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Akzo Nobel N.V. — Earnings Release 2020
Feb 17, 2021
3806_iss_2021-02-17_a72edc4f-c4f8-4002-9d68-b6bcf01a5c6e.pdf
Earnings Release
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Investor update Q4 2020
February 17, 2021
Customers given new window of opportunity

Window manufacturers can now make their production process more efficient and sustainable after we launched a new instant drying solution. The RUBBOL 100% UV cured exterior range of Sikkens wood coatings is the first of its kind and can cut out up to 16 hours of drying time. This means significant savings in production time and energy costs, as well as leading performance.
Q&A Concluding remarks Financial review Key highlights Agenda
Alternative performance measures (APM)
AkzoNobel uses APM adjustments to the IFRS measures to provide supplementary information on the reporting of the underlying developments of the business. A reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix to this presentation.

Key highlights
Investor update | Q4 2020 3
Delivered 15 by 20 promise and step-change in performance
Return on sales (ROS)* Excluding unallocated cost (%)

Return on investment (ROI)* Excluding unallocated cost (%)

*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue
**ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Exceptional results for 2020 driven by focus on costs and cash
- 15.0% ROS* excluding unallocated cost, delivering on our 15 by 20 promise
- ROI** excluding unallocated cost up at 20.6%, exceeding our 2020 ambition
- €243 million of cost savings, of which €115 million structural savings
- Net cash from operating activities significantly increased to €1,220 million
- €545 million share buyback in 2020
- €1 billion share buyback announced, to be completed in Q1 2022
- Final dividend proposed of €1.52 per share (2019: €1.49)

AkzoNobel will launch its next regional startup challenge in China in March 2021. The company first kicked off Paint the Future in 2019 with an industry-first global startup challenge. In 2020, it staged the first regional startup challenge in Brazil.

*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue **ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Strong growth, profit and cash in Q4


*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue
**Free cash flow, excluding pension pre-funding and top-up payments
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Higher end market demand for most regions and segments during Q4


Second consecutive quarter of growth
Paint demand strong in all regions
Coatings returned to growth
Demand trends continue to differ per region and segment

15 by 20 created strong foundation and positive momentum for Grow & Deliver

Sales force effectiveness Margin management Innovation excellence
Delivering strong margin management
Paint the Future regional challenges: Brazil (Q4), launched in China (Q1)

Global Business Services Integrated Business Planning ERP and systems platform
80% of total Finance transitions completed ~90% of revenue on SAP, 65% of revenue on final ERP solution

ALPS continuous improvement Fit-for-purpose organization Procurement excellence
€34m cost savings overall in Q4, including €25m transformation cost savings

High performance culture Career and capability development Core principles
Highest engagement (OHI) score since 2017 Widely recognized as #1 in sustainability benchmarks

Significant cost savings achieved by transformation and temporary measures

Sales force effectiveness Margin management Innovation excellence
Global Business Services Integrated Business Planning ERP and systems platform
ALPS continuous improvement Fit-for-purpose organization Procurement excellence

High-performance culture Career and capability development Core principles

Engagement continues to improve and recognized as top employer

Sales force effectiveness Margin management Innovation excellence

Global Business Services Integrated Business Planning ERP and systems platform
ALPS continuous improvement Fit-for-purpose organization Procurement excellence

High-performance culture Career and capability development Core principles

Engagement (OHI) up 23% (now second quartile)

the Netherlands, UK, US
Accredited once again by Top Employers Institute in key countries: Brazil, China,


Continue to build on leading track record when it comes to sustainability

Sales force effectiveness Margin management Innovation excellence

Global Business Services Integrated Business Planning ERP and systems platform

ALPS continuous improvement Fit-for-purpose organization Procurement excellence

High-performance culture Career and capability development Core principles
2020 achievements

40% of revenue from sustainable solutions
- Renewable electricity at 40% (+8%)
- Reduced relative waste by 5%
- 4% lower carbon emissions
#1 in benchmarks (paints and coatings)





Financial review
Investor update | Q4 2020 13
Q4 ROS* improved 430bps to 15.3% due to higher volumes and cost savings
| € million | Q4 2019 | Q4 2020 | Δ% | Δ%CC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2,242 | 2,209 | (1%) | 6% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 312 | 380 | 22% | |
| Adjusted operating income | 223 | 294 | 32% | |
| Operating income | 173 | 243 | 40% | |
| ROS* excluding unallocated cost |
11.0% | 15.3% | ||
| ROS* | 9.9% | 13.3% | ||
| ROI** excluding unallocated cost | 17.2% | 20.6% |
Revenue development Q4 2020 (%)


Our Coral brand in Brazil partnered with Aerospace Coatings colleagues to help create South America's most colorful airplane. They worked with Azul Airlines and Embraer to pay tribute to the Spix's Macaw, a national symbol in Brazil.
*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue
**ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Investor update | Q4 2020 14
Realized growth second quarter in a row; Q4 revenue up 6% in constant currencies
0 4 5 8 6 4 5 2 1 4 -4 2 Q1 18 Q2 18 Q3 18 Q4 18 Q1 19 Q2 19 Q3 19 Q4 19 Q1 20 Q2 20 Q3 20 Q4 20 2 5 6 Q1 18 Q2 18 Q3 18 3 5 7 11 7 7 3 0 3 0 1 0 Q1 18 Q2 18 Q3 18 Q4 18 Q1 19 Q2 19 Q3 19 Q4 19 Q1 20 Q2 20 Q3 20 Q4 20 Quarterly price/mix development in % year-on-year Decorative Paints Performance Coatings Total +2% price -6% geo-mix

Quarterly volume* development in % year-on-year

Higher volumes and cost savings delivered 32% more profit in Q4

Paints ROS up 400bps at 14.0% in Q4, driven by strong demand in all regions
| € million | Q4 2019 | Q4 2020 | Δ% | Δ%CC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 869 | 901 | 4% | 14% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 127 | 160 | 26% | |
| Adjusted operating income | 87 | 126 | 45% | |
| Operating income | 75 | 122 | 63% | |
| ROS* | 10.0% | 14.0% | ||
| ROI** | 13.5% | 20.5% |
Revenue development Q4 2020 (%)


Our new bio-based paint is a breath of fresh air! We've launched a new bio-based wall paint in Vietnam. It contains natural sustainable ingredients, such as bamboo charcoal, to create a better living environment
*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue
**ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Coatings volumes up 1% overall in Q4 with improving end market demand
€ million Q4 2019 Q4 2020 Δ% Δ%CC Revenue 1,365 1,306 (4%) 1% Adjusted EBITDA 200 253 27% Adjusted operating income 159 212 33% Operating income 138 215 56% ROS* 11.6% 16.2% ROI** 20.7% 20.7%


We're set to increase our presence in the North American yacht coatings market after agreeing to acquire New Nautical Coatings, owner of the premium Sea Hawk brand
Revenue development Q4 2020 (%)

*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue
**ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Adjusted EPS for continuing operations up 46% in Q4 and 25% higher for 2020
| Q4 2019 | Q4 2020 | € million | FY 2019 | FY 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173 | 243 | Operating income | 841 | 963 | |
| (18) | (16) | Net financing expenses |
(76) | (69) | |
| 7 | Results from associates and joint |
||||
| 4 | ventures | 20 | 25 | ||
| 159 | 234 | Profit before tax | 785 | 919 | |
| (79) | (52) | Income tax | (230) | (241) | |
| 80 | 182 | Profit from continuing operations |
555 | 678 | |
| 6 | (1) | Profit from discontinued operations |
22 | (7) | |
| 86 | 181 | Profit for the period |
577 | 671 | |
| (5) | (14) | Non-controlling interests | (38) | (41) | |
| 81 | 167 | Net income from total operations | 539 | 630 |
Q4 2019 Q4 2020 Earnings per share (in €) FY 2019 FY 2020 0.41 0.87 Total operations 2.53 3.29
| Q4 2019 | Q4 2020 | Adjusted earnings per share (in €) |
FY 2019 | FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.74 | 1.08 | Continuing operations | 3.10 | 3.88 |


Adjusted EBITDA €m

Free cash flow* increased 114% in 2020; strong working capital management
| Q4 2019 | Q4 2020 | € million | FY 2019 | FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 272 | 333 | EBITDA | 1,201 | 1,324 |
| 5 | 9 | Impairment losses | 66 | 10 |
| (12) | (17) | Pre-tax result on acquisitions and divestments |
(83) | (27) |
| 258 | 366 | Changes in working capital |
(244) | 184 |
| - | - | Pension pre-funding | (161) | - |
| - | (9) | Pension top-up payments | (481) | (26) |
| (16) | 5 | Other changes in provisions | (43) | (42) |
| (16) | (10) | Interest paid | (66) | (47) |
| (52) | (72) | Income tax paid | (184) | (165) |
| 15 | 10 | Other changes |
28 | 9 |
| 454 | 615 | Net cash from operating activities |
33 | 1,220 |
| (79) | (102) | Capital expenditures | (214) | (258) |
| 375 | 513 | Free cash flow |
(181) | 962 |
| Net Debt | 802 | 1,034 | ||
| Leverage (Net Debt/EBITDA**) | 0.7 | 0.8 |

*FCF, excluding pension pre-funding and top-up payments as a percentage of revenue, EBITDA (and FCF) was impacted by the adoption of IFRS 16 in 2019. 2018 has not been restated **Last twelve months.
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
€1 billion share buyback announced; Final dividend up 2% to €1.52 per share

Delivering on capital allocation priorities



Concluding remarks
Exceptional results for 2020 driven by focus on costs and cash
- 15.0% ROS* excluding unallocated cost, delivering on our 15 by 20 promise
- ROI** excluding unallocated cost up at 20.6%, exceeding our 2020 ambition
- €243 million of cost savings, of which €115 million structural savings
- Net cash from operating activities significantly increased to €1,220 million
-
€545 million share buyback in 2020
-
€1 billion share buyback announced, to be completed in Q1 2022
- Final dividend proposed of €1.52 per share (2019: €1.49)

Thousands of solar panels have been installed at two of our sites on two continents as we continue to accelerate towards our ambition of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030. As part of our "People. Planet. Paint." sustainability ambitions, we aim to use 100% renewable electricity by 2030

*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue **ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Our Grow & Deliver strategy balances growth and profitability improvement…


Top quartile engagement score 30% female executives by 2025
Moving towards zero waste 50% less carbon emissions by 2030 100% renewable electricity by 2030
>50% sustainable solutions by 2030
Outlook 2021
AkzoNobel targets to grow at least in line with its relevant markets.
Although trends differ per region and segment with raw material inflation expected, margin management and cost-saving programs are in place to deliver 50 basis points increase in return on sales.
The company targets a leverage ratio of 1-2 times net debt/EBITDA and commits to retain a strong investment grade credit rating.
Upcoming events
Publication annual report 2020 March 10, 2021 Report for first quarter 2021 April 21, 2021 Annual general meeting of shareholders April 22, 2021 Ex-dividend date of 2020 final dividend April 26, 2021 Record date of 2020 final dividend April 27, 2021 Payment of 2020 final dividend May 6, 2021
A focused, high performing, paints and coatings company
- Strong global brands
- Leading positions in large and attractive markets
- Balanced geographic exposure: ~50% revenue from emerging markets
- Well positioned to accelerate growth and enhance profitability
- Transformation plans in place and clear path to deliver
- Significant returns to shareholders

