10-K 1 mas_20181231x10k.htm 10-K Document

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018                 Commission File Number 1-5794
MASCO CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
 
38-1794485
(State of Incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
17450 College Parkway, Livonia, Michigan
 
48152
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 313-274-7400
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange
On Which Registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value
 
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,”and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 30, 2018 (based on the closing sale price of $37.42 of the Registrant's Common Stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on such date) was approximately $11,345,157,000.
Number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock at January 31, 2019:
294,492,500 shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
 

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Masco Corporation
2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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PART I
Item 1.
Business.
Masco Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded home improvement and building products. Our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes BEHR® paint; DELTA® and HANSGROHE® faucets and bath and shower fixtures; KRAFTMAID® and MERILLAT® cabinets; MILGARD® windows and doors; KICHLER® decorative and outdoor lighting; and HOT SPRING® spas. We leverage our powerful brands across product categories, sales channels and geographies to create value for our customers and shareholders.
We believe that our solid results of operations and financial position for 2018 resulted from our continued focus on our three strategic pillars: driving the full potential of our core businesses, leveraging opportunities across our businesses, and actively managing our portfolio.

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To drive the full potential of our core businesses, we continued to pursue sales growth opportunities by introducing new products, enhancing services and penetrating adjacent markets. In addition, we continued to reduce costs and capitalize on synergies across our businesses with standardized operating tools, cost saving initiatives and the implementation of lean principles and process improvements in many areas, including production and functional support processes.

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We also continued to leverage the collective strength of our enterprise as we developed talent, facilitated operational improvements and realized supply chain efficiencies through strategic sourcing and sharing best practices across all of our functional departments.

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We actively managed our portfolio and completed the acquisition of The L.D. Kichler Co. ("Kichler") in 2018, and we remain committed to making selective acquisitions in attractive end markets. In addition, we repurchased over 18 million shares of our common stock and increased our quarterly dividend by 14 percent, which further enhanced value for our shareholders.

We believe that the actions we have taken over the last few years, combined with the Masco Operating System, our methodology to drive growth and productivity, have positioned us to further enhance shareholder value. We will continue to focus on our disciplined execution of our strategy in 2019.

Masco was incorporated under the laws of Michigan in 1929 and was reincorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1968.

Our Business Segments
We report our financial results in four segments aggregated by similarity in products. All of our segments, except the Plumbing Products segment, normally experience stronger sales during the second and third calendar quarters, corresponding with the peak season for repair and remodel activity and new home construction.
Plumbing Products
The businesses in our Plumbing Products segment sell a wide variety of products that are manufactured or sourced by us.
•
The majority of our faucet, sink, bathing and showering products are sold in North America and Europe under the brand names DELTA®, BRIZO®, PEERLESS®, HANSGROHE®, AXOR®, GINGER®, NEWPORT BRASS®, BRASSTECH® and WALTEC®. Our BRISTAN™ and HERITAGE™ products are sold primarily in the United Kingdom. These plumbing products include faucets, showerheads, handheld showers, valves, bath hardware and accessories, bathing units, shower bases and enclosures and toilets. We sell these products to home center and online retailers and to wholesalers and distributors that, in turn, sell them to plumbers, building contractors, remodelers, smaller retailers and consumers.

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We manufacture acrylic tubs, bath and shower enclosure units, and shower bases and trays. Our DELTA, PEERLESS and MIROLIN® products are sold primarily to home center retailers in North America. Our MIROLIN products are also sold to wholesalers and distributors in Canada. Our HÜPPE® shower enclosures and shower trays are sold through wholesale channels primarily in Europe.


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Our spas, exercise pools and fitness systems are manufactured and sold under our HOT SPRING®, CALDERA®, FREEFLOW SPAS®, FANTASY SPAS® and ENDLESS POOLS® brands, as well as under other trademarks. Our spa and exercise pools are sold worldwide to independent specialty retailers and distributors and to online mass merchant retailers. Certain exercise pools are also available on a consumer-direct basis in North America and Europe, while our fitness systems are sold through independent specialty retailers as well as on a consumer-direct basis in some areas.

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Also included in our Plumbing Products segment are brass, copper and composite plumbing system components and other non-decorative plumbing products that are sold to plumbing, heating and hardware wholesalers, home center and online retailers, hardware stores, building supply outlets and other mass merchandisers. These products are marketed primarily in North America under our BRASSCRAFT®, PLUMB SHOP®, COBRA®, COBRA PRO™ and MASTER PLUMBER® brands and are also sold under private label.

•
We also supply high-quality, custom thermoplastic extrusions, extruded plastic profiles and specialized fabrications to manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers for use in diverse applications that include faucets and plumbing supplies, appliances, oil and gas equipment, building products and automotive components.

We believe that our plumbing products are among the leaders in sales in North America and Europe. Competitors of the majority of our products in this segment include Lixil Group Corporation’s American Standard Brands and Grohe products, Kohler Co., Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.'s Moen, Rohl and Riobel brands and Spectrum Brands Holdings, LLC’s Pfister faucets. Competitors of our spas and exercise pools and systems include Artesian, Jacuzzi and Master Spas brands. Foreign manufacturers competing with us are located primarily in Germany and China. We face significant competition from private label products. Many of the faucet and showering products with which our products compete are manufactured by foreign manufacturers that are putting downward pressure on price. The businesses in our Plumbing Products segment manufacture products in North America, Europe and Asia and source products from Asia and other regions. Competition for our plumbing products is based largely on brand reputation, product features and innovation, product quality, customer service, breadth of product offering and price.

Many of our plumbing products contain brass, the major components of which are copper and zinc. We have multiple sources, both domestic and foreign, for the raw materials used in this segment, and sufficient raw materials have been available for our needs. We have encountered price volatility for brass, brass components and any components containing copper and zinc. To help reduce the impact of this volatility, from time to time we may enter into long-term agreements with certain significant suppliers or, occasionally, use derivative instruments. In addition, some of the products in this segment that we import may be subject to duties and tariffs.

Decorative Architectural Products

We produce architectural coatings, including paints, primers, specialty coatings, stains and waterproofing products. These products are sold in North America, South America and China under the brand names BEHR®, KILZ® and other trademarks to “do‑it‑yourself” and professional customers through home center retailers and other retailers. Net sales of architectural coatings comprised approximately 24 percent of our consolidated net sales in 2018 and 25 percent of our consolidated net sales in 2017 and 2016. Our BEHR products are sold through The Home Depot, our largest customer overall, as well as this segment’s largest customer. The loss of this segment’s sales to The Home Depot would have a material adverse effect on this segment’s business and on our consolidated business as a whole.
Our competitors in this segment include large national and international brands such as Benjamin Moore & Co., PPG Industries, Inc. (with its Glidden, Olympic, PPG, and Pittsburgh Paint brands), The Sherwin‑Williams Company (with its Sherwin-Williams and Valspar brands as well as Thompson’s Water Seal, and Minwax brands) and RPM International, Inc. (with its Rust-Oleum and Zinsser brands), as well as many regional and other national brands. We believe that brand reputation is an important factor in consumer selection, and that competition in this industry is also based largely on product features and innovation, product quality, customer service and price.
Titanium dioxide and acrylic resins are major raw materials in the manufacture of architectural coatings. The price for titanium dioxide can fluctuate as a result of global supply and demand dynamics and production capacity limitations, which can have a material impact on our costs and results of operations in this segment. The price of acrylic resins fluctuates based on the price of its components, which can also have a material impact on our costs and results of operations in this segment. In addition, the prices of crude oil, natural gas and certain petroleum by-products can

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also impact our costs and results of operations in this segment. We have agreements with certain significant suppliers for this segment that are intended to help assure continued supply.

