Industry’s longest running and most comprehensive color account shows neutrals continuing to anchor the global palettePHILADELPHIA, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axalta (NYSE: AXTA), a leading global coatings company, today released its 73rd annual Global Automotive Color Popularity Report. The report offers an updated look at the landscape of automotive color in 2025, in which once again, white, gray, and black dominated. First published in 1953, Axalta’s annual color popularity report is the automotiv ...

European Companies - BASF Group reported Q3 2025 sales of €15.23 billion (approximately $17.7 billion), down 3.2% year-on-year from €15.739 billion. Operating profit (EBIT) increased by 11.4% to €278 million, while net profit fell by 40% to €172 million [1] - LyondellBasell's Q3 2025 sales and other revenues were $7.727 billion, down from $8.604 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $890 million compared to a net profit of $573 million in the same period last year [2] - INEOS Group Holdings reported Q3 2025 revenue of €3.418 billion (approximately $3.97 billion), down from €4.273 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased to €113 million from €339 million, with a net loss of €56.5 million compared to a profit of €283 million last year [3] - Evonik Group's Q3 2025 sales were €3.391 billion (approximately $3.94 billion), down from €3.832 billion year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA fell to €448 million from €577 million, with a net loss of €106 million compared to a net profit of €223 million [4] - Covestro reported Q3 2025 sales of €3.171 billion (approximately $3.68 billion), down 12% from €3.603 billion. EBITDA decreased by 15.7% to €242 million, with a net loss of €47 million compared to a net profit of €33 million last year [5] - DSM-Firmenich's Q3 2025 sales were €3.07 billion (approximately $3.57 billion), down 5% from €3.244 billion. Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at €540 million [6] - Sika reported Q3 2025 sales of CHF 3.078 billion (approximately $3.4 billion), down 3.8% from CHF 3.915 billion. EBITDA decreased to CHF 1.645 billion from CHF 1.702 billion, with net profit falling to CHF 871 million from CHF 923 million [8] - Henkel's Q3 2025 sales fell by 6.3% to €5.147 billion, with the adhesives technology division reporting sales of approximately $3.145 billion, down 3.3% year-on-year [9] - Arkema's Q3 2025 sales were €2.187 billion (approximately $2.54 billion), down 8.6% from €2.394 billion. EBITDA fell by 23.8% to €310 million, with adjusted net profit down 53.6% to €78 million [10] - Syensqo reported Q3 2025 sales of €1.517 billion (approximately $1.76 billion), down 7.1% from €1.633 billion. EBITDA decreased by 12.8% to €326 million, with net profit down 31.8% to €110 million [11] - LANXESS reported Q3 2025 sales of €1.338 billion (approximately $1.55 billion), down 16.3% from €1.598 billion. EBITDA fell by 35.6% to €105 million, with a net loss of €77 million compared to a profit of €1 million last year [12] - Solvay's Q3 2025 sales were €1.044 billion (approximately $1.21 billion), down 9.7% from €1.156 billion. EBITDA decreased by 10.3% to €232 million, with net profit down 15% to €88 million [13] - Clariant reported Q3 2025 sales of CHF 906 million (approximately $1.03 billion), down 9% from CHF 991 million. EBITDA increased by 14% to CHF 159 million [14] Asian Companies - Rongsheng Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥79.185 billion (approximately $11.2 billion), down 5.67% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥286 million, up 1427.94% [15] - SABIC's Q3 2025 revenue was SAR 34.333 billion (approximately $9.147 billion), down from SAR 36.88 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased to SAR 1.663 billion from SAR 2.477 billion, with net profit falling to SAR 1.135 billion from SAR 1.763 billion [16] - Hengli Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥53.496 billion (approximately $7.67 billion), down 17.98% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥1.972 billion, up 81.47% [17] - Wanhua Chemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥53.324 billion (approximately $7.54 billion), up 5.52% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥3.035 billion, up 3.96% [18] - Mitsubishi Chemical Group reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,799.124 billion (approximately $11.5 billion), down 10.5% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 19.6% to ¥86.489 billion, with net profit attributable to shareholders up 169% to ¥110.132 billion [19] - Taiwan Chemical announced Q3 2025 revenue of NT$69.576 billion (approximately $2.22 billion), down from NT$86.899 billion. The company reported a net profit of NT$1.78 billion, compared to a net loss of NT$1.918 billion last year [20] - Nanya Plastics reported Q3 2025 revenue of NT$64.2 billion (approximately $2.04 billion), down from NT$66.4 billion. Operating profit increased to NT$1.04 billion from NT$990 million, with net profit rising to NT$4 billion from NT$490 million [21] - Formosa Plastics reported Q3 2025 revenue of NT$41.718 billion (approximately $1.33 billion), down from NT$50.492 billion. The company reported a net loss of NT$2.685 billion, compared to a loss of NT$3.092 billion last year [22] - Asahi Kasei Corporation reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,486.368 billion (approximately $9.54 billion), down slightly from ¥1,490.334 billion. Operating profit increased to ¥108.915 billion from ¥107.454 billion, while net profit decreased to ¥60.248 billion from ¥66.266 billion [23] - Dongfang Shenghong reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥31.245 billion (approximately $4.5 billion), down 11.91% year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of ¥260 million [24] - Shin-Etsu Chemical reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,284.522 billion (approximately $8.24 billion), up 1.4% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 17.7% to ¥333.935 billion, with net profit down 12.3% to ¥257.844 billion [25] - Toray reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,234.31 billion (approximately $7.92 billion), down 4.6% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 19.1% to ¥642.99 billion, with net profit down 33.5% to ¥369.35 billion [26] - Hengyi Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥27.925 billion (approximately $3.95 billion), down 7.07% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥4.4079 million, up 102.21% [27] - LG Chem reported Q3 2025 sales of ₩111.962 trillion (approximately $76.24 billion), down 11.3% from ₩126.2 trillion. Operating profit increased by 38.9% to ₩6.797 trillion, while net profit fell to ₩4.470 trillion from ₩10.13 trillion [28] American Companies - Dow reported Q3 2025 net sales of $9.973 billion, down from $10.879 billion year-on-year. Net profit attributable to common shareholders was $62 million, down from $214 million [36] - Ecolab reported Q3 2025 net sales of $4.165 billion, up from $3.999 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 27% to $760 million, with net profit down 21% to $585 million [37] - DuPont reported Q3 2025 net sales of $3.072 billion, up from $2.862 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $123 million, compared to a profit of $455 million last year [39] - Westlake Corporation reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.838 billion, down from $3.117 billion. The company reported an operating loss of $766 million, compared to a profit of $180 million last year [40] - IFF reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.694 billion, down from $2.925 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 9% to $226 million, with net profit down to $40 million from $58 million [41] - Celanese reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.419 billion, down from $2.648 billion. The company reported an operating loss of $1.275 billion, compared to a profit of $245 million last year [42] - Eastman Chemical Company reported Q3 2025 sales of $2.202 billion, down from $2.464 billion. Net profit attributable to the company was $47 million, down from $180 million [43] - Huntsman Corporation reported Q3 2025 revenue of $1.46 billion, down from $1.54 billion. The company reported a net loss of $25 million, compared to a loss of $33 million last year [44] Industrial Gases - Linde plc reported Q3 2025 sales of $8.615 billion, up from $8.356 billion year-on-year. Operating profit increased to $2.367 billion from $2.086 billion, with net profit rising to $1.929 billion from $1.55 billion [45] - Air Liquide reported Q3 2025 revenue of €6.599 billion (approximately $7.66 billion), down from €6.762 billion year-on-year [46] - Air Products & Chemicals reported Q4 2025 sales of $3.167 billion, down from $3.188 billion. The company reported an operating profit of $16.8 million, down from $242.4 million last year, with a net profit of $4.9 million compared to $195 million [47] Crop Science - Syngenta Group reported Q3 2025 revenue of $6.4 billion, down 6% year-on-year. EBITDA increased by 28% to $900 million [48] - Bayer Group reported Q3 2025 sales of €9.66 billion, down from €9.968 billion. EBIT loss was €543 million, compared to a loss of €382.2 million last year, with a net loss of €963 million compared to a loss of €4.183 billion last year [49] - Corteva, Inc. reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.618 billion, up from $2.326 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $320 million, compared to a loss of $524 million last year [50] Fertilizers - Nutrien reported Q3 2025 sales of $6.007 billion, up from $5.348 billion year-on-year. Net profit increased to $469 million from $25 million [51] - Yara International ASA reported Q3 2025 revenue of $4.108 billion, up from $3.654 billion. Operating profit increased to $470 million from $309 million, with net profit rising to $320 million from $286 million [52] - The Mosaic Company reported Q3 2025 net sales of $3.452 billion, up from $2.811 billion. Operating profit increased to $340 million from $115 million, with net profit rising to $411 million from $122 million [53] - CF Industries reported Q3 2025 net sales of $1.659 billion, up from $1.37 billion. Net profit attributable to common shareholders was $353 million, compared to $276 million last year [54] Coatings - PPG Industries reported Q3 2025 net sales of $4.082 billion, up from $4.032 billion year-on-year, with net profit remaining stable at $444 million [55] - AkzoNobel reported Q3 2025 revenue of €2.547 billion (approximately $2.96 billion), down from €2.668 billion. The company reported an operating loss of €29 million, compared to a profit of €259 million last year, with a net loss of €194 million compared to a profit of €163 million last year [56] - Nippon Paint Holdings reported YTD revenue of ¥1,318.378 billion (approximately $8.467 billion), up 7.8% year-on-year. Operating profit increased by 36.4% to ¥190.579 billion, with net profit rising by 38.6% to ¥134.336 billion [57] - Sherwin-Williams reported Q3 2025 net sales of $6.358 billion, up from $6.163 billion. Net profit increased to $833 million from $806 million, with the paint retail group reporting sales of $3.837 billion, up 5.1% [58] - Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. reported Q3 2025 net sales of $1.288 billion, down from $1.32 billion. Operating profit increased to $204 million from $193 million, with net profit rising to $110 million from $101 million [59] - Three Trees reported YTD revenue of ¥9.392 billion (approximately $1.33 billion), up 2.69% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥744 million, up 81.22% [60]

