ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
The Sherwin-Williams Company, founded in 1866 and incorporated in 1884, is engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers primarily in North and South America. As used in this report, the terms "Sherwin-Williams" and "Company" mean The Sherwin-Williams Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.
BASIS OF REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
The Company reports its segment information in five reportable segments -- the Paint Stores, Consumer, Automotive Finishes, International Coatings (collectively, the "Operating Segments") and Administrative Segments -- in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 requires an enterprise to report segment information in the same way that management internally organizes its business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources.
The Company's chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer because he has final authority over performance assessment and resource allocation decisions. Because of the global, diverse operations of the Company, the chief operating decision maker regularly receives discrete financial information about each reportable segment as well as a significant amount of additional financial information about certain aggregated divisions, operating units and subsidiaries of the Company. The chief operating decision maker uses all such financial information for performance assessment and resource allocation decisions. Factors considered in determining the five reportable segments of the Company include the nature of the business activities, existence of managers responsible for the operating and administrative activities and information presented to the Board of Directors. The Company evaluates the performance of operating segments and allocates resources based on profit or loss and cash generated from operations before income taxes, excluding corporate expenses and financing gains and losses. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 27 and 28 of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
PAINT STORES SEGMENT
The Paint Stores Segment consists of 2,488 company-operated specialty paint stores in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Each of the stores has the same business activity of selling identical national and similar regional products to similar types of customers. During 2000, this Segment opened or acquired 92 net new stores, remodeled 52 and relocated 36. The net new stores consisted of 79 stores in the United States, 3 in Canada, 1 in the Virgin Islands, 4 in Puerto Rico and 5 in Mexico. In 1999, there were 73 net new stores opened (66 in the United States). In 1998, 64 net new stores were opened (55 in the United States). This Segment also manufactures original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product finishes sold through the paint stores and by direct outside sales representatives. In addition to stores, operations in Mexico include a manufacturing facility, distribution activities and outside selling functions to dealers and other distributors.
The Paint Stores Segment is the exclusive North American marketer and seller of Sherwin-Williams(R) branded architectural coatings, industrial and marine products, OEM product finishes and related items produced by its Mexican operations, its product finishes manufacturing and by the Consumer Segment. The loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on the business of this Segment.
CONSUMER SEGMENT
The Consumer Segment develops, manufactures and distributes a variety of paint, coatings and related products to third party customers and the Paint Stores Segment. Approximately 41 percent of the total sales of the Consumer Segment in 2000, including inter-segment transfers, represented products sold through the Paint Stores
Segment. Sales and marketing of certain control-branded and private labeled products is performed by a direct sales staff. The products distributed through third party customers are intended for resale to the ultimate end-user of the product. The Consumer Segment has sales to certain customers that, individually, may be a significant portion of the sales of the Segment. However, the loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on the overall profitability of the Segment. This Segment incurs most of the Company's capital expenditures related to ongoing environmental compliance measures.
AUTOMOTIVE FINISHES SEGMENT
The Automotive Finishes Segment develops, manufactures and distributes a variety of motor vehicle finish, refinish and touch-up products primarily throughout North and South America, the Caribbean Islands and Italy. This Segment also licenses certain technology and trade names worldwide. Sherwin-Williams(R) branded automotive finish and refinish products are distributed throughout North America solely through this Segment's network of 127 company-operated automotive branches in the United States and 17 in Canada. Additional automotive branches in Jamaica (14) and Chile (17) complete this Segment's worldwide network. At December 31, 2000, this Segment included 11 foreign wholly-owned subsidiaries in 8 foreign countries and 11 licensing agreements in 15 foreign countries. During 2000, the Automotive Finishes Segment opened or acquired three net new branches worldwide.
INTERNATIONAL COATINGS SEGMENT
The International Coatings Segment develops, licenses, manufactures and distributes a variety of paint, coatings and related products worldwide. The majority of the sales from licensees and subsidiaries occur in South America, the Segment's most important international market. This Segment sells its products through 29 company-operated specialty paint stores in Chile and 16 in Brazil and by outside selling functions to dealers and other distributors. At December 31, 2000, this Segment included 12 foreign wholly-owned subsidiaries in 8 foreign countries, 4 foreign joint ventures and 29 licensing agreements in 20 foreign countries.
