Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales increased by 3.5% to a record, driven by acquisitions and engineered solutions for high-performance buildings, but adjusted EBIT declined due to higher SG&A expenses and temporary inefficiencies from plant consolidations [12][13] - Adjusted EPS declined, influenced by lower adjusted EBIT and higher interest expenses from increased debt levels for M&A activities [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Construction Products Group sales grew to a record, led by solutions for high-performance buildings, but faced challenges from longer project lead times and weak sales in disaster restoration due to lower storm activity [14] - Performance Coatings Group achieved record sales with broad-based growth, although adjusted EBIT was flat due to growth investments and unfavorable mix [14][15] - Consumer Group sales growth was driven by M&A and pricing to recover inflation, but volumes declined due to soft DIY demand, particularly in November [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe was the fastest-growing region, driven by M&A and foreign exchange, while North America grew approximately 2% due to increased high-performance building solutions offset by soft DIY demand [13] - Emerging markets, particularly Africa and the Middle East, showed growth by serving high-performance building and infrastructure projects [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on optimizing SG&A levels in response to soft market conditions while continuing to invest in high-growth opportunities, including high-performance buildings and business intelligence [9][11] - The MAP 3.0 program is being developed to enhance operational efficiency and align spending with market demand [11][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that market conditions are expected to remain sluggish, with soft DIY demand and longer lead times for construction projects, but they anticipate outgrowing underlying markets due to targeted growth investments [19][20] - The company expects consolidated sales to increase by mid-single digits in the third quarter, with adjusted EBIT anticipated to grow mid to high single digits [20][21] Other Important Information - The company announced an agreement to acquire Kalzip, a German-based leader in metal-based roofing and facades, expected to close in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2026 [18] - Cash flow from operations increased by $66.3 million compared to the prior year, allowing the company to pay down $127 million in debt and return $169 million to shareholders [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance of the three operating segments - Management indicated that deterioration was observed across all three segments in the latter part of the quarter, with unique monthly performance variations [29] Question: SG&A initiative details - The $100 million SG&A initiative includes approximately $70 million in personnel-related cuts and $30 million in discretionary expense reductions [31] Question: Incremental margins in Q3 and Q4 - Management expects better incremental margins due to easier comps and structural SG&A actions, alongside anticipated improvements in unit volume growth [38] Question: Impact of government shutdown on costs - Transitory costs were attributed to higher conversion costs and inefficiencies from plant consolidations, with a significant impact on margins [47] Question: Pricing realization in Consumer Group - Price contribution was less than 1% in Q2, with challenges in achieving full realization due to weak demand [66] Question: Outlook for organic sales growth - Management expects better organic growth in the second half of the fiscal year, driven by focus growth investments and easier comparisons [99]

Core Insights - RPM International reported $1.91 billion in revenue for the quarter ended November 2025, a year-over-year increase of 3.5% [1] - The EPS for the same period was $1.20, down from $1.39 a year ago, and did not meet the consensus estimate of $1.41 [1] - The reported revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.93 billion, resulting in a surprise of -1.01% [1] Revenue Performance - Net Sales for the Construction Products Group (CPG) were $737.44 million, compared to the estimated $744.6 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +6.9% [4] - Net Sales for the Consumer Segment reached $638.65 million, below the estimated $657.21 million, with a year-over-year change of +8.2% [4] - Net Sales for the Performance Coatings Group (PCG) were $533.81 million, exceeding the estimated $529.3 million, and showing a significant year-over-year increase of +40.4% [4] Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) Performance - Adjusted EBIT for the Consumer Segment was $90 million, below the average estimate of $103.51 million [4] - Adjusted EBIT for the Performance Coatings Group (PCG) was $82.83 million, slightly below the estimated $84.28 million [4] - Adjusted EBIT for the Construction Products Group (CPG) was $98.63 million, compared to the average estimate of $114.24 million [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Corporate/Other was -$44.82 million, worse than the average estimate of -$36.68 million [4] Stock Performance - RPM International's shares returned +0.3% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +0.9% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Axalta Coating Systems is set to release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on February 10, 2026, at 6 a.m. ET, with materials available on its Investor Relations site [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be discussed in a conference call at 8 a.m. ET on the same day, led by CEO Chris Villavarayan and CFO Carl Anderson [2] - A live webcast of the conference call will be available, with a replay accessible until February 10, 2027 [2] Group 2: Conference Call Details - The dial-in number for the conference call is 1-800-343-5172, with the conference ID being AXALTA [3] - For those unable to attend, a replay will be available until February 17, 2026, with a separate dial-in number and passcode for access [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, offering innovative and sustainable coating solutions across various applications, including vehicles and industrial uses [4] - The company has over 150 years of experience and serves more than 100,000 customers in over 140 countries [4]

Group 1 - RPM International Inc. is recognized as one of the 13 Best January Dividend Stocks to Invest in [1] - UBS has lowered its price target for RPM to $119 from $127 while maintaining a Neutral rating [2] - Mizuho has also reduced its target to $128 from $138 but keeps an Outperform rating, citing pressure from rising exports from China on basic chemical markets [3] Group 2 - RPM's board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.54 per share, to be paid on January 30, 2026 [4] - The recent dividend follows a 6% increase in October 2025, marking the 52nd consecutive year of dividend growth, with approximately $3.8 billion returned to shareholders over this period [5] - RPM operates subsidiaries focused on coatings, sealants, building materials, and related services, organized into Construction Products Group, Performance Coatings Group, and Consumer segments [6]

