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KWR vs NGVT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Quaker Houghton (KWR) vs. Ingevity Corporation (NGVT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- KWR is a leading industrial process fluids provider posting record adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) and consistent volume-led growth, while NGVT is executing a sharp portfolio transformation toward higher-margin specialty materials.
- Both stocks carry "Strong Buy" analyst consensus ratings, with NGVT showing a larger implied upside to price targets and faster 52-week appreciation.
- KWR offers a dividend yield of roughly 1.4% with a lower price-to-earnings ratio, whereas NGVT pays no dividend but leans on aggressive share buybacks and debt reduction.
- Risk profiles differ: KWR faces raw-material inflation and auto-production headwinds, while NGVT carries execution risk tied to ongoing divestitures and litigation-related cash outflows.
- The comparison centers on relative momentum, margin trajectories, and how each company is repositioning its portfolio in a mixed macro environment.
Introduction
Investors screening the specialty chemicals space frequently encounter two mid-cap names with very different strategic narratives: KWR (Quaker Houghton), a global leader in industrial process fluids, and NGVT (Ingevity Corporation), a specialty materials company built around activated carbon, engineered polymers, and pavement technologies. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and long-term investors weighing a stable, dividend-paying compounder against a higher-beta turnaround story. Because both companies are sensitive to industrial demand, raw-material costs, and automotive cycles, understanding their relative performance and market positioning can clarify which business is better suited to current conditions.
KWR Overview and Recent Performance
KWR, doing business as Quaker Houghton, develops and supplies formulated process fluids and chemical management services for heavy industrial and manufacturing applications, including steel, aluminum, and metalworking. In recent weeks, the stock has traded near the middle of its 52-week range of roughly $112 to $183, with a market capitalization around $2.7 billion and a beta above 1.0, indicating above-average volatility relative to the broader market.
Recent market activity has been supported by solid fundamentals. In its latest quarterly report, KWR delivered a 10% year-over-year increase in net sales, a 7% rise in sales volumes driven by share gains, and record quarterly adjusted EBITDA, even as gross margin narrowed on elevated raw-material costs, particularly base oils. Management also completed a $550 million Term Loan B refinancing to extend maturities, raised its dividend for a 17th consecutive year, and authorized a new $250 million repurchase program. Analysts have responded by lifting price targets, though softer North American auto production and persistent input-cost inflation remain watch items.
NGVT Overview and Recent Performance
NGVT (Ingevity Corporation) manufactures activated carbon for emissions control and filtration, engineered polymers, and pavement-related performance chemicals. The company has spent recent quarters reshaping its portfolio, completing the divestitures of its Industrial Specialties and Road Markings product lines and advancing the sale of its Advanced Polymer Technologies (APT) segment. These moves are intended to sharpen focus on higher-return, higher-margin businesses.
NGVT's shares have been among the stronger performers in the specialty chemical sector, rallying more than 30% over the trailing year and trading within a 52-week range of roughly $46 to $79. Its most recent quarterly results beat consensus, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) up more than 40% year over year and an adjusted EBITDA margin approaching 37%, supported by pricing, mix, and volumes. The company raised full-year guidance, reduced net leverage to about 2.5 times, and repurchased roughly $35 million of stock in the quarter. Cash flow has improved, though a litigation settlement payment and the seasonality of its pavement business remain notable considerations.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most sharply in their strategic posture. KWR is consolidating its position as a global leader in industrial process fluids, growing through share gains, geographic expansion in Asia Pacific and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and disciplined capital return. Its business model is comparatively steady and cyclical, tied to broad manufacturing output. NGVT, by contrast, is contracting its footprint to concentrate on higher-margin activated carbon and pavement technologies, a transformation that has boosted margins but temporarily reduced reported revenue.
On valuation, KWR trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio below NGVT's and offers a dividend, giving it a more defensive profile. NGVT has a higher trailing multiple, reflecting its turnaround momentum, but a lower forward multiple on raised guidance, and it returns capital primarily through buybacks. Momentum currently favors NGVT, whose shares have outperformed over the past year, while KWR provides more consistent profitability and cash flow visibility. Risk factors diverge as well: KWR contends with raw-material inflation and soft automotive demand, while NGVT faces divestiture execution risk and the lingering effects of litigation costs.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, relative positioning, and recent catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely express a modest preference for NGVT in the near term. The stock's stronger trailing momentum, margin expansion, raised guidance, and active capital return program are the kind of signals quantitative trend models tend to reward. That said, the preference is probabilistic rather than definitive: KWR offers greater stability, a dividend, and record operational results that may appeal more to bots prioritizing lower volatility and trend consistency over raw momentum. The outcome depends on which style of AI strategy is applied, underscoring why diversified, data-driven approaches often evaluate both names simultaneously.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is KWR is a StrongBuy and NGVT is a Hold.
