Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (AXTA) FY 2023 MD&A

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

This discussion and analysis deals with comparisons of material changes in the consolidated financial statements for 2023 and 2022. For the comparison of 2022 and 2021, see Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2023. During 2023, we replaced Adjusted EBIT with Adjusted EBITDA as the primary measure to evaluate financial performance of our operating segments and allocate resources. For more information, see Note 20 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Many statements made in the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business plan, strategies and capital structure. These statements often include words such as "anticipated," "expect," "believe," "intend," "estimates," "projections," "could," "should," "would," "may," "will," "future," "goals," "committing," "aim," "plans," "can," "predict," "assumptions," "future," "targets," "potential" and "forecasts" and the negative of these words or other comparable or similar terminology. We base these forward-looking statements or projections on our current expectations, plans and assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry, as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances and at such time. As you read and consider this Annual Report on Form 10-K, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. The forward-looking statements and projections are subject to and involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, geopolitical and technological factors outside of our control, as well as impacts from operational disruptions related to our ERP system implementation, that may cause our business, industry, strategy, financing activities or actual results to differ materially. More information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is available in this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" as well as "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents that we have filed with, or furnished to, the SEC, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or projections. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements and projections are based on reasonable assumptions at the time they are made, you should be aware that many factors, including, but not limited to, those described in "Risk Factors," could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and projections.

These forward-looking statements should not be construed by you to be exhaustive and are made only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

We intend to use our investor relations page at ir.axalta.com as a means of disclosing material information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner for purposes of the SEC’s Regulation Fair Disclosure (or Reg. FD). Investors should routinely monitor that site, in addition to our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts, as information posted on that page could be deemed to be material information.

OVERVIEW

We are a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high-performance coatings systems and products. We have over a 150-year heritage in the coatings industry and are known for manufacturing high-quality products with well-recognized brands supported by market-leading technology and customer service. Our diverse global footprint of 43 manufacturing facilities, four technology centers, 49 customer training centers and approximately 12,000 team members allows us to meet the needs of customers in over 140 countries. We serve our customer base through an extensive sales force and technical support organization, as well as through approximately 4,000 independent, locally based distributors.

We operate our business in two operating segments, Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings. Our segments are based on the type and concentration of customers served, service requirements, methods of distribution and major product lines.

Through our Performance Coatings segment, we provide high-quality sustainable liquid and powder coating solutions to both large regional and global customers and to a fragmented and local customer base. These customers comprise, among others, independent or multi-shop operator body shops as well as a wide variety of industrial manufacturers. We are one of only a few suppliers with the technology to provide precise color matching and highly durable coatings systems. The end-markets within this segment are refinish and industrial.

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Through our Mobility Coatings segment, we provide coatings technologies for light vehicle and commercial vehicle OEMs. These global customers are faced with evolving megatrends in electrification, sustainability, personalization and autonomous driving that require a high level of technical expertise. The OEMs require efficient, environmentally responsible coatings systems that can be applied with a high degree of precision, consistency and speed. The end-markets within this segment are light vehicle and commercial vehicle.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

General Business Highlights

Our net sales increased 6.1%, including a 0.5% benefit from foreign currency translation, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the year ended December 31, 2022. The increased net sales were driven by higher average selling price and product mix of 5.8%, and the absence of a $20.3 million reduction to net sales from the restructuring of a Performance Coatings commercial agreement in 2022, which is discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Customer Contract Restructuring") creating a 0.4% benefit, partially offset by lower volumes of 0.6%. The following trends have impacted our segment net sales performance:

•Performance Coatings: Net sales increased 2.4% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the year ended December 31, 2022. The increased net sales were driven by higher average selling price and product mix of 7.0% and the absence of the Customer Contract Restructuring, which created a 0.6% benefit, partially offset by lower sales volumes of 5.8%.

•Mobility Coatings: Net sales increased 14.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the year ended December 31, 2022. The increased net sales were driven by higher sales volumes of 10.6% and higher average selling price and product mix of 2.9%.

Our business serves four end-markets globally with net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 as follows:

Capital and Liquidity Highlights

During August 2023, we entered into the Thirteenth Amendment to the Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) to lower the interest rate spread applicable to the 2029 Dollar Term Loans (as defined in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) from 3.00% to 2.50% when bearing interest at a rate based on the Secured Overnight Finance Rate ("SOFR"). The other material terms of the Credit Agreement, including the outstanding principal amount and maturity date of the 2029 Dollar Term Loans, remained unchanged.

