Key Insights
The North America powder coatings market, valued at $1.57 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.00% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing demand for durable and aesthetically pleasing coatings in diverse end-use industries like automotive, architecture and decorative, and industrial applications is a significant driver. Powder coatings offer superior corrosion resistance, scratch resistance, and a wide range of color and texture options, making them a preferred choice over liquid coatings. Secondly, stringent environmental regulations promoting eco-friendly coating solutions are further bolstering market growth. Powder coatings are known for their low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, aligning perfectly with sustainability goals. The automotive industry, particularly, is adopting powder coatings extensively for their durability and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing processes. Growth is also being witnessed in the architectural and decorative sectors, with the use of powder coatings in building facades and interior design elements gaining popularity due to their long-term performance and ease of application. While the market faces some restraints, such as the initial investment cost associated with powder coating equipment and the potential for surface imperfections if not applied correctly, these challenges are outweighed by the long-term benefits and increasing demand, leading to a positive outlook for the North American market.
The segmentation of the North American powder coatings market reveals a diverse landscape. Acrylic, epoxy, polyester, and polyurethane are the dominant resin types, with epoxy-polyester blends also gaining traction. The increasing demand for specialized properties in various applications is driving innovation in resin technology and diversification in the market. Among end-user industries, automotive and industrial segments represent major growth areas, contributing significantly to the overall market value. However, the architectural and decorative sector is also experiencing significant growth due to design trends favoring powder coatings for their versatility and high-performance characteristics. Key players in the market, including Sherwin-Williams, PPG Industries, Akzo Nobel, and BASF, are continually investing in research and development to enhance product offerings and expand their market share. This competitive landscape ensures the development of innovative products and further fuels market growth.

North America Powder Coatings Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the North America powder coatings market, offering invaluable insights for industry stakeholders. Covering the period 2019-2033, with a focus on 2025, this report meticulously examines market dynamics, key segments, leading players, and future growth opportunities. The study period encompasses historical data (2019-2024), the base year (2025), and a detailed forecast (2025-2033). Expect actionable intelligence on market size, CAGR, and key trends shaping this dynamic sector.
North America Powder Coatings Market Concentration & Dynamics
The North America powder coatings market exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape, with a handful of multinational corporations holding significant market share. The market share of the top five players is estimated at approximately XX%. However, the presence of several regional and specialized players contributes to healthy competition. Innovation plays a crucial role, with companies continuously developing new formulations to meet evolving demands for durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Regulatory frameworks, including environmental regulations concerning VOC emissions, significantly influence market dynamics. Substitute products, such as liquid coatings, pose a competitive threat, but the advantages of powder coatings in terms of efficiency and environmental friendliness continue to fuel market growth. End-user trends, particularly in the architectural and industrial sectors, significantly drive demand. The historical period (2019-2024) witnessed a moderate number of M&A activities (XX deals), primarily focused on expanding geographic reach and product portfolios.
North America Powder Coatings Market Industry Insights & Trends
The North America powder coatings market is experiencing robust growth, with the market size estimated at USD XX Million in 2025. The market is projected to register a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by factors such as increasing demand from the construction, automotive, and industrial sectors. Technological advancements, including the development of high-performance powder coatings with enhanced durability, corrosion resistance, and UV protection, are propelling growth. Evolving consumer preferences towards aesthetically pleasing and sustainable products further fuel the market expansion. The preference for eco-friendly coatings is also a major factor influencing market growth. Furthermore, increasing investments in infrastructure projects across North America contribute significantly to market demand.

Key Markets & Segments Leading North America Powder Coatings Market
The Industrial sector currently dominates the North America powder coatings market, followed by Architecture and Decorative applications. Within resin types, Polyester and Epoxy coatings hold the largest market share, driven by their superior performance characteristics and cost-effectiveness.
Key Drivers:
- Strong growth in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Increased demand for durable and aesthetically appealing coatings in various applications.
- Technological advancements leading to improved product performance.
Dominance Analysis:
The dominance of the Industrial segment is attributed to the high volume of coating requirements in manufacturing processes across diverse industrial applications. Similarly, the prevalence of Polyester and Epoxy resins is linked to their superior performance and cost-effectiveness compared to other resin types.
North America Powder Coatings Market Product Developments
Significant product innovations are transforming the powder coatings market. Advancements in resin chemistry are leading to the development of coatings with improved durability, weather resistance, and color retention. The introduction of new application technologies, such as electrostatic fluidized bed coating and powder injection molding, enhances efficiency and reduces waste. These innovations provide manufacturers with a competitive edge by offering enhanced product quality and cost-effectiveness.
