2% (Yahoo 2009). This is significantly under both the industry average and the Standard & Poor 500 Performance Index, but the company remains financially strong and has paid a cash dividend on shares every quarter for the past four years (Yahoo 2009). These dividends have actually increased every year, including 2008 and so far in 2009, despite the worse performance brought on by the recession (Yahoo 2009). At $60.20, the stock is near its high-point for the year, but with things picking up again it is likely to continue rising, though the winter months and the attendant reduction in sales might lead to a more opportune moment to buy. Sean P. Hennessy is Sherwin Williams Chief Financial Officer, and has been in that post since 2001. He also served as the company's treasurer for a year during that period, and has been with the company since 1984. Such solidity and consistency in the world of corporate volatility is another encouraging...

The Chief Executive Officer, Christopher M. Connor, has been with the company since 1983 and in his current position since 2000. During his time as CEO he has also served as the President of the company, and was president of the Paint Stores Group and Vice Chairman of the company immediately before rising to the position of CEO (Sherwin Williams 2009). His is yet one more face that establishes the consistency of this institutional company.