American Vanguard CORP: management transactions · United States · SEC (Form 4)

About American Vanguard CORP

American Vanguard Corp. (NYSE: AVD) is a U.S.-based specialty and agricultural products company focused on crop protection, plant nutrition, turf and ornamental management, and commercial and consumer pest control. Founded in 1969, the company has built its business through a combination of branded product development, selective acquisitions, and international expansion. Its global headquarters are in Newport Beach, California, United States, and its operating footprint extends across multiple countries, supported by a broad portfolio of product registrations worldwide. The company’s core business centers on specialty solutions rather than large-scale commodity agriculture. American Vanguard develops, manufactures, and markets synthetic, biological, and biorational products designed to improve crop productivity, protect plants, and support public health and pest management applications. It also emphasizes precision application technologies and integrated delivery systems such as SIMPAS and SmartBox, which aim to improve input efficiency and agronomic precision. This positioning gives AVD a differentiated profile versus larger, more diversified agrochemical peers, with a greater focus on niche chemistries, regulatory know-how, and branded solutions. From a competitive standpoint, American Vanguard sits below the global agrochemical giants in scale, but that smaller size can be an advantage in terms of speed, specialization, and customer intimacy. The company’s market position is supported by a mix of established products, technical expertise, and a portfolio spanning agricultural, turf, ornamental, and public health end markets. Geographically, the business is not limited to the United States: management highlights operations in Latin America, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and other international markets, which helps diversify revenue exposure and broaden commercial reach. Recent corporate developments include the appointment of Douglas “Dak” Kaye III as CEO, announced in late 2024 and effective in January 2025, signaling a new leadership phase. The company also announced regional distribution agreements in early 2025 and provided preliminary full-year 2024 results in March 2025. For investors, American Vanguard is best viewed as a specialized U.S. agricultural platform listed on the NYSE, with a strategy built around proven chemistries, product innovation, geographic diversification, and precision agriculture technologies.