Disclaimer/forward-looking statements
This presentation does not constitute or form a part of any offer to sell, or any invitation or other solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.
Some statements in this presentation are 'forward-looking statements'. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are outside of our control and impossible to predict and may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, analyses and projections about the industries in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions about possible future events. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date of this presentation and are neither predictions nor guarantees of possible future events or circumstances. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
This report contains statements which address such key issues as AkzoNobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, products in the pipeline and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be under-stood that many factors could cause forecast and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures, as well as significant market disruptions such as the impact of pandemics. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risk factors affecting our business, please see our latest annual report, a copy of which can be found on the company's corporate website www.akzonobel.com

Appendix
Investor update | Q4 2020 30
Full-year 2020
| FY 2020 | Δ% | Δ%CC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,276 | 8,530 | (8%) | (4%) |
| 1,341 | 1,442 | 8% | |
| 991 | 1,099 | 11% | |
| 841 | 963 | 15% | |
| 12.0% | 15.0% | ||
| 10.7% | 12.9% | ||
| 17.2% | 20.6% | ||
| FY 2019 |
Revenue development FY 2020 (%)
A

*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue
**ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Full-year 2020: Decorative Paints
| € million | FY 2019 | FY 2020 | Δ% | Δ%CC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3,670 | 3,558 | (3%) | 3% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 573 | 714 | 25% | |
| Adjusted operating income | 418 | 573 | 37% | |
| Operating income | 425 | 551 | 30% | |
| ROS* | 11.4% | 16.1% | ||
| ROI** | 13.5% | 20.5% |
Revenue development FY 2020 (%)

*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue
A
**ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Investor update | Q4 2020 32
Full-year 2020: Performance Coatings
| € million | FY 2019 | FY 2020 | Δ% | Δ%CC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 5,549 | 4,957 | (11%) | (8%) |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 861 | 854 | (1%) | |
| Adjusted operating income | 688 | 700 | 2% | |
| Operating income | 565 | 665 | 18% | |
| ROS* | 12.4% | 14.1% | ||
| ROI** | 20.7% | 20.7% |
Revenue development FY 2020 (%)

*ROS = adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue
A
**ROI = adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital
Note: a reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the appendix
Performance measures and assumptions
ROS and ROI comparison Assumptions for 2021
A
| % | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROS* | 9.4 | 8.6 | 10.7 | 12.9 |
| ROS* excluding unallocated cost | 10.6 | 10.6 | 12.0 | 15.0 |
| ROI** | 13.9 | 12.6 | 14.1 | 16.1 |
| ROI** excluding unallocated cost | 18.0 | 16.6 | 17.2 | 20.6 |
- Revenue growth ≥ market CAGR
- ROS* +50bps CAGR
- Other activities €140-180 million
- Effective tax rate 27%
- Capital expenditures ~€250 million
- Dividend policy "stable to rising"
- Leverage 1-2x net debt/EBITDA
Other activities 2020
Adjusted operating income, Other activities (€m)
- Positive impact
- Negative impact


Alternative performance measures
| Q4 2019 |
Q4 2020 |
Δ% | FY Operating income (€m) 2019 |
FY 2020 |
Δ% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 122 | 63% Decorative Paints |
425 | 551 | 30% |
| 138 | 215 | 56% | Performance Coatings 565 |
665 | 18% |
| (40) | (94) | Other activities | (149) | (253) | |
| 173 | 243 | 40% Total |
841 | 963 | 15% |
| Q4 2019 |
Q4 2020 |
Identified items (€m) | FY 2020 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (12) | (4) | Decorative Paints | 6 | (22) |
| (21) | 3 | Performance Coatings | (123) | (35) |
| (17) | (50) | Other activities | (34) | (79) |
| (50) | (51) | Total | (150) | (136) |
| Q4 2019 |
Q4 2020 |
Δ% | Adjusted operating income (€m) | FY 2019 |
FY 2020 |
Δ% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | 126 | 45% | Decorative Paints | 418 | 573 | 37% |
| 159 | 212 | 33% | Performance Coatings | 688 | 700 | 2% |
| 246 | 338 | 37% | Excluding unallocated costs | 1,106 | 1,273 | 15% |
| (23) | (44) | Other activities | (115) | (174) | ||
| 223 | 294 | 32% | Total | 991 | 1,099 | 11% |
| Q4 | Q4 | OPI margin (%) | FY | FY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | |
| 8.6% | 13.5% | Decorative Paints | 11.6% | 15.5% |
| 10.1% | 16.5% | Performance Coatings | 10.2% | 13.4% |
| 7.7% | 11.0% | Total | 9.1% | 11.3% |
| Q4 2019 |
Q4 2020 |
ROS (%) | FY 2019 |
FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.0% | 14.0% | Decorative Paints | 11.4% | 16.1% |
| 11.6% | 16.2% | Performance Coatings | 12.4% | 14.1% |
| 9.9% | 13.3% | Total | 10.7% | 12.9% |
A
| Q4 | Q4 | ROS (%) | FY | FY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | excluding unallocated costs | 2019 | 2020 |
| 2,242 | 2,209 | Total revenue | 9,276 | 8,530 |
| (8) | (2) | Less: revenue unallocated | (57) | (15) |
| 2,234 | 2,207 | Revenue excluding unallocated revenue | 9,219 | 8,515 |
| 246 | 338 | Adjusted operating income excluding unallocated costs |
1,106 | 1,273 |
| 11.0% | 15.3% | ROS% excluding unallocated costs | 12.0% | 15.0% |
| Q4 | Q4 | Adjusted earnings per share | FY | FY |
| 2019 | 2020 | from continuing operations | 2019 | 2020 |
| 159 | 234 | Profit before tax from continuing operations | 785 | 919 |
| 50 | 51 | Identified items reported in operating income | 150 | 136 |
| - | (3) | Identified items reported in interest | - | (3) |
| (57) | (63) | Adjusted income tax | (237) | (269) |
| (5) | (14) | Non-controlling interests | (38) | (41) |
| 147 | 205 | Adjusted net income from continuing operations |
660 | 742 |
| 198.5 | 190.5 | Weighted average number of shares | 213.1 | 191.4 |
| 0.74 | 1.08 | Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations |
3.10 | 3.88 |
| Average invested capital (€m) | FY 2019 | FY 2020 | Δ% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative Paints | 3,106 | 2,799 | (10%) |
| Performance Coatings | 3,325 | 3,388 | 2% |
| Other activities | 595 | 647 | 9% |
| Total | 7,026 | 6,834 | (3%) |
| ROI (%) | FY 2019 | FY 2020 | |
| Decorative Paints | 13.5% | 20.5% | |
| Performance Coatings | 20.7% | 20.7% | |
| Total | 14.1% | 16.1% |
| ROI (%) excluding unallocated costs |
FY 2019 | FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Average invested capital | 7,026 | 6,834 |
| Less: unallocated average invested capital | (595) | (647) |
| Average invested capital excluding unallocated capital | 6,431 | 6,187 |
| Adjusted operating income excluding unallocated costs | 1,106 | 1,274 |
| Total | 17.2% | 20.6% |
| EBITDA (€m) | FY 2019 | FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating income | 841 | 963 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 360 | 361 |
| EBITDA | 1,201 | 1,324 |
| Adjusted EBITDA (€m) | FY 2019 | FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted operating income | 991 | 1,099 |
| Depreciation and amortization (excluding identified items) | 350 | 343 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,341 | 1,442 |
| Net Debt (€m) | FY 2019 | FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Short term investments | (138) | (250) |
| Cash and cash equivalents | (1,271) | (1,608) |
| Long-term borrowings | 2,042 | 2,771 |
| Short-term borrowings | 169 | 119 |
| Net Debt | 802 | 1,034 |
| Leverage ratio | FY 2019 | FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Net debt | 802 | 1,034 |
| EBITDA | 1,201 | 1,324 |
| Leverage ratio | 0.7 | 0.8 |
Revenue segmentation representation 2019
| Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| € million | Reported | Represented | Reported | Represented | Reported | Represented | Reported | Represented |
| Decorative Paints EMEA | 506 | 498 | 620 | 611 | 573 | 565 | 462 | 455 |
| Decorative paints South America | 99 | 98 | 103 | 102 | 121 | 120 | 139 | 137 |
| Decorative Paints Asia | 240 | 240 | 284 | 284 | 283 | 283 | 277 | 277 |
| Other/eliminations | (1) | - | (2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | (1) | 0 |
| Decorative Paints total | 844 | 836 | 1,005 | 997 | 977 | 968 | 877 | 869 |
| Powder Coatings | 298 | 298 | 317 | 316 | 314 | 313 | 305 | 302 |
| Marine and Protective Coatings | 300 | 295 | 341 | 338 | 335 | 331 | 330 | 326 |
| Automotive and Specialty Coatings |
336 | 319 | 364 | 345 | 344 | 326 | 344 | 328 |
| Industrial Coatings | 424 | 420 | 445 | 439 | 451 | 441 | 411 | 407 |
| Other/eliminations | (19) | 1 | (22) | 0 | (26) | 2 | (29) | 2 |
| Performance Coatings total | 1,339 | 1,333 | 1,445 | 1,438 | 1,418 | 1,413 | 1,361 | 1,365 |
| Other/eliminations | 2 | 16 | 1 | 16 | 3 | 17 | 4 | 8 |
| Total | 2,185 | 2,185 | 2,451 | 2,451 | 2,398 | 2,398 | 2,242 | 2,242 |


20

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis Customers given new window of opportunity
parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Window manufacturers can now make their production process more efficient and sustainable after we launched a new instant drying solution. The RUBBOL 100% UV cured exterior range of Sikkens wood coatings is the first of its kind and can cut up to 16 hours of drying time. This means significant savings in production time and energy costs, as well as leading performance.
Highlights 2020
- 15.0% ROS excluding unallocated cost1 , delivering on our 15 by 20 promise
- ROI excluding unallocated cost2 up at 20.6%, exceeding our 2020 ambition
- €243 million of cost savings, of which €115 million structural savings
- Net cash from operating activities significantly increased to €1,220 million
- €545 million share buyback in 2020
- €1 billion share buyback announced, to be completed in Q1 2022
Successfully delivered Winning together: 15 by 20


