Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (NYSE:AXTA) is among the 9 Undervalued Chemical Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. RBC Sees Modest Growth Momentum for Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (AXTA) Despite Lower Volumes The next stock on our list is Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (NYSE:AXTA). TheFly reported on February 12 that RBC Capital raised its price target on AXTA to $35 from $33, while keeping a Sector Perform rating. It was noted that lower volumes caused the company to fall short of fourth-quarter projectio ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP EPS for the fourth quarter was $9.05, including a tax benefit of $78.5 million, or $3.98 per share, primarily due to a U.S. tax deduction related to the Prospera investment [20] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $4.92, up 28.1% year-over-year [21] - For the full year, adjusted diluted EPS was $19.09, an increase of 11.1% over 2024 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales grew 7.2% year-over-year to $819 million, with utility sales increasing by 21% due to strong market conditions and higher volumes [24] - Agriculture sales decreased 19.9% year-over-year to $222.7 million, with an operating loss of $3.3 million in the fourth quarter [27] - Coatings sales increased by 6.3%, supported by healthy infrastructure demand [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility market is experiencing strong demand driven by electrification, AI, and aging infrastructure replacement, with a backlog of $1.5 billion, up 22% from the previous year [10][44] - North American agriculture markets remain challenged, while international sales declined due to economic conditions in Brazil [27][15] - The telecommunications market has normalized, with ongoing investments in wireless and RAN [72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined resource allocation, safety, and continuous improvement to enhance performance [9] - Investments in technology and aftermarket services are aimed at improving efficiency and customer experience in agriculture [8][16] - The company plans to host an investor day to share deeper insights into its strategy and long-term financial targets [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the utility market's strength, citing multiple demand drivers and a robust backlog [44] - The agriculture segment is expected to see a meaningful recovery in Q1 2026, with a focus on improving margins [45][49] - The company anticipates net sales for 2026 to be between $4.2 billion and $4.4 billion, with diluted EPS projected in the range of $20.50 to $23.50 [35][36] Other Important Information - The company acquired the remaining 40% of ConcealFab, enhancing its technology and product pipeline [12] - A total of $250 million was returned to shareholders, including $198 million through share repurchases [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in utility demand and changes in customer investment - Management is confident in the utility market due to strong drivers like electrification and aging infrastructure, supported by a backlog of $1.5 billion [44] Question: Actions to restore agriculture margins and expected recovery timeline - Management expects a meaningful recovery in agriculture margins in Q1 2026, having taken steps to address previous challenges [45][46] Question: Capital spending increase for utility capacity expansions - The company plans to spend $170 million to $200 million in 2026 on utility capacity expansions, driven by durable demand [53][54] Question: Expected agriculture margins for Q1 and full year - Management anticipates low teens margins in Q1, potentially reaching mid-teens by year-end [51] Question: Growth expectations in non-utility infrastructure segments - Management expects growth across all infrastructure segments, including telecom, coatings, and lighting [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP EPS for Q4 was $9.05, including a tax benefit of $78.5 million, or $3.98 per share, primarily due to a U.S. tax deduction related to the Prospera investment [20] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $4.92, up 28.1% year-over-year [21] - Full-year net sales were $4.1 billion, slightly increasing year-over-year, with operating income at $538 million, or 13.1% of revenue [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales grew 7.2% to $819 million, with utility sales increasing by 21% due to strong market conditions and higher volumes [24] - Agriculture sales decreased 19.9% year-over-year to $222.7 million, with an operating loss of $3.3 million in Q4 [27] - Coatings sales increased by 6.3%, supported by healthy infrastructure demand [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility market is experiencing strong demand driven by electrification, AI, and aging infrastructure, with a backlog of $1.5 billion, up 22% from the previous year [10] - North American agriculture markets remain challenged, while international sales declined due to economic conditions in Brazil [27][15] - The telecommunications market has normalized capital spending, with ongoing demand for 5G and broadband expansion [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined resource allocation and continuous improvement to enhance operational performance [9] - Investments in technology and aftermarket services are aimed at improving efficiency and customer experience in agriculture [8] - The company plans to host an investor day to share deeper insights into its strategy and long-term financial targets [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the utility market's strength, citing multiple