Sherwin-Williams - 10-Q quarterly report FY2014 Q3

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)



x	Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the Period Ended September 30, 2014



o	Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 1-04851

THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



OHIO	34-0526850
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

101 West Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio	44115-1075
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(216) 566-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one:)



Large accelerated filer	x		Accelerated filer	o

Non-accelerated filer	o	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date.

Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value – 95,997,693 shares as of September 30, 2014.

TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements	2
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	20
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	32
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	33

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	34
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35
Item 5. Other Information	36
Item 6. Exhibits	37

SIGNATURES	38
INDEX TO EXHIBITS	39
EX-10(a)
EX-31(a)
EX-31(b)
EX-32(a)
EX-32(b)
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Thousands of dollars, except per share data



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Net sales	$	3,150,570		$	2,847,417		$	8,560,121		$	7,728,474
Cost of goods sold	1,679,615			1,551,459			4,613,612			4,236,086
Gross profit	1,470,955			1,295,958			3,946,509			3,492,388
Percent to net sales	46.7		%	45.5		%	46.1		%	45.2		%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	984,366			889,690			2,837,637			2,505,493
Percent to net sales	31.2		%	31.2		%	33.1		%	32.4		%
Other general expense - net	11,873			834			12,071			5,266
Interest expense	16,025			15,394			48,793			45,774
Interest and net investment income	(764		)	(916		)	(2,110		)	(2,363		)
Other (income) expense - net	(14,593		)	3,494			(19,237		)	1,488
Income before income taxes	474,048			387,462			1,069,355			936,730
Income taxes	147,808			124,496			336,211			300,292
Net income	$	326,240		$	262,966		$	733,144		$	636,438
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	3.42		$	2.60		$	7.53		$	6.24
Diluted	$	3.35		$	2.55		$	7.39		$	6.11
Average shares outstanding - basic	94,800,191			100,460,185			96,744,423			101,362,328
Average shares and equivalents outstanding - diluted	96,714,043			102,622,514			98,670,999			103,551,542
Comprehensive income	$	269,970		$	286,887		$	682,402		$	617,758

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

Thousands of dollars



	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			September 30, 2013
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	261,346		$	744,889		$	1,035,713
Accounts receivable, less allowance	1,408,967			1,097,751			1,348,607
Inventories:
Finished goods	866,908			779,057			818,557
Work in process and raw materials	179,734			191,758			199,061
	1,046,642			970,815			1,017,618
Deferred income taxes	101,815			104,496			128,306
Other current assets	260,965			240,766			240,471
Total current assets	3,079,735			3,158,717			3,770,715
Goodwill	1,167,047			1,178,687			1,175,621
Intangible assets	295,251			313,299			307,043
Deferred pension assets	304,207			302,446			252,229
Other assets	457,480			407,975			405,052
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	129,309			125,131			101,731
Buildings	703,351			715,096			698,675
Machinery and equipment	1,916,091			1,838,590			1,872,562
Construction in progress	48,360			62,563			44,301
	2,797,111			2,741,380			2,717,269
Less allowances for depreciation	1,783,826			1,719,997			1,706,341
	1,013,285			1,021,383			1,010,928
Total Assets	$	6,317,005		$	6,382,507		$	6,921,588

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	55,621		$	96,551		$	295,276
Accounts payable	1,266,167			998,484			1,121,001
Compensation and taxes withheld	344,815			337,637			305,525
Accrued taxes	192,464			79,504			187,662
Current portion of long-term debt	502,278			502,948			2,386
Other accruals	507,037			513,433			494,423
Total current liabilities	2,868,382			2,528,557			2,406,273
Long-term debt	1,122,699			1,122,373			1,631,988
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	273,706			268,874			320,219
Other long-term liabilities	700,282			688,168			693,457
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock—$1.00 par value:
95,997,693, 100,129,380 and 101,333,029 shares outstanding at
September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively	114,211			112,902			112,604
Preferred stock—convertible, no par value:
40,406 and 54,946 shares outstanding at
December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively				40,406			54,946
Unearned ESOP compensation				(40,406		)	(54,946		)
Other capital	2,019,493			1,847,801			1,798,797
Retained earnings	2,345,016			1,774,050			1,708,553
Treasury stock, at cost	(2,754,998		)	(1,639,174		)	(1,361,234		)
Cumulative other comprehensive loss	(371,786		)	(321,044		)	(389,069		)
Total shareholders' equity	1,351,936			1,774,535			1,869,651
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	6,317,005		$	6,382,507		$	6,921,588

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Thousands of dollars



	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	733,144		$	636,438
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net operating cash:
Depreciation	125,761			117,693
Amortization of intangible assets	22,611			21,473
Stock-based compensation expense	43,813			35,948
Provisions for qualified exit costs	10,229			848
Provisions for environmental-related matters	11,034			2,353
Defined benefit pension plans net cost	5,440			14,963
Net increase in postretirement liability	4,455			2,700
Other	1,214			4,302
Change in working capital accounts - net	(58,866		)	(52,193		)
Costs incurred for environmental-related matters	(7,018		)	(9,736		)
Costs incurred for qualified exit costs	(8,726		)	(6,451		)
Other	(1,781		)	9,573
Net operating cash	881,310			777,911

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(135,903		)	(108,500		)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired				(92,780		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,037			3,298
Increase in other investments	(30,677		)	(55,872		)
Net investing cash	(165,543		)	(253,854		)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	(35,947		)	228,241
Payments of long-term debt	(290		)	(1,140		)
Payments of cash dividends	(162,178		)	(154,352		)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	73,192			48,973
Income tax effect of stock-based compensation exercises and vesting	56,197			41,219
Treasury stock purchased	(1,094,070		)	(492,022		)
Other	(23,397		)	(18,443		)
Net financing cash	(1,186,493		)	(347,524		)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(12,817		)	(3,410		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(483,543		)	173,123
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	744,889			862,590
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	261,346		$	1,035,713

Income taxes paid	$	173,430		$	161,416
Interest paid	44,055			39,639

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

There have been no significant changes in critical accounting policies since December 31, 2013. Accounting estimates were revised as necessary during the first nine months of 2014 based on new information and changes in facts and circumstances. Certain amounts in the 2013 condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.

The Company primarily uses the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of valuing inventory. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. In addition, interim inventory levels include management’s estimates of annual inventory losses due to shrinkage and other factors. The final year-end valuation of inventory is based on an annual physical inventory count performed during the fourth quarter. For further information on inventory valuations and other matters, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

NOTE 2—IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, "Revenue Recognition - Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard.

NOTE 3—DIVIDENDS

Dividends paid on common stock during each of the first three quarters of 2014 and 2013 were $.55 per common share and $.50 per common share, respectively.

NOTE 4—CHANGES IN CUMULATIVE OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The following tables summarize the changes in Cumulative other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



(Thousands of dollars)
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Net Actuarial (Losses) Gains and Prior Service Costs Recognized for Employee Benefit Plans			Unrealized Net Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Total Cumulative Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(250,942	)	$	(70,611	)	$	509		$	(321,044	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications⁽¹⁾	(52,206		)	(570		)	616			(52,160		)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)⁽²⁾				1,512			(94		)	1,418
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(52,206		)	942			522			(50,742		)
Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(303,148	)	$	(69,669	)	$	1,031		$	(371,786	)

⁽¹⁾Net of taxes of $244 for net actuarial losses and prior service costs recognized for employee benefit plans and $(387) for unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities.

⁽²⁾Net of taxes of $(556) for net actuarial losses and prior service costs recognized for employee benefit plans and $59 for realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale securities.



(Thousands of dollars)
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Net Actuarial (Losses) Gains and Prior Service Costs Recognized for Employee Benefit Plans			Unrealized Net Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Total Cumulative Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(204,195	)	$	(166,595	)	$	401		$	(370,389	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications⁽³⁾	(27,935		)	(855		)	(276		)	(29,066		)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)⁽⁴⁾				10,389			(3		)	10,386
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(27,935		)	9,534			(279		)	(18,680		)
Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(232,130	)	$	(157,061	)	$	122		$	(389,069	)

⁽³⁾Net of taxes of $534 for net actuarial losses and prior service costs recognized for employee benefit plans and $173 for unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities.

⁽⁴⁾Net of taxes of $(6,005) for net actuarial losses and prior service costs recognized for employee benefit plans and $2 for realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale securities.

NOTE 5—PRODUCT WARRANTIES

Changes in the Company’s accrual for product warranty claims during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, including customer satisfaction settlements, were as follows:



(Thousands of dollars)
	2014			2013
Balance at January 1	$	26,755		$	22,710
Charges to expense	25,250			18,916
Settlements	(26,297		)	(18,936		)
Balance at September 30	$	25,708		$	22,690

For further details on the Company’s accrual for product warranty claims, see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

NOTE 6—EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

Liabilities associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized as incurred in accordance with the Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations Topic of the ASC. Qualified exit costs primarily include post-closure rent expenses, incremental post-closure costs and costs of employee terminations. Adjustments may be made to liabilities accrued for qualified exit costs if information becomes available upon which more accurate amounts can be reasonably estimated. Concurrently, property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment in accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the ASC, and if impairment exists, the carrying value of the related assets is reduced to estimated fair value. Additional impairment may be recorded for subsequent revisions in estimated fair value.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, eight stores in the Paint Stores Group, five stores in the Latin America Coatings Group and four facilities in the Consumer Group were closed due to lower demand or redundancy. In addition, the Global Finishes Group exited its business in Venezuela.

