PPG Industries reported an increase in sales for the fourth quarter of 1997, with more earnings per share than in any previous fourth quarter, the company said. The increase was propelled by record sales for a final quarter in all three business segments including coatings, glass and chemical sectors, excluding effects of non-recurring gains and charges recorded in the last three months of the year. Sales and earnings per share for all of 1997 were also unprecedented, even including effects of the final quarter non-recurring items. Earnings were lower for 1997 than for 1996, in part because of effects of the net charges. Fourth quarter net income was US$159m (89 cents/share), on sales of US$1.8bn. Excluding gains and charges, net income was US$174m.
