Company Description
XPEL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XPEL) is a global provider of protective films and coatings serving the automotive aftermarket, new car dealerships and automobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company is incorporated in Nevada and focuses on products that help protect vehicle surfaces and other applications from damage and wear. According to company disclosures, the majority of its revenue comes from automotive products and related services, with additional revenue from non-automotive uses such as architectural window film and marine and flat surface protection films.
XPEL describes itself as a provider of automotive paint protection film, surface protection film, automotive and architectural window films, and ceramic coatings. These products are used to protect vehicle paint, glass and other surfaces, as well as windows in homes and offices. The company also highlights a global footprint, a network of trained installers and proprietary DAP software, which is used by authorized installers to achieve precision fitment of its film products.
Business model and revenue mix
Based on company statements, XPEL generates revenue from two main categories: product revenue and service revenue. Product revenue includes sales of automotive paint protection film, window films and other protective films. Service revenue includes activities such as installation and related services. Across recent financial periods, product revenue has represented a substantial portion of total revenue, with service revenue making up the remainder. The company also reports window film revenue and installation revenue as important components within its overall product and service mix.
While automotive applications are the primary driver of revenue, XPEL also reports sales of non-automotive products, including architectural window films and marine and flat surface protection films. According to company information, a significant portion of overall revenue is derived from the United States, with additional contributions from regions such as Canada, China, other parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Global operations and market reach
XPEL states that it has a global footprint supported by a network of trained installers. The company has reported revenue from North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, reflecting a geographically diversified customer base. In China, XPEL has described its brand as established in the automotive films market and has completed an acquisition of assets of its exclusive aftermarket distributor in that country. The company has indicated that this acquisition is expected to add meaningful revenue on a pro-forma basis and supports its direct go-to-market strategy in major car markets.
In addition to automotive applications, XPEL promotes its architectural and solar window films for residential and commercial buildings. The company has highlighted that its automotive, home and office window films are heat-rejecting and help protect against harmful UV rays. Its PRIME automotive window film is described as using advanced nano-ceramic technology to block over 99% of harmful UVA and UVB rays and to significantly reduce solar heat. XPEL has also stated that its window films have earned the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation.
Product portfolio and technology
XPEL’s product portfolio includes paint protection films (PPF), window films, surface protection films, ceramic coatings and windshield protection films. The company has introduced COLOR Paint Protection Film (PPF), which it describes as combining its clear paint protection performance with a palette of 16 colors, allowing vehicle owners to protect and personalize their cars. COLOR PPF is presented as a color-changing film that can be used for accent pieces or full-vehicle wraps and is installed by authorized XPEL dealers using the company’s proprietary DAP software.
The company’s communications emphasize features such as self-healing protective strength in its COLOR PPF and the use of nano-ceramic technology in PRIME automotive window film. XPEL also references its FUSION PLUS ceramic coating and windshield protection film as part of vehicle protection solutions. Installations are performed through a network of authorized installers, and XPEL notes that it provides expert technical support and training to these partners.
Corporate structure and financing
XPEL, Inc. is incorporated in Nevada and is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Commission File Number 001-38858. The company has entered into a Credit Agreement that provides for secured revolving loans and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $125 million. Borrowings under this agreement bear interest at rates linked to a Base Rate or Adjusted Term SOFR, with margins and commitment fees that depend on the company’s Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority perfected security interest in XPEL’s material property and assets, subject to permitted encumbrances.
The Credit Agreement includes financial covenants that require XPEL to maintain its Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio below a specified threshold and its Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio above a specified minimum. It also includes customary affirmative and negative covenants relating to legal existence, compliance with laws, financial reporting, tax payments, insurance and limitations on certain activities. The maturity of the Credit Agreement has been extended by amendment, and the company has disclosed that it uses EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, as one indicator of ongoing business performance.
