Sherwin-Williams Co. (
SHW) announced higher than expected first quarter earnings number driven by 15.1 percent upside in top line. The company also lifted its full year 2012 earnings guidance to send the stock higher in pre-market trading.
The company earned $100.22 million, up 46.7 percent from $68.32 million and earnings surged 51.8 percent to 95 cents a share from 63 cents a share in the year-ago quarter.
Net sales were higher by 15.1 percent to $2.14 billion than $1.86 billion in the previous year quarter. Street analysts' predicted the company to deliver earnings of 82 cents a share and revenues of $2.07 billion.
While net sales from the Paint Stores Group witnessed 20.9 percent upside on higher volume and improved pricing, consumer group sales grew 8.6 percent on cost control and higher selling price.
Looking ahead, Sherwin-Williams sees second quarter earnings of $1.92 - $2.07 a share and sales growth of 10 – 15 percent. Street is expecting the company to earn $2.00 a share and revenue upside of 10.7 percent.
For the year 2012, the company lifted its earnings forecast to $5.75 - $6.05 a share from earlier estimation of $5.37 - $5.67 a share and sales projected to see high single digit to low teens percentage. Wall Street analysts' are expecting the company to deliver earnings of $5.92 a share and revenue growth of 10.6 percent.