Our Decorative Architectural Products segment also includes branded cabinet and door hardware, functional hardware, wall plates, hook and rail products, and picture hanging accessories, which are manufactured for us and sold to home center retailers, mass retailers, online retailers, other specialty retailers, original equipment manufacturers and wholesalers. These products are sold under the LIBERTY®, BRAINERD®, FRANKLIN BRASS® and other trademarks, and our key competitors in North America include Amerock, Top Knobs, Richelieu and private label brands. Decorative bath hardware, shower accessories, and shower doors are sold under the brand names DELTA® and FRANKLIN BRASS® and other trademarks to wholesalers, home center retailers, mass retailers and other specialty retailers. Competitors for these products include Kohler, Moen and private label brands.

During 2018, we expanded this segment with our acquisition of Kichler lighting products, which include decorative indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, landscape lighting and LED lighting systems. These products are sold to home center retailers, online retailers, electrical distributors, landscape distributors and lighting showrooms under the brand names KICHLER® and ÉLAN® and under other trademarks. Competitors of these products include FX Luminaire, Hinkley Lighting, Inc., Hunter Fan Company, Progress Lighting, Inc. and private label brands.

We import certain materials and products for this segment that may be subject to duties and tariffs.

Cabinetry Products

In North America, we manufacture and sell semi-custom, stock and value‑priced assembled cabinetry for kitchen, bath, storage, home office and home entertainment applications in a broad range of styles and price points to address consumer preferences. Our KRAFTMAID® and CARDELL® products are sold primarily to dealers and home center retailers, and our MERILLAT® and QUALITY CABINETS™ products are sold primarily to dealers and homebuilders for both home improvement and new home construction. Cabinet sales are significantly affected by levels of activity in both retail consumer spending and new home construction, particularly spending for major kitchen and bathroom renovation projects. A significant portion of our cabinetry sales for home improvement projects are made through home center retailers.
The cabinet manufacturing industry in the United States includes several large companies and numerous local and regional businesses with whom we compete. We believe that competition in this industry is based largely on product features and selection, product quality and price. Our competitors in this segment include American Woodmark Corporation, Elkay Manufacturing Company, Inc. and Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.
The raw materials used in this segment are primarily hardwood lumber, plywood and particleboard and are available from multiple sources, both domestic and foreign. Some of the materials we import may be subject to duties and tariffs.
Windows and Other Specialty Products

We manufacture and sell vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum windows and patio doors, which are sold under the MILGARD® brand name for home improvement and new home construction, principally in the western United States. MILGARD products are sold primarily through dealers and, to a lesser extent, directly to production homebuilders and through lumber yards and home center retailers. Our North American competitors for these products include national brands, such as Andersen, Jeld‑Wen, Marvin, Pella, and Ply Gem, and numerous regional brands.
In the United Kingdom, we manufacture and sell vinyl windows, composite and panel doors, related products and components under several brand names, including DURAFLEX™, GRIFFIN™, PREMIER™ and EVOLUTION™. Sales are primarily through dealers and wholesalers to the repair and remodeling markets, although our DURAFLEX products are also sold to other window fabricators. United Kingdom competitors include many small and mid‑sized firms and a few large, vertically integrated competitors.
In addition to price, we believe that brand reputation is an important factor in consumer selection and that competition in this industry in both the domestic and international markets is based largely on product quality, innovative products and customer and warranty services.
The raw materials used in this segment are available from multiple sources.

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Additional Information
Intellectual Property
We hold numerous U.S. and foreign patents, patent applications, licenses, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets and proprietary manufacturing processes. We view our trademarks and other intellectual property rights as important, but do not believe that there is any reasonable likelihood of a loss of such rights that would have a material adverse effect on our present business as a whole.
Environmental Laws and Regulations Affecting Our Business
We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign government regulations regarding the protection of the environment, and we have certain responsibilities for environmental remediation. We monitor applicable laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and incur ongoing expense relating to compliance. Compliance with these laws and regulations may affect our product and production costs.
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Many products in our Plumbing Products segment are subject to restrictions on the amount of certain materials and chemicals, including lead and mercury, that can be in the product, and on water flow rates.
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Our Decorative Architectural Products segment is subject to requirements relating to the emission of volatile organic compounds, which has required us to reformulate paint products and may require further reformulation in the future.
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Our Cabinetry Products segment is also subject to requirements relating to the emission of volatile organic compounds, which may impact our sourcing of particleboard and may require us to install special equipment in manufacturing facilities.
We do not expect that compliance with the federal, state, local and foreign regulations relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, will result in material capital expenditures or have a material adverse effect on our competitive position or results of operations and financial position.
Backlog
We do not consider backlog orders to be material in any of our segments.
Employees
At December 31, 2018, we employed approximately 26,000 people. We have generally experienced satisfactory relations with our employees.
Available Information
Our website is www.masco.com. Our periodic reports and all amendments to those reports required to be filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). This Report is being posted on our website concurrently with its filing with the SEC. Material contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Report. Our reports filed with the SEC also may be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.


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Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

There are a number of business risks and uncertainties that could affect our business. These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ from past performance or expected results. We consider the following risks and uncertainties to be most relevant to our specific business activities. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently believe to be immaterial, also may adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial position.

Our business relies on residential repair and remodeling activity and, to a lesser extent, on new home construction activity, both of which are cyclical.

Our business relies on residential repair and remodeling activity and, to a lesser extent, on new home construction activity. A number of factors affect consumers’ spending on home improvement projects as well as new home construction activity, including:

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consumer confidence levels;
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fluctuations in home prices;
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existing home sales;
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unemployment and underemployment levels;
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consumer income and debt levels;
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household formation;
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the availability of home equity loans and mortgages and the interest rates for and tax deductibility of such loans;
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the availability of skilled tradespeople for repair and remodeling work;
•
trends in lifestyle and housing design; and
•
weather and natural disasters.

The fundamentals driving our business are cyclical, fluctuating with economic cycles. Adverse changes or uncertainty involving the factors listed above or an economic downturn in the United States or worldwide could result in a decline in spending on residential repair and remodeling activity and a decline in demand for new home construction, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

We could lose market share if we do not maintain our strong brands, develop new products or respond to changing purchasing practices and consumer preferences or if our reputation is damaged.

Our competitive advantage is due, in part, to our ability to maintain our strong brands and to develop and introduce innovative new and improved products. While we continue to invest in brand building and brand awareness, these initiatives may not be successful. The uncertainties associated with developing and introducing new and improved products, such as gauging changing consumer preferences and successfully developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling these products, may impact the success of our product introductions. If we do not introduce new or improved products in a timely manner or if these products do not gain widespread acceptance, we could lose market share, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial position. It is also possible that our competitors may improve their products more rapidly or effectively than we do, which could adversely affect our market share.

