Croda backs outlook as quarterly organic sales growth beats forecast
Croda International PLC on Tuesday reiterated full-year sales guidance as it reported an acceleration in sales growth in the second quarter of 2026.
The Yorkshire, England-based speciality chemicals firm said pretax profit rose 26% to £107.4 million in the six months ended June 30 from £85.5 million the year prior, or by 7.6% to £147.7 million from £138.0 million on an adjusted basis.
Revenue increased 2.9% to £880.5 million from £855.8 million. This included organic growth of 4.6% in the half-year, with second quarter growth 8.8%, ahead of consensus of around 7%.
Basic earnings per share increased 29% to 56.5 pence from 43.8p. The dividend was left unchanged at 48p per share.
"We have delivered a good first half performance in line with our expectations with strong growth in Consumer Care. Group profits continue to grow ahead of sales, reflecting both increased customer demand for innovation and the benefits of our transformation programme," said Chief Executive Steve Foots.
Croda said it is on track to deliver £100 million efficiency benefits and £50 million working capital improvements for financial 2028.
The FTSE 100 listing left 2026 expectations for group organic sales growth within a 3% to 6% range and eyes a further increase in adjusted operating margin driven by improving profitability in Consumer Care and Life Sciences.
In the first half of 2026, adjusted operating margin improved to 17.7% from 17.2% the year prior.
Shares in Croda rose 3.1% to 3,015.00 pence each in London on Tuesday.
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