Sherwin-Williams Stock: Is SHW Underperforming the Basic Materials Sector?

Core Viewpoint - Sherwin-Williams Company is experiencing stock price challenges despite reporting positive fiscal results, indicating a complex market environment for the company and the Basic Materials sector [3][4][6]. Company Overview - Sherwin-Williams, based in Cleveland, Ohio, develops, manufactures, and sells a variety of paints, coatings, and related products, with a market capitalization of approximately $83.8 billion [1][2]. Stock Performance - The company's shares are currently trading about 15.6% below their November 2024 high of $400.42, with a nearly 8% decline over the past three months, which is worse than the 5.1% drop in the S&P 500 Materials Sector SPDR [3][4]. - Year-to-date, SHW stock has seen a slight decline and is down 15.7% over the past 52 weeks, contrasting with a 3.4% increase in the XLB sector index during 2025 [4][5]. Technical Indicators - SHW stock has been trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since mid-October, indicating persistent downside pressure despite recent rallies that failed to break above these averages [5]. Financial Performance - In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Sherwin-Williams reported a revenue increase of 3.2% year-over-year to $6.36 billion, surpassing estimates, while adjusted EPS grew 6.5% to $3.59, exceeding the forecast of $3.46 [6][7]. - The company generated $2.36 billion in net operating cash and returned $2.13 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in the first nine months of 2025 [7]. Future Outlook - For the full fiscal year 2025, Sherwin-Williams anticipates consolidated net sales to increase in the low single digits compared to 2024, with adjusted EPS projected between $11.25 and $11.45 [7].