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PPG Industries (PPG) Launches Touchmix XI Color Tool

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PPG Industries (PPG - Free Report) recently launched the Touchmix XI computer. This advanced computer is the first of three advanced tools that will make up PPG Industries’ new branded Color Solutions product line – XI. The robust Windows OS computer is a PPG Industries exclusive product that has been designed to provide easy navigation of the PaintManager software program. Additionally, it helps to reduce mixing room complexity and enable technicians to work more efficiently.

Touchmix XI computers provide plug-and-play functionality, easy-to-clean 15-inch glass color touchscreen and have a paint-resistant finish. Additionally, these computers provide a variety of networking options to match collision center operations, USB data backup, Wi-Fi capability, and Ethernet and HDMI compatibility to enhance versatility.

Touchmix XI is a significant technological leap in color solutions product line, offering host of benefits like improved system reliability, reduced support costs and minimal maintenance. This product is expected to keep PPG Industries at the forefront of color solutions and is currently available in the U.S. and Canada only.

PPG Industries shares have outperformed the Zacks categorized Chemicals-Diversified industry in the past three months. The company’s shares have rallied around 9% over this period compared with roughly 6.2% gain recorded by the industry.



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. The company returned nearly $1.5 billion to its shareholders in the form of dividend and share repurchases in 2016. The company also raised its quarterly dividend by 11% in 2016. PPG Industries anticipates deploying $2.5–$3.5 billion cash in acquisitions and share repurchases for 2017 and 2018 combined.

PPG Industries, however, is exposed to unfavorable currency exchange translation, especially in the emerging markets. The company also continues to face macroeconomic challenges. It sees uneven growth in emerging economies in 2017. It is also exposed to volatility in raw materials and energy costs.

PPG Industries, Inc. Price and Consensus

 

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

PPG Industries currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked companies in the chemical space include Univar Inc. , Arkema S.A. (ARKAY - Free Report) and The Chemours Company (CC - Free Report) .

Univar has expected long-term growth of 9.4% and sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Arkema has expected long-term growth of 12.3% and flaunts a Zacks Rank #1

Chemours has expected long-term growth of 15.5% and carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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