... and that’s how you create shareholder value." - Frank C. Sullivan, 2002
Creating shareholder value has always been second nature to RPM, and our record shows that we have consistently delivered on that promise under all economic conditions a clear demonstration of The Value of 168 for those who entrust their capital to RPM. Strong beliefs, open communications - RPM’s roots as a family business have grounded us in a commitment to the highest levels of integrity in financial performance and reporting and in the way we do business. Thus, candor in investor communications comes naturally to us. This approach is evident in the open manner in which we discuss all matters that affect RPM, and ensure that every investor has access to this information. For example, despite the trend to do otherwise, we continue to send our shareholders printed quarterly reports that summarize our financial results.	RPM has long been a favorite of individual investors of all ages (above), in part because of its commitment to stable growth and increasing return on investment (below).
Culture of good corporate governance - RPM has long been a leader in corporate governance practices. As evidence, our Board of Directors has had a majority of independent directors since 1975, and its audit and compensation committees have been made up entirely of outside directors since 1977. In addition, our audit committee regularly meets, independent of management, with internal and outside auditors. Such practices, now being mandated by new federal law and recently changed New York Stock Exchange listing standards, have been integral to good corporate governance at RPM for the last three decades. A preferred acquirer - As a recognized industry consolidator, we have consistently created value for shareholders by attracting good companies with great brands and effective management teams that welcome the many growth opportunities RPM offers. Private business owners buy into RPM rather than selling out often becoming significant RPM shareholders in the process. Commitment to growth and stability - By maintaining a long-term view that extends well beyond the next quarter, RPM has generated record results in all but two of its 56 years in business and raised the cash dividend in each of the past 29 years. Since 1971, RPM shareholders have received an annual compounded rate of return of approximately 16 percent, with dividends reinvested. Our success as an investment has made us a favorite of investment clubs and individual investors, and has earned us numerous awards.