Axalta’s financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2022 shows net sales increased 10.4 per cent year-over-year.
Axalta said the increase was led by accelerating pricing gains in every end-market and a solid global demand profile, except in Light Vehicle due to continued OEM production constraints. However, operating income was negatively impacted by continued variable cost inflation, and elevated logistics, labour, and energy expenses.
First quarter net sales of US$1174.1 million increased 10.4 per cent year-over-year, including a 3.0 per cent foreign currency offset. The strong year-over-year growth was driven by an 8.8 per cent higher average price-mix, a 3.6 per cent M&A benefit, and one per cent better volumes.
Performance Coatings Q1 net sales increased 15.1 per cent year-over-year, including mid-teen sales growth in the industrial and refinish end-markets. Mobility Coatings net sales increased one per cent, led by 4.9 per cent higher price-mix and solid volume growth from Commercial Vehicle, given supportive demand and customer production rates, despite moderate supply issues. This was partially offset by foreign currency translation and lower volumes in Light Vehicle stemming from customer production constraints as a result of ongoing semiconductor chip and other supply chain shortages.
Income from operations for Q1 2022 totalled US$86.3 million versus US$52.6 million in Q1 2021.
Robert Bryant, Axalta’s President and CEO, said Axalta’s first quarter results demonstrated solid execution in a “still challenging” global operating environment.
“I am proud of the team for delivering better than anticipated results despite unresolved supply chain challenges and a number of significant unforeseen global headwinds. Specifically, I want to recognise the actions of our teams in China who have been able to safely operate and serve our customers during the ongoing lockdowns. We are proving every day that we have a dedicated and resilient organisation committed to delivering on our strategic growth imperative,” Bryant said.
“Despite the unprecedented breadth and rate of cost inflation, we are increasing prices aggressively and working hard to ensure we are fully sourced to support our customers’ needs. Raw material availability remains challenged with the potential for areas of trade flow concerns if China COVID-19 lockdowns persist deeper into Q2. As a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, energy surcharges are becoming more prevalent and impactful, particularly when sourcing materials from Europe.
“Nonetheless, we have responded quickly to offset a significant portion of the cumulative impact, especially in Performance Coatings. I am encouraged by the rate of price execution and remain confident that we will return to pre-pandemic margins over time.
“Even in this dynamic environment we are delivering above-market growth rates across the portfolio, demonstrating the benefits of our leading technology platforms and myriad of new product launches. I expect us to continue to drive strong organic sales growth even as markets are slow to fully recover.
“Looking beyond the near-term, I am encouraged by the degree of pent-up consumer demand, low channel inventory levels, and successful pricing execution supporting a significant long-term growth potential for Axalta as end-markets normalise toward pre-pandemic levels of activity. We see tremendous opportunity in the realisation of our strategy and remain committed to the execution of our plans,” Bryant said.