Sherwin-Williams delivered first quarter results that prompted a positive market response, as margin expansion and disciplined cost management offset flat organic revenue and a modest decline in total sales. Management cited growth in its Paint Stores Group, particularly in residential repaint and protective and marine coatings, as key drivers, even as softness persisted in commercial, property maintenance, and international segments. CEO Heidi Petz emphasized ongoing efforts to “navigate a wide variety of near-term pressures,” highlighting that supply chain efficiencies and targeted investments contributed to earnings resilience. However, management acknowledged a challenging demand environment and noted that some segments, like Performance Coatings, lagged expectations due to macroeconomic uncertainty and foreign exchange pressures.

Is now the time to buy SHW? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions Sherwin-Williams’s Q1 Earnings Call

• John McNulty (BMO): Asked about the ability to pass through price increases in response to tariffs. CFO Al Mistysyn explained that while summer price hikes are not ideal, the company remains disciplined and will adjust pricing if sustained cost pressures necessitate it.
• Ghansham Panjabi (Baird): Queried the outlook for new residential construction given homebuilders’ caution. CEO Heidi Petz said the company is focused on deepening partnerships and capturing share but acknowledged that high mortgage rates continue to suppress demand.
• Patrick Cunningham (Citi): Sought insight into the resilience of residential repaint demand and any effects from immigration policy. Petz highlighted continued share gains and strong contractor engagement, while noting that smaller average project sizes are a current trend.
• Kevin McCarthy (Vertical Research Partners): Asked about the rationale and expected benefits of the Suvinil acquisition. Petz described it as a strategic complement to existing operations and emphasized a disciplined integration plan modeled after prior successes.
• Laurence Alexander (Jefferies): Inquired about labor availability and wage inflation. Petz reported no significant labor sourcing issues and pointed to low turnover rates as evidence of effective talent management, with ongoing focus on employee engagement.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In future quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) any pricing actions taken in response to raw material inflation or tariffs, (2) the pace and effectiveness of new store openings and digital investment returns, and (3) the closing and initial integration of the Suvinil acquisition in Brazil. Progress in expanding market share in residential repaint, as well as stabilization in Performance Coatings, will also be important signposts.

Sherwin-Williams currently trades at $343.13, up from $331.78 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.

While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.