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 ...

Core Insights - Nordson Corporation is a global leader in precision technology solutions, specializing in equipment for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, and biomaterials [1] - D.A. Davidson has set a price target of $290 for Nordson's stock, indicating a potential upside of 23.29% from its current trading price of $235.21 [1][5] Financial Performance - For the fiscal fourth quarter ending October 31, 2025, Nordson reported sales of $752 million, reflecting a 1% increase from $744 million in the previous year [2][5] - The sales growth was supported by a favorable currency translation of 2% and a 1% contribution from acquisitions, although it was partially offset by a divestiture in the medical contract manufacturing segment and a 1% decrease in organic sales [2] Stock Performance - The current stock price of Nordson is $234.35, showing a slight decrease of approximately 0.03% from the previous trading session [3] - Over the past year, the stock has experienced significant volatility, reaching a high of $251.47 and a low of $165.03, with a market capitalization of approximately $13.17 billion [4]

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]

Core Viewpoint - Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) has significantly underperformed the market, with a 44.7% decline over the past year compared to a 12.3% increase in the S&P 500 Index [2] Financial Performance - EMN reported Q3 results with an adjusted EPS of $1.14, missing Wall Street expectations of $1.18, and revenue of $2.20 billion, which also fell short of forecasts of $2.24 billion [4] - For the current fiscal year ending in December, analysts expect EMN's EPS to decline by 30% to $5.52 on a diluted basis [5] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Among 15 analysts covering EMN, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with eight "Strong Buy" ratings, two "Moderate Buys," four "Holds," and one "Strong Sell" [5] - Evercore ISI maintained an "In Line" rating on EMN and lowered the price target to $70, indicating a potential upside of 21.7% from current levels [6] - The mean price target of $71.47 suggests a 24.3% premium to EMN's current price, while the highest price target of $80 indicates a potential upside of 39.1% [6] Market Comparison - EMN's stock has underperformed compared to the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB), which has declined about 7% year-to-date, while EMN has experienced double-digit losses [3]

Core Insights - H.B. Fuller Company CFO John Corkrean exercised stock options and sold shares, indicating a significant transaction valued at approximately $857,800 [1][2][11] Transaction Summary - John Corkrean sold 14,222 shares for about $857,800, representing 20.65% of his direct stake prior to the transaction [2][3] - After the transaction, Corkrean holds 54,646 shares valued at approximately $3.3 million [2] Company Overview - H.B. Fuller Company is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer with a revenue of $3.50 billion and a net income of $114.88 million [7][8] - The company has experienced a one-year price change of -20.34% as of October 27, 2025 [7] Financial Performance - In the fiscal third quarter ending August 30, revenue decreased by 3% year over year to $892 million [12] - The company anticipates a sales decline of 2% to 3% for the fiscal year 2025 [12] - H.B. Fuller has a net debt of nearly $2 billion, with a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.3x [12] Market Context - The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $60.31, slightly above the market close of $60.09 on the transaction date [5] - The stock's performance has been weak, with a one-year total return of -20.34% [5][11]

Core Insights - Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ:NDSN) is recognized as one of the 10 Best Rising Dividend Stocks to Buy Now [1] - The company designs and produces equipment and systems for applying adhesives, coatings, sealants, and biomaterials across various industries, with approximately two-thirds of its revenue generated from international customers [2] - Nordson emphasizes high-precision, innovative solutions and continues to expand into fast-growing sectors like medical devices, supported by strategic acquisitions and a strong global sales network [3] - The company has a notable history of rewarding shareholders, marking its 62nd consecutive year of dividend increases, currently paying a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, yielding around 1.38% as of October 28 [4]

