Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”), the terms “Quaker Houghton,” the “Company,” “we,” and “our” refer to Quaker Chemical Corporation (doing business as Quaker Houghton), its subsidiaries, and associated companies, unless the context otherwise requires.
Executive Summary
Quaker Houghton is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world’s most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, container, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge, and customized services. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the U.S.
Net sales of $1,888.6 million in 2025 increased 3% compared to $1,839.7 million in 2024. The net sales increase of $48.9 million, or 3%, is primarily due to contributions from acquisitions of approximately 4% and favorable foreign currency translation of approximately 1%, partially offset by decreases in selling price and product mix of approximately 2%. Organic sales volumes remained consistent in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily as a result of continued new business wins across all segments, particularly Asia/Pacific, which was offset by a continuation of soft end market conditions including the uncertainty caused by tariffs, particularly in the Americas and EMEA segments. The decrease in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of the mix of products, services and geographies and the impact of our index-based customer contracts.
The Company reported a net loss of $2.5 million or $0.14 net loss per diluted share in 2025, compared to a net income of $116.6 million or $6.51 earnings per diluted share in 2024. The net loss primarily reflects an $88.8 million non-cash impairment charge to write down the remaining value of goodwill associated with the Company’s EMEA reportable segment. Excluding non-recurring and non-core items, the Company’s current year non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $123.2 million and $7.02, respectively, compared to $133.5 million and $7.44, respectively, in 2024. The decrease in current year Non-GAAP earnings was primarily driven by lower gross margins and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), partially offset by an increase in net sales. The Company generated adjusted EBITDA of $299.2 million compared to $310.9 million in 2024, as the increase in net sales was offset by lower operating margins and an increase in SG&A. Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations—Consolidated—Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for the definition and reconciliation of these measures to their most comparable GAAP measures.
The Company’s 2025 operating performance in each of its three reportable segments: (i) Americas; (ii) EMEA; and (iii) Asia/Pacific, reflects similar drivers to that of the Company’s consolidated performance. The increase in operating earnings for the Asia/Pacific segment compared to the prior year was primarily driven by an increase in net sales and further contribution from acquisitions, partially offset by lower segment operating margins. The decrease in operating earnings for the EMEA segment compared to the prior year was primarily driven by lower segment operating margins, partially offset by an increase in net sales. The decrease in operating earnings for the America segment compared to the prior year was primarily driven by a decrease in net sales and a decrease in segment operating margins. Additional details of segment operating performance are provided in the Reportable Segments Review in the Operations section of this Item below.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $136.5 million in 2025 compared to $204.6 million in 2024. The decrease in net operating cash flows was primarily driven by lower operating performance, higher cash outflows from restructuring activities and higher outflows from working capital in 2025 compared to 2024. The key drivers of the Company’s operating cash flow and working capital are further discussed in the Company’s Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this Item 7, below.
The Company performed well in 2025, making progress on its long-term financial and strategic initiatives. In addition, the Company results in 2025 reflect an increase in sales volumes in the Asia/Pacific segment and new business wins across all segments, despite a continuation of challenging end market conditions, particularly in the Americas and EMEA segments.
On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBB”), was signed into law. The OBBB includes significant changes to the federal corporate tax provisions and extends certain otherwise expiring provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Among other things, the legislation restores 100% bonus depreciation for eligible property, reinstates expensing for domestic research and experimental expenditures, imposes new limitations on interest expense deductibility, and expands disallowed deductions for certain employee remuneration. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and other provisions implemented through 2027. The provisions effective in 2025 do not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. The Company is continuing to evaluate the potential impacts of the provisions effective in 2026 and 2027.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Quaker Houghton’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based on its consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to customer sales incentives, product returns, credit losses, inventories, property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), investments, goodwill, intangible assets, income taxes, business combinations, and restructuring. These estimates reflect historical experience as well as our best judgment about current and/or future economic and market conditions and their effects and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable based on currently available information, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. However, actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Quaker Houghton believes the following critical accounting policies describe the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements:
Accounts receivable and inventory exposures: The Company establishes allowances for credit losses for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers was to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. As part of our terms of trade, we may custom manufacture products for certain large customers and/or may ship products on a consignment basis. Further, a significant portion of our revenue is derived from sales to customers in industries where companies have previously experienced financial difficulties. If a significant customer bankruptcy occurs, then we must judge the amount of proceeds, if any, that may ultimately be received through the bankruptcy or liquidation process. These matters may increase the Company’s exposure should a bankruptcy occur and may require a write down or a disposal of certain inventory as well as the to collect receivables. Reserves for customers filing for protection are established based on a percentage of the amount of receivables outstanding at the filing date. However, initially establishing this reserve and the amount thereof is dependent on the Company’s evaluation of likely proceeds to be received from the process, which could result in the Company recognizing minimal or no reserve at the date of . We generally reserve for large and/or financially customers on a specific review basis, while a general reserve is maintained for other customers based on historical experience. The Company’s consolidated allowance for credit was $14.9 million and $13.6 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company recorded expense to increase its provision for credit by $0.7 million, $2.1 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Tax exposures, uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances: The Company records expenses and liabilities for taxes based on estimates of amounts that will be determined as deductible or taxable in tax returns filed in various jurisdictions. The filed tax returns are subject to audit, which often occur several years subsequent to the date of the financial statements. Disputes or disagreements may arise during audits over the timing or validity of certain items, such as taxable income or deductions, which may not be resolved for extended periods of time. The Company also evaluates uncertain tax positions on all income tax positions taken on previously filed tax returns or expected to be taken on a future tax return in accordance with FIN 48, which prescribes the recognition threshold and measurement attributes for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return and, also, whether the benefits of tax positions are probable or if they are more likely than not to be sustained upon audit based upon the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are determined to be more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, the Company recognizes the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. For tax positions that are not determined to be more likely than not sustained upon audit, the Company does not recognize any portion of the in its financial statements. In addition, the Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Also, the Company nets its liability for unrecognized tax benefits deferred tax assets related to net operating or other tax credit carryforward on the basis that the uncertain tax position is settled for the presumed amount at the balance sheet date.
