PPG Launches STEELGUARD 652 Coating Offering Two-Hour Fire Protection

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PPG Industries has launched STEELGUARD 652, a water-based intumescent coating, in North America delivering up to two hours’ fire protection for structural steel. The debut expands PPG’s fire protection portfolio and could drive incremental sales in industrial and construction coatings segments.

1. Launch of STEELGUARD 652 Enhances Protective Coatings Portfolio

PPG Industries has introduced STEELGUARD 652, a water-based intumescent coating that delivers up to two hours of fire resistance for structural steel, in North America. Engineered for applications in commercial construction and industrial facilities, the product meets ASTM E119 and UL 263 fire-test standards. PPG projects that STEELGUARD 652 will add approximately $50 million to annual sales by its third year of production, supported by growth in high-rise office, healthcare and transportation infrastructure projects. The launch builds on PPG’s existing portfolio of passive fire protection solutions and is expected to leverage the company’s 140-year distribution network across more than 50 countries.

2. Valuation Remains Attractive with Strong Dividend Growth

Analysts note that PPG’s forward price-to-earnings multiple of 14.4x is below its five-year average of 16.2x, reflecting investor caution despite consistent performance. The company reported net sales of $15.9 billion in fiscal 2025 and maintains a BBB+ credit rating. PPG has increased its dividend for 53 consecutive years, underscoring a commitment to returning capital to shareholders. In 2025, PPG repurchased $1.2 billion of stock, representing 7.5% of its market capitalization, and free cash flow reached $1.8 billion, supporting both shareholder returns and continued investment in R&D.

3. Community Engagement Bolsters Corporate Reputation

Beyond its industrial focus, PPG completed a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® initiative at the Fort Lauderdale campus of Kids in Distress, deploying 100 global leaders to renovate foster-care group homes. The project included fresh paint in eight buildings, installation of an outdoor obstacle course using ENNIS-FLINT® thermoplastic signage, and assembly of 24 tricycles and 28 luggage sets. PPG has committed $15 million to the program over the next decade and reports supporting more than 300 organizations across 30 countries in 2025. These efforts reinforce PPG’s ‘protect and beautify’ mission while strengthening ties with local stakeholders and enhancing brand equity among institutional customers.

Sources

ZSB