The following table summarizes the activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs at September 30, 2014:



(Thousands of dollars)
Exit Plan	Balance at December 31, 2013		Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A		Actual expenditures charged to accrual			Balance at September 30, 2014
Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2014:
Severance and related costs			$	2,135	$	(452	)	$	1,683
Global Finishes Group exit of business in 2014:
Severance and related costs			2,500		(2,396		)	104
Other qualified exit costs			2,022		(920		)	1,102
Paint Stores Group facility shutdown in 2013:
Severance and related costs	$	977	1,976		(1,838		)	1,115
Other qualified exit costs			1,499		(196		)	1,303
Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2013:
Severance and related costs	598		97		(471		)	224
Global Finishes Group stores shutdown in 2013:
Severance and related costs	33				(3		)	30
Other qualified exit costs	220				(58		)	162
Latin America Coatings Group facilities shutdown in 2013:
Severance and related costs	123				(123		)
Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2012:
Other qualified exit costs	244				(37		)	207
Global Finishes Group facilities shutdown in 2012:
Severance and related costs	2,177				(1,863		)	314
Other qualified exit costs	83							83
Other qualified exit costs for facilities shutdown prior to 2012	1,365				(369		)	996
Totals	$	5,820	$	10,229	$	(8,726	)	$	7,323

For further details on the Company’s exit or disposal activities, see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

NOTE 7—HEALTH CARE, PENSION AND OTHER BENEFITS

Shown below are the components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost (credit) for domestic defined benefit pension plans, foreign defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefits other than pensions:



(Thousands of dollars)	Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions
	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
Three Months Ended September 30:
Net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost	$	5,636		$	5,396		$	1,547		$	1,160		$	609		$	765
Interest cost	6,526			4,267			2,695			1,902			3,195			3,046
Expected return on assets	(12,666		)	(10,342		)	(2,739		)	(1,783		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	459			456									(126		)	(82		)
Actuarial loss				3,489			356			443						983
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	(45	)	$	3,266		$	1,859		$	1,722		$	3,678		$	4,712

Nine Months Ended September 30:
Net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost	$	16,910		$	16,189		$	4,642		$	3,480		$	1,826		$	2,296
Interest cost	19,577			12,801			8,083			5,707			9,586			9,137
Expected return on assets	(37,997		)	(31,026		)	(8,219		)	(5,347		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	1,377			1,367									(377		)	(246		)
Actuarial loss				10,465			1,067			1,327						2,950
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	(133	)	$	9,796		$	5,573		$	5,167		$	11,035		$	14,137

For further details on the Company’s health care, pension and other benefits, see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

NOTE 8—OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

The Company initially provides for estimated costs of environmental-related activities relating to its past operations and third party sites for which commitments or clean-up plans have been developed and when such costs can be reasonably estimated based on industry standards and professional judgment. These estimated costs are determined based on currently available facts regarding each site. If the best estimate of costs can only be identified as a range and no specific amount within that range can be determined more likely than any other amount within the range, the minimum of the range is provided. At September 30, 2014, the unaccrued maximum of the estimated range of possible outcomes is $87.2 million higher than the minimum.

The Company continuously assesses its potential liability for investigation and remediation-related activities and adjusts its environmental-related accruals as information becomes available upon which more accurate costs can be reasonably estimated and as additional accounting guidelines are issued. Actual costs incurred may vary from these estimates due to the inherent uncertainties involved including, among others, the number and financial condition of parties involved with respect to any given site, the volumetric contribution which may be attributed to the Company relative to that attributed to other parties, the nature and magnitude of the wastes involved, the various technologies that can be used for remediation and the determination of acceptable remediation with respect to a particular site.

Included in Other long-term liabilities at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were accruals for extended environmental-related activities of $92.8 million and $94.8 million, respectively. Estimated costs of current investigation and remediation activities of $15.4 million and $17.1 million are included in Other accruals at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Two of the Company’s currently and formerly owned manufacturing sites account for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities and the unaccrued maximum of the estimated range of possible outcomes at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, $64.6 million, or 59.7 percent of the total accrual, related directly to these two sites. In the aggregate unaccrued maximum of $87.2 million at September 30, 2014, $55.3 million, or 63.5 percent, related to the two

manufacturing sites. While environmental investigations and remedial actions are in different stages at these sites, additional investigations, remedial actions and monitoring will likely be required at each site.

Management cannot presently estimate the ultimate potential loss contingencies related to these sites or other less significant sites until such time as a substantial portion of the investigation at the sites is completed and remedial action plans are developed. In the event any future loss contingency significantly exceeds the current amount accrued, the recording of the ultimate liability may result in a material impact on net income for the annual or interim period during which the additional costs are accrued. Management does not believe that any potential liability ultimately attributed to the Company for its environmental-related matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, or cash flow due to the extended period of time during which environmental investigation and remediation takes place. An estimate of the potential impact on the Company’s operations cannot be made due to the aforementioned uncertainties.

Management expects these contingent environmental-related liabilities to be resolved over an extended period of time. Management is unable to provide a more specific time frame due to the indefinite amount of time to conduct investigation activities at any site, the indefinite amount of time to obtain environmental agency approval, as necessary, with respect to investigation and remediation activities, and the indefinite amount of time necessary to conduct remediation activities.

For further details on the Company’s Other long-term liabilities, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

NOTE 9 – LITIGATION

In the course of its business, the Company is subject to a variety of claims and lawsuits, including, but not limited to, litigation relating to product liability and warranty, personal injury, environmental, intellectual property, commercial, contractual and antitrust claims that are inherently subject to many uncertainties regarding the possibility of a loss to the Company. These uncertainties will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur confirming the incurrence of a liability or the reduction of a liability. In accordance with the Contingencies Topic of the ASC, the Company accrues for these contingencies by a charge to income when it is both probable that one or more future events will occur confirming the fact of a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In the event that the Company’s loss contingency is ultimately determined to be significantly higher than currently accrued, the recording of the additional liability may result in a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition for the annual or interim period during which such additional liability is accrued. In those cases where no accrual is recorded because it is not probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of any such loss cannot be reasonably estimated, any potential liability ultimately determined to be attributable to the Company may result in a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition for the annual or interim period during which such liability is accrued. In those cases where no accrual is recorded or exposure to loss exists in excess of the amount accrued, the Contingencies Topic of the ASC requires disclosure of the contingency when there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or additional loss may have been incurred.

Lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation. The Company’s past operations included the manufacture and sale of lead pigments and lead-based paints. The Company, along with other companies, is and has been a defendant in a number of legal proceedings, including individual personal injury actions, purported class actions, and actions brought by various counties, cities, school districts and other government-related entities, arising from the manufacture and sale of lead pigments and lead-based paints. The plaintiffs’ claims have been based upon various legal theories, including negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentations and omissions, fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions, concert of action, civil conspiracy, violations of unfair trade practice and consumer protection laws, enterprise liability, market share liability, public nuisance, unjust enrichment and other theories. The plaintiffs seek various damages and relief, including personal injury and property damage, costs relating to the detection and abatement of lead-based paint from buildings, costs associated with a public education campaign, medical monitoring costs and others. The Company has also been a defendant in legal proceedings arising from the manufacture and sale of non-lead-based paints that seek recovery based upon various legal theories, including the failure to adequately warn of potential exposure to lead during surface preparation when using non-lead-based paint on surfaces previously painted with lead-based paint. The Company believes that the litigation brought to date is without merit or subject to meritorious defenses and is vigorously defending such litigation. The Company has not settled any lead pigment or lead-based paint litigation. The Company expects that additional lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation may be filed against the Company in the future asserting similar or different legal theories and seeking similar or different types of damages and relief.

promulgated or proposed to impose obligations on present and former manufacturers of lead pigments and lead-based paints respecting asserted health concerns associated with such products or to overturn the effect of court decisions in which the Company and other manufacturers have been successful.

Due to the uncertainties involved, management is unable to predict the outcome of the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation, the number or nature of possible future claims and proceedings or the effect that any legislation and/or administrative regulations may have on the litigation or against the Company. In addition, management cannot reasonably determine the scope or amount of the potential costs and liabilities related to such litigation, or resulting from any such legislation and regulations. The Company has not accrued any amounts for such litigation. With respect to such litigation, including the public nuisance litigation, the Company does not believe that it is probable that a loss has occurred, and it is not possible to estimate the range of potential losses as there is no prior history of a loss of this nature and there is no substantive information upon which an estimate could be based. In addition, any potential liability that may result from any changes to legislation and regulations cannot reasonably be estimated. In the event any significant liability is determined to be attributable to the Company relating to such litigation, the recording of the liability may result in a material impact on net income for the annual or interim period during which such liability is accrued. Additionally, due to the uncertainties associated with the amount of any such liability and/or the nature of any other remedy which may be imposed in such litigation, any potential liability determined to be attributable to the Company arising out of such litigation may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. An estimate of the potential impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition cannot be made due to the aforementioned uncertainties.

Public nuisance claim litigation. The Company and other companies are or were defendants in legal proceedings seeking recovery based on public nuisance liability theories, among other theories, brought by the State of Rhode Island, the City of St. Louis, Missouri, various cities and counties in the State of New Jersey, various cities in the State of Ohio and the State of Ohio, the City of Chicago, Illinois, the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the County of Santa Clara, California and other public entities in the State of California. Except for the Santa Clara County, California proceeding, all of these legal proceedings have been concluded in favor of the Company and other defendants at various stages in the proceedings.

The proceedings initiated by the State of Rhode Island included two jury trials. At the conclusion of the second trial, the jury returned a verdict finding that (i) the cumulative presence of lead pigment in paints and coatings on buildings in the State of Rhode Island constitutes a public nuisance, (ii) the Company, along with two other defendants, caused or substantially contributed to the creation of the public nuisance and (iii) the Company and two other defendants should be ordered to abate the public nuisance. The Company and two other defendants appealed and, on July 1, 2008, the Rhode Island Supreme Court, among other determinations, reversed the judgment of abatement with respect to the Company and two other defendants. The Rhode Island Supreme Court’s decision reversed the public nuisance liability judgment against the Company on the basis that the complaint failed to state a public nuisance claim as a matter of law.