Company Overview - Axalta Coating Systems is a global leader in specialty coatings with a diverse product portfolio and a presence in key international markets [5] - The company produces high-performance coatings for automotive, industrial, and commercial applications, generating revenue through sales to OEMs and aftermarket repair shops [8] - Axalta's market capitalization is $6.2 billion, with a revenue of $5.2 billion and a net income of $455 million for the trailing twelve months [4] Recent Developments - Atlantic Investment Management disclosed a new position in Axalta, acquiring 764,000 shares valued at approximately $21.9 million, representing 12.6% of its reportable U.S. equity assets as of September 30 [2][3] - Axalta's stock price was $29.17, down 28% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500, which increased by 12.5% during the same period [3] Financial Performance - In its latest earnings report, Axalta reported $1.3 billion in revenue and $110 million in net income, despite weaker demand in North America [10] - The company has achieved its 12th consecutive quarter of year-over-year adjusted EBITDA margin expansion, indicating strong operational performance [9] - Axalta repurchased $100 million in stock during the quarter and plans to deploy up to $250 million more in the fourth quarter, which could enhance per-share metrics [10] Market Position and Strategy - Axalta's inclusion as a significant holding by Atlantic Investment Management suggests confidence in the company's underlying operational strength, despite stock volatility [9] - The company demonstrates disciplined cost control and resilient demand in international markets, which may provide a more stable foundation for future performance [11]

Core Insights - A transformational merger has been announced between AkzoNobel and Axalta, aiming to create a powerful entity in the coatings industry [2][3] - The combined company will become the 1 player in performance coatings globally and the 2 player in paints and coatings [3] - The merger will allow the new entity to operate across seven different end markets, including aerospace, marine, refinish, and mobility [3] Financial Highlights - The combined entity is projected to generate approximately $17 billion in revenue [3] - Expected EBITDA for the new company is over $3 billion [3] - The merger is anticipated to produce more than $1.5 billion in free cash flow [3]

