PPG Industries PPG has announced the addition of the all-new RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer to its innovative Color Solutions XI product line. The latest spectrophotometer is the second of three sophisticated tools in the PPG Color Solutions XI lineup that includes the state-of-the-art TouchMix XI computer and the PaintManager XI software program. The new product line is known for reducing mixing-room complexity and boost efficiency and productivity.
With a combination of 11 color angles and five texture angles for a total of 16 geometries powered with six blue-enhanced LEDs (light-emitting diodes), the RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer is touted to be the most advanced technology in the industry. The five texture digital color images provide real-time paint surface viewing for technicians.
The RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer reads the actual vehicle color at critical angles owing to its cutting-edge optics and multi-angle color measurement. Post which, the spectrophotometer teams with PPG’s extensive color database of prime, variant and special field formulas to help find the best blendable match. This in turn, provides technicians with all the necessary information to make the right choice when reaching a color decision.
PPG Industries’ shares rallied around 10.4% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks categorized Chemicals-Diversified industry’s 5.2% gain.
The company has a diversified business, both in terms of products offered and geographical presence. The company’s strong presence in emerging regions has enabled it to deliver growth to shareholders by tapping opportunities there. PPG Industries is also taking initiatives to expand its business through acquisitions.
PPG Industries has announced certain restructuring measures to lower its cost structure globally. Special emphasis will be put on regions and end-use markets with the weakest business. The restructuring actions are expected to deliver $120–$130 million in annual savings, with $40–$50 million of savings expected to be realized in 2017.
The company also has an impressive record of returning cash to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. PPG Industries expects to deploy $2.5–$3.5 billion cash in acquisitions and share repurchases for 2017 and 2018 combined.
PPG Industries is however, exposed to unfavorable currency exchange translation. The company also continues to face macroeconomic challenges. It sees moderate growth in emerging economies in 2017. The company’s operating results are also exposed to the cost of raw materials and energy.