PPG Industries, Inc. - PPG STOCK NEWS

PPG has inducted five new members into its Collegium, recognizing leaders who made significant technological contributions to the company's growth and innovation. The inductees include: Sue Campbell for transforming analytical organization; Khushroo Lakdawala, an aerospace expert with 20 U.S. patents; Patrick O'Neill, co-inventor of lead-free electrocoat technology; Krishna Uprety with 27 patents and military collaborations; and Rob Walters with 56 U.S. patents in photochromic and electrochromic technologies.

PPG (NYSE:PPG) has announced key leadership changes in its industrial coatings division, effective January 1, 2025. Juliane Hefel, current vice president of specialty coatings and materials (SCM), will be promoted to senior vice president of industrial coatings while maintaining her SCM leadership. She will report to CEO Tim Knavish and join PPG's operating committee. Irene Tasi will transition to senior vice president and chief transformation officer, while Xiaobing Nie will expand her leadership responsibilities to include all of Asia Pacific industrial coatings operations.

PPG (NYSE:PPG) announced several leadership changes effective December 2024 and January 2025. Tom Maziarz, current VP of automotive refinish Americas, will become VP of traffic solutions. Rodolfo Ramirez, current VP of packaging coatings, will take Maziarz's position in automotive refinish. Denise Lu, current general manager of industrial coatings Asia Pacific, will become VP of packaging coatings. These appointments align with PPG's growth strategy across its various business segments, including automotive, packaging, and traffic solutions.

PPG announced the third year of its New Paint for a New Start initiative, part of the COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® program. The initiative transformed 27 schools worldwide in June, July, and August 2024, impacting more than 16,200 students and educators.

Over 1,600 PPG volunteers and community partners contributed 8,000 hours to these projects. PPG provided over $1 million in support, including educational supplies and nearly 6,200 gallons of paint. The aim was to create engaging spaces for learning and growth.

Examples include a library makeover in Ohio, a school transformation in Germany, and an eco-farm in China. The initiative underscores PPG's commitment to enhancing educational environments globally.

PPG (NYSE: PPG) has announced Brick Red as the GLIDDEN® paint Spray Paint Color of the Year 2025, complementing the brand's 2025 Color of the Year, Purple Basil. This rich, inviting red is part of Glidden's color trends story, reflecting nature's diversity and encouraging consumers to embrace bold colors.

Available in GLIDDEN MAX FLEX™ and GLIDDEN MASTER FINISH™ All Surface spray paints, Brick Red is ideal for DIY projects, allowing users to transform furniture and decor items. The color pairs well with Purple Basil, creating a harmonious, warm setting that aligns with the shift towards warmer, cozier shades in interior design.

Glidden's color experts note a trend of homeowners choosing colors for personal joy rather than resale value. The spray paints are formulated for easy application on various surfaces, drying within five minutes and suitable for both experienced and first-time DIYers.

PPG's Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of 68 cents per share, payable on Dec. 12 to shareholders of record Nov. 12. This marks 53 consecutive years of annual dividend increases and the company's 505th consecutive dividend payment. PPG has maintained uninterrupted annual dividends since 1899, showcasing its long-standing commitment to shareholder returns.

PPG (NYSE:PPG), headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a global leader in paints, coatings, and specialty materials. The company operates in over 70 countries and reported net sales of $18.2 billion in 2023. PPG serves customers in construction, consumer products, industrial, and transportation markets, as well as aftermarkets.

American Industrial Partners (AIP) has announced an agreement to acquire PPG's architectural coatings business in the U.S. and Canada. The transaction, expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025, involves a business that generated approximately $2 billion in revenue in 2023. The acquired company is a leading producer of paints, stains, and related products, with iconic brands including GLIDDEN®, PITTSBURGH PAINTS & STAINS®, and OLYMPIC®.

The company, headquartered in Cranberry, PA, employs over 6,000 people across the U.S. and Canada, including 750 company-owned stores. It will also serve as the exclusive distributor for PPG's Protective Marine and Coating business segment. AIP aims to leverage the company's growth momentum and industry knowledge to continue business transformation and expand into new markets.

PPG has announced a definitive agreement to sell its architectural coatings business in the U.S. and Canada to American Industrial Partners (AIP) for $550 million. The transaction is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025. Additionally, PPG revealed a comprehensive cost reduction program aimed at achieving annualized pre-tax savings of $175 million, including $60 million in 2025.

The program focuses on reducing structural costs primarily in Europe and other global businesses, along with corporate costs following recent business divestitures. It will impact about 1,800 positions, mainly in Europe and the U.S. PPG will record a pre-tax charge of $250 million in Q4 2024, with additional charges expected over the next few years.

The U.S. and Canada architectural coatings business represented approximately $2 billion of PPG's 2023 total net sales, with low-single-digit EBITDA margin. PPG's architectural coatings businesses in other regions remain core to the company's portfolio.

PPG reported record third quarter 2024 financial results with reported earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $2.00 and adjusted EPS of $2.13. Net sales were $4.6 billion, with organic sales flat versus the prior year. Segment margins improved 60 basis points year over year, marking eight consecutive quarters of margin expansion. The company repurchased approximately $200 million in shares during the quarter and $500 million year to date.

Performance Coatings segment saw a 1% increase in net sales to $2,921 million, with segment income up 13% to $513 million. Industrial Coatings segment experienced a 6% decrease in net sales to $1,654 million, with segment income down 19% to $199 million. PPG maintains its full-year 2024 guidance, expecting organic sales to be flat and adjusted EPS to be at the low end of the $8.15 to $8.30 range.