Still a Hold Despite Big Buyback Target

Article Excerpt

THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO. $67 (New York symbol SHW; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 130.8 million; Market cap: $8.8 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) aims to buy back roughly 30 million of its shares, or 23% of the total outstanding. The company did not reveal a timeline for these repurchases. But based on its average annual share repurchase rate of $312 million over the past three years, it would take over six years for Sherwin to meet its new goal. The stock gained 5% on the news. However, Sherwin is still vulnerable to the slowdown in the housing market. Unsettled class-action lawsuits over lead paint also add to its risk. Sherwin-Williams is a hold. hold…