Updating Quaker Chemical Corp., T. Rowe Price Group Inc., and Verizon Communications Inc.

Article Excerpt

QUAKER CHEMICAL CORP. $178 (www.quakerchem.com) makes lubricants and chemicals that keep mechanical parts from rusting. The company earned $19.2 million, or $1.44 a share, in the quarter ended June 30, 2018. That’s a gain of 61.6% over its year-earlier earnings of $11.9 million, or $0.89. If you disregard unusual items, earnings per share in the latest quarter rose 25.8%, to $1.56 from $1.24. Sales also gained 10.3%, to $222.0 million from $201.2 million. Those gains are due to stronger demand and selling prices, as well as a lower tax rate. Quaker now aims to complete its takeover of Houghton International Inc. by the end of 2018. That firm makes specialty chemicals, oils, and lubricants for customers in the automotive, aerospace, mining, and beverage industries. Under the terms of the takeover, Houghton’s owners will receive $172.5 million in cash and a 24.5% stake in the combined company. Buy. T. ROWE PRICE GROUP INC. $116 (www.troweprice.com) sells mutual funds and wealth management services. As of July 31, 2018,…