NewMarket Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results
MWN-AI** Summary
NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) reported its fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2025, highlighting a mixed performance amid a challenging economic landscape. The company’s net income for 2025 totaled $418.7 million, or $44.44 per share, down from $462.4 million, or $48.22 per share the previous year. This decline was primarily attributed to a higher effective tax rate.
In terms of segment performance, the petroleum additives segment generated $585.1 million in sales for Q4 2025, down from $626.1 million year-on-year. Operating profit in this segment also fell to $106.8 million, a decrease from $135.7 million, influenced by a 6% decline in shipments and lower selling prices. The total petroleum additives revenue for the full year amounted to $2.5 billion, compared to $2.6 billion in 2024. The specialty materials segment, however, showed promising growth, with sales rising to $48.5 million in Q4 2025, up from $27.1 million in Q4 2024, and an operating profit of $7.3 million compared to $1.5 million last year.
Despite the pressures on the petroleum additives segment due to market softness, NewMarket emphasized its commitment to reinvesting in growth through technology and optimizing its global manufacturing network. The company also showcased its robust financial position, generating significant operating cash flows, paying dividends totaling $105.9 million, and repurchasing $77.2 million of common stock.
In conclusion, while NewMarket faced challenges in the petroleum additives segment, its specialty materials area and prudent cash management are positioning the company for ongoing resilience in a fluctuating market environment. The firm remains focused on enhancing shareholder value through strategic investment and operational efficiency.
MWN-AI** Analysis
NewMarket Corporation's fourth quarter and full-year results for 2025 reflect mixed performance driven by market dynamics and strategic investments. Despite a decline in net income to $418.7 million, or $44.44 per share, from $462.4 million, or $48.22 per share in 2024, the company generated solid operating cash flows and reduced long-term debt significantly, enhancing financial stability.
The company's petroleum additives segment experienced a contraction, with sales down to $585.1 million from $626.1 million in the prior year. Notably, operating profit for this segment fell to $106.8 million compared to $135.7 million in the same period last year. This decline can be attributed to decreased shipments, particularly in lubricant additives, and pricing pressures faced in a soft market. However, the specialty materials segment achieved an impressive turnaround, with sales growing to $48.5 million from $27.1 million in Q4 2024, bolstered by acquisitions and increased volumes at American Pacific Corporation.
Investors should focus on NewMarket's strategic initiatives to optimize production and enhance its manufacturing network, which could provide a competitive edge as market conditions stabilize. The company's commitment to technology upgrades and operational efficiency is likely to yield long-term benefits, as evidenced by the positive outlook for the specialty materials segment, aiming for expanded production capacity by late 2026.
Despite facing macroeconomic uncertainties, including trade relations impacts, NewMarket’s fundamentals remain solid. The reduced debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.1 indicates improved leverage, positioning the firm favorably for capital allocation decisions—repurchases, dividends, or growth investments.
In conclusion, while short-term challenges persist, the strategic direction towards efficiency and growth in specialty materials offers a compelling long-term investment case. Investors may look to acquire shares at current levels, keeping a close eye on quarterly performance and macroeconomic indicators.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- 2025 Petroleum Additives Operating Profit of $520 Million
- 2025 Specialty Materials Operating Profit of $47 Million
- 2025 Net Income of $419 Million and Earnings per Share of $44.44
- Strong Operating Cash Flows During the Year
NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas E. Gottwald, released the following earnings report of the Company’s operations for the fourth quarter and full year 2025.
Income before income tax expense for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $113.2 million compared to $134.2 million last year. For the full year 2025, income before income tax expense was $560.6 million compared to $584.1 million in 2024. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $81.3 million, or $8.65 per share, compared to net income of $110.7 million, or $11.56 per share, for the same period last year. For the full year 2025, net income was $418.7 million, or $44.44 per share, compared to $462.4 million, or $48.22 per share, for 2024, which was a record year. The decline in net income was mainly driven by a higher effective income tax rate in 2025 compared to 2024.
Petroleum additives sales for the fourth quarter of 2025 were $585.1 million, compared to $626.1 million for the same period in 2024. Petroleum additives operating profit for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $106.8 million, compared to $135.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in petroleum additives operating profit was primarily driven by a 6 percent decline in shipments between quarterly periods as well as a decline in selling prices. In addition, to manage inventory levels, operating profit in the fourth quarter was impacted by higher unit costs resulting from lower production volumes at our plants. The decline in shipments was mainly driven by lower lubricant additives shipments, while fuel additives shipments were slightly higher compared to last year.
