Gabelli Funds will host its 17th Annual Specialty Chemicals Symposium on March 19, 2026, in Midtown Manhattan, featuring discussions with leading specialty chemicals companies on industry dynamics and trends. The event will include one-on-one meetings with management teams and webcast access for remote attendees.

The global industrial coatings market, valued at USD 117.13 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to USD 176.06 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 4.16%. Asia Pacific dominates with 40.19% market share. The market is driven by sustainability targets, technological innovation, and a shift from solvent-based to low-emission technologies including water-borne, powder, and UV-curable systems. Key trends include electric vehicle integration, smart coatings with self-healing properties, and circular chemistry adoption.

Sherwin-Williams announced a regular quarterly dividend of $0.80 per common share, payable on March 13, 2026, to shareholders of record on March 2, 2026. This marks the 47th consecutive year of dividend increases for the company.

Sherwin-Williams shares have underperformed the S&P 500 over the past year amid a challenging construction environment, but CEO Heidi Petz identified a 6% mortgage rate as a 'magic number' that could unlock pent-up housing demand. With the 30-year fixed mortgage rate approaching this threshold amid Federal Reserve rate cuts, the stock has already rallied 12% year-to-date. The company's strong fundamentals—including beating sales expectations for four consecutive quarters and raising its dividend for the 47th consecutive year—suggest the underperformance may be ending.

The global waterproofing chemicals market is projected to grow from USD 8.07 billion in 2025 to USD 15.77 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 6.93%, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and increased demand for durable buildings. The U.S. market specifically is expected to grow from USD 1.37 billion to USD 2.56 billion by 2035. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region with a 9.16% CAGR, while membranes and polymer-based waterproofing technologies dominate the market.

The global decorative concrete market is projected to grow from $24.06 billion in 2025 to $35.17 billion by 2031 at a 6.53% CAGR. Growth is driven by residential remodeling demand and urbanization, but high interest rates and reduced construction starts pose significant headwinds. Sustainability trends and 3D printing technology are reshaping the market.

Lakeridge Wealth Management sold 47,314 shares of the First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) worth approximately $5.92 million in Q4, reducing its position to 1.47% of assets. Despite the sale, FNX shares have risen 13.48% over the past year, though they lag the S&P 500 by 3.51 percentage points. The sale reflects portfolio discipline and suggests mid-cap factor exposure is a satellite position rather than a core conviction.

Blueshift Asset Management sold 105,980 shares of Bath & Body Works (BBWI), reducing its position from 1.37% to 0.34% of fund assets. The sale, valued at approximately $3.14 million, came after the stock plunged from a 52-week high of $41.87 to below $26 per share by Q3 2025, following disappointing earnings with declining net sales and net income.

The global paints and coatings market is projected to grow from $222.24 billion in 2025 to $348.04 billion by 2034, with a 5.11% CAGR. Asia Pacific dominates the market with a 47% share, driven by construction, automotive, and industrial activities, with increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable coatings.

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Sherwin-Williams reported Q3 earnings with revenue of $6.36 billion, beating analyst expectations, driven by strong paint and coatings sales despite soft market demand. The company maintained a positive outlook and narrowed its full-year guidance.