05.07.25
Axalta announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
First Quarter 2025 Highlights:
Net sales decreased 3% year over year to $1.26 billion in the first quarter of 2025, inclusive of a 3% headwind from foreign currency translation. Contributions from the CoverFlexx acquisition and favorable price-mix were offset by volume declines primarily in Performance Coatings.
Net income increased by 154% year over year to $99 million resulting in a net income margin of 7.8%. The increase was largely due to the $55 million of expenses recorded in the prior year period related to our 2024 Transformation Initiative. Adjusted net income improved by $16 million year over year to $129 million driven by lower operating and variable costs. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 4% to $270 million compared to $259 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 140 basis points to 21.4%. Diluted earnings per share increased by 150% to $0.45 compared to $0.18 in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per share improved by 16% to $0.59.
In the first quarter of 2025, cash provided by operating activities was $26 million compared to $34 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year decrease in cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by increases in working capital partially offset by higher earnings. Free cash flow was a use of $14 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $15 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by lower cash provided by operating activities and an increase in planned capital expenditures.
The Performance Coatings segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $197 million compared to $196 million in the prior year period, with Adjusted EBITDA margins of 24.1% and 23.1%, respectively. Lower operating expenses and lower variable costs drove the increases in segment Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin.
Mobility Coatings first quarter 2025 net sales were $440 million, a decrease of 1% from the prior year period. Light Vehicle net sales declined 1% year over year to $340 million, as 2% organic growth was more than offset by a 3% foreign currency translation headwind. Commercial Vehicle net sales decreased by 3% year over year to $100 million due to lower volumes from Class 8 builds in North America and Latin America. Mobility Coatings price-mix was positive, contributing a 2% benefit year over year.
The Mobility Coatings segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $73 million in the first quarter compared to $63 million in the prior year period, with margins of 16.5% and 14.2%, respectively. The increases in segment Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA margin were driven by positive price-mix, lower variable costs, and lower operating costs.
“We achieved a record first quarter Adjusted EBITDA, expanded Adjusted Diluted EPS by 16% and continued accelerating our performance in challenging global economic conditions,” said Chris Villavarayan, CEO and President of Axalta. “Our One Axalta culture is driving sustained operating improvement and is positioning the company to achieve long term success in an uncertain environment. We remain focused on delivering on our A Plan, driving operating excellence and providing exceptional solutions and service for our customers.”
First Quarter 2025 Highlights:
- First quarter net sales of $1.26 billion
- Net income increased 154% year over year to $99 million; net income margin of 7.8%
- Record first quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $270 million, an increase of 4% year over year
- Adjusted EBITDA margin improved 140 basis points year over year to 21.4%
- Diluted EPS increased 150% to $0.45 and Adjusted Diluted EPS increased 16% to $0.59, first quarter records
- Won two Edison Awards™ and a BIG Innovation Award for technology advancements in automotive materials and electrical systems
First Quarter 2025 Consolidated Financial Results
Net sales decreased 3% year over year to $1.26 billion in the first quarter of 2025, inclusive of a 3% headwind from foreign currency translation. Contributions from the CoverFlexx acquisition and favorable price-mix were offset by volume declines primarily in Performance Coatings.
Net income increased by 154% year over year to $99 million resulting in a net income margin of 7.8%. The increase was largely due to the $55 million of expenses recorded in the prior year period related to our 2024 Transformation Initiative. Adjusted net income improved by $16 million year over year to $129 million driven by lower operating and variable costs. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 4% to $270 million compared to $259 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 140 basis points to 21.4%. Diluted earnings per share increased by 150% to $0.45 compared to $0.18 in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per share improved by 16% to $0.59.
In the first quarter of 2025, cash provided by operating activities was $26 million compared to $34 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year decrease in cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by increases in working capital partially offset by higher earnings. Free cash flow was a use of $14 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $15 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by lower cash provided by operating activities and an increase in planned capital expenditures.
Discussion of Segment Results
Performance Coatings first quarter 2025 net sales were $822 million, down 3% compared to the prior year period primarily driven by volume declines and the impact of foreign currency headwinds, partially offset by contributions from CoverFlexx. Refinish net sales declined 2% year over year to $511 million, inclusive of a 3% currency headwind. Organic net sales for Refinish were down 1% year over year and CoverFlexx contributed 270 basis points of growth. Industrial net sales decreased by 6% year over year to $311 million as positive price-mix was more than offset by lower volumes and foreign currency translation headwinds.The Performance Coatings segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $197 million compared to $196 million in the prior year period, with Adjusted EBITDA margins of 24.1% and 23.1%, respectively. Lower operating expenses and lower variable costs drove the increases in segment Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin.
Mobility Coatings first quarter 2025 net sales were $440 million, a decrease of 1% from the prior year period. Light Vehicle net sales declined 1% year over year to $340 million, as 2% organic growth was more than offset by a 3% foreign currency translation headwind. Commercial Vehicle net sales decreased by 3% year over year to $100 million due to lower volumes from Class 8 builds in North America and Latin America. Mobility Coatings price-mix was positive, contributing a 2% benefit year over year.
The Mobility Coatings segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $73 million in the first quarter compared to $63 million in the prior year period, with margins of 16.5% and 14.2%, respectively. The increases in segment Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA margin were driven by positive price-mix, lower variable costs, and lower operating costs.
“We achieved a record first quarter Adjusted EBITDA, expanded Adjusted Diluted EPS by 16% and continued accelerating our performance in challenging global economic conditions,” said Chris Villavarayan, CEO and President of Axalta. “Our One Axalta culture is driving sustained operating improvement and is positioning the company to achieve long term success in an uncertain environment. We remain focused on delivering on our A Plan, driving operating excellence and providing exceptional solutions and service for our customers.”
