CLEVELAND - The Sherwin-Williams Co. announced its financial results for the year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013. Compared to the same periods in 2012, consolidated net sales increased $651.1 million, or 6.8 percent, to $10.19 billion in the year and increased $235.2 million, or 10.6 percent, to $2.46 billion in the quarter due primarily to higher paint sales volume in the company's Paint Stores Group and acquisitions. Acquisitions increased consolidated net sales 1.8 percent in the year and 4.6 percent in the quarter. Unfavorable currency translation rate changes decreased consolidated net sales 0.8 percent in the year and 1.1 percent in the quarter.
Diluted net income per common share in the year increased to $7.26 per share from $6.02 per share in 2012. Full year 2013 included charges of $.21 per share related to Brazil tax assessments and $.02 per share from early retirement of debt. Full year 2012 EPS included a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) settlement related to the company's employee stock ownership plan of $.47 per share. Diluted net income per common share in the quarter was $1.14 per share, including early retirement of debt, compared to $.65 per share a year ago, including the DOL settlement noted above. Unfavorable currency translation rate changes decreased diluted net income per common share by $.04 per share for the year and $.02 per share in the quarter. Acquisitions decreased diluted net income per common share $.11 per share for the year and quarter.