The Santa Clara County, California proceeding was initiated in March 2000 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara. In the original complaint, the plaintiffs asserted various claims including fraud and concealment, strict product liability/failure to warn, strict product liability/design defect, negligence, negligent breach of a special duty, public nuisance, private nuisance, and violations of California’s Business and Professions Code. A number of the asserted claims were resolved in favor of the defendants through pre-trial proceedings. The named plaintiffs in the Fourth Amended Complaint, filed on March 16, 2011, are the Counties of Santa Clara, Alameda, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Mateo, Solano and Ventura, the Cities of Oakland and San Diego and the City and County of San Francisco. The Fourth Amended Complaint asserted a sole claim for public nuisance, alleging that the presence of lead pigments for use in paint and coatings in, on and around residences in the plaintiffs’ jurisdictions constitutes a public nuisance. The plaintiffs sought the abatement of the alleged public nuisance that exists within the plaintiffs’ jurisdictions. A trial commenced on July 15, 2013 and ended on August 22, 2013. The court entered final judgment on January 27, 2014, finding in favor of the plaintiffs and against the Company and two other defendants (ConAgra Grocery Products Company and NL Industries, Inc.). The final judgment held the Company jointly and severally liable with the other two defendants to pay $1.15 billion into a fund to abate the public nuisance. The Company strongly disagrees with the judgment. On February 18, 2014, the Company filed a motion for new trial and a motion to vacate the judgment. The court denied these motions on March 24, 2014. On March 28, 2014, the Company filed a notice of appeal to the Sixth District Court of Appeal for the State of California. The filing of the notice of appeal effects an automatic stay of the judgment without the requirement to post a bond. The Company believes that the judgment conflicts with established principles of law and is unsupported by the evidence. The Company has had a favorable history with respect to lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation, particularly other public nuisance litigation, and accordingly, the Company believes that it is not probable that a loss has occurred and it is not possible to estimate the range of potential loss with respect to the case.

by the children’s parents or guardians. These proceedings generally seek compensatory and punitive damages, and seek other relief including medical monitoring costs. These proceedings include purported claims by individuals, groups of individuals and class actions.

The plaintiff in Thomas v. Lead Industries Association, et al., initiated an action in state court against the Company, other alleged former lead pigment manufacturers and the Lead Industries Association in September 1999. The claims against the Company and the other defendants included strict liability, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and omissions, fraudulent misrepresentation and omissions, concert of action, civil conspiracy and enterprise liability. Implicit within these claims is the theory of “risk contribution” liability (Wisconsin’s theory which is similar to market share liability, except that liability can be joint and several) due to the plaintiff’s inability to identify the manufacturer of any product that allegedly injured the plaintiff. The case ultimately proceeded to trial and, on November 5, 2007, the jury returned a defense verdict, finding that the plaintiff had ingested white lead carbonate, but was not brain damaged or injured as a result. The plaintiff appealed and, on December 16, 2010, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals affirmed the final judgment in favor of the Company and other defendants.

Wisconsin is the only jurisdiction to date to apply a theory of liability with respect to alleged personal injury (i.e., risk contribution/market share liability) that does not require the plaintiff to identify the manufacturer of the product that allegedly injured the plaintiff in the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation. Although the risk contribution liability theory was applied during the Thomas trial, the constitutionality of this theory as applied to the lead pigment cases has not been judicially determined by the Wisconsin state courts. However, in an unrelated action filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Gibson v. American Cyanamid, et al., on November 15, 2010, the District Court held that Wisconsin’s risk contribution theory as applied in that case violated the defendants’ right to substantive due process and is unconstitutionally retroactive. The District Court's decision in Gibson v. American Cyanamid, et al., was appealed by the plaintiff to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. On July 24, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reversed the judgment and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings. Also, in Yasmine Clark v. The Sherwin-Williams Company, et al., the Wisconsin Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, on March 25, 2014, held that the application to a pending case of Section 895.046 of the Wisconsin Statutes (which clarifies the application of the risk contribution theory) is unconstitutional as a violation of the plaintiff’s right to due process of law under the Wisconsin Constitution. On April 8, 2014, defendants filed a petition requesting the Wisconsin Court of Appeal to hear the issue as an interlocutory appeal. On August 21, 2014, the Wisconsin Court of Appeal granted defendants' petition.

Insurance coverage litigation. The Company and its liability insurers, including certain underwriters at Lloyd’s of London, initiated legal proceedings against each other to primarily determine, among other things, whether the costs and liabilities associated with the abatement of lead pigment are covered under certain insurance policies issued to the Company. The Company’s action, filed on March 3, 2006 in the Common Pleas Court, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, is currently stayed and inactive. The liability insurers’ action, which was filed on February 23, 2006 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, has been dismissed. An ultimate loss in the insurance coverage litigation would mean that insurance proceeds could be unavailable under the policies at issue to mitigate any ultimate abatement related costs and liabilities. The Company has not recorded any assets related to these insurance policies or otherwise assumed that proceeds from these insurance policies would be received in estimating any contingent liability accrual. Therefore, an ultimate loss in the insurance coverage litigation without a determination of liability against the Company in the lead pigment or lead-based paint litigation will have no impact on the Company’s results of operation, liquidity or financial condition. As previously stated, however, the Company has not accrued any amounts for the lead pigment or lead-based paint litigation and any significant liability ultimately determined to be attributable to the Company relating to such litigation may result in a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition for the annual or interim period during which such liability is accrued.

Government tax assessment settlements related to Brazilian operations. Charges totaling $28.7 million and $2.9 million were recorded to Cost of goods sold and SG&A, respectively, during the second and third quarters of 2013. The charges were primarily related to import duty taxes paid to the Brazilian government related to the handling of import duties on products brought into the country for the years 2006 through 2012. The Company elected to pay the taxes through an existing voluntary amnesty program offered by the government to resolve these issues rather than contest them in court. The after-tax charges were $21.9 million for the full year 2013. The Company’s import duty process in Brazil was changed to reach a final resolution of this matter with the Brazilian government.

Litigation related to Consorcio Comex. As previously disclosed, the Company entered into a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement (as subsequently amended and restated, the “Purchase Agreement”), with Avisep, S.A. de C.V. (“Avisep”) and Bevisep, S.A. de C.V. (“Bevisep”) to, among other things, acquire the Mexico business of Consorcio Comex, S.A. de C.V. (the "Acquisition"). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, either the Company or Avisep and Bevisep had the right to

terminate the Purchase Agreement in the event that the closing of the Acquisition did not occur on or prior to March 31, 2014 and such party was not in material breach of the Purchase Agreement.

On April 3, 2014, the Company sent notice to Avisep and Bevisep that the Company was terminating the Purchase Agreement. On April 3, 2014, the Company filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, requesting the court to declare that the Company had used commercially reasonable efforts as required under the Purchase Agreement and has not breached the Purchase Agreement. On August 7, 2014, the case was removed by Avisep and Bevisep to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On April 11, 2014, Avisep and Bevisep initiated an arbitration proceeding against the Company in the International Court of Arbitration contending that the Company breached the Purchase Agreement by terminating the Purchase Agreement and not utilizing commercially reasonable efforts under the Purchase Agreement, which allegedly caused Avisep and Bevisep to incur damages. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against such claims.

NOTE 10—OTHER

Other general expense - net

Included in Other general expense - net were the following:



(Thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013			2014		2013
Provisions for environmental matters - net	$	11,209	$	584		$	11,034	$	2,353
Loss on disposition of assets	664		495			1,037		2,818
Adjustments to prior provisions for qualified exit costs			(245		)			95
Total	$	11,873	$	834		$	12,071	$	5,266

Provisions for environmental matters - net represent site-specific increases or decreases to environmental-related accruals as information becomes available upon which more accurate costs can be reasonably estimated and as additional accounting guidelines are issued. Environmental-related accruals are not recorded net of insurance proceeds in accordance with the Offsetting Subtopic of the Balance Sheet Topic of the ASC. See Note 8 for further details on the Company’s environmental-related activities.

The loss on disposition of assets represents net realized losses associated with the disposal of fixed assets previously used in the conduct of the primary business of the Company.

The adjustments to prior provisions for qualified exit costs represent site specific increases or decreases to accrued qualified exit costs as adjustments for costs of employee terminations are required or as information becomes available upon which more accurate amounts can be reasonably estimated. See Note 6 for further details on the Company’s exit or disposal activities.

Other (income) expense - net

Included in Other (income) expense - net were the following:



(Thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Dividend and royalty income	$	(1,287	)	$	(1,128	)	$	(3,533	)	$	(4,765	)
Net expense from financing activities	2,706			2,508			8,175			7,251
Foreign currency transaction related (gains) losses	(481		)	2,594			547			8,538
Other income	(18,657		)	(3,981		)	(31,936		)	(18,400		)
Other expense	3,126			3,501			7,510			8,864
Total	$	(14,593	)	$	3,494		$	(19,237	)	$	1,488

The net expense from financing activities includes the net expense relating to the change in the Company’s financing fees.

Foreign currency transaction related (gains) losses represent net realized (gains) losses on U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and net realized and unrealized (gains) losses from foreign currency option and forward contracts. There were no foreign currency option and forward contracts outstanding at September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Other income and Other expense included items of revenue, gains, expenses and losses that were unrelated to the primary business purpose of the Company. Other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included a $6,336 gain on the early termination of a customer agreement recorded in the Global Finishes Group and a $6,198 realized gain resulting from final asset valuations related to the acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Comex recorded in the Administrative segment. There were no other items within the other income or other expense caption that were individually significant.

