Minerals Technologies reported higher sales for the third quarter of 2026, with growth in both operating segments. Earnings were $1.37 per share, or $1.53 excluding special items. The company also highlighted new applications for its technologies in rare earths and critical minerals, along with steps to extend debt maturities, increase liquidity and raise its regular dividend.
Key details
- Sales and earnings: Worldwide sales were $555 million, up 4% from a year earlier and 1% sequentially. Sales for the first nine months reached $1.7 billion, a 6% increase. MTI said it remained on track for mid-single-digit revenue growth for the full year.
- Operating results: Operating income was $65 million, or $72 million excluding special items. The operating margin was 11.7%, compared with 12.9% excluding those items.
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Cash generation: Third-quarter cash flow from operations was $76 million and free cash flow was $52 million. Cash flow from operations for the year to date was up 32% from the prior-year period.
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Consumer & Specialties: Segment sales were $278 million, slightly higher than a year earlier and up 1% sequentially. Household & Personal Care sales rose 1% year over year to $131 million; sequential growth was supported by higher North American cat litter volumes and gains in edible oil and renewable fuel purification, personal care, and fabric care. Specialty Additives sales were $148 million, flat year over year and down 2% sequentially.
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Segment operating income fell 34% from a year earlier to $25 million. Higher energy, transportation and raw-material costs were not fully recovered during the quarter because of the timing of contractual price adjustments.
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Engineered Solutions: Segment sales increased 9% year over year to $277 million, and were up 1% sequentially. High-Temperature Technologies sales rose 7% to $192 million, helped by stronger demand from steel and foundry customers. Environmental & Infrastructure sales grew 11% to $85 million, driven by environmental lining and remediation products, building materials and infrastructure drilling products.
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Segment operating income rose 9% to $49 million, equal to a 17.6% margin.
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Rare-earth and critical-mineral technologies: At its September 22 Investor Day, held at its research and development facility, MTI introduced two new solutions aimed at opportunities related to U.S. production of rare earths and critical minerals. The company said the technologies extend its existing capabilities into new applications; further product details are not provided here.
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Financing and dividend: MTI said it extended debt maturities and increased liquidity, improving its financial flexibility. It also raised its regular quarterly dividend by 8%. The specific debt terms, liquidity increase, dividend amount and effective date were not provided.
What stands out
Growth was stronger in Engineered Solutions, while Consumer & Specialties faced a significant profit decline as cost increases outpaced contractual price adjustments during the quarter. The reported-to-adjusted figures show that results excluding special items were higher, but the company did not detail those items in the material provided.