Early reporters' results unhurt by slowing economy.(top of the week)(Financial report)

Early reporting firms posted strong fourth-quarter results, despite the slowing U.S. economy, particularly the housing sector. PPG Industries reported net income of $200 million ($1.21/share), up 30% from the year-ago quarter, and ahead of First Call's (Boston) consensus estimates of $1.12/share. Net income from continuing operations was $193 million ($1.17/share), and income from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $7 million (4 cts/share). Revenue increased 15% to $2.87 billion.

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"We achieved over 5% volume growth in the quarter, marking our best quarterly performance in three years, despite a slowing economy, and each of our business segments increased sales …