During November 2023, we issued Senior Notes due in 2031 ("2031 Dollar Senior Notes") in an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million. The net proceeds from the 2031 Dollar Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the €450.0 million aggregate principal amount, with USD equivalent of $489.4 million, of 3.750% Euro Senior Notes due 2025 ("Redeemed Notes") and pay related transaction costs and expenses.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we voluntarily prepaid $200.0 million of the outstanding principal amount of the 2029 Dollar Term Loans. See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 1.8 million shares of our common stock for total consideration of $50.0 million as we continued to execute against our previously-approved share repurchase program.

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ERP system implementation

We are in the midst of a multi-year project to upgrade our ERP system through a phased implementation approach. The gradual implementation is expected to occur in phases over the next several years. During the second quarter of 2023, we completed the migration to the upgraded ERP system in North America, with further implementations in other geographic regions expected to occur in phases over the next several years.

During the three months ended June 30, 2023, we experienced temporary operational disruptions in North America from our multi-year ERP system implementation. Warehouse management and slower shipping activities resulted in a negative impact to net sales during the three months ended June 30, 2023 in North America, most notably in our Performance Coatings segment. We believe the delays were temporary and were substantially resolved as of June 30, 2023.

Raw material costs

During the year ended December 31, 2023, our results reflect deflationary benefits in raw material pricing compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. We expect the trend of raw material deflation to moderate in 2024.

Russia conflict with Ukraine

Russia's conflict with Ukraine and the sanctions and other measures imposed by various governments in response to this conflict have increased the level of economic and political uncertainty globally. While we ceased commercial operations in Russia during 2023 and our operations in Russia and Ukraine constituted less than 1% of our net sales during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, a significant escalation or expansion of economic disruption, countries subject to sanctions or the conflict's scope could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. We are actively monitoring the broader economic impact on commodities and currency exchange rates from the current conflict, especially on the price and supply of raw materials. We recorded benefits of $1.5 million related to changes in estimates of reserves for accounts receivable and inventory during the year ended December 31, 2023. Net assets of our Russian subsidiaries at December 31, 2023 were approximately $5.3 million, with $4.9 million comprising cash and cash equivalents.

Leadership transitions

Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

On July 17, 2023, the Company appointed Carl Anderson as the Company’s new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Sean M. Lannon, the Company’s then-current Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the Company mutually agreed that Mr. Lannon would resign from such position. Mr. Anderson started on August 14, 2023, immediately prior to which Mr. Lannon ceased to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

On September 19, 2023, Brian A. Berube, the Company's then-current Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, informed the Board of his decision to retire from such positions, effective as of December 31, 2023. The Board appointed Alex Tablin-Wolf to succeed Mr. Berube as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective January 1, 2024.

FACTORS AFFECTING OUR OPERATING RESULTS

The following discussion sets forth certain components of our statements of operations as well as factors that impact those items.

Net sales

We generate revenue from the sale of our products and services across all major geographic areas. Our net sales include total sales less estimates for returns and price allowances. Price allowances include discounts for prompt payment as well as volume-based incentives. Our overall net sales are generally impacted by the following factors:

•fluctuations in overall economic activity within the geographic markets in which we operate;

•underlying growth (or lack thereof) in one or more of our end-markets, either worldwide or in particular geographies in which we operate;

•the type of products used within existing customer applications, or the development of new applications requiring products similar to ours;

•changes in product sales prices (including volume discounts and cash discounts for prompt payment);

•changes in the level of competition faced by our products, including price competition, quality competition and the launch of new products by competitors;

•our ability to successfully develop and launch new products and applications;

•changes in buying habits of our customers (including our distributors); and

•fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

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While the factors described above impact net sales in each of our operating segments, the impact of these factors on our operating segments can differ, as described below. For more information about risks relating to our business, see Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business."

Cost of goods sold ("cost of sales")

Our cost of sales consists principally of the following:

•Production materials costs. These include costs of the materials needed to manufacture products for distribution. These costs generally increase on an aggregate basis as production volumes increase, but materials prices are also influenced by changes in market dynamics. A significant amount of the materials used in production are purchased on a global lowest-cost basis.