In recent years, consumer purchasing practices and preferences have shifted and our customers’ business models and strategies have changed. As our customers execute their strategies to reach end consumers through multiple channels, they rely on us to support their efforts with our infrastructure, including maintaining robust and user-friendly websites with sufficient content for consumer research and providing comprehensive supply chain solutions and differentiated product development. If we are unable to successfully provide this support to our customers or if our customers are unable to successfully execute their strategies, our brands may lose market share.

If we do not timely and effectively identify and respond to changing consumer purchasing practices, including an increase in e-commerce, and consumer preferences, our relationships with our customers and with consumers could be harmed, the demand for our brands and products could be reduced and our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected.




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Our public image and reputation are important to maintaining our strong brands and could be adversely affected by various factors, including product quality and service, claims and comments in social media or the press, or negative publicity regarding disputes or legal action against us, even if unfounded. Damage to our public image or reputation could adversely affect our sales and results of operations and financial position.

We face significant competition and operate in an evolving competitive landscape.

Our products face significant competition. We believe that brand reputation is an important factor affecting product selection and that we compete on the basis of product features and innovation, product quality, customer service, warranty and price. We sell many of our products through home center retailers, online retailers, distributors and independent dealers and rely on these customers to market and promote our products to consumers. Our success with our customers is dependent on our ability to provide quality products and timely delivery. In addition, home center retailers, which have historically concentrated their sales efforts on retail consumers and remodelers, are increasingly selling directly to professional contractors and installers, which may adversely affect our margins on our products that contractors and installers would otherwise buy through our dealers and wholesalers.

We also compete with low‑cost foreign manufacturers and private label brands sold by our customers in a variety of our product groups. As market dynamics change, we may experience a shift in the mix of some products we sell toward more value‑priced or opening price point products, which may affect our profitability.

Further, as the e‑commerce channel expands, greater pricing transparency for consumers, continuing conflicts between our existing distribution channels and a need for different distribution methods could affect our results of operations and financial position. In addition, our relationships with our customers, including our home center customers, may be affected if we increase the amount of business we transact in the e-commerce channel.

If we are unable to maintain our competitive position in our industries, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected.

Our sales are concentrated with two significant customers.

Our sales are concentrated with our two largest customers. In 2018, our net sales to The Home Depot were $2.7 billion (approximately 32 percent of our consolidated net sales), and our net sales to Lowe’s were less than 10 percent of our consolidated net sales. Our reliance on these significant customers may further increase if the mix of our business operations changes, including as a result of acquisitions or divestitures. These home center retailers can significantly affect the prices we receive for our products and the terms and conditions on which we do business with them. Additionally, these home center retailers may reduce the number of vendors from which they purchase and could make significant changes in their volume of purchases from us. Although other retailers, dealers, distributors and homebuilders represent other channels of distribution for our products and services, we might not be able to quickly replace, if at all, the loss of a substantial portion of our sales to The Home Depot or the loss of all of our sales to Lowe’s, and any such loss would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.

In addition, these home center retailers are granted product exclusivity from time to time, which affects our ability to sell products to other customers and increases the complexity of our product offerings and our costs.

Variability in commodity costs, limited availability of commodities and increasing tariffs could affect our results of operations and financial position.

Various commodities, including, among others, brass, resins, titanium dioxide, zinc, wood and glass, are used to produce our products. Fluctuations in the availability and prices of these commodities have in the past and could increase the costs of our products. Our production of products could be affected if we or our suppliers are unable to procure our requirements for these commodities or if a shortage of these commodities drives their prices to levels that are not commercially feasible. Further, the cost of certain of our raw materials and finished goods is increasing as a result of new tariffs. Tariffs and rising energy costs could increase our production and transportation costs. In addition, water is a significant component of our architectural coatings products and may be subject to restrictions in certain regions. These factors could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.




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It can be difficult for us to pass on to customers our cost increases. Our existing arrangements with customers, competitive considerations and customer resistance to price increases may delay or make us unable to adjust selling prices. If we are not able to sufficiently increase the prices of our products or achieve cost savings to offset increased commodity and production costs, including the impact of increasing tariffs, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected. If we are able to increase our selling prices, sustained price increases for our products may lead to sales declines and loss of market share, particularly if our competitors do not increase their prices. When commodity prices decline, we have experienced and may in the future receive pressure from our customers to reduce our prices. Such reductions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

From time to time we enter into long-term agreements with certain significant suppliers to help ensure continued availability of key commodities and to establish firm pricing, but at times these contractual commitments may result in our paying above market prices for commodities during the term of the contract. Occasionally, we may also use derivative instruments, including commodity futures and swaps. This strategy increases the possibility that we may make commitments for these commodities at prices that subsequently exceed their market prices, which has occurred and could occur in the future and may adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

We are dependent on third-party suppliers.

We are dependent on third‑party suppliers for many of our products and components, and our ability to offer a wide variety of products depends on our ability to obtain an adequate and timely supply of these products and components. Failure of our suppliers to timely provide us quality products on commercially reasonable terms, or to comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, or our policies regarding our supplier business practices, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position or could damage our reputation. Sourcing these products and components from another supplier is time-consuming and costly. Accordingly, the loss of critical suppliers, or a substantial decrease in the availability of products or components from our suppliers, could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Many of the suppliers we rely upon are located in foreign countries. The differences in business practices, shipping and delivery requirements, changes in economic conditions and trade policies and laws and regulations, together with the limited number of suppliers, have increased the complexity of our supply chain logistics and the potential for interruptions in our production scheduling. If we are unable to effectively manage our supply chain or if there is a disruption in transporting the products or components, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected.

There are risks associated with our international operations and global strategies.

In 2018, 19 percent of our sales are made outside of North America (principally in Europe) and are transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In addition to our European operations, we manufacture products in Asia and source products and components from third parties globally. Risks associated with our international operations include changes in political, monetary and social environments, economic conditions, labor conditions and practices, the laws, regulations and policies of foreign governments, social and political unrest, terrorist attacks, cultural differences and differences in enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights.

We are also affected by laws applicable to U.S. companies doing business abroad or importing goods and materials. These include tax laws, laws regulating competition, anti‑bribery/anti‑corruption and other business practices, and trade regulations, including duties and tariffs. Compliance with these laws are costly, and future changes to these laws may require significant management attention and disrupt our operations. Additionally, while it is difficult to assess what changes may occur and the relative effect on our international tax structure, significant changes in how U.S. and foreign jurisdictions tax cross‑border transactions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Our results of operations and financial position are also impacted by changes in currency exchange rates. Unfavorable currency exchange rates, particularly the Euro, the British pound sterling, the Canadian dollar and the Chinese Yuan Renminbi, have in the past adversely affected us, and could adversely affect us in the future. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may present challenges in comparing operating performance from period to period.

Additionally, as the situation involving the United Kingdom’s decision to exit from the European Union develops, we could experience volatility in the currency exchange rates or a change in the demand for our products and services, particularly in our U.K. and European markets, or there could be disruption of our operations and our customers’ and suppliers’ businesses.

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We may not achieve all of the anticipated benefits of our strategic initiatives.

