Akzo Nobel aims to grow ahead of industry; continue to reward shareholders

Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, MD, Akzo Nobel said although growth was impacted in the months of May and June, months of July and August have started well and with festive season in September and October, the overall expectation is good, adding that some green shoots are appearing.

It is our ambition to grow ahead of industry – the industry grew at 11-12-13 percent in year 2011-12 and 2013 but subsequently, coating industry saw growth down to 8-9 percent, said Krishnaswamy. However, in the coming 18-24 months the hope is the industry would get back to double-digit growth on back of government efforts.

The company has always rewarded its shareholders and would continue to do so, assured Krishnaswamy, adding that in the last 5 years, the company has given 3 special dividends.

Akzo Nobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and major producer of specialty chemicals.