PPG Industries to Post Q1 Earnings: What's in the Cards for the Stock?

Core Viewpoint - PPG Industries is expected to report its first-quarter 2025 results on April 29, with mixed performance indicators suggesting potential challenges and benefits from restructuring and acquisitions [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - PPG Industries missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in two of the last four quarters, with an average negative earnings surprise of approximately 0.6% [2]. - The Earnings ESP for PPG is +1.35%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the first quarter set at $1.62 [6]. - PPG currently holds a Zacks Rank 3, indicating a neutral outlook [7]. Group 2: Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PPG's sales in the upcoming quarter is $3,655.9 million, reflecting a decline of about 15.2% year-over-year [7]. - Estimated net sales for the Industrial Coatings segment are projected at $1,556.8 million, indicating an 8.4% decline year-over-year [8]. - The Performance Coatings segment is expected to see net sales of $1,199.3 million, suggesting a 1.3% year-over-year increase, while the Global Architectural Coatings segment is estimated at $967.9 million, indicating a 0.2% rise [8]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - PPG is implementing aggressive cost-cutting and restructuring strategies, anticipating around $45 million in restructuring savings for the full year 2025 [9]. - A comprehensive cost reduction program is expected to yield pre-tax savings of $60 million in 2025, primarily targeting structural costs in Europe and other global operations [9]. - The company is also raising selling prices across its segments to counteract cost inflation and enhance profitability [10]. Group 4: Market Challenges - PPG faces challenges from weak global industrial production, particularly affecting demand in the Industrial Coatings unit [12]. - Lower automotive OEM build rates and reduced industrial production in the U.S. and Europe are anticipated to negatively impact volumes and sales [12][13]. - Weak consumer confidence in Europe is further contributing to decreased demand [12].