1 ROS excluding unallocated cost is adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue for Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings; it excludes unallocated cost, consistent with our 2020 ambition. 2 ROI excluding unallocated cost is adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital, for Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings; it excludes unallocated cost and unallocated invested capital, consistent with our 2020 ambition.
Alternative performance measures (APM)
AkzoNobel uses APM adjustments to the IFRS measures to provide supplementary information on the reporting of the underlying developments of the business. A reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the tables on pages 16 and 17.
Outlook 2021
AkzoNobel targets to grow at least in line with its relevant markets. Although trends differ per region and segment with raw material inflation expected, margin management and cost-saving programs are in place to deliver 50 basis points increase in return on sales. The company targets a leverage ratio of 1-2 times net debt/EBITDA and commits to retain a strong investment grade credit rating.
Our results at a glance
Highlights Q4 2020
- Strong growth in volumes of 6%; second consecutive quarter of volume growth
- ROS excluding unallocated cost increased to 15.3% (2019: 11.0%) due to strong margin management and cost savings
- Total cost savings €34 million, of which €25 million structural savings related to transformation initiatives
- Acquisitions of Titan Paints in Spain announced and New Nautical Coatings completed in Q4 2020
Q4 2020 (compared with Q4 2019)
- Revenue 1% lower and up 6% in constant currencies, with volumes 6% higher and positive price/mix of 1% more than offset by adverse currency impact
- Adjusted operating income 32% higher at €294 million (2019: €223 million); ROS increased to 13.3% (2019: 9.9%)
- Operating income up 40% at €243 million, includes €51 million negative impact from identified items, mainly related to transformation costs (2019: €173 million, including €50 million negative identified items); OPI margin increased to 11.0% (2019: 7.7%)
- Net cash from operating activities increased 35% to €615 million (2019: €454 million); maintained a strong balance sheet
- Net income attributable to shareholders increased 106% to €167 million (2019: €81 million)
- Adjusted EPS from continuing operations up 46% at €1.08 (2019: €0.74); EPS from total operations at €0.87 (2019: €0.41)
Full-year 2020 (compared with full-year 2019)
- Revenue 8% lower and 4% lower in constant currencies, with 1% positive price/mix and 4% lower volumes, mainly due to the impact of COVID-19 in Performance Coatings
- Adjusted operating income up 11% at €1,099 million (2019: €991 million); ROS up at 12.9% (2019: 10.7%)
- Operating income up 15% at €963 million, includes €136 million negative impact from identified items, mainly related to transformation costs (2019: €841 million, including €150 million negative identified items); OPI margin increased to 11.3% (2019: 9.1%)
- Net income attributable to shareholders increased 17% to €630 million (2019: €539 million)
- Adjusted EPS from continuing operations up 25% at €3.88 (2019: €3.10); EPS from total operations up at €3.29 (2019: €2.53)
- At December 31, 2020, net debt was €1,034 million (2019: €802 million)
- Final dividend proposed of €1.52 (2019: €1.49) per share
Summary of financial outcomes
| Fourth quarter | January-December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | ∆%in € millions / % | 2019 | 2020 | ∆% |
| 2,242 | 2,209 | (1%) Revenue | 9,276 | 8,530 | (8%) |
| 312 | 380 | 22% Adjusted EBITDA* | 1,341 | 1,442 | 8% |
| 272 | 333 | 22% EBITDA* | 1,201 | 1,324 | 10% |
| 223 | 294 | 32% Adjusted operating income* | 991 | 1,099 11% | |
| (50) | (51) | Identified items* | (150) | (136) | |
| 173 | 243 | 40% Operating income | 841 | 963 15% | |
| 9.9 | 13.3 | ROS%* | 10.7 | 12.9 | |
| 7.7 | 11.0 | OPI margin* | 9.1 | 11.3 | |
| Average invested capital* | 7,026 | 6,834 | |||
| ROI%* | 14.1 | 16.1 | |||
| 11.0 | 15.3 | ROS% excl. unallocated cost* | 12.0 | 15.0 | |
| ROI% excl. unallocated cost* | 17.2 | 20.6 | |||
| 79 | 102 | 29% Capital expenditures | 214 | 258 | 21% |
| Net debt | 802 | 1,034 | |||
| Leverage ratio (net debt/ EBITDA)* |
0.7 | 0.8 | |||
| Number of employees | 33,800 32,200 | ||||
| 454 | 615 | Net cash from operating activities |
33 | 1,220 | |
| 75 | 168 | 24% Net income from continuing operations |
517 | 637 | 23% |
| 6 | (1) | Net income from discontinued operations |
22 | (7) | |
| 81 | 167 | 106% Net income attributable to shareholders |
539 | 630 | 17% |
| 198.5 | 190.5 | Weighted average number of shares |
213.1 | 191.4 | |
| 0.74 | 1.08 | 46% Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations (in €)* |
3.10 | 3.88 | 25% |
| 0.41 | 0.87 | 112% Earnings per share from total operations (in €) |
2.53 | 3.29 | 30% |
*Alternative performance measures; please refer to reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS measures on pages 16 and 17.
Financial highlights
Revenue Q4 2020
Revenue was 1% lower, and up 6% in constant currencies. Price/mix was up 1% overall. Volumes were 6% higher, mainly due to strong performance in Decorative Paints.
- Decorative Paints revenue was 4% higher and up 14% in constant currencies; Decorative Paints continued to be heavily impacted by adverse currency impacts in South America. Volumes were up 12% and price/mix up 2%, partly offset by adverse currency impact of 10%
- Performance Coatings revenue was 4% lower and up 1% in constant currencies. Volumes were up 1%, mainly due to strong recovery from the impact of COVID-19. Exchange rates adversely impacted revenues by 5%
- Other activities includes service revenue. In 2019, other activities included royalty income and other revenue mainly related to services to the former Specialty Chemicals business, which have been phased out during 2020
Full-year 2020
Revenue was 8% lower, and 4% lower in constant currencies. Price/mix was up 1% overall. Volumes were 4% lower, mainly due to the impact of COVID-19 on end market demand.
- Decorative Paints revenue was 3% lower and up 3% in constant currencies, with volumes up 2% and positive price/mix of 1%, more than offset by 6% adverse currency impact
- Performance Coatings revenue was 11% lower and 8% lower in constant currencies. Revenue was positively impacted by 1% price/mix, while volumes were 9% lower, mainly due to the impact of COVID-19 on end market demand, especially in the first half of the year
- Other activities includes service revenue. In 2019, other activities included royalty income and other revenue mainly related to services to the former Specialty Chemicals business, which have been phased out during 2020
Cost of sales
In the fourth quarter, raw material and other variable costs were €15 million lower compared with the fourth quarter of 2019.
Raw material and other variable costs were €135 million lower for the full-year 2020 compared with 2019.
Acquisitions
The acquisition of Mauvilac Industries, announced on December 12, 2019, was closed on April 1, 2020.
On September 2, 2020, the acquisition of Stahl's performance powder coatings activities was completed.
The acquisition of Titan Paints in Spain was announced on October 19, 2020, and the acquisition of New Nautical Coatings in the US was completed in Q4 2020.

