Ecovyst Inc (ECVT)

Ecovyst's stock price increased by 25.87% from January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and recently traded at $10.58, reflecting a 14.08% increase in the past month and a 40.81% increase over the last 12 months. Ecovyst announced an agreement to sell its Advanced Materials & Catalysts segment to Technip Energies on September 11, 2025, which was completed on January 2, 2026. The company reported its second-quarter 2025 results on August 7, 2025, and third-quarter 2025 results on November 4, 2025, along with updated guidance, though Q3 earnings and revenues lagged estimates. On January 5, 2026, Vice President and CFO Michael Feehan disposed of 6,231 shares of Ecovyst common stock. Ecovyst has a share repurchase authorization with $230 million remaining and planned to allocate up to $30 million for opportunistic repurchases in Q2 2025. The acquisition of Cornerstone Sulfuric Acid assets, valued at $35 million, was expected to close in Q2 2025. Citigroup maintained a Neutral recommendation, while Deutsche Bank and BWS Financial maintained Buy recommendations for ECVT.

Demand for Ecovyst's products and services exhibits some seasonality and is influenced by various industry trends. The Ecoservices segment experiences stable demand for sulfuric acid regeneration, with stronger demand expected in the second quarter, and favorable demand for virgin sulfuric acid, driven by mining customers. The Advanced Materials & Catalysts segment sees stable sales of polyethylene catalysts due to favorable geographic exposure, with demand expected to remain positive. 2025 is anticipated to be a stronger year for hydrocracking catalysts. Weak demand for catalyst materials in renewable diesel was expected over the 12-18 months from Q3 2024, but a demand recovery is anticipated. Global sales for heavy-duty diesel vehicles have been depressed.

Ecovyst, Inc. is a global specialty chemicals company providing sustainable solutions through advanced materials, specialty catalysts, and services, operating within the Basic Materials sector. Its business is divided into Ecoservices and Advanced Materials & Catalysts. The Ecoservices segment provides sulfuric acid recycling services and virgin sulfuric acid for industrial applications, along with chemical waste handling and catalyst activation services. The Advanced Materials & Catalysts segment focuses on advanced silicas and zeolite catalysts, including catalysts for petroleum refining, polyethylene, and specialty zeolites for sustainable fuels and emission control. Ecovyst's products enhance process efficiency, improve product quality, and contribute to environmental performance.

Ecovyst, Inc. has a global footprint with strategically located manufacturing facilities, serving customers regionally and internationally. The Ecoservices segment primarily caters to the North American refining industry. The company's sales of polyethylene catalysts are particularly weighted towards North America and the Middle East.

Ecovyst has maintained a positive brand reputation over the past year, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. The company released its 2024 Sustainability Report on June 30, 2025, highlighting progress towards sustainability goals, including achieving an industry-leading zero OSHA recordables injury rate in 2024. Ecovyst's products and services are recognized for contributing to environmental sustainability, and the company prides itself on a long history of customer partnerships and a reputation for delivering reliable, quality products and solutions.

Ecovyst Inc. has a significant institutional ownership presence, with 367 institutional owners holding 86.69% of the stock. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc, Rubric Capital Management LP, and BlackRock, Inc. CCMP Capital LP is the largest shareholder among individual owners, holding 30.30% of the company. Insiders collectively own 1.48% of the stock, and the general public holds an 11% stake.