Quaker Houghton (NYSE:KWR) Stock Price Down 5.6% on Disappointing Earnings

Quaker Houghton (NYSE:KWR) shares dropped 5.6% during trading on Tuesday following a dissappointing earnings announcement. The stock traded as low as $160.39 and last traded at $160.4770. Approximately 223,881 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 65% from the average daily volume of 135,949 shares. The stock had previously closed at $169.97.

The specialty chemicals company reported $1.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.71 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $468.48 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $465.17 million. Quaker Houghton had a positive return on equity of 8.64% and a negative net margin of 0.48%.The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.33 EPS.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on KWR. Wall Street Zen raised Quaker Houghton from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday. Zacks Research raised shares of Quaker Houghton from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $190.00 target price on shares of Quaker Houghton in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Quaker Houghton presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $158.67.

Institutional Trading of Quaker Houghton

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in KWR. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in Quaker Houghton in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Quaker Houghton during the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Quaker Houghton during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Quaker Houghton by 165.0% in the 4th quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 273 shares of the specialty chemicals company’s stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 170 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Quaker Houghton by 284.8% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 304 shares of the specialty chemicals company’s stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. 77.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Quaker Houghton Stock Performance

The firm’s 50 day moving average is $156.15 and its 200-day moving average is $142.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 2.47. The firm has a market cap of $2.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -330.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 1.35.

About Quaker Houghton

Quaker Houghton is a global provider of process fluids, chemical specialties and sustainable solutions for industrial applications. The company develops and supplies metalworking fluids, coatings, and corrosion inhibitors, as well as heat transfer, lubrication and additive products designed to improve productivity and extend equipment life. Its portfolio addresses a range of end markets including automotive, aerospace, defense, energy, mining, agriculture and heavy industry.

The company traces its roots back to the founding of Quaker Chemical Corporation in 1918 and Houghton International in 1865.