NOTE 11—INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate was 31.2 percent and 31.4 percent for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to 32.1 percent for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013. The major components of the Company's effective tax rate were consistent for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 compared to 2013.

At December 31, 2013, the Company had $31.0 million in unrecognized tax benefits, the recognition of which would have an effect of $27.8 million on the current provision for income taxes. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, was $5.6 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could significantly change during the next twelve months. This amount represents a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits comprised of items related to federal audits of partnership investments, assessed state income tax audits, state settlement negotiations currently in progress and expiring statutes in federal, foreign and state jurisdictions.

The Company classifies all income tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense. At December 31, 2013, the Company had accrued $6.2 million for the potential payment of income tax interest and penalties.

There were no significant changes to any of the balances of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013 during the first nine months of 2014.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The IRS commenced an examination of the Company's U.S. income tax returns for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 tax years in the fourth quarter of 2013. Fieldwork is expected to be completed during 2014.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company is subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations for the tax years of 2007 through 2013. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2003 through 2013.

NOTE 12—NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE



(Thousands of dollars except per share data)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Basic
Average common shares outstanding	94,800,191			100,460,185			96,744,423			101,362,328

Net income	$	326,240		$	262,966		$	733,144		$	636,438
Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1,992		)	(1,700		)	(4,237		)	(3,978		)
Net income allocated to common shares	$	324,248		$	261,266		$	728,907		$	632,460
Basic net income per common share	$	3.42		$	2.60		$	7.53		$	6.24

Diluted
Average common shares outstanding	94,800,191			100,460,185			96,744,423			101,362,328
Stock options and other contingently issuable shares ⁽¹⁾	1,913,852			2,162,329			1,926,576			2,189,214
Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution	96,714,043			102,622,514			98,670,999			103,551,542

Net income	$	326,240		$	262,966		$	733,144		$	636,438
Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares
assuming dilution	(1,955		)	(1,667		)	(4,160		)	(3,902		)
Net income allocated to common shares assuming
dilution	$	324,285		$	261,299		$	728,984		$	632,536
Diluted net income per common share	$	3.35		$	2.55		$	7.39		$	6.11


⁽¹⁾	There were no options excluded due to their anti-dilutive effect for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Stock options and other contingently issuable shares excluded 15,885 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. There were 16,609 options excluded due to their anti-dilutive effect for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

The Company has two classes of participating securities: common shares and restricted shares, representing 99% and 1% of outstanding shares, respectively. The restricted shares are shares of unvested restricted stock granted under the Company’s restricted stock award program. Time-based restricted shares receive non-forfeitable dividends, while dividends on performance-based restricted shares are deferred and payment is contingent upon the awards vesting. The time-based restricted shares are considered a participating security, therefore, basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated using the two-class method in accordance with the Earnings Per Share Topic of the ASC.

NOTE 13—REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company reports segment information in the same way that management internally organizes its business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources in accordance with the Segment Disclosures Topic of the ASC. The Company has determined that it has four reportable operating segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group, Global Finishes Group and Latin America Coatings Group (individually, a "Reportable Segment" and collectively, the “Reportable Segments”).



(Thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Paint Stores Group		Consumer Group			Global Finishes Group		Latin America Coatings Group		Administrative			Consolidated Totals
Net external sales	$	2,027,485	$	385,238		$	536,261	$	200,367	$	1,219		$	3,150,570
Intersegment transfers			802,249			2,097		10,297		(814,643		)
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	$	2,027,485	$	1,187,487		$	538,358	$	210,664	$	(813,424	)	$	3,150,570

Segment profit	$	431,840	$	78,956	⁽¹⁾	$	60,751	$	11,792				$	583,339
Interest expense										$	(16,025	)	(16,025		)
Administrative expenses and other										(93,266		)	(93,266		)
Income before income taxes	$	431,840	$	78,956		$	60,751	$	11,792	$	(109,291	)	$	474,048



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Paint Stores Group		Consumer Group			Global Finishes Group		Latin America Coatings Group			Administrative			Consolidated Totals
Net external sales	$	1,763,404	$	366,845		$	507,284	$	208,645		$	1,239		$	2,847,417
Intersegment transfers			689,319			2,437		9,170			(700,926		)
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	$	1,763,404	$	1,056,164		$	509,721	$	217,815		$	(699,687	)	$	2,847,417

Segment profit	$	359,352	$	73,065	⁽¹⁾	$	44,536	$	(983	)				$	475,970
Interest expense											$	(15,394	)	(15,394		)
Administrative expenses and other											(73,114		)	(73,114		)
Income before income taxes	$	359,352	$	73,065		$	44,536	$	(983	)	$	(88,508	)	$	387,462

⁽¹⁾ Segment profit includes $9,064 and $8,340 of mark-up on intersegment transfers realized as a result of external sales by the Paint Stores Group during the third quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Paint Stores Group		Consumer Group			Global Finishes Group		Latin America Coatings Group		Administrative			Consolidated Totals
Net external sales	$	5,270,080	$	1,143,893		$	1,578,497	$	563,975	$	3,676		$	8,560,121
Intersegment transfers			2,114,891			5,712		30,346		(2,150,949		)
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	$	5,270,080	$	3,258,784		$	1,584,209	$	594,321	$	(2,147,273	)	$	8,560,121

Segment profit	$	953,962	$	222,532	⁽²⁾	$	162,093	$	27,439				$	1,366,026
Interest expense										$	(48,793	)	(48,793		)
Administrative expenses and other										(247,878		)	(247,878		)
Income before income taxes	$	953,962	$	222,532		$	162,093	$	27,439	$	(296,671	)	$	1,069,355



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Paint Stores Group		Consumer Group			Global Finishes Group		Latin America Coatings Group		Administrative			Consolidated Totals
Net external sales	$	4,537,849	$	1,069,085		$	1,507,626	$	610,271	$	3,643		$	7,728,474
Intersegment transfers			1,855,226			7,469		29,081		(1,891,776		)
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	$	4,537,849	$	2,924,311		$	1,515,095	$	639,352	$	(1,888,133	)	$	7,728,474

Segment profit	$	822,037	$	206,079	⁽²⁾	$	132,929	$	20,712				$	1,181,757
Interest expense										$	(45,774	)	(45,774		)
Administrative expenses and other										(199,253		)	(199,253		)
Income before income taxes	$	822,037	$	206,079		$	132,929	$	20,712	$	(245,027	)	$	936,730

⁽²⁾ Segment profit includes $24,389 and $22,618 of mark-up on intersegment transfers realized as a result of external sales by the Paint Stores Group during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In the reportable segment financial information, Segment profit was total net sales and intersegment transfers less operating costs and expenses. Domestic intersegment transfers were accounted for at the approximate fully absorbed manufactured cost, based on normal capacity volumes, plus customary distribution costs. International intersegment transfers were accounted for at values comparable to normal unaffiliated customer sales. The Administrative segment includes the administrative expenses of the Company’s corporate headquarters site. Also included in the Administrative segment was interest expense, interest and investment income, certain expenses related to closed facilities and environmental-related matters, and other expenses which were not directly associated with the Reportable Segments. The Administrative segment did not include any significant foreign operations. Also included in the Administrative segment was a real estate management unit that is responsible for the ownership, management and leasing of non-retail properties held primarily for use by the Company, including the Company’s headquarters site, and disposal of idle facilities. Sales of this segment represented external leasing revenue of excess headquarters space or leasing of facilities no longer used by the Company in its primary businesses. Gains and losses from the sale of property were not a significant operating factor in determining the performance of the Administrative segment.

Net external sales and segment profit of all consolidated foreign subsidiaries were $571.9 million and $33.3 million, respectively, for the third quarter of 2014, and $523.7 million and $18.2 million, respectively, for the third quarter of 2013. Net external sales and segment profit of these subsidiaries were $1.678 billion and $88.0 million, respectively, for the first nine months of 2014, and $1.572 billion and $50.2 million, respectively, for the first nine months of 2013. Long-lived assets of these subsidiaries totaled $577.7 million and $674.5 million at September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. Domestic operations accounted for the remaining net external sales, segment profits and long-lived assets. No single geographic area outside the United States was significant relative to consolidated net external sales, income before taxes, or consolidated long-lived assets.

Export sales and sales to any individual customer were each less than 10 percent of consolidated sales to unaffiliated customers during all periods presented.

NOTE 14—ACQUISITIONS

On September 16, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement and completed the acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Consorcio Comex, S.A. de C.V. (Comex). The U.S./Canada business of Comex focuses on the manufacture and sale of paint and paint related products through retail service centers under various proprietary brands. The acquisition strengthens the ability of the Paint Stores Group and Consumer Group to serve customers in key geographic markets. The Company engaged an independent valuation firm to value the assets of the acquired business, and the appropriate adjustments have been recorded. The acquisition resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $4,696. Final asset valuation adjustments resulted in a realized gain of $6,198 which was included in Other (income) expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Comex has been accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

The following unaudited pro-forma summary presents consolidated financial information as if the U.S./Canada business of Comex had been acquired as of the beginning of each period presented. The pro-forma consolidated financial information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2013 or of future results of operations of this acquisition under ownership and operation of the Company.



