PPG Provides July Sales Update and Increases Third Quarter 2020 Sales Estimates

PPG (the “Company”) announced that aggregate company net sales for July exceeded the company’s original estimate, reflecting a continuation of the solid demand recovery experienced in June. Due to the stronger sales performance in July, the company now expects third quarter 2020 sales volumes versus the third quarter 2019 to be down 6% to 11%, excluding foreign currency translation, compared to the previously expected year-over-year decrease of 8% to 15%.

In addition, the company now expects third quarter operating margin decrements to be between 10% to 15%, which is better than the approximate 25% experienced in the second quarter of 2020. The better margin decrements are due to strong operating margin leverage from higher than anticipated sales volumes coupled with continued strong cost management.

“Led by improving demand trends in our Chinese and European businesses across a variety of coatings end-use markets and in global industrial production, our July sales increased sequentially from the month of June and were down 7% compared to the prior year.” said Michael H. McGarry, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “Our diverse and global business portfolio is providing benefits from the demand recovery as it happens across different geographies and end-use markets. We remain focused on aggressively managing our costs, including executing the previously communicated restructuring programs, to support strong operating margin leverage as demand continues to improve.”

The company defines operating margins as segment income divided by net sales. The company will provide further details during its third quarter earnings update in October.

About PPG Industries

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.1 billion in 2019. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets.

Contact:

Mark Silvey – Director Corporate Communications – silvey@ppg.com – (412) 759-1735

Source: PPG Industries, Inc.