Croda International H2 Earnings Call Highlights

Core Viewpoint - Croda International reported strong 2025 results with increased sales and profits, alongside a three-year financial framework aimed at enhancing margins and cash generation by 2028 [1] Financial Performance - Sales rose 7% in constant currency to £1.7 billion, with patented ingredient sales increasing by 9% and a notable demand for innovation [2] - Adjusted operating profit increased by 8% to £295 million, while adjusted profit before tax also rose by 8% to £276 million, aligning with guidance [2] - Free cash flow reached £162 million, supported by reduced capital spending and lower working capital in the latter half of the year [2] - Net debt at year-end was £524 million, with a leverage ratio of 1.3x EBITDA [2] - The company proposed a final dividend of 63 pence, bringing the total annual dividend to 111 pence, a slight increase from the previous year [2] Segment and Regional Performance - In Q4, sales grew by 5% in constant currency, slightly exceeding expectations, with Consumer Care up 9% driven by Flavors and Fragrances and Beauty Actives [3] - Life Sciences sales increased by 8%, with Pharma achieving its strongest quarter due to higher excipient sales [3] - Crop protection sales rose by 12% in Q4, although growth is expected to slow in 2026 [3] - Industrial Specialties saw a decline of 19% compared to a strong prior-year performance [3] Full Year Segment Performance - For the full year, Consumer Care sales increased by 8%, with Flavors and Fragrances up 15% and Beauty Actives growing by 6% [4] - Life Sciences rose by 8%, with crop protection up 14% as demand rebounded after destocking [4] - Pharma growth was at 4%, which was below expectations due to U.S. policy impacts on vaccine adjuvant sales [4] - Industrial Specialties declined by 2%, with direct sales growth offsetting a decline with Cargill, which now represents 20% of Industrial Specialties sales [4] Regional Performance - Croda reported growth across all regions, led by EMEA with a 9% sales increase [5] - Asia lagged due to U.S. tariffs impacting customer exports in pharma and industrial markets [5] - North America showed improvement in the second half, supported by a recovery in the beauty sector [5]