(Thousands of dollars except per share data)	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Net sales	$	3,150,571	$	2,959,162	$	8,560,121	$	8,083,123
Net income	326,240		257,149		733,144		609,651
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	3.42	$	2.53	$	7.53	$	5.96
Diluted	$	3.35	$	2.47	$	7.39	$	5.83

NOTE 15—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC applies to the Company’s financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The guidance applies when other standards require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. It does not expand the use of fair value measurements. The Company did not have any fair value measurements for its non-financial assets and liabilities during the third quarter. The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized using the fair value hierarchy:

(Thousands of dollars)

Quoted Prices

in Active

Significant

Fair Value at

Markets for

Significant Other

Unobservable

September 30,

Identical Assets

Observable Inputs

Inputs

2014

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets:

Deferred compensation plan asset ⁽¹⁾

23,726

900

22,826

Liabilities:

Deferred compensation plan liability ⁽²⁾

31,263

⁽¹⁾

The deferred compensation plan asset consists of the investment funds maintained for the future payments under the Company’s executive deferred compensation plan, which is structured as a rabbi trust. The investments are marketable securities accounted for under the Debt and Equity Securities Topic of the ASC. The level 1 investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares. The level 2 investments are valued based on vendor or broker models. The cost basis of the investment funds is $22,848.


⁽²⁾	The deferred compensation plan liability is the Company’s liability under its executive deferred compensation plan. The liability represents the fair value of the participant shadow accounts, and the value is based on quoted market prices.

NOTE 16—DEBT

The table below summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s publicly traded debt and non-publicly traded debt in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. The fair values of the Company’s publicly traded debt are based on quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s non-traded debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The Company’s publicly traded debt and non-traded debt are classified as level 1 and level 2, respectively, in the fair value hierarchy.



(Thousands of dollars)	September 30, 2014				September 30, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Publicly traded debt	$	1,620,856	$	1,651,232	$	1,630,269	$	1,631,266
Non-traded debt	4,121		3,914		4,105		3,903

NOTE 17—NON-TRADED INVESTMENTS

The Company has invested in the U.S. affordable housing and historic renovation real estate markets. These non-traded investments have been identified as variable interest entities. However, because the Company does not have the power to direct the day-to-day operations of the investments and the risk of loss is limited to the amount of contributed capital, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary. In accordance with the Consolidation Topic of the ASC, the investments are not consolidated. The Company uses the effective yield method to determine the carrying value of the investments. Under the effective yield method, the initial cost of the investments is amortized over the period that the tax credits are recognized. The carrying amount of the investments, included in Other assets, was $272.3 million and $262.4 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The liability for estimated future capital contributions to the investments was $231.9 million and $223.0 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SUMMARY

The Sherwin-Williams Company, founded in 1866, and its consolidated wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) are engaged in the development, manufacture, distribution and sale of paint, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers primarily in North and South America with additional operations in the Caribbean region, Europe and Asia. The Company is structured into four reportable segments—Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group, Global Finishes Group and Latin America Coatings Group (collectively, the “Reportable Segments”)—and an Administrative segment in the same way it is internally organized for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. See pages 6 through 15 and Note 18, on pages 73 through 75, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more information concerning the Reportable Segments.

Consolidated net sales increased 10.6 percent in the third quarter of 2014 to $3.151 billion from $2.847 billion in the third quarter of 2013 and increased 10.8 percent in the first nine months of 2014 to $8.560 billion from $7.728 billion in the first nine months of 2013 due primarily to higher paint sales volume in our Paint Stores Group and acquisitions. Consolidated gross profit as a percent of consolidated net sales increased in the third quarter to 46.7 percent from 45.5 percent in 2013 and increased to 46.1 percent from 45.2 percent in the first nine months due primarily to increased paint volume, improved operating efficiency and selling price increases. Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) was flat as a percent of consolidated net sales at 31.2 percent compared to the third quarter of 2013 and increased to 33.1 percent from 32.4 percent in the first nine months primarily due to timing of net new store openings and acquisitions. Interest expense increased $0.6 million in the third quarter and increased $3.0 million in the first nine months of 2014. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 was 31.2 percent compared to 32.1 percent in 2013 and the rate for the first nine months of 2014 was 31.4 percent compared to 32.1 percent in 2013. Diluted net income per common share increased to $3.35 per share for the third quarter of 2014 from $2.55 per share a year ago and increased to $7.39 per share from $6.11 per share in the first nine months. Charges in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 resulting from government tax assessments related to our Brazilian operations of $.13 and $.21 per share, respectively, adversely impacted diluted net income per common share for those time periods.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated unaudited interim financial statements and accompanying notes included in this report are the responsibility of management. The financial statements and footnotes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements and contain certain amounts that were based upon management’s best estimates, judgments and assumptions that were believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management considered the impact of the uncertain economic environment and utilized certain outside sources of economic information when developing the basis for their estimates and assumptions. The impact of the global economic conditions on the estimates and assumptions used by management was believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management used assumptions based on historical results, considering the current economic trends, and other assumptions to form the basis for determining appropriate carrying values of assets and liabilities that were not readily available from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Also, materially different amounts may result under materially different conditions, materially different economic trends or from using materially different assumptions. However, management believes that any materially different amounts resulting from materially different conditions or material changes in facts or circumstances are unlikely to significantly impact the current valuation of assets and liabilities that were not readily available from other sources.

A comprehensive discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and management estimates and significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the financial statements is included in Management’s Discussion and

Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Note 1, on pages 48 through 51, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no significant changes in critical accounting policies, management estimates or accounting policies followed since the year ended December 31, 2013.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CASH FLOW

Overview

The Company’s financial condition, liquidity and cash flow continued to be strong through the first nine months of 2014 primarily due to improved operating results in our Paint Stores, Consumer and Global Finishes Groups. Net working capital decreased $1,153.1 million at September 30, 2014 compared to the end of the third quarter of 2013 due to a significant increase in current liabilities and a significant decrease in current assets. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $774.4 million, primarily due to treasury stock purchases, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $60.4 million and an increase in inventories of $29.0 million. Accounts payable increased $145.2 million, current portion of long-term debt increased $499.9 million resulting from the 3.125% Senior Notes becoming due in 2014, and all other current liabilities increased $56.7 million while short-term borrowings decreased $239.7 million from September 30, 2013. Net working capital decreases were partially offset by net increases from acquisitions. The Company continues to maintain sufficient short-term borrowing capacity at reasonable rates, and the Company has sufficient cash on hand and total available borrowing capacity to fund its current operating needs. In the first nine months of 2014, accounts receivable increased $311.2 million when normal seasonal trends typically require significant growth in this category and inventories increased $75.8 million. Accounts payable increased $267.7 million, primarily due to the seasonal increase in need for working capital, and all other current liabilities increased $113.1 million, primarily due to timing of accrued taxes, while short-term borrowings decreased $40.9 million. The Company’s current ratio was 1.07 at September 30, 2014 compared to 1.57 at September 30, 2013 and 1.25 at December 31, 2013. Total debt at September 30, 2014 decreased $249.1 million to $1.681 billion from $1.930 billion at September 30, 2013 and increased as a percentage of total capitalization to 55.4 percent from 50.8 percent at the end of the third quarter last year. Total debt decreased $41.3 million from December 31, 2013 and increased as a percentage of total capitalization from 49.2 percent to 55.4 percent. At September 30, 2014, the Company had remaining borrowing ability of $2.276 billion. Net operating cash improved $103.4 million in the first nine months of 2014 to a cash source of $881.3 million from a cash source of $777.9 million in 2013. In the twelve month period from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, the Company generated net operating cash of $1.187 billion, used $250.0 million in investing activities, and used $1.692 billion in financing activities. In that same period, the Company invested $194.1 million in capital additions and improvements, made payments on total debt of $242.2 million, purchased $1.371 billion in treasury stock and paid $212.8 million in cash dividends to its shareholders of common stock.

Net Working Capital, Debt and Other Long-Term Assets and Liabilities

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $483.5 million during the first nine months of 2014. Cash and cash equivalents on hand funded cash requirements for increased sales and normal seasonal increases in working capital, capital expenditures of $135.9 million, payments of cash dividends of $162.2 million, and treasury stock purchases of $1,094.1 million. At September 30, 2014, the Company’s current ratio was 1.07 compared to 1.25 at December 31, 2013 and 1.57 a year ago. The decrease resulted from the increase in current portion of long-term debt and the decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

Goodwill and intangible assets decreased $29.7 million from December 31, 2013 and decreased $20.4 million from September 30, 2013. The net decrease during the first nine months of 2014 was due primarily to amortization of $22.6 million and foreign currency translation of $14.8 million partially offset by capitalization of software of $9.6 million. The net decrease over the twelve month period from September 30, 2013 resulted from amortization of $30.2 million and foreign currency translation of $23.1 million partially offset by capitalization of software of $17.4 million and acquisitions of $15.6 million. See Note 4, on pages 52 to 53, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more information concerning goodwill and intangible assets.

Deferred pension assets increased $1.8 million during the first nine months of 2014 and increased $52.0 million from September 30, 2013. The increase in the last twelve months was due primarily to increases in the fair market value of equity securities held by the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. See Note 6, on pages 56 through 61, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more information concerning the Company’s benefit plan assets.

Other assets at September 30, 2014 increased $49.5 million in the first nine months of 2014 and increased $52.4 million from a year ago. Both increases were due primarily to increases in various other investments along with increased investments in affordable housing and historic renovation real estate properties.

Net property, plant and equipment decreased $8.1 million in the first nine months of 2014 and increased $2.4 million in the twelve months since September 30, 2013. The decrease in the first nine months was primarily due to depreciation expense of $125.8 million, sale or disposition of fixed assets of $2.9 million and changes in currency translation rates of $15.2 million partially offset by capital expenditures of $135.9 million. Since September 30, 2013, capital expenditures of $194.1 million were partially offset by depreciation expense of $166.8 million, changes in currency translation rates of $15.1 million and dispositions or sale of assets with remaining net book value of $5.1 million. Capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2014 primarily represented expenditures associated with improvements and normal equipment replacement in manufacturing and distribution facilities in the Consumer Group, normal equipment replacement in the Paint Stores and Global Finishes Groups, and replacement or upgraded aviation equipment and information systems hardware in the Administrative Segment.

