Sherwin-Williams Company
Industry: Retail (Home Improvement)

Sherwin-Williams has been in business since 1866. The Company's core business is the manufacture, distribution and sale of coatings and related products. We sell Sherwin-Williams® labeled architectural coatings, industrial finishes and associated supplies through company-operated paint and wallcovering stores in 50 states, Canada and some countries of Latin America. We also manufacture and sell coatings such as Dutch Boy®, Pratt & Lambert®, Martin-Senour®, Dupli-Color®, Krylon®, Thompson's® and Minwax® plus private label brands to independent dealers, mass merchandisers and home improvement centers. We produce coatings for original equipment manufacturers in a number of industries and special purpose coatings for the automotive aftermarket, industrial maintenance and traffic paint markets. Sherwin-Williams has annually increased dividends since 1979.

Business Summary
The Sherwin-Williams Company (Sherwin-Williams) is engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers primarily in North and South America. The Company has four operating segments: Paint Stores, Consumer, Automotive Finishes and International Coatings. In September 2004, Sherwin-Williams acquired Paint Sundry Brands Corporation, a marketer and manufacturer of paintbrushes and rollers for professional contractors and do-it-yourself users. In September 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of Duron, Inc., an operator of specialty paint stores in the eastern and southeastern United States. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company also acquired a majority interest in an automotive coatings company in China, now known as Sherwin-Williams Kinlita Co., Ltd.

Financial Summary
SHW is engaged in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers primarily in North and South America. For the 6 months ended 6/30/05, net sales rose 19% to $3.50B. Net income rose 33% to $236.5M. Revenues reflect strong domestic architectural paint sales. Earnings reflect improved operations and lower effective tax rates.