•Employee costs. These include the compensation and benefit costs, including share-based compensation expense, for employees involved in our manufacturing operations and on-site technical support services. These costs generally increase on an aggregate basis as production volumes increase and may decline as a percent of net sales as a result of economies of scale associated with higher production volumes.

•Depreciation expense. Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

•Other. Our remaining cost of sales consists of freight costs, warehousing expenses, purchasing costs, costs associated with closing or idling of production facilities, functional costs supporting manufacturing, cost of poor quality, including product claims, and other general manufacturing expenses, such as expenses for utilities and energy consumption.

The main factors that influence our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales include:

•changes in the price of raw materials;

•changes in the costs of labor, logistics and energy;

•production volumes;

•the implementation of cost control measures aimed at improving productivity, including reduction of fixed production costs, refinements in inventory management and the coordination of purchasing within each subsidiary and at the business level;

•changes in sales volumes, average selling prices and product mix;

•inventory obsolescence, quality and yield loss from manufacturing; and

•fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A")

Our SG&A expense consists of all expenditures incurred in connection with the sales and marketing of our products, as well as technical support for our customers and administrative overhead costs, including:

•compensation and benefit costs for management, sales personnel and administrative staff, including share-based compensation expense. Expenses relating to our sales personnel increase or decrease principally with changes in sales volume due to the need to increase or decrease sales personnel to meet changes in demand. Expenses relating to administrative personnel generally do not increase or decrease directly with changes in sales volume; and

•depreciation, advertising and other selling expenses, such as expenses incurred in connection with travel and communications.

Changes in SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales have historically been impacted by a number of factors, including:

•changes in the costs of labor, including inflationary pressures;

•changes in sales volume, as higher volumes enable us to spread the fixed portion of our administrative expense over higher sales;

•changes in our customer base, as new customers may require different levels of sales and marketing attention;

•new product launches in existing and new markets, as these launches typically involve a more intense sales activity and technical support before they are integrated into customer applications;

•customer credit issues requiring increases to the allowance for doubtful accounts; and

•fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

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Other operating charges

Our other operating charges include termination benefits and other employee-related costs, strategic review and retention costs, acquisition and divestiture-related costs, impairment charges, an operational matter, which is discussed further in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and gains of sales of facilities, details of which are included in our reconciliations of segment operating performance to income before income taxes.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses represent costs incurred to develop new products, services, processes and technologies or to generate significant improvements to existing products, services or processes.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net consists primarily of interest expense on institutional borrowings and other financing obligations and changes in fair value of interest rate derivative instruments, net of capitalized interest expense. Interest expense, net also includes the amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts associated with our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Senior Notes and other indebtedness.

Other expense (income), net

Other expense (income), net represents costs incurred on various non-operational items including costs incurred in conjunction with our debt refinancing and extinguishment transactions, interest income, as well as foreign exchange gains and losses and non-operational impairment losses unrelated to our core business.

Provision for income taxes

We and our subsidiaries are subject to income tax in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. While the extent of our future tax liability is uncertain, changes to the debt and equity capitalization of our subsidiaries, the realignment of the functions performed, and risks assumed by the various subsidiaries are among the factors that will determine the future book and taxable income of the Company and its subsidiaries.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the accompanying financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our historical results of operations summarized and analyzed below may not necessarily reflect what will occur in the future.

Net sales

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Cost of sales

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Selling, general and administrative expenses

Other operating charges

Research and development expenses

Amortization of acquired intangibles

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Interest expense, net

Other expense, net

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Provision for income taxes

(1)     Primarily related to earnings in Bermuda, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

(2)     In 2022, the Company recorded a tax expense of $23.0 million in the Netherlands, which was fully offset by a tax benefit of $23.0 million for an increase to the valuation allowance.

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SEGMENT RESULTS

The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in two operating segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company replaced Adjusted EBIT with Adjusted EBITDA as the primary measure to evaluate financial performance of the operating segments and allocate resources. See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Performance Coatings Segment

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Mobility Coatings Segment

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, net cash provided by operating activities and available borrowing capacity under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

At December 31, 2023, availability under the Revolving Credit Facility was $527.7 million, net of $22.3 million of letters of credit outstanding. All such availability may be utilized without violating any covenants under the Credit Agreement or the indentures governing the Senior Notes. At December 31, 2023, we had $3.8 million of outstanding borrowings under other lines of credit. Our remaining available borrowing capacity under other lines of credit in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions totaled $55.4 million.

