 3,602
---------- ----------- ----------
Consolidated.......................................... $ 50,752 $ (15,754) $ 6,514
---------- ----------- ----------
---------- ----------- ----------
Total assets:
U.S................................................... $ 547,471 $ 429,025 $ 134,972
International......................................... 264,115 272,711 95,630
---------- ----------- ----------
Consolidated.......................................... $ 811,586 $ 701,736 $ 230,602
---------- ----------- ----------
---------- ----------- ----------
Capital expenditures:
U.S................................................... $ 40,667 $ 27,217 $ 7,729
International......................................... 16,702 16,352 4,415
---------- ----------- ----------
Consolidated.......................................... $ 57,369 $ 43,569 $ 12,144
---------- ----------- ----------
---------- ----------- ----------
Depreciation and amortization:
U.S................................................... $ 22,348 $ 15,239 $ 6,528
International......................................... 13,449 11,491 5,095
---------- ----------- ----------
Consolidated.......................................... $ 35,797 $ 26,730 $ 11,623
---------- ----------- ----------
---------- ----------- ----------


The international segment is comprised primarily of operations in Western
Europe conducted by various European subsidiaries. International net sales
consist of the net sales of these European subsidiaries, sold primarily in
Europe.

U.S. net sales include U.S. exports to non-affiliates of $70,875 in 1997,
$53,333 in 1996 and $18,092 in 1995. Transfers from the Company's U.S.
subsidiaries to its international subsidiaries for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 were $44,650, $30,390 and $18,590, respectively. Transfers
from the Company's international subsidiaries to its U.S. subsidiaries for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $22,700, $11,480 and $4,380,
respectively. Transfers between geographic areas are recorded on the basis of
arm's length prices established by the Company.

To compute income (loss) before income taxes, Hexcel allocated
administrative expenses to the international segment of $10,487 in 1997, $9,022
in 1996 and $3,939 in 1995.

77

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 19 -- SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental cash flow information, including non-cash financing and
investing activities, for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
consist of the following:



1997 1996 1995
--------- ---------- ---------

Cash paid for:

Interest..................................................... $ 22,300 $ 14,061 $ 8,345
Taxes........................................................ 3,929 8,911 3,864
--------- ---------- ---------
Non-cash items:

Debt issued in connection with Ciba acquisition.............. -- 37,231 --
Common stock issued in connection with Ciba Acquisition...... -- 144,174 --
Conversion of Senior Subordinated Notes...................... 50 -- --
Compensation expense in connection with the issuance of
common stock (see Note 14)................................. -- 3,635 --


NOTE 20 -- OTHER INCOME, NET

Other income of $2,994 recognized in 1996 is largely attributable to the
receipt of an additional $1,560 of cash in connection with the disposition of
the Chandler, Arizona manufacturing facility and certain related assets in 1994,
and to the receipt of $1,054 in partial settlement of a claim arising from the
sale of certain assets in 1991.

Other income of $791 recognized in 1995 is largely attributable to the
receipt of an additional $600 of cash in connection with the disposition of the
Chandler, Arizona manufacturing facility and certain related assets in 1994.

Hexcel sold its Chandler, Arizona manufacturing facility and certain related
assets, including technology, to Northrop Grumman Corporation ("Northrop") in
1994. Under the terms of the Chandler transaction, Hexcel retained a
royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use the technology sold to Northrop in
non-military applications. In addition, the Company will receive royalties from
Northrop on certain applications of the technology by Northrop. The Company
received net cash proceeds of $1,560 and $27,294 in relation to this sale in
1996 and 1995, respectively.

NOTE 21 -- BANKRUPTCY REORGANIZATION

On January 12, 1995, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of
California entered an order dated January 10, 1995, confirming the First Amended
Plan of Reorganization (the "Reorganization Plan") proposed by Hexcel and the
Official Committee of Equity Security Holders (the "Equity Committee"). On
February 9, 1995, the Reorganization Plan became effective and Hexcel
Corporation (a Delaware corporation) emerged from the bankruptcy reorganization
proceedings which had begun on December 6, 1993, when Hexcel filed a voluntary
petition for relief under the provisions of Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy
laws.

The Reorganization Plan which became effective on February 9, 1995 provided
for, among other things: (a) the completion of the first closing under a standby
purchase commitment whereby Mutual Series Fund Inc. ("Mutual Series") purchased
1,946 shares of newly issued Hexcel common stock for

78

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 21 -- BANKRUPTCY REORGANIZATION (CONTINUED)
$9,000 and loaned the Company $41,000 as an advance against the proceeds of a
subscription rights offering for additional shares of Hexcel common stock; and
(b) the reinstatement or payment in full, with interest, of all allowed claims,
including prepetition accounts payable and notes payable. The subscription
rights offering concluded on March 27, 1995, with the issuance of an additional
7,156 shares of Hexcel common stock. The resulting cash proceeds of $33,098 were
used to reduce the outstanding balance of the loan from Mutual Series. The
second closing under the standby purchase agreement was completed on April 6,
1995, with the issuance of an additional 1,590 shares of Hexcel common stock to
Mutual Series, the issuance of an additional 108 shares of Hexcel common stock
to John J. Lee, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and the retirement of the
remaining balance of the Mutual Series loan.

