CLEVELAND - The Sherwin-Williams Co., Cleveland, OH, announced its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012. Compared to the same periods in 2011, consolidated net sales increased $218.3 million, or 9.3 percent, to $2.57 billion in the quarter and increased $499.0 million, or 11.9 percent, to $4.71 billion in six months due primarily to higher paint sales volume in the company’s Paint Stores Group and selling price increases. Unfavorable currency translation rate changes decreased consolidated net sales 2.5 percent in the quarter and 2.0 percent in six months. Acquisitions increased consolidated net sales 1.0 percent in the quarter and six months.

Diluted net income per common share in the quarter increased to $2.17 per share from $1.66 per share in 2011 and increased in six months to $3.13 per share from $2.29 per share last year. The second quarter and six month increases in diluted net income per common share were due primarily to strong sales and operating results.

Net sales in the Paint Stores Group increased 14.6 percent to $1.49 billion in the quarter and increased 17.2 percent to $2.61 billion in six months due primarily to higher paint sales volume across all end market segments as well as selling price increases. Net sales from stores open for more than 12 calendar months increased 13.9 percent in the quarter and increased 16.6 percent in six months over last year’s comparable periods. Paint Stores Group segment profit increased $60.4 million to $267.0 million in the quarter from $206.6 million last year and increased to $379.7 million in six months from $275.5 million last year. Segment profit in the quarter and six months increased due primarily to higher paint sales volume and selling price increases partially offset by increases in raw material costs and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Net sales of the Consumer Group increased 5.9 percent to $397.7 million in the quarter and increased 7.1 percent to $718.1 million in six months due primarily to selling price increases and higher volume sales to most of the Group’s retail customers.

The Global Finishes Group’s net sales stated in U.S. dollars increased 3.3 percent to $498.7 million in the quarter and increased 6.9 percent to $981.8 million in six months due primarily to selling price increases, acquisitions and higher paint sales volume.

The Latin America Coatings Group’s net sales stated in U.S. dollars decreased 4.5 percent to $187.3 million in the quarter due primarily to unfavorable currency translation rate changes partially offset by selling price increases and higher paint sales volume. Six month net sales stated in U.S. dollars increased 1.2 percent to $395.9 million due primarily to selling price increases and higher paint sales volume partially offset by unfavorable currency translation rate changes.