PITTSBURGH—PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) posted record sales for the second quarter of $4.5 billion, surpassing the prior year’s second quarter results by 42 percent. Second quarter reported net income was $250 million. Adjusted net income, excluding the operating results of the automotive glass and services (AG&S) business, which is pending sale, as well as unusual and one-time items, was $269 million, exceeding the prior year’s quarter by 12 percent. Reported net income for the second quarter 2007 was $249 million, and adjusted net income was $242 million.

PPG reported that Optical and Specialty Materials segment sales for the quarter increased $32 million, or 12 percent, as a result of improved volumes, particularly in the optical products business. Stronger foreign currencies and increased selling prices also added to the growth. Segment earnings were up $5 million due to higher sales volumes and stronger foreign currencies, despite the impact of inflation and higher advertising expenses related in part to growth initiatives to support Transitions Optical’s next-generation lens product.