We, or our affiliates, at any time and from time to time, may purchase shares of our common stock or the Senior Notes, and may prepay our 2029 Dollar Term Loans or other indebtedness. Any such purchases of our common stock or Senior Notes may be made through the open market or privately negotiated transactions with third parties or pursuant to one or more redemption, tender or exchange offers or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices, as well as with such consideration, as we, or any of our affiliates, may determine.

We have various supplier finance programs in place around the world. We partner with large banking institutions and utilize these programs to enhance our liquidity profile. Depending on the program, the liabilities under the program are classified either as accounts payable or current portion of borrowings on our consolidated balance sheets. Our supplier financing facility in China is more fully described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Cash Flows

Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

Year Ended December 31, 2023

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $575.3 million. Net income before deducting depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items generated cash of $628.8 million. This was partially offset by net uses of working capital of $53.5 million, for which the most significant drivers were increases in accounts and notes receivable and prepaid expenses and other assets of $119.0 million and $70.7 million, respectively, driven primarily by increased price-mix, the timing of collections and payments of Business Incentive Plan assets (“BIPs”). These outflows were partially offset by decreases in inventories of $103.1 million as a result of management of inventory levels and increases in other accrued liabilities of $29.3 million.

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $205.7 million. The primary uses were for purchases of property, plant and equipment of $137.9 million and for business acquisitions of $106.3 million discussed further in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, partially offset by proceeds of $39.0 million from settlements and interest proceeds from swaps designated as net investment hedges, which are discussed further in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Net Cash Used for Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $315.0 million. The primary uses were voluntary prepayments of $200.0 million of the outstanding principal amount of the 2029 Dollar Term Loans, contractual repayments of $56.7 million on borrowings, which includes $41.9 million for our China supplier financing program, purchases of our common stock totaling $50.0 million, payments of $16.6 million for fees associated with refinancing our 2024 Dollar Term Loans, repricing our 2029 Dollar Term Loans and the issuance of the 2031 Dollar Senior Notes and payments totaling $7.7 million for deferred acquisition-related consideration. Partially offsetting the outflows were proceeds of $8.8 million from a short-term borrowing and $7.5 million net cash received primarily from stock option exercises. Our China supplier financing program and our 2024 Dollar Term Loan refinancing are discussed further in Note 17 and Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Impacts on Cash

Currency exchange impacts on cash for the year ended December 31, 2023 were unfavorable by $6.4 million, which was driven primarily by the fluctuations of the Euro, Argentinian Peso and Turkish Lira, partially offset by the Mexican Peso and British Pound compared to the U.S. Dollar.

Year Ended December 31, 2022

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $293.8 million. Net income before deducting depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items generated cash of $565.2 million. This was offset by net uses of working capital of $271.4 million, for which the most significant drivers were increases in inventories, accounts and notes receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets of $195.4 million, $171.0 million and $80.5 million, respectively. These outflows were primarily driven by increased sales volumes and price-mix, increased inventory on hand caused by supply chain disruptions combined with inflation of raw material, freight, logistics and energy costs and payments of BIPS. The outflows were partially offset by increases in accounts payable of $138.0 million primarily due to raw material cost inflation, as well as elevated freight, logistics and energy costs.

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $106.4 million. The primary use was for purchases of property, plant and equipment of $150.9 million, partially offset by proceeds of $44.9 million from settlements and interest from swaps designated as net investment hedges, which are discussed further in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Net Cash Used for Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $368.9 million. The primary uses were for the purchase of common stock totaling $200.1 million, payments, net of refinancing proceeds, of $153.0 million on borrowings, which includes $64.6 million for our China supplier financing program, and outflows of $15.1 million for fees associated with refinancing our 2024 Dollar Term Loans. Our China supplier financing program and our 2024 Dollar Term Loan refinancing are discussed further in Note 17 and Note 18, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Impacts on Cash

Currency exchange impacts on cash for the year ended December 31, 2022 were unfavorable by $14.8 million, which was driven primarily by weakening in the British Pound, Argentine Peso and Chinese Yuan compared to the U.S. Dollar partially offset by the strengthening of the Mexican Peso.

