Masco Corporation (MAS)

[Enterprising Investor]

MASCO DELIVERS OPERATING GROWTH IN SECOND QUARTER 2014 (7/28/14)

Key Highlights

- Sales increased 5 percent to $2.3 billion

- Adjusted operating profit margin increased to 11 percent

- Adjusted operating profit grew by 21 percent

- Adjusted EPS grew 39 percent to $.32 per common share

TAYLOR, Mich. (July 28, 2014) - Masco Corporation MAS +6.02% delivered sales and operating profit growth in the second quarter of 2014 driven primarily by the Plumbing Products, Installation and Other Services and Decorative Architectural Products segments. Increased international sales were strengthened by the plumbing businesses benefitting from an improving European economic landscape and strong operational performance. Adjusted operating profit margin rose to 11 percent, reflecting the Company's strong operating leverage and focused cost control.

2014 Second Quarter Commentary

- Net sales from continuing operations increased 5 percent to $2.3 billion, compared with $2.1 billion for second quarter 2013. North American sales increased 4 percent and international sales increased 9 percent in U.S. dollars and 2 percent in local currency

- Compared to second quarter 2013, results for key financial measures, as adjusted for certain items (see Exhibit A) and with a normalized tax rate of 36 percent, were as follows:

- Gross margins improved to 29.2 percent compared to 28.9 percent

- Operating margins improved to 11.0 percent compared to 9.6 percent

- Income from continuing operations was $0.32 per common share compared to $0.23 per common share

- Income from continuing operations, as reported, was $.39 per common share compared to $.23 per common share in the second quarter of 2013

- Liquidity at the end of the second quarter was approximately $1.4 billion

2014 Second Quarter Operating Segment Highlights

- Plumbing Products' net sales increased 6 percent, fueled by growth in all channels and international

- Decorative Architectural Products' net sales increased 5 percent, driven by new products and programs

- Cabinets and Related Products' net sales decreased 5 percent, as a mid-single-digit percentage increase in sales to dealers was more than offset by lower sales to home centers

- Installation and Other Services' net sales increased 8 percent, driven by growth in new home construction, commercial, and distribution channels

"We delivered a solid second quarter marked by revenue growth and strong profitability," said Masco's President and CEO, Keith Allman. "Our focus on our key priorities, which include growing share of our market-leading brands, accelerating our customer-focused innovation pipeline, further penetrating international markets and driving operational leverage through cost containment, was demonstrated in our performance despite a more moderate housing recovery."

Outlook

"As we move into the third quarter, we continue to see growing demand for our products and services across our end markets. Our outlook remains positive with the belief that new home construction and repair and remodel activity will show steady growth in 2014. We believe we are well positioned to grow our key brands and to gain market share in this environment. While there is pent-up demand for high-ticket items such as cabinets, we expect that this category will continue to lag in the short term compared to other segments as consumers defer discretionary high-ticket expenditures. We remain committed to realizing the full potential of our core businesses, leveraging opportunities across our portfolio and actively managing the portfolio to drive long-term shareholder value."

About Masco

Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products, as well as a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and other building products.

The 2014 second quarter supplemental material, including a presentation in PDF format, is available on the Company's website at www.masco.com .

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/masco-corporation-masco-delivers-operating-growth-in-second-quarter-2014-2014-07-28?pagenumber=2