London, Feb 16, 2026, 10:56 GMT — Regular session
- Croda (CRDA.L) slipped roughly 1% during mid-morning trading in London.
- Attention now shifts to the full-year results, expected on Feb. 24.
- This week brings UK inflation and retail sales numbers, with traders keeping an eye on how the figures might sway rate-cut expectations.
Croda International Plc (CRDA.L) slipped 0.95% to 3,027 pence as of 1056 GMT Monday, easing back from Friday’s finish at 3,056. The specialty chemicals group kicked off at 3,046 and touched a low of 2,992, peaking at 3,047 so far. Market cap stands around £4.23 billion. Latest data from lse.co.uk lists a dividend yield near 3.6%; shares are currently trading about 10% under the 52-week high of 3,371p, still sitting 25% up from a 2,427p low. (London South East)
Investors are stepping back ahead of Croda’s full-year numbers, due Feb. 24. That’s the next major event for the company. For a lot of shareholders, this update offers the best window yet into Croda’s finish to 2025—and could shed light on how 2026 has started out. (Croda)
The broader market held steady. By 0925 GMT, the FTSE 100 had climbed 0.41%, lifted by gains in NatWest and Barclays as bank stocks rebounded. Materials names lost some ground, dragged lower by falling base and precious metals prices, according to Reuters. Investors are also watching for UK inflation and retail sales figures due this week. Traders are still pricing in a 25-basis-point rate cut from the Bank of England next month — that’s one hundredth of a percentage point — even though inflation remains above the 2% target. (Reuters)
Croda’s range runs from performance chemicals to specialty tech, with products landing in everything from beauty actives and pharma to home care and crop protection. That spread means Croda is vulnerable if customers decide to whittle down inventory—orders can dip fast when that happens. (Reuters)
Global markets saw lighter-than-normal trading as Lunar New Year closures hit multiple Asian exchanges, while the U.S. marked Presidents Day, restricting cash activity in both equities and bonds. After Friday’s AI-driven selloff, world shares found their footing, according to Reuters. (Reuters)
Croda’s uptick Monday isn’t dramatic, but it does shift focus back to management’s commentary on demand and order flow instead of just tracking the day’s index moves. Investors are tuning in for signals on pricing, raw material expenses, and whether restocking by customers is gaining consistency.
The stock occupies a patch of the market that tends to sway with risk sentiment. If “materials” stumbles and cyclicals get re-valued, specialty chemicals players can see their shares knocked down too—sometimes without any news driving the move.
The setup isn’t one-way for results. A stronger-than-forecast UK inflation figure might delay hopes for rate cuts and hit valuations hard. Croda taking a more cautious stance? That would revive doubts about demand and margins, and whether inventory drawdowns remain a drag on orders.