The Company also records valuation allowances on a quarterly basis to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. While the Company has considered future taxable income and assesses the need for a valuation allowance, in the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. Both determinations could have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. Tax Reform”), the Company recorded a $15.5 million transition tax liability for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2025, the $15.5 million transition liability has been fully paid. The Company may also be subject to other taxes, such as withholding taxes and dividend distribution taxes, if these undistributed earnings are ultimately remitted to the U.S. As of December 31, 2025, the Company has a deferred tax liability of $8.5 million, which primarily represents the estimate of the non-U.S. taxes the Company will incur to remit certain previously taxed earnings to the U.S. It is the Company’s current intention to reinvest its future undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries to support working capital needs and certain other growth initiatives outside of the U.S. The amount of such undistributed earnings at December 31, 2025 was approximately $429.2 million. Any tax liability which might result from ultimate remittance of these earnings is expected to be substantially offset by foreign tax credits (“FTCs”) (subject to certain limitations), however, certain withholding taxes could apply. It is currently impractical to estimate any such incremental tax expense. See Note 10, Income Taxes , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Business Combinations: The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. This method requires the recording of acquired assets, including separately identifiable intangible assets, at their acquisition date fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The determination of the estimated fair value of assets acquired requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to projected revenue growth rates, gross margins, and operating margins, the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), royalty rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. When necessary, the Company consults with external advisors to help determine fair value. For non-observable market values, the Company may determine fair value using acceptable valuation principles, including the excess earnings, relief from royalty, lost profit or cost methods. The Company engaged an independent third-party valuation specialist to assist with the allocation of the total purchase price for the acquisition of Dipsol Chemicals Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries, (“Dipsol”) to the fair value of the net assets acquired. The preliminary fair value of customer-related intangible assets was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, while the preliminary fair value of product technology and trademarks were determined using the relief from royalty method. These valuation methodologies required the use of several assumptions and estimates, including, but not limited to, the customer rate, the discount rate, net sales attributable to existing customers, the economic life, the EBITDA margin, and the contributory asset charge for the customer-related intangible assets, and the discount rate, the projected revenue, the royalty rate, and the economic life for the product technology and trademark intangible assets. The preliminary fair value of inventory was determined using the net realizable value approach, which includes the use of several estimates, including the selling prices and current replacement cost as of the valuation date. The preliminary fair value of land was determined using a sales comparison approach, which includes the use of several assumptions and estimates, including reproduction/replacement cost, while the preliminary fair value of building and and personal property was determined using the cost approach, which includes the use of several assumptions and estimates, including the building condition, floor value, physical , functional and economic , reproduction/replacement cost, and remaining useful lives. For further information see Note 2, Business Combinations , to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill and other intangible assets: The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite lives are not amortized and are required to be assessed at least annually for impairment. The Company completes its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if triggering events indicate a possible impairment. As part of annual goodwill impairment testing, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The Company’s evaluation of qualitative factors includes an assessment of relevant facts, events, and circumstances of a reporting unit including but not limited to macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, overall finance performance, cost factors that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows, sustained decreases in the Company’s share price, and etc. The Company will perform a quantitative test when qualitative factors alone are not sufficient to conclude whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company performs a quantitative test, an will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
The Company’s consolidated goodwill at December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $501.7 million and $518.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had indefinite-lived intangible assets for trademarks and intangibles totaling $201.2 million and $185.3 million, respectively.
During the second quarter of 2025, the Company concluded that the negative impacts of the lower than projected financial performance, driven by the continuation of soft end market conditions, as well as an increase in the Company’s cost of capital, driven by uncertainty around the potential negative impacts of tariffs, represented a triggering event for the Company’s EMEA reporting unit and the associated goodwill. In completing a quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the reporting unit’s fair value, based on future discounted cash flows, to its carrying value in order to determine if an impairment of goodwill exists. The estimates of future discounted cash flows involve considerable judgment and are based upon certain significant assumptions including the WACC as well as projected EBITDA, which includes assumptions related to revenue growth rates, gross margin levels and operating expenses. As a result of the impact of the uncertainty around tariffs, and continued soft end market conditions driving lower current year EMEA earnings and a decline in projected future EMEA earnings, as well as an increase in the WACC assumption utilized in the Company’s 2024 annual impairment assessment, the Company concluded that the estimated fair value of the EMEA reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, a pre-tax, non-cash charge of $88.8 million ($86.7 million after-tax) to write down the remaining carrying value amount of the EMEA reporting unit Goodwill was recorded in the second quarter of 2025, reflected in “ charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2025.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Company performed its annual impairment assessment by applying the quantitative assessment and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit was greater than its carrying value.
Pension and Postretirement benefits: The Company provides certain defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits to current employees, former employees and retirees. Independent actuaries, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, perform the required valuations to determine benefit expense and, if necessary, non-cash charges to equity for additional minimum pension liabilities. Critical assumptions used in the actuarial valuation include the weighted average discount rate, which is based on applicable yield curve data, including the use of a split discount rate (spot-rate approach) for the U.S. plans and certain foreign plans, rates of increase in compensation levels, and expected long-term rates of return on assets.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 3, Recently Issued Accounting Standards , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information and for a discussion regarding recently adopted accounting standards and recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $179.8 million and $188.9 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Cash held by subsidiaries in foreign countries was approximately $171.4 million and $180.6 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The $9.1 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents was the net result of $214.1 million of cash used in investing activities, largely offset by $136.5 million of cash provided by operating activities, $61.8 million provided by financing activities, and a favorable impact of foreign currency translation of approximately $6.7 million.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $136.5 million in 2025 compared to $204.6 million in 2024. The decrease in net operating cash flow year-over-year reflects lower operating performance in 2025 compared to 2024, higher outflows from restructuring activities, and an increase in net cash outflows from working capital, primarily due to higher outflows of accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to timing of payments and higher outflows for the purchases of inventories.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $214.1 million in 2025 compared to $76.4 million in 2024. The increase in cash used in investing activities year-over-year is primarily the result of $164.2 million of payments, net of cash acquired, in the current year related to the acquisitions of Chemical Solutions & Innovations (Pty) Ltd. (“CSI”), Dipsol, and Natech, Ltd., (“Natech”), a $14.1 million increase in payments relating to capital expenditures, and $3.0 million of interest received from the fixed-for-fixed cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges. The prior year included $39.3 million of payments, net of cash acquired, related to the acquisitions of I.K.V. Tribologie IKVT and its subsidiaries (“IKV”) and the Sutai Group (“Sutai”). See Note 2, Business Combinations , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about business acquisitions.
