Croda International (LON:CRDA) Reaches New 12-Month Low After Analyst Downgrade

Key Points

• Croda International's stock reached a new 52-week low of GBX 2,545 after a downgrade by Deutsche Bank, reducing their price target from GBX 3,400 to GBX 3,000.
• Multiple analysts have provided mixed ratings for Croda International, with Berenberg Bank lowering its price objective to GBX 3,100 but maintaining a "buy" rating, while Citigroup also reduced their target to GBX 3,300, giving it a "neutral" rating.
• Insiders have been purchasing shares recently, with a total of 5,046 shares acquired over the last quarter, indicating potential confidence in the company's future despite the stock's decline.

Croda International Plc (LON:CRDA - Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday after Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on the stock from GBX 3,400 to GBX 3,000. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a hold rating on the stock. Croda International traded as low as GBX 2,545 ($33.78) and last traded at GBX 2,554 ($33.90), with a volume of 4746777 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,598 ($34.48).

A number of other brokerages also recently commented on CRDA. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Croda International to an "overweight" rating in a research report on Wednesday. Berenberg Bank reduced their price objective on Croda International from GBX 3,800 ($50.44) to GBX 3,100 ($41.15) and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price objective on Croda International from GBX 3,550 ($47.12) to GBX 3,300 ($43.80) and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 29th.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Stephen Oxley bought 3,762 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 29th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 2,671 ($35.45) per share, with a total value of £100,483.02 ($133,372.74). Also, insider Danuta Gray purchased 1,300 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 1st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 2,600 ($34.51) per share, with a total value of £33,800 ($44,863.29). In the last quarter, insiders acquired 6,346 shares of company stock valued at $17,310,982. 0.93% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Croda International Price Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 2,967.84 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 3,025.97. The company has a market capitalization of £3.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.57, a PEG ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a current ratio of 2.72, a quick ratio of 2.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 30.90.

Croda International (LON:CRDA - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 29th. The company reported GBX 72.20 ($0.96) EPS for the quarter. Croda International had a return on equity of 6.96% and a net margin of 9.98%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Croda International Plc will post 181.8307268 earnings per share for the current year.

Croda International Company Profile

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.