The Reorganization Plan provided for the reinstatement or payment in full,
with interest, of all allowed claims, including prepetition accounts payable and
notes payable. On February 9, 1995, Hexcel paid $78,144 in prepetition claims
and interest, and reinstated another $60,575 in prepetition liabilities. The
payment of claims and interest on February 9, 1995 was financed with: (a) cash
proceeds of $26,694 received in the first quarter of 1995 from the sale of the
Company's Chandler, Arizona manufacturing facility and certain related assets
(see Note 20); (b) the $50,000 in cash received from Mutual Series in connection
with the standby purchase agreement; and (c) borrowings under a $45,000 U.S.
credit facility obtained on February 9, 1995. This $45,000 U.S. credit facility
was subsequently replaced by a secured credit facility on February 29, 1996,
which in turn was replaced by the Revolving Credit Facility on June 27, 1996
(see Notes 2 and 7).

Professional fees and other costs directly related to bankruptcy proceedings
were expensed as incurred, and have been reflected in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations as "bankruptcy reorganization expenses."
Bankruptcy reorganization expenses consisted primarily of professional fees paid
to legal and financial advisors of Hexcel, the Equity Committee and the Official
Committee of Unsecured Creditors. In addition, these expenses included
incentives for employees to remain with the Company for the duration of
bankruptcy proceedings and the write-off of previously capitalized costs related
to the issuance of prepetition debt.

NOTE 22 -- DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In October of 1995, the Company sold its U.S. resins operations for net cash
proceeds that approximated the net book value of the assets sold. This sale,
which completed the divestiture of the Company's resins business, has been
accounted for as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations and cash flows for 1995. The net sales of the
discontinued resins business were $6,944 in 1995.

79

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 23 -- QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
were:



FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

1997
Net sales.................................... $ 214,009 $ 241,629 $ 226,611 $ 254,606
Gross margin................................. 46,889 57,818 54,967 62,958
Business acquisition and consolidation
expenses................................... (2,899) (2,818) (15,433) (4,193)
Operating income............................. 16,384 24,516 9,331 26,226
Net income................................... 8,226 15,135 37,948 12,321
Earnings per share
Basic...................................... $ 0.22 $ 0.41 $ 1.03 $ 0.33
Diluted.................................... 0.22 0.38 0.87 0.30
Dividends per share.......................... -- -- -- --
Market price:
High....................................... $ 21.38 $ 20.00 $ 30.25 $ 31.75
Low........................................ 16.00 16.38 18.75 22.25
1996
Net sales.................................... $ 126,418 $ 166,770 $ 189,542 $ 212,521
Gross margin................................. 26,783 35,188 35,813 43,525
Business acquisition and consolidation
expenses................................... (5,211) (29,209) (1,382) (6,568)
Operating income (loss)...................... 4,090 (17,900) 8,789 7,810
Net income (loss)............................ 1,848 (23,667) 346 2,283
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per
share...................................... $ 0.07 $ (0.65) $ 0.01 $ 0.06
Dividends per share.......................... -- -- -- --
Market price:
High....................................... $ 13.13 $ 16.00 $ 20.00 $ 19.88
Low........................................ 10.63 11.50 12.75 15.75


For the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and for the year ended December
31, 1996, except for the $39,000 reversal of the U.S. tax valuation allowance
reserve on September 30, 1997, there was no net federal tax provision recorded
on the Company's U.S. income (loss). Third quarter 1997 results include both the
$39,000 reversal of the U.S. tax valuation allowance reserve and an additional
charge of $13,000 to business acquisition and consolidation expenses in
connection with the Company's acquisition of the Fiberite assets. In addition,
first quarter 1996 results include other income of $2,697 (see Note 20).

NOTE 24 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

On March 5, 1998, the Company amended and restated its Revolving Credit
Facility (the "Amended Facility"). The Amended Facility provides for borrowing
capacity of up to $355,000 and extends the expiration date to March 2003.
Depending on certain predetermined ratios and other conditions, interest

80

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

NOTE 24 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
on outstanding borrowings under the Amended Facility is computed at an annual
rate ranging from 0.313 to 1.125% in excess of the applicable London interbank
rate or, at the option of Hexcel, at the base rate of the administrative agent
for the lenders. In addition, the Amended Facility is subject to a commitment
fee ranging from approximately 0.188 to 0.375% per annum of the total facility.

The Amended Facility is secured by a pledge of stock of certain of Hexcel's
subsidiaries. In addition, the Company continues to be subject to various
financial covenants and restrictions, and is generally prohibited from paying
dividends or redeeming capital stock.

JOINT VENTURES

In January 1998, the Company reached an agreement in principle with Boeing
and Aviation Industries of China to form a joint venture, BHA Aero Composite
Parts Co., Ltd., to manufacture composite parts for secondary structures and
interior applications on commercial aircraft. This joint venture will be located
in Tianjin, China. In February 1998, the Company signed an agreement with
Boeing, Sime Darby Berhad and Malaysia Helicopter Services to form another joint
venture, Asian Composite Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., to manufacture composite parts
for secondary structures for commercial aircraft. This joint venture will be
located in Alor Setar, Malaysia. Products manufactured by both joint ventures
will be shipped to the Company's Kent, Washington facility for final assembly,
inspection and shipment to Boeing as well as other customers worldwide. It is
anticipated that the first parts will be delivered to customers in 2000. The
Company's total estimated financial commitment to both of these joint ventures
will be approximately $31,000, which is expected to be made in increments
through 2000. However, completion of these projects and related investments
remain subject to certain significant conditions, including U.S. and foreign
government approvals.

STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLAN

On February 5, 1998, the Company adopted the 1998 Broad Based Stock
Incentive Plan (the "Broad Based Plan"), which authorizes the use of Hexcel
common stock for providing a variety of stock-based incentive awards to eligible
employees and consultants (but not to directors, officers and related
consultants). The Broad Based Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, and other
stock-based awards. The aggregate number of shares of Hexcel common stock
available under the Broad Based Plan is 500.

81