Axalta Coating Systems Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA) - **Industry**: Coatings industry, focusing on mobility, refinish, aftermarket, building facades, and industrial applications - **Merger Announcement**: Axalta announced a transformational merger with AkzoNobel, creating a leading global player in performance coatings and paints [2][3] Key Points from the Conference Call Merger Details - The combined company will generate approximately **$17 billion** in revenue, over **$3 billion** in EBITDA, and more than **$1.5 billion** in free cash flow [3][6] - Governance structure will be a **50/50** split between Axalta and AkzoNobel, with Axalta's Rakesh Sachdev as chair and AkzoNobel's Grégoire Poux-Guillaume as CEO [3][4] - Axalta will own **45%** of the new entity, an increase from the historical **35%** ownership, which is expected to create an additional **$1.4 billion** in value for shareholders [7][8] Value Creation and Synergies - The merger is projected to create over **75%** value for shareholders, with a minimum of **$600 million** in annual cost synergies [4][5] - Axalta's current trading multiple is around **8x**, while AkzoNobel's is approximately **9x**, indicating potential for re-rating and further value creation [5][6] - The merger is expected to be **30%** more accretive to earnings per share (EPS) than Axalta's standalone performance [11][12] Market Dynamics and Strategic Rationale - The merger aims to enhance scale and mitigate cyclicality in the coatings market, which is characterized by low growth [9][13] - Axalta has a strong track record of delivering cost synergies, having achieved over **$300 million** in cost reductions previously [15][16] - The combined R&D spend is projected to be around **$400 million**, with significant opportunities for revenue synergies in industrial applications [17][19] Current Business Trends - Axalta's mobility segment is experiencing some downtime due to year-end shutdowns and supply chain disruptions [33][34] - The refinish business is stable, with a **25%** increase in activity related to vehicles being turned back in for resale [36][37] - The European refinish market has performed well, contrasting with challenges faced in North America [39][40] Future Outlook - Axalta anticipates a gradual recovery in the commercial vehicle market, with expectations for production levels to return to around **275,000** units [49][50] - The company is focused on maintaining strong operational performance across all markets, with plans to optimize margins and capitalize on growth opportunities [46][47] Technology and Innovation - The rollout of the Nimbus platform is expected to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations, targeting over **40,000** locations by the end of **2026** [42][43] - Axalta is committed to expanding its presence in the mainstream and economy segments, having already won **2,500** body shop contracts this year [44] Conclusion - The merger with AkzoNobel represents a significant strategic move for Axalta, positioning the company for enhanced growth, operational efficiencies, and increased shareholder value in the coatings industry [22][23]

Merger Agreements and Investigations - Repare Therapeutics Inc. will be acquired by XenoTherapeutics, Inc. and Xeno Acquisition Corp., with shareholders expected to receive US$1.82 per Common Share and a contingent value right for additional cash payments [2] - Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. is set to be acquired by Akzo Nobel N.V., where shareholders will receive 0.6539 shares of Akzo Nobel stock for each share of Axalta Coating common stock [4] - Blue Foundry Bancorp will be acquired by Fulton Financial Corporation, with each share of Blue Foundry common stock exchanged for 0.6500 shares of Fulton common stock, valuing the transaction at approximately $243 million or $11.67 per share [6] - Golden Entertainment, Inc. will be acquired in a sale-leaseback transaction, with stockholders receiving total consideration of $30.00, including a fixed exchange ratio of 0.902 shares of VICI common stock and a cash distribution of $2.75 per share [8] Investigations on Fiduciary Duties - Investigations are ongoing regarding whether the boards of Repare Therapeutics, Axalta Coating, Blue Foundry Bancorp, and Golden Entertainment breached their fiduciary duties by failing to conduct a fair process in the merger agreements [2][4][6][8]

