Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales were approximately $1.3 billion, down 2% year over year primarily due to macro headwinds in North America [12] - Adjusted EBITDA reached a record $294 million with a margin of 22.8%, marking 12 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth [6][7] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.67, up 6% compared to the previous year [8][12] - Net leverage was maintained at 2.5 times, the lowest level in Axalta's history [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Performance Coatings segment net sales declined 6% year over year to $828 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $211 million and a margin of 25.5% [14][15] - Mobility Coatings net sales increased 4% to $460 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising 20% year over year to $83 million and a margin of 18% [15][16] - Refinish segment net sales were $517 million, slightly up sequentially but down year over year due to lower body shop activity [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global auto production forecast for 2025 is approximately 91 million builds, a 2% increase from 2024 [6] - The broader macro environment remains challenging, particularly in North America, while trends in Europe are more stable [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve its A plan target, focusing on enhanced profitability and operational excellence [8][10] - Plans to repurchase up to $250 million of stock in the fourth quarter, reflecting confidence in future growth [17][19] - The company is positioned for growth in the refinish market as claims stabilize and destocking headwinds abate [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the external environment in North America and Europe did not improve as expected, they remain focused on execution and operational excellence [18][19] - The company anticipates a significant increase in free cash flow in the fourth quarter, projecting around $450 million for the year [19] - Expectations for 2026 include improved refinish demand and stable light vehicle production [20][21] Other Important Information - The company executed $100 million in share repurchases, reducing shares outstanding by over 3% since 2023 [7][17] - Interest expense decreased by 15% year to date, contributing to adjusted diluted EPS performance [10][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the auto refinish component's decline - Management indicated that the market is down mid to high single digits, with destocking also contributing to the decline [24][25] Question: On cost management and future strategies - Management highlighted ongoing cost discipline and structural reductions, with expectations for continued improvement in margins [30][34] Question: Expectations for other end markets - Management expects muted performance in commercial vehicles and stable conditions in industrial markets, with potential growth in Latin America and China [38][40] Question: Discussion on dividends and capital allocation - Management noted that share repurchases are currently prioritized over dividends, with discussions ongoing regarding future capital allocation strategies [44][46] Question: Drivers in the refinish business - Management reported that accident rates are stable, but insurance premiums have increased, impacting claims and overall demand [50][51] Question: On raw material costs and tariffs - Management indicated that raw material costs are stable, with expectations of continued stability in the coming quarters [72][74] Question: Expectations for refinish revenue and volume - Management expects volumes to turn positive in Q2 2026, driven by new body shop wins and stabilization in the market [76][78] Question: On market share gains and competition - Management expressed confidence in maintaining market share and leveraging strengths in the refinish space despite competitive pressures [84][86]

Core Insights - Axalta Coating Systems reported revenue of $1.31 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, a decrease of 3.4% year-over-year, with EPS at $0.64, up from $0.57 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.32 billion, resulting in a surprise of -1.33%, while the EPS exceeded the consensus estimate of $0.61 by 4.92% [1] Financial Performance - Total sales in Performance Coatings were $836 million, below the average estimate of $872.1 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5.8% [4] - Total sales in Mobility Coatings reached $469 million, slightly above the average estimate of $463.08 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 1.1% [4] - Sales in Mobility Coatings for commercial vehicles were $107 million, compared to an estimate of $100.02 million, showing a decline of 2.7% year-over-year [4] - Sales in Performance Coatings for industrial applications were $322 million, below the average estimate of $327.45 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of 5.6% [4] - Sales in Mobility Coatings for light vehicles were $362 million, slightly below the estimate of $363.06 million, with a year-over-year increase of 2.3% [4] - Sales in Performance Coatings for refinish applications were $514 million, below the average estimate of $544.4 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5.9% [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Mobility Coatings was $92 million, exceeding the estimate of $74.79 million [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Performance Coatings was $200 million, below the average estimate of $209.59 million [4] Market Performance - Axalta Coating Systems' shares have returned -5.9% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 3.4% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]