Challenges in the North America Powder Coatings Market Market
The North America powder coatings market faces challenges such as increasing raw material costs, fluctuating energy prices, and stringent environmental regulations. Supply chain disruptions, particularly exacerbated during recent global events, also pose a significant obstacle. Intense competition among established players and the emergence of new entrants further complicate the market dynamics. These challenges collectively impact profitability and overall market growth, resulting in an estimated XX% reduction in market expansion during the period 2022-2023.
Forces Driving North America Powder Coatings Market Growth
Several factors drive growth in the North America powder coatings market. The increasing demand for durable and corrosion-resistant coatings in diverse sectors, such as infrastructure and automotive, is a key driver. Government initiatives promoting sustainable building practices and the adoption of environmentally friendly coatings further fuel market growth. Technological advancements, such as the development of high-performance and specialized powder coatings, are expanding application possibilities.
Long-Term Growth Catalysts in the North America Powder Coatings Market
Long-term growth in the North America powder coatings market will be driven by continuous innovation in resin technology, leading to the development of more sustainable and high-performance coatings. Strategic partnerships and collaborations between powder coating manufacturers and end-users will play a crucial role in market expansion. Furthermore, the penetration of powder coatings into new and emerging applications will unlock significant growth opportunities.
Emerging Opportunities in North America Powder Coatings Market
Emerging opportunities in the North America powder coatings market lie in the growing demand for specialized coatings with enhanced functionalities, such as antimicrobial and self-cleaning properties. The expanding use of powder coatings in renewable energy applications, such as wind turbines and solar panels, presents substantial growth potential. Furthermore, the increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions is creating new market segments for bio-based and recycled powder coatings.
Leading Players in the North America Powder Coatings Market Sector
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
- FERRO ARTE DE MEXICO
- Jotun
- RPM International Inc
- Evonik Industries AG
- PPG Industries Inc
- Nippon Paint Holdings Co Ltd
- BASF SE
- Akzo Nobel N V
- Asian Paints Limited
- Axalta Coating Systems LLC
- Kansai Paint Co Ltd
Key Milestones in North America Powder Coatings Market Industry
- August 2022: PPG Industries Inc. announced an investment of USD 11 Million to double the production capacity of its powder coatings plant in San Juan del Rio, Mexico. This expansion signifies the company's commitment to meeting growing demand in the region.
- May 2022: AkzoNobel Powder Coatings launched a range of ready-to-ship (RTS) powder coatings targeting the North American market. This initiative directly addresses the need for faster turnaround times in urgent coating projects.
Strategic Outlook for North America Powder Coatings Market Market
The North America powder coatings market holds significant future potential driven by continued growth across various end-user industries. Strategic opportunities lie in capitalizing on technological advancements, expanding into new market segments, and forming strategic partnerships to enhance market penetration. Focusing on sustainability and providing innovative, high-performance solutions will be crucial for success in this dynamic market.
North America Powder Coatings Market Segmentation
-
1. Resin Type
- 1.1. Acrylic
- 1.2. Epoxy
- 1.3. Polyester
- 1.4. Polyurethane
- 1.5. Epoxy-Polyester
- 1.6. Other Re
-
2. End-user Industry
- 2.1. Architecture and Decorative
- 2.2. Automotive
- 2.3. Industrial
- 2.4. Other En
-
3. Geography
- 3.1. United States
- 3.2. Canada
- 3.3. Mexico
North America Powder Coatings Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United States
- 2. Canada
- 3. Mexico

North America Powder Coatings Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 4.00% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. The Increasing Usage of Powder Coatings in Automotive Industry; The Favorable Government Initiatives Promoting the Use of Powder Coatings; Recycling Property of Powder Coatings
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Difficulty in Obtaining Thin Film of Powder Coating; Other Restraints
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Growing Demand from Automotive Segment
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. North America Powder Coatings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Resin Type
- 5.1.1. Acrylic
- 5.1.2. Epoxy
- 5.1.3. Polyester
- 5.1.4. Polyurethane
- 5.1.5. Epoxy-Polyester
- 5.1.6. Other Re
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 5.2.1. Architecture and Decorative
- 5.2.2. Automotive
- 5.2.3. Industrial
- 5.2.4. Other En
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.3.1. United States
- 5.3.2. Canada
- 5.3.3. Mexico
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. United States
- 5.4.2. Canada
- 5.4.3. Mexico
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Resin Type
- 6. United States North America Powder Coatings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Resin Type
- 6.1.1. Acrylic
- 6.1.2. Epoxy
- 6.1.3. Polyester
- 6.1.4. Polyurethane
- 6.1.5. Epoxy-Polyester
- 6.1.6. Other Re
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 6.2.1. Architecture and Decorative
- 6.2.2. Automotive
- 6.2.3. Industrial
- 6.2.4. Other En
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.3.1. United States
- 6.3.2. Canada
- 6.3.3. Mexico
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Resin Type
- 7. Canada North America Powder Coatings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Resin Type
- 7.1.1. Acrylic
- 7.1.2. Epoxy
- 7.1.3. Polyester
- 7.1.4. Polyurethane
- 7.1.5. Epoxy-Polyester
- 7.1.6. Other Re
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 7.2.1. Architecture and Decorative
- 7.2.2. Automotive
- 7.2.3. Industrial