There were no borrowings under the Company's domestic commercial paper program outstanding nor certain other short-term revolving and letter of credit agreements at September 30, 2014. Short-term borrowings outstanding under various foreign programs at September 30, 2014 were $55.6 million with a weighted average interest rate of 6.7 percent. The Company had unused capacity of $1.050 billion at September 30, 2014 under the commercial paper program that is backed by the Company’s revolving credit agreement. There were no significant changes in long-term debt during the third quarter of 2014. See Note 7, on pages 61 to 62, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more information concerning the Company’s debt.

Long-term liabilities for postretirement benefits other than pensions did not change significantly from December 31, 2013 and decreased $46.5 million from September 30, 2013. The decrease in the liability was due to the decrease in the actuarially determined postretirement benefit obligation resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions and favorable claims experience. See Note 6, on pages 56 to 61, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more information concerning the Company’s benefit plan obligations.

Other long-term liabilities at September 30, 2014 increased $12.1 million in the first nine months of 2014, primarily due to an increase in long-term commitments related to affordable housing and historic renovation real estate properties, and increased $6.8 million from a year ago, primarily due to an increase in non-current deferred tax liabilities.

Environmental-Related Liabilities

The operations of the Company, like those of other companies in the same industry, are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations not only govern current operations and products, but also impose potential liability on the Company for past operations. Management expects environmental laws and regulations to impose increasingly stringent requirements upon the Company and the industry in the future. Management believes that the Company conducts its operations in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and has implemented various programs designed to protect the environment and promote continued compliance.

Depreciation of capital expenditures and other expenses related to ongoing environmental compliance measures were included in the normal operating expenses of conducting business. The Company’s capital expenditures, depreciation and other expenses related to ongoing environmental compliance measures were not material to the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, cash flow or results of operations during the first nine months of 2014. Management does not expect that such capital expenditures, depreciation and other expenses will be material to the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, cash flow or results of operations in 2014.

The Company is involved with environmental investigation and remediation activities at some of its currently and formerly owned sites (including sites which were previously owned and/or operated by businesses acquired by the Company). In addition, the Company, together with other parties, has been designated a potentially responsible party under federal and state environmental protection laws for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination and hazardous waste at a number of third party sites, primarily Superfund sites. The Company may be similarly designated with respect to additional third party sites in the future.

The Company accrues for estimated costs of investigation and remediation activities at its currently and formerly owned sites and third party sites for which commitments or clean-up plans have been developed and when such costs can be reasonably estimated based on industry standards and professional judgment. These estimated costs are based on currently available facts

regarding each site. The Company accrues a specific estimated amount when such an amount and a time frame in which the costs will be incurred can be reasonably determined. If the best estimate of costs can only be identified as a range and no specific amount within that range can be determined more likely than any other amount within the range, the minimum of the range is accrued by the Company in accordance with applicable accounting rules and interpretations. The Company continuously assesses its potential liability for investigation and remediation activities and adjusts its environmental-related accruals as information becomes available upon which more accurate costs can be reasonably estimated. At September 30,

2014 and 2013, the Company had accruals for environmental-related activities of $108.2 million and $111.9 million, respectively.

Due to the uncertainties of the scope and magnitude of contamination and the degree of investigation and remediation activities that may be necessary at certain currently or formerly owned sites and third party sites, it is reasonably likely that further extensive investigations may be required and that extensive remedial actions may be necessary not only on such sites but on adjacent properties. Depending on the extent of the additional investigations and remedial actions necessary, the Company’s ultimate liability may result in costs that are significantly higher than currently accrued. If the Company’s future loss contingency is ultimately determined to be at the maximum of the range of possible outcomes for every site for which costs can be reasonably estimated, the Company’s aggregate accruals for environmental-related activities would be $87.2 million higher than the accruals at September 30, 2014.

Two of the Company’s currently and formerly owned sites accounted for the majority of the accruals for environmental-related activities and the unaccrued maximum of the estimated range of possible outcomes at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, $64.6 million, or 59.7 percent, related directly to these two sites. Of the aggregate unaccrued exposure at September 30, 2014, $55.3 million, or 63.5 percent, related to the two sites. While environmental investigations and remedial actions are in different stages at these sites, additional investigations, remedial actions and/or monitoring will likely be required at each site. A comprehensive description of the two currently and formerly owned sites that account for the majority of the accruals for environmental-related activities is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no significant changes in the investigative or remedial status of the two sites since December 31, 2013.

Management cannot presently estimate the ultimate potential loss contingencies related to these two sites or other less significant sites until such time as a substantial portion of the investigative activities at each site is completed and remedial action plans are developed.

In accordance with the Asset Retirement Obligations Topic of the ASC, the Company has identified certain conditional asset retirement obligations at various current manufacturing, distribution and store facilities. These obligations relate primarily to asbestos abatement and closures of hazardous waste containment devices. Using investigative, remediation and disposal methods that are currently available to the Company, the estimated cost of these obligations is not significant.

In the event any future loss contingency significantly exceeds the current amount accrued, the recording of the ultimate liability may result in a material impact on net income for the annual or interim period during which the additional costs are accrued. Management does not believe that any potential liability ultimately attributed to the Company for its environmental-related matters or conditional asset retirement obligations will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity or cash flow due to the extended period of time during which environmental investigation and remediation takes place. An estimate of the potential impact on the Company’s operations cannot be made due to the aforementioned uncertainties.

Management expects these contingent environmental-related liabilities and conditional asset retirement obligations to be resolved over an extended period of time. Management is unable to provide a more specific time frame due to the indefinite amount of time to conduct investigation activities at any site, the indefinite amount of time to obtain governmental agency approval, as necessary, with respect to investigation and remediation activities, and the indefinite amount of time necessary to conduct remediation activities.

Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments and Warranties

Short-term borrowings decreased $40.9 million to $55.6 million at September 30, 2014 from $96.6 million at December 31, 2013. Total long-term debt was $1.625 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and decreased $9.4 million from $1.634 billion at September 30, 2013. See the Financial Condition, Liquidity and Cash Flow section of this report for more information. There have been no other significant changes to the Company’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments in the third quarter of 2014 as summarized in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Changes to the Company’s accrual for product warranty claims in the first nine months of 2014 are disclosed in Note 5.

Litigation

liability or the reduction of a liability. In accordance with the Contingencies Topic of the ASC, the Company accrues for these contingencies by a charge to income when it is both probable that one or more future events will occur confirming the fact of a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In the event that the Company’s loss contingency is ultimately determined to be significantly higher than currently accrued, the recording of the additional liability may result in a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition for the annual or interim period during which such additional liability is accrued. In those cases where no accrual is recorded because it is not probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of any such loss cannot be reasonably estimated, any potential liability ultimately determined to be attributable to the Company may result in a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition for the annual or interim period during which such liability is accrued. In those cases where no accrual is recorded or exposure to loss exists in excess of the amount accrued, the Contingencies Topic of the ASC requires disclosure of the contingency when there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or additional loss may have been incurred.

Notwithstanding the Company’s views on the merits, litigation is inherently subject to many uncertainties, and the Company ultimately may not prevail. Adverse court rulings or determinations of liability, among other factors, could affect the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation against the Company and encourage an increase in the number and nature of future claims and proceedings. In addition, from time to time, various legislation and administrative regulations have been enacted, promulgated or proposed to impose obligations on present and former manufacturers of lead pigments and lead-based paints respecting asserted health concerns associated with such products or to overturn the effect of court decisions in which the Company and other manufacturers have been successful.

Litigation seeking damages from alleged personal injury. The Company and other companies are defendants in a number of legal proceedings seeking monetary damages and other relief from alleged personal injuries. These proceedings include claims by children allegedly injured from ingestion of lead pigment or lead-containing paint and claims for damages allegedly incurred by the children’s parents or guardians. These proceedings generally seek compensatory and punitive damages, and seek other relief including medical monitoring costs. These proceedings include purported claims by individuals, groups of individuals and class actions.

risk contribution theory) is unconstitutional as a violation of the plaintiff's right to due process of law under the Wisconsin Constitution. On April 8, 2014, defendants filed a petition requesting the Wisconsin Court of Appeal to hear the issue as an interlocutory appeal. On August 21, 2014, the Wisconsin Court of Appeal granted defendants' petition.

Titanium dioxide suppliers antitrust class action lawsuit. The Company is a member of the plaintiff class related to Titanium Dioxide Antitrust Litigation that was initiated in 2010 against certain suppliers alleging various theories of relief arising from purchases of titanium dioxide made from 2003 through 2012. The Court approved a settlement less attorney fees and expense, and the Company timely submitted claims to recover its pro-rata portion of the settlement. There was no specified deadline for the claims administrator to complete the review of all claims submitted. In October 2014, the Company was notified that it would receive a disbursement of settlement funds, and the Company received a pro-rata disbursement net of all fees of approximately $21.0 million. The Company will record this settlement gain in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity decreased $422.6 million to $1.352 billion at September 30, 2014 from $1.775 billion at December 31, 2013 and decreased $517.7 million from $1.870 billion at September 30, 2013. The decrease in Shareholders’ equity for the first nine months of 2014 resulted primarily from purchases of treasury stock of $1.116 billion, cash dividends paid on common stock of $162.2 million, and an increase in Cumulative other comprehensive loss of $50.7 million partially offset by net income of $733.1 million and an increase in Other capital of $171.7 million, resulting primarily from stock option exercises. Since September 30, 2013, purchases of treasury stock for $1.371 billion and cash dividends paid on common stock of $212.8 million more than offset increases from net income of $849.3 million, an increase in Other capital of $220.7 million and a decrease in Cumulative other comprehensive loss of $17.3 million in twelve months. During the first nine months of 2014, the Company purchased 5.33 million shares of its common stock for treasury purposes through open market purchases. The Company purchased 6.83 million shares of its common stock since September 30, 2013 for treasury. The Company acquires its common stock for general corporate purposes, and depending on its cash position and market conditions, it may acquire additional shares in the future. The Company had remaining authorization at September 30, 2014 to purchase 6.83 million shares of its common stock. At a meeting held on February 19, 2014, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend from $.50 per common share to $.55 per common share. This quarterly dividend will result in an annual dividend for 2014 of $2.20 per common share or a 30.3 percent payout of 2013 diluted net income per common share.

