Biggest changeIn addition, we are, or may become, subject to various climate disclosure regimes regulating the disclosure of GHG emissions and related information, such as the European Union’s (“EU”) Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) and California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate Related Financial Risk Act.
Biggest changeWe may also incur significant additional costs as a result of contamination that is discovered and/or government required remediation obligations that are imposed at these or other facilities in the future. 11 Table of Contents In addition, we are, or may become, subject to various climate disclosure regimes regulating the disclosure of GHG emissions and related information, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) final rules under SEC Release No. 34-99678 and No. 33-11275, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors (the “Final SEC Climate Rules”), European Union’s (“EU”) Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) and California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate Related Financial Risk Act (together, the “California Climate Laws”).
Demand in this end-market is driven by a wide variety of macroeconomic factors, such as growth in GDP, new residential and commercial construction, as well as automotive and industrial production.
Demand in this end-market is driven by a wide variety of macroeconomic factors, such as growth in GDP and new residential and commercial construction, as well as automotive and industrial production.
In the oil & gas industry, our powder and liquid products are used to protect components from corrosion and severe conditions such as extreme temperatures, pressures, and harsh chemicals.
In the oil and gas industry, our powder and liquid products are used to protect components from corrosion and severe conditions such as extreme temperatures, pressures, and harsh chemicals.
These new innovative technologies complement our existing solutions to insulate copper wire used in motors and transformers and our coatings insulate sheets forming magnetic circuits of motors and transformers, computer elements and other electrical devices to provide increased motor and power efficiency. • Transportation: Key provider of liquid and powder coatings for vehicle components, chassis, and agricultural, construction, and earth moving equipment, that protect against corrosion, provide increased durability, and deliver a superior appearance. • General Metal Finishing: Global provider of multiple technologies for a wide array of applications, including racking and shelving, metal furniture, appliances, protective coating, pipes and tubes, metal enclosures and fencing, industrial components, gutters, garage and entry doors, HVAC, metal wall panels, and power storage and electrical boxes.
These new innovative technologies complement our existing solutions to insulate copper wire used in motors and transformers and our coatings insulate sheets forming magnetic circuits of motors and transformers, computer elements and other electrical devices to provide increased motor and power efficiency. • Transportation: Key provider of liquid and powder coatings for vehicle components, chassis, and agricultural, construction, and earth moving equipment, that protect against corrosion, provide increased durability, and deliver a superior appearance. • General Metal Finishing: Global provider of multiple technologies for a wide array of applications, including racking and shelving, metal furniture, appliances, protective coating, pipes and tubes, metal enclosures and fencing, industrial components, gutters, garage and entry doors, HVAC systems, metal wall panels, and power storage and electrical boxes.
Architects and designers can benefit from the advice of color experts, superior technical service and the latest trend collections available in our dedicated color experience rooms and digital tools. • Battery Solutions: New innovative technologies in liquid and powder coatings for battery performance, insulation and conduction to enable innovation in the electrification and energy transition market.
Architects and designers can benefit from the advice of our in-house color experts, superior technical service and the latest trend collections available in our dedicated color experience rooms and digital tools. • Battery Solutions: New innovative technologies in liquid and powder coatings for battery performance, insulation and conduction to enable innovation in the electrification and energy transition market.
Particularly for HDT applications, truck owners demand a significant variety of custom colors and advanced product technologies to enable custom designs. Our strong market position and growth are driven by our ability to provide customers with our market-leading brand, Imron ® , as well as leveraging our global product lines, regional knowledge and customer service.
Particularly for HDT applications, truck owners demand a significant variety of custom colors and advanced product technologies to enable custom designs. Our strong competitive position and growth are driven by our ability to provide customers with our market-leading brand, Imron ® , as well as leveraging our global product lines, regional knowledge and customer service.
In our North America and EMEA markets, we typically see more significant accidents from the inclement weather that require more time to repair and less repair throughput for our customers. Our Mobility Coatings segment does not experience significant net sales seasonality.
In North America and EMEA, we typically see more significant accidents from the inclement weather that require more time to repair and less repair throughput for our customers. Our Mobility Coatings segment does not experience significant net sales seasonality.
Our markets are among the most demanding in the coatings industry with high levels of required product performance that continuously evolve, with increasing expectations for productivity on customer lines and environmentally responsible products.