Net cash flows provided by financing activities were $61.8 million in 2025 compared to net cash flows used in financing activities of $122.7 million in 2024. The increase in net cash inflows was primarily driven by $174.2 million of net borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility in the current year, an increase of $156.3 million compared to the prior year, which the Company used for the purpose of funding the purchase price of the Dipsol acquisition as well as for other corporate purposes. In addition, the Company made term loan debt payments of approximately $34.7 million in 2025, a $22.5 million decrease in payments compared to the prior year. The Company also made payments of approximately $41.5 million for repurchases of the Company’s common stock under its share repurchase program in the current year, a $7.7 million decrease compared to the prior year.
During June 2022, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Quaker Houghton B.V., as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, U.S. Dollar swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Bank of America Europe Designated Active Company, as Euro Swing Line Lender, certain guarantors and other lenders entered into an amendment to its primary credit facility (the “Original Credit Facility”). The amended credit facility (“Credit Facility”) established (A) a new $150.0 million Euro equivalent senior secured term loan (the “Euro Term Loan”), (B) a new $600.0 million senior secured term loan (the “U.S. Term Loan”), and (C) a new $500.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), each maturing in June 2027. The Company has the right to increase the amount of the Credit Facility by an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of $300.0 million or 100% of Consolidated EBITDA, subject to certain conditions including the agreement to provide financing by any lender providing such increase.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company had Credit Facility borrowings outstanding of $859.7 million. The Company’s other debt obligations are primarily industrial development bonds, bank lines of credit and municipality-related loans, which totaled $11.5 million as of December 31, 2025. Total unused capacity under these arrangements as of December 31, 2025 was approximately $57.4 million. The Company’s total net debt as of December 31, 2025 was $691.4 million, which consists of total borrowings of $871.2 million less cash and cash equivalents of $179.8 million. The Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default. Financial covenants contained in the Credit Facility include a consolidated interest coverage ratio test and a consolidated net leverage ratio test. As of December 31, 2025, the Company was in compliance with all of the Credit Facility covenants. Refer to the description of the Company’s primary Credit Facility in Note 19, Debt , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about the covenants and events of default.
The weighted average variable interest rate incurred on the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility during the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 was approximately 5.2%. As of December 31, 2025, the interest rate on the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was approximately 4.7%. As part of the Credit Facility, the Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.150% to 0.275% related to unutilized commitments under the Revolver, depending on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio. The Company had unused capacity under the Revolver of approximately $268.5 million, which is net of bank letters of credit of approximately $2.5 million, as of December 31, 2025.
In order to manage the Company’s exposure to variable interest rate risk associated with the Credit Facility, in the first quarter of 2023, the Company entered into $300.0 million notional amounts of three-year interest rate swaps to convert a portion of the Company’s variable rate borrowings into an average fixed rate obligation of 3.64% plus an applicable margin as provided in the Credit Facility based on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2025, the aggregate interest rate on the swaps, including the fixed base rate plus the applicable margin, was 5.0%. See Note 24, Hedging Activities , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
The Company capitalized third-party and credit debt issuance costs attributed to the Euro Term Loan, U.S. Term Loan and Revolver during the second quarter of 2022. Capitalized costs attributed to the Euro Term Loan and U.S. Term Loan are recorded as a direct offset to Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capitalized costs attributed to the Revolver are recorded within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These capitalized costs are amortized into Interest expense over the five year term of the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of debt issuance costs recorded as a reduction of Long-term debt and $1.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of debt issuance costs recorded within Other assets.
The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge the impact of the variability in exchange rates on certain foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities. Additionally, in connection with the Dipsol acquisition, in March 2025, the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts with various financial institutions with an aggregate notional amount of $155.3 million to hedge the variability in U.S. dollar-Japanese yen exchange rates associated with the purchase price. These contracts settled on April 1, 2025 in connection with the Dipsol acquisition. The Company recognized a $1.4 million foreign currency loss during the year ended December 31, 2025 in Other (expense) income, net relating to the change in fair value of these instruments as of the settlement date. See Note 24, Hedging Activities , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
During 2022, the Company initiated a global cost and optimization program to improve its cost structure and drive a more profitable and productive organization. The Company has achieved its annualized cost savings goal from this program of at least $20 million. In 2025, the Company approved additional actions under the program, which are expected to generate approximately an additional $40 million of annualized cost savings. These actions are expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2026. The Company recognized $35.1 million, $6.5 million and $7.6 million of restructuring and related charges for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, as a result of these programs and other facility closure actions. The Company made cash payments related to the settlement of restructuring liabilities under the program of $26.6 million and $7.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company expects total one-time cash costs of this program to be approximately 1 to 1.5 times annualized savings. See Note 7, Restructuring and Related Activities , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s gross liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, was $14.2 million. The Company cannot determine a reliable estimate of the timing of cash flows by period related to its uncertain tax position liability. However, should the entire liability be paid, the amount of the payment may be reduced by up to $7.5 million as a result of offsetting benefits in other tax jurisdictions. See Note 10, Income Taxes , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
As previously disclosed, the Board of Directors of the Company has approved a share repurchase program (“2024 Share Repurchase Program”), authorizing the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate of $150 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock and replacing the prior share repurchase program. The 2024 Share Repurchase Program was effective immediately upon approval and has no expiration date. The number of shares to be repurchased and the timing of such transactions depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions. As of December 31, 2025, there was approximately $59.2 million of capacity remaining under the 2024 Share Repurchase Program. The Company repurchased 364,797 and 312,997 shares under the 2024 Share Repurchase Program for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Item 5, Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities , within Part II of this Report for further information.