Cash Flow

Net operating cash improved $103.4 million in the first nine months of 2014 to a cash source of $881.3 million from a cash source of $777.9 million in 2013 primarily due to an increase in net income of $96.7 million and a non-recurring payment to the ESOP for the 2012 DOL settlement of $80.0 million in the first quarter of 2013, partially offset by increases in working capital from acquisitions. Net investing cash usage decreased $88.3 million in the first nine months of 2014 to a usage of $165.5 million from a usage of $253.9 million in 2013 primarily due to decreased cash used for acquisitions and other investments partially offset by higher capital expenditures. Net financing cash usage increased $839.0 million to a usage of $1.186 billion in the first nine months of 2014 from a usage of $347.5 million in 2013 primarily due to increases in treasury stock purchases of $602.0 million and net decreases in short-term borrowings of $264.2 million in the first nine months of 2014 partially offset by increased proceeds from stock options exercised of $24.2 million. In the twelve month period from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, the Company generated net operating cash of $1.187 billion, used $250.0 million in investing activities and used $1.692 billion in financing activities. In that same period, the Company invested $194.1 million in capital additions and improvements, made payments on total debt of $242.2 million, purchased $1.371 billion in treasury stock and paid $212.8 million in cash dividends to its shareholders of common stock.

Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk associated with interest rate, foreign currency and commodity fluctuations. The Company occasionally utilizes derivative instruments as part of its overall financial risk management policy, but does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. In the first nine months of 2014, the Company entered into forward currency exchange contracts with maturity dates of less than twelve months to hedge against value changes in foreign currency. The Company believes it may be exposed to continuing market risk from foreign currency exchange rate and commodity price fluctuations. However, the Company does not expect that foreign currency exchange rate and commodity price fluctuations or hedging contract losses will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Financial Covenant

Certain borrowings contain a consolidated leverage covenant. The covenant states the Company’s leverage ratio is not to exceed 3.25 to 1.00. The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total indebtedness (the sum of Short-term borrowings, Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt) at the reporting date to consolidated “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization” (EBITDA) for the twelve month period ended on the same date. Refer to the “Results of Operations” caption below for a reconciliation of EBITDA to Net income. At September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the covenant. The Company’s Notes, Debentures and revolving credit agreements contain various default and cross-default provisions. In the event of default under any one of these arrangements, acceleration of the maturity of any one or more of these borrowings may result. See Note 7, on pages 61 to 62, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more information concerning the Company’s debt and related covenant.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Shown below are net sales and income before taxes by segment for the third quarter and first nine months:



(Thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		Change		2014		2013		Change
Net Sales:
Paint Stores Group	$	2,027,485	$	1,763,404	15.0	%	$	5,270,080	$	4,537,849	16.1	%
Consumer Group	385,238		366,845		5.0	%	1,143,893		1,069,085		7.0	%
Global Finishes Group	536,261		507,284		5.7	%	1,578,497		1,507,626		4.7	%
Latin America Coatings Group	200,367		208,645		-4.0	%	563,975		610,271		-7.6	%
Administrative	1,219		1,239		-1.6	%	3,676		3,643		0.9	%
Total	$	3,150,570	$	2,847,417	10.6	%	$	8,560,121	$	7,728,474	10.8	%



(Thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			Change		2014			2013			Change
Income Before Income Taxes:
Paint Stores Group	$	431,840		$	359,352		20.2	%	$	953,962		$	822,037		16.0	%
Consumer Group	78,956			73,065			8.1	%	222,532			206,079			8.0	%
Global Finishes Group	60,751			44,536			36.4	%	162,093			132,929			21.9	%
Latin America Coatings Group	11,792			(983		)	1,299.6	%	27,439			20,712			32.5	%
Administrative	(109,291		)	(88,508		)	-23.5	%	(296,671		)	(245,027		)	-21.1	%
Total	$	474,048		$	387,462		22.3	%	$	1,069,355		$	936,730		14.2	%

Consolidated net sales increased in the third quarter and increased in the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to higher paint sales volume in our Paint Stores Group and acquisitions. Acquisitions increased consolidated net sales 3.3 percent in the quarter and 4.1 percent in the first nine months, while unfavorable currency translation rate changes decreased consolidated net sales 0.7 percent in the quarter and 1.1 percent in the first nine months.

Net sales of all consolidated foreign subsidiaries were up 9.2 percent to $571.9 million in the quarter and up 6.7 percent to $1.678 billion in the first nine months versus $523.7 million and $1.572 billion in the same periods last year. The increase in net sales for all consolidated foreign subsidiaries in the quarter was due primarily to acquisitions, which increased net sales 7.6 percent in the quarter, and selling price increases partially offset by a 3.3 percent negative impact of foreign translation rate changes. The increase in the first nine months was due primarily to acquisitions, which increased net sales 7.0 percent in the first nine months, and selling price increases partially offset by a 5.0 percent negative impact of foreign currency translation rate changes. Net sales of all operations other than consolidated foreign subsidiaries were up 11.0 percent to $2.579 billion in the quarter and up 11.8 percent to $6.882 billion in the first nine months as compared to $2.324 billion and $6.156 billion in the same periods last year.

Net sales in the Paint Stores Group increased in the third quarter and first nine months due primarily to higher architectural paint sales volume and acquisitions. Acquisitions increased net sales 4.6 percent in the quarter and increased net sales 5.9 percent in the first nine months. Net sales from stores open for more than twelve calendar months increased 9.6 percent in the quarter and increased 9.2 percent in the first nine months compared to last year’s comparable periods. Total paint sales volume percentage increases were in the high single digits for the core business and exceed 18.0 percent when including acquisitions for the quarter and first nine months as compared to last year’s comparable periods. Sales of non-paint products increased by 14.1 percent over last year’s third quarter and increased by 13.9 percent over last year's first nine months. A discussion of changes in volume versus pricing for sales of products other than paint is not pertinent due to the wide assortment of general merchandise sold. Net sales of the Consumer Group increased in the third quarter and first nine months due primarily to the impact of acquisitions. Acquisitions increased net sales 3.9 percent in the quarter and increased net sales 4.3 percent in the first nine months. Net sales in the Global Finishes Group stated in U.S. dollars increased in the third quarter and first nine months due primarily to selling price increases and increased paint sales volume in the quarter partially offset by unfavorable currency translation rate changes, which decreased net sales by 0.4 percent in the quarter and 0.7 percent in the first nine months. Net sales in the Latin America Coatings Group stated in U.S. dollars decreased in the third quarter and first nine months, which can primarily be attributed to unfavorable currency translation rate changes and lower paint sales volume partially offset by selling

price increases. Currency translation rate changes decreased net sales by 7.8 percent in the quarter and decreased net sales by 11.8 percent in the first nine months. Net sales in the Administrative segment, which primarily consist of external leasing revenue of excess headquarters space and leasing of facilities no longer used by the Company in its primary business, were essentially flat in the third quarter and first nine months.

Consolidated gross profit increased $175.0 million in the third quarter and increased $454.1 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013. As a percent of sales, consolidated gross profit increased to 46.7 percent in the quarter from 45.5 percent in the third quarter of 2013 and improved to 46.1 percent in the first nine months of 2014 from 45.2 percent last year. The percent to sales and dollar increases were primarily due to increased paint sales volume and selling price increases. Acquisitions also contributed to increased gross profit dollars but decreased gross profit percent along with unfavorable currency translation rates for the third quarter and first nine months.

The Paint Stores Group’s gross profit was higher than last year by $137.8 million in the third quarter and was higher than last year by $384.6 million in the first nine months due to higher paint sales volume. The Paint Stores Group’s gross profit margins were essentially flat in the quarter and first nine months compared to the same periods last year as the impact of higher paint sales volume was offset by the impact of acquisitions. The Consumer Group’s gross profit increased by $14.6 million in the quarter and increased by $38.0 million in the first nine months compared to the same periods last year primarily due to acquisitions and increased sales volume. The Consumer Group's gross profit margins increased as a percent of sales for the third quarter and first nine months compared to the same periods last year primarily due to improved manufacturing volumes and operating efficiency. The Global Finishes Group’s gross profit increased $14.5 million in the third quarter and increased $28.4 million in the first nine months compared to the same periods last year, when stated in U.S. dollars, primarily due to increased sales. The Global Finishes Group’s gross profit margins were up as a percent of sales in the quarter and the first nine months compared to the same periods last year due primarily to selling price increases and higher paint sales volume partially offset by unfavorable currency impacts. The Latin America Coatings Group’s gross profit increased by $9.6 million in the third quarter and increased by $6.9 million in the first nine months from the same periods in the prior year, when stated in U.S. dollars, primarily due to the Brazilian government import duty tax assessments in recorded in 2013 and selling price increases partially offset by lower volume sales, increasing raw material costs and unfavorable currency translation rate changes. Brazilian government import duty tax assessments of $16.9 million and $28.7 million were recorded to cost of goods sold in the quarter and nine months of 2013, respectively. The Latin America Coatings Group’s gross profit margins were up as a percent of sales for the third quarter and first nine months as compared to the same periods last year for these same reasons. Excluding the Brazilian government import duty tax assessment in 2013, the Latin America Coatings Group’s gross profit margins were lower as a percent of sales. The Administrative segment’s gross profit decreased by $1.5 million in the third quarter and decreased by $3.8 million in the first nine months compared to the same periods last year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased $94.7 million in the third quarter and increased $332.1 million in the first nine months of 2014 versus last year due primarily to increased expenses to support higher sales levels and net new store openings as well as the impact from acquisitions. As a percent of sales, consolidated SG&A was flat at 31.2 percent in the quarter versus 2013 and increased to 33.1 percent in the first nine months from 32.4 percent in the first nine months of 2013 primarily due to timing of net new store openings in the quarter and acquisitions.

