Innospec (IOSP) vs Quaker Houghton (KWR)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Innospec (IOSP) has outperformed Quaker Houghton (KWR) over the past year, gaining 24.4% versus a gain of 19.8%. Over five years, IOSP leads with a +14.0% price change compared with -32.9% for KWR. Quaker Houghton is the larger company by market cap ($2.72 billion vs $2.41 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Innospec trades at a lower forward P/E (15.9x vs 16.6x for Quaker Houghton). Innospec offers the higher dividend yield (1.83% vs 1.29%). Innospec converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.6% versus -0.1%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | IOSP | KWR |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $97.69 | $158.11 |
| Market cap | $2.41B | $2.72B |
| 1-day change | +0.28% | +0.50% |
| YTD return | +27.63% | +15.15% |
| 1-year return | +24.45% | +19.83% |
| 5-year return | +13.99% | -32.90% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.94 | 28.18 |
| Forward P/E | 15.88 | 16.59 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.90 | $5.61 |
| Dividend yield | 1.83% | 1.29% |
| Annual dividend | $1.79 | $2.04 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.78B | $1.89B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -3.65% | +2.66% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $116.60M | $-2.49M |
| Gross margin | 27.69% | 35.97% |
| Operating margin | 7.28% | 2.81% |
| Net margin | 6.56% | -0.13% |
| 52-week high | $100.48 | $183.01 |
| 52-week low | $65.51 | $112.18 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -2.78% | -13.61% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +3.39% | +21.79% |
| Average volume | 187.41K | 148.09K |
| Shares outstanding | 24.63M | 17.21M |
| Employees | 2,450 | 4,700 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Major Chemicals | Major Chemicals |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Quaker Houghton trades at a higher earnings multiple (28.2x vs 19.9x trailing P/E).
- Innospec is more profitable, keeping 6.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -0.1 cents for Quaker Houghton.
- Quaker Houghton grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+2.66% vs -3.65%).
About Innospec
IOSP stock →Innospec Inc. develops, manufactures, blends, markets, and supplies specialty chemicals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 2,450 employees
About Quaker Houghton
KWR stock →Quaker Chemical Corporation, doing business as Quaker Houghton, provides industrial process fluids worldwide. The company develops, produces, and markets various formulated specialty chemical products; and offers chemical management services for various heavy industrial and manufacturing applications.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 4,700 employees
IOSP vs KWR FAQ
Which is bigger, Innospec or Quaker Houghton?
Quaker Houghton (KWR) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.72B compared with $2.41B for Innospec (IOSP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, IOSP or KWR?
IOSP returned +24.45% over the past 12 months, compared with +19.83% for KWR (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, IOSP or KWR?
IOSP has the lower trailing P/E at 19.9, versus 28.2 for KWR. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Innospec or Quaker Houghton?
Innospec has the higher yield at 1.83%, compared with 1.29% for Quaker Houghton.
Are Innospec and Quaker Houghton in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.