NewMarket Corporation (NEU) AI Stock Analysis
NEU AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchNewMarket Corporation (NEU) develops and supplies petroleum additives, including lubricant and fuel additives for automotive and industrial markets. In FY2025, the company delivered $2.73B in revenue with a 15.4% net margin and generated $491.3M in free cash flow. Over the trailing twelve months, diluted earnings per share reached $46.47, with operating margin standing at 23.9%.
- Market cap
- $8.06B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $2.74B
- P/E
- 18.9x fwd 22.5x
- 1Y return
- 13.8% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $450.00 -48.6% vs last close
Bull case
- Trailing twelve months operating margin of 23.9% exceeds the peer group median of 18.5%.
- Cash generation remained robust with $491.3M in free cash flow produced in FY2025.
- Quarterly earnings increased 22.9% year-over-year in the period ending June 30, 2026.
Bear case
- The analyst mean price target of $450.00 sits 48.6% below the recent share price of $876.01.
- The forward price-to-earnings multiple of 22.5x trades at a premium to the peer median of 13.4x.
- Annual top-line revenue declined 2.2% in FY2025 to $2.73B.
What NewMarket does
NewMarket Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, operates primarily in the petroleum additives industry through its subsidiaries. It develops and supplies lubricant additives for engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, and industrial machinery, serving passenger cars, commercial equipment, and marine vessels. The company also produces fuel additives to improve refining processes and fuel performance across gasoline, diesel, and biofuels. Beyond additives, NewMarket participates in antiknock compounds, contract manufacturing, and manages real estate assets in Virginia, serving original equipment manufacturers, commercial clients, governments, and consumers worldwide.
Growth and profitability
Between FY2020 and FY2025, NewMarket generated a revenue compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. Annual revenue grew from $2.36B in FY2021 to $2.76B in FY2022, before moderating to $2.70B in FY2023, $2.79B in FY2024, and dipping 2.2% to $2.73B in FY2025. Gross margin expanded from 23.2% in FY2021 to 31.5% in FY2025, while operating margin rose from 10.9% to 20.0% over the same span. Net income reached $418.7M in FY2025, corresponding to $35.30 per share. For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 7.0% year-over-year, while quarterly earnings increased 22.9% year-over-year.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, NewMarket held $93.6M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $939.9M, leaving net debt at $846.3M. The company reported shareholders' equity of $1.84B, a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, and a current ratio of 2.25. During FY2025, operating cash flow reached $569.0M, supporting capital expenditures of $77.6M and free cash flow of $491.3M. Capital deployment in FY2025 included $77.2M in share buybacks and $105.9M in dividends paid, contributing to a 9.9% reduction in share count over five years.
Valuation and performance
At $876.01 per share, NewMarket trades at a trailing price-to-earnings multiple of 18.9x, compared to 19.7x for the median of its US-listed Basic Materials peers. Its forward price-to-earnings ratio of 22.5x stands above the peer median of 13.4x, while enterprise value to EBITDA sits at 12.3x compared to the peer median of 10.5x. The price-to-sales multiple is 2.9x, against 1.8x for peers. Over the past year, the stock gained 13.8% versus a 16.8% return for the S&P 500, though its five-year return of 159.5% outperformed the index's 83.0% gain.
NEU dividend
NewMarket pays a forward annual dividend of $12.00 per share, representing a 1.37% dividend yield and a 25.8% payout ratio. The company distributes dividends quarterly and has paid dividends for 21 consecutive years. Its dividend has grown at an annualized rate of 8.2% over the past five years, with the most recent ex-dividend date on September 15, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street analysts have set a mean price target of $450.00, which sits 48.6% below the stock's closing price of $876.01 on October 16, 2026. NewMarket has exceeded consensus earnings expectations in each of the last 4 quarters. The company's next earnings report is scheduled for October 28, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Total debt of $939.9M substantially exceeds cash and short-term investments of $93.6M as of June 30, 2026.
- The company's price-to-earnings-to-growth ratio stands elevated at 5.64.
- Short interest represents 8.0% of the float as of October 16, 2026.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this NEU AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of NewMarket Corporation (NEU). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: NEU income statement, NEU balance sheet, NEU key metrics, NEU chart. See the NEU stock overview for the latest quote and news.
NEU AI stock analysis FAQ
What dividend does NewMarket pay?
NewMarket pays an annual forward dividend of $12.00 per share, distributed quarterly, yielding 1.37% with a 25.8% payout ratio. The company has paid dividends for 21 consecutive years.
When does NewMarket report earnings next?
The company is scheduled to report its next earnings on October 28, 2026.
How much debt does NewMarket hold?
As of June 30, 2026, NewMarket held $939.9M in total debt and $93.6M in cash and short-term investments, resulting in net debt of $846.3M and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51.
Who owns NewMarket stock?
Institutional investors own 67.6% of the company, while corporate insiders hold 19.2% of shares. Short interest accounts for 8.0% of the float.