3M (NYSE: MMM) reported record fourth-quarter sales of $7.1 billion, up 5.7 percent year-on-year. Earnings were $1.35 per share, an increase of 5.5 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2010. The company generated $1.2 billion in free cash flow during the quarter, equal to 128 percent of net income.

The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) announced its financial results for the year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011 . Compared to the same periods in 2010, consolidated net sales increased $989.3 million , or 12.7%, to $8.77 billion in the year and increased $174.8 million , or 9.2%, to $2.07 billion in the quarter due primarily to selling price increases, acquisitions, and higher paint sales volume in our Global Finishes and Latin America Coatings Groups. Acquisitions increased consolidated net sales 4.5% in the year. Currency translation rate changes increased consolidated net sales 0.7% in the year and decreased consolidated net sales 1.2% in the quarter.

The Board of Directors of The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) declared a $0.48 per share dividend on the common shares of the Company to be paid on Thursday, March 1, 2012 , to shareholders of record at the close of business on Friday, February 10, 2012 .

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) reported worldwide Net sales of $4,172 million in fourth quarter 2011, an increase of 5.0% versus fourth quarter 2010. Global unit volume grew 4.0%, pricing increased 3.0% and foreign exchange was negative 2.0%. Excluding divested businesses, global unit volume grew 4.5%. The Sanex acquisition contributed 1.5% to sales and volume growth. Organic sales (Net sales excluding foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) grew 6.0%.

Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) announced consolidated net earnings of $778.2 million , or $2.45 per diluted share, for the full year 2011, an increase of more than fivefold over net earnings of $134.1 million , or $0.42 per diluted share for the full year 2010.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) reported fourth-quarter results highlighted by record mobile broadband sales, strong wireless network performance and improved wireline revenue trends.

The Chubb Corporation (NYSE: CB) reported that net income in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $452 million or $1.60 per share, compared to $620 million or $2.02 per share in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) announced solid financial results for the fourth quarter of 2011. This concludes a year in which the Company received important new product approvals for YERVOY® and NULOJIX® in both the U.S. and Europe, and ELIQUIS ® in Europe for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events. Business development remained a top priority as the Company executed twelve strategic transactions in 2011, and announced the planned acquisition of Inhibitex earlier this month. These accomplishments, along with the dividend increase and ongoing share repurchase program, demonstrated the Company’s commitment to driving shareholder value in 2011.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC), a global leader in flavor, reported double-digit sales growth for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended November 30, 2011. For the year, higher sales and cost savings more than offset the impact of increased material costs and led to a 6% increase in operating income and earnings per share of $2.79. In fiscal year 2012, the Company expects to grow sales 9% to 11% in local currency and achieve earnings per share of $3.01 to $3.06.