ADMINISTRATIVE SEGMENT
The Administrative Segment includes the administrative expenses of the Company's and certain consolidated subsidiaries' headquarters sites. This Segment includes interest expense which is unrelated to retail real estate leasing activities, investment income, certain foreign currency transaction losses related to dollar-denominated debt, certain provisions for disposition and environmental-related matters, and other expenses which are not directly associated with any Operating Segment. Administrative expenses do not include any significant foreign operations. Also included in the Administrative Segment is a real estate management unit that is responsible for the ownership, management and leasing of non-retail properties held primarily for use by the Company, including the Company's headquarters site, and disposal of idle facilities. Sales of the Administrative Segment represent external leasing revenue of excess headquarters space or leasing of facilities no longer used by the Company in its operations. Gains and losses from the sale of property are not a significant operating factor in determining the performance of this Segment.
Reportable segment financial information is presented in Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 35 through 37 of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
For additional information regarding the Company's business and business developments, see page 1 of the 2000 Annual Report and the "Letter to Shareholders" on pages 3 through 5 of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
RAW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS PURCHASED FOR RESALE
Raw materials and fuel supplies are generally available from various sources in sufficient quantities that none of the Segments anticipates any significant sourcing problems during 2001. There are sufficient suppliers of each product purchased for resale that none of the Segments anticipates any significant sourcing problems during 2001.
SEASONALITY
The majority of the sales for the Paint Stores, Consumer and Automotive Finishes Segments traditionally occur during the second and third quarters. The International Coatings Segment's fourth quarter sales have traditionally been greater than the sales for any of the first three quarters. There is no significant seasonality in sales for the Administrative Segment.
TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES
Customer recognition of Company trademarks and trade names collectively contribute significantly to the sales of the Company.
The Paint Stores Segment is identified with names such as Sherwin-Williams(R), Old Quaker(TM), Pro-Line(R), SeaGuard(R), JetGlo(R), AcryGlo(R), Con-Lux(R), Mercury(TM), Brod-Dugan(TM), ArmorSeal(R), Kem(R) Hi-Temp, Cook(R), Sher-Wood(R), Powdura(R), Polane(R) and Kem Aqua(R).
The Consumer Segment employs a variety of trade names and trademarks in marketing its products, such as Thompson's(R), Dutch Boy(R), Martin Senour(R), Cuprinol(R), Pratt & Lambert(R), H&C(TM), Rubberset(R), Dupli-Color(R), Minwax(R), White Lightning(R), Krylon(R), Formby's(R) and Red Devil(R).
The Automotive Finishes Segment utilizes various trade names and trademarks in pursuit of its business, including Sherwin-Williams(R), Martin Senour(R), Western(R), Lazzuril(TM), Excelo(TM), Marson(TM) and ScottWarren(TM).
The International Coatings Segment uses trade names and trademarks in the conduct of its business including Sherwin-Williams(R), Dutch Boy(R), Krylon(R), Kem-Tone(R), Pratt & Lambert(R), Minwax(R), Ronseal(TM), Colorgin(TM), Globo(TM), Pulverlack(R), Sumare(TM), Andina(TM) and Marson(TM).
PATENTS
Although patents and licenses are not of material importance to the business of the Company as a whole or any Segment, the International Coatings Segment and the international operations of the Automotive Finishes Segment derive a portion of their income from the license of technology, trademarks and trade names to foreign companies.
BACKLOG AND PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY
Backlog orders are not significant in the business of any Segment since there is normally a short period of time between the placing of an order and shipment. Sufficient productive capacity currently exists to fulfill the Company's needs for paint and coatings products through 2001.
COMPETITION
The Company experiences competition from many local, regional, national and international competitors of various sizes in the manufacture, distribution and sale of its coatings and related products. The Company is a leading manufacturer and retailer of coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers, however, the Company's competitive position varies for its different products and markets.
In the Paint Stores Segment, competitors include other paint and wallpaper stores, mass merchandisers, home centers, independent hardware stores, hardware chains and manufacturer-operated direct outlets. Product quality, service and price determine the competitive advantage for this Segment. In the Consumer and International Coatings Segments, domestic and foreign competitors include manufacturers and distributors of branded and private labeled coatings products. Technology, product quality, product innovation, breadth of product line, technical expertise, distribution, service and price are the key competitive factors for these Segments. The Automotive Finishes Segment has numerous competitors in its domestic and foreign markets with broad product offerings and several others with niche products. Key competitive factors for this Segment include technology, product quality, distribution, service and price. The Administrative Segment has many competitors consisting of other real estate owners, developers and managers in areas in which this Segment owns property. The main competitive factors are the availability of property and price.
EMPLOYEES
The Company employed 26,095 persons at December 31, 2000.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
For additional information regarding environmental-related matters, see pages 14 through 16 of the 2000 Annual Report under the caption entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Notes 1, 4 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 28, 29 and 32, respectively, of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
SEGMENT INFORMATION AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS
For additional information regarding the Company's Reportable Segments and foreign operations, see Note 17 on pages 35 through 37 of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional information regarding risks attendant to foreign operations is set forth on pages 15 and 17 of the 2000 Annual Report under the caption entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which is incorporated herein by reference.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business" and elsewhere in this report constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based upon management's current expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events and conditions and may discuss, among other things, anticipated future performance (including sales and earnings), expected growth and future business plans. Any statement that is not historical in nature is a forward-looking statement and may be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "will likely result," "will continue," "plans to" and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company, that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include such things as: general business conditions, strengths of retail economies and the growth in the coatings industry; competitive factors, including pricing pressures and product innovation and quality; changes in raw material availability and pricing; changes in the Company's relationships with customers and suppliers; the ability of the Company to successfully integrate past and future acquisitions into its existing operations, as well as the performance of the businesses acquired; the ability of the Company to successfully complete planned divestitures; changes in general domestic economic conditions such as inflation rates, interest rates and tax rates; risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's expansion into foreign markets, including inflation rates, recessions, foreign currency exchange rates, foreign investment and repatriation restrictions and other external economic and political factors; the achievement of growth in developing markets, such as Mexico and South America; increasingly stringent domestic and foreign governmental regulations including those affecting the environment; inherent uncertainties involved in assessing the Company's potential liability for environmental remediation-related activities; the nature, cost, quantity and outcome of pending and future litigation and other claims, including the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation and the affect of any legislation and administrative regulations relating thereto; and unusual weather conditions.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company owns its corporate headquarters located in Cleveland, Ohio. The Company's principal manufacturing and distribution facilities are located as set forth below. The Company believes its manufacturing and distribution facilities are well-maintained and are suitable and adequate, and have sufficient productive capacity, to meet its current needs.
PAINT STORES SEGMENT
Manufacturing Facilities -------------------------
Arlington, Texas Owned Calgary, Alberta, Canada Leased Cincinnati, Ohio Owned Columbus, Ohio Owned Edison, New Jersey Owned Fort Wayne, Indiana Leased Greensboro, North Carolina Owned Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Owned Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Leased Memphis, Tennessee Owned Mexico City, Mexico Owned Ontario, California Leased Portsmouth, Virginia Owned Rockford, Illinois Leased San Diego, California Leased Spartanburg, South Carolina Leased Sylmar, California Leased Wichita, Kansas Owned
Distribution Facilities ----------------------
Mexico City, Mexico Owned Vancouver, Alberta, Canada Leased
CONSUMER SEGMENT
Manufacturing Facilities -------------------------
Baltimore, Maryland Owned Bedford Heights, Ohio Owned Chicago, Illinois Owned Coffeyville, Kansas Owned Crisfield, Maryland Leased Deshler, Ohio Owned Elk Grove, Illinois Owned Emeryville, California Owned Ennis, Texas Leased Flora, Illinois Owned Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada Owned Garland, Texas Owned Greensboro, North Carolina Owned Holland, Michigan Owned Lawrenceville, Georgia Owned Morrow, Georgia Owned Olive Branch, Mississippi Owned Orlando, Florida Owned Victorville, California Owned
Distribution Facilities ----------------------
Bedford Heights, Ohio Leased Buford, Georgia Leased Effingham, Illinois Leased Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania Owned Reno, Nevada Owned San Juan, Puerto Rico Leased Vaughan, Ontario, Canada Leased Waco, Texas Leased Winter Haven, Florida Owned
AUTOMOTIVE FINISHES SEGMENT
Manufacturing Facilities ------------------------
Aprilia, Italy Leased Arica, Chile Owned Kingston, Jamaica Owned Richmond, Kentucky Owned Santiago, Chile* Owned Sao Paulo, Brazil Owned Texcocco, Mexico Owned
Distribution Facilities ----------------------
Aprilia, Italy Leased Kingston, Jamaica Owned Reno, Nevada Leased Richmond, Kentucky Owned Santiago, Chile* Owned Sao Paulo, Brazil Owned Zaragoza, Mexico Owned
INTERNATIONAL COATINGS SEGMENT
Manufacturing Facilities -------------------------
Buenos Aires, Argentina Owned Santiago, Chile* Owned Santa Catarina, Brazil Owned Sao Paulo, Brazil(4) Owned Sheffield, England Owned
Distribution Facilities ----------------------
Buenos Aires, Argentina Owned Dublin, Ireland Owned Santiago, Chile* Owned Santiago, Chile Leased Santa Catarina, Brazil Owned Sao Paulo, Brazil(4) Owned Lima, Peru Leased
* This facility is shared between the Automotive Finishes and International Coatings Segments.
