Croda International (LON:CRDA) Sets New 1-Year Low - Should You Sell?

Key Points

• Croda International Plc shares hit a new 52-week low of GBX 2,514 ($33.81) during trading, closing at GBX 2,526 ($33.97).
• Several analysts have adjusted their ratings and price targets for the stock, with Deutsche Bank lowering its target from GBX 3,400 to GBX 3,000 while maintaining a "hold" rating.
• Insider purchases have been reported, with insiders acquiring a total of 10,661 shares valued at approximately $28.2 million over the last 90 days.

Croda International Plc (LON:CRDA - Get Free Report)'s stock price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 2,514 ($33.77) and last traded at GBX 2,526 ($33.93), with a volume of 3758672 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,594 ($34.84).

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Croda International to an "overweight" rating in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Citigroup decreased their price target on Croda International from GBX 3,550 ($47.68) to GBX 3,300 ($44.33) and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 29th. Berenberg Bank decreased their price target on Croda International from GBX 3,800 ($51.04) to GBX 3,100 ($41.64) and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on Croda International from GBX 3,400 ($45.67) to GBX 3,000 ($40.30) and set a "hold" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th.

Croda International Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 30.90, a current ratio of 2.72 and a quick ratio of 2.25. The stock has a market capitalization of £3.43 billion, a PE ratio of 21.07, a P/E/G ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.74. The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 2,909.22 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 2,993.31.

Croda International (LON:CRDA - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 29th. The company reported GBX 72.20 ($0.97) EPS for the quarter. Croda International had a return on equity of 6.96% and a net margin of 9.98%. Research analysts expect that Croda International Plc will post 181.8307268 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Chris Good purchased 1,000 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 2,633 ($35.37) per share, with a total value of £26,330 ($35,366.02). Also, insider Steve Foots purchased 3,815 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 4th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 2,617 ($35.15) per share, with a total value of £99,838.55 ($134,101.48). Over the last 90 days, insiders acquired 10,662 shares of company stock valued at $28,237,591. Company insiders own 0.93% of the company's stock.

About Croda International

Founded in 1925 with the aim of turning bio-based raw materials into innovative ingredients, Croda International is a speciality chemicals company focused on consumer care and life sciences markets. The company is focused on creating, making and selling innovative ingredients that deliver real benefits to a diverse range of customers and employs more than 6,000 people around the world.