Core Viewpoint - The merger between AkzoNobel and Axalta is set to create a leading global paint company valued at approximately $25 billion, significantly impacting the global coatings industry and its competitors [1][4]. Group 1: Merger Background - The merger discussions between AkzoNobel and Axalta date back to 2013, with AkzoNobel previously considering acquiring Axalta's high-performance coatings division [3]. - In 2017, AkzoNobel attempted to negotiate a merger with Axalta, but talks were halted due to Axalta's high asking price [3]. - Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Axalta was close to being acquired by PPG and private equity firm Clayton Dubilier for around $7.5 billion [4]. Group 2: Merger Details - The merger will be executed as an equal all-stock transaction, with AkzoNobel shareholders owning 55% and Axalta shareholders owning 45% of the new company [4][6]. - The combined sales revenue for 2024 is projected to be approximately $17 billion, positioning the new entity as the second-largest paint manufacturer globally, surpassing PPG [6][12]. Group 3: Market Position and Impact - The merger will create a company with a diverse product portfolio, including powder coatings, automotive coatings, and decorative paints, supported by 173 manufacturing plants and 91 R&D facilities globally [12]. - The new company will have a significant presence in key markets, particularly in automotive OEM coatings and automotive refinish markets, enhancing its competitive position [12][20]. - The merger is expected to reshape the competitive landscape, creating a leadership group of four major suppliers: Sherwin-Williams, PPG, AkzoNobel/Axalta, and Nippon Paint [19][20]. Group 4: Financial Performance and Projections - The projected revenue breakdown for the new company includes automotive refinish coatings at approximately $3.04 billion, decorative coatings at about $4.56 billion, and industrial coatings at around $3.04 billion [13][16]. - In the EMEA region, the new company is expected to generate about $7.27 billion, with significant revenue growth anticipated across all major regions [17][19].

Core Insights - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating potential violations of federal securities laws and breaches of fiduciary duties related to the sales of Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., Semrush Holdings, Inc., and Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. [1][2] Group 1: Company Transactions - Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. is being sold to Akzo Nobel N.V. for 0.6539 shares of AkzoNobel stock for each share of Axalta common stock [1] - Semrush Holdings, Inc. is being sold to Adobe for $12.00 per share [2] - Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. is being sold to Merck for $221.50 per share in cash [2] Group 2: Legal Actions and Shareholder Rights - Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other relief on behalf of shareholders [3] - Shareholders are encouraged to contact Halper Sadeh LLC to discuss their legal rights and options [4]

Merger Investigations - Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. is set to be acquired by Akzo Nobel N.V., with shareholders receiving 0.6539 shares of AkzoNobel for each share of Axalta owned. The investigation focuses on whether the Axalta Board breached its fiduciary duties by not conducting a fair process and whether the deal provides fair value to shareholders [2] - Green Dot Corporation will be acquired by Smith Ventures and CommerceOne Financial Corporation for $8.11 in cash and 0.2215 shares of the new bank holding company. The investigation examines if the Green Dot Board failed in its fiduciary duties regarding the fairness of the deal [4] - Blue Foundry Bancorp is being acquired by Fulton Financial Corporation, with each share of Blue Foundry exchanged for 0.6500 shares of Fulton. The transaction is valued at approximately $243 million, or $11.67 per share, and the investigation looks into the Blue Foundry Board's fiduciary duties and the fairness of the deal [6] - Golden Entertainment, Inc. will be acquired in a sale-leaseback transaction, with stockholders receiving a total of $30.00, including a fixed exchange ratio of 0.902 shares of VICI common stock and a cash distribution of $2.75. The investigation concerns whether the Golden Entertainment Board breached its fiduciary duties in the deal process [8]

Core Insights - Axalta has won a 2025 R&D 100 Award for its Spies Hecker Permasolid® Speed-TEC Fast Cure Low Energy Collision Repair Paint System, which sets a new standard in processing speed and energy efficiency [1][2] - The Total Cabinet Coating Solution from Axalta was recognized as a finalist in the same category, showcasing the company's commitment to innovative solutions in the coatings industry [1][4] Product Innovations - The Spies Hecker Permasolid® Speed-TEC FCLE Repair System reduces energy consumption by up to 49% and cuts cycle times by 50% compared to conventional systems, while delivering outstanding durability and finish quality [2][3] - The Total Cabinet Coating Solution enhances productivity and reduces waste for cabinet manufacturers, providing a flawless finish and reducing rework by up to 70% [4] Industry Recognition - The R&D 100 Awards program has been recognizing revolutionary technologies since 1963, with this year's winners announced at a ceremony on November 20 in Scottsdale, Arizona [5] - The awards are considered one of the most prestigious honors in the global science and innovation community, highlighting the significance of Axalta's achievements [5] Company Overview - Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, serving over 100,000 customers in more than 140 countries with innovative and sustainable coating solutions [6] - The company has over 150 years of experience in the coatings sector, focusing on preventing corrosion and enhancing durability across various applications [6]