The Paint Stores Group’s SG&A increased $66.4 million in the third quarter and increased $254.0 million in the first nine months due primarily to net new store openings and general comparable store expenses to support higher sales levels as well as the impact from acquisitions. The Consumer Group’s SG&A was up $8.2 million in the quarter and increased $21.1 million in the first nine months compared to the same periods last year primarily due to acquisitions. The Global Finishes Group’s SG&A increased $6.7 million in the quarter and increased $17.4 million in the first nine months due to increased sales, SG&A charges of $4.3 million related to the exit of the business in Venezuela in the second quarter of 2014 and the timing of spending partially offset by currency translation rate changes. The Latin America Coatings Group’s SG&A decreased $2.6 million in the third quarter and decreased $1.7 million in the first nine months due to currency translation rate changes and Brazilian government tax assessments of $2.9 million recorded in the third quarter of 2013 partially offset by timing of spending. The Administrative segment’s SG&A increased $15.9 million in the third quarter and increased $41.3 million in the first nine months primarily due to acquisition integration efforts, information systems costs, and incentive compensation, including stock-based compensation expense.

Other general expense—net increased $11.0 million in the third quarter and increased $6.8 million in the first nine months primarily due to increased provisions for environmental expenses in the Administrative segment.

Other (income) expense—net improved $18.1 million in the third quarter and increased $20.7 million in the first nine months primarily due to a $6.3 million gain on the early termination of a customer agreement recorded in the Global Finishes Group and a $6.2 million realized gain resulting from final asset valuations related to the acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Comex recorded in the Administrative segment, both in the third quarter of 2014. Decreased foreign currency transaction losses

in both the Global Finishes and Latin America Coatings Groups also contributed to the favorable comparisons to the prior periods.

Consolidated income before income taxes increased $86.6 million in the third quarter and increased $132.6 million in the first nine months due to higher segment profits in Paint Stores, Consumer, and Global Finishes Groups partially offset by increased expenses in the Administrative segment. The Global Finishes Group's profits were reduced by charges recorded in the second quarter of 2014 related to the exit of the business in Venezuela. The Latin America Coatings Group segment profits were lower for both the third quarter and the first nine months when excluding the Brazil tax assessments impact on 2013 results.

The effective income tax rate of 31.2 percent for the third quarter of 2014 was lower than the 32.1 percent effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 due primarily to the timing of discrete items. The effective income tax rate of 31.4 percent for the first nine months of 2014 was lower than the 32.1 percent effective income tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 also due primarily to the timing of discrete items.

Net income for the quarter increased $63.3 million to $326.2 million from $263.0 million in the third quarter of 2013 and increased $96.7 million to $733.1 million from $636.4 million in the first nine months of 2013. Diluted net income per common share increased 31.4 percent from $2.55 per share in the third quarter of 2013 to $3.35 per share, including a $.01 per share loss from acquisitions, in the third quarter of 2014. Diluted net income per common share increased 20.9 percent from $6.11 in the first nine months of 2013 to $7.39 in the first nine months of 2014, including an $.18 per share loss from acquisitions. The quarter and nine months 2013 diluted net income per common share included charges of $.13 and $.21 per share, respectively, related to the Brazil tax assessments.

Management considers a measurement that is not in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles a useful measurement of the operational profitability of the Company. Some investment professionals also utilize such a measurement as an indicator of the value of profits and cash that are generated strictly from operating activities, putting aside working capital and certain other balance sheet changes. For this measurement, management increases net income for significant non-operating and non-cash expense items to arrive at an amount known as “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization” (EBITDA). The reader is cautioned that the following value for EBITDA should not be compared to other entities unknowingly. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income or cash flows from operating activities as an indicator of operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. The reader should refer to the determination of net income and cash flows from operating activities in accordance with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles disclosed in the Statements of Consolidated Income and Comprehensive Income and Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. EBITDA as used by management is calculated as follows:



(Thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Net income	$	326,240	$	262,966	$	733,144	$	636,438
Interest expense	16,025		15,394		48,793		45,774
Income taxes	147,808		124,496		336,211		300,292
Depreciation	42,248		39,392		125,761		117,693
Amortization	7,465		7,346		22,611		21,473
EBITDA	$	539,786	$	449,594	$	1,266,520	$	1,121,670

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events and conditions and may discuss, among other things, anticipated future performance (including sales and earnings), expected growth, future business plans and the costs and potential liability for environmental-related matters and the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation. Any statement that is not historical in nature is a forward-looking statement and may be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “will,” “will likely result,” “will continue,” “plans to” and similar expressions.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company, that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements and from the Company’s historical results and experience. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include such things as: (a) general business conditions, strengths of retail and manufacturing economies and the growth in the coatings industry; (b) competitive factors, including pricing pressures and product innovation and quality; (c) changes in raw material and energy supplies and pricing; (d) changes in the Company’s relationships with customers and suppliers; (e) the Company’s ability to attain cost savings from productivity initiatives; (f) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate past and future acquisitions into its existing operations, including the recent acquisitions of the Comex business in the United States and Canada, Geocel Holdings Corporation and Jiangsu Pulanna, as well as the performance of the businesses acquired; (g) changes in general domestic economic conditions such as inflation rates, interest rates, tax rates, unemployment rates, higher labor and healthcare costs, recessions, and changing government policies, laws and regulations; (h) risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s expansion into and its operations in Asia, Europe, South America and other foreign markets, including general economic conditions, inflation rates, recessions, foreign currency exchange rates, foreign investment and repatriation restrictions, legal and regulatory constraints, civil unrest and other external economic and political factors; (i) the achievement of growth in foreign markets, such as Asia, Europe and South America; (j) increasingly stringent domestic and foreign governmental regulations, including those affecting health, safety and the environment; (k) inherent uncertainties involved in assessing the Company’s potential liability for environmental-related activities; (l) other changes in governmental policies, laws and regulations, including changes in accounting policies and standards and taxation requirements (such as new tax laws and new or revised tax law interpretations); (m) the nature, cost, quantity and outcome of pending and future litigation and other claims, including the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation, and the effect of any legislation and administrative regulations relating thereto; and (n) unusual weather conditions.

Readers are cautioned that it is not possible to predict or identify all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect future results and that the above list should not be considered to be a complete list. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to market risk associated with interest rate, foreign currency and commodity fluctuations. The Company occasionally utilizes derivative instruments as part of its overall financial risk management policy, but does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. The Company enters into option and forward currency exchange contracts and commodity swaps to hedge against value changes in foreign currency and commodities. The Company believes it may experience continuing losses from foreign currency translation and commodity price fluctuations. However, the Company does not expect currency translation, transaction, commodity price fluctuations or hedging contract losses to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. There were no material changes in the Company’s exposure to market risk since the disclosure included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2013.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 and Rule 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and accumulated and communicated to our management including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

For information with respect to certain environmental-related matters and legal proceedings, see the information included under the captions entitled “Environmental-Related Liabilities” and “Litigation” of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Notes 8 and 9 of the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

A summary of the repurchase activity for the Company’s third quarter is as follows:

Period

Total

Number of

Purchased

Average

Price

Paid Per

Number of

Purchased as

Part of a

Publicly

Announced

Plan

Number of

Shares That

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the

Plan

July 1 - July 31

Share repurchase program ⁽¹⁾

2,000,000

214.29

2,000,000

6,825,000

Employee transactions ⁽²⁾

August 1 - August 31

Share repurchase program⁽¹⁾

6,825,000

September 1 - September 30

Share repurchase program⁽¹⁾

6,825,000

Employee transactions ⁽²⁾

Total

Share repurchase program⁽¹⁾

2,000,000

214.29

2,000,000

6,825,000

Employee transactions⁽²⁾


⁽¹⁾	All shares were purchased through the Company’s publicly announced share repurchase program. The Company had remaining authorization at September 30, 2014 to purchase 6,825,000 shares. There is no expiration date specified for the program. The Company intends to repurchase stock under the program in the future.


⁽²⁾	All shares were delivered to satisfy the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations by employees who exercised stock options or had shares of restricted stock vest.

Item 5. Other Information.

During the nine months ended ended September 30, 2014, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved permitted non-audit services to be performed by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. These non-audit services were approved within categories related to domestic advisory tax and tax compliance services and international tax compliance.

Item 6. Exhibits.




10(a)	Schedule of Executive Officers who are Parties to the Amended and Restated Severance Agreements in the Forms Filed as Exhibit 10(e) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 (filed herewith).

31(a)	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith).

31(b)	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith).

32(a)	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith).

32(b)	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith).

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



		THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY

October 29, 2014	By:	/s/ Allen J. Mistysyn
October 29, 2014		Allen J. Mistysyn
		Senior Vice President-Corporate Controller

October 29, 2014	By:	/s/ Catherine M. Kilbane
October 29, 2014		Catherine M. Kilbane
		Senior Vice President, General
		Counsel and Secretary



INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.	Exhibit Description

10(a)	Schedule of Executive Officers who are Parties to the Amended and Restated Severance Agreements in the Forms Filed as Exhibit 10(e) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 (filed herewith).

31(a)	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith).

31(b)	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith).

32(a)	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith).

32(b)	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith).

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Sherwin-Williams - 10-Q quarterly report FY2014 Q3

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