Core Viewpoint - RPM International Inc. continues to demonstrate its commitment to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividend payments, marking a significant milestone in its financial history [2]. Group 1: Dividend Announcement - RPM's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.54 per share, payable on January 30, 2026, to stockholders of record as of January 16, 2026 [1]. Group 2: Dividend History and Significance - The last cash dividend increase of 6% in October 2025 marked RPM's 52nd consecutive year of increased cash dividends, placing the company in an elite category of less than half of 1 percent of all publicly traded U.S. companies [2]. - Over this period, RPM has returned approximately $3.8 billion in cash dividends to its stockholders [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - RPM International Inc. owns subsidiaries that are leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials, and related services, operating across three reportable segments: consumer, construction products, and performance coatings [3]. - The company has a diverse portfolio of market-leading brands, including Rust-Oleum, DAP, Zinsser, Varathane, and others, trusted by consumers and professionals [3]. - RPM employs approximately 17,800 individuals worldwide [3].

Core Insights - The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded with record attendance and purchase deals, reflecting China's commitment to openness and its growing global influence [1][7] - The expo attracted 922,000 visits, marking an 8.2% increase from the previous year, and intended one-year purchase deals reached $83.49 billion, up 4.4% year-on-year [1] Group 1: Exhibitor Participation and Innovations - The expo featured 4,108 exhibitors from 138 countries and regions, the broadest participation to date, indicating strong global interest in China's market [1] - The CIIE-HEALTH section showcased innovations like Medtronic's commercial products that have real-world impacts on patients, alongside immersive technologies such as XR headsets and robotic arms [3] - The CIIE-NOVA section highlighted collaborations between startups and industry giants, providing technology resources and market-access opportunities [4] Group 2: Service Sector Engagement - The CIIE-SERVICES section attracted major service firms like DHL and Standard Chartered, which offered integrated finance, logistics, and digital solutions to connect exhibits with global supply chains [5] Group 3: Diverse Industry Representation - The expo served as a platform for various industries, including lifestyle, food, and mobility, with notable displays such as LEGO's Lunar New Year set and Tesla's Cybercab [6] - New Zealand kiwifruit brand Zespri emphasized the importance of the Chinese market, calling it "an indispensable overseas market" [6] Group 4: Future Outlook - Preparations for CIIE 2026 are underway, with over 80,000 square meters of exhibition space reserved, indicating high expectations for future growth and engagement [7]

Core Insights - Axalta Coating Systems has released its 2023-2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing its commitment to sustainability in operations and products [1][2] Group 1: Sustainability Strategy - The company aligns sustainability with its strategy to provide superior products and services, emphasizing continuous operational improvement [2] - Axalta's sustainability approach supports its purpose of "smarter surfaces for a better world," focusing on product durability, performance, and operational efficiencies [2] Group 2: Key Achievements - Achieved approximately 49% reduction in Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) from 2022 to 2024 [5] - Reported a 9% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at manufacturing facilities [5] - Earned AA ratings from MSCI and a score of 1 from ISS Governance QualityScore as of November 1, 2025 [5] - Received multiple awards, including 6 Edison Awards, 3 BIG Innovation Awards, and 2 R&D 100 Awards [5] Group 3: Innovative Technologies - Introduced innovative technologies aimed at delivering sustainability benefits, such as the Fast Cure Low Energy Collision Repair Paint System, Axalta NextJet™, and Alesta® powder coatings [5]

Core Insights - PPG Industries, Inc. has achieved REDCert2 certification for its Architectural Coatings manufacturing sites in Amsterdam and Soborg, highlighting its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices in Europe [1][8] - The certification utilizes a mass balance approach to verify the use of sustainable raw materials, reinforcing PPG's responsible sourcing and high-performance solutions [1][2] Sustainability and Operations - The REDCert2 certification aligns with PPG's strategy to integrate sustainability and productivity, enabling the company to meet customers' environmental goals while delivering high performance [2] - The Amsterdam and Søborg sites are crucial production hubs for PPG's European Architectural Coatings business, manufacturing paints and stains for various brands [3] Customer Support and Emission Reduction - The certification enhances PPG's ability to assist customers in reducing scope 3 emissions and complying with sustainability reporting standards, thereby increasing credibility in the market [4][8] Market Performance - PPG shares have declined by 12.3% over the past year, contrasting with a 2.3% decline in the industry [6]

Core Viewpoint - PPG has achieved REDCert² certification for its Architectural Coatings manufacturing sites in Amsterdam and Søborg, confirming the use of sustainable raw materials through a certified chain of custody [1] Group 1 - The REDCert² certification employs a mass balance approach, which is a recognized method for attributing the sustainability value of certified inputs [1] - This certification ensures that PPG's products reflect responsible sourcing throughout the manufacturing process [1]

PHILADELPHIA, 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 automotive industry’s longest running and most comprehensive color account. Axalta’s 2025 Global Automotive Color Popularity R ...