Revenue development 2020

AkzoNobel around the world Revenue by destination
| % | F | |
|---|---|---|
| A Mature Europe |
37 | E |
| B Asia Pacific |
29 | D |
| C North America |
12 | |
| D Emerging Europe |
10 | |
| E South America |
8 | C |
| Other regions F |
4 | |
| 100 |
(Based on the full-year 2020)
Revenue
| Fourth quarter January-December |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20191 | 2020 | ∆% | ∆% | CC2 in € millions | 20191 | 2020 | ∆% | ∆% CC2 |
|
| 869 | 901 | 4% | 14% Decorative Paints | 3,670 3,558 | (3%) | 3% | |||
| 1,365 1,306 | (4%) | 1% Performance Coatings |
5,549 4,957 (11%) | (8%) | |||||
| 8 | 2 | Other activities | 57 | 15 | |||||
| 2,242 2,209 | (1%) | 6% Total | 9,276 8,530 (8%) | (4%) |
1 Represented to present revenue from third parties instead of total revenue. 2 Change excluding currency impact.
| in % versus Q4 2019 | Volume | Price/ mix |
Acq./div. | Other | Exchange rates |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative Paints | 12 | 2 | – | – | (10) | 4 |
| Performance Coatings | 1 | – | – | – | (5) | (4) |
| Total | 6 | 1 | – | (1) | (7) | (1) |
| in % versus year-to | Price/ | Exchange | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| date 2019 | Volume | mix | Acq./div. | Other | rates | Total | |
| Decorative Paints | 2 | 1 | – | – | (6) | (3) | |
| Performance Coatings | (9) | 1 | – | – | (3) | (11) | |
| Total | (4) | 1 | – | (1) | (4) | (8) |
Volume development per quarter
| (year-on-year) in % | Q4 19 | Q1 20 | Q2 20 | Q3 20 | Q4 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative Paints | (4) | (9) | (10) | 14 | 12 | |
| Performance Coatings | (4) | (7) | (23) | (5) | 1 | |
| Total | (4) | (7) | (18) | 3 | 6 |
Price/mix development per
A
B
| quarter (year-on-year) in % | Q4 19 | Q1 20 | Q2 20 | Q3 20 | Q4 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative Paints | 2 | 1 | 4 | (4) | 2 |
| Performance Coatings | – | 3 | – | 1 | – |
| Total | 1 | 2 | 2 | (1) | 1 |
Currency development per quarter
| (year-on-year) in % | Q4 19 | Q1 20 | Q2 20 | Q3 20 | Q4 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative Paints | – | (2) | (4) | (7) | (10) |
| Performance Coatings | 1 | – | (1) | (5) | (5) |
| Total | 1 | (1) | (2) | (6) | (7) |
Financial highlights
Q4 2020
Adjusted operating income
Adjusted operating income was up 32% at €294 million (2019: €223 million), driven by strong margin management and cost-saving programs. Continuous improvement initiatives successfully offset inflation. Total cost savings delivered €34 million, of which €25 million were structural savings related to transformation initiatives. ROS increased to 13.3% (2019: 9.9%).
- Decorative Paints adjusted operating income was up 45%, driven by higher volumes, margin management and cost savings. ROS was up at 14.0% (2019: 10.0%)
- Performance Coatings adjusted operating income increased by 33%, driven by margin management and cost savings. ROS was up at 16.2% (2019: 11.6%)
- Other activities were negative €44 million (2019: negative €23 million); other activities in 2019 included higher royalty income and a one-off gain on a disposal
Operating income
Operating income was up 40% at €243 million (2019: €173 million) and included negative identified items of €51 million, mainly related to transformation costs. In 2019, identified items were negative €50 million, mainly related to transformation costs and noncash impairments following the implementation of a strategic portfolio review. OPI margin increased to 11.0% (2019: 7.7%).
Full-year 2020 Adjusted operating income
Adjusted operating income was up 11% at €1,099 million (2019: €991 million), driven by margin management and cost-saving programs. Continuous improvement initiatives successfully offset inflation. ROS increased to 12.9% (2019: 10.7%).
- Decorative Paints adjusted operating income increased 37% as a result of volume growth, supported by margin management and cost savings. ROS was up at 16.1% (2019: 11.4%)
- Performance Coatings adjusted operating income increased by 2%, with positive price/mix, margin management and cost savings more than compensating lower volumes due to the COVID-19 impact on end user demand. ROS increased to 14.1% (2019: 12.4%)
- Other activities were negative €174 million (2019: negative €115 million); other activities in 2019 included higher royalty income and one-off gains on disposals
Operating income
Operating income was up 15% at €963 million (2019: €841 million) and included negative identified items of €136 million (€22 million in Decorative Paints, €35 million in Performance Coatings and €79 million in Other activities), mainly related to transformation costs. In 2019, identified items were negative €150 million, mainly related to transformation costs and non-cash impairments, partly offset by a gain on disposal of €54 million following asset network optimization. OPI margin increased to 11.3% (2019: 9.1%).
| Fourth quarter | Adjusted operating income* | January-December | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | ∆% in € millions | 2019 | 2020 | ∆% |
| 87 | 126 | 45% Decorative Paints | 418 | 573 | 37% |
| 159 | 212 | 33% Performance Coatings | 688 | 700 | 2% |
| (23) | (44) | Other activities | (115) | (174) | |
| 223 | 294 | 32% Total | 991 | 1,099 | 11% |
| ROS%* Fourth quarter |
January-December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20191 | 2020 | in % | 20191 | 2020 | |
| 10.0 | 14.0 | Decorative Paints | 11.4 | 16.1 | |
| 11.6 | 16.2 | Performance Coatings | 12.4 | 14.1 | |
| Other activities2 | |||||
| 9.9 | 13.3 | Total | 10.7 | 12.9 | |
| 11.0 | 15.3 | Excl. unallocated cost | 12.0 | 15.0 |
1 ROS 2019 represented, based on revenue from third parties instead of total revenue. 2 ROS for Other activities is not shown, as this is not meaningful.
| Operating income Fourth quarter |
January-December | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 2020 ∆% in € millions |
2019 | 2020 | ∆% | |||
| 75 | 122 | 63% Decorative Paints | 425 | 551 | 30% | |
| 138 | 215 | 56% Performance Coatings | 565 | 665 | 18% | |
| (40) | (94) | Other activities | (149) | (253) | ||
| 173 | 243 | 40% Total | 841 | 963 | 15% |
*Alternative performance measures; please refer to reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS measures on pages 16 and 17.
COVID-19
The pandemic situation is being closely monitored and appropriate measures are being taken to continue serving customers and save costs, while at the same time keeping the organization intact and able to respond quickly to changes in end market demand. Although demand trends differ per region and segment, the overall impact on AkzoNobel for the full-year 2020 was limited. An overall positive impact was noted for the Decorative Paints segment, whereas there was an overall adverse impact in the Performance Coatings segment. The pandemic has not impacted our going concern assumption.
AkzoNobel has a strong balance sheet and solid cash position. At December 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents were €1.6 billion and financial leverage (net debt/EBITDA) was 0.8. AkzoNobel is committed to retain a strong investment grade credit rating.
In 2020, a detailed assessment was performed of potential valuation adjustments to the overall asset base, either due to the direct impact of COVID-19 or due to its impact on future profitability. Goodwill and intangible asset impairment tests have been performed based on most recently updated forecasts; this has not revealed impairments. Recoverability of deferred tax assets has also been reassessed based on these forecasts, leading to immaterial adjustments only. Furthermore, while the allowance for impairment of trade receivables initially increased as a direct result of the additional risk associated with COVID-19, impairment of trade receivables returned to normal levels at year-end.
In 2020, a compensation of €33 million related to governmental support measures for COVID-19 was recognized as a reduction of employee benefit costs, mainly in the second and third quarters. No application was made for the "Noodmaatregel Overbrugging voor Werkgelegenheid (NOW)" in the Netherlands.
In our 2020 figures, all COVID-19 related impacts have been treated as normal operations; none of these impacts has been included in identified items.
Net financing income/(expenses)
Net financing expenses decreased by €7 million, mainly due to lower interest on loans.
Income tax
The effective tax rate was 26.2% (2019: 29.3%). The decrease is mainy related to impairments of deferred tax assets in 2019. Excluding identified items, the effective tax rate in 2020 was 25.6% (2019: 25.3%).
Net income
Net income attributable to shareholders was €630 million (2019: €539 million). Earnings per share from total operations increased to €3.29 (2019: €2.53), including the impact of the share consolidation in 2019 and share buyback programs.
Operating income to net income
| Fourth quarter | January-December | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
| 173 | 243 Operating income | 841 | 963 |
| (18) | (16) Net financing income/(expenses) | (76) | (69) |
| 4 | 7 Results from associates and joint ventures | 20 | 25 |
| 159 | 234 Profit before tax | 785 | 919 |
| (79) | (52) Income tax | (230) | (241) |
| 80 | 182 Profit from continuing operations | 555 | 678 |
| 6 | (1) Profit from discontinued operations | 22 | (7) |
| 86 | 181 Profit for the period | 577 | 671 |
| (5) | (14) Non-controlling interests | (38) | (41) |
| 81 | 167 Net income | 539 | 630 |

Sustainability ambitions heat up
Thousands of solar panels have been installed at two of our sites on two continents as we continue to accelerate towards our ambition of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030. The two recent projects took place in Garcia, Mexico – where 1,650 solar panels have been installed – and Barcelona, Spain, where work to install 1,600 roof panels is well underway. As part of our People. Planet. Paint. sustainability ambitions, we want to cut our energy use by 30% and increase our renewable electricity use to 100%.
Decorative Paints
Highlights Q4 2020
- Revenue up 4%, mainly due to strong demand in all regions
- ROS up at 14.0% (2019: 10.0%) driven by continued strong performance; OPI margin increased to 13.5% (2019: 8.6%)
Q4 2020
- Revenue up 4% and 14% higher in constant currencies. Significant volume growth of 12% and positive price/mix of 2%, partly offset by adverse currency impact of 10%, mainly related to South America
- Adjusted operating income increased to €126 million (2019: €87 million), driven by higher volumes, positive price/mix, margin management and cost savings
- Operating income increased to €122 million (2019: €75 million)
Full-year 2020
- Revenue 3% lower and 3% higher in constant currencies; positive volumes and price/mix more than offset by 6% adverse currency effects, mainly in South America
- Adjusted operating income increased to €573 million (2019: €418 million), driven by higher volumes, positive price/mix, margin management and cost savings
- Operating income increased to €551 million (2019: €425 million)
Q4 2020
Revenue was up 4% and 14% higher in constant currencies, mainly due to strong demand in all regions. Europe and South America delivered continued strong performance, while most parts of Asia returned to growth.
Adjusted operating income increased to €126 million (2019: €87 million), driven by higher volumes, positive price/mix, margin management and cost savings. ROS increased to 14.0% (2019: 10.0%).
Operating income increased to €122 million and was adversely impacted by €4 million identified items related to transformation costs. In 2019, operating income of €75 million was adversely impacted by €12 million identified items related to transformation costs.
Revenue was 3% lower and up 3% in constant currencies as positive volume developments of 2% and price/mix of 1% were more than offset by 6% adverse currency impact.
Adjusted operating income increased to €573 million (2019: €418 million). Positive price/mix effect, margin management and cost savings resulted in an increased ROS of 16.1% (2019: 11.4%).
Operating income increased to €551 million and was negatively impacted by €22 million identified items related to transformation costs. In 2019, operating income of €425 million was positively impacted by €7 million identified items related to a gain on a disposal following asset network optimization (€54 million), partly offset by transformation costs (€47 million).
| Revenue Fourth quarter |
January-December | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20191 2020 | ∆% | ∆% | CC2 in € millions | 20191 | 2020 | ∆% | ∆% CC2 |
|
| 455 | 497 9% 14% Decorative Paints Europe, Middle East and Africa |
2,129 2,246 | 5% | 8% | ||||
| 137 | 137 | –% | 49% Decorative Paints South America |
457 | 396 (13%) | 21% | ||
| 277 | 267 (4%) | 2% Decorative Paints Asia | 1,084 | 916 (15%) (13%) | ||||
| 869 | 901 | 4% 14% Total | 3,670 3,558 (3%) | 3% |
1 Represented to present revenue from third parties instead of total revenue. 2 Change excluding currency impact.

Revenue development 2020


| Key financial figures Fourth quarter |
January-December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | ∆%in € millions / % | 2019 | 2020 | ∆% |
| 87 | 126 | 45% Adjusted operating income* | 418 | 573 | 37% |
| (12) | (4) | Identified items* | 7 | (22) | |
| 75 | 122 | 63% Operating income | 425 | 551 | 30% |
| 10.0 | 14.0 | ROS%* | 11.4 | 16.1 | |
| 8.6 | 13.5 | OPI margin%* | 11.6 | 15.5 | |
| Average invested capital* | 3,106 | 2,799 |
*Alternative performance measures; please refer to reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS measures on pages 16 and 17.
ROI%* 13.5 20.5
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Revenue in Q4 was 9% higher and up 14% in constant currencies, driven by continued strong demand for the professional and the DIY segments. Volumes increased significantly compared with the same period last year.
Revenue for the full-year was 5% higher and 8% higher in constant currencies, with positive volume and price/mix effects more than compensating for adverse currency effects.
South America
Revenue in Q4 was flat and up 49% in constant currencies, as positive volume and price/mix effects were offset by adverse currency impacts. Strong performance in South America was driven by market share gains and strong recovery from the impact of COVID-19. The impact from pricing initiatives and cost control was offset by significant currency devaluations.
Revenue for the full-year was 13% lower, and up 21% in constant currencies. Currency impact was driven by the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso, which was partly offset by the IAS 29 impact from hyperinflation accounting in Argentina.
Asia
Revenue in Q4 was 4% lower and up 2% in constant currencies. China continued the growth momentum, especially in the premium product offering. South Asia is showing initial signs of recovery after being more heavily impacted by COVID-19, mainly in the first half of 2020.
Revenue for the full-year was 15% lower, and 13% lower in constant currencies. Volumes in Asia were lower due to the impact of COVID-19 in the first half of the year, with recovery in India and Indonesia, and China continuing to grow in the fourth quarter. Other countries in Asia continue to be impacted.

