Quaker Houghton, the global leader in industrial process fluids, has reported a strong second quarter of 2026, with revenue growth, higher profitability and record adjusted EBITDA driven by new business wins across its global operations.
The company posted second-quarter net sales of $532.6 million, up 10% from $483.4 million in the same period last year. The increase was fueled by a 7% rise in sales volumes, a 2% benefit from foreign currency translation, and a 1% improvement in selling price and product mix.
Quaker Houghton said volume growth was driven primarily by net new business wins across all segments, highlighting continued gains in market share despite challenging economic conditions.
The company reported net income of $26.8 million, reversing a net loss of $66.6 million, in the second quarter of 2025.
On an adjusted basis, excluding non-recurring and non-core items, Quaker Houghton reported non-GAAP net income of $37.9 million and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $2.19, compared with $30.0 million and $1.71 per share, respectively, a year earlier.
Adjusted EBITDA climbed to $85.2 million, up approximately 13% from $75.5 million in the second quarter of 2025, supported by stronger sales performance, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses.
Joe Berquist, Chief Executive Officer and President, said the company’s performance reflected continued execution and resilience amid market uncertainty.
"We achieved our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year profitability growth in Q2 2026, resulting in record adjusted EBITDA. Net sales increased 10% against prior year, driven by strong share gains and pricing during a period of significant raw material inflation. Volume growth reflected new business wins across all regions that exceeded the high end of our target range, while underlying markets were flat to slightly positive.
"Demand has remained steady against the backdrop of the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, and we have observed selective areas of market growth. We experienced modest pre-buy activity from our customers early in the period in reaction to the conflict, with normal seasonal patterns returning by the end of the quarter. I'm proud of our team's ability to maintain reliable supply to our customers despite heightened volatility."
Looking ahead, Berquist said the company expects demand conditions to remain stable, with continued growth supported by market expansion, cost discipline and operational strength.
"Looking ahead, we expect stable demand trends entering the third quarter with flat to slightly positive end markets throughout the remainder of the year. We anticipate gross margin percentage to stabilize in the third quarter in the range of second quarter gross margins as we work through the timing of raw material cost inflation, inventory movements and price recovery actions.
"Our pricing and cost initiatives have kept us on track to exit the year within our target gross margin range. We anticipate meaningful revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth in 2026 supported by continued share gains, disciplined cost management, and the resilience of our global network."
Quaker Houghton said it remains focused on expanding its global footprint, capturing new business opportunities and maintaining supply reliability as it navigates ongoing market volatility.