Petroleum additives sales were $2.5 billion for the full year 2025, compared to $2.6 billion in 2024. Petroleum additives operating profit for the full year 2025 was $520.1 million, compared to $591.9 million in 2024, which was an all time high for this segment. The drivers for the decrease in operating profit between these periods were consistent with those affecting the fourth quarter comparison discussed above, as well as one-time charges taken in the third quarter related to our efforts to become more efficient by optimizing our global manufacturing network and an increase in technology investments. Shipments decreased 4.9 percent when comparing the full year 2025 with 2024, driven by softness in the market and our strategic decision to examine and reduce low-margin business.
Specialty materials sales were $48.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $27.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. Specialty materials operating profit was $7.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to operating profit of $1.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in specialty materials sales was primarily driven by increased volumes at American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) and the inclusion of the Calca Solutions, LLC (Calca) business that was acquired on October 1, 2025. As previously stated, we expect variation in quarterly results for the specialty materials segment on an ongoing basis due to the nature of its business.
Specialty materials sales were $182.5 million for the full year 2025, compared to $141.2 million for the full year of 2024. Specialty materials operating profit for the full year 2025 was $47.0 million, compared to $17.5 million last year. Specialty materials sales and operating profit for the full year 2024 reflect financial results since the acquisition of AMPAC on January 16, 2024. Through our acquisitions of AMPAC and Calca and our investments to expand capacity at both operations, we have committed approximately $1 billion to this resilient, high-technology specialty materials segment.
Our operations generated solid cash flows during the full year 2025. We paid dividends of $105.9 million, repurchased common stock for $77.2 million, and funded capital expenditures of $77.6 million. Additionally, we reduced our long-term debt by $87.9 million during 2025 even after investing over $200 million in the Calca acquisition, driving our Net Debt to EBITDA ratio down to 1.1 as of December 31, 2025. The cash flows generated by operations enable us to continue to provide value to our shareholders through reinvestment in our businesses for growth and efficiency, acquisitions, share repurchases, and dividends.
We are pleased with the performance of both our petroleum additives and specialty materials segments during 2025. We are experiencing impacts to the petroleum additives segment due to market softness and the uncertain global economic environment in which we operate. Nonetheless, we anticipate continued solid results from this segment. We will continue to invest in technology to serve our customers, focus on cost control and margin management, and advance our initiatives to build a global manufacturing network that will enable more efficient product delivery to our customers in the years ahead. We are also excited about expanding production in the specialty materials segment to provide more capacity and a stronger supply chain for our customers, and we expect to see that capacity come online towards the end of 2026.
We continue to monitor the uncertain macroeconomic environment, particularly the changes in international trade relations and tariffs, and assess the potential impacts to our operations. Our dedicated team makes decisions to promote long-term value for our shareholders and customers, and remains focused on our long-term objectives. We believe the fundamentals of how we run our business - a long-term view, safety-first culture, customer-focused solutions, technology-driven product offerings, and world-class supply chain capability - will continue to be beneficial for all our stakeholders.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Gottwald
The petroleum additives segment consists of the North America (the United States and Canada), Latin America (Mexico, Central America, and South America), Asia Pacific, and Europe/Middle East/Africa/India (Europe or EMEAI) regions. The specialty materials segment operates primarily in North America.
The Company has disclosed the non-GAAP financial measures EBITDA, Net Debt, and Net Debt to EBITDA, as well as the related calculations in the schedules included with this earnings release. EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before the deduction of interest and financing expenses, income taxes, depreciation (on property, plant, and equipment) and amortization (on intangibles and lease right-of-use assets). Net Debt is defined as long-term debt, including current maturities, less cash and cash equivalents. Net Debt to EBITDA is defined as Net Debt divided by EBITDA for the rolling four quarters ended as of the specified date. The Company believes that even though these items are not required by or presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), these additional measures enhance understanding of the Company’s performance and period to period comparability. The Company believes that these items should not be considered an alternative to our results determined under GAAP.
As a reminder, a conference call and webcast is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 12, 2026, to review fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results. You can access the conference call live by dialing 1-888-506-0062 (domestic) or 1-973-528-0011 (international) and requesting the NewMarket conference call or using the participant access code 348226. To avoid delays, callers should dial in five minutes early. A teleconference replay of the call will be available until Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET by dialing 1-877-481-4010 (domestic) or 1-919-882-2331 (international). The replay passcode is 53484. The call will also be broadcast via the internet and can be accessed through the Company's website at www.NewMarket.com or https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2001/53484 . A webcast replay will be available for 30 days.