Our end-markets are among the most demanding in the coatings industry with high levels of required product performance that continuously evolve, with increasing expectations for productivity on customer lines and environmentally responsible products.
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors ("Board") has oversight of the Company's human capital management efforts. The Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee of our Board has oversight of the Company's policies to protect the health and safety of our employees and contractors, and this committee regularly reviews data on our safety metrics and performance.
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (“Board”) has oversight of the Company's human capital management efforts. The Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee of our Board has oversight of the Company's policies to protect the health and safety of our employees and contractors, and this committee regularly reviews data on our safety metrics and performance.
Within the industrial end-market, we focus on the following: • Building Products: Focused on the North America market, offering leading innovation for performance, style, and durability in liquid coatings serving the OEMs and aftermarket building markets, including external finishes, kitchen cabinets, flooring and furniture. • Construction: Global solutions in liquid and powder coatings for applications such as window frames, structural steel, steel roofing, and metal building materials, typically used in residential, industrial, commercial, and monumental buildings.
Within the industrial end-market, we focus on the following: • Building Products: Focused on North America, offering leading innovation for performance, style, and durability in liquid coatings serving the OEMs and aftermarket building segments, including external finishes, kitchen cabinets, flooring and furniture. • Construction: Global solutions in liquid and powder coatings for applications such as window frames, structural steel, steel roofing, and metal building materials, typically used in residential, industrial, commercial, and monumental buildings.
There has also been an increase in demand for products that enhance environmental sustainability, corrosion resistance, productivity and color aesthetics, which we provide through a combination of e-coat, waterborne, solventborne, ultraviolet ("UV") and powder technologies. Customers select industrial coatings based on protection, durability, appearance and value added through technical service and solutions, which can improve customers' application sustainability and productivity.
There has also been an increase in demand for products that enhance environmental sustainability, corrosion resistance, productivity and color aesthetics, which we provide through a combination of e-coat, waterborne, solventborne, ultraviolet (“UV”) and powder technologies. Customers select industrial coatings based on protection, durability, appearance and value added through technical service and solutions, which can improve customers' application sustainability and productivity.
Performance Coatings Customers Within our Performance Coatings segment, we sell coatings to customers in more than 140 countries. Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 20% of our Performance Coatings net sales during the year ended December 31, 2023. In our industrial and refinish end-markets we serve both large OEMs and a broad, fragmented local customer base.
Performance Coatings Customers Within our Performance Coatings segment, we sell coatings to customers in more than 140 countries. Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 20% of our Performance Coatings net sales during the year ended December 31, 2024. In our industrial and refinish end-markets we serve both large OEMs and a broad, fragmented local customer base.
Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 62% of our Mobility Coatings net sales during the year ended December 31, 2023. Mobility Coatings Competition We primarily compete against large multi-national suppliers such as AkzoNobel, BASF and PPG, as well as a few regional suppliers, in the light and commercial vehicle end-markets.
Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 62% of our Mobility Coatings net sales during the year ended December 31, 2024. Mobility Coatings Competition We primarily compete against large multi-national suppliers such as AkzoNobel, BASF and PPG, as well as a few regional suppliers, in the light and commercial vehicle end-markets.
We actively apply for and obtain U.S. and foreign patents and trademarks on new products and process innovations and as of December 31, 2023, approximately 220 patent applications were pending throughout the world. Our primary purpose in obtaining patents is to protect the results of our research for use in operations and licensing.
We actively apply for and obtain U.S. and foreign patents and trademarks on new products and process innovations and as of December 31, 2024, approximately 220 patent applications were pending throughout the world. Our primary purpose in obtaining patents is to protect the results of our research for use in operations and licensing.
Evolution within the mobility market creates tremendous opportunities for OEMs but requires them to undertake significant shifts in how they design and produce vehicles. OEMs are also increasingly looking to reduce the weight of vehicles in response to stricter vehicle emissions, fuel consumption regulations and electric vehicle range extensions.
Evolution within the mobility industry creates tremendous opportunities for OEMs but requires them to undertake significant shifts in how they design and produce vehicles. OEMs are also increasingly looking to reduce the weight of vehicles in response to stricter vehicle emissions, fuel consumption regulations and electric vehicle range extensions.
