AkzoNobel Reports Q4 and FY 2025 Profit Margin Growth

Key highlights
  • Divestment of Akzo Nobel India Ltd closed with proceeds of €922 million.
  • Operating income increased to €787 million in Q4 2025.
  • Proposed merger with Axalta aims to create a global coatings leader.
  • Net cash from operating activities reached €915 million for FY 2025.

Q4 2025 Performance

AkzoNobel reported a 1% decline in organic sales due to lower volumes, with a 9% revenue drop from FX translation. Despite this, operating income rose to €787 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 13.0%, driven by efficiency actions. The company completed the divestment of Akzo Nobel India Ltd, generating €922 million in proceeds.

Full-Year 2025 Results

For the full year, organic sales remained flat as price/mix gains offset volume declines, leading to a 5% revenue decrease. Adjusted EBITDA reached €1,444 million, close to initial guidance, with a margin expansion to 14.2% due to a €98 million OPEX reduction. Operating income increased to €1,164 million, supported by divestment gains and restructuring efforts. Net cash from operating activities improved to €915 million, aided by better working capital management.

Strategic Developments

AkzoNobel proposed an all-stock merger with Axalta, aiming to create a leading global coatings company. The merger is expected to generate significant synergies and enhance value for customers, shareholders, and employees. The company ended the year with a leverage ratio of 2x net debt/adjusted EBITDA, aligning with its mid-term goals.

Outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, AkzoNobel does not foresee a substantial market recovery in 2026, anticipating a weak first half with potential improvement in the second half due to easier comparisons. The company plans to continue its efficiency measures to support performance and progress towards mid-term targets.

Source: AkzoNobel

chemXplore Weekly

The week’s project milestones and project news from the chemical industry, free every Wednesday.

Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.

Related articles

5 August 2026
AkzoNobel: shareholders approve all-share merger with Axalta

Shareholders approved the all-share merger and related governance changes; completion depends on regulatory clearance and is expected end‑2026/early‑2027.

13 July 2026
AkzoNobel confirms Nippon Paint €7.5bn offer for Decorative Paints

Multiple conditional, non-binding proposals received; Boards say the offer undervalues the business and continue to support the Axalta merger.

24 June 2026
AkzoNobel to hold EGM on proposed all‑share merger with Axalta

Shareholders to vote at Amsterdam EGM on Aug 5, 2026; merger closing expected end‑2026/early‑2027 if approved.

3 June 2026
AkzoNobel: Nippon Paint and Sherwin‑Williams withdraw public offer

Two bidders have confirmed they will not pursue a public takeover; the company’s boards still back a planned merger of equals with Axalta.

27 May 2026
AkzoNobel to file SEC F-4 for Axalta merger; rejects Nippon Paint/Sherwin-Williams cash offer

Boards said the proposal undervalued the company, lacked regulatory/divestment certainty and failed to protect stakeholders; they unanimously back the planned merger and will provide updates.