Activist investor Cevian Capital acquired a 3% stake in AkzoNobel as the Dulux-paint maker overhauls its strategy https://t.co/ocCE1UoeO8 ...

Core Insights - Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) reported second-quarter 2025 earnings of $3 per share, a decrease of approximately 14.3% from $3.50 in the same quarter last year [1] - Adjusted earnings were $3.38 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.76 [1] - Revenues reached $6,314.5 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of about 0.7%, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6,284 million [1] Segmental Review - The Paint Stores Group segment achieved net sales of $3,702.2 million, up around 2.3% year over year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,685.4 million, driven by higher selling prices despite a slight decline in volume [2] - The Consumer Brands Group segment saw a decline in net sales of 4.1% year over year to $809.4 million, falling short of the consensus estimate of $821.3 million, primarily due to weak DIY demand in North America and a 2% negative impact from unfavorable foreign currency translation [3] - The Performance Coatings Group segment reported net sales of approximately $1,801.1 million, a slight decline of 0.3% year over year, but beating the consensus estimate of $1,770.5 million, with increased sales from acquisitions offset by lower selling prices [4] Financials - In the first half of 2025, the company generated $1.05 billion in net operating cash and returned $1.27 billion to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases of 2.5 million shares [5] - As of June 30, 2025, the company had authorization to repurchase 32 million shares of its common stock through open market purchases [5] Outlook - For the third quarter and full-year 2025, the company expects net sales to fluctuate by a low-single-digit percentage, indicating a stable revenue outlook [6] - The effective tax rate is anticipated to be in the low 20% range for 2025, with projected net income per share between $10.11 and $10.41, and adjusted net income per share forecasted between $11.20 and $11.50 for the full year [6] Price Performance - Sherwin-Williams shares have decreased by 0.9% over the past year, compared to a 2.4% decline in the industry [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales were within the guided range, with growth in the Paint Stores Group offset by softness in other segments [4] - Gross margin expanded for the twelfth consecutive quarter, with gross profit dollars also increasing [5] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased due to higher non-operating costs and targeted growth investments [5][6] - The company returned $716 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paint Stores Group sales increased by a low single-digit percentage, with price mix up by mid-single digits and volume down low single digits [14] - Protective and Marine sales increased by high single digits for the fourth consecutive quarter [14] - Consumer Brands Group sales were below expectations, with volume, price mix, and FX all down by similar low single-digit percentages [16] - Performance Coatings Group sales were in line with expectations, with volume, acquisitions, and FX up by low single-digit percentages [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macroeconomic indicators suggest continued turbulence and a slowdown in demand across various segments and regions [6][19] - Customer sentiment reflects uncertainty and hesitancy to invest, with consumer confidence remaining mixed [19][20] - The company expects no help from the market for the remainder of the year, leading to a downward revision of sales expectations in the Consumer Brands segment [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to delivering above-market growth despite softening market conditions [6][20] - There is a focus on aggressive investments in the Paint Stores Group and maintaining discipline around SG&A costs [12][23] - The company is reducing CapEx spending for the year by approximately 20%, from $900 million to $730 million [24] - The company plans to continue opportunistically repurchasing shares and pursuing targeted acquisitions [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the current quarter was not perfect but emphasized a disciplined strategy for long-term outperformance [7] - The company is experiencing a choppy demand environment, particularly in new residential, DIY, and coil coatings markets [9][30] - Management expressed confidence in their strategy and the potential for significant market share gains when demand improves [12][40] Other Important Information - The company is doubling its restructuring initiatives target to approximately $105 million for the year, expecting annual savings of about $80 million [10][12] - The company is focused on controlling general and administrative spending while investing in growth initiatives [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives caution regarding potential deterioration in demand? - Management pointed to new residential, coil, and DIY markets as areas of concern, noting volatility and challenges [30] Question: Which sub-segments in TSG might see the most share gains? - Management indicated opportunities in commercial, new residential, and property maintenance segments, with a focus on aggressive market share gains [35][36] Question: How should SG&A spending be viewed moving forward? - Management clarified that SG&A spending would be controlled tightly, with expectations of low single-digit increases in the second half of the year [48] Question: What role does product pricing play in market share growth? - Management emphasized that value proposition and service quality are prioritized over pricing in acquiring new customers [107] Question: What is the outlook for future growth? - Management expects to grow at a rate of 2.5% to 3% once demand improves, with a focus on maintaining market share during the downturn [70]

