Company Description
The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) is a global manufacturer and distributor of paint, coatings and related products serving professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers. Founded in 1866, the company focuses on the manufacture, development, distribution and sale of coatings and paint-related products and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. According to company disclosures, Sherwin-Williams shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SHW and its products reach customers in more than 120 countries.
Sherwin-Williams states that it manufactures products under well-known brands such as Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's WaterSeal and Cabot, among others. Sherwin-Williams branded products are sold exclusively through a chain of more than 5,400 company-operated stores and branches, while its other brands are distributed through mass merchandisers, home centers, independent paint dealers, hardware stores, automotive retailers and industrial distributors. This combination of company-operated locations and third-party channels gives the business a broad reach across professional and do‑it‑yourself markets.
Business segments and operations
The company reports its operations through major groups that align with customer types and product applications. The Paint Stores Group focuses on sales through Sherwin-Williams company-operated stores and branches. Company reports describe growth in professional customer end markets such as protective and marine, residential repaint, commercial, new residential and property maintenance. This group emphasizes serving professional painting contractors and other trade professionals.
The Consumer Brands Group manages brands sold through mass merchandisers, home centers and other retail and distribution partners. Company commentary highlights exposure to do‑it‑yourself (DIY) demand in regions such as North America, Latin America and Europe. This group includes brands like HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's WaterSeal and Cabot, which are positioned for consumers and retail channels.
The Performance Coatings Group supplies what the company describes as a broad range of highly engineered solutions for the construction, industrial, packaging and transportation markets in more than 120 countries. Within this group, Sherwin-Williams reports business units such as Packaging, Automotive Refinish, Coil and other industrial coatings categories. Company disclosures indicate that Packaging and Automotive Refinish have been notable contributors to sales growth in certain periods.
Geographic reach and customer base
Sherwin-Williams states that it has operated in Latin America for more than 80 years and that its Performance Coatings Group serves customers in more than 120 countries across regions including Europe, Asia and Latin America. The company identifies customer categories that include professional painters, designers, architects, general contractors, manufacturers and consumers. Through its own stores and partner channels, Sherwin-Williams positions its brands for both professional and retail use.
The company also reports activity in specialized markets such as protective and marine coatings and automotive refinish, reflecting demand from industrial and transportation customers. In its public statements, Sherwin-Williams notes that professional painting contractors and manufacturers look for partners that can provide predictability and reliability, and the company describes its strategy as focused on serving these customers and investing in its core businesses.
Strategic transactions and financing
In company filings and press releases, Sherwin-Williams describes using acquisitions and financing arrangements to support its growth and operations. On October 1, 2025, a wholly owned subsidiary completed the acquisition of Suvinil Coatings S.A., BASF's Brazilian architectural paints business, including the Suvinil and Glasu! brands. The company reports that Suvinil develops, manufactures and sells architectural paints to professional painters, designers, architects, general contractors and consumers across Brazil, and that this business will become part of the Consumer Brands Group. Sherwin-Williams characterizes Suvinil as complementary to its existing presence in Latin America.
To support its capital needs, Sherwin-Williams has entered into various credit and debt arrangements. In 2025, the company disclosed a 364‑day senior unsecured delayed draw term loan credit agreement providing a US dollar‑denominated tranche and a Euro‑denominated tranche, with proceeds available for general corporate purposes including working capital requirements. The company also reported amendments to its revolving credit agreement extending its maturity and modifying pricing terms, and an amended and restated credit agreement extending the maturity of certain commitments. In addition, Sherwin-Williams filed details of senior notes due in future years, reflecting its use of long-term debt in its capital structure.
Financial reporting and guidance
Sherwin-Williams regularly issues press releases and Form 8‑K filings summarizing its quarterly financial results and outlook. For example, the company reported consolidated net sales and segment performance for the second and third quarters of 2025, including information on net sales trends, segment profit, and factors such as price realization, sales volume, restructuring expenses and costs related to new global headquarters and research and development buildings. The company also provides guidance ranges for full‑year diluted net income per share and adjusted diluted net income per share, and discusses demand conditions in its end markets.
In its commentary, Sherwin-Williams highlights themes such as demand softness in certain periods, investments in long-term growth opportunities, restructuring actions, and targeted investments within the Paint Stores Group. The company also notes that Packaging and certain other business units have shown strong performance, while DIY demand in some regions has been softer. These disclosures give investors insight into how different parts of the business respond to market conditions.
Capital returns and shareholder policies
The company’s Board of Directors has authorized regular quarterly dividends on Sherwin-Williams common stock, as reflected in multiple dividend announcements in 2025. Sherwin-Williams also reports share repurchases under existing authorizations, returning capital to shareholders through both dividends and buybacks. Company disclosures specify remaining authorization to repurchase shares through open market purchases.
Corporate governance and leadership
Public filings describe Sherwin-Williams’ governance and leadership structure, including the role of its Board of Directors and senior executives. The company has disclosed leadership changes, such as the planned retirement of its Chief Financial Officer and the election of a new Senior Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2026. Filings outline compensation arrangements, change‑in‑control severance terms and the experience of executive officers, indicating a focus on succession planning and continuity in financial leadership.
Role in the paint and coatings industry
According to company statements, Sherwin-Williams is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry, with a portfolio that spans architectural paints, protective and marine coatings, automotive refinish products, packaging coatings and other industrial applications. Its combination of strong brands, company-operated stores, distribution through retail and industrial channels, and presence in more than 120 countries positions it as a significant participant in markets ranging from residential repaint to specialized industrial coatings.
Frequently asked questions about Sherwin-Williams (SHW)
The following questions and answers summarize key information about The Sherwin-Williams Company based on its public disclosures.