The Company believes that its existing cash, anticipated cash flows from operations and available liquidity will be sufficient to support its operating requirements and fund its business objectives for at least the next twelve months, including but not limited to, payments of dividends to shareholders, share repurchases, capital expenditures, other growth opportunities (including potential acquisitions), pension plan contributions, implementing actions to achieve the Company’s sustainability goals and other potential known or anticipated contingencies. The Company also believes it has sufficient additional liquidity to support its operating requirements and to fund its business obligations for the period beyond the next twelve months, including the aforementioned items which are expected to recur annually, as well as future principal and interest payments on the Company’s Credit Facility, tax obligations and other long-term liabilities. The Company’s liquidity is affected by many factors, some based on normal operations of our business and others related to the impact of global events on our business and on global economic conditions as well as industry uncertainties, which we cannot predict. We also cannot predict economic conditions and industry downturns or the timing, strength or duration of recoveries. We may seek, as we believe appropriate, additional debt or equity financing that would provide capital for corporate purposes, working capital funding, additional liquidity needs or to fund future growth , including possible acquisitions and organic investments. The timing and amount of potential capital requirements cannot be determined at this time and will depend on a number of factors, including the actual and projected demand for our products, specialty chemical industry conditions, competitive factors, and the condition of financial markets, among others.
The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2025, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flows in future periods. Pension and postretirement plan contributions beyond 2026 are not determinable since the amount of any contribution is heavily dependent on the future economic environment and investment returns on pension trust assets. The timing of payments related to other long-term liabilities which consist primarily of deferred compensation agreements and environmental reserves, also cannot be readily determined due to their uncertainty. Interest obligations on the Company’s long-term debt and capital leases assume the current debt levels will be outstanding for the entire respective period and apply the interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2025.
Payments due by period
(dollars in thousand)
2030 and
Beyond
Contractual Obligations
Total
Long-term debt (See Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
Interest obligations (See Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
Capital lease obligations (See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
Operating leases (See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
Purchase obligations
Income taxes payable (See Note 10 and Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
Pension and other postretirement plan contributions (See Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
Other long-term liabilities (See Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
Total contractual cash obligations
Non-GAAP Measures
The information in this Report includes non-GAAP (unaudited) financial information that includes EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information as they enhance a reader’s understanding of the financial performance of the Company, facilitate a comparison among fiscal periods, and exclude items that management believes are not indicative of future operating performance or core to the Company’s operations. Non-GAAP results are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our definitions of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies – adjusted, non-GAAP net income, and non-GAAP earnings per share, as discussed and reconciled below to the most comparable GAAP measures, may not be comparable to similarly named measures reported by other companies.
The Company presents EBITDA, which is calculated as net income attributable to the Company before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies. The Company also presents adjusted EBITDA, which is calculated as EBITDA plus or minus certain items that management believes are not indicative of future operating performance or core to the Company’s operations. The Company presents non-GAAP operating income, which is calculated as operating income plus or minus certain items that management believes are not indicative of future operating performance or core to the Company’s operations. Additionally, the Company presents non-GAAP gross profit, which is calculated as gross profit plus or minus certain items that management believes are not indicative of future operating performance or core to the Company’s operations. Adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP operating margin, and non-GAAP gross margin are calculated as the percentage of adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP operating income, and non-GAAP gross profit to consolidated net sales, respectively. The Company believes these non-GAAP measures provide transparent and useful information and are widely used by analysts, investors, and competitors in our industry as well as by management in assessing the operating performance of the Company on a consistent basis.
Additionally, the Company presents non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share as additional performance measures. Non-GAAP net income is calculated as adjusted EBITDA, defined above, less depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies, in each case adjusted, as applicable, for any depreciation, amortization, interest or tax impacts resulting from the non-core items identified in the reconciliation of net income attributable to the Company to adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share is calculated as non-GAAP net income per diluted share as accounted for under the “two-class share method.” The Company believes that non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share provide transparent and useful information and are widely used by analysts, investors, and competitors in our industry as well as by management in assessing the performance of the Company on a consistent basis.
Certain of the prior period non-GAAP financial measures presented in the following tables have been adjusted to conform with current period presentation. The following tables reconcile the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures (unaudited) to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures (dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted, except per share amounts):
Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Margin Reconciliations
For the years ended December 31,
Gross profit
Acquisition-related step-up inventory amortization (a)
Gain on inventory and other adjustments (o)
Non-GAAP gross profit
Non-GAAP gross margin (%) (u)
Non-GAAP Operating Income and Margin Reconciliations
For the years ended December 31,
Operating income
Acquisition-related step-up inventory amortization (a)
Restructuring and related charges, net (b)
Acquisition-related expenses (credits) (c)
Strategic planning expenses (credits) (d)
Executive transition costs (f)
Customer insolvency costs (g)
Gain on inventory and other adjustments (o)
Impairment charges (i)
Acquisition-related depreciation and amortization (j)
Other charges (credits) (p)
Non-GAAP operating income
Non-GAAP operating margin (%) (u)
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Non-GAAP Net Income Reconciliations
For the years ended December 31,
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation
Depreciation and amortization (s)
Interest expense
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies (t)
EBITDA
Equity income in a captive insurance company (q)
Acquisition-related step-up inventory amortization (a)
Restructuring and related charges, net (b)
Acquisition-related expenses (credits) (c)
Strategic planning expenses (credits) (d)
Gain on inventory and other adjustments (o)
Pension and postretirement benefit costs, non-service components (e)
Executive transition costs (f)
Customer insolvency costs (g)
Currency conversion impacts of hyper-inflationary economies (h)
Impairment charges (i)
Loss on acquisition-related hedges (k)
Gain on sale of assets (l)
Multiemployer plan withdrawal charge (m)
Brazilian non-income tax credits (n)
Other charges (credits) (p)
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA margin (%) (u)
Adjusted EBITDA
Less: Depreciation and amortization - adjusted (s)
Less: Interest expense
Less: Taxes on income (loss) before equity in net income of associated companies - adjusted (r)(t)
Plus: Acquisition-related depreciation and amortization (j)
Non-GAAP net income
Non-GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share Reconciliations
For the years ending December 31,
GAAP earnings per diluted share attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation common shareholders
Equity income in a captive insurance company (q)
Acquisition-related step-up inventory amortization (a)
Restructuring and related charges, net (b)
Acquisition-related expenses (credits) (c)
Strategic planning expenses (credits) (d)
Pension and postretirement benefit costs, non-service components (e)
Executive transition costs (f)
Customer insolvency costs (g)
Currency conversion impacts of hyper-inflationary economies (h)
Impairment charges (i)
Acquisition-related depreciation and amortization (j)
Loss on acquisition-related hedges (k)
Gain on sale of assets (l)
Multiemployer plan withdrawal charge (m)
Brazilian non-income tax credits (n)
Gain on inventory and other adjustments (o)
Other charges (credits) (p)
Impact of certain discrete tax items (r)
Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share (v)
(a) Acquisition-related step-up inventory amortization represents the amortization of the fair value step-up in Dipsol’s inventories as a result of the acquisition which is recorded within Cost of goods sold in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 2, Business Combinations , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(b) Restructuring and related charges, net represent the costs incurred by the Company associated with the Company’s restructuring program and facility closures. During 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded restructuring and related charges of $35.1 million, $6.5 million and $7.6 million, respectively. See Note 7, Restructuring and Related Activities , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(c) Acquisition-related expenses (credits) include expense associated with the Company's recent and potential acquisitions, including legal, financial, consulting and other costs. See Note 2, Business Combinations , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(d) Strategic planning expenses (credits) include certain consultant and advisory expenses for the Company's long-term strategic planning, as well as process optimization and the next phase of the Company's long-term integration to further optimize its footprint, processes and other functions.
