PITTSBURGH—PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) reported sales of $2.8 billion for first quarter 2009, a decline of 30 percent versus the prior year’s first quarter including a 6 percent decline resulting from a business divestiture in 2008. The company reported a loss of $111 million, which included a significant charge for business restructuring. Adjusted net income was $32 million. First quarter 2008 sales were $4 billion and reported net income was $100 million, and adjusted net income was $189 million.

Sales for PPG’s Optical and Specialty Materials segment, which includes Transitions Optical and PPG’s optical materials business, decreased $50 million, or 17 percent. Lower sales volumes and weaker foreign currency were the primary factors that reduced sales. Segment earnings declined $14 million due largely to the lower volumes. ■