Financial Condition

We had cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023 and 2022 of $699.8 million and $645.2 million, respectively. Of these balances, $462.4 million and $433.6 million were maintained in non-U.S. jurisdictions as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, with $4.9 million and $12.9 million, respectively, within Russia. We believe at this time our organizational structure allows us the necessary flexibility to move funds throughout our subsidiaries to meet our operational working capital needs.

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Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations and future borrowings may not be available under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, or to fund our other liquidity needs, including planned capital expenditures. In such circumstances, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets, selling additional equity or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and alliances. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flow from operations and available borrowing capacity under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Based on our forecasts, we believe that cash flow from operations, available cash on hand and available borrowing capacity under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities and existing lines of credit will be adequate to service debt, fund our cost saving initiatives, meet liquidity needs and fund necessary capital expenditures for the next twelve months.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal or interest on, or to refinance, our indebtedness or to fund working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other current obligations will depend on our ability to generate cash from operations. Such cash generation is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control, including the effects of Russia's conflict with Ukraine.

If required, our ability to raise additional financing and our borrowing costs may be impacted by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, which are based, in significant part, on our performance as measured by certain credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. Our highly leveraged nature may limit our ability to procure additional financing in the future and elevated interest rates, as experienced during 2022 and 2023, may increase our interest expense and weaken our financial condition.

The following table details our borrowings outstanding at the dates indicated:

Our indebtedness, including the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Senior Notes and short-term borrowings, is more fully described in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We believe that we continue to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet our requirements, including our leverage and associated interest payments as well as our working capital needs. Availability under the Revolving Credit Facility was $527.7 million and $529.3 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, all of which may be borrowed by us without violating any covenants under the credit agreement governing such facility or the indentures governing the Senior Notes.

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The following table details our borrowings outstanding, average effective interest rates and the associated interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Interest expense is inclusive of the amortization of debt issuance costs, debt discounts and the impact of derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

After giving effect to our cross-currency and interest rate hedges, our borrowings denominated in U.S. Dollars as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $2,532.1 million and $2,434.0 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of 6.5% and 5.4%, respectively. After giving effect to our cross-currency and interest rate hedges, borrowings denominated in Euros as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $1,015.5 million and $1,319.6 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of 4.3% and 2.5%, respectively.

Contractual Obligations

See Note 6 and Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for disclosure of our material contractual obligations.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for disclosure of our guarantees of certain customers' obligations to third parties.

Recent Accounting Guidance

See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a summary of recent accounting guidance.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition are based upon our consolidated financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP unless otherwise noted. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experiences and assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and re-evaluate them on an ongoing basis. Actual results could differ from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our significant accounting policies, which may be affected by our estimates and assumptions, are more fully described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its most significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements.

Accounting for Business Combinations

Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations requires management's judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, royalty rates, customer attrition rates, technology migration rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items.

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The fair values of intangible assets are estimated using an income approach, either the excess earnings method (customer relationships) or the relief from royalty method (technology and trademarks). Under the excess earnings method, an intangible asset's fair value is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. With respect to customer relationships, fair values are calculated using the excess earnings method and customer attrition is a key input used to determine the applicable after-tax cash flows. Under the relief from royalty method, fair value is measured by estimating future revenue associated with the intangible asset over its useful life and applying a royalty rate to the revenue estimate. These intangible assets enable us to secure markets for our products, develop new products to meet evolving business needs and competitively produce our existing products.

The fair values of real properties acquired are based on the consideration of their highest and best use in the market. The fair values of property, plant and equipment, other than real properties, are based on the consideration that unless otherwise identified, they will continue to be used "as is" and as part of the ongoing business. In contemplation of the in-use premise and the nature of the assets, the fair value is developed primarily using a cost approach.

The fair value of noncontrolling interests, when applicable, are estimated by applying an income approach and is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market. Key assumptions in the valuation of noncontrolling interest include a discount rate, a terminal value based on a range of long-term sustainable growth rates and adjustments because of the lack of control that market participants would consider when measuring the fair value of the noncontrolling interests.

The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is estimated by using a probability-weighted expected payment method that considers the timing of expected future cash flows and the probability of whether key elements of the contingent event are completed. The fair value measurements are based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market. Key assumptions in the valuation of contingent consideration liabilities include discount rates, expected terms, volatility rates and operating results as applicable based on the targets identified in the respective acquisition agreements.

See Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Asset Impairments

Factors that could result in future impairment charges or changes in useful lives, among others, include changes in worldwide economic conditions, changes in technology, changes in competitive conditions and customer preferences, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These risk factors are discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets

The Company tests indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment annually by either performing a qualitative evaluation or a quantitative test. The qualitative evaluation is an assessment of factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Fair values used under the quantitative impairment assessment are estimated using a combination of discounted projected future earnings or cash flow methods that are based on projections of the amounts and timing of future revenue and cash flows, and multiples of earnings in estimating fair value. In conjunction with our impairment assessments of indefinite-lived intangible assets, we also review the reasonableness of the indefinite useful lives associated with these assets, in which we evaluate whether indicators exist that future cash flows associated with these assets could be realized over a finite period.

In 2023, we performed a qualitative evaluation for impairment over our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair values are less than the respective carrying amounts.

The inputs utilized in a quantitative analysis are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets is subjective because it requires the use of estimates and assumptions as to our future cash flows, discount rates commensurate with the risks involved in the assets, future economic and market conditions, as well as other key assumptions. Based on the results of our 2023 qualitative evaluation, we do not believe the meaningful estimates and assumptions supporting the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets balances have changed materially from our most recent quantitative evaluation in 2022, which rendered fair values substantially in excess of carrying values for all reporting units. We believe that the amounts recorded in the financial statements related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are based on the best estimates and judgments of the appropriate Axalta management, although actual outcomes could differ from our estimates.

See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

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Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, which includes property, plant and equipment, and definite-lived intangible assets, such as technology, trademarks, customer relationships and non-compete agreements, are continually assessed for impairment at the asset group level whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset group may not be recoverable. Such impairment assessments involve comparing the carrying amount of the asset group, as defined within ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, to the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows generated by that asset group (i.e., a recoverability test). In the event the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows generated by that asset group and the carrying amount is not considered recoverable, an impairment exists. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the asset group's carrying amount over its fair value.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation expense related to service-based, non-qualified stock options is equivalent to the grant-date fair value of the awards determined under the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is recognized as compensation expense over the service period utilizing the graded vesting attribution method.

Compensation expense related to restricted stock units is equal to the grant-date fair value of the awards determined by the closing share price on the date of the grant. The related expense is recognized as compensation expense over the service period utilizing the graded vesting attribution method.

Compensation expense related to performance share units, which are determined to have a market condition, is determined at the grant-date of the awards using a valuation methodology (Monte Carlo simulation model) to account for the market conditions linked to these awards and is recognized over the service period utilizing the graded vesting attribution method.

Compensation expense related to performance share units, which are determined to have a performance condition, is determined by the closing share price on the date of the grant and is recognized over the service period utilizing the graded vesting attribution method. The expense is adjusted for shares expected to vest based on performance conditions at each reporting date.

We recognize compensation expense net of forfeitures, which we have elected to record at the time of occurrence. Awards that are modified are evaluated for the type of modification and, if necessary, the fair value is adjusted and expense is recorded over any remaining service period.

See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further detail on stock-based compensation.

Retirement Benefits

The amounts recognized in the audited financial statements related to pension benefits are determined from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are assumptions including expected return on plan assets, discount rates at which liabilities could have been settled, rate of increase in future compensations levels, and mortality rates. These assumptions are updated annually and are disclosed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, actual results that differed from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and therefore affect expense recognized in future periods.

The estimated impact of either a 100 basis point increase or decrease of the discount rate to the net periodic benefit cost for 2024 would result in a decrease of approximately $0.3 million or an increase of approximately $0.5 million, respectively. The estimated impact of a 100 basis point increase or decrease of the expected return on assets assumption on the net periodic benefit cost for 2024 would result in a decrease or increase of approximately $1.9 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

As dictated by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, the fair market value recognized in the audited financial statements related to derivative instruments is determined by using valuation models whose inputs are derived using market observable inputs, including interest rate yield curves, as well as foreign exchange and commodity spot and forward rates, and reflects the asset or liability position as of the end of each reporting period.

