Early Access

10-KPeriod: FY2011

SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2011

Filed February 23, 2012For Securities:SHW

Summary

This 10-K filing for The Sherwin-Williams Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, highlights a company operating in the paint and coatings industry with a diversified business model across four reportable segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group, Global Finishes Group, and Latin America Coatings Group. The company emphasizes its strong brand recognition and extensive distribution network as key competitive advantages. Despite facing a challenging economic environment, Sherwin-Williams demonstrated resilience, indicated by steady net sales growth and a generally stable financial position. The company's strategy includes organic growth through store expansion and strategic acquisitions, alongside a commitment to product innovation and operational efficiency.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Sherwin-Williams operates through four distinct reportable segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group, Global Finishes Group, and Latin America Coatings Group, demonstrating a diversified operational structure.
  • 2The company's primary revenue driver remains its extensive network of company-operated specialty paint stores, which continue to expand, with a net increase of 60 stores in 2011.
  • 3Sherwin-Williams is actively engaged in global expansion, with significant operations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, and noted a growing contribution from international sales.
  • 4The company acknowledges the impact of raw material cost volatility and global economic conditions as significant risk factors, yet maintains a strategy to offset these by increasing prices and managing costs.
  • 5Sherwin-Williams has a robust portfolio of well-recognized brands and trade names, contributing significantly to its market position across various customer segments.
  • 6The company actively repurchases its own shares, with 460,000 shares repurchased under its share repurchase program in the fourth quarter of 2011, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 7A significant portion of the filing addresses various legal proceedings and environmental liabilities, particularly concerning lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation, which represent ongoing uncertainties and potential financial risks.

Frequently Asked Questions