United States. Sherwin-Williams announced its financial results for the year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014. Compared to the same periods in 2013, consolidated net sales increased $944.0 million, or 9.3%, to reach $11.13 billion for the year, primarily due to higher paint sales volumes at Paint Stores Group and acquisitions.
Consolidated net sales increased $112.4 million, or 4.6%, to $2.57 billion in the quarter. Acquisitions increased consolidated net sales by 3.1% for the year and had no impact on sales in the quarter. Currency changes decreased consolidated net sales to 1.4% for the year and 2.3% in the quarter.
Net sales in Latin America decreased 7.3% to US$771.4 million in the year and 6.7% to US$207.4 million in the quarter, mainly due to changes in unfavorable currency rates that offset the increase in sales prices. However, the company stated that businesses such as Comex and cost control allowed overall sales to be positive in the region.
