Croda International (LON:CRDA) said its first-half results met expectations as growth accelerated in the second quarter, supported by Consumer Care and a strong performance in Beauty Actives.
The company maintained its full-year 2026 outlook and said its transformation program was producing savings while supporting margin expansion
Steve Foots said the company delivered the type of growth it seeks as an innovation-led business, with profits rising faster than sales and sales rising faster than volumes. He said demand for innovation, especially from large multinational customers, had been increasing and that new and protected products were growing faster than total sales. Sales, profit and cash flow Stephen reported that first-half sales increased 5% in constant currency to £881 million, while new and protected product sales rose 7%.
Adjusted operating profit increased 7% to £156 million, and earnings per share rose 9% to £0.78. Croda declared an interim dividend of £0.48. Free cash flow increased to £38 million from £28 million in the prior-year period.