Croda International Reports Strong H1 Performance with Accelerated Growth and Margin Expansion
Croda International (LON:CRDA) reported first-half results that met expectations, driven by strong growth in the second quarter. The company highlighted robust performance from its Consumer Care segment and Beauty Actives division, which contributed significantly to sales and profit increases. Croda maintained its full-year outlook for 2026 and noted continued benefits from its transformation program, including cost savings of £18 million during the period. First-half sales rose by 5% in constant currency to £881 million, with new and protected product sales growing at a faster rate of 7%. Adjusted operating profit increased by 7% year-over-year to £156 million. Free cash flow improved to £38 million from £28 million the previous year, while net debt stood at £578 million with leverage at 1.4 times EBITDA. The company also expanded its global footprint during the period by opening new facilities in India and China. Beauty Actives saw a notable 27% growth in Q2 due to customer innovation and product launches, while Pharma Ingredients sales increased by 7%. Management expressed confidence for improved performance from the project-driven Pharma Solutions segment in the second half.
Topics: beauty_actives consumer_care dividend_declaration pharma_ingredients