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Income taxes

The provision for income taxes was determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the period. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax basis of our assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applicable in the years in which they are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax law is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We evaluate the recoverability of deferred tax assets on a jurisdictional basis by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including the reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted core business earnings and available tax planning strategies. Our recorded deferred tax asset balance as of December 31, 2023 is $8.2 million, which is net of valuation allowances of $233.5 million. The Company records a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In instances where we are in a three-year cumulative loss, we assess all positive and negative factors, including any potential aberrational items that may be included within our taxable results. The aberrational items that have impacted our results include debt extinguishment, refinancing and certain global restructuring costs. We believe, and have assumed, these types of losses are not indicative of our core earnings for purposes of assessing the appropriateness of a valuation allowance. Assumptions around sources of taxable income inherently rely heavily on estimates. We use our historical experience and our short and long-range business forecasts to provide insight. While the Company believes that its judgments and estimations regarding deferred tax assets are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience may require the Company to adjust its valuation allowance and could materially affect the Company's future financial results.

We provide for income and foreign withholding taxes, where applicable, on unremitted earnings of all subsidiaries and related companies to the extent that such earnings are not deemed to be permanently invested and cannot be repatriated in a tax-free manner. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, deferred income taxes of approximately $12.9 million and $10.8 million, respectively, have been provided on such subsidiary earnings. At December 31, 2023, and 2022, we have not recorded a deferred tax liability related to withholding taxes of approximately $38.1 million and $177.5 million, respectively, on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries that are permanently invested.

The breadth of our operations and the global complexity of tax regulations require us to make assessments in estimating taxes we will ultimately pay factoring in various uncertainties. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions, outcomes of tax litigation and resolution of disputes arising from federal, state and international tax audits in the normal course of business. Interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in the provision for income taxes. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for both domestic and foreign operations of $95.6 million and $98.2 million, respectively.

See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further detail on our accounting for income taxes.

Sales deductions

In our refinish end-market, our product sales are typically supplied through a network of distributors. Control transfers and revenue is recognized when our products are delivered to our distribution customers. Variable consideration in the form of price, less discounts and rebates, are estimated and recorded, as a reduction to net sales, upon the sale of our products based on our ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amounts expected to be received. The estimates of variable consideration involve significant assumptions based on the best estimates of inventory held by distributors, applicable pricing, as well as the use of historical actuals for sales, discounts and rebates, which may result in changes to estimates in the future.

The timing of payments associated with the above arrangements may differ from the timing associated with the satisfaction of our performance obligations. The period between the satisfaction of the performance obligation and the receipt of payment is dependent on terms and conditions specific to the customers. For transactions in which we expect, at contract inception, the period between the transfer of our products or services to our customer and when the customer pays for that good or service to be greater than one year, we adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of any significant financing components that materially changes the amount of revenue under the contract.

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further detail on our revenue.

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Contingencies

Contingencies, by their nature, relate to uncertainties that require management to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred as well as in estimating the amount of potential loss. The most important contingencies impacting our financial statements are those related to environmental remediation, an operational matter, pending or threatened litigation against the Company and the resolution of matters related to open tax years. Insurance recoveries are recorded when probable to the extent they cover incurred or probable liabilities, while recoveries in excess of incurred or probable liabilities are recorded when collection is realizable.

Costs related to the operational matter described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of probable liabilities for the operational matter require assumptions pertaining to costs incurred by our customers to repair the impacted products. Assumptions include the ultimate number of impacted products that are repaired, re-use of damaged materials, labor rates and efficiency of individuals performing the repairs. A 10% decrease in the total number of products repaired would result in an approximately $2.5 million reduction in the estimated liability.

Environmental remediation costs are accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of environmental reserves require evaluating the nature and extent of contamination, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies, available technology, site-specific information, remediation alternatives and, at multi-party sites, other PRPs and the number and financial viability of the other PRPs. We accrue an amount equal to our best estimate of the costs to remediate based upon the available information. The extent of environmental impacts may not be fully known, and the processes and costs of remediation may change as new information is obtained or technology for remediation improves. Adjustments to our estimates are made periodically as additional information is received and as remediation progresses. We do not believe that the amounts historically accrued for environmental remediation costs are material to our financial statements.

We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and potential claims arising out of our business operations. We routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse outcomes in these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known matter. We have an active risk management program consisting of numerous insurance policies secured from many carriers. These policies often provide coverage that is intended to minimize the financial impact, if any, of the legal proceedings. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter.

For more information on these matters, see Note 5 and Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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