Market's view on Plant Health
Published on April 2024
- Croda reported a decrease in Q1 crop protection sales from a strong Q1 in 2023, remaining flat compared to Q4 2023.
- Discussions about whether PHC views itself more in crop enhancement or crop protection.
- Suggestions made for an investor meet company session and a trading update due to vague details in recent announcements.
- Concerns raised about the large spread in market making, considered to be a sign of market laziness.
- Calls for clarity and more detailed information in company announcements to better understand their impact.
- Positive outlook for 2025 with new product lines, though acknowledging the period as potentially make-or-break.
- Observations that company announcement timings are irregular compared to previous years.
- Issues highlighted about the company’s perception and share price volatility despite good progress and potential profitability.
- Uncertainties expressed about regulatory approvals in China and the integration of products with existing lines.
- Recognition of new distribution opportunities in China starting this year.
- The impact of COVID-19 on the company described as initially positive due to over-stocking by distributors, later turning negative.
- Destocking issues in the crop protection market noted as having a significant impact on annual profits.
- Introduction of new products like Saori in Mexico seen as a strategy to combat destocking issues.
- Concerns over unresolved destocking issues potentially affecting financial outlooks and expectations for recovery in market conditions.