NewMarket Corporation is a holding company operating through its subsidiaries, Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC), and Calca Solutions, LLC (Calca). The Afton and Ethyl companies develop, manufacture, blend, and deliver chemical additives that enhance the performance of petroleum products. AMPAC is a manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries. Calca is the nation’s leading producer of Ultra Pure and high-purity hydrazine – essential, mission-critical propellants that enable advanced aerospace and defense applications. The NewMarket family of companies has a long-term commitment to its people, to safety, to providing innovative solutions for its customers, and to making the world a better place.
Some of the information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although NewMarket’s management believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the availability of raw materials and distribution systems; disruptions at production facilities, including single-sourced facilities; hazards common to chemical businesses; the ability to respond effectively to technological changes in our industries; failure to protect our intellectual property rights; sudden, sharp, or prolonged raw material price increases; competition from other manufacturers; current and future governmental regulations; the loss of significant customers; termination or changes to contracts with contractors and subcontractors of the U.S. government or directly with the U.S. government; failure to attract and retain a highly-qualified workforce; an information technology system failure or security breach; the occurrence or threat of extraordinary events, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars and health-related epidemics; risks related to operating outside of the United States, including tariffs and trade policy; political, economic, and regulatory factors concerning our products; the impact of substantial indebtedness on our operational and financial flexibility; the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; resolution of environmental liabilities or legal proceedings; limitation of our insurance coverage; our inability to realize expected benefits from investment in our infrastructure or from acquisitions, or our inability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our business; the underperformance of our pension assets resulting in additional cash contributions to our pension plans; and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports that NewMarket files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is available to shareholders at www.newmarket.com .
You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by NewMarket in the foregoing discussion speaks only as of the date on which such forward-looking statement is made. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this discussion after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that the events described in any forward-looking statement made in this discussion, or elsewhere, might not occur.
NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||
SEGMENT RESULTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per-share amounts, unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
Net Sales: | ||||||||||||||||
Petroleum additives | $ | 585,096 | $ | 626,138 | $ | 2,533,610 | $ | 2,636,242 | ||||||||
Specialty materials | 48,546 | 27,092 | 182,482 | 141,243 | ||||||||||||
All other | 1,761 | 1,417 | 9,077 | 9,073 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 635,403 | $ | 654,647 | $ | 2,725,169 | $ | 2,786,558 | ||||||||
Segment operating profit: | ||||||||||||||||
Petroleum additives | $ | 106,803 | $ | 135,658 | $ | 520,052 | $ | 591,854 | ||||||||
Specialty materials | 7,308 | 1,485 | 47,027 | 17,452 | ||||||||||||
All other | (2,537 | ) | (735 | ) | (4,765 | ) | (2,283 | ) | ||||||||
Segment operating profit | 111,574 | 136,408 | 562,314 | 607,023 | ||||||||||||
Corporate unallocated expense | (1,641 | ) | (3,837 | ) | (18,633 | ) | (17,332 | ) | ||||||||
Interest and financing expenses | (9,884 | ) | (11,645 | ) | (39,693 | ) | (57,366 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 13,103 | 13,323 | 56,574 | 51,782 | ||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense | $ | 113,152 | $ | 134,249 | $ | 560,562 | $ | 584,107 | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 81,285 | $ | 110,739 | $ | 418,747 | $ | 462,413 | ||||||||
Earnings per share - basic and diluted | $ | 8.65 | $ | 11.56 | $ | 44.44 | $ | 48.22 |
NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME | ||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per-share amounts, unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
Net sales | $ | 635,403 | $ | 654,647 | $ | 2,725,169 | $ | 2,786,558 | ||||
Cost of goods sold | 444,624 | 446,961 | 1,867,769 | 1,900,212 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 190,779 | 207,686 | 857,400 | 886,346 | ||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 49,234 | 42,083 | 181,584 | 171,412 | ||||||||
Research, development, and testing expenses | 31,517 | 32,842 | 132,091 | 124,898 | ||||||||
Operating profit | 110,028 | 132,761 | 543,725 | 590,036 | ||||||||
Interest and financing expenses, net | 9,884 | 11,645 | 39,693 | 57,366 | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 13,008 | 13,133 | 56,530 | 51,437 | ||||||||
