PPG reported net sales of $3.93 billion, a 7% increase year-over-year, and adjusted earnings of $1.83 per share in the strong first-quarter 2026. 

Growth was driven by higher selling prices, positive currency translation, and strong performance in aerospace and Latin American architectural coatings. 

Commenting on the quarter, Tim Knavish, Chairman and CEO, said: “In the first quarter, PPG delivered organic sales growth of 1%, demonstrating our ability to maintain growth momentum in a challenging environment. We delivered higher selling prices, with further selling price realization targeted to offset any inflationary impact more quickly than prior cycles. Adjusted EPS increased 6% driven by strong results in our differentiated aerospace and architectural coatings Latin America businesses, reflecting the benefits of our technology-advantaged products and strong brand recognition, along with excellent commercial execution. 

“Our Global Architectural Coatings segment achieved low single-digit percentage organic sales growth and EBITDA margin improvement of 230 basis points driven by strength in Latin America. In Europe, demand remains mixed whereas in Mexico, project-related sales are recovering and retail sales were especially strong. 

“Performance Coatings segment organic sales grew a low single-digit percentage benefitting from strong demand for aerospace and protective and marine coatings products. Aerospace industry growth is expected to remain robust, and our order backlog positions us well to deliver consistent above-industry growth in this key end market. 

“In our Industrial Coatings segment, we are delivering on previously communicated share gains in automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coatings and packaging coatings, which allowed us to grow above industry levels. However, margins in the first quarter were negatively impacted by regional mix as China automotive production dropped in comparison to a particularly high level in the first quarter of last year. Results for packaging coatings were outstanding as we increased both organic sales and EBITDA margin. 

“Looking ahead, we expect strong growth in aerospace, architectural coatings in Latin America, protective and marine coatings and packaging coatings. Automotive refinish coatings organic sales are anticipated to improve for PPG in the second half of the year related to the phasing of customer order patterns last year. We are also seeing early signs of demand improvement in the U.S. refinish market as insurance claims begin to normalize to historical levels. 

“In recent weeks, costs have risen for raw materials, energy, logistics and packaging across the coatings value chain. As a result, PPG has proactively announced price adjustments globally and across the portfolio. Given the scale of our differentiated portfolio, we are able to source raw materials globally, and compared to prior inflation cycles, we have an improved ability to offset inflation by increasing selling prices in step with raw material price increases. 

“In the second quarter, we expect both organic sales and adjusted earnings per share in the range of flat to growth of a low single-digit percentage. We are maintaining our full-year earnings per share guidance range of $7.70 to $8.10. This guidance reflects confidence in our growth momentum, including share gains and realization of pricing and execution of self-help actions, which will serve to mitigate the raw material inflation impact.” 

Outlook 

PPG reaffirmed its full-year 2026 earnings guidance, projecting adjusted EPS in the range of $7.70 to $8.10. The company anticipates continued organic sales growth and expects earnings growth to be weighted towards the second half of 2026. For the second quarter of 2026, PPG expects organic sales and adjusted earnings per share to increase in the range of flat to low single-digit percentage growth.