CORRECT: Croda International expects margin gains as 2025 sales climb

(Correcting prior year sales and consensus sales figures to billion from million).

(Alliance News) - Croda International PLC on Tuesday said it expects its profit margin to widen as it reported higher sales for 2025 but a decline in profit amid an "uncertain trading environment".

The Yorkshire, England-based speciality chemicals maker said pretax profit fell 56% to GBP81.0 million in 2025 from GBP207.8 million in 2024, though sales rose 4.4% to GBP1.70 billion from GBP1.63 billion.

Sales were ahead of the company-compiled consensus of GBP1.68 billion.

Statutory pretax profit fell as operating costs climbed 26% to GBP635.6 million from GBP506.4 million.

Adjusted pretax profit improved 8.4% to GBP276.2 million from GBP260.0 million, ahead of consensus of GBP267.8 million.

Croda upped its full year dividend by 0.9% to 111.0 pence from 110.0p.

"I am encouraged by the early progress we have made in 2025 delivering on our plan to grow earnings and improve returns in an uncertain trading environment. Our differentiated business model and higher-growth portfolio have underpinned progress with Consumer Care and Life Sciences both growing sales, adjusted margins and profits," said Chief Executive Officer Steve Foots.

"Our efforts to drive more consistent growth and transform the business are beginning to deliver results and whilst there is much more to do, our confidence in realising further improvements in performance is highlighted by the three-year financial framework we have set out today."

Group sales were up 6.6% at constant currency, comprising an 8% rise in the Consumer Care and Life Sciences divisions, with a 2% decline in Industrial Specialties.

For the period to 2028, Croda expects compound annual growth in revenue between 3% and 6% and an adjusted operating margin that tops 20%, compared to 17.4% in 2025.

Its adjusted operating margin improved from 17.2% in 2024.

For 2026 alone, it expects organic sales growth within its 3% and 6% outlook range.

Against a strong first quarter comparator, when sales were 9% higher at constant currency, Croda expects sales in the first quarter to be at a similar level.

Croda also expects "a further increase in group adjusted operating margin driven by improving profitability in Consumer Care and Life Sciences and the benefits of our transformation programme" in 2026.

It sees adjusted operating profit in line with current market expectations at constant currency.

Shares in Croda International were up 4.0% at 3,103.00p on Tuesday morning in London.

By Michael Hennessey, Alliance News reporter

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