We continue to pursue our strategic initiatives of investing in our brands, developing innovative products, and focusing on operational excellence through the Masco Operating System, our methodology to drive growth and productivity. All of these initiatives are designed to grow revenue, improve profitability and increase shareholder value over the mid‑ to long‑term. Our business performance and results could be adversely affected if we are unable to successfully execute these initiatives or if we are unable to execute these initiatives in a timely and efficient manner. We could also be adversely affected if we have not appropriately prioritized and balanced our initiatives or if we are unable to effectively manage change throughout our organization.

We may not be able to successfully execute our acquisition strategy or integrate businesses that we acquire.

Pursuing the acquisition of businesses complementary to our portfolio is a component of our strategy for future growth. If we are not able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate potential acquisitions at acceptable terms and prices, our long‑term competitive positioning may be affected. Even if we are successful in acquiring businesses, we may experience risks in integrating these businesses into our existing business. Such risks include difficulties realizing expected synergies and economies of scale, diversion of our resources, unforeseen liabilities, issues or conflicts with our new or existing customers or suppliers, and difficulties in retaining critical employees of the acquired businesses. Future foreign acquisitions may also increase our exposure to foreign currency risks and risks associated with interpretation and enforcement of foreign regulations. Our failure to address these risks could cause us to incur additional costs and fail to realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

The long-term performance of our businesses relies on our ability to attract, develop and retain talented personnel.

To be successful, we must attract, develop and retain highly qualified, talented and diverse personnel who have the experience, knowledge and expertise to successfully implement our key strategic initiatives. We compete for employees with a broad range of employers in many different industries, including large multinational firms, and we invest significant resources in recruiting, developing, motivating and retaining them. From time to time, we have been affected by a shortage of qualified personnel in certain geographic areas. Our growth, competitive position and results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected by our failure to attract, develop and retain key employees, to build strong leadership teams, or to develop effective succession planning to assure smooth transitions of those employees and the knowledge and expertise they possess, or by a shortage of qualified personnel.

We rely on information systems and technology, and a breakdown of these systems could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

We rely on many information systems and technology to process, transmit, store and manage information to support our business activities. We may be adversely affected if our information systems breakdown, fail, or are no longer supported. In addition to the consequences that may occur from interruptions in our systems, increased global cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted attacks pose a risk to our information technology systems.

We have implemented security policies, processes and layers of defense designed to help identify and protect against intentional and unintentional misappropriation or corruption of our systems and information and disruption of our operations. Despite these efforts, our systems have been and in the future may be damaged, disrupted, or shut down due to cybersecurity attacks by unauthorized access, malicious software, undetected intrusion, hardware failures, or other events, and in these circumstances our disaster recovery plans may be ineffective or inadequate. These breaches or intrusions could lead to business interruption, exposure of proprietary or confidential information, data corruption, damage to the reputation of our brands, damage to our relationships with our customers and suppliers, exposure to litigation, and increased operational costs. Such events could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

In addition, we could be adversely affected if any of our significant customers or suppliers experiences any similar events that disrupt their business operations or damage their reputation.




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We may not experience the anticipated benefits from our investments in new technology.

We continue to invest in new technology systems throughout our company, including implementations of Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) systems at our business units. ERP implementations are complex and require significant management oversight. While we are leveraging our experience and engaging consultants to assist as we deploy ERP systems, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, unanticipated expenses and interruptions to our operations during these implementations. These interruptions could affect our ability to produce and ship goods to our customers or to timely report financial results and the effectiveness of our internal controls. Our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected if we do not appropriately select and implement our new technology systems in a timely manner or if we experience significant unanticipated expenses or disruptions in connection with the implementation of ERP systems.

Claims and litigation could be costly.

We are involved in various claims and litigation, including class actions and regulatory proceedings, that arise in the ordinary course of our business and that could have a material adverse effect on us. The types of matters may include, among others: competition, product liability, employment, warranty, advertising, contract, personal injury, environmental, intellectual property, product compliance and insurance coverage. The outcome and effect of these matters are inherently unpredictable, and defending and resolving them can be costly and can divert management’s attention. We have and may continue to incur significant costs as a result of claims and litigation.

We are also subject to product safety regulations, recalls and direct claims for product liability that can result in significant costs and, regardless of the ultimate outcome, create adverse publicity and damage the reputation of our brands and business. Also, we rely on other manufacturers to provide products or components for products that we sell. Due to the difficulty of controlling the quality of products and components we source from other manufacturers, we are exposed to risks relating to the quality of such products and to limitations on our recourse against such suppliers.

We maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks of loss resulting from claims and litigation. The levels of insurance we maintain may not be adequate to fully cover our losses or liabilities. If any significant accident, judgment, claim or other event is not fully insured or indemnified against, it could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Refer to Note T to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report for additional information about litigation involving our businesses.

Compliance with laws, government regulation and industry standards is costly, and our failure to comply could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

We are subject to a wide variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations pertaining to:

•
securities matters;
•
taxation;
•
anti-bribery/anti-corruption;
•
employment matters;
•
health and safety;
•
the protection of employees and consumers;
•
product compliance;
•
competition practices;
•
trade, including duties and tariffs;
•
data privacy and the collection and storage of information; and
•
climate change and environmental issues.

In addition to complying with current requirements and known future requirements, even more stringent requirements could be imposed on us in the future. As we sell new types of products or existing products in new geographic areas, our failure to comply with the requirements applicable to those products or regions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. Additionally, some of our products must be certified by industry organizations. Compliance with new or changed laws, regulations and industry standards may require us to alter our product designs, our manufacturing processes, our packaging or our sourcing. Compliance activities are costly and

10

require significant management attention and resources. If we do not effectively and timely comply with such regulations and industry standards, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected.

We may not be able to adequately protect or prevent the unauthorized use of our intellectual property.

Protecting our intellectual property is important to our growth and innovation efforts. We own a number of patents, trade names, brand names and other forms of intellectual property in our products and manufacturing processes throughout the world. There can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights will prevent violations. Our intellectual property may be challenged or infringed upon by third parties, particularly in countries where property rights are not highly developed or protected. In addition, the global nature of our business increases the risk that we may be unable to obtain or maintain our intellectual property rights on reasonable terms. Furthermore, others may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us. Current and former employees, contractors or suppliers have or may have had access to proprietary or confidential information regarding our business operations that could harm us if used by, or disclosed to others, including our competitors. Protecting and defending our intellectual property could be costly, time consuming and require significant resources. If we are not able to protect our existing intellectual property rights, or prevent unauthorized use of our intellectual property, sales of our products may be affected and we may experience reputational damage to our brand names, increased litigation costs and adverse impact to our competitive position, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Restrictive covenants in our credit agreement could limit our financial flexibility.