New bio-based paint is a breath of fresh air
We've launched a new bio-based wall paint in Vietnam. Dulux Better Living Air Clean BioBased is enhanced with Pure Air technology. It contains natural sustainable ingredients, such as bamboo charcoal, to create a better living environment.
Performance Coatings
Highlights Q4 2020
- Return to growth with 1% volume increase driven by strong performance in Industrial Coatings and Powder Coatings
- ROS up at 16.2% (2019: 11.6%) supported by margin management and cost savings; OPI margin 16.5% (2019: 10.1%)
Q4 2020
- Revenue 4% lower and up 1% in constant currencies, with 1% higher volumes, mainly due to continued recovery from the impact of COVID-19 on end market demand
- Adjusted operating income up 33% at €212 million (2019: €159 million) as a result of volume growth, margin management and cost savings
- Operating income at €215 million (2019: €138 million)
Full-year 2020
- Revenue 11% lower and 8% lower in constant currencies, with 1% positive price/mix more than offset by 9% lower volumes, mainly due to the impact of COVID-19 on end market demand
- Adjusted operating income up at €700 million (2019: €688 million) with margin management and cost savings more than offsetting lower volumes due to the impact of COVID-19
- Operating income increased to €665 million (2019: €565 million)
Q4 2020
Revenue was 4% lower, and 1% up in constant curencies. Volumes were up 1%, mainly due to recovery from the impact of COVID-19 on end market demand, in particular in Powder Coatings and Industrial Coatings. Marine and oil and gas related projects continued to be impacted.
Adjusted operating income increased to €212 million (2019: €159 million) mainly driven by volume growth, margin management and cost savings.
Operating income at €215 million included a gain of €3 million in identified items, related to the transformation of the organization. In 2019, operating income of €138 million was adversely impacted by €21 million identified items, mainly related to the transformation of the organization and non-cash impairments in Industrial Coatings, following the implementation of our strategic portfolio review.
Full-year 2020
Revenue was 11% lower, and 8% lower in constant curencies. Price/ mix was 1% positive, while volumes were 9% lower, mainly due to the impact of COVID-19 on end market demand, in particular for the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as for marine and oil and gas related projects.
Adjusted operating income increased to €700 million (2019: €688 million) as margin management and cost control were more than offsetting lower volumes due to the impact of COVID-19.
Operating income at €665 million was adversely impacted by €35 million identified items, mainly related to the transformation of the organization. In 2019, operating income of €565 million was adversely impacted by €123 million identified items, mainly related to the transformation and non-cash impairments in Industrial Coatings, following the implementation of our strategic portfolio review.
| Revenue | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth quarter | January-December | |||||||
| 20191 | 2020 | ∆% | ∆% | CC2 in € millions | 20191 | 2020 | ∆% | ∆% CC2 |
| 302 | 314 | 4% | 10% Powder Coatings | 1,229 1,128 | (8%) | (5%) | ||
| 326 | 264 (19%) (14%) Marine and Protec tive Coatings |
1,290 1,068 (17%) (14%) | ||||||
| 328 | 303 | (8%) | (2%) Automotive and Specialty Coatings |
1,318 1,127 (14%) (11%) | ||||
| 407 | 425 | 4% | 12% Industrial Coatings | 1,707 1,634 | (4%) | (1%) | ||
| 2 | – | Other activities | 5 | – | ||||
| 1,365 1,306 | (4%) | 1% Total | 5,549 4,957 (11%) | (8%) |

1


| Key financial figures Fourth quarter |
January-December | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | ∆% in € millions / % | 2019 | 2020 | ∆% | ||
| 159 | 212 | 33% Adjusted operating income* | 688 | 700 | 2% | ||
| (21) | 3 | Identified items* | (123) | (35) | |||
| 138 | 215 | 56% Operating income | 565 | 665 | 18% | ||
| 11.6 | 16.2 | ROS%* | 12.4 | 14.1 | |||
| 10.1 | 16.5 | OPI margin%* | 10.2 | 13.4 | |||
| Average invested capital* | 3,325 | 3,388 | |||||
| ROI%* | 20.7 | 20.7 |
*Alternative performance measures; please refer to reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS measures on pages 16 and 17.
Powder Coatings
Revenue in Q4 was up 4% and 10% higher in constant currencies. Volumes were up 11% and price/mix was flat. Growth in Powder Coatings was driven by both demand and market share growth, in particular in the automotive industry, including electric vehicles.
Revenue for the full-year was 8% lower and 5% lower in constant currencies, mainly due to lower volumes as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on end market demand in the first half of the year.
Marine and Protective Coatings
Revenue in Q4 was 19% lower and 14% lower in constant currencies. Marine and oil and gas related projects continued to be impacted.
Revenue for the full-year was 17% lower and 14% lower in constant currencies, with revenues mainly impacted by lower volumes due to the impact of COVID-19.
Automotive and Specialty Coatings
Revenue in Q4 was 8% lower and 2% lower in constant currencies, with positive price/mix more than offset by lower volumes. Demand returned to growth, especially for vehicle refinishes and consumer electronics. Demand for the aerospace segment stabilized at a lower level, after being heavily impacted by COVID-19 in previous quarters.
Revenue for the full-year was 14% lower and 11% lower in constant currencies. Price/mix effects were more than offset by lower volumes due to lower end market demand as a result of COVID-19.
Industrial Coatings
Revenue in Q4 was up 4%, and 12% higher in constant currencies, supported by growth in all segments, particularly in the metal and packaging coatings segments.
Revenue for the full-year was 4% lower and 1% lower in constant currencies, mainly as a result of the first half-year impact on end market demand due to COVID-19.