With our state-of-the-art coatings solutions and local presence in key OEM markets, we are one of the few competitors in the industry that offers global OEM manufacturers the combination of high-quality products, personalized, top-rate technical service and short lead-times for product delivery.
With our state-of-the-art coatings solutions and local presence in key OEM geographies, we are one of the few competitors in the industry that offers global OEM manufacturers the combination of high-quality products, personalized, top-rate technical service and short lead-times for product delivery.
Over the past several years, the dynamics of supply and demand had a greater impact in the cost of our raw materials than the price of the supplier feedstocks. Historically, to manage raw material volatility, we have used a combination of price increases to customers and, in certain circumstances, contractual raw material recovery mechanisms.
Over the past several years, the dynamics of supply and demand had a greater impact in the cost of our raw materials than the price of the supplier feedstocks. Historically, to manage raw material volatility, we have used a combination of price increases to customers and, in certain circumstances, contractual raw material indexing mechanisms.
Privacy Regulations We are also subject to and comply with increasingly complex privacy and data protection laws and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions. This includes the EU's General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), which enforces rules relating to the protections around the processing and transfer of personal data.
Privacy Regulations We are also subject to and comply with increasingly complex privacy and data protection laws and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions. This includes the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which enforces rules relating to the protections around the processing and transfer of personal data.
In the powder coatings market, we believe we are one of only three truly global producers that can satisfy the needs and specifications of a customer in multiple regions of the world, while maximizing productivity from the broad scale and scope of our operations.
In the powder coatings segment, we believe we are one of only three truly global producers that can satisfy the needs and specifications of a customer in multiple regions of the world, while maximizing productivity from the broad scale and scope of our operations.
We meet the demands of commercial vehicle customers with our extensive offering of over 80,000 different colors. In the HDT market, because the metal and composite components are painted simultaneously in an automatic process, most truck OEMs use low bake coatings to ensure that the plastic composite parts on a truck's exterior do not deform during the bake process.
We meet the demands of commercial vehicle customers with our extensive offering of over 90,000 different colors. In HDT, because the metal and composite components are painted simultaneously in an automatic process, most truck OEMs use low bake coatings to ensure that the plastic composite parts on a truck's exterior do not deform during the bake process.
Commercial Vehicle Sales in the commercial vehicle end-market are generated from a variety of applications, including HDT, MDT, bus and rail, motorcycles, marine and aviation, as well as related markets such as trailers, recreational vehicles and personal sport vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Sales in the commercial vehicle end-market are generated from a variety of applications, including HDT, MDT, bus and rail, motorcycles, marine and aviation, as well as related segments such as trailers, recreational vehicles and personal sport vehicles.
JOINT VENTURES At December 31, 2023, we were party to seven joint ventures, of which three were focused in the light vehicle end-market, two were focused in the refinish end-market and two were focused in the industrial end-market. At December 31, 2023, we were the majority shareholder, and/or exercised control, in five joint ventures, which we consolidated.
JOINT VENTURES At December 31, 2024, we were party to seven joint ventures, of which three were focused in the light vehicle end-market, two were focused in the refinish end-market and two were focused in the industrial end-market. At December 31, 2024, we were the majority shareholder, and/or exercised control, in five joint ventures, which we consolidated.
Reference to our and the SEC's websites herein do not incorporate by reference any information contained on those websites and such information should not be considered part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 13 Table of Contents
Reference to our and the SEC's websites herein do not incorporate by reference any information contained on those websites and such information should not be considered part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 12 Table of Contents
We post, and shareholders may access without charge, our recent filings and any amendments thereto of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and proxy statements as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). We also post all financial press releases, including earnings releases, to our website.
We post, and shareholders may access without charge, our recent filings and any amendments thereto of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and proxy statements as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with the SEC. We also post all financial press releases, including earnings releases, to our website.
The coatings operation is a critical component of the light vehicle assembly process, requiring a high degree of precision, speed and productivity. The paint shop process typically includes a dip process, three application zones and three high-temperature ovens that cure each coating layer at temperatures ranging from 320°F to 400°F (i.e., "high bake").
The coatings operation is a critical component of the light vehicle assembly process, requiring a high degree of precision, speed and productivity. The paint shop process typically includes a dip process, three application zones and three high-temperature ovens that cure each coating layer at temperatures ranging from 320°F to 400°F (i.e., “high bake”).
