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Mar 31, 2021

Axalta Q1 2021 Earnings Report

Axalta's Q1 2021 earnings were released, showcasing strong adjusted earnings driven by demand recovery and strong execution despite macro headwinds.

Key Takeaways

Axalta Coating Systems reported an 8.1% year-over-year increase in net sales to $1,063.6 million for Q1 2021, driven by positive contributions from all end-markets. Adjusted EBIT increased 37.8% to $182.8 million, a record for first quarter results. Diluted EPS was $0.06, while adjusted diluted EPS reached $0.50. The company acquired Anhui Shengran Insulating Materials Co. Ltd. and repurchased $63.6 million of stock during the quarter.

Q1 2021 net sales increased 8.1% year-over-year to $1,063.6 million with positive contributions from all end-markets

Adjusted EBIT increased 37.8% to $182.8 million, a record for first quarter results

Diluted EPS of $0.06 versus $0.22 in Q1 2020; Adjusted diluted EPS of $0.50 versus $0.31 in Q1 2020

Repurchased $63.6 million of stock during Q1 2021 at an average price of $27.94

Total Revenue
$1.06B
Previous year: $984M
+8.1%
EPS
$0.5
Previous year: $0.31
+61.3%
Adjusted EBIT Margin
17.2%
Previous year: 12.3%
+39.8%
Net Debt / Adj. EBITDA
3.2
Adj. EBITDA / Interest Expense
5.5
Gross Profit
$379M
Previous year: $337M
+12.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.27B
Previous year: $657M
+92.8%
Free Cash Flow
$11.3M
Previous year: -$23.5M
-148.1%
Total Assets
$7.02B
Previous year: $6.39B
+9.9%

Axalta

Axalta

Forward Guidance

Axalta provided full year 2021 financial guidance with net sales expected to increase by approximately 20-22%, including benefits from foreign exchange and M&A. Adjusted EBIT is projected to be between $715-755 million, and adjusted diluted EPS is expected to be $1.95 - 2.10. Free cash flow is estimated at $455-495 million, inclusive of $180 million in capital expenditures.

Positive Outlook

  • Steady demand improvement sequentially in Refinish expected in the coming quarters.
  • Largely stable and growing net sales from other businesses during the balance of the year.
  • Anticipate ongoing deployment of capital to both M&A as well as share repurchases during the rest of 2021.
  • Expect to work hard to pass on most of the input inflation through price increases.
  • Board recently approved a $625 million increase in share repurchase program.

Challenges Ahead

  • Some delay in sales from Q2 is expected in Mobility due to supply chain disruption and customer component shortages.
  • Rising input inflation effects beginning in the second quarter.
  • Some headwind from lower year-over-year temporary cost savings.
  • Semiconductor chip shortage impact on Light Vehicle to continue throughout Q2.
  • Constrained supply chain impact persists in early Q2 on Industrial volumes