Quaker Chemical Corporation reported first‑quarter 2026 revenue of $480.5 million, an 8% year‑over‑year increase from $442.9 million. Net income attributable to the company was $19.7 million, translating to $1.13 per diluted share. Adjusted earnings per share rose to $1.63, while adjusted EBITDA reached $72.5 million, up 5% from $69.0 million in Q1 2025.
The revenue beat analyst expectations of $465.1 million by $15.4 million, a 3.3% lift. Adjusted EPS of $1.63 fell slightly short of the consensus estimate of $1.64, missing by $0.01 (0.61%). The company’s top‑line growth was driven by a 3% rise in organic sales volumes, a 4% contribution from recent acquisitions, and a 4% gain from favorable currency translation. A 3% decline in selling price and product mix offset some of the volume upside.
Gross margin improved to 36.8%, but operating margin contracted from 10.3% to 9.4%, and adjusted EBITDA margin fell from 15.6% to 15.1%. The margin compression reflects higher SG&A costs associated with acquisitions, incentive compensation, and currency effects, while the gross‑margin gain indicates pricing power in core segments.
Asia Pacific net sales surged 25% year‑over‑year, underscoring strong demand in that region. Other regions performed more modestly, balancing the overall growth picture.
Management highlighted that the company achieved 3% organic volume growth despite challenging markets. CEO Joe Berquist noted that Middle East geopolitical tensions pose ongoing supply‑chain and cost risks, and that a temporary decline in gross margins is expected next quarter. The company also announced a new global transformation program targeting $20‑$30 million in sustainable cost improvements.
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