(e) Pension and postretirement benefit costs, non-service components represents the pre-tax, non-service components of the Company’s pension and postretirement net periodic benefit cost in each period. See Note 20, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits , and Note 9, Other (expense) income, net, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(f) Executive transition costs represent the costs related to the Company’s transition of executive officers.
(g) Customer insolvency costs represent charges associated with specific reserves for trade accounts receivable within the Company’s EMEA and America’s reportable segments related to two specific customers that filed for bankruptcy protection.
(h) Currency conversion impacts of hyper-inflationary economies represent the foreign currency remeasurement impacts associated with the Company’s affiliates in Argentina and Türkiye whose local economies are designated as hyper-inflationary under U.S. GAAP. These pre-tax foreign currency remeasurement impacts are not deductible for tax purposes for each of the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 and 2023. The charges incurred related to the immediate recognition of foreign currency remeasurement in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(i) Impairment charges represents the non-cash charge taken to write down the remaining carrying value of goodwill in the EMEA reportable segment during the second quarter of 2025. See Note 15, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(j) Acquisition-related depreciation and amortization represents amortization expense recorded for definite-lived intangible assets in connection with the Dipsol and Natech acquisitions and depreciation expense recorded in connection with the fair value step-up of Dipsol’s property, plant, and equipment. See Note 2, Business Combinations , and Note 15, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , for more information.
(k) Loss on acquisition-related hedges represents the mark-to-market and settlement of the foreign exchange forward contracts entered into March 2025 for an aggregate notional amount totaling $155.3 million to hedge the variability of exchange rate impacts between the U.S. Dollar and Japanese yen in connection with the acquisition of Dipsol. See Note 2, Business Combinations , and Note 24, Hedging Activities , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(l) Gain on sale of assets represents the gain recognized on the sale of certain property previously classified as held for sale and gain on sale of other assets that are not considered core to the Company’s operations. See Note 7, Restructuring and Related Activities , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(m) Multiemployer plan withdrawal charge represents the expense related to the Company withdrawing from the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund, a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan, in connection with a site closure under the Company’s restructuring program and facility closure actions. See Note 7, Restructuring and Related Activities , and Note 9, Other (expense) income, net , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(n) Brazilian non-income tax credits represents indirect tax credits and interest related to the Brazil Supreme Court ruling in regard to certain non-income (indirect) taxes that have been previously charged and paid. See Note 9, Other (expense) income, net , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(o) Gain on inventory and other adjustments represents immaterial out-of-period adjustments for inventory and other items and is recorded within Cost of goods sold and SG&A in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(p) Other charges (credits) include product liability disputes with customers during the year ended December 31, 2024, an insurance claim settlement receipt related to production losses due to an electrical fire in 2021 that resulted in the temporary shutdown of production at one of the Company’s production facilities during the year ended December 31, 2024, and insurance recoveries received for remediation and restoration of property damage to certain of the Company’s facilities during the year ended December 31, 2023. Other charges (credits) also includes professional fees incurred in connection with tax audits, charges incurred by an inactive subsidiary of the Company as a result of the termination of restrictions on insurance settlement reserves, and other items. See Note 9, Other (expense) income, net, and Note 25, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(q) Equity income in a captive insurance company represents the after-tax income attributable to the Company’s equity interest in Primex, Ltd. (“Primex”), a captive insurance company. The Company holds a 32% investment in and has significant influence over Primex, and therefore accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. See Note 16, Investments in Associated Companies , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(r) The impacts of certain discrete tax items include certain impacts of tax law changes, valuation allowance adjustments, uncertain tax positions, provision to return and other adjustments, and the impact of certain intercompany asset transfers. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the impacts also included $6.7 million of withholding taxes for the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings. See Note 10, Income Taxes , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(s) Depreciation and amortization includes $0.9 million, $1.0 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, of amortization expense recorded within equity in net income of associated companies in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, which is attributable to amortization of the fair value purchase accounting step-up in connection with acquisition of the Company’s 50% equity interest in Korea Houghton Corporation.
(t) Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies – adjusted presents the impact of any current and deferred income tax expense (benefit), as applicable, of the reconciling items presented in the reconciliation of net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation to adjusted EBITDA and was determined utilizing the applicable rates in the taxing jurisdictions in which these adjustments occurred, subject to deductibility.
(u) The Company calculates adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP operating margin, and non-GAAP gross margin as the percentage of adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP operating income, and non-GAAP gross profit to consolidated net sales.
(v) The Company calculates non-GAAP earnings per diluted share as non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company per weighted average diluted shares outstanding using the “two-class share method” to calculate such in each given period.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company had approximately $7 million of bank letters of credit and guarantees as of December 31, 2025. The bank letters of credit and guarantees are not significant to the Company’s liquidity or capital resources.
Operations
Consolidated Operations Review – Comparison of 2025 with 2024
The following table summarizes the sales variances by reportable segment and consolidated operations from the prior year:
Sales volumes
Selling price & product mix
Foreign currency
Acquisition & other
Total
Americas
EMEA
Asia/Pacific
Consolidated
Net sales of $1,888.6 million in 2025 increased 3% compared to $1,839.7 million in 2024. The net sales increase of $48.9 million, or 3%, is primarily due to contributions from acquisitions of approximately 4% and favorable foreign currency translation of approximately 1%, partially offset by decreases in selling price and product mix of approximately 2%. Organic sales volumes remained consistent in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily as a result of continued new business wins across all segments, particularly Asia/Pacific, which was offset by a continuation of soft end market conditions including the uncertainty caused by tariffs, particularly in the Americas and EMEA segments. The decrease in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of the mix of products, services and geographies and the impact of our index-based customer contracts.