Creating South America's most colorful plane
Our Coral brand in Brazil partnered with Aerospace Coatings colleagues to help create South America's most colorful airplane. They worked with Azul Airlines and Embraer to pay tribute to the Spix's macaw, a national symbol in Brazil. The design features 58 colors, half of which were custom made.
Condensed consolidated financial statements
Condensed consolidated statement of income Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income Condensed consolidated balance sheet
| Fourth quarter | Condensed consolidated statement of income | January-December | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019* | 2020 in € millions | 2019* | 2020 |
| Continuing operations | |||
| 2,242 | 2,209 Revenue | 9,276 | 8,530 |
| (1,281) | (1,234) Cost of sales | (5,314) | (4,745) |
| 961 | 975 Gross profit | 3,962 | 3,785 |
| (784) | (727) SG&A costs | (3,116) | (2,817) |
| (4) | (5) Other results | (5) | (5) |
| 173 | 243 Operating income | 841 | 963 |
| (18) | (16) Net financing expenses | (76) | (69) |
| 4 | 7 Results from associates and joint ventures | 20 | 25 |
| 159 | 234 Profit before tax | 785 | 919 |
| (79) | (52) Income tax | (230) | (241) |
| 80 | 182 Profit for the period from continuing operations |
555 | 678 |
| Discontinued operations | |||
| 6 | (1) Profit/(loss) for the period from discontinued operations |
22 | (7) |
| 86 | 181 Profit for the period | 577 | 671 |
| Attributable to | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | 167 Shareholders of the company | 539 | 630 |
| 5 | 14 Non-controlling interests | 38 | 41 |
* Costs by nature 2019 have been reclassified to align to our 2020 cost structure and allocations. This resulted in reclassifications between cost lines in our statement of income, which did not impact total operating income.
86 181 Profit for the period 577 671
| Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth quarter | January-December | ||||
| 2019 | 2020 in € millions | 2019 | 2020 | ||
| 86 | 181 Profit for the period | 577 | 671 | ||
| Other comprehensive income | |||||
| 39 | 8 Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations |
127 | (430) | ||
| (149) | (175) Post-retirement benefits | (249) | 115 | ||
| (14) | 36 Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income |
35 | (13) | ||
| (124) | (131) Other comprehensive income for the period (net of tax) |
(87) | (328) | ||
| (38) | 50 Comprehensive income for the period | 490 | 343 | ||
| Comprehensive income for the period attributable to | |||||
| (39) | 38 Shareholders of the company | 453 | 323 |
| (39) | 38 Shareholders of the company | 453 | 323 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 Non-controlling interests | 37 | 20 |
| (38) | 50 Comprehensive income for the period | 490 | 343 |
Condensed consolidated balance sheet
| in € millions | December 31, 2019 |
December 31, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||
| Non-current assets | ||
| Intangible assets | 3,625 | 3,554 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 1,700 | 1,621 |
| Right-of-use assets | 374 | 324 |
| Other non-current assets | 2,541 | 2,614 |
| Total non-current assets | 8,240 | 8,113 |
| Current assets | ||
| Inventories | 1,139 | 1,159 |
| Trade and other receivables | 2,133 | 1,994 |
| Other current assets | 63 | 55 |
| Short-term investments | 138 | 250 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,271 | 1,606 |
| Total current assets | 4,744 | 5,064 |
| Total assets | 12,984 | 13,177 |
| Equity and liabilities | ||
| Group equity | 6,568 | 5,950 |
| Non-current liabilities | ||
| Provisions and deferred tax liabilities | 1,372 | 1,363 |
| Long-term borrowings | 2,042 | 2,771 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 3,414 | 4,134 |
| Current liabilities | ||
| Short-term borrowings | 169 | 119 |
| Trade and other payables | 2,406 | 2,580 |
| Other short-term liabilities | 427 | 394 |
| Total current liabilities | 3,002 | 3,093 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 12,984 | 13,177 |
Shareholders' equity
Shareholders' equity decreased from €6.4 billion at year-end 2019 to €5.7 billion at December 31, 2020, mainly due to the net effect of:
- Profit for the period of €630 million
- Share buyback of €545 million (including taxes)
- Currency effects of €404 million negative (including taxes)
- Dividends of €366 million (final dividend 2019: €284 million and interim dividend 2020: €82 million)
- Post-retirement benefits of €97 million positive (including taxes)
Dividend
The dividend policy remains unchanged and is to pay a stable to rising dividend.
The final 2019 dividend of €1.49 per common share was approved by the AGM in April 2020 and was paid. The total 2019 dividend amounted to €1.90 per share (2018: €1.80).
In Q4 2020, a €300 million share buyback program was announced, to be completed in the first half of 2021. The €500 million share buyback program announced in 2019 was completed during Q2 2020.
An interim dividend of €0.43 per share (2019: €0.41) was paid. A final 2020 dividend of €1.52 (2019: €1.49) per share is proposed.
Outstanding share capital
The outstanding share capital was 190.6 million common shares at the end of December 2020. This included 0.7 million shares acquired in the share buyback program, which have not yet been cancelled. The weighted average number of shares in Q4 2020 was 190.5 million shares. The weighted average number of shares for the full-year 2020 was 191.4 million. These weighted average numbers of shares exclude shares not yet cancelled and were the basis for the calculation of earnings per share.
| Changes in equity | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| in € millions | Subscribed share capital |
Additional paid-in capital |
Cumulative translation reserves |
Other (legal) reserves and undistributed profit |
Shareholders' equity |
Non-controlling interests |
Group equity |
| Balance at December 31, 2018 | 512 | 958 | (608) | 10,972 | 11,834 | 204 | 12,038 |
| Profit for the period | – | – | – | 539 | 539 | 38 | 577 |
| Other comprehensive income | – | – | 139 | (225) | (86) | (1) | (87) |
| Comprehensive income for the period | – | – | 139 | 314 | 453 | 37 | 490 |
| Dividend | – | – | – | (1,423) | (1,423) | (23) | (1,446) |
| Share buyback | (14) | – | – | (2,520) | (2,534) | – | (2,534) |
| Capital repayment and share consolidation | (399) | (957) | – | (644) | (2,000) | – | (2,000) |
| Equity-settled transactions | – | – | – | 20 | 20 | – | 20 |
| Issue of common shares | 1 | (1) | – | – – |
– | – | |
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 100 | – | (469) | 6,719 | 6,350 | 218 | 6,568 |
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 100 | – | (469) | 6,719 | 6,350 | 218 | 6,568 |
| Profit for the period | – | – | – | 630 | 630 | 41 | 671 |
| Other comprehensive income | – | – | (404) | 97 | (307) | (21) | (328) |
| Comprehensive income for the period | – | – | (404) | 727 | 323 | 20 | 343 |
| Dividend | – | – | – | (366) | (366) | (19) | (385) |
| Share buyback | (5) | – | – | (540) | (545) | – | (545) |
| Equity-settled transactions | – | – | – | 13 | 13 | – | 13 |
| Acquisitions and divestments | – | – | – | (29) | (29) | (15) | (44) |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 95 | – | (873) | 6,524 | 5,746 | 204 | 5,950 |
Cash flows and net debt
Net cash from operating activities in Q4 2020 resulted in an inflow of €615 million (2019: inflow of €454 million). This increase was mainly driven by higher profit for the period of €182 million (2019: profit of €80 million) and an inflow of working capital of €366 million (2019: inflow of €258 million).
Net cash from investing activities in Q4 2020 resulted in an outflow of €268 million (2019: inflow of €546 million). In Q4 2019, there was a net cash inflow from short-term investments of €834 million, which was used for the share buyback.
Net cash from financing activities in Q4 2020 resulted in an outflow of €221 million (2019: outflow of €936 million). Net cash from financing activities mainly relates to an outflow from changes in borrowings (€53 million), an outflow for dividend paid (€93 million) and an outflow for the share buyback (€76 million).
At December 31, 2020, net debt was €1,034 million versus €802 million at year-end 2019. The net debt/EBITDA leverage ratio at December 31, 2020, was 0.8 (December 31, 2019: 0.7).
Free cash flows
The cash generation in Q4 2020 improved by 37% compared to Q4 2019, mainly due to a higher profit for the period and an inflow of working capital.
| Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows | ||
|---|---|---|
| ------------------------------------------------- | -- | -- |
| Fourth quarter | January-December | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
| 1,155 | 1,460 Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
2,732 | 1,210 |
Adjustments to reconcile earnings to cash generated from operating activities 80 182 Profit from the period from continuing operations 555 678 99 90 Amortization and depreciation 360 361
| 5 | 9 Impairment losses | 66 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 16 Financing income and expenses | 76 | 69 |
| (4) | (7) Results from associates and joint ventures | (20) | (25) |
| (12) | (17) Pre-tax result on acquisitions and divestments | (83) | (27) |
| 79 | 52 Income tax | 230 | 241 |
| 258 | 366 Changes in working capital | (244) | 184 |
| – | – Pension pre-funding | (161) | – |
| (12) | (21) Changes in post-retirement benefit provisions | (509) | (46) |
| (4) | 16 Changes in other provisions | (15) | (22) |
| (16) | (10) Interest paid | (66) | (47) |
| (52) | (72) Income tax paid | (184) | (165) |
| 15 | 11 Other changes | 28 | 9 |
| 454 | 615 Net cash generated from / (used for) operating activities |
33 | 1,220 |
| (79) | (102) Capital expenditures | (214) | (258) |
| (212) | (36) Acquisitions and divestments net of cash acquired/divested |
(120) | (82) |
| (760) | (140) Investment in short-term investments | (2,325) | (248) |
| 1,594 | – Repayments of short-term investments | 7,663 | 136 |
| 3 | 10 Other changes | 8 | 25 |
| 546 | (268) Net cash generated from / (used for) investing activities |
5,012 | (427) |
| (528) | (53) Changes from borrowings | (613) | 631 |
| (93) | (93) Dividend paid | (1,446) | (385) |
| – | – Capital repayment | (2,000) | – |
| (314) | (76) Share buyback | (2,520) | (555) |
| – | 1 Buy-out of non-controlling interests | – | (44) |
| (1) | – Other changes | – | – |
| (936) | (221) Net cash generated from / (used for) financing activities |
(6,579) | (353) |
| 64 | 126 Net cash generated from / (used for) continuing operations |
(1,534) | 440 |
| (5) | (1) Cash flows from discontinued operations | (10) | (3) |
| 59 | 125 Net change in cash and cash equivalents of continued and discontinued operations |
(1,544) | 437 |
| (4) | (4) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
22 | (66) |
| 1,210 | 1,581 Net Cash and cash equivalents at | 1,210 | 1,581 |
December 31
Consolidated statement of free cash flows
| Fourth quarter | January-December | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
| 272 | 333 EBITDA | 1,201 | 1,324 |
| 5 | 9 Impairment losses | 66 | 10 |
| (12) | (17) Pre-tax results on acquisitions and divestments |
(83) | (27) |
| 258 | 366 Changes in working capital | (244) | 184 |
| – | – Pension pre-funding | (161) | – |
| – | (9) Pension top-up payments | (481) | (26) |
| (16) | 5 Other changes in provisions | (43) | (42) |
| (16) | (10) Interest paid | (66) | (47) |
| (52) | (72) Income tax paid | (184) | (165) |
| 15 | 10 Other | 28 | 9 |
| 454 | 615 Net cash generated from / (used for) operating activities |
33 | 1,220 |
| (79) | (102) Capital expenditures | (214) | (258) |
| 375 | 513 Free cash flow | (181) | 962 |
Invested capital
Invested capital at December 31, 2020, totaled €6.4 billion, €0.6 billion lower compared to year-end 2019. mainly due to a reduction in working capital and other non-current assets.
Operating working capital (Trade)
Operating working capital (Trade) as percentage of revenue decreased to 9.9% in Q4 2020, compared with 11.9% in Q4 2019, mainly due to lower trade receivables as a percentage of revenue and higher trade payables. This was mainly caused by strong focus on working capital reduction, which was also reflected in the improvement of net cash generation in Q4 2020 compared to Q4 2019. Operating working capital increased during the first half of the year due to the impact of COVID-19 on customer payment patterns, in addition to normal seasonality, and decreased again in the second half of 2020.
Pension
The net balance sheet position (according to IAS19) of pension plans at the end of Q4 2020 was a surplus of €1.0 billion (year-end 2019: surplus of €0.8 billion). The development during 2020 was mainly the result of the net effect of:
- Higher asset returns in key countries
- Lower inflation rates in key countries
Offset by:
• Lower discount rates in key countries
Workforce
At December 31, 2020, the number of people employed was 32,200 (December 31, 2019: 33,800). Acquisitions in 2020 added around 250 people.
Invested capital
| in € millions | December 31, 2019 |
December 31, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | 1,812 | 1,751 |
| Inventories | 1,139 | 1,159 |
| Trade payables | (1,883) | (2,032) |
| Operating working capital (Trade) | 1,068 | 878 |
| Other working capital items | (335) | (412) |
| Non-current assets | 8,240 | 8,113 |
| Less investments in associates and joint ventures | (150) | (166) |
| Less pension assets | (1,418) | (1,543) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | (391) | (467) |
| Invested capital | 7,014 | 6,403 |