We must comply with both financial and nonfinancial covenants in our credit agreement, and in order to borrow under it, we cannot be in default with any of those provisions. Our ability to borrow under the credit agreement could be affected if our earnings significantly decline to a level where we are not in compliance with the financial covenants or if we default on any nonfinancial covenants. In the past, we have been able to amend the covenants in our credit agreement, but there can be no assurance that in the future we would be able to further amend them. If we were unable to borrow under our credit agreement, our financial flexibility could be restricted.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.
Properties.
The table below lists our principal North American properties.
Business Segment
 
Manufacturing
 
Warehouse and
Distribution
Plumbing Products
 
22

 
7

Decorative Architectural Products
 
8

 
18

Cabinetry Products
 
8

 
4

Windows and Other Specialty Products
 
10

 
3

Totals
 
48

 
32

Most of our North American facilities range from single warehouse buildings to complex manufacturing facilities. We own most of our North American manufacturing facilities, none of which is subject to significant encumbrances. A substantial number of our warehouse and distribution facilities are leased.
The table below lists our principal properties outside of North America.
Business Segment
 
Manufacturing
 
Warehouse and
Distribution
Plumbing Products
 
10

 
19

Decorative Architectural Products
 
—

 
—

Cabinetry Products
 
—

 
—

Windows and Other Specialty Products
 
9

 
—

Totals
 
19

 
19


11

Most of our international facilities are located in China, Germany and the United Kingdom. We own most of our international manufacturing facilities, none of which is subject to significant encumbrances. A substantial number of our international warehouse and distribution facilities are leased.
We lease our corporate headquarters in Livonia, Michigan, and we own a building in Taylor, Michigan that is used by our Masco Technical Services (research and development) department. We continue to lease an office facility in Luxembourg, which serves as a headquarters for most of our foreign operations.
Each of our operating divisions assesses the manufacturing, distribution and other facilities needed to meet its operating requirements. Our buildings, machinery and equipment have been generally well maintained and are in good operating condition. We believe our facilities have sufficient capacity and are adequate for our production and distribution requirements.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
Information regarding legal proceedings involving us is set forth in Note T to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.

12

PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The New York Stock Exchange is the principal market on which our common stock is traded, under the ticker symbol MAS. On January 31, 2019, there were approximately 3,400 holders of record of our common stock.
We expect that our practice of paying quarterly dividends on our common stock will continue, although the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors.
In May 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, for retirement, of up to $1.5 billion of shares of our common stock in open-market transactions or otherwise. During 2018, we repurchased and retired 18.6 million shares of our common stock (including 0.7 million shares to offset the dilutive impact of long-term stock awards granted during the year), for approximately $654 million. At December 31, 2018, we had $636 million remaining under the 2017 authorization. The following table provides information regarding the repurchase of our common stock for the three-month period ended December 31, 2018.
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per
Common Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Value of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
10/1/18 - 10/31/18
2,305,692

 
$
32.54

 
2,305,692

 
$
860,879,098

11/1/18 - 11/30/18
5,635,262

 
$
31.24

 
5,635,262

 
$
684,831,947

12/1/18 - 12/31/18
1,652,685

 
$
29.79

 
1,652,685

 
$
635,603,772

Total for the quarter
9,593,639

 
 
 
9,593,639

 
$
635,603,772



































13

Performance Graph
The table below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of (i) the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index ("S&P 500 Index"), (ii) The Standard & Poor's Industrials Index ("S&P Industrials Index") and (iii) the Standard & Poor's Consumer Durables & Apparel Index ("S&P Consumer Durables & Apparel Index"), from December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2018, when the closing price of our common stock was $29.24. The graph assumes investments of $100 on December 31, 2013 in our common stock and in each of the three indices and the reinvestment of dividends.
chart-527a5212cc1d5ef3ab7.jpg
The table below sets forth the value, as of December 31 for each of the years indicated, of a $100 investment made on December 31, 2013 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P Industrials Index and the S&P Consumer Durables & Apparel Index and includes the reinvestment of dividends.
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
Masco
$
112.29

 
$
145.52

 
$
164.64

 
$
231.40

 
$
155.74

S&P 500 Index
$
113.69

 
$
115.26

 
$
129.05

 
$
157.22

 
$
150.33

S&P Industrials Index
$
109.83

 
$
107.04

 
$
127.23

 
$
153.99

 
$
133.53

S&P Consumer Durables & Apparel Index
$
109.32

 
$
108.49

 
$
102.19

 
$
121.18

 
$
106.69



14

Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
 
Dollars in Millions (Except Per Common Share Data)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net sales (1) (2)
$
8,359

 
$
7,642

 
$
7,361

 
$
7,142

 
$
7,006

Operating profit (1) (2) (3)
1,211

 
1,194

 
1,087

 
914

 
721

Income from continuing operations attributable to Masco Corporation (1)(2) (4)
734

 
533

 
493

 
357

 
821

Income per common share from continuing operations (2):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
2.38

 
$
1.68

 
$
1.49

 
$
1.04

 
$
2.31

Diluted
2.37

 
1.66

 
1.48

 
1.03

 
2.28

Dividends declared
0.450

 
0.410

 
0.390

 
0.370

 
0.345

Dividends paid
0.435

 
0.405

 
0.385

 
0.365

 
0.330

At December 31:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total assets (2) (5)
$
5,393

 
$
5,534

 
$
5,164

 
$
5,664

 
$
7,208

Long-term debt (5)
2,971

 
2,969

 
2,995

 
2,403

 
2,919

Shareholders' equity (deficit) (2) (6)
69

 
183

 
(96
)
 
58

 
1,128

                                                              

(1)
Amounts exclude discontinued operations in the year 2014 and 2015.
(2)
Net sales, operating profit, income from continuing operations attributable to Masco Corporation, income per common share from continuing operations, total assets and shareholder's equity for 2014 and 2015 have not been recast for the impact of the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification 606. Refer to Note A to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the adoption of this standard.
(3)
Operating profit for 2014 and 2015 has not been recast for the impact of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-07, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost." Refer to Note A to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the adoption of this standard.
(4)
The year 2014 includes a $529 million tax benefit from the release of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.
(5)
Total assets and long-term debt for 2014 has not been recast for the impact of the adoption of ASU 2015‑03 “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” as amended by Accounting Standards Update 2015-15, which required the reclassification of certain debt issuance costs from an asset to a liability.
(6)
The decrease in shareholder's equity from 2014 to 2015 relates primarily to the spin off of TopBuild Corp.