COGS was $1,209.3 million in 2025 compared to $1,153.7 million in 2024. The increase of COGS of $55.6 million, or 5%, reflects an increase in spend on the increase in current year sales volumes and an increase in global raw material costs and manufacturing costs. Additionally, COGS in 2025 includes a $6.0 million amortization of the fair value step-up in Dipsol’s inventories as a result of the Dipsol acquisition, which is partially offset by a $2.9 million gain related to an out-of-period inventory adjustment.
Gross profit was $679.4 million in 2025 compared to $686.0 million in 2024, a decrease of approximately $6.6 million, or 1%, primarily as a result of an increase in the Company’s raw material costs and manufacturing costs, as well as the $6.0 million amortization of the fair value step-up in Dipsol’s inventories as a result of the Dipsol acquisition, partially offset by an increase in net sales and a $2.9 million gain related to an out-of-period inventory adjustment. The Company’s reported gross margin in 2025 was 36.0% compared to 37.3% in 2024.
SG&A was $502.4 million in 2025 compared to $484.8 million in 2024, an increase of $17.6 million, or 4%, primarily driven by an increase in SG&A relating to acquisitions, partially offset by lower incentive compensation.
The Company incurred Restructuring and related charges of $35.1 million and $6.5 million during 2025 and 2024, respectively, related to additional reductions in headcount and facility closure costs under the Company’s restructuring program. See the Non-GAAP Measures section of this Item above and Note 7, Restructuring and Related Activities , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
During the second quarter of 2025, the Company recorded an $88.8 million non-cash impairment charge to write down the remaining value of goodwill associated with the Company’s EMEA reportable segment. This non-cash impairment charge is the result of the Company’s conclusion that the negative impacts of the lower than projected financial performance, driven by the continuation of soft end market conditions, as well as an increase in the Company’s cost of capital, driven by uncertainty around the potential negative impacts of tariffs, represented a triggering event for the Company’s EMEA reporting unit and the associated goodwill, as well as the related asset group. There were no similar impairment charges during 2024. See Note 15, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Operating income in 2025 was $53.0 million compared to $194.7 million in 2024. The decrease in operating income was primarily driven by the $88.8 million non-cash impairment charge and increase in Restructuring and related charges as described above. Excluding non-core items that are not indicative of future operating performance, as detailed above, the Company’s current year non-GAAP operating income was $199.4 million compared to $213.7 million in the prior year. The decrease in non-GAAP operating income was primarily due to lower gross profit and an increase in SG&A primarily relating to acquisitions. See the Non-GAAP Measures section of this Item above for additional details.
The Company had Other expense, net of $1.9 million in 2025 compared to Other income, net of $1.4 million in 2024. 2025 and 2024 both included foreign exchange transaction losses, which were $6.6 million higher in the current year and income from non-income tax credits, which were $0.8 million lower in the current year. 2025 also included a $2.2 million net gain on disposals of property, $2.6 million of interest income and a multiemployer plan withdrawal charge of $0.9 million, whereas 2024 included a $2.0 million expense associated with payments related to customer product liability disputes and a $1.0 million business interruption insurance recovery.
Interest expense of $44.0 million increased $3.0 million in 2025 compared to $41.0 million in 2024, primarily as a result of higher outstanding borrowings, partially offset by decreases in interest rates.
The Company’s effective tax rates for 2025 and 2024 were 350.1% and 31.8%, respectively. The Company’s current year effective tax rate was largely driven by the non-cash goodwill impairment charge described above. The 2025 effective tax rate was also driven by the mix of pre-tax earnings, withholding taxes offset by return to provision adjustments, transition loss carryforwards on branch income and net favorable reductions in uncertain tax positions. The Company’s 2024 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the mix of pre-tax earnings, certain one-time charges related to an intercompany intangible asset transfer, and withholding taxes, offset by changes in uncertain tax positions and return to provision adjustments. Excluding the impact of all non-core items in each year, described in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this Item above, the Company estimates that the 2025 and 2024 effective tax rates would have been approximately 28% and 29%, respectively. The Company may experience continued volatility in its effective tax rates due to several factors, including the timing of tax audits and the expiration of applicable statutes of as they relate to uncertain tax positions, the of the timing and amount of certain incentives in various tax jurisdictions, the tax impacts of acquisition and related integration activities, and the timing and amount of certain share-based compensation-related tax benefits, among other factors. In addition, the FTCs valuation allowance, or thereof, is based on a number of variables, including forecasted earnings.
Equity in net income of associated companies was $15.2 million in 2025 compared to $11.0 million in 2024. The increase of $4.2 million was primarily due to higher current year income from the Company’s 50% equity interest in a joint venture in Korea and higher current year income from the Company’s 32% investment in Primex, a captive insurance company.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was approximately $0.1 million for both 2025 and 2024.
Consolidated Operations Review – Comparison of 2024 with 2023
The following table summarizes sales variances by segment and consolidated operations from the prior year:
Sales volumes
Selling price & product mix
Foreign currency
Acquisition & other
Total
Americas
EMEA
Asia/Pacific
Consolidated
Net sales of $1,839.7 million in 2024 decreased 6% compared to $1,953.3 million in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in selling price and product mix of approximately 4%, a decrease in sales volumes of approximately 2%, and unfavorable impacts from foreign currency translation of approximately 1%, partially offset by an increase in sales from acquisitions of approximately 1%. The decrease in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of our index-based customer contracts and the mix of products and services. The decline in sales volumes was primarily a result of continuation of soft end market conditions compared to the prior year, primarily in the Americas and EMEA segments, partially offset by an increase in sales volumes in the Asia/Pacific segment, continued business wins across all segments and a contribution from acquisitions in the EMEA and Asia/Pacific segments.
Cost of goods sold (“COGS”) were $1,153.7 million in 2024 compared to $1,247.7 million in 2023. The decrease of COGS of $94.0 million, or 8%, reflects lower spend on the decline in 2024 sales volumes and a modest decline in the Company’s global raw material costs.