Financial Performance Overview - Sales increased by 0.7% to $6,314.5 million compared to $6,271.5 million in 2Q 2024[7] - Gross profit increased by 1.8% to $3,118.3 million compared to $3,063.4 million in 2Q 2024[7] - Gross margin expanded by 60 bps to 49.4%[7] - Reported EPS decreased by 14.3% to $3.00, while adjusted EPS decreased by 8.6% to $3.38[7] - EBITDA decreased by 12.3% to $1,260.8 million, representing 20.0% of sales[7] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 8.2% to $1,319.8 million, representing 20.9% of sales[7] Segment Performance - Paint Stores Group (PSG) sales increased by 2.3% to $3,702.2 million[11] - Consumer Brands Group (CBG) sales decreased by 4.1% to $809.4 million[17] - Performance Coatings Group (PCG) sales decreased by 0.3% to $1,801.1 million[23] Guidance - Third Quarter 2025 sales are expected to be up or down low-single digit percentage[36] - Full Year 2025 sales are expected to be up or down low-single digit percentage[36]

Core Insights - Behr Paint Company has announced a collaboration with REMAX Canada to support DIY home improvement and real estate decisions for Canadians [1][2] - The partnership emphasizes the concept of DIYconomics, promoting financially responsible home updates through the use of BEHR paint and resources [2] Company Collaboration - The collaboration leverages the REMAX Media Network to provide content and resources aimed at empowering homeowners [4] - Both brands are recognized as BrandSpark Most Trusted® in their categories, enhancing consumer confidence in their offerings [1] Consumer Insights - A survey by REMAX Canada revealed that 27% of active buyers and sellers consider a freshly painted home important, with 28% willing to paint before listing or purchasing [3] - 20% of Canadians plan to remodel or significantly upgrade their homes, indicating a strong interest in home improvement [3] Marketing Initiatives - A national digital contest will be launched on REMAX.ca, offering a DIY prize pack valued at $2,000 CAD, including BEHR paint and a personal colour consultation [5] - The collaboration aims to provide budget-friendly tips and expert insights to homeowners looking to enhance their spaces [5] Tools and Resources - Behr offers tools like ColourSmart to help consumers visualize and coordinate paint colors in their spaces [4] - Curated colour palettes, including the BEHR Designer Collection, are available to assist consumers in making informed choices [4] Market Trends - A REMAX renovation study found that 56% of Canadians believe minor updates, such as refreshing paint, provide the best return on investment [5] - The collaboration targets cost-conscious Millennials and Gen Z homeowners who are looking to personalize their spaces and boost home value [3]

Core Insights - Wall Street analysts expect Sherwin-Williams (SHW) to report quarterly earnings of $3.76 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.6% [1] - Revenues are projected to be $6.29 billion, which is a slight increase of 0.2% from the same quarter last year [1] - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating a reevaluation of initial estimates by analysts [1] Revenue Estimates - Analysts predict 'Net sales- Paint Stores Group' to be $3.68 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.6% [4] - 'Net sales- Consumer Brands Group' is expected to reach $826.14 million, indicating a decline of 2.2% year over year [4] - 'Net sales- Performance Coatings Group' is estimated at $1.77 billion, suggesting a decrease of 1.7% from the previous year [4] Store Metrics - The 'Net New Stores - Paint Stores Group' is projected to reach 20, up from 19 in the same quarter last year [5] - The expected 'Number of Stores - Paint Stores Group' is 4,811, compared to 4,720 a year ago [5] Profit Estimates - 'Segment Profit- Paint Stores Group' is anticipated to be $946.70 million, an increase from $907.10 million in the same quarter last year [6] - 'Adjusted segment profit- Performance Coatings Group (PCG)' is expected to be $337.39 million, down from $350.50 million year over year [6] - 'Adjusted segment profit- Consumer Brands Group (CBG)' is projected at $213.90 million, compared to $220.40 million in the previous year [7] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Sherwin-Williams shares have returned +2.5%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by +4.2% [7] - Based on its Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), SHW is expected to outperform the overall market in the upcoming period [7]

Group 1 - The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) has been reiterated with a Sell rating due to its high stock valuation [1] - Since the rating was issued in October 2024, the stock price has significantly underperformed compared to the S&P 500 [1] - The current weak housing market is expected to impact the company's performance negatively [1]

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 ...

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]

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].