15

Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The financial and business analysis below provides information which we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. This financial and business analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes.
The following discussion and certain other sections of this Report contain statements that reflect our views about our future performance and constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "outlook," "believe," "anticipate," "appear," "may," "will," "should," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "assume," "seek," "forecast," and similar references to future periods. Our views about future performance involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in our forward-looking statements. We caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements.
In addition to the various factors included in the "Executive Level Overview," "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" and "Outlook for the Company" sections, our future performance may be affected by the levels of residential repair and remodel activity and new home construction, our ability to maintain our strong brands and reputation and to develop new products, our ability to maintain our competitive position in our industries, our reliance on key customers, the cost and availability of raw materials and increasing tariffs, our dependence on third-party suppliers, risks associated with international operations and global strategies, our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of our strategic initiatives, our ability to successfully execute our acquisition strategy and integrate businesses that we have and may acquire, our ability to attract, develop and retain talented personnel, risks associated with our reliance on information systems and technology, and our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits from our investments in new technology. These and other factors are discussed in detail in Item 1A "Risk Factors" of this Report. Any forward-looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Executive Level Overview
We design, manufacture and distribute branded home improvement and building products. These products are sold primarily for repair and remodeling activity and new home construction through home center retailers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores, homebuilders, distributors, online retailers, and direct to the consumer.
2018 Results
Net sales were positively impacted by the acquisition of The L.D. Kichler Co. ("Kichler") in March 2018 and Mercury Plastics, Inc. ("Mercury") in December 2017. Net sales were also positively impacted by increased sales volume resulting from increased repair and remodel activity and new home construction in the U.S., and net selling price increases primarily in the U.S. Such increases were partially offset by the divestiture of Moores Furniture Group Limited ("Moores") in the fourth quarter of 2017 and Arrow Fastener Co., LLC ("Arrow") in the second quarter of 2017. Our results of operations were negatively impacted by increased other expenses, such as logistics costs, salaries, and Enterprise Resource Planning System ("ERP") costs, and the recognition of the inventory step up adjustment established as part of the acquisition of Kichler. Such negative impacts were partially offset by benefits associated with cost savings initiatives and increased sales volume.
Our Plumbing Products segment was negatively impacted by an increase in commodity costs, unfavorable sales mix, and an increase in other expenses (such as salaries, logistics costs and ERP costs). These negative impacts were partially offset by increased sales volume, the benefits associated with cost savings initiatives and increased net selling prices. Our Decorative Architectural Products segment was negatively impacted by an increase in commodity costs, the recognition of the inventory step up adjustment established as part of the acquisition of Kichler, and increased depreciation and amortization expense. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased net selling prices of paints and other coating products, benefits associated with cost savings initiatives and increased sales volume. Our Cabinetry Products segment was negatively impacted by an increase in other expenses (such as logistics costs), program launch and display expenses, and unfavorable sales mix. These negative impacts were partially offset by benefits associated with cost savings initiatives, increased sales volume and the divestiture of Moores. Our Windows and Other Specialty Products segment was negatively impacted by an increase in other expenses (such as warranty-related costs and higher labor costs), an increase in commodity costs, decreased sales volume and the divestiture of Arrow. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased net selling prices and the benefits associated with cost savings initiatives.

16

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We regularly review our estimates and assumptions, which are based upon historical experience, as well as current economic conditions and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Note A to the consolidated financial statements includes our accounting policies, estimates and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the following critical accounting policies are affected by significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition and Receivables
We recognize revenue as control of our products is transferred to our customers, which is generally at the time of shipment or upon delivery based on the contractual terms with our customers, or when services are completed. Control over certain of our custom-made window products transfers to our customers as production is completed, and revenue is recognized over the production period for these products, as our products do not have an alternative use and we have an enforceable right to payment during the production period. The production period of our custom-made window products generally does not lapse days, and for these products we currently recognize revenue based on the output of production, which is a faithful depiction of the transfer of these products to our customers. We provide customer programs and incentive offerings, including special pricing and co-operative advertising arrangements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. These customer programs and incentives are considered variable consideration. We include in revenue variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the variable consideration is resolved. This determination is made based upon known customer program and incentive offerings at the time of sale, and expected sales volume forecasts as it relates to our volume-based incentives. This determination is updated each reporting period.
We monitor our customer receivable balances and the credit worthiness of our customers on an on-going basis and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. During downturns in our markets, declines in the financial condition and creditworthiness of customers impact the credit risk of the receivables involved, and we have incurred additional bad debt expense related to customer defaults. Allowances are estimated based upon specific customer balances, where a risk of default has been identified, and also include a provision for non-customer specific defaults based upon historical collection, return and write-off activity.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We record the excess of purchase cost over the fair value of net tangible assets of acquired companies as goodwill or other identifiable intangible assets. In the fourth quarter of each year, or as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, we complete the impairment testing of goodwill utilizing a discounted cash flow method. We selected the discounted cash flow methodology because we believe that it is comparable to what would be used by market participants. We have defined our reporting units and completed the impairment testing of goodwill at the operating segment level.
Determining market values using a discounted cash flow method requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, including long-term projections of cash flows, market conditions and appropriate discount rates. Our judgments are based upon historical experience, current market trends, consultations with external valuation specialists and other information. While we believe that the estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation methodology are reasonable, different estimates and assumptions could result in different outcomes. In estimating future cash flows, we rely on internally generated five-year forecasts for sales and operating profits, and, currently, a two to three percent long-term assumed annual growth rate of cash flows for periods after the five-year forecast. We generally develop these forecasts based upon, among other things, recent sales data for existing products, planned timing of new product launches, estimated repair and remodel activity and estimated housing starts. Our assumptions included a relatively

17

stable U.S. Gross Domestic Product growing at approximately 2.5 percent per annum and a eurozone Gross Domestic Product growing at approximately 1.9 percent per annum over the five-year forecast.
We utilize our weighted average cost of capital of approximately 9.0 percent as the basis to determine the discount rate to apply to the estimated future cash flows. Our weighted average cost of capital increased in 2018 as compared to 2017, primarily due to an increased market required rate of return on equity, as well as an increase in the after-tax cost of debt, which was driven by a reduction in the effective tax rate. In 2018, based upon our assessment of the risks impacting each of our businesses, we applied a risk premium to increase the discount rate to a range of 11.0 percent to 13.5 percent for our reporting units.
If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that a reporting unit's recorded carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill in that reporting unit.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimated that future discounted cash flows projected for all of our reporting units were greater than the carrying values. Accordingly, we did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill. A 10 percent decrease in the estimated fair value of our reporting units would not have resulted in an impairment for any reporting unit.
We review our other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, in the fourth quarter, or as events occur or circumstances change that indicate the assets may be impaired without regard to the business unit. Potential impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of an other indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying value. We utilized a relief-from-royalty model to estimate the fair value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets. We consider the implications of both external (e.g., market growth, competition and local economic conditions) and internal (e.g., product sales and expected product growth) factors and their potential impact on cash flows related to the intangible asset in both the near- and long-term. We also consider the profitability of the business, among other factors, to determine the royalty rate for use in the impairment assessment.
We utilize our weighted average cost of capital of approximately 9.0 percent as the basis to determine the discount rate to apply to the estimated future cash flows. In 2018, based upon our assessment of the risks impacting each of our businesses, we applied a risk premium to increase the discount rate to a range of 12.0 percent to 13.5 percent for our other indefinite-lived intangible assets.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimated that future discounted cash flows projected for our other indefinite-lived intangible assets were greater than the carrying values. Accordingly, we did not recognize any impairment charges for other indefinite-lived intangible assets. A 10 percent decrease in the estimated fair value of our other indefinite-lived intangible assets would have resulted in a $4 million impairment for trade names related to businesses acquired within the past two years.
Employee Retirement Plans
As of January 1, 2010, substantially all our domestic and foreign qualified and domestic non-qualified defined-benefit pension plans were frozen to future benefit accruals.
Accounting for defined-benefit pension plans involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided in the future, based upon vested years of service, and attributing those costs over the time period each employee works. We develop our pension costs and obligations from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions regarding expected return on plan assets, mortality rates and discount rates for obligations and expenses. We consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in selecting these assumptions. While we believe that the estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation methodology are reasonable, different estimates and assumptions could result in different reported pension costs and obligations within our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2018, our discount rate for obligations increased to a weighted average of 3.8 percent from 3.3 percent. The discount rate for obligations is based upon the expected duration of each defined-benefit pension plan's liabilities matched to the December 31, 2018 Willis Towers Watson Rate Link Curve. The discount rates we use for our defined-benefit pension plans ranged from 1.5 percent to 4.2 percent, with the most significant portion of the liabilities having a discount rate for obligations of 4.1 percent or higher. The assumed asset return was primarily 7.0 percent, reflecting the expected long-term return on plan assets based upon an analysis of expected and historical rates of return of various asset classes utilizing the current and long-term target asset allocation of the plan assets.
Our net underfunded amount for our qualified defined-benefit pension plans, which is the difference between the projected benefit obligation and plan assets, decreased to $226 million at December 31, 2018 from $266 million at