Income before income tax expense | 113,152 | 134,249 | 560,562 | 584,107 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 31,867 | 23,510 | 141,815 | 121,694 | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 81,285 | $ | 110,739 | $ | 418,747 | $ | 462,413 | ||||
Earnings per share - basic and diluted | $ | 8.65 | $ | 11.56 | $ | 44.44 | $ | 48.22 | ||||
Cash dividends declared per share | $ | 3.00 | $ | 2.50 | $ | 11.25 | $ | 10.00 |
NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||
(In thousands, except share amounts, unaudited) | ||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 77,598 | $ | 77,476 | ||
Trade and other accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses | 422,084 | 395,450 | ||||
Inventories | 502,257 | 505,426 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 57,773 | 51,203 | ||||
Total current assets | 1,059,712 | 1,029,555 | ||||
Property, plant, and equipment, net | 775,480 | 735,361 | ||||
Intangibles (net of amortization) and goodwill | 941,156 | 750,424 | ||||
Prepaid pension cost | 586,053 | 490,418 | ||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 78,267 | 71,253 | ||||
Deferred charges and other assets | 51,797 | 52,530 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 3,492,465 | $ | 3,129,541 | ||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 238,384 | $ | 225,874 | ||
Accrued expenses | 109,774 | 89,277 | ||||
Dividends payable | 23,805 | 22,037 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 17,190 | 15,798 | ||||
Operating lease liabilities | 16,205 | 15,337 | ||||
Other current liabilities | 13,921 | 6,155 | ||||
Total current liabilities | 419,279 | 374,478 | ||||
Long-term debt | 883,391 | 971,281 | ||||
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent | 62,045 | 54,754 | ||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 349,507 | 267,445 | ||||
Total liabilities | 1,714,222 | 1,667,958 | ||||
Shareholders' equity: | ||||||
Common stock and paid-in capital (with no par value; issued and outstanding shares - 9,397,364 at December 31, 2025 and 9,524,789 at December 31, 2024) | 2,386 | 0 | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 106,823 | 32,870 | ||||
Retained earnings | 1,669,034 | 1,428,713 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 1,778,243 | 1,461,583 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 3,492,465 | $ | 3,129,541 |
NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW DATA | ||||||||
(In thousands, unaudited) | ||||||||
Twelve Months Ended | ||||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||||
Net income | $ | 418,747 | $ | 462,413 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 122,422 | 116,957 | ||||||
Cash pension and postretirement contributions | (9,504 | ) | (11,814 | ) | ||||
Working capital changes | 22,324 | (23,332 | ) | |||||
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 34,383 | (12,799 | ) | |||||
Capital expenditures | (77,637 | ) | (57,319 | ) | ||||
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | (213,447 | ) | (681,479 | ) | ||||
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility | 211,000 | 77,000 | ||||||
Principal payment on 3.78% senior note | (50,000 | ) | 0 | |||||
(Payment) proceeds on term loan | (250,000 | ) | 250,000 | |||||
Dividends paid | (105,931 | ) | (95,902 | ) | ||||
Repurchases of common stock | (77,218 | ) | (31,914 | ) | ||||
Debt issuance costs | 0 | (2,251 | ) | |||||
All other | (25,017 | ) | (24,020 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 122 | $ | (34,460 | ) |
NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||||||||||
(In thousands, unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
Net Income | $ | 81,285 | $ | 110,739 | $ | 418,747 | $ | 462,413 | ||||
Add: | ||||||||||||
Interest and financing expenses, net | 9,884 | 11,645 | 39,693 | 57,366 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 31,867 | 23,510 | 141,815 | 121,694 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 31,653 | 33,385 | 120,870 | 116,957 | ||||||||
EBITDA | $ | 154,689 | $ | 179,279 | $ | 721,125 | $ | 758,430 | ||||
Net Debt and Net Debt to EBITDA | ||||||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 883,391 | $ | 971,281 | ||||||||
Less: Cash and cash equivalents | 77,598 | 77,476 | ||||||||||
Net Debt | $ | 805,793 | $ | 893,805 | ||||||||
Net Debt to EBITDA | 1.1 | 1.2 |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260210988320/en/
FOR INVESTOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Timothy K. Fitzgerald
Investor Relations
Phone: 804.788.5555
Email: investorrelations@newmarket.com
FAQ**
What specific strategies is NewMarket Corp NEU implementing to address the decline in petroleum additives operating profit and manage inventory levels effectively in an uncertain economic environment?
Considering the acquisition of Calca and AMPAC, how does NewMarket Corp NEU plan to leverage these investments to maximize growth and efficiency in the specialty materials segment moving forward?
With a notable increase in effective income tax rates impacting net income, how does NewMarket Corp NEU intend to manage tax liabilities and maintain profitability in the upcoming fiscal year?
As NewMarket Corp NEU focuses on optimizing its global manufacturing network, what metrics will be used to measure the success of these initiatives in improving operational efficiency and reducing costs?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about NewMarket Corp (NYSE: NEU).
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