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 ...

Core Insights - Pzena Investment Management's third-quarter 2025 commentary indicates a strong performance in US broad-based indexes driven by optimism about AI and a September rate cut, with the technology sector outperforming value stocks [1] - The Pzena Focused Value strategy returned 1.1% gross and 0.9% net, underperforming the Russell 1000 Value Index which returned 5.3% [1] Company Overview: PPG Industries, Inc. - PPG Industries, Inc. is involved in the manufacturing and distribution of paints, coatings, and specialty materials, with a market capitalization of $22.441 billion as of December 09, 2025 [2] - The stock of PPG Industries, Inc. experienced a one-month return of 1.99% but has lost 18.89% over the last 52 weeks, closing at $99.43 per share [2] Investment Positioning - Pzena Focused Value Strategy initiated a new position in PPG Industries, citing its strong market presence and historical returns on capital, despite current concerns about organic growth [3] - The company is viewed as undervalued due to market apprehensions, with expectations for growth to improve as key end markets recover [3] Hedge Fund Interest - PPG Industries, Inc. was held by 34 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter, a decrease from 39 in the previous quarter, indicating a decline in popularity among hedge funds [4] - While PPG is recognized for its potential, some analysts suggest that certain AI stocks may offer better upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Key Takeaways PPG is introducing its VisualizID software to the Delfleet Evolution system in the U.S. and Canada.The integration gives users a digital tool to simplify and speed up color identification and selection.The software removes the need for physical color tools and boosts accuracy, productivity and confidence.PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) announced that it will make its advanced PPG VisualizID software available for the PPG Delfleet Evolution commercial vehicle coatings system in the United States and ...

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]

Netherlands-based supplier of speciality coatings for flexible materials Stahl has finalised the integration of Weilburger Graphics’ packaging coatings business in Turkey. The transfer of the business took effect on 1 December 2025, and follows Stahl’s acquisition of Weilburger Graphics in 2024. The consolidation is intended to reinforce its position in Turkey’s packaging coatings segment. The Weilburger Graphics operations in Turkey now trade as Stahl Kimya. Stahl Kimya will provide a broader portfoli ...

Core Viewpoint - PPG Industries reported strong earnings and revenue for Q3 2025, surpassing estimates, but there are concerns about future performance due to a downward trend in estimates [3][4][10]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 profit was $444 million or $1.96 per share, compared to $444 million or $1.90 per share a year ago [3]. - Adjusted earnings per share were $2.13, up from $2.03 year-over-year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.09 [3]. - Revenues for the quarter were approximately $4.08 billion, reflecting a 1.2% year-over-year increase and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.04 billion [4]. Segment Review - Global Architectural Coatings segment sales rose 1% year-over-year to $1.01 billion, exceeding estimates due to higher selling prices and favorable foreign currency translation, despite a divestiture in Russia [5]. - Performance Coatings segment sales increased 3% year-over-year to $1.41 billion, but missed estimates, driven by higher selling prices and favorable foreign currency translation, offset by lower sales volumes [6]. - Industrial Coatings segment sales remained flat at around $1.65 billion, missing estimates, impacted by a divestiture and lower pricing [7]. Financial Position - The company had approximately $1.83 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter, with net debt increasing to $5.4 billion, up $228 million from the prior year [8]. Outlook - PPG expects adjusted earnings per share of $7.60 to $7.70 for full-year 2025, driven by share gains and cost initiatives, but anticipates softer demand in certain segments [9]. - There has been a downward trend in consensus estimates, with a shift of -9.01% noted [10]. - The stock has a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [13].

Core Insights - PPG Industries has enhanced its NEXA AUTOCOLOR TURBO VISION toner for commercial transportation in the EMEA region, focusing on improved mixing efficiency and maintaining high-performance standards [1][7] - The new toners reduce manual mixing time by 30%-40% for certain colors and improve consistency across the color range, addressing client feedback [2][7] - The upgraded technology features lower viscosity variation, reduced preparation time, and minimized waste, ensuring full compatibility with existing products [3][7] Financial Performance - PPG's shares have decreased by 19.5% over the past year, while the industry has seen an 11.1% decline [5] - The company anticipates adjusted earnings per share of $7.60 to $7.70 for 2025, driven by share gains, cost initiatives, and a favorable outlook on global economic conditions [6] - The guidance reflects expected stronger performance in aerospace and protective coatings, countered by softer demand in refinish and industrial coatings [6] Market Position - PPG currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating a less favorable market position compared to competitors [7] - In the Basic Materials sector, better-ranked stocks include Kinross Gold Corporation (Zacks Rank 1), Fortuna Mining Corp. and Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (both Zacks Rank 2) [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]

Core Insights - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) and Nippon Paint China have launched a partnership aimed at recycling coating packaging barrels, promoting circularity in China's coatings industry [1][9] Group 1: Partnership and Recycling Initiative - The partnership establishes a system for mechanically recycling used paint barrels, where post-consumer barrels are collected and processed to convert plastic into recycled pellets under LYB's CirculenRecover brand [2][9] - This initiative emphasizes cross-value-chain collaboration to enhance sustainable solutions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels by increasing the circulation of valuable plastics [3] Group 2: Financial Performance and Market Conditions - LYB's shares have declined by 43.9% over the past year, compared to a 25.8% decline in the industry [5] - In the fourth quarter, LYB anticipates reduced operating rates and seasonality to negatively impact results across most businesses, with increased natural gas and feedstock costs expected to pressure integrated polyolefins margins in North America [6] - Soft industrial and consumer demand is expected to persist in Europe, affecting overall performance [6] Group 3: Cost Pressures and Margin Outlook - While industry downtime has aided oxyfuels margins in October, seasonally higher feedstock costs and reduced octane values are anticipated to pressure margins for the remainder of the fourth quarter [7] - Cost reduction initiatives are expected to mitigate some pricing pressures in Advanced Polymer Solutions [7]