AkzoNobel springs for 2021 Paint the Future startup challenge in China
Forging an even stronger connection with startups in a key market, AkzoNobel will launch its next regional startup challenge in China in March 2021. The challenge joins a series of programs for startups, academia, research institutes and suppliers to collaborate and test, launch and scale revolutionary solutions together with AkzoNobel. The company first kicked off Paint the Future in 2019 with an industry-first global startup challenge. In 2020, it staged the first regional startup challenge in Brazil. Now it's preparing to stir things up with startups in China, a country renowned for technological innovation.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
General information
Akzo Nobel N.V. is a public limited liability company headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Akzo Nobel N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries (in this document referred to as "AkzoNobel", "Group" or "the company").
The company was incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
Basis of preparation
All quarterly figures are unaudited. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim financial reporting". The interim condensed consolidated financial statements were discussed and approved by the Board of Management and Supervisory Board. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been authorized for issue. The full-year 2020 numbers included in the condensed consolidated financial statements are derived from the consolidated financial statements 2020. The consolidated financial statements have not yet been published by law and still have to be adopted by the Annual General Meeting of shareholders. In accordance with Article 393 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. has issued an unqualified auditor's opinion on these financial statements on February 16, 2021. The consolidated financial statemements will be published on March 10, 2021.
Accounting policies
The significant accounting policies applied in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those applied in AkzoNobel's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, except for IFRS standards and interpretations that became effective on January 1, 2020. These include, amongst others amendments to IFRS 3 'Definition of a Business', amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 'Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 1', amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 'Definition of Material', 'Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards' and the amendment to IFRS 16 'COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions'. These changes have been assessed for their potential impact and do not have a material effect on AkzoNobel's consolidated financial statements.
Potential valuation adjustments to our asset base, that might be required as a result of the possible impact of COVID-19 on our future profitability and cash flow generation, have been assessed. Reference is made to the paragraph on COVID-19 on page 6 of this report.
Seasonality
Revenue and results in Decorative Paints are impacted by seasonal influences. Revenue and profitability tend to be higher in the second and third quarter of the year as weather conditions determine whether paints and coatings can be applied. In Performance Coatings, revenue and profitability vary with building patterns from original equipment manufacturers.
Other activities
In Other activities, we report activities which are not allocated to a particular segment.
Related parties
AkzoNobel purchased and sold goods and services to various related parties in which we hold a 50% or less equity interest (associates and joint ventures). We consider the members of the Executive Committee
Revenue disaggregation
January-December 2020
| in € millions | Decorative Paints | Performance Coatings | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary geographical markets | ||||
| The Netherlands | 233 | 94 | 15 | 342 |
| Other European countries | 1,847 | 1,779 | – | 3,626 |
| US and Canada | – | 1,019 | – | 1,019 |
| South America | 396 | 301 | – | 697 |
| Asia | 910 | 1,434 | – | 2,344 |
| Other regions | 172 | 330 | – | 502 |
| Total | 3,558 | 4,957 | 15 | 8,530 |
| Timing of revenue recognition | ||||
| Goods transferred at a point in time | 3,530 | 4,772 | – | 8,302 |
| Services transferred over time | 28 | 185 | 15 | 228 |
| Total | 3,558 | 4,957 | 15 | 8,530 |
and the Supervisory Board to be the key management personnel as defined in IAS 24 "Related parties". In the ordinary course of business, we have transactions with various organizations with which certain of the members of the Supervisory Board and Executive Committee are associated. All related party transactions were conducted at arm's length with terms comparable with third party transactions.
Revenue disaggregation
The table below reflects the disaggregation of revenue. Additional disaggregation of revenue is included on the respective pages of Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings.
Alternative performance measures
In presenting and discussing AkzoNobel's operating results, management uses certain alternative performance measures (APM) not defined by IFRS, which exclude the so-called identified items that are generated outside the normal course of business. Identified items are special charges and benefits, results on acquisitions and divestments, major restructuring and impairment charges, and charges and benefits related to major legal, environmental and tax cases. Alternative performance measures should not be viewed in isolation as alternatives to the equivalent IFRS measures and should be used as supplementary information in conjunction with the most directly comparable IFRS measures. Alternative performance measures do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Where a non-financial measure is used to calculate an operational or statistical ratio, this is also considered an APM.
AkzoNobel uses APM adjustments to the IFRS measures to provide supplementary information on the reporting of the underlying developments of the business. A reconciliation of the alternative performance measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures can be found in the tables on this page and the next page.
OPI margin, ROS and ROS excluding unallocated cost are used as performance measures. OPI margin is operating income as percentage of revenue. ROS is adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue. ROS excluding unallocated cost is adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue for Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings; it excludes unallocated cost. The calculations are based on the revenue as disclosed in the revenue table on page 3.
| Operating income Fourth quarter |
January-December | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | ∆%in € millions | 2019 | 2020 | ∆% | |
| 75 | 122 63% Decorative Paints | 425 | 551 | 30% | ||
| 138 | 215 56% Performance Coatings | 565 | 665 | 18% | ||
| (40) | (94) | Other activities | (149) | (253) | ||
| 173 | 243 40% Total | 841 | 963 | 15% |
Identified items
OPI margin
Adjusted operating income
| Fourth quarter | January-December | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
| (12) | (4) Decorative Paints | 7 | (22) |
| (21) | 3 Performance Coatings | (123) | (35) |
| (17) | (50) Other activities | (34) | (79) |
| (50) | (51) Total | (150) | (136) |
Fourth quarter January-December 2019 2020 ∆%in € millions 2019 2020 ∆% 87 126 45% Decorative Paints 418 573 37% 159 212 33% Performance Coatings 688 700 2% 246 338 37% Excluding unallocated cost 1,106 1,273 15% (23) (44) Other activities (115) (174) 223 294 32% Total 991 1,099 11%
Fourth quarter January-December 2019 2020 in % 2019 2020 8.6 13.5 Decorative Paints 11.6 15.5 10.1 16.5 Performance Coatings 10.2 13.4
7.7 11.0 Total 9.1 11.3
ROS excluding unallocated cost
| Fourth quarter | January-December | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
| 2,242 | 2,209 Total revenue | 9,276 | 8,530 |
| (8) | (2) Less: revenue unallocated | (57) | (15) |
| 2,234 | 2,207 Revenue excluding unallocated revenue | 9,219 | 8,515 |
| 246 | 338 Adjusted operating income excluding unallocated cost* |
1,106 | 1,273 |
* Adjusted operating income excluding unallocated cost equals the total of the adjusted operating income of Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings as calculated in the table Adjusted operating income.
11.0 15.3 ROS% excluding unallocated cost 12.0 15.0
Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations
| Fourth quarter | January-December | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
| 159 | 234 Profit before tax from continuing operations | 785 | 919 |
| 50 | 51 Identified items reported in operating income | 150 | 136 |
| – | (3) Identified items reported in interest | – | (3) |
| (57) | (63) Adjusted income tax | (237) | (269) |
| (5) | (14) Non-controlling interests | (38) | (41) |
| 147 | 205 Adjusted net income from continuing operations |
660 | 742 |
| 198.5 | 190.5 Weighted average number of shares (in millions) | 213.1 | 191.4 |
3.10 3.88
0.74 1.08 Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operation
| ROS% Fourth quarter |
January-December | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 in % | 2019 | 2020 | |
| 10.0 | 14.0 Decorative Paints | 11.4 | 16.1 | |
| 11.6 | 16.2 Performance Coatings | 12.4 | 14.1 | |
| Other activities* | ||||
| 9.9 | 13.3 Total | 10.7 | 12.9 |
* ROS and OPI margin for Other activities are not shown, as this is not meaningful.
Other activities*
ROI is adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital. ROI excluding unallocated cost is adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital, for Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings; it excludes unallocated cost and invested capital.
Average invested capital
January 2020 - December 2020
| in € millions | 2019 | 2020 | ∆% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative Paints | 3,106 | 2,799 (10%) | |
| Performance Coatings | 3,325 | 3,388 | 2% |
| Other activities | 595 | 647 | 9% |
| Total | 7,026 | 6,834 (3%) |
ROI%
January 2020 - December 2020
| in % | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative Paints | 13.5 | 20.5 |
| Performance Coatings | 20.7 | |
| Other activities* | ||
| Total | 14.1 | 16.1 |
* ROI for Other activities is not shown, as this is not meaningful.
ROI% excluding unallocated cost
January 2020 - December 2020
| in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Average invested capital | 7,026 | 6,834 |
| Less: unallocated average invested capital | (595) | (647) |
| Average invested capital excluding unallocated capital | 6,187 | |
| Adjusted operating income excluding unallocated cost | 1,106 | 1,273 |
| Total | 17.2 | 20.6 |
The leverage ratio is calculated based on the net debt per balance sheet position divided by EBITDA of the last 12 months.
EBITDA
January 2020 - December 2020
| in € millions | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating income | 841 | 963 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 360 | 361 |
| EBITDA | 1,201 | 1,324 |
Adjusted EBITDA
January 2020 - December 2020
| in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted operating income | 991 1,099 | |
| Depreciation and amortization (excluding identified items) | 343 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,341 | 1,442 |
Net debt
| December 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| in € millions | 2019 | 2020 |
| Short-term investments | (138) | (250) |
| Cash and cash equivalents | (1,271) | (1,606) |
| Long-term borrowings | 2,042 | 2,771 |
| Short-term borrowings | 169 | 119 |
| Net debt | 802 | 1,034 |
Leverage ratio
| in € millions | December 31, 2019 |
December 31, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Net debt | 802 | 1,034 |
| EBITDA | 1,201 | 1,324 |
| Leverage ratio | 0.7 | 0.8 |
Revenue segmentation representation 2019
Segment and business unit revenue of 2019 is represented to present revenue from third parties instead of total revenue. The table below reflects the 2019 revenue as reported in 2019 and the represented revenue for 2019 as included in this report. The quarterly statistics on page 19 of this report reflect the represented quarterly revenue for 2019.
Revenue segmentation representation 2019
| Fourth quarter | January-December | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | Repre | sented in € millions | Reported | Repre sented |
| 462 | 455 Decorative Paints Europe, Middle East and Africa |
2,161 | 2,129 | |
| 139 | 137 Decorative Paints South America | 463 | 457 | |
| 277 | 277 Decorative Paints Asia | 1,084 | 1,084 | |
| (1) | – Other/eliminations | (5) | – | |
| 877 | 869 Decorative Paints total | 3,703 | 3,670 | |
| 305 | 302 Powder Coatings | 1,234 | 1,229 | |
| 330 | 326 Marine and Protective Coatings | 1,306 | 1,290 | |
| 344 | 328 Automotive and Specialty Coatings | 1,388 | 1,318 | |
| 411 | 407 Industrial Coatings | 1,731 | 1,707 | |
| (29) | 2 Other/eliminations | (96) | 5 | |
| 1,361 | 1,365 Performance Coatings total | 5,563 | 5,549 | |
| 4 | 8 Other/eliminations | 10 | 57 | |
| 2,242 | 2,242 Total | 9,276 | 9,276 |
Outlook 2021
AkzoNobel targets to grow at least in line with its relevant markets. Although trends differ per region and segment with raw material inflation expected, margin management and cost-saving programs are in place to deliver 50 base points increase in return on sales. The company targets a leverage ratio of 1-2 times net debt/EBITDA and commits to retain a strong investment grade credit rating.
Amsterdam, February 16, 2021 The Board of Management
Thierry Vanlancker Maarten de Vries

