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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 Hold and NGVT is a StrongBuy.
KWR sees its Stochastic Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
On October 13, 2026, the Stochastic Oscillator for KWR moved out of oversold territory and this could be a bullish sign for the stock. Traders may want to buy the stock or buy call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 63 instances where the indicator left the oversold zone. In 41 of the 63 cases the stock moved higher in the following days. This puts the odds of a move higher at over 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +3.12% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KWR advanced for three days, in 186 of 286 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 16, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on KWR as a result. In 62 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 79%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for KWR turned negative on October 19, 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 43 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 43 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 79%.
KWR moved below its 50-day moving average on September 28, 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%.
KWR broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 25, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for KWR entered a downward trend on September 24, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (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 60 (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 (1.974) is normal, around the industry mean (2.351). P/E Ratio (28.259) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-17.083). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.060) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.040) 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 Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 96 (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 82, placing this stock worse than average.
NGVT in +1.12% Uptrend, rising for three consecutive days on October 20, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where NGVT advanced for three days, in 213 of 289 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
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 57 cases where NGVT'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 74%.
NGVT 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 October 07, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NGVT as a result. In 55 of 76 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NGVT turned negative on October 12, 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 34 of the 40 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 85%.
NGVT moved below its 50-day moving average on October 07, 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 October 12, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 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 67%.
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.
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%.
The Aroon Indicator for NGVT entered a downward trend on September 24, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NGVT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 97 (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 82, placing this stock worse than average.
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 (51.750) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (2.351). P/E Ratio (44.968) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-17.083). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.530) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.040) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.107) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
KWR | NGVT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 29 | 30 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 60 Fair valued | 99 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 97 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 78 | 18 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 43 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 96 | 47 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | n/a |
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 (60) 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.
NGVT's Profit vs Risk Rating (97) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry is in the same range as KWR (100) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that NGVT’s stock grew similarly to KWR’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 (43) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as NGVT (47) 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 (47) in the Chemicals Major Diversified industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KWR (96) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that NGVT’s stock grew somewhat faster than KWR’s over the last 12 months.
| KWR | NGVT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 74% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 72% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 85% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 74% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 65% | 1 day ago 74% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 74% | 10 days ago 70% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 69% |
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 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NGVT’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KWR’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 6 bearish.
- NGVT’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 7 bearish.
Price Growth
KWR (@Chemicals: Specialty) experienced а -1.44% price change this week, while NGVT (@Chemicals: Specialty) price change was +0.74% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Chemicals: Specialty industry was +0.83%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.36%, and the average quarterly price growth was -5.69%.
Reported Earning Dates
KWR is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
NGVT is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Chemicals: Specialty (+0.83% 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.
NGVT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NGVT has been loosely correlated with FUL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if NGVT jumps, then FUL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NGVT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NGVT | 100% | +0.41% | ||
| FUL - NGVT | 59% Loosely correlated | -0.96% | ||
| AVNT - NGVT | 58% Loosely correlated | +2.13% | ||
| MTX - NGVT | 56% Loosely correlated | +0.39% | ||
| KWR - NGVT | 55% Loosely correlated | +0.95% | ||
| PPG - NGVT | 55% Loosely correlated | +0.99% | ||
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