Masco reported income of $36 million, down 83
percent from $206 million in the same period last year.
Net sales were $2.5 billion, down 16 percent from $3.0
billion for the third quarter of 2007.
Mascoreported income of $36 million, down 83 percent from $206 million in the same
period last year.
Net sales were $2.5 billion, down 16 percent from $3.0
billion for the third quarter of 2007.
North American sales declined 18 percent, and international
sales declined 6 percent.
The company’s third-quarter results were hurt by lower sales
volume to the new home construction market and a decline in consumer spending
for home improvement products. The quarter was also affected by a higher tax
rate.
In addition, Masco decided in the first quarter of 2008 to
sell off several European business units that “were not core to the company's
long-term growth strategy,” generating proceeds of $174 million.
The Company
continues to focus on the rationalization of its businesses, including sourcing
programs, business consolidations, plant closures, headcount reductions and
other initiatives. Since late 2006, the company has aggressively reduced its
cost structure including closing 14 manufacturing facilities, reducing
headcount by 20,000 (which includes an approximate 33 percent of its North
American workforce) and reducing installation branches by over 25 percent.
Business conditions
remain difficult in the Masco’s markets, as the company experienced a further
significant reduction in sales of its products and services late in the third
quarter of 2008, which has continued into October. The company continues to
estimate that 2008 housing starts will decline to a range of 900,000 to 1,000,000
units, compared to 1.3 million units in 2007. However, the company anticipates
that consumer spending for home improvement products and demand for certain of
the company's international products will continue to decline more than
previously anticipated in the near term.
For the full report on Masco’s Third Quarter 2008 Results,
readhere.