Quaker Houghton Achieves Fourth Consecutive Quarter of Year-Over-Year Profitability Growth, Posts 7% Increase in Sales Volumes
Quaker Houghton, a leading global supplier of process chemicals and coatings to the automotive and industrial markets, has achieved its fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year profitability growth. The company reported a 7% increase in sales volumes for the second quarter of 2026, marking the highest quarterly adjusted EBITDA in its 160-plus-year history.
According to Joseph Berquist, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quaker Houghton, the volume increase was driven by broad-based growth and net share gains across all regions. Despite end markets being flat to slightly above the prior year in the aggregate, tempered by offsetting pockets of strength and weakness, demand remained steady through the end of the quarter.
Asia-Pacific once again delivered the strongest performance, marking a second consecutive quarter of double-digit volume growth. Quaker Houghton's team successfully navigated sharp increases in raw material costs and supply disruption resulting from the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. Through disciplined execution and proactive customer communication, the company was able to leverage its global manufacturing network and maintain supply continuity throughout the quarter.
Gross margins declined sequentially, but stronger volumes and improved utilization rates helped offset product margin pressure. Quaker Houghton implemented price increases throughout the quarter and will see further adjustments from its index pricing in the third quarter. Underlying market conditions were mixed, with demand steady despite geopolitical uncertainty. Steel and aluminum end markets trended positively, while automotive light vehicle production remained challenged across most regions and geographies.
The company's net sales increased 10% year-over-year, driven by mid to high single-digit share gains, achieved across all regions. Momentum remains strongest in Asia-Pacific, where Quaker Houghton is winning significant new business in metalworking by penetrating growing sectors like electrical, vehicle OEMs, and component manufacturers. The company continues to execute effectively in attractive growth markets such as China, India, and Thailand, where its investments in local capabilities and customer relationships are translating into meaningful wins.
In the Americas and EMEA regions, each delivered mid-single-digit volume growth during the quarter. In the Americas, Quaker Houghton saw improvement in customer activity levels with the return of previously idled capacity and contributions from recent business wins. The region delivered one of its strongest volume performances in several quarters, as operational and customer-specific challenges that affected prior periods improved against a backdrop of firming demand.
Quaker Houghton's President and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Berquist, emphasized the company's ability to navigate challenging market conditions and deliver strong results. 'Our team has done an excellent job of executing our growth strategy and managing through the complexities of the current environment,' he said.
