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Quaker Chemical Corporation(KWR)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$157.77
11/09/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for KWR

11/09/2026: KWR (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Quaker Houghton (KWR) is a global specialty chemical company providing essential process fluids to the automotive and industrial sectors. The company is known for its high-touch service model, which creates strong customer loyalty and recurring revenue. Its primary growth story revolves around leveraging its expanded global scale following the 2019 Houghton merger and advancing sustainable product solutions. However, it faces risks from cyclical automotive demand and raw material cost volatility. The stock may suit dividend-oriented and value-focused investors looking for stable exposure to the industrial sector. Key developments to monitor include margin expansion trends and the company’s success in navigating the automotive industry's transition to electric vehicles.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitThe company is a mature, steady performer rather than a high-growth disruptor.
Momentum investorWeak fitThe stock typically moves in line with industrial cycles rather than short-term momentum triggers.
Value investorStrong fitThe company often trades at reasonable multiples relative to its stable cash flow and market position.
Dividend investorStrong fitQuaker Houghton has a long, consistent history of paying and increasing dividends.
Low-risk investorMixed fitWhile established, the stock is subject to volatility linked to industrial and automotive production cycles.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMediumThe stock is sensitive to industrial production cycles and raw material price shocks.
Valuation riskLowThe company generally trades within reasonable historical valuation ranges.
Competition risk (specialty chemical peers)MediumIntense competition from both diversified oil majors and specialized firms requires constant innovation.
Business qualityStrongThe recurring revenue nature of chemical process fluids creates a defensive, high-quality business model.
Dividend incomeLowThe risk to dividend payments is low due to strong cash flow and capital allocation discipline.
Execution riskMediumSuccessful integration of historical acquisitions is critical to sustaining long-term margins.

Price Behavior

Rolling Over
PRICE PATH

Rolling Over

The price momentum is slowing down and beginning to turn downward.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 6.71%
Avg. Invested days 43
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 2.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/09/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
KWR receives a 3-star rating, supported by solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by soft unit economics, and weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
KWR has moderate overall fundamentals (3 stars), with moderate financial health, soft growth momentum, and strong ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, growth and ownership metrics are mixed: negative earnings growth (-102.1%), soft cash generation (FCF margin 4.3%), moderate revenue growth (+2.7%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
KWR's financial health is supported by solid liquidity, including working-capital and asset support (WC/assets 19.3%). Profitability is soft (2 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Revenue growth is KWR's strongest growth driver at +2.7% FY2025 versus FY2024 (moderate, 3 stars). By comparison, while earnings growth (-102.1%, negative) and free-cash-flow growth (-62.7%, negative) hold the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 92.4% and approximately 77.7% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 22.18% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 12.26%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 5.49%
Royce & Associates, LP 5.00%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 4.80%
Wellington Management Company LLP 3.95%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
KWR generates approximately $360 of gross profit, $94 of operating income, and $43 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Soft margins explain the 2-star rating, with weak cash conversion and weak capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 110.81%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
KWR has a liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while elevated volatility.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedHigh VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 2.71B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 28.27
1Y Target Price 192
Price to earnings Ratio 28.27
1Y Target Price 192
Volume (30-day avg) 156.0K shares
Beta 1.41
52 Weeks Range 111.00 - 181.09
Updated Date 11/09/2026
52 Weeks Range 111.00 - 181.09
Updated Date 11/09/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 1.37%
Basic EPS (TTM) 5.58

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Industrial Process FluidsMetalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, and specialty coatings.The company makes money by selling chemicals that keep manufacturing machines running efficiently.
Geography (Global)Operations in North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America.Revenue is well-diversified across global manufacturing regions, reducing reliance on any single country's economy.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-29
When After Market
Estimate 2.16
Actual 2.39

Profitability

Profit Margin 4.8%
Operating Margin (TTM) 10.46%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 4.13%
Return on Equity (TTM) 6.99%

Valuation

Trailing PE 28.27
Forward PE 15.97
Enterprise Value 3.34B
Price to Sales(TTM) 1.34
Enterprise Value 3.34B
Price to Sales(TTM) 1.34
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.65
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 13.1
Shares Outstanding 17.19M
Shares Floating 13.36M
Shares Outstanding 17.19M
Shares Floating 13.36M
Percent Insiders 22.18
Percent Institutions 92.4

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.