18

December 31, 2017. Our projected benefit obligation for our unfunded, non-qualified, defined-benefit pension plans decreased to $155 million at December 31, 2018 from $170 million at December 31, 2017. These unfunded plans are not subject to the funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. In accordance with the Pension Protection Act, the Adjusted Funding Target Attainment Percentage for the various defined-benefit pension plans ranges from 90 percent to 115 percent.
The decrease in our qualified defined-benefit pension plan projected benefit obligation was primarily impacted by an increase in the discount rate. During 2018, we contributed $52 million to our qualified defined-benefit pension plans, and our qualified defined-benefit pension plan assets had a return of negative 4.9 percent. Refer to Note M to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
We expect pension expense for our qualified defined-benefit pension plans to be $16 million in 2019 compared with $8 million in 2018. If we assumed that the future return on plan assets was 50 basis points lower than the assumed asset return and the discount rate decreased by 50 basis points, the 2019 pension expense would increase by $4 million. We expect pension expense for our non-qualified defined-benefit pension plans to be $8 million in 2019, compared to $9 million in 2018.
We anticipate that we will be required to contribute approximately $15 million in 2019 to our qualified and non-qualified defined-benefit plans; however, we currently anticipate contributing approximately $66 million in 2019. Refer to Note M to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the funding of our plans.
Income Taxes
Deferred taxes are recognized based on the future tax consequences of differences between the financial
statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. The future realization of deferred tax
assets depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in future periods. Possible sources of taxable income
include taxable income in carryback periods, the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences recorded as a deferred tax liability, tax-planning strategies that generate future income or gains in excess of anticipated losses in the carryforward period and projected future taxable income.
If, based upon all available evidence, both positive and negative, it is more likely than not (more than 50 percent likely) such deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. Significant weight is given to positive and negative evidence that is objectively verifiable. A company's three-year cumulative loss position is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable, and the accounting guidance restricts the amount of reliance we can place on projected taxable income to support the recovery of the deferred tax assets.
We maintain a valuation allowance on certain state and foreign deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018. Should we determine that we would not be able to realize our remaining deferred tax assets in these jurisdictions in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded in the period such determination is made. The need to maintain a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets may cause greater volatility in our effective tax rate.
The current accounting guidance allows the recognition of only those income tax positions that have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. We believe that there is an increased potential for volatility in our effective tax rate because this threshold allows for changes in the income tax environment and, to a greater extent, the inherent complexities of income tax law in a substantial number of jurisdictions, which may affect the computation of our liability for uncertain tax positions.
While we believe we have adequately provided for our uncertain tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing
authorities could vary from our liability for uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, additional provisions for tax-related
matters, including interest and penalties, could be recorded in income tax expense in the period revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved.
The comprehensive U.S. tax reform, which generally became effective in 2018 has had a significant impact on our effective tax rate and taxes paid primarily due to the reduction in the U.S. Federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and the additional U.S. taxes on our foreign earnings. The continued impact from U.S. tax reform may differ from our current estimates due to the issuance and finalization of future regulatory guidance.
Warranty
We offer full and limited warranties on certain products, with warranty periods ranging up to the lifetime of the product to the original consumer purchaser. At the time of sale, we accrue a warranty liability for the estimated future

19

cost to provide products, parts or services to repair or replace products to satisfy our warranty obligations. Our estimate of future costs to service our warranty obligations is based upon the information available and includes a number of factors, such as the warranty coverage, the warranty period, historical experience specific to the nature, frequency and average cost to service the claim, along with industry and demographic trends.
Certain factors and related assumptions in determining our warranty liability involve judgments and estimates and are sensitive to changes in the factors described above. We believe that the warranty accrual is appropriate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from our original estimates, which would require us to adjust our previously established accruals. Refer to Note T to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on our warranty accrual.
A significant portion of our business is at the consumer retail level through home center retailers and other major retailers. A consumer may return a product to a retail outlet that is a warranty return. However, certain retail outlets do not distinguish between warranty and other types of returns when they claim a return deduction from us. Our revenue recognition policy takes into account this type of return when recognizing revenue, and an estimate of these amounts is recorded as a deduction to net sales at the time of sale.
Litigation
We are involved in claims and litigation, including class actions and regulatory proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. Liabilities and costs associated with these matters require estimates and judgments based upon our professional knowledge and experience and that of our legal counsel. When a liability is probable of being incurred and our exposure in these matters is reasonably estimable, amounts are recorded as charges to earnings. The ultimate resolution of these exposures may differ due to subsequent developments.
Corporate Development Strategy
We expect to maintain a balanced growth strategy pursuing organic growth by maximizing the full potential of our existing core businesses and complementing our existing business with strategic acquisitions.
In addition, we actively manage our portfolio of companies by divesting of those businesses that do not align with our long-term growth strategy. We will continue to review all of our businesses to determine which businesses, if any, may not align with our long-term growth strategy.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, we have largely funded our growth through cash provided by our operations, the issuance of notes in the financial markets, bank borrowings and the issuance of our common stock, including issuances for certain mergers and acquisitions. Maintaining high levels of liquidity and focusing on cash generation are among our financial strategies. Our capital allocation strategy includes reinvesting in our business, balancing share repurchases with potential acquisitions and maintaining an appropriate dividend.
Our total debt as a percent of total capitalization was 98 percent and 94 percent at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Refer to Note K to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
On April 16, 2018, we repaid and retired all of our $114 million, 6.625% Notes on the scheduled repayment date.
On June 21, 2017, we issued $300 million of 3.5% Notes due November 15, 2027 and $300 million of 4.5% Notes due May 15, 2047. We received proceeds of $599 million, net of discount, for the issuance of these Notes. The Notes are senior indebtedness and are redeemable at our option at the applicable redemption price. On June 27, 2017, proceeds from the debt issuances, together with cash on hand, were used to repay and early retire $299 million of our 7.125% Notes due March 15, 2020, $74 million of our 5.95% Notes due March 15, 2022, $62 million of our 7.75% Notes due August 1, 2029, and $100 million of our 6.5% Notes due August 15, 2032. In connection with these early retirements, we incurred a loss on debt extinguishment of $107 million, which was recorded as interest expense.