The operations of the Paint Stores Segment included 2,488 company-operated paint stores, of which 212 were owned, in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Mexico at December 31, 2000. The Paint Stores Segment is divided into four separate operating divisions and certain operations in Mexico, each of which is responsible for the paint stores located within its geographical region. At the end of 2000, the Mid Western Division operated 666 paint stores primarily located in the midwestern and upper west coast states, the Eastern Division operated 498 paint stores along the upper east coast and New England states and Canada, the Southeastern Division operated 658 paint stores principally covering the lower east and gulf coast states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the South Western Division operated 588 paint stores in the plains and the lower west coast states. The Paint Stores Segment also included 78 paint stores in Mexico. The Paint Stores Segment opened 92 net new paint stores in 2000 and relocated 36.
The Automotive Finishes Segment included 127 company-operated automotive branches, of which one was owned, in the United States and 48 leased company-operated stores and branches in Canada, Chile and Jamaica at December 31, 2000. The International Coatings Segment included 45 company-operated specialty paint stores, of which 6 were owned, in Chile and Brazil. All real property within the Administrative Segment is owned by the Company except for one warehouse lease. For additional information regarding real property within the Administrative Segment, see the information set forth in Item 1 of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding real property leases, see Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 31 of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For information regarding environmental-related matters and other legal proceedings, see pages 14 through 16 of the 2000 Annual Report under the caption entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Notes 1, 4 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 28, 29 and 32, respectively, of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders during the fourth quarter of 2000.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following is the name, age and present position of each of the Executive Officers at March 13, 2001, as well as all prior positions held by each during the last five years. Executive Officers are generally elected annually by the Board of Directors and hold office until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.
Mr. Connor has served as Chairman since April 2000 and Chief Executive Officer since October 1999. Mr. Connor served as Vice Chairman from October 1999 to April 2000, President, Paint Stores Group from August 1997 to October 1999 and President & General Manager, Diversified Brands Division from April 1994 to August 1997. Mr. Connor has served as a Director since October 1999.
Mr. Scaminace has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since October 1999. Mr. Scaminace served as President, Consumer Group from July 1998 to October 1999, President & General Manager, Coatings Division from June 1997 to July 1998, and President & General Manager, Automotive Division from April 1994 to June 1997. Mr. Scaminace has served as a Director since October 1999.
Mr. Pitorak has served as Senior Vice President -- Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since April 1992.
Mr. Ault has served as Vice President -- Corporate Controller since January 1987.
Mr. Galasso has served as President & General Manager, International Division since September 2000. Mr. Galasso served as President & General Manager, Automotive Division from June 1997 to September 2000 and Vice President & Director -- Operations, Automotive Division from May 1992 to June 1997.
Mr. Hopkins has served as Vice President -- Human Resources since August 1997. Mr. Hopkins served as Vice President -- Human Resources, Paint Stores Group from February 1996 to August 1997.
Mr. Ivy has served as Vice President -- Corporate Planning and Development since April 1992.
