SHW 10-K Analysis: The $1.17 EPS Gap Behind Sherwin-Williams' Record Claims
Sherwin-Williams used the word 'record' nine times in its Q4 2025 earnings release. The 10-K tells a different story: GAAP income before taxes declined 3.3% to $3,338 million, the 27% FCF surge was nearly half capex normalization, and the $1.17-per-share gap between adjusted and GAAP EPS reflects restructuring and impairment charges entirely absent in FY2024. At 31× earnings, management's own 2–4% growth guidance leaves a 12-percentage-point gap between what the price assumes and what the filing supports. Meanwhile, the most aggressive PSG price increase in recent history tests whether contractor loyalty can absorb a 7% hike in a 'softer-for-longer' demand environment.