We believe we are one of the few performance coatings companies that can provide the customer service, total technology solutions, color design capability and product performance necessary to deliver exceptional value to our customers. 7 Table of Contents Mobility Coatings Through our Mobility Coatings segment, we provide coatings technologies for light vehicle and commercial vehicle OEMs.
We believe we are one of the few performance coatings companies that can provide the customer service, total technology solutions, color design capability and product performance necessary to deliver exceptional value to our customers. Mobility Coatings Through our Mobility Coatings segment, we provide coatings technologies for light vehicle and commercial vehicle OEMs.
We are also a leading global developer, manufacturer and supplier of functional and decorative liquid and powder coatings for a large number of diversified applications in the industrial end-market, including building materials, cabinet, wood and luxury vinyl flooring and furniture markets in North America.
In addition, we are a leading global developer, manufacturer and supplier of functional and decorative liquid and powder coatings for a large number of diversified applications in the industrial end-market, including building materials, cabinet, wood and luxury vinyl flooring and furniture applications in North America.
Our industrial end-market comprises a wide variety of industrial manufacturers, while our refinish end-market primarily comprises approximately 90,000 body shops, including: • Independent Body Shops: Single location body shops that utilize premium, mainstream or economy brands based on the local market. • Multi-Shop Operators ("MSOs"): Body shops with more than five locations focused on providing premium paint jobs with industry leading efficiency.
Our industrial end-market comprises a wide variety of industrial manufacturers, while our refinish end-market primarily comprises approximately 93,000 body shops, including: • Independent Body Shops: Single location body shops that utilize premium, mainstream or economy brands based on the local market. • Multi-Shop Operators (“MSOs”): Body shops with more than five locations focused on providing premium paint jobs with industry leading efficiency.
In total, as of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 1,300 team members dedicated to technology development. We operate four major technology centers throughout the world where we develop and align our technology investments with regional business needs complemented by approximately 25 regional laboratories which provide local connection to our global customer base.
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 1,300 team members dedicated to technology development. We operate four major technology centers throughout the world where we develop and align our technology investments with regional business needs complemented by approximately 25 regional laboratories which provide local connection to our global customer base.
Environmental Protection Agency. Our Environment, Health, Safety ("EHS") and Sustainability policies and standards are a key element of the foundation upon which we develop, market, manufacture, and distribute products and services to our global customers. In 2017, we established a Board-level committee responsible for the oversight of our EHS and Sustainability policies, performance, strategy and compliance matters.
Our Environment, Health, Safety (“EHS”) and Sustainability policies and standards are a key element of the foundation upon which we develop, market, manufacture, and distribute products and services to our global customers. In 2017, we established a Board-level committee responsible for the oversight of our EHS and Sustainability policies, performance, strategy and compliance matters.
These trademarks include Abcite ® , Alesta ® , AquaEC ® , Audurra ® , Centari ® , Ceranamel ® , Challenger ® , Chemophan TM , ColorNet ® , Corlar ® , Cromax ® , Cromax Mosaic ® , Durapon 70 ® , Duxone ® , Harmonized Coating Technologies ® , Hydropon ® , Imron ® , Imron Elite TM , Imron ExcelPro TM , Lutophen TM , Nap-Gard ® , Nason ® , Raptor ® , Rival ® , Spies Hecker ® , Standox ® , Stollaquid TM , Syntopal TM , Syrox TM , U-POL ® , Vermeera TM and Voltatex ® , which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are the property of us and our subsidiaries.
These trademarks include Abcite ® , Alesta ® , AquaEC ® , Audurra ® , Axalta Irus Mix™ , Axalta Irus Scan™, Axalta NextJet™, Axalta Nimbus™, Centari ® , Ceranamel ® , Challenger ® , Chemophan TM , ColorNet ® , Corlar ® , Cromax ® , Cromax Mosaic ® , Durapon 70 ® , Duxone ® , Harmonized Coating Technologies ® , Hydropon ® , Imron ® , Imron Elite TM , Imron ExcelPro TM , Lutophen TM , Nap-Gard ® , Nason ® , Raptor ® , Rival ® , Spies Hecker ® , Standox ® , Stollaquid TM , Syntopal TM , Syrox TM , U-POL ® , Vermeera TM and Voltatex ® , which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are the property of us and our subsidiaries.