demand drivers and a robust backlog [46] - The agriculture segment is expected to see a meaningful recovery in Q1 2026, with North America maintaining double-digit operating margins [50][52] - The company anticipates net sales for 2026 to be between $4.2 billion and $4.4 billion, with diluted EPS projected in the range of $20.50 to $23.50 [35] Other Important Information - The company acquired the remaining 40% of ConcealFab, enhancing its technology and product pipeline [12] - Full-year operating cash flows totaled $457 million, with free cash flow at $311 million, representing approximately 90% of net earnings [30] - The company returned $250 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in utility demand and changes in customer investment - Management is confident in the utility market due to strong drivers like electrification and AI, with a backlog of $1.5 billion supporting the outlook [46] Question: Actions to restore agriculture margins and expected recovery - Management expects a meaningful recovery in agriculture margins in Q1 2026, with steps taken to strengthen the foundation in Brazil [50][52] Question: Expected ag margins for Q1 and full year - Management anticipates low teens for Q1 margins, potentially reaching mid-teens by year-end [58] Question: Increasing capital spending for utility capacity expansions - Capital spending is projected to be $170 million-$200 million in 2026, primarily for utility, driven by durable demand [61] Question: Balance sheet utilization for pricing - The company plans to use its strong balance sheet for growth rather than trading for better pricing [66] Question: Aftermarket share in a soft ag market - The company is enhancing its e-commerce system to improve aftermarket services for farmers [71] Question: Utility growth potential and pricing - Management sees potential upside in utility growth, with expectations of more volume than price contributing to growth in 2026 [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP EPS for Q4 2025 was $9.05, including a tax benefit of $78.5 million, or $3.98 per share, primarily due to a U.S. tax deduction related to the Prospera investment [13] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $4.92, up 28.1% year-over-year [13] - Full-year adjusted diluted EPS was $19.09, an increase of 11.1% over 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales for Q4 2025 were $819 million, growing 7.2% year-over-year, with utility sales increasing by 21% [16] - Agriculture sales decreased by 19.9% year-over-year to $222.7 million, with an operating loss of $3.3 million in Q4 [12][18] - Coatings sales increased by 6.3%, supported by healthy infrastructure demand [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility market is experiencing strong demand driven by electrification, AI, and grid expansion, with a backlog of $1.5 billion, up 22% from the previous year [7][27] - North American agriculture markets remain challenged, with international sales declining due to economic conditions in Brazil [10][12] - The telecommunications market has normalized, with ongoing investments in wireless and RAN [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined resource allocation, safety, and continuous improvement to enhance performance [6] - Investments in technology and aftermarket services are aimed at improving efficiency and customer experience in agriculture [11] - The company plans to host an investor day to share deeper insights into its strategy and long-term financial targets [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the utility market's strength, citing multiple demand drivers and a robust backlog [27] - The agriculture segment is expected to see a meaningful recovery in Q1 2026, with a focus on restoring margins [28][29] - The company anticipates net sales for 2026 to be between $4.2 billion and $4.4 billion, with diluted EPS projected in the range of $20.50 to $23.50 [22][23] Other Important Information - The company acquired the remaining 40% of ConcealFab, enhancing its technology and product pipeline [9] - Full-year operating cash flows totaled $457 million, with free cash flow representing approximately 90% of net earnings [19] - The company returned $250 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in utility demand and competitive landscape - Management is confident in the utility market due to strong drivers like electrification and grid expansion, supported by a backlog of $1.5 billion [27] Question: Actions to restore agriculture margins - Management expects a meaningful recovery in agriculture margins in Q1 2026, having taken steps to address previous challenges [28][29] Question: Capital spending for utility capacity expansions - The company plans to increase capital spending to $170 million-$200 million in 2026 to meet durable demand in the utility sector [31][32] Question: Balance sheet utilization for pricing - The company aims to use its strong balance sheet for growth rather than trading price for prepayments, focusing on improving working capital [34][35] Question: Outlook for agriculture project wins - Management anticipates a slower first half for agriculture but is confident in the pipeline of projects for the second half of the year [39]

Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Earnings Presentation February 17, 2026 Valmont® Industries, Inc.© 2026 Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements These slides (and the accompanying oral discussion) contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions made by management, considering its experience in the industries where Valmont operates, perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future develo ...