Biomass breakthrough unlocks world of possibilities
A breakthrough innovation which involves a more sustainable method for making resins has been discovered thanks to a research collaboration between AkzoNobel and the Dutch Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC). The new process involves using bio-based monomers to make resins, which could pave the way for the introduction of futuristic functionality. It's part of our collaborative approach to innovation, which involves working with startups, academia, research institutes and suppliers to test, launch and scale-up revolutionary solutions.
Paints and Coatings
| Quarterly statistics | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | year in € millions | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | year | ||
| Revenue1 | |||||||||||
| 836 | 997 | 968 | 869 | 3,670 Decorative Paints | 754 | 899 | 1,004 | 901 | 3,558 | ||
| 1,333 | 1,438 | 1,413 | 1,365 | 5,549 Performance Coatings | 1,295 | 1,086 | 1,270 | 1,306 | 4,957 | ||
| 16 | 16 | 17 | 8 | 57 Other activities | 9 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 15 | ||
| 2,185 | 2,451 | 2,398 | 2,242 | 9,276 Total | 2,058 | 1,987 | 2,276 | 2,209 | 8,530 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA (excluding identified items)2 | |||||||||||
| 95 | 177 | 174 | 127 | 573 Decorative Paints | 100 | 211 | 243 | 160 | 714 | ||
| 182 | 241 | 238 | 200 | 861 Performance Coatings | 230 | 139 | 232 | 253 | 854 | ||
| (29) | (24) | (25) | (15) | (93) Other activities | (28) | (29) | (36) | (33) | (126) | ||
| 248 | 394 | 387 | 312 | 1,341 Total | 302 | 321 | 439 | 380 | 1,442 | ||
| 11.4 | 16.1 | 16.1 | 13.9 | 14.4 Adjusted EBITDA margin (in %) | 14.7 | 16.2 | 19.3 | 17.2 | 16.9 | ||
| EBITDA2 | |||||||||||
| 89 | 207 | 169 | 115 | 580 Decorative Paints | 95 | 210 | 240 | 159 | 704 | ||
| 141 | 218 | 200 | 189 | 748 Performance Coatings | 223 | 127 | 218 | 256 | 824 | ||
| (32) | (28) | (35) | (32) | (127) Other activities | (41) | (40) | (41) | (82) | (204) | ||
| 198 | 397 | 334 | 272 | 1,201 Total | 277 | 297 | 417 | 333 | 1,324 | ||
| 9.1 | 16.2 | 13.9 | 12.1 | 12.9 EBITDA margin (in %) | 13.5 | 14.9 | 18.3 | 15.1 | 15.5 | ||
| (30) / (30) | (35) / (35) | Depreciation / Depreciation excluding identified items (34) / (34) |
(35) / (35) | (134) / (134) Decorative Paints | (32) / (31) | (36) / (31) | (33) / (30) | (33) / (30) | (134) / (122) | ||
| (34) / (34) | (35) / (35) | (35) / (35) | (34) / (31) | (138) / (135) Performance Coatings | (32) / (31) | (29) / (27) | (31) / (29) | (32) / (32) | (124) / (119) | ||
| (5) / (5) | (4) / (4) | (4) / (4) | (8) / (8) | (21) / (21) Other activities | (10) / (10) | (9) / (9) | (11) / (11) | (9) / (8) | (39) / (38) | ||
| (69) / (69) | (74) / (74) | (73) / (73) | (77) / (74) | (293) / (290) Total | (74) / (72) | (74) / (67) | (75) / (70) | (74) / (70) | (297) / (279) | ||
| Amortization / Amortization excluding identified items | |||||||||||
| (5) / (5) | (6) / (6) | (5) / (5) | (5) / (5) | (21) / (21) Decorative Paints | (5) / (5) | (5) / (5) | (5) / (5) | (4) / (4) | (19) / (19) | ||
| (10) / (10) | (9) / (9) | (9) / (9) | (17) / (10) | (45) / (38) Performance Coatings | (9) / (9) | (9) / (9) | (8) / (8) | (9) / (9) | (35) / (35) | ||
| (1) / (1) | – / – | – / – | – / – | (1) / (1) Other activities | (2) / (2) | (2) / (2) | (3) / (3) | (3) / (3) | (10) / (10) |
(16) /(16) (15) / (15) (14) / (14) (22) / (15) (67) / (60) Total (16) / (16) (16) / (16) (16) / (16) (16) / (16) (64) / (64)
1 2019 figures represented to present revenue from third parties instead of total revenue.
2 Alternative performance measures; please refer to reconciliation to the most directly
comparable IFRS measures on pages 16 and 17. Depreciation excluding identified items and
amortization excluding identified items are presented to allow calculation of adjusted EBITDA.
Paints and Coatings
| Quarterly statistics | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | year in € millions | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | year | ||
| Adjusted operating income (excluding identified items)* | |||||||||||
| 60 | 136 | 135 | 87 | 418 Decorative Paints | 64 | 175 | 208 | 126 | 573 | ||
| 138 | 197 | 194 | 159 | 688 Performance Coatings | 190 | 103 | 195 | 212 | 700 | ||
| (35) | (28) | (29) | (23) | (115) Other activities | (40) | (40) | (50) | (44) | (174) | ||
| 163 | 305 | 300 | 223 | 991 Total | 214 | 238 | 353 | 294 | 1,099 | ||
| 7.5 | 12.4 | 12.5 | 9.9 | 10.7 ROS% | 10.4 | 12.0 | 15.5 | 13.3 | 12.9 | ||
| 9.1 | 13.7 | 13.8 | 11.0 | 12.0 ROS% excluding unallocated cost | 12.4 | 14.0 | 17.7 | 15.3 | 15.0 | ||
| Identified items | (6) | 30 | (5) | (12) | 7 Decorative Paints | (6) | (6) | (6) | (4) | (22) | |
| (41) | (23) | (38) | (21) | (123) Performance Coatings | (8) | (14) | (16) | 3 | (35) | ||
| (3) | (4) | (10) | (17) | (34) Other activities | (13) | (11) | (5) | (50) | (79) | ||
| (50) | 3 | (53) | (50) | (150) Total | (27) | (31) | (27) | (51) | (136) | ||
| Operating income | |||||||||||
| 54 | 166 | 130 | 75 | 425 Decorative Paints | 58 | 169 | 202 | 122 | 551 | ||
| 97 | 174 | 156 | 138 | 565 Performance Coatings | 182 | 89 | 179 | 215 | 665 | ||
| (38) | (32) | (39) | (40) | (149) Other activities | (53) | (51) | (55) | (94) | (253) | ||
| 113 | 308 | 247 | 173 | 841 Total | 187 | 207 | 326 | 243 | 963 | ||
| 5.2 | 12.6 | 10.3 | 7.7 | 9.1 OPI margin (in %) | 9.1 | 10.4 | 14.3 | 11.0 | 11.3 | ||
| Reconciliation net financing income/(expenses) | |||||||||||
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 17 Financing income | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 14 | ||
| (17) | (20) | (21) | (18) | (76) Financing expenses | (15) | (17) | (17) | (17) | (66) | ||
| (12) | (16) | (17) | (14) | (59) Net interest on net debt | (11) | (14) | (14) | (13) | (52) | ||
| Other interest movements | |||||||||||
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 21 Financing expenses related to post-retirement benefits |
4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 14 | ||
| (3) | (2) | (8) | (1) | (14) Interest on provisions | (2) | (5) | – | (3) | (10) | ||
| (3) | (6) | (6) | (9) | (24) Other items | (4) | (9) | (5) | (3) | (21) | ||
| (1) | (2) | (10) | (4) | (17) Net other financing charges | (2) | (11) | (1) | (3) | (17) | ||
| (13) | (18) | (27) | (18) | (76) Net financing expenses | (13) | (25) | (15) | (16) | (69) |
*Alternative performance measures; please refer to reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS measures on pages 16 and 17.
AkzoNobel
| Quarterly statistics | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | year | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | year | |
| Quarterly net income analysis (in € millions) | ||||||||||
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 20 Results from associates and joint ventures | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 25 | |
| 105 | 295 | 226 | 159 | 785 Profit before tax | 181 | 187 | 317 | 234 | 919 | |
| (31) | (69) | (51) | (79) | (230) Income tax | (54) | (53) | (82) | (52) | (241) | |
| 74 | 226 | 175 | 80 | 555 Profit for the period from continuing operations | 127 | 134 | 235 | 182 | 678 | |
| 30 | 23 | 23 | 50 | 29 Effective tax rate (in %) | 30 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 26 | |
| Earnings per share from continuing operations (in €) | ||||||||||
| 0.28 | 1.00 | 0.79 | 0.38 | 2.43 Basic | 0.59 | 0.68 | 1.18 | 0.88 | 3.33 | |
| 0.28 | 1.00 | 0.79 | 0.38 | 2.42 Diluted | 0.59 | 0.67 | 1.18 | 0.88 | 3.32 | |
| Earnings per share from discontinued operations (in €) | ||||||||||
| – | 0.07 | – | 0.03 | 0.10 Basic | – | – | (0.03) | (0.01) | (0.04) | |
| – | 0.07 | – | 0.03 | 0.10 Diluted | – | – | (0.03) | (0.01) | (0.04) | |
| Earnings per share from total operations (in €) | ||||||||||
| 0.28 | 1.07 | 0.79 | 0.41 | 2.53 Basic | 0.59 | 0.68 | 1.15 | 0.87 | 3.29 | |
| 0.28 | 1.07 | 0.79 | 0.41 | 2.52 Diluted | 0.59 | 0.67 | 1.15 | 0.87 | 3.28 | |
| Number of shares (in millions) | ||||||||||
| 234.3 | 215.7 | 204.3 | 198.5 | 213.1 Weighted average number of shares¹ | 194.0 | 190.7 | 190.6 | 190.5 | 191.4 | |
| 223.9 | 208.7 | 200.2 | 196.4 | 196.4 Number of shares at end of quarter1 | 191.4 | 190.6 | 190.6 | 189.9 | 189.9 | |
| Adjusted earnings from continuing operations (in € millions)2 | ||||||||||
| 105 | 295 | 226 | 159 | 785 Profit before tax from continuing operations | 181 | 187 | 317 | 234 | 919 | |
| 50 | (3) | 53 | 50 | 150 Identified items reported in operating income | 27 | 31 | 27 | 51 | 136 | |
| – | – | – | – | – Identified items reported in interest | – | – | – | (3) | (3) | |
| (39) | (73) | (68) | (57) | (237) Adjusted income tax | (59) | (60) | (87) | (63) | (269) | |
| (9) | (11) | (13) | (5) | (38) Non-controlling interests | (12) | (5) | (10) | (14) | (41) | |
| 107 | 208 | 198 | 147 | 660 Adjusted net income from continuing operations | 137 | 153 | 247 | 205 | 742 | |
| 0.46 | 0.96 | 0.97 | 0.74 | 3.10 Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations (in €) |
0.71 | 0.80 | 1.30 | 1.08 | 3.88 |
1 After share buyback
2 Alternative performance measures; please refer to reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS measures on pages 16 and 17.
Glossary
Adjusted earnings per share are the basic earnings per share from operations, excluding identified items and taxes thereon.
Adjusted EBITDA is operating income excluding depreciation, amortization and identified items.
Adjusted operating income is operating income excluding identified items.
Capital expenditures is the total of investments in property, plant and equipment and investments in intangible assets.
Comprehensive income is the change in equity during a period resulting from transactions and other events other than those changes resulting from transactions with shareholders in their capacity as shareholders.
Constant currencies calculations exclude the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.
EBITDA is operating income excluding depreciation and amortization.
EBITDA margin is EBITDA as percentage of revenue.
Emerging Europe: Central and Eastern Europe (excluding Austria), Baltic States and Turkey.
Identified items are special charges and benefits, results on acquisitions and divestments, major restructuring and impairment charges, and charges and benefits related to major legal, environmental and tax cases.
Invested capital is total assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, investments in associates, the receivable from pension funds in an asset position, assets held for sale) less current income tax payable, deferred tax liabilities and trade and other payables.
Leverage ratio is calculated as net debt divided by EBITDA, which is calculated as the total of the last 12 months.
Mature Europe: Western, Northern and Southern Europe, including Austria.
Mature markets comprise of Mature Europe, the US, Canada, Japan and Oceania.
Net debt is defined as long-term borrowings plus short-term borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.
Operating income is defined as income excluding net financing expenses, results from associates and joint ventures, income tax and profit from discontinued operations. Operating income includes the share of non-controlling interests. Operating income includes identified items to the extent these relate to lines included in operating Income.
Operating working capital (Trade) is defined as the sum of inventories, trade receivables and trade payables. When expressed as a ratio, operating working capital is measured against four times last quarter revenue.
OPI margin is operating income as percentage of revenue.
ROI is adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital.
ROI excluding unallocated cost is adjusted operating income of the last 12 months as percentage of average invested capital, for Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings; it excludes unallocated cost and invested capital
ROS is adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue.
ROS excluding unallocated cost is adjusted operating income as percentage of revenue for Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings; it excludes unallocated cost
SG&A costs includes selling and distribution expenses, general and administrative expenses and research, development and innovation expenses.
South America includes Central America.
Safe harbor statement
This report contains statements which address such key issues as AkzoNobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, products in the pipeline and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecast and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures, as well as significant market disruptions such as the impact of pandemics. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risk factors affecting our business, please see our latest annual report.
Brand and trademarks
In this report, reference is made to brands and trademarks owned by, or licensed to, AkzoNobel. Unauthorized use of these is strictly prohibited.
Akzo Nobel N.V.
Christiaan Neefestraat 2 P.O. Box 75730 1070 AS Amsterdam, the Netherlands T +31 88 969 7555 www.akzonobel.com
For more information: The explanatory sheets used during the press conference can be viewed on AkzoNobel's
corporate website www.akzonobel.com/quarterlyresults
AkzoNobel Global Communications T +31 88 969 7833 E [email protected]
AkzoNobel Investor Relations T +31 88 969 7856 E [email protected]
Financial calendar
| Publication annual report | March 10, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Report for the first quarter | April 21, 2021 |
| Annual General Meeting of shareholders | April 22, 2021 |
| Ex-dividend date of 2020 final dividend | April 26, 2021 |
| Record date of 2020 final dividend | April 27, 2021 |
| Payment of 2020 final dividend | May 6, 2021 |
We've been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there's a good chance you're only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It's what you'd expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.
For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com.
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