These innovations have played a fundamental role in our ability to maintain and grow our global market share as well as deliver substantial financial returns. 10 Table of Contents We believe that we are a technology leader well positioned to benefit from continued industry shifts in customer needs.
These innovations have played a fundamental role in our ability to maintain and grow our global market share as well as deliver substantial financial returns. We believe that we are a technology leader well positioned to benefit from continued industry shifts in customer needs.
Performance Coatings Sales, Marketing and Distribution We leverage a large global refinish sales and technical support team to effectively serve our broad refinish customer base of approximately 90,000 body shops. Most of our products are supplied by our network of approximately 4,000 independent local distributors.
Performance Coatings Sales, Marketing and Distribution We leverage a large global refinish sales and technical support team to effectively serve our broad refinish customer base of approximately 93,000 body shops. Most of our products are supplied by our network of approximately 5,000 independent local distributors.
This includes our Global Innovation Center located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which opened in 2018 for global research, product development and technology initiatives and now serves as our global headquarters. PATENTS, LICENSES AND TRADEMARKS As of December 31, 2023, we had a global portfolio of approximately 770 issued patents and more than 470 trademarks.
This includes our Global Innovation Center located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which opened in 2018 for global research, product development and technology initiatives and now serves as our global headquarters. PATENTS, LICENSES AND TRADEMARKS As of December 31, 2024, we had a global portfolio of approximately 680 issued patents and more than 520 trademarks.
Our refinish products and systems comprise a range of coatings layers, including fillers, aerosols, and adhesives required to match the vehicle's color and appearance, producing a repair surface indistinguishable from the adjacent surface. We provide systems that enable body shops to match more than 220,000 color variations, using a database with more than four million formulations, in the global market.
Our refinish products and systems comprise a range of coatings layers, as well as fillers, aerosols, and adhesives required to match the vehicle's color and appearance, producing a repair surface indistinguishable from the adjacent surface. We provide systems that enable body shops to match more than 220,000 color variations, using a database with more than four million formulations, globally.
We are also party to a substantial number of patent licenses and other technology agreements. We have a significant number of trademarks and trademark registrations in the United States and in other countries, as described below.
We are also party to a substantial number of patent licenses and other technology licensing agreements. We have a significant number of trademarks and trademark registrations in the U.S. and in other countries, as described below.
The color matching process begins with a technician scanning a damaged vehicle with one of our advanced color matching tools, such as our Acquire Plus EFX™ hand-held spectrophotometer. The Acquire Plus EFX reads the vehicle color, evaluating both the unique flake and color characteristics of the specific vehicle.
The color matching process begins with a technician scanning a damaged vehicle with one of our advanced color matching tools, such as our Axalta Irus Scan™ hand-held spectrophotometer. The Axalta Irus Scan™ reads the vehicle color, evaluating both the unique flake and color characteristics of the specific vehicle.
These global customers are faced with evolving megatrends in electrification, sustainability, personalization and autonomous driving that require a high level of technical expertise. The OEMs require efficient, environmentally responsible coatings systems that can be applied with a high degree of precision, consistency and speed. The end-markets within this segment are light vehicle and commercial vehicle.
These global customers are faced with evolving megatrends in electrification, sustainability, personalization and autonomous driving that require a high level of technical expertise. The OEMs require efficient, environmentally responsible coatings systems that can be applied with a high degree of precision, consistency and speed.
The Acquire Plus EFX electronically connects with our ColorNet ® database and generates for the body shop technician the precise mix of tints and colors needed to recreate that specific color for the part being repaired.
The Axalta Irus Scan™ electronically connects with our ColorNet ® database and generates for the body shop technician the precise mix of tints and colors needed to recreate that specific color for the part being repaired.
In select regions, including parts of Europe, we also sell directly to body-shop customers through our own points of distribution. Distributors maintain an inventory of our products to fill orders from body shops in their market and assume credit risk and responsibility for logistics, delivery and billing.
In select regions, including parts of Europe, we also sell directly to body-shop customers through our company owned stores. These stores maintain an inventory of our products to fill orders from body shops in their market and assume credit risk and responsibility for logistics, delivery and billing.