Gross profit was $686.0 million in 2024 compared to $705.6 million in 2023, a decrease of approximately $19.6 million, or 3%, primarily as a result of the decline in sales mentioned above, partially offset by a modest reduction in the Company’s global raw material costs. The Company’s reported gross margin in 2024 was 37.3% compared to 36.1% in 2023. The Company’s improvement in gross margin was primarily driven by our value-based pricing model and modest improvements in raw material costs.
SG&A was $484.8 million in 2024 compared to $483.6 million in 2023, an increase of $1.2 million, or 0.3%, primarily as a result of higher executive transition costs, higher customer insolvency costs, and SG&A relating to the IKV and Sutai acquisitions, partially offset by lower strategic planning expenses and favorable foreign currency translation compared to the prior year.
The Company incurred Restructuring and related charges of $6.5 million and $7.6 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to reductions in headcount and facility closure costs under the Company’s restructuring program. See the Non-GAAP Measures section of this Item above and Note 7, Restructuring and Related Activities , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Operating income in 2024 was $194.7 million compared to $214.5 million in 2023. Excluding non-core items that are not indicative of future operating performance, as detailed above, the Company’s 2024 non-GAAP operating income was $213.7 million compared to $227.8 million in the prior year. The decrease in non-GAAP operating income was primarily due to lower gross profit, as described above. See the Non-GAAP Measures section of this Item above for additional details.
The Company had Other income, net of $1.4 million in 2024 compared to Other expense, net of $10.7 million in 2023 due to lower foreign exchange losses of $1.8 million in 2024 compared to losses of $14.8 million in the prior year. Additionally, the Company had higher non-income tax refunds of $3.7 million in 2024 compared to non-income tax refunds of $1.3 million in the prior year. Other income, net in 2024 also included a business interruption insurance recovery of $1.0 million, other income of $0.4 million relating to adjustments to the earnout provisions for the Sutai acquisition, and $2.0 million of product liability claim costs. Prior year’s Other expense, net included $2.1 million of facility remediation recoveries, net.
Interest expense of $41.0 million decreased $9.7 million in 2024 compared to $50.7 million in 2023, primarily as a result of lower outstanding borrowings and decreases in interest rates.
The Company’s effective tax rates for 2024 and 2023 were 31.8% and 36.3%, respectively. The Company’s 2024 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the mix of pre-tax earnings, certain one-time charges related to an intercompany intangible asset transfer, provision to return and other adjustments, and withholding taxes, offset by changes in uncertain tax positions. The Company’s 2023 effective tax rate was primarily impacted by changes to the valuation allowance for and the usage of certain FTCs, withholding taxes and deferred taxes on unremitted earnings, and the mix of pre-tax earnings. Excluding the impact of all non-core items in each year, described in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this Item, above, the Company estimates that the 2024 and 2023 effective tax rates would have been approximately 29% and 28%, respectively. In 2023, the Company recognized $6.7 million of withholding taxes for the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings that the Company does not believe is core or indicative of future performance and has adjusted these withholding taxes as a Non-GAAP measure. The Company may experience continued volatility in its effective tax rates due to several factors, including the timing of tax audits and the expiration of applicable statutes of as they relate to uncertain tax positions, the of the timing and amount of certain incentives in various tax jurisdictions, and the timing and amount of certain share-based compensation-related tax benefits, among other factors. In addition, the FTC valuation allowance, or thereof, is based on a number of variables, including forecasted earnings, which may vary.
Equity in net income of associated companies was $11.0 million in 2024 compared to $15.3 million in 2023. The decrease of $4.3 million was primarily due to lower 2024 income from the Company’s 50% equity interest in a joint venture in Korea offset by higher 2024 income from the Company’s equity interest in Primex.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was approximately $0.1 million for both 2024 and 2023.
Reportable Segments Review - Comparison of 2025 with 2024
The Company’s reportable segments reflect the structure of the Company’s internal organization, the method by which the Company’s resources are allocated and the manner by which the Chief Operating Decision Maker of the Company assesses its performance. The Company has three reportable segments: (i) Americas; (ii) EMEA; and (iii) Asia/Pacific. See Notes 1, 4, 5, and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Segment operating earnings for each of the Company’s reportable segments are comprised of the segment’s net sales less directly related product costs and other segment items. Operating expenses not directly attributable to the net sales of each respective segment, such as certain corporate and administrative costs, impairment charges, and restructuring charges, are not included in segment operating earnings. Other items not specifically identified with the Company’s reportable segments include Interest expense and Other (expense) income, net.
Americas
Americas represented approximately 46% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2025. The segment’s net sales were $865.3 million, a decrease of $16.8 million or 2% compared to 2024. This decrease in net sales was driven by a decline in sales volumes of approximately 2%, a decrease in selling price and product mix of approximately 1% and an unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of approximately 1%, offset by an increase in sales from the acquisition of Dipsol of approximately 2%. The decline in organic sales volumes was primarily driven by a continuation of soft market conditions and customer order patterns, partially offset by new business wins. The decrease in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of the mix of products, services and geographies and the impact of our index-based customer contracts. The unfavorable foreign exchange impact was primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Brazilian real and Mexican peso during 2025 compared to 2024. Segment operating earnings in the Americas were $227.6 million, a decrease of $16.4 million or 7% compared to 2024 primarily driven by lower net sales and lower segment operating margins, primarily due to lower gross margins for the segment.
EMEA
EMEA represented approximately 29% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2025. The segment’s net sales were $548.1 million, an increase of $11.7 million or 2% compared to 2024. This was a result of an increase in sales from acquisitions of Dipsol, Natech, CSI, and IKV of approximately 3% and a favorable foreign currency translation impact of approximately 4%, primarily due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro, partially offset by a decrease in selling price and product mix of approximately 3% and a decrease in organic sales volumes of approximately 2%. The decrease in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of the mix of products, services and geographies and the impact of our index-based customer contracts. The decline in sales volumes was primarily driven by softer market conditions, partially offset by continued new business wins. Segment operating earnings in EMEA were $96.6 million, a decrease of $2.8 million or 3% compared to 2024 as an increase in net sales was offset by lower segment operating margins, primarily due to higher SG&A related to acquisitions.