Mr. Morikis has served as President, Paint Stores Group since October 1999. Mr. Morikis served as President & General Manager, Eastern Division, Paint Stores Group from July 1998 to October 1999, Senior Vice President & Director -- Marketing, Paint Stores Group from September 1997 to July 1998 and Division Vice President -- Sales, Eastern Division, Paint Stores Group from April 1994 to September 1997.
Mr. Nandor has served as President & General Manager, Automotive Division since September 2000. Mr. Nandor served as Executive Vice President -- Marketing, Paint Stores Group from August 1998 to September 2000 and Vice President and Director -- Marketing, Automotive Division from November 1996 to August 1998. Prior to joining Sherwin-Williams in November 1996, Mr. Nandor was Director -- Sales of the Automotive Refinish Business Unit of PPG Industries, Inc.
Mr. Seitz has served as President & General Manager, Consumer Division since January 2001. Mr. Seitz served as President, Consumer Group from October 1999 to January 2001, Vice President of Operations, Consumer Group from July 1998 to October 1999 and Vice President of Operations, Coatings Division from December 1995 to July 1998.
Mr. Stellato has served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since July 1991.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Sherwin-Williams common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol SHW. The number of shareholders of record at March 1, 2001 was 10,708. Information regarding market prices and dividend information with respect to Sherwin-Williams common stock is set forth on page 39 of the 2000 Annual Report under the caption entitled "Shareholder Information," which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Millions of Dollars, except per share data)
(a) Pre-acquisition amounts for Thompson Minwax Holding Corp., acquired on January 7, 1997 using the purchase method of accounting, are not included. Therefore, amounts are not comparable to 1997 and beyond.
(b) Amount includes an impairment of long-lived assets charge of $294 million ($1.80 per share) after tax. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 28 of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, net, including amortization of discount and financing costs and the portion of operating rental expense which management believes is representative of the interest component of rent expense.
(d) Amounts reflect adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," effective December 31, 1997. Amounts shown for 1996 have been restated. See Note 1 and Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 28 and 35, respectively, of the 2000 Annual Report, which are incorporated herein by reference, for further per share information.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The information required by this item is set forth on pages 13 through 20 of the 2000 Annual Report under the caption entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to market risk through various financial instruments, including fixed rate debt instruments. The Company does not believe that any potential loss related to these financial instruments will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Information required by this item is set forth on pages 23 through 37 of the 2000 Annual Report under the captions entitled "Statements of Consolidated Income," "Consolidated Balance Sheets," "Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows," "Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity," and "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements," which is incorporated herein by reference. Unaudited quarterly data is set forth in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 34 and 35 of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Report of Independent Auditors is set forth on page 11 of this report.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information regarding Directors is set forth under the caption entitled "Election of Directors" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The information regarding Executive Officers is set forth under the caption entitled "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The information regarding compliance with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is set forth under the caption entitled "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is set forth on pages 7 through 15 of the Proxy Statement and under the caption entitled "Compensation of Directors" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this item is set forth under the captions entitled "Security Ownership of Management" and "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this item is set forth under the captions entitled "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions," "Compensation of Directors" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(b) Reports on Form 8-K -- The Company filed (a) a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 12, 2000, reporting under Item 5 the Company's expectations regarding earnings for the third quarter of 2000 and full year 2000 and (b) a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 4, 2000, reporting under Item 5 the Company's expectations for sales and earnings for the full year 2000.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Shareholders and Board of Directors The Sherwin-Williams Company Cleveland, Ohio
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Sherwin-Williams Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Sherwin-Williams Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP Cleveland, Ohio January 26, 2001
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (SCHEDULE II)
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:
Bad debt expense increase for 2000 and 1999 as compared to 1998 is primarily due to increased activity in accounts doubtful of collection and charges to expense to reconcile open prior years' accounts receivable balances of certain customers.
Activity related to other asset reserves is as follows:
Charges to expense consist primarily of amortization of goodwill and intangibles. Other additions (deductions) consist primarily of actual costs incurred and balance sheet reclassifications and removal of fully-amortized items. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 28 of the 2000 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 13th day of March, 2001.
THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY
By: /s/ L. E. STELLATO --------------------------------- L. E. Stellato, Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on March 13, 2001.
* The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign this report on behalf of the designated officers and directors of The Sherwin-Williams Company pursuant to Powers of Attorney executed on behalf of each such officer and director.
EXHIBIT INDEX