The proprietary nature of a coatings supplier's color systems, the substantial inventory needed to support a body shop and the body shop's familiarity with an established brand lead to high levels of customer retention. Our customer retentions have been and continue to be strong.
The proprietary nature of a coatings supplier's color systems, the substantial inventory needed to support a body shop and the body shop's familiarity with an established brand lead to high levels of customer retention.
Our solutions portfolio brings together the best of Axalta's experience and innovation into three categories: Core Mobility Solutions , Advanced Mobility Solutions and Axalta Advantage . • Core Mobility Solutions comprises Axalta's best-in-class basecoats and clearcoats for color and beautification along with primers, electrocoats and powder applications for surface protection. • Advanced Mobility Solutions encompasses products and applications for trends like sustainability, mass customization, two-tone and digital paint.
The end-markets within this segment are light vehicle and commercial vehicle. 7 Table of Contents Our portfolio brings together the best of Axalta's experience and innovation into three categories: Core Mobility Solutions , Advanced Mobility Solutions and Axalta Advantage . • Core Mobility Solutions comprises Axalta's best-in-class basecoats and clearcoats for color and beautification along with primers, electrocoats and powder applications for surface protection. • Advanced Mobility Solutions encompasses products and applications for trends like sustainability, mass customization, two-tone and digital paint.
In 2023, Axalta's injury and illness performance resulted in a 0.37 OSHA Total Recordable Incident Rate ("TRIR"), compared to the 1.9 OSHA TRIR for the Paint and Coating Manufacturing Industry as a whole (according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 data).
In 2024, Axalta's injury and illness performance resulted in a 0.30 OSHA Total Recordable Incident Rate (“TRIR”), compared to the 2.4 OSHA TRIR for the Paint and Coating Manufacturing Industry as a whole (according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 data).
Our fully consolidated joint venture-related net sales were $62.0 million, $78.7 million, and $80.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Our fully consolidated joint venture-related net sales were $62 million, $62 million, and $79 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We currently have 49 customer training centers established globally, which helps to deepen our customer relationships. Our sales force also helps to drive shop productivity improvements and to install or upgrade body shop color matching and mixing equipment to improve shop profitability. Once a coating and color system is installed, a body shop almost exclusively uses its specific supplier's products.
Our sales force also helps to drive shop productivity improvements and to install or upgrade body shop color matching and mixing equipment to improve shop profitability. Once a coating and color system is installed, a body shop almost exclusively uses its specific supplier's products.
We intend to use our investor relations page at ir.axalta.com as a means of disclosing material information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner for purposes of the SEC's Regulation Fair Disclosure (or Reg. FD). Investors should routinely monitor that site, in addition to our press releases, U.S.
We use our investor relations page at ir.axalta.com as a means of disclosing material information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner for purposes of the SEC’s Regulation Fair Disclosure (or Reg. FD).
ITEM 1. BUSINESS Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. ("Axalta," the "Company," "we," "our" and "us"), a Bermuda exempted holding company incorporated in 2012, is a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high-performance coatings systems.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (“Axalta,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”), a Bermuda exempted holding company incorporated in 2012, is a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high-performance coatings systems and products.
Cash provided by operating activities has typically been greatest in the fourth quarter primarily driven by the timing of collections from our customers and payments to our vendors. Economic and weather conditions have altered, and could continue to alter, seasonal patterns.
Cash provided by operating activities has typically been the greatest in the fourth quarter primarily driven by the timing of collections from our customers and payments to our vendors.
We operate our business in two operating segments, Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, serving four end-markets globally as highlighted below. The table above reflects numbers for the year ended December 31, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
We operate our business in two operating segments, Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, serving four end-markets globally as highlighted below. The table above reflects numbers for the year ended December 31, 2024. 3 Table of Contents Net sales for our four end-markets and four regions for the year ended December 31, 2024 are highlighted below: Note: Latin America includes Mexico.
Located in 9 countries, our manufacturing facilities provide a local presence intended to cultivate strong relationships, gain intimate customer knowledge, provide superior technical support to our key customers and maintain "just-in-time" product delivery capabilities critical to OEMs.
Located in 9 countries, our manufacturing facilities provide a local presence intended to cultivate strong relationships, gain intimate customer knowledge, provide superior technical support to our key customers and maintain “just-in-time” product delivery capabilities critical to OEMs. We believe our local presence also allows us to quickly react to changing local dynamics, offer high-quality products and provide excellent customer service.