Market Overview - On October 24, US stocks reached record highs due to positive investor sentiment following inflation data showing slower price increases than expected, raising hopes for continued interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [1] - The consumer price index (CPI) for September increased by 0.3% month-over-month, resulting in an annual inflation rate of 3%, slightly below economists' expectations of 0.4% and 3.1% respectively [2] - Core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose by 0.2% for September and 3% year-over-year, also below Dow Jones estimates [3] - Major indexes, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite, closed at record levels, with the Dow gaining 17.35% over the past six months [4] Company Insights - The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) is highlighted as one of the best Dow stocks to buy, with an average price target upside potential of 15.23% and 67 hedge fund holders [10] - Wells Fargo reduced its price target for The Sherwin-Williams Company from $400 to $395 while maintaining an Overweight rating, citing ongoing challenges but a positive long-term outlook [11] - NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is also noted as a top Dow stock, with an average price target upside potential of 15.46% and 235 hedge fund holders [13] - NVIDIA is collaborating with Google Cloud to enhance access to accelerated computing, aiming to support enterprise AI and industrial digitization [14][15]

Group 1: Company Overview - PPG Industries, Inc. is a leading supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials, serving various industries including construction, consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, transportation, and aftermarket services [2] - The company has transitioned to operate almost entirely as a coatings-focused business, moving away from traditional glass and chemical operations, resulting in a streamlined coatings portfolio with stronger margins [4] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - PPG Industries has invested billions in acquisitions to fuel its growth, maintaining a balanced capital allocation approach while being open to sizable acquisitions when opportunities arise [3] - The company has devoted a significant portion of its cash toward share repurchases, contributing meaningfully to its earnings-per-share growth over time [3] Group 3: Dividend Policy - PPG Industries has maintained its dividend policy over the years, increasing dividends for 54 consecutive years, making it one of the best dividend aristocrat stocks [5] - As of October 12, the company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.87 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.88% [5]

Core Insights - Dividend growth stocks remain attractive for long-term investors due to their potential for consistent returns and lower volatility compared to high-growth companies [1][2][3] - Companies that regularly increase dividends are perceived as financially stable and often have strong competitive positions, making them appealing to risk-conscious investors [2][3] Methodology - The article identifies 15 dividend aristocrats, companies that have raised dividends for 25 consecutive years or more, with yields above 2% as of October 12 [5] Company Highlights - **Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL)**: - Dividend yield of 2.09% as of October 13, with a focus on supplemental health and life insurance, particularly in Japan [7][9] - Reported a 23.2% year-over-year increase in sales in Q2 2025, driven by a new cancer insurance product [7] - Has a 42-year history of increasing dividends, currently paying $0.58 per share [9] - **Cincinnati Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CINF)**: - Dividend yield of 2.19% as of October 13, with a history of raising dividends every year since 1960 [10][13] - Maintains a strong presence in the US insurance industry, providing property and casualty coverage through independent agents [11] - Demonstrates solid financial discipline, with a 65-year streak of consecutive dividend increases [12][13] - **PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG)**: - Dividend yield of 2.88% as of October 13, specializing in paints, coatings, and specialty materials [14][17] - Invested billions in acquisitions to drive growth while maintaining a balanced capital allocation approach [15] - Has increased dividends for 54 consecutive years, currently paying $0.87 per share [17]

Core Insights - The Sherwin-Williams Company has completed the acquisition of BASF's Brazilian architectural paints business, Suvinil, which aligns with its long-term growth strategy [1][2] - Suvinil is a leading provider of architectural paints in Brazil, generating approximately $525 million in sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 [2] - The acquisition is expected to enhance Sherwin-Williams' presence in Latin America and provide industry-leading solutions for customers [2] Financial Impact - The purchase price reflects a low teens EBITDA multiple, with anticipated post-transaction synergies net of one-time costs [3] - Sherwin-Williams expects a low single-digit percentage increase in consolidated sales for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [3] - The company aims to maintain a net-debt to EBITDA ratio within the targeted range of 2.0 to 2.5 times by the end of 2025 [3] Company Overview - Sherwin-Williams, founded in 1866, is a global leader in the manufacture and sale of paint, coatings, and related products [4] - The company operates over 5,400 stores and branches, with products sold through various retail channels [4] - Sherwin-Williams' Performance Coatings Group provides engineered solutions for multiple markets in over 120 countries [4]