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AkzoNobel Posts Q2 Results

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By: Anthony Locicero

Copy Editor, New York Post

Akzo Nobel N.V. published the results for second quarter 2019.
  • Adjusted operating income 36 percent higher at €305 million (2018: €225 million);
  • ROS, excluding unallocated costs, increased to 13.7 percent (2018: 12.1 percent);
  • Focus on value over volume resulted in price/mix up five percent and six percent lower volumes;
  • Transformation on track and delivered €43 million cost savings;
  • Acquisition of Mapaero, announced July 18, 2019, further strengthens aerospace coatings business
Q2 2019:
  • Revenue was flat and up one percent in constant currencies, with positive price/mix of five percent and acquisitions contributing one percent, offset by six percent lower volumes;
  • Adjusted operating income up 36 percent at €305 million (2018: €225 million, which included €20 million of one-off costs) driven by ongoing pricing initiatives and cost-saving programs; ROS at 12.4 percent (2018: 9.2 percent); 
  • Operating income at €308 million includes €3 million positive impact from identified items, related to a gain on disposal following asset network optimization (€57 million) and transformation costs (€54 million). 2018 operating income at €192 million included €33 million negative identified items;
  • Decorative Paints ROS up at 13.5 percent (2018: 12.2 percent); Performance Coatings ROS up at 13.6 percent (2018: 11.8 percent);
  • Adjusted EPS from continuing operations up 85 percent at €0.96 (2018: €0.52); EPS from total operations at €1.07 (2018: €1.06)
“We remain fully focused on delivering our Winning together: 15 by 20 strategy and our Q2 results show we’re making progress with profit up 36 percent,” AkzoNobel CEO Thierry Vanlancker said. “Return on sales was 13.7 percent for the quarter, moving us another step closer to our 2020 ambition of 15 percent.

“This was an important quarter for us to demonstrate our strategy is working,” the CEO continued. “Q2 performance improved largely due to our ongoing pricing initiatives and cost-saving programs, despite headwinds in the external business environment. This is a rewarding step for the organization and encouraging for the work still ahead of us as we continue our transformation journey.
 
“In the face of softer market trends, we continue to focus on delivering our strategy while investing in strategic growth opportunities, to become recognized as the reference in the paints and coatings industry,” he concluded. 
 
Operation Night Watch
AkzoNobel recently partnered with the Rijksmuseum for the live restoration of Rembrandt’s Night Watch. In a spectacular fusion of old and new, Operation Night Watch will use ground-breaking techniques to preserve the painting for future generations. 
 
New paint range pounces on the French market
The Dulux Valentine decorative paint brand in France launched a new EasyCare product called Color Resist. The EasyCare range (also known as EasyClean) has now been introduced in 26 countries worldwide, including brands such as Dulux and Marshall. 
 
Hudson Yards
AkzoNobel made a major contribution to the Hudson Yards project in New York, the largest private real estate development in US history. The ongoing project recently saw the completion of the two towers at 10 and 30 Hudson Yards. Taller than the Empire State Building, the glass and steel structure of 30 Hudson Yards uses the company’s high-performance architectural powder coatings, while 10 Hudson Yards features AkzoNobel’s industrial coatings.
 
Paint the Future
AkzoNobel’s Paint the Future startup challenge proved to be a huge success, with five business agreements being awarded by AkzoNobel at the accelerator event held in May. Organized in conjunction with partner KPMG, the challenge attracted 160 submissions, with the 21 shortlisted startups being given the chance to collaborate with industry experts and further their solutions. 
 
Making powder coatings even more sustainable
AkzoNobel introduced a full range of Interpon Low-E products by its powder coatings business. A complete range of smooth finishes in Interpon 610 was added to the coarse texture range launched last year. Specially engineered for curing at temperatures lower than the current standard of 180-190°C, the new offering is polyester TGIC-free, saves energy and helps customers to improve their efficiency.
 
AkzoNobel and Airbus advance innovation in the aerospace industry 
A new chromate-free exterior primer has been developed by AkzoNobel and Airbus. Newly qualified by Airbus and now included in the aircraft manufacturer’s specifications, Aerodur HS 2121 is designed to be applied at the final assembly stage to virtually all external aircraft surfaces. In addition to being free from chromates, the new primer provides users with numerous performance, appearance and application benefits.
 

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