In addition to the Acquire Plus EFX, we offer customers several other color matching tools, including our VINdicator ® database, which identifies vehicle color based on its vehicle identification number, and traditional color matching fan decks.
In addition to the Axalta Irus Scan™, we offer customers several other color matching tools, including our VINdicator ® database, which identifies vehicle color based on its vehicle identification number, and traditional color matching fan decks. We have launched a completely hands-free mixing machine for our automotive refinish customers, Axalta Irus Mix™.
This end-market is primarily driven by global commercial vehicle production, which is influenced by overall economic activity, government infrastructure spending, equipment replacement cycles and evolving environmental standards for sustainability. 8 Table of Contents Commercial vehicle OEMs select coatings providers on the basis of their ability to consistently deliver advanced technological solutions that improve exterior appearance, protection and durability and provide extensive color libraries and matching capabilities at the lowest total cost-in-use, while meeting stringent environmental requirements.
Commercial vehicle OEMs select coatings providers on the basis of their ability to consistently deliver advanced technological solutions that improve exterior appearance, protection and durability and provide extensive color libraries and matching capabilities at the lowest total cost-in-use, while meeting stringent environmental requirements.
In certain countries, we utilize importers that buy directly from us and actively market our products to body shops.
In certain countries, we utilize importers that buy directly from us and actively market our products to body shops. Our relationships with our top ten distributors are longstanding and continue to contribute to our success in the global refinish market.
See Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business—Risks Related to Other Aspects of our Business—Our joint ventures may not operate according to our business strategy if our joint venture partners fail to fulfill their obligations".
See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business—Risks Related to Other Aspects of our Business—Our joint ventures may not operate according to our business strategy if our joint venture partners fail to fulfill their obligations.” 10 Table of Contents HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES We believe our success is realized through the engagement and commitment of our people .
Securities and Exchange Commission filings and public conference calls and webcasts, as information posted on that page could be deemed to be material information. All other reports filed or furnished to the SEC on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, including current reports on Form 8-K, are available via direct link on our website.
All other reports filed or furnished to the SEC on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, including current reports on Form 8-K, are available via direct link on our website.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Our business is subject to significant regulations in all of the markets that we operate in and we are committed to operating our business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 12 Table of Contents Environmental We are subject to applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and workers' safety, including those required by the U.S.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Our business is subject to significant regulations in all of the markets that we operate in and we are committed to operating our business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
We believe our local presence also allows us to quickly react to changing local dynamics, offer high-quality products and provide excellent customer service. 9 Table of Contents In the commercial vehicle end-market, we employ a dedicated sales and technical service team to support our diverse customer base, including a direct sales force supporting the HDT market.
In the commercial vehicle end-market, we employ a dedicated sales and technical service team to support our diverse customer base, including a direct sales force supporting the HDT market.
Safety is ingrained in the way we do business, and our safety program is structured on the foundation that every employee is engaged and committed to improving safe operating practices and eliminating injuries. When health and safety incidents do occur, we work to determine the causes and eliminate the potential for future similar incidents.
We are committed to providing a workplace that enables team members to operate safely. Safety is ingrained in the way we do business, and our safety program is structured on the foundation that every employee is engaged and committed to improving safe operating practices and eliminating injuries.
In today's existing mobility ecosystem, coatings provide essential beauty and color to vehicle bodies while extending the useful life of the vehicle via durability related properties such as chemical resistance and chip and corrosion protection.
With that in mind, we have developed coatings technologies, including 3-Wet™, Eco-Concept™ and 2-Wet Monocoat™, that help our OEM customers lower costs by reducing energy consumption and increasing productivity. 8 Table of Contents In today's existing mobility ecosystem, coatings provide essential beauty and color to vehicle bodies while extending the useful life of the vehicle via durability-related properties such as chemical resistance and chip and corrosion protection.
Our large direct sales team in industrial serves its end customers, driving demand which is then primarily filled directly or through channels of distribution and e-commerce. We leverage this dedicated sales force and technical service team to provide regional support and identify global innovation projects to meet the evolving market needs.
Our customer retentions have been and continue to be strong. 6 Table of Contents Our large direct sales team in industrial serves its end customers, driving demand which is then primarily filled directly or through channels of distribution and e-commerce.
