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Letter to the Editor

Sherwin-Williams Increases 2005 Sales and Earnings Expectations

Based on preliminary results, diluted net income per common share for the fourth quarter is expected to be in the range of $.53 to $.55 per share compared to the October guidance of $.41 to $.49 per share. The expected increase in fourth quarter diluted net income per common share over the earlier guidance for the quarter resulted from an additional $.18 to $.20 per share from anticipated improvement in operating performance that was partially offset by $.10 per share due to an asset impairment charge. For the full year 2005, diluted net income per common share is expected to be in the range of $3.26 to $3.28 per share versus the October guidance of $3.15 to $3.23 per share. The company reported diluted net income per common share of $.57 per share in the fourth quarter 2004 and $2.72 per share for the year 2004. Fourth quarter 2004 results were favorably impacted by approximately $.08 per share related to the reduction in the 2004 annual effective tax rate.

Consolidated net sales increased 14.1 percent in the fourth quarter versus previous expectations of a mid-single digit increase. Sales for the full year 2005 improved to $7.19 billion from $6.11 billion in 2004, an increase of 17.6 percent compared to previous expectations in the mid-to-high teens. The effect of acquisitions on sales was negligible in the fourth quarter of 2005 and increased consolidated net sales $373.0 million, or 6.1 percent, in the full year 2005.

On a preliminary basis, gross profit as a percent to net sales declined to approximately 42.5 percent in the full year 2005 from 44.2 percent in 2004 due primarily to raw material cost increases and asset impairment charge partially offset by price increases and better factory utilization resulting from higher volume. The fourth quarter asset impairment charge was due to an anticipated reduction in the company's business at a major retailer beginning in 2006. Gross profit less SG&A expenses in the full year is expected to increase approximately $100 million, or 15.8 percent, over 2004 resulting in a flat-to-slightly-down percentage to net sales.

Net income for the full year 2005 is expected to increase approximately 17.2 percent over 2004 and remain flat as a percentage of net sales compared to 2004. This is due primarily to improved operations, acquisitions and a lower annual effective tax rate partially offset by the asset impairment charge, increased provisions for environmental matters and a loss on the disposition of the majority interest in a joint venture in China.

The Sherwin-Williams Company will announce its full financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2005 on Thursday, January 26, 2006.

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