Croda International (LON:CRDA) Sets New 52-Week Low Following 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) hit a new 52-week low during 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 trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,598 ($34.48).

CRDA has been the subject of several other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Croda International to an "overweight" rating in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup cut their price target 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 report on Tuesday, April 29th. Finally, Berenberg Bank cut their price target 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 report on Tuesday, July 29th.

Insider Transactions at Croda International

In related news, insider Danuta Gray bought 1,300 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 1st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 2,600 ($34.51) per share, with a total value of £33,800 ($44,863.29). Also, insider Ian Bull bought 1,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 3,011 ($39.97) per share, with a total value of £30,110 ($39,965.49). In the last quarter, insiders bought 6,346 shares of company stock worth $17,310,982. Insiders own 0.93% of the company's stock.

Croda International Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of £3.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 30.90, a quick ratio of 2.25 and a current ratio of 2.72. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 2,967.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 3,024.91.

Croda International (LON:CRDA - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data 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%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Croda International Plc will post 181.8307268 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

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.