Our relationships with our top ten distributors are longstanding and continue to contribute to our success in the global refinish market. 6 Table of Contents Our large refinish sales force manages relationships directly with our end-customers to drive demand for our products, which in turn are purchased through customers in our distributor network.
Our large refinish sales force manages relationships directly with our end-customers to drive demand for our products, which in turn are purchased through customers in our distributor network. Due to the local nature of the refinish industry, our sales force operates on a regional/country basis to provide clients with responsive customer service and local insight.
We also aim to provide competitive compensation and benefits across all of our global locations. Safety is paramount and the well-being of our employees is our greatest responsibility. We are committed to providing a workplace that enables team members to operate safely.
Axalta strives to provide a wide variety of growth opportunities for our employees, including online trainings, on-the-job experience, education tuition assistance and financial counseling. We also aim to provide competitive compensation and benefits across all global locations. Safety is paramount and the well-being of our employees is our greatest responsibility.
As a global coatings company, we have a wide range of employees, including but not limited to management professionals, scientists, technicians, engineers, sales representatives, operators, supply chain experts, and administrative and customer service professionals. We strive to create a performance-driven culture where employees feel included and have a sense of belonging.
Axalta's ability to attract, develop and retain highly skilled talent requires us to focus on the engagement, growth and well-being of each team member. As a global coatings company, we have a diverse group of employees, including but not limited to management professionals, scientists, technicians, engineers, sales representatives, operators, supply chain experts, and administrative and customer service professionals.
During 2023, our variable cost of sales returned to within the historical range as a result of both deflation of raw material costs and continued price recapture. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Our focus on technology has allowed us to proactively provide customers with next-generation offerings that enhance product performance, improve productivity and satisfy increasingly strict environmental regulations.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Our focus on technology has allowed us to proactively provide customers with next-generation offerings that enhance product performance, improve productivity and satisfy increasingly strict environmental regulations. Since our entry into the coatings industry over 150 years ago, we believe we have consistently been at the forefront of coatings technology innovation.
HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES Our success is realized through the engagement and commitment of our people . As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 12,000 team members with 26% of our team members based in the U.S. and 74% based in international locations.
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 12,800 team members, inclusive of team members added from recent acquisitions, with 26% of our team members based in the U.S. and 74% based in international locations. Our workforce is distributed globally, with approximately 45% in the Americas, 37% in EMEA and 18% in Asia Pacific.
KEY RAW MATERIALS We use thousands of different raw materials, which fall into seven broad categories: liquid resins, powder resins, pigments, solvents, monomers, isocyanates and additives.
Economic and weather conditions have altered, and could continue to alter, seasonal patterns. 9 Table of Contents KEY RAW MATERIALS We use thousands of different raw materials, which fall into six broad categories: resins, pigments, solvents, monomers, isocyanates and additives. We purchase raw materials from a diverse group of global suppliers.
Due to the local nature of the refinish industry, our sales force operates on a regional/country basis to provide clients with responsive customer service and local insight. As part of their coverage efforts, salespeople introduce new products to body shops and provide technical support and ongoing training.
As part of their coverage efforts, salespeople introduce new products to body shops and provide technical support and ongoing training. We currently have 45 customer training centers established globally, which helps to deepen our customer relationships.
We purchase raw materials from a diverse group of suppliers, with our top ten suppliers representing approximately 33% of our 2023 spending on raw materials. Prices for our raw materials generally fluctuate with supplier feedstock prices as well as supply and demand dynamics of the given raw material market.
Where possible, we work to mitigate risks to our raw material supply through alternative sourcing strategies, strategic supplier relationships and maintaining strategic inventories. Raw materials represent our single largest production cost component. Prices for our raw materials generally fluctuate with supplier feedstock prices as well as supply and demand dynamics of the given raw material market.
As an example of our efforts, we conduct an all employee engagement survey that is designed to capture the voice of our employees and provide actionable insights into the specific tools, processes, and other factors that enable our employees to perform at their best. We continue to build upon and refresh our action plans each year based upon employee feedback.
As part of our efforts to drive cultural change and promote employee engagement, Axalta captures employee feedback via an annual engagement survey that is designed to provide insights into how employees can perform at their best.