Masco Corporation (NYSE:MAS) reported mixed second-quarter 2019 results, wherein earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues missed the same. Also, on a year-over-year basis, the company’s bottom line improved owing to significant pricing actions and cost-control measures. However, its top line slipped marginally from the prior-year quarter due to lower volumes across the board.
Notably, the board announced its intention to raise annual dividend by 13% to 54 cents per share in the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Notably, shares of this leading home improvement and building products manufacturer jumped 4.6% in the pre-market trading session, following the company’s earnings release.
Masco Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Inside the Headlines
Masco’s adjusted earnings came in at 88 cents per share, beating the consensus mark of 81 cents by 8.6%. Also, the reported figure increased 15.8% from 76 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Total net sales of $2,275 million missed the consensus estimate of $2,339 million by 2.7% and declined nearly 1% from the prior-year figure of 2,297 million.
North American sales (in local currency) grew 1% from the prior-year period but declined 4% internationally.
Margins Performance
Gross margin during the reported quarter increased 170 basis points (bps) to 34.4%. Adjusted gross margin of 34.5% also improved 90 bps from 33.6% recorded in the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, came in at 17.1%, in line with the prior-year period. However, adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses contracted 20 bps to 16.9%.
Adjusted operating profit increased 5% from the prior-year quarter to $399 million. In addition, adjusted operating margin totaled 17.5%, up 100 bps. Adjusted EBITDA also grew 5.3% year over year to $441 million.
Segmental Analysis
Plumbing Products: Sales in the segment slipped 2% year over year to $1,012 million in the quarter. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales remained flat year over year. The tepid performance was due to lower volume and currency headwinds, partially offset by pricing actions.
Adjusted operating margin in the segment improved 80 bps from the year-ago period to 19.6%. Adjusted EBITDA also grew 2.8% year over year to $220 million.
Decorative Architectural Products: The segment reported sales of $827 million, up 3% from the prior-year period. The upside was mainly attributable to growth in paints and other coating products.
Adjusted operating margin jumped 40 bps to 20.9%. Adjusted EBITDA also increased 4.6% from the prior-year period to $183 million.
Cabinets and Related Products: The segment’s sales during the quarter totaled $251 million, down 6% year over year, primarily owing to lower volume that was partially offset by strong pricing.
Nonetheless, adjusted operating margin rose 120 bps to 13.5%. Also, adjusted EBITDA inched up to $38 million from the prior-year figure of $37 million.
Windows and Other Specialty Products: Net sales in the segment amounted to $185 million, reflecting a fall of 3% year over year. Reduced volume across the segment was partially offset by favorable mix in North America and price increase.
Adjusted operating margin increased 120 bps to 5.9% in the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA improved 23.1% from the year-ago quarter to $16 million.
Financials
As of Jun 30, 2019, the company had cash and cash investments of $325 million, lower than $559 million recorded at the end of 2018. Net cash from operating activities was $213 million in the first six months of 2019 compared with $293 million in the comparable year-ago period.
The company repurchased 4.3 million shares during the quarter through its repurchase program.
2019 View Narrowed
The company has narrowed its 2019 adjusted earnings guidance to $2.62-$2.72 per share from earlier guided range of $2.60-$2.80.
Zacks Rank
Masco, which shares space with Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI) , Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) and Owens Corning (NYSE:OC) in the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry, currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
This Could Be the Fastest Way to Grow Wealth in 2019
Research indicates one sector is poised to deliver a crop of the best-performing stocks you'll find anywhere in the market. Breaking news in this space frequently creates quick double- and triple-digit profit opportunities.
These companies are changing the world – and owning their stocks could transform your portfolio in 2019 and beyond. Recent trades from this sector have generated +98%, +119% and +164% gains in as little as 1 month.
Click here to see these breakthrough stocks now >>
Owens Corning Inc (OC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI): Free Stock Analysis Report
Masco Corporation (MAS): Free Stock Analysis Report
Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LPX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post