Sherwin Williams Sales Rise But Earnings Fall

Cleveland, OH, July 17, 2008--Sherwin Williams said that second-quarter earnings were $172 million, or $1.45 a share, compared to $203 million, or $1.52 a share, in the same period a year ago.

Sales were $2.23 billion versus $2.20 billion in the year-ago period.

"For the full year 2008, we are reaffirming our June 3, 2008 guidance that we anticipate consolidated net sales will be slightly lower than 2007, CEO Christopher Connor said in a press release.

"We are also reaffirming our June 3, 2008 guidance that we expect diluted net income per common share for full year 2008 will be in the range of $3.60 to $4.10 per share compared to $4.70 per share earned in 2007."