8-KEarnings & ResultsOther EventsExhibits & Filings

SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 26, 2012)

Filed January 26, 2012For Securities:SHW

Summary

This 8-K filing from The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW), dated January 26, 2012, primarily announces a change in its reportable operating segments. Effective December 31, 2011, the company expanded its segments from three to four by establishing the Latin America Coatings Group as a standalone reportable segment, previously aggregated within the Global Finishes Group. This change reflects the continued revenue growth and geographic expansion of its operations in Latin America. The filing also incorporates by reference a press release issued on January 26, 2012, announcing the company's financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011. While the press release details are not fully provided in the text, the 8-K states it contains these results. Investors should note that the segment reclassification does not alter previously reported consolidated financial statements but will be reflected in future reporting, including the just-released year-end and quarterly results for 2011.

Key Highlights

  • 1Sherwin-Williams announces a change in its reportable operating segments, expanding from three to four.
  • 2The Latin America Coatings Group is now a separate reportable segment, previously part of the Global Finishes Group.
  • 3This segment change is driven by the growth and geographic expansion of the company's Latin American operations.
  • 4The filing incorporates by reference a press release detailing the company's Q4 and full-year 2011 financial results.
  • 5The segment reclassification is effective as of December 31, 2011, and will impact future financial reporting.
  • 6Previously reported consolidated financial statements remain unchanged by this segment update.
  • 7The Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group, and Administrative Segments remain unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

The company is changing its reportable operating segments from three to four because of the continued revenue growth and geographic expansion of its Global Finishes Group. Specifically, the Latin America Coatings Group, previously aggregated within the Global Finishes Group, will now be reported as an individual segment.

No, the change in reportable operating segments does not impact the company's previously reported consolidated balance sheets, statements of consolidated income, cash flows, or shareholders' equity. The segment reclassification will be reflected in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, and in all future financial reporting.

Effective December 31, 2011, Sherwin-Williams' reportable operating segments are: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group, Global Finishes Group, and the newly established Latin America Coatings Group. The Administrative Segment also remains.

This filing also includes Item 2.02, which incorporates by reference a press release issued on January 26, 2012. This press release announces Sherwin-Williams' financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended December 31, 2011.