Paint Maker Akzo Sees Price Hikes Offsetting Middle East Impact

Akzo Nobel relies on several raw materials, including petrochemicals, to make paints. 

Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Akzo Nobel NV still expects profitability to improve this year as higher prices for its products offset mounting raw-material costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Dutch paint maker on Wednesday broadly confirmed its annual guidance for slightly higher operating earningsBloomberg Terminal, saying that its pricing measures will compensate for expected inflation. The company previously announced mid-single digit to low-teens percentage price increases.