Ingevity (NGVT) vs WD-40 (WDFC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Ingevity (NGVT) has outperformed WD-40 (WDFC) over the past year, gaining 32.7% versus a gain of 3.9%. Over five years, NGVT leads with a -9.0% price change compared with -13.5% for WDFC. WD-40 is the larger company by market cap ($2.70 billion vs $2.44 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Ingevity trades at a lower forward P/E (11.8x vs 31.1x for WD-40). WD-40 pays a dividend yielding 1.99%, while Ingevity does not currently pay one. WD-40 converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.7% versus -14.3%.
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 | NGVT | WDFC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $70.92 | $201.50 |
| Market cap | $2.44B | $2.70B |
| 1-day change | -2.58% | -1.31% |
| YTD return | +19.84% | +2.34% |
| 1-year return | +32.66% | +3.88% |
| 5-year return | -9.02% | -13.55% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 101.31 | 30.62 |
| Forward P/E | 11.79 | 31.12 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.70 | $6.58 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.99% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $4.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.17B | $619.99M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -2.71% | +4.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-167.10M | $90.99M |
| Gross margin | 39.53% | 55.06% |
| Operating margin | 35.86% | 16.74% |
| Net margin | -14.31% | 14.68% |
| 52-week high | $79.29 | $298.90 |
| 52-week low | $45.85 | $175.38 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.56% | -32.59% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +25.49% | +34.82% |
| Average volume | 247.72K | 140.32K |
| Shares outstanding | 34.38M | 13.42M |
| Employees | 1,400 | 714 |
| 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
- NGVT has outperformed WDFC by 28.8 percentage points over the past year.
- Ingevity trades at a higher earnings multiple (101.3x vs 30.6x trailing P/E).
- WD-40 offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.99% vs 0.00%).
- WD-40 is more profitable, keeping 14.7 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -14.3 cents for Ingevity.
- WD-40 grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+4.98% vs -2.71%).
About Ingevity
NGVT stock →Ingevity Corporation manufactures and sells activated carbon products, derivative specialty chemicals, and engineered polymers in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. It operates through three segments: Performance Materials, Performance Chemicals, and Advanced Polymer Technologies.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 1,400 employees
About WD-40
WDFC stock →WD-40 Company engages in the provision of maintenance products and homecare and cleaning products in North America, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, India, the Middle East, and Africa. The company offers multi-purpose maintenance products that include aerosol sprays, non-aerosol trigger sprays, precision pens, and in liquid-bulk form products under the WD-40 Multi-Use brand; specialty maintenance products, such as penetrants, degreasers, corrosion inhibitors, greases, lubricants, and rust removers under the WD-40 Specialist brand; drip and specialty oil lubricant, and specialty maintenance products under the 3-IN-ONE brand; and e bike maintenance products under the GT85 brand.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 714 employees
NGVT vs WDFC FAQ
Which is bigger, Ingevity or WD-40?
WD-40 (WDFC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.70B compared with $2.44B for Ingevity (NGVT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NGVT or WDFC?
NGVT returned +32.66% over the past 12 months, compared with +3.88% for WDFC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NGVT or WDFC?
WDFC has the lower trailing P/E at 30.6, versus 101.3 for NGVT. 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, Ingevity or WD-40?
WD-40 pays a dividend yielding 1.99%, while Ingevity does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Ingevity and WD-40 in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.