- 7.2.4. Other En
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.3.1. United States
- 7.3.2. Canada
- 7.3.3. Mexico
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Resin Type
- 8. Mexico North America Powder Coatings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Resin Type
- 8.1.1. Acrylic
- 8.1.2. Epoxy
- 8.1.3. Polyester
- 8.1.4. Polyurethane
- 8.1.5. Epoxy-Polyester
- 8.1.6. Other Re
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 8.2.1. Architecture and Decorative
- 8.2.2. Automotive
- 8.2.3. Industrial
- 8.2.4. Other En
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.3.1. United States
- 8.3.2. Canada
- 8.3.3. Mexico
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Resin Type
- 9. United States North America Powder Coatings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Canada North America Powder Coatings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Mexico North America Powder Coatings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Rest of North America North America Powder Coatings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Competitive Analysis
- 13.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 13.2. Company Profiles
- 13.2.1 The Sherwin-Williams Company*List Not Exhaustive
- 13.2.1.1. Overview
- 13.2.1.2. Products
- 13.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.2 FERRO ARTE DE MEXICO
- 13.2.2.1. Overview
- 13.2.2.2. Products
- 13.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.3 Jotun
- 13.2.3.1. Overview
- 13.2.3.2. Products
- 13.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.4 RPM International Inc
- 13.2.4.1. Overview
- 13.2.4.2. Products
- 13.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.5 Evonik Industries AG
- 13.2.5.1. Overview
- 13.2.5.2. Products
- 13.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.6 PPG Industries Inc
- 13.2.6.1. Overview
- 13.2.6.2. Products
- 13.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.7 Nippon Paint Holdings Co Ltd
- 13.2.7.1. Overview
- 13.2.7.2. Products
- 13.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.8 BASF SE
- 13.2.8.1. Overview
- 13.2.8.2. Products
- 13.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.9 Akzo Nobel N V
- 13.2.9.1. Overview
- 13.2.9.2. Products
- 13.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.10 Asian Paints Limited
- 13.2.10.1. Overview
- 13.2.10.2. Products
- 13.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.11 Axalta Coating Systems LLC
- 13.2.11.1. Overview
- 13.2.11.2. Products
- 13.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.12 Kansai Paint Co Ltd
- 13.2.12.1. Overview
- 13.2.12.2. Products
- 13.2.12.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.12.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.12.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.1 The Sherwin-Williams Company*List Not Exhaustive
List of Figures
- Figure 1: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Powder Coatings Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Resin Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Resin Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: United States North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: United States North America Powder Coatings Market Volume (K Tons) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Canada North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Canada North America Powder Coatings Market Volume (K Tons) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Mexico North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Mexico North America Powder Coatings Market Volume (K Tons) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Rest of North America North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Rest of North America North America Powder Coatings Market Volume (K Tons) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Resin Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Resin Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Resin Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Resin Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Resin Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Resin Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: North America Powder Coatings Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: North America Powder Coatings Market Volume K Tons Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Powder Coatings Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 4.00%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Powder Coatings Market?
Key companies in the market include The Sherwin-Williams Company*List Not Exhaustive, FERRO ARTE DE MEXICO, Jotun, RPM International Inc, Evonik Industries AG, PPG Industries Inc, Nippon Paint Holdings Co Ltd, BASF SE, Akzo Nobel N V, Asian Paints Limited, Axalta Coating Systems LLC, Kansai Paint Co Ltd.
3. What are the main segments of the North America Powder Coatings Market?
The market segments include Resin Type, End-user Industry, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD 1.57 Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
The Increasing Usage of Powder Coatings in Automotive Industry; The Favorable Government Initiatives Promoting the Use of Powder Coatings; Recycling Property of Powder Coatings.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Growing Demand from Automotive Segment.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Difficulty in Obtaining Thin Film of Powder Coating; Other Restraints.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
August 2022: PPG Industries Inc. announced an investment of USD 11 million to double the production capacity of its powder coatings plant in San Juan del Rio, Mexico. The expansion project was expected to be completed by mid-2023 and was to allow the plant to meet the expected future demand for powder coatings in Mexico.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in K Tons.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Powder Coatings Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Powder Coatings Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Powder Coatings Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Powder Coatings Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence