Group 1: Sherwin-Williams Company - Sherwin-Williams, founded in 1866 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry, operating in over 120 countries with more than 64,000 employees [2] - In China, Sherwin-Williams focuses on industrial coatings, with products including industrial wood coatings, general industrial coatings, packaging, coil and profile coatings, automotive, and heavy-duty protective and marine coatings [2] - The company has established four modern production bases and four specialized laboratories in China, employing approximately 1,600 local staff to meet the diverse needs of the Chinese market [2][5] - Sherwin-Williams has transitioned from being a mere product supplier to a participant and promoter of industry standards, having established the first odor evaluation center in the industry and collaborated with various organizations to promote relevant group standards [2][5] - The company has witnessed Shanghai's growth and has participated in the construction of several landmark projects, benefiting from strong support from local government [5][6] - Looking ahead, Sherwin-Williams aims to deepen its regional layout in China, focusing on customer-centric solutions to enhance its market leadership [6] Group 2: LEGO Group - LEGO Group is set to open the largest LEGO theme park in the world, the Shanghai LEGO Resort, on July 5, which has garnered significant public interest [7] - The company has established over 400 retail stores across China, including eight flagship stores and five benchmark stores, focusing on immersive, customized, and scenario-based brand experiences [9] - LEGO has actively engaged in various promotional activities in Shanghai, including the "LEGO World Play Festival" and collaborations with local events to enhance brand visibility [11] - The company has launched 29 new products inspired by Chinese culture during the China International Import Expo, demonstrating its commitment to integrating with local culture [11][12] - The success of the expo has facilitated LEGO's transition from an exhibitor to an investor, exemplified by the establishment of the Shanghai LEGO Resort project [12]

2025 Investor Presentation Forward-Looking Statements 2 Uniquely Positioned for Delivering Above-Market Growth Unique Assets Innovative Products & Services Growth Opportunities Value Creation Responsive Supply Chain Customer Data & Connectedness Consistent Investment in the Business Strengthens Our Market Leading Position 3 Strong Balance Sheet & Cash Generation Disciplined Capital Allocation Controlled Distribution Model Depth of Talent & Ownership Culture Differentiated Solutions Delivered to our Customer ...

日前，2025（第24届）中国涂料油墨峰会暨展览会于上海举行。本届大会新增智能制造会场，展示近年 来数字化和人工智能（AI）的强势入局为涂料行业带来的变化。笔者在参观中发现，一方面，围绕涂 料行业生产、运营低碳化、智能化和功能化的全面要求，众多关键技术被开发并深度应用，行业从成本 优势向技术领先地位转变；另一方面，汽车、建材等下游市场对人机交互等智能化配置的需求，也在倒 逼涂料行业开发更多功能性涂料产品。数字化、智能化正在从产业链的两端，快速全面地重塑行业版 图。 数字化转型是必由之路 "目前，石油和化工行业面临测量难、建模难、控制难、优化难'四难'背景，数字化转型已成为提升安 全、可靠、效率三大核心指标的必由之路。"在智能制造及涂装专场，石化化工行业数字化转型推进中 心秘书长李渊源说。 李渊源还介绍了国内首个行业级数字化转型评估标准，并针对涂料行业特别提出五大重点：配方数字化 仿真、柔性制造、挥发性有机物（VOCs）智能管控、质量追溯和智能仓储。通过从定岗定责到产业链 协同的五级成熟度划分，为企业提供可量化的转型标尺。 提到国家材料工业数字化转型战略对涂料产业的未来发展，中国电子信息产业发展研究院副研究员申 ...

Group 1 - Sherwin-Williams aims to jointly bid for BASF's coatings division, which is valued at approximately €6 billion (around $6.81 billion) [4][6] - The acquisition, if successful, would mark Sherwin-Williams' second-largest merger after the $11.3 billion acquisition of Valspar in June 2017 [1][4] - BASF is exploring strategic options for its coatings business, including potential partnerships or full divestiture, as part of a broader strategy to focus on core operations [7][8] Group 2 - BASF's coatings division includes automotive coatings solutions, surface treatment technologies, and decorative coatings, with significant applications across various industries [10] - In 2024, BASF's coatings division is projected to generate sales of €4.28 billion, a decrease of 2.4% year-over-year [10] - The automotive coatings segment is crucial for Sherwin-Williams, contributing approximately 15% to its high-performance coatings revenue of $6.797 billion in 2024 [14][19] Group 3 - The automotive coatings business of BASF accounts for 65% of its total coatings revenue, with OEM coatings making up 48% and automotive refinish coatings 17% [19] - A successful acquisition would enhance Sherwin-Williams' competitive position in the global automotive coatings market and expand its market share, particularly in the OEM segment [19][20] - Sherwin-Williams has experienced a slowdown in sales growth, with an average growth rate of 5.32% over the past five years, making the acquisition a strategic move to boost performance and market presence [20]

Core Viewpoint - Sherwin-Williams shares have increased by approximately 0.5% since the last earnings report, which is underperforming compared to the S&P 500 [1] Group 1: Earnings Report and Market Reaction - The recent earnings report indicates that estimates for Sherwin-Williams have trended downward over the past month [2] - The stock has received a subpar Growth Score of D and a Momentum Score of D, while the Value Score is rated F, placing it in the lowest quintile for investment strategies [3] Group 2: Outlook and Future Expectations - The overall VGM Score for Sherwin-Williams is F, suggesting a lack of attractiveness across multiple investment strategies [3] - The downward trend in estimates indicates a negative outlook, with Sherwin-Williams holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [4]

Core Insights - Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE: SHW) stock has increased by 18% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500's nearly 12% rise, raising questions about its current valuation and potential for a decline of 20-30% [1] - The stock is trading at approximately $359 per share, which is nearly 28 times its free cash flow, indicating a cash flow yield of about 3.6%, contrasting with Nvidia's 50 times cash flow multiple [1] - Sherwin-Williams' revenue growth has been significantly lower at around 5% over the last three years and only 0.2% in the past twelve months, making its high valuation difficult to justify [1] Financial Performance - Sherwin-Williams reported record consolidated net sales of $23.10 billion for 2024, driven by growth in the Paint Stores Group [2] - Diluted net income per share increased by 14.1% to $10.55, and adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.0% to $4.49 billion [2] - The company generated strong cash flow with $3.15 billion in net operating cash and returned $2.46 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [2] Market Position and Strategy - The company has consistently expanded its retail presence, opening new stores to capture a larger market share, which, along with effective pricing strategies, has bolstered sales and margins [3] - Cost-saving measures, including supply chain optimization and productivity improvements, have enhanced margins and allowed the company to manage market difficulties effectively [3] Growth Concerns - Sherwin-Williams has projected lower-than-anticipated annual profits, raising concerns about short-term growth due to weak demand in significant end markets such as housing, automotive, and aerospace [4] - The company may need to be valued comparably to others achieving 5% revenue growth, questioning its ability to maintain that growth [4] Raw Material Challenges - The production of paints and coatings is heavily dependent on raw materials like titanium dioxide and petrochemical derivatives, with price fluctuations potentially squeezing margins [5] - The company may face challenges in passing on higher costs to consumers, especially in competitive markets [5] Long-term Outlook - As the largest paint and coatings company in the U.S., Sherwin-Williams holds a leading position in North America's professional paint sector, operating over 5,000 company-owned stores [6] - Long-term demand for housing, renovations, and urban development supports the company's growth, alongside the aging housing stock in the U.S. generating a constant need for repainting and maintenance [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of quantitative methods in identifying undervalued stocks across various industries, suggesting that numerical data often provides a clearer picture of a company's potential than narrative descriptions [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company employs quantitative methods that have been backtested for success to search for undervalued stocks of any size [1]. - The belief is that numbers are more significant than stories in most cases, as they tend to reflect a more realistic outlook on a company's prospects [1]. Group 2: Experience and Knowledge - The company has been investing since 2013 and has gained knowledge through both experience and extensive reading of stock market literature [1]. - Notable books that have influenced the company's investment approach include "100 Baggers," "Financial Shenanigans," and "The Quants" [1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales were within the guided range, with adjusted earnings per share growing by 3.7% to $2.25 per share [4][3] - Gross margin and gross profit dollars expanded, while SG&A expenses decreased due to effective spending control [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paint Stores Group sales grew by a low single-digit percentage, with price mix up by mid-single digits and volume down low single digits [6] - Consumer Brands Group sales were within expected range, with more than half of the decrease attributed to unfavorable foreign exchange [7] - Performance Coatings Group sales were below expectations, with decreases in Europe and North America by mid-single digits [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Residential repaint sales increased by a mid-single-digit percentage despite softness in existing home sales [6] - New residential sales increased by a low single-digit percentage, while commercial and property maintenance sales remained under pressure [6][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined capital allocation, investing $352 million in share repurchases and increasing dividends by 10% [4] - The acquisition of Souvenil is expected to close in the second half of the year, enhancing the Consumer Brands Group and complementing existing Latin America business [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects demand in most end markets to remain choppy at least through the first half of 2025, with some markets not likely to gain momentum until 2026 [12] - The company is well-positioned to outperform the market and is confident in its strategy and execution capabilities [12][14] Other Important Information - The company plans to open 80 to 100 new stores throughout the year, with a focus on maintaining low turnover rates among staff [96] - The company is actively managing costs and looking for efficiencies through simplification and digitization [11][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing environment and tariffs - Management indicated that raw material costs were flat year over year, but tariffs are expected to increase costs slightly in the second quarter [20][21] - The company is prepared to implement price increases if necessary to offset rising costs [22][23] Question: Price mix in Paint Stores Group - The price mix was predominantly driven by price increases, with effective implementation credited to the stores team [28][30] Question: COGS and gross margins - Gross margin improvement was driven by selling price increases in the Paint Stores Group and supply chain efficiencies [32][33] Question: New residential end market outlook - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth in the new residential market despite current challenges [39][40] Question: Res repaint market trends - The residential repaint segment continues to show strength, with positive sentiment and activity despite a flat overall market [43][44] Question: Souvenil acquisition details - The acquisition is expected to enhance the company's position in Latin America, with a strong leadership team and growth potential [102][103] Question: Share gains in commercial and property maintenance - Share gains in these segments are expected to be longer-term, with significant project timelines impacting immediate results [106][107]

THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2025 or ☐ 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 (Registrant's telephone number including area code) | Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Na ...

Core Viewpoint - Sherwin-Williams reported a slight increase in earnings per share for Q1 2025, but revenues declined year over year, missing consensus estimates, indicating mixed performance across its segments [1][2][3][4]. Financial Performance - The company logged first-quarter 2025 earnings of $2 per share, up approximately 1.5% from $1.97 in the same quarter last year [1]. - Adjusted earnings were $2.25 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.18 [1]. - Revenues totaled $5,305.7 million, down around 1.1% year over year, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5,346.5 million [1]. Segmental Review - The Paint Stores Group segment achieved net sales of $2,939.8 million, up about 2.3% year over year, beating the consensus estimate of $2,919.9 million, driven by a mid-single-digit percentage rise in selling prices [2]. - The Consumer Brands Group segment saw net sales decline by 6% year over year to $762.2 million, although it exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $761.4 million, impacted by weaker DIY demand and unfavorable currency translation [3]. - The Performance Coatings Group experienced a net sales decrease of roughly 4.8% year over year to $1,602 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,645.9 million, primarily due to adverse currency translation [4]. Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - In Q1 2025, the company utilized $61.1 million in net operating cash due to seasonal increases in working capital requirements, which were largely offset by net income [5]. - The company returned $552.1 million to shareholders through dividends and the repurchase of 1 million shares of common stock [6]. Outlook - Sherwin-Williams forecasts consolidated net sales for Q2 2025 to be up or down by a low single-digit percentage year over year, with a similar expectation for full-year 2025 [7]. - Full-year 2025 earnings per share are projected to be in the range of $10.70 to $11.10, with adjusted earnings per share expected between $11.65 and $12.05 [7]. - The company anticipates an effective tax rate in the low 20% range for 2025 [7]. Price Performance - Shares of Sherwin-Williams have increased by 8.4% over the past year, contrasting with a 4.3% decline in the industry [8].