KWR's RSI Oscillator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for KWR moved out of oversold territory on November 03, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 30 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 23 of the 30 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 42 of 64 cases where KWR's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for KWR just turned positive on November 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where KWR's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Following a +6.25% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KWR advanced for three days, in 182 of 286 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
KWR may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 10, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on KWR as a result. In 60 of 78 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
KWR moved below its 50-day moving average on November 10, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where KWR declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 74%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. KWR’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 57 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.874) is normal, around the industry mean (2.284). P/E Ratio (26.837) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-17.137). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.060) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.014) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.349) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. KWR’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock worse than average.
NGVT sees its 50-day moving average cross bearishly below its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for NGVT moved below the 200-day moving average on October 20, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NGVT as a result. In 49 of 74 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NGVT turned negative on November 05, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 40 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 28 of the 40 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 70%.
NGVT moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for NGVT crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 10, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NGVT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +6.53% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NGVT advanced for three days, in 214 of 294 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
NGVT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. NGVT’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 71 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 99 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: NGVT's P/B Ratio (44.068) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (2.284). P/E Ratio (38.293) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-17.137). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.530) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.107) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. NGVT’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock worse than average.
KWR | NGVT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 63 | 77 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 57 Fair valued | 99 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 78 | 18 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | 61 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 97 | 71 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
KWR's Valuation (57) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is somewhat better than the same rating for NGVT (99) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry. This means that KWR’s stock grew somewhat faster than NGVT’s over the last 12 months.
KWR's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as NGVT (100) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry. This means that KWR’s stock grew similarly to NGVT’s over the last 12 months.
NGVT's SMR Rating (18) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KWR (78) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that NGVT’s stock grew somewhat faster than KWR’s over the last 12 months.
KWR's Price Growth Rating (50) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as NGVT (61) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry. This means that KWR’s stock grew similarly to NGVT’s over the last 12 months.
NGVT's P/E Growth Rating (71) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry is in the same range as KWR (97) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that NGVT’s stock grew similarly to KWR’s over the last 12 months.
| KWR | NGVT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 88% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 71% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 64% | 16 days ago 73% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 74% | 6 days ago 70% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 76% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
KWR’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while NGVT’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- KWR’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- NGVT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
KWR’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NGVT’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KWR’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
- NGVT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
KWR (@Chemicals: Specialty) experienced а +3.20% price change this week, while NGVT (@Chemicals: Specialty) price change was -17.45% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Chemicals: Specialty industry was -3.13%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.39%, and the average quarterly price growth was -9.57%.
Reported Earning Dates
KWR is expected to report earnings on Feb 25, 2027.
NGVT is expected to report earnings on Feb 24, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Chemicals: Specialty (-3.13% weekly)The specialty chemicals sector includes companies that produce chemicals and industrial gases, which are of relatively high-value, often made to customer specifications. Examples of specialty chemicals are electronic chemicals, industrial gases, coatings, adhesives and sealants, industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals. The products are often valued on the basis of their purposes/performances rather than for their composition. Linde Plc, Ecolab Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and Dow, Inc. are some of the largest companies making specialty chemicals.
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KWR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KWR has been closely correlated with OLN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KWR jumps, then OLN could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To KWR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KWR | 100% | -2.16% | ||
| OLN - KWR | 71% Closely correlated | -0.34% | ||
| HUN - KWR | 66% Closely correlated | -0.42% | ||
| RPM - KWR | 60% Loosely correlated | -0.52% | ||
| ASIX - KWR | 60% Loosely correlated | -1.47% | ||
| AVNT - KWR | 58% Loosely correlated | -1.34% | ||
More | ||||
NGVT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NGVT has been loosely correlated with MTX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 57% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if NGVT jumps, then MTX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NGVT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NGVT | 100% | -2.60% | ||
| MTX - NGVT | 57% Loosely correlated | -1.15% | ||
| FUL - NGVT | 57% Loosely correlated | -1.09% | ||
| AVNT - NGVT | 56% Loosely correlated | -1.34% | ||
| KWR - NGVT | 55% Loosely correlated | -2.16% | ||
| EMN - NGVT | 54% Loosely correlated | +0.09% | ||
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| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| ALBG | 3.37 | N/A | N/A |
| Leverage Shares 2X Long ALB Daily ETF (ALBG) | |||
| KLIP | 21.42 | -0.01 | -0.05% |
| KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF (KLIP) | |||
| SMMU | 50.38 | -0.08 | -0.16% |
| PIMCO Short Term Municipal Bond Active ETF (SMMU) | |||
| NUMG | 43.97 | -0.39 | -0.87% |
| Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG) | |||
| TLTI | 42.59 | -0.79 | -1.82% |
| NEOS Enhanced Income 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLTI) | |||