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (NYSE:AXTA) is one of the most undervalued mid cap stocks to buy now. On February 11, UBS analyst Joshua Spector raised the firm’s price target on Axalta Coating to $36 from $35 and maintained a Neutral rating. On the same day, Baird raised its price target on Axalta Coating to $37 from $35 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm updated its financial model following the company’s Q4 2025 results and noted that execution remains solid. BMO Capital also raised its price t ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Axalta reported net sales of approximately $1.3 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $272 million and a margin of 21.5%, an improvement of 50 basis points year-over-year [5][12] - For the full year 2025, adjusted EBITDA reached $1.13 billion, a growth of $317 million from 2024, with margins expanding over 500 basis points to 22% [7][18] - Adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 was $0.59, roughly flat year-over-year, while for the full year, it increased approximately 55% to $2.49 [7][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mobility Coatings achieved record fourth-quarter net sales of $471 million, a 1% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA rising 20% to $92 million [15][16] - Performance Coatings saw a 6% decline in Q4 net sales to $791 million, primarily due to lower volumes and unfavorable price mix [15] - Refinish net sales decreased 7% to $509 million in Q4, reflecting low claim activity and adjusted order patterns [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America faced significant macro headwinds, impacting all business lines, with a 4% decline in net sales year-over-year [12][17] - In Asia-Pacific, the Industrial segment delivered 5% net sales growth despite a weaker macro environment [9][49] - Class 8 builds in North America were down roughly 30% compared to assumptions, indicating a broader slowdown in fleet refresh activity [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Axalta is focused on operational excellence, cost management, and strategic investments, including a record $196 million in CapEx to support productivity [9][19] - The company announced a merger of equals with AkzoNobel, expected to create a global leader in performance coatings with significant synergy potential of $600 million [26][27] - The strategy includes enhancing product offerings and expanding market presence, particularly in the economy segment and adjacencies [63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing macro challenges but expressed confidence in the company's resilience and ability to manage costs effectively [8][11] - For 2026, the company anticipates a slower start but expects recovery in the second half driven by various catalysts, including interest rate reductions and improved consumer affordability [22][23] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining strong margins and operational performance despite market pressures [11][19] Other Important Information - Axalta achieved record cash generation in Q4, with operating cash flow of $344 million and free cash flow of $290 million [14] - The company reduced interest expense by 11% and SG&A expenses by 8% year-over-year, contributing to improved financial performance [13][19] - The net leverage ratio decreased to 2.3 times at year-end, the lowest in the company's history [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of global refinish markets - Management indicated that destocking trends are expected to end by Q2 2026, with confidence in recovery based on current performance and market conditions [31][32] Question: Conviction in achieving $600 million in synergies - Management noted improving investor sentiment and emphasized the creation of a leading global performance coatings company as a key message [38][39] Question: Performance Coatings and Industrial trends - Management acknowledged lower sales in Industrial but highlighted growth in Asia and expected improvements in the back half of 2026 [48][49] Question: Margin assumptions for the year - Management expects EBITDA margins to remain above 22% for 2026, driven by cost actions and productivity improvements [56] Question: Refinish strategy evolution post-merger - Management highlighted complementary strengths in refinish and mobility segments, indicating a focus on enhancing distribution and product offerings [62][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Axalta reported net sales of approximately $1.3 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $272 million and a margin of 21.5%, an improvement of 50 basis points year-over-year [5][12] - For the full year 2025, adjusted EBITDA reached $1.13 billion, a growth of $317 million from 2024, with margins expanding over 500 basis points to 22% [7][18] - Adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 was $0.59, roughly flat year-over-year, while for the full year, it increased approximately 55% to $2.49 [7][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mobility Coatings achieved record net sales of $471 million in Q4 2025, a 1% increase from the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA rising 20% to $92 million [15][16] - Performance Coatings saw a 6% decline in Q4 net sales to $791 million, primarily due to lower volumes and unfavorable price mix [15] - Refinish net sales decreased 7% to $509 million in Q4, reflecting low claim activity and adjusted order patterns [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America faced significant macro headwinds, impacting all business lines, with a noted 30% decline in Class 8 builds [10][12] - In Asia-Pacific, the Industrial segment delivered 5% net sales growth despite weaker macro conditions [9] - The overall demand in North America and Europe for Industrial coatings was significantly weaker than anticipated [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Axalta is focused on operational excellence, cost management, and strategic investments to enhance productivity and service levels [8][9] - The company announced a merger of equals with AkzoNobel, expected to create a global leader in