Asia/Pacific
Asia/Pacific represented approximately 25% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2025. The segment’s net sales were $475.2 million, an increase of $54.1 million or approximately 13% compared to 2024. This was driven by contributions from acquisitions of Dipsol and Sutai of approximately 12% and an increase in organic sales volumes of approximately 5%, partially offset by lower selling price and product mix of approximately 4%. The increase in organic sales volumes was primarily driven by new business wins coupled with a more favorable end market environment compared to the prior year period. The decrease in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of the mix of products, services and geographies and the impact of our index-based customer contracts. Segment operating earnings in Asia/Pacific were $124.2 million, an increase of $1.5 million, or 1%, compared to 2024 as an increase in net sales was offset by lower segment operating margins, primarily due to lower gross margins and higher SG&A, primarily related to acquisitions.
Reportable Segments Review – Comparison of 2024 with 2023
Americas
Americas represented approximately 48% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2024. The segment’s net sales were $882.1 million in 2024, a decrease of $95.0 million or 10% compared to 2023. This was driven by a decline in sales volumes of 5%, a decline in selling price and product mix of 4% and unfavorable foreign currency impacts of 1%. The decline in sales volumes was primarily driven by softer market conditions broadly across the portfolio, partially offset by new business wins. The decline in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of our index-based customer contacts and the mix of products and services. The unfavorable foreign exchange impact was primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso and Brazilian real. Segment operating earnings in the Americas were $244.0 million in 2024, a decrease of $22.1 million or 8% compared to 2023 primarily driven by the decrease in net sales, partially offset by an improvement in segment operating margins driven by the Company’s margin initiatives.
EMEA
EMEA represented approximately 29% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2024. The segment’s net sales were $536.4 million in 2024, a decrease of $34.9 million or 6% compared to 2023. This was driven by a decline in sales volumes of 5% and a decline in selling price and product mix of 4%, partially offset by a contribution of sales from the acquisition of IKV of 3%. The decline in sales volumes was driven by the continuation of soft end market conditions in the region, partially offset by new business wins. The decline in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of our index-based customer contracts and the mix of products and services. Segment operating earnings in EMEA were $99.4 million in 2024, a decrease of $5.4 million or 5% compared to 2023 primarily driven by the decrease in net sales, partially offset by an improvement in segment operating margins driven by the Company’s margin improvement initiatives.
Asia/Pacific
Asia/Pacific represented approximately 23% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2024. The segment’s net sales were $421.1 million in 2024, an increase of 4% or approximately $16.2 million compared to 2023. This was driven by an increase in sales volumes of 7%, a contribution of sales from the acquisition of Sutai of 2%, partially offset by a decline in selling price and product mix of 3% and unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 2%. The increase in sales volumes was primarily driven by new business wins coupled with a modest improvement in the end market environment. The decline in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to the impact of our index-based customer contracts and mix of products and services. The unfavorable foreign currency translation was primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Chinese renminbi. Segment operating earnings in Asia/Pacific were $122.7 million in 2024, an increase of $4.3 million, or 4%, compared to 2023 as a result of improvement in net sales, partially offset by a decrease in segment operating margins.
Environmental Clean-up Activities
The Company is involved in environmental clean-up activities in connection with an existing plant location and former waste disposal sites. This includes certain soil and groundwater contamination the Company identified in 1992 at AC Products, Inc. (“ACP”), a wholly owned subsidiary. In voluntary coordination with the Santa Ana California Regional Water Quality Board, ACP has been remediating the contamination, the principal contaminant of which is perchloroethylene (“PERC”). In 2004, the Orange County Water District (“OCWD”) filed a civil complaint against ACP and other parties seeking to recover compensatory and other damages related to the investigation and remediation of the contamination in the groundwater. Pursuant to a settlement agreement with OCWD, ACP agreed, among other things, to operate the two groundwater treatment systems to hydraulically contain groundwater contamination emanating from ACP’s site until the concentrations of PERC released by ACP fell below the current Federal maximum contaminant level for four consecutive quarterly sampling events. In 2014, ACP ceased operation at one of its two groundwater treatment systems, as it had met the above condition for closure. In 2020, the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board asked that ACP conduct periodic indoor and outdoor soil vapor testing on and near the ACP site to confirm that ACP continues to meet the applicable local standards. ACP has performed such testing program work with an additional round of testing done in 2025. It is expected that additional testing may occur in 2026. As of December 31, 2025, ACP believes it has met the conditions for of the remaining groundwater treatment system but continues to operate this system while in discussions with the relevant authorities.
The Company is also party to other environmental matters related to certain domestic and foreign properties. These environmental matters primarily require the Company to perform ongoing monitoring and maintenance at each of the applicable sites. During the year ended December 31, 2025, there have been no significant changes to the facts or circumstances of these matters. The Company had accrued obligations of $3.4 million and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, for these environmental matters. These obligations are included in other accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. These accrued amounts are inclusive of the Brazilian environmental matter discussed below.
The Company’s Sao Paulo, Brazil site was required under Brazilian environmental, health and safety regulations to perform an environmental assessment as part of a permit renewal process. Initial investigations identified soil and ground water contamination in select areas of the site. The site has conducted a multi-year soil and groundwater investigation and corresponding risk assessments based on the result of the investigations. In 2017, the site had to submit a new 5-year permit renewal request and was asked to complete additional investigations to further delineate the site based on review of the technical data by the local regulatory agency, Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (“CETESB”). Based on review of the updated investigation data, CETESB issued a Technical Opinion regarding the investigation and remedial actions taken to date. The site developed an action plan and submitted it to CETESB in 2018 based on CETESB requirements. The site intervention plan primarily requires the site, amongst other actions, to conduct periodic monitoring for methane in soil vapors, source zone delineation, groundwater plume delineation, bedrock aquifer assessment, update the human health risk assessment, develop a current site conceptual model and conduct a remedial feasibility study and provide a revised intervention plan. In 2020, the site submitted a report on the activities completed including the revised site conceptual model and results of the remedial feasibility study and recommended remedial strategy for the site. The site believes it will the remedial objectives in June 2027, at which time a request for of the treatment system will be submitted.
The Company believes that it has made adequate accruals for costs associated with other environmental matters of which it is aware. Approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 million were accrued as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, to provide for such anticipated future environmental assessments and remediation costs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company cannot be certain that future liabilities in the form of remediation expenses and damages will not exceed amounts reserved. See Note 25, Commitments and Contingencies , to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.
General
See Item 7A of this Report, below, for further discussion of certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.
