AkzoNobel reported 5% organic growth in Q2 core profit with EBITDA of 398 million euros, beating estimates as price increases offset higher raw-material costs. The company attributed the difference between reported and organic growth to its India divestment and asserted that its strategy is delivering value across market conditions. Pricing strength drove the organic rise, while revenue edged down modestly to about 2.59 billion euros and overall earnings metrics remained solid on an organic basis. The group reiterated that the Axalta merger is progressing, with a shareholder vote scheduled for August 5 and a closing window expected by late 2026 or early 2027. It guided for roughly 100 million euros of adjusted EBITDA improvement in 2026 in constant currencies and aims for an adjusted EBITDA margin above 16% with a mid-term ROI of 16% to 19%, targeting leverage around 2x by end-2026. In addition, AkzoNobel highlighted ongoing cost efficiency and progress on carbon-emissions reductions as it navigates geopolitical volatility and markets.