Should I buy Croda International stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the performance of Croda International for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in the UK trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Croda International.

What is Croda International?

How much is Croda International stock?

The price of Croda International stock is rising this week. Croda International trades at 3,001.00p, up 1.04% over the past 24 hours and 0.27% higher on the week. The current market capitalisation stands at £4.15 billion, with an average daily volume of 479,757 shares traded. The Price/Earnings ratio is 17.86, accompanied by a dividend yield of 3.76% and a low beta of 0.77, signalling relative stability. This performance highlights steady interest and balanced risk, offering appealing potential for UK investors seeking both income and resilience.

Our full analysis of Croda International stock

Having reviewed Croda International’s latest financial results and share performance over the last three years, our analysis integrates multiple sources—financial ratios, technical signals, sector data and peer benchmarking—using proprietary quantitative models. This systematic approach allows us to provide a data-driven perspective on Croda’s evolving investment case. So, why might Croda International stock once again become a strategic entry point into the specialty chemicals sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

Croda International has navigated a challenging twelve months with resilience, evidenced by a current share price of 3,001p, having risen 1.04% over the past 24 hours and 0.27% in the last week, despite a broader sector correction. The past year’s decline of -24.20% has, however, brought the valuation to notably attractive levels from a long-term perspective. Recent quarterly results have beaten market expectations, notably an 8% published and 9% constant-currency sales increase in Q1 2025, powered by robust volume growth and effective cost management. Strategically, Croda’s acquisitions—Solus Biotech, Parfex, and Alban Muller—are already strengthening its position in high-value consumer and life sciences segments. Meanwhile, the UK’s stable macro environment, growing demand for biotech solutions, and increasing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing provide highly supportive tailwinds.

Technical analysis

A technical reading of Croda’s chart in July 2025 points to an improving setup. The 14-day RSI stands at 58.5, approaching bullish territory without being overbought, and the MACD indicator shows a clear positive trend. Both the 20-day and 50-day moving averages are now below the current price—converging with “buy” signals—while the 100-day and 200-day remain higher, creating a setup often associated with bullish reversals. The stock is solidly above its key support at 2,551p, having rebounded significantly from 52-week lows. This base-building phase below the 3,100p mark may provide an exceptional entry for buyers seeking upside leverage as momentum builds. Medium- and short-term indicators are increasingly aligned for a positive technical breakout.

Fundamental analysis

Croda International’s fundamentals continue to underpin its quality investment profile. Despite a slight contraction in 2024 revenue (£1.63bn, -3.9% vs. 2023) and net profit (£158.5m, -7.3%), the group showed remarkable operational resilience with an adjusted operating margin of 17.2%, making the company a consistent cash generator. The P/E ratio at 17.86 and an estimated EBITDA margin over 17% compare very favourably to peers, while delivering a significantly above-average dividend yield of 3.76%. Notably, consensus price targets now average 3,870p—implying a 29% upside from current levels. Beyond the numbers, Croda’s structural strengths are pronounced:

• Global leadership in the high-barrier specialty chemicals segment, especially vaccine adjuvants and sustainable cosmetic ingredients.
• Diversified revenue streams from Consumer Care, Life Sciences, and Industrial Specialties.
• Strong brand equity built over a century of innovation and partnership.
• Ongoing R&D investment delivering innovative, higher-margin products and ensuring physical and regulatory entry barriers remain substantial.

These factors justify renewed interest in the stock, especially amid a sector rotation back towards value and quality leaders.

Volume and liquidity

Liquidity remains robust for Croda International shares, with a 3-month average daily volume of around 480,000 shares, ensuring orderly execution for both institutional and private investors. Its £4.15bn market capitalisation confirms its standing as a mid-to-large cap in the UK, further enhanced by a significant free float that supports dynamic price discovery and valuation. Such sustained turnover signals enduring market confidence and facilitates nimble entry or exit for buyers as conditions evolve.

Catalysts and positive outlook

Several forward catalysts support an optimistic stance:

• Strategic portfolio expansion via recent M&A activity has expanded Croda’s reach in fast-growing Asian and European markets, particularly in high-value beauty, wellness, and healthcare segments.
• Innovation in marine biotechnology and bio-sourced adjuvants aligns with regulatory and consumer trends towards sustainability.
• Strong ESG commitments and partnerships with leading universities (Nottingham, York) reinforce Croda’s leadership in sustainable product development and circular economy initiatives.
• Guidance for 2025 sets ambitious but realistic expectations: pre-tax profit in the £265–295m range, underlining management’s confidence in a rebound.
• Accelerating demand for specialty chemicals in pharma, personal care, and nutrition, especially as demographic shifts and new therapies emerge.

With a consensus “Strong Buy” among analysts and a sector poised for cyclical recovery, Croda appears well positioned to deliver market-beating returns over the coming quarters.