Governance and legal framework
XPEL has amended its bylaws to establish forum selection provisions for certain legal actions. According to an 8-K filing, the company’s bylaws provide that the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada (or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, another state court in Nevada) is the exclusive forum for specified internal corporate claims, including actions brought in the name or right of the corporation, claims for breach of fiduciary duty by current or former directors, officers, employees or agents, and actions arising under Nevada corporate statutes or the company’s articles of incorporation or bylaws. The bylaws also provide that the federal district courts of the United States are the exclusive forum for claims arising under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and related rules and regulations.
Capital markets and shareholder matters
XPEL’s common stock is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “XPEL.” The company has announced a stock repurchase program authorizing repurchases of up to a specified dollar amount of its common stock, with repurchase activity dependent on factors such as stock price, business and market conditions, regulatory requirements and alternative investment and acquisition opportunities. XPEL has also reported on its use of non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA and has provided reconciliations to comparable GAAP measures in its financial disclosures.
Industry positioning
Within the broader manufacturing sector, XPEL is classified in the motor vehicle gasoline engine and engine parts manufacturing industry, but its own descriptions focus on protective films and coatings for automotive and architectural applications. The company’s communications emphasize its role in automotive paint protection film, surface protection film, automotive and architectural window films, ceramic coatings and related services. XPEL also highlights its network of trained installers, proprietary DAP software and global reach as key elements of its operating model.
FAQs about XPEL, Inc.
- What does XPEL, Inc. do?
XPEL, Inc. provides protective films and coatings, including automotive paint protection film, surface protection film, automotive and architectural window films, ceramic coatings and windshield protection film. The company serves the automotive aftermarket, new car dealerships, OEMs and non-automotive applications such as architectural and marine surfaces. - How does XPEL generate revenue?
According to its financial disclosures, XPEL generates revenue primarily from product sales, including automotive paint protection film and window films, and from service revenue, which includes installation and related services. Product revenue represents a substantial portion of total revenue, with service revenue making up the balance. - In which regions does XPEL operate?
XPEL reports revenue from the United States, Canada, China, other parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The company describes itself as having a global footprint supported by a network of trained installers. - What are XPEL’s key automotive products?
Company materials identify automotive paint protection film (including COLOR PPF and ULTIMATE PLUS PPF), PRIME automotive window film, surface protection film, windshield protection film and FUSION PLUS ceramic coating as important automotive-related offerings. - Does XPEL offer products for homes and offices?
Yes. XPEL offers automotive and architectural window films and has highlighted solar window film for home and office use. These films are described as heat-rejecting and designed to help protect against harmful UV rays while preserving visibility and natural light. - What is XPEL’s COLOR Paint Protection Film?
COLOR Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a product line that combines XPEL’s paint protection capabilities with a palette of 16 colors. It allows vehicle owners to protect and personalize their vehicles with a color-changing film that can be used for accent pieces or full-vehicle wraps, installed by authorized XPEL dealers using DAP software. - What role does DAP software play in XPEL’s business?
XPEL refers to its proprietary DAP software as a tool used by authorized installers to achieve precision fitment of its protective films. The software supports the installation process for products such as paint protection film and window film. - How is XPEL financed and what is its credit facility?
XPEL has a Credit Agreement that provides for secured revolving loans and letters of credit up to an aggregate commitment amount. Borrowings under this facility bear interest at rates based on a Base Rate or Adjusted Term SOFR, with margins and commitment fees tied to the company’s Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio. The facility is secured by a first priority security interest in the company’s material property and assets. - Where is XPEL incorporated and how is it regulated?
XPEL, Inc. is incorporated in Nevada and files reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Commission File Number 001-38858. Its bylaws include forum selection provisions for certain corporate and securities-related claims, designating Nevada state courts for internal corporate matters and U.S. federal district courts for claims under U.S. federal securities laws. - On which exchange does XPEL trade and what is its ticker symbol?
XPEL’s common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “XPEL.”