performance coatings with significant synergy potential of $600 million [26][27] - The strategy includes maintaining a strong balance sheet while investing in productivity and returning capital to shareholders [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing macro challenges but expressed confidence in the company's resilience and ability to manage costs effectively [11][18] - For 2026, the company anticipates a slower start but expects recovery in the second half driven by various catalysts, including interest rate reductions and improved consumer affordability [22][23] - Management emphasized the importance of operational actions taken to strengthen the business and protect margins in preparation for market recovery [11][12] Other Important Information - Axalta achieved record cash generation in Q4, with free cash flow of $290 million, driven by improved working capital and lower interest payments [14][21] - The company reduced gross debt by approximately $230 million, lowering the net leverage ratio to 2.3 times, the lowest in its history [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of global refinish markets - Management noted destocking trends were slightly worse than expected, but growth was seen in South America, Europe, and Asia [31][32] Question: Conviction in achieving $600 million in synergies - Management indicated improving investor sentiment and emphasized the creation of a large global performance coatings company with significant revenue and EBITDA potential [38][39] Question: Performance of Industrial segment - Management acknowledged lower sales in Industrial but highlighted growth in Asia and expected improvements driven by policy changes [49][50] Question: Margin assumptions for the year - Management expects to maintain EBITDA margins above 22% with cost actions and productivity improvements contributing positively [56] Question: Refinish strategy evolution post-merger - Management highlighted complementary strengths in refinish and mobility segments, indicating opportunities for growth in various regions [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Axalta reported net sales of approximately $1.3 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $272 million and a margin of 21.5%, an improvement of 50 basis points year-over-year [4][12] - For the full year 2025, adjusted EBITDA reached $1.13 billion, a growth of $317 million from 2022, with margins expanding over 500 basis points to 22% [5][16] - Adjusted diluted EPS increased approximately 55% over the same period, reaching an all-time high [5][16] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $466 million, an increase of over $300 million compared to 2022 [5][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mobility Coatings achieved record fourth-quarter performance with net sales of $471 million, a 1% increase year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA increased 20% to $92 million [14] - Performance Coatings saw a 6% decline in Q4 net sales to $791 million, primarily due to lower volumes and unfavorable price mix [13] - Refinish net sales decreased 7% to $509 million in Q4, reflecting low claim activity and adjusted order patterns [13] - Industrial net sales declined 5% year-over-year to $282 million, driven by volume declines in North America and Europe [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America faced significant macro headwinds, impacting all business lines, with light vehicle production running about 1% below expectations and Class 8 builds down roughly 30% [9][11] - Despite challenges, the Asia-Pacific region delivered 5% net sales growth in Industrial, indicating resilience in that market [8][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, cost management, and strategic investments, including a record $196 million in CapEx to support productivity [8][17] - Axalta announced a merger of equals with AkzoNobel, expected to create a global leader in performance coatings with significant synergy potential of $600 million [24][25] - The merger aims to enhance market position and drive growth through complementary strengths in various segments [59][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing macro challenges but expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate these issues and prepare for future growth [10][19] - For 2026, management anticipates a slower start but expects recovery in the second half driven by various catalysts, including interest rate reductions and improved consumer affordability [19][22] - The company plans for revenue to decline mid-single digits in Q1 but expects low single-digit growth for the full year, driven by positive price mix and higher volumes in the second half [22][23] Other Important Information - Axalta achieved a record for cash generation in Q4, with cash from operations of $344 million and free cash flow of $290 million [12] - The company reduced interest expense by 11% and SG&A expenses by 8% year-over-year, contributing to improved financial performance [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of global refinish markets - Management noted destocking trends impacting performance, with expectations for recovery in Q2 2026 as destocking ends [27][30] Question: Margin assumptions for the year - Management indicated expectations for EBITDA margins to remain above 22%, supported by cost actions and productivity improvements [51][53] Question: Refinish strategy evolution through the merger - The merger is expected to enhance capabilities in the refinish segment, leveraging complementary strengths in premium and economy markets [58][59] Question: Raw material pricing outlook - Management anticipates flat raw material costs year-over-year, with potential increases in the second half offset by productivity gains [62]

Axalta Coating Systems Q4 and Full Year 2025 Financial Results 1 February 10, 2026 Legal Notices This presentation and the oral remarks made in connection herewith contain financial information that is not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted Diluted EPS, Adjusted Net Income, Free Cash Flow, total net leverage ratio (or "net leverage ratio"), total gross leverage ratio, ROIC, tax rate, ...