Investment strategies

For investors considering entry points in 2025, Croda International offers compelling arguments across different horizons:

• Short-term: Rebound plays at the established technical support (~2,550p), leveraging any near-term technical catalysts, such as the upcoming results announcement, for potential upside.
• Medium-term: Exploit momentum from operational outperformance and integration of recent acquisitions. Progressive improvement in margins and volume could drive a move toward the consensus target (above 3,800p).
• Long-term: Build a core position in a global innovator with defensible market share, attractive yield, and high recurring sales linked to resilient chronic care markets. Investors benefit from sectoral tailwinds related to demographic trends and increased health spending.

Optimal strategic positioning may involve scaling in around present levels, especially as Croda enters a new phase of operational improvement and product leadership. Entry at or near technical lows or ahead of scheduled catalysts (e.g., half-year results on 29 July 2025) maximises risk-adjusted potential.

Is it the right time to buy Croda International?

In summary, Croda International presents a rare combination of technical recovery signals, defensible fundamentals, and a visible pipeline of bullish catalysts for the year ahead. The stock’s attractive yield, moderate valuation, and leading sector position offer a sound basis for renewed interest from both private and institutional investors. While investors must always remain mindful of sector risks and market volatility, Croda International’s ongoing innovation, global reach, and proven ability to adapt suggest the company may be entering a bright new phase of value creation. For those looking to combine quality, resilience, and upside exposure in the specialty chemicals sector, Croda International seems to represent an excellent opportunity in 2025.

How to buy Croda International stock in the UK?

Buying Croda International stock online is straightforward and secure when using a regulated UK broker. Investors can choose between the traditional spot buying method (owning the shares outright) or trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which allows you to speculate on price movements with leverage but without owning shares. Both approaches can suit different profiles, and you’ll find an in-depth broker comparison further down this page.

Spot buying

A cash purchase means you buy Croda International shares directly through a stockbroker, making you a shareholder eligible for dividends and voting rights. In the UK, brokers charge a modest fixed fee per transaction, usually around £5–£10 per order.

Gain scenario

For example, if Croda International is priced at £30 per share, you can buy around 33 shares with a £1,000 investment, accounting for a typical £5 brokerage commission.

If the share price rises by 10%, your holdings would then be worth £1,100.

Result: That’s a +£100 gross gain—equivalent to a +10% return on your investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading lets you speculate on Croda International’s price movement without actually owning the shares. UK brokers typically apply a spread (the buy/sell difference) and overnight financing if you keep the position open more than a day.

Gain Scenario with Leverage

For example, with a £1,000 deposit and 5x leverage, your market exposure rises to £5,000 with a Croda International CFD.

✔️ Gain scenario:

If the share price increases by 8%, your leveraged position earns 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: That’s a £400 profit on your original £1,000 stake (fees excluded).

Final advice

It’s essential to compare broker fees and the conditions attached to each method before investing. Your choice between spot buying and CFDs depends on your investment strategy, risk appetite and desired holding period—our broker comparator further down the page makes it easier to decide.

Our 7 tips for buying Croda International stock

The latest news about Croda International

Croda International’s share price shows resilience and moderate growth on the London Stock Exchange. Over the past week, Croda International’s stock price has risen by 0.27%, closing at 3,001.00p, outperforming the broader sector in a challenging market environment. The company maintains a strong market presence in the UK, with a robust capitalisation of £4.15 billion, highlighting investor confidence and sustained interest among domestic and international institutional players.

Technical indicators confirm a bullish momentum for Croda International shares in the UK market. As of the latest data, key technical signals such as the 14-day RSI (58.51) and MACD (4.2) both register clear buy signals, while the 20- and 50-day moving averages remain above the current share price. These technically-driven trends indicate growing optimism among local traders and point to a healthy short-term outlook for the stock.

Recent financial results highlight strong turnover growth and positive volume dynamics in the UK region. The first quarter of 2025 was marked by 8% reported sales growth and robust volume expansion, exceeding analyst expectations. Croda International’s performance in its core British operations, alongside favourable market dynamics, helps reinforce the company’s reputation as a resilient leader in the specialty chemicals segment.

The upcoming UK results publication is fuelling constructive anticipation among analysts and investors. Croda International is set to release its half-year report on 29 July 2025. With improving sales momentum and recent strategic achievements, market participants in the UK are increasingly optimistic about a positive set of results that could act as a short-term catalyst for the share price.

Strategic R&D investments and local partnerships further bolster Croda International’s UK innovation credentials. Recent initiatives include new collaborative research programmes with Nottingham and York universities focused on sustainable polymers. Such partnerships underscore Croda International’s commitment to science-led, regionally relevant innovation and reinforce its leadership position in the UK advanced materials landscape.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.