On March 17, 2016, we issued $400 million of 3.5% Notes due April 1, 2021 and $500 million of 4.375% Notes due April 1, 2026. We received proceeds of $896 million, net of discount, for the issuance of these Notes. The Notes are senior indebtedness and are redeemable at our option at the applicable redemption price. On April 15, 2016, proceeds from the debt issuances, together with cash on hand, were used to repay and early retire all of our $1 billion, 6.125% Notes which were due on October 3, 2016 and all of our $300 million, 5.85% Notes which were due on March 15, 2017. In connection with these early retirements, we incurred a loss on debt extinguishment of $40 million, which was recorded as interest expense.

20

On March 28, 2013, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a bank group, with an aggregate commitment of $1.25 billion and a maturity date of March 28, 2018. On May 29, 2015 and August 28, 2015, we amended the Credit Agreement with the bank group (the "Amended Credit Agreement"). The Amended Credit Agreement reduces the aggregate commitment to $750 million and extends the maturity date to May 29, 2020. Under the Amended Credit Agreement, at our request and subject to certain conditions, we can increase the aggregate commitment up to an additional $375 million with the current bank group or new lenders. Refer to Note K to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
The Amended Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring us to maintain (A) a maximum net leverage ratio, as adjusted for certain items, of 4.0 to 1.0, and (B) a minimum interest coverage ratio, as adjusted for certain items, equal to or greater than 2.5 to 1.0. We were in compliance with all covenants and had no borrowings under our Amended Credit Agreement at December 31, 2018. We expect to remain in compliance with these covenants through at least the next year.
On March 9, 2018, we acquired substantially all of the net assets of Kichler. The purchase price, net of $2 million cash acquired, consisted of $549 million paid with cash on hand.
In the third quarter of 2018, we increased our quarterly dividend to $.12 per common share from $.105 per common share. During 2018, we repurchased 18.6 million shares of our common stock for cash aggregating $654 million.
We had cash, cash investments and short-term bank deposits of approximately $559 million at December 31, 2018. Our cash and cash investments consist of overnight interest bearing money market demand accounts, time deposit accounts, and money market mutual funds containing government securities and treasury obligations. While we attempt to diversify these investments in a prudent manner to minimize risk, it is possible that future changes in the financial markets could affect the security or availability of these investments. Our short-term bank deposits consist of time deposits with maturities of 12 months or less.
Of the $559 million and $1.3 billion of cash, cash investments and short-term bank deposits we held at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, $270 million and $759 million, respectively, is held in our foreign subsidiaries. If these funds were needed for our operations in the U.S., their repatriation into the U.S. would not result in significant additional U.S. income tax or foreign withholding tax, as we have recorded such taxes on substantially all undistributed foreign earnings, except for those that are legally restricted.
We utilize derivative and hedging instruments to manage our exposure to currency fluctuations, primarily related to the European euro, British pound and the U.S. dollar; occasionally, we have also used derivative and hedging instruments to manage our exposure to commodity cost fluctuations, primarily zinc and copper, and interest rate fluctuations, primarily related to debt issuances. We review our hedging program, derivative positions and overall risk management on a regular basis. We currently do not have any derivative instruments for which we have designated hedge accounting.
Our current ratio was 1.6 to 1 and 2.0 to 1 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in our current ratio is due primarily to the cash on hand we paid for our acquisition of Kichler, partially offset by the acquired working capital.

21

Cash Flows
Significant sources and (uses) of cash in the past three years are summarized as follows, in millions:
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net cash from operating activities
$
1,032

 
$
751

 
$
789

Retirement of notes
(114
)
 
(535
)
 
(1,300
)
Purchase of Company common stock
(654
)
 
(331
)
 
(459
)
Cash dividends paid
(134
)
 
(129
)
 
(128
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
(89
)
 
(35
)
 
(31
)
Capital expenditures
(219
)
 
(173
)
 
(180
)
Debt extinguishment costs
—

 
(104
)
 
(40
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
(549
)
 
(89
)
 
—

Issuance of notes, net of issuance costs
—

 
593

 
889

Employee withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation
(42
)
 
(33
)
 
(40
)
Proceeds from disposition of:
 

 
 

 
 

Businesses, net of cash disposed
—

 
128

 
—

Property and equipment
14

 
24

 
—

Financial investments
5

 
7

 
32

Decrease in debt, net
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
Proceeds of short-term bank deposits, net
108

 
112

 
40

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash investments
4

 
55

 
(34
)
Other, net
4

 
(34
)
 
(15
)
Cash (decrease) increase
$
(635
)
 
$
204

 
$
(478
)
Our working capital days were as follows:
 
At December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Receivable days
53

 
51

Inventory days
64

 
59

Accounts Payable days
71

 
72

Working capital (receivables plus inventories, less accounts payable) as a percentage of net sales
14.0
%
 
13.4
%
Net cash provided by operations of $1,032 million consisted primarily of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization expense of $156 million, stock-based compensation expense and amortization expense related to in-store displays, changes in working capital amounts, as well as employee withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation, which is classified as a financing activity. These amounts were partially offset by contributions to our defined-benefit pension plans.
Net cash used for financing activities was $1,020 million, primarily due to $654 million for the repurchase and retirement of Company common stock (as part of our strategic initiative to drive shareholder value), $134 million for the payment of cash dividends, $114 million for the retirement of our 6.625% of Notes due April 15, 2018, $89 million for dividends paid to noncontrolling interests and $42 million for employee withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation.
In May 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, for retirement, of up to $1.5 billion of shares of our common stock in open-market transactions or otherwise. During 2018, we repurchased and retired 18.6 million shares of our common stock, (including 0.7 million shares repurchased to offset the dilutive impact of long-term stock awards granted in 2018). At December 31, 2018, we had $636 million remaining under the authorization. Consistent with past practice and as part of our strategic initiative to drive shareholder value, we anticipate using approximately $600 million of cash for share repurchases (including shares which will be purchased to offset any dilution from long-term stock awards granted as part of our compensation programs) in 2019.

22

Net cash used for investing activities was $651 million, primarily driven by $549 million for the acquisition of Kichler, net of cash acquired, and $219 million for capital expenditures, partially offset by $108 million of net proceeds from the disposition of short-term bank deposits.
We continue to invest in our manufacturing and distribution operations to increase our productivity, improve customer service and support new product innovation. Capital expenditures for 2018 were $219 million, compared with $173 million for 2017 and $180 million for 2016. For 2019, capital expenditures, excluding any potential acquisitions, are expected to be approximately $200 million. Depreciation and amortization expense for 2018 totaled $156 million, compared with $127 million for 2017 and $134 million for 2016. For 2019, depreciation and amortization expense, excluding any potential 2019 acquisitions, is expected to be approximately $175 million. Amortization expense totaled $24 million in 2018, compared with $11 million and $10 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Costs of environmental responsibilities and compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations have not had, nor do we expect them to have, a material effect on our capital expenditures, financial position or results of operations.
We believe that our present cash balance and cash flows from operations, and our ability to utilize our Amended Credit Agreement are sufficient to fund our near-term working capital and other investment needs. We believe that our longer-term working capital and other general corporate requirements will be satisfied through cash flows from operations and, to the extent necessary, from bank borrowings and future financial market activities.
Consolidated Results of Operations
We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP in the United States. However, we believe that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios, used in managing the business, may provide users of this financial information with additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior periods. Non-GAAP performance measures and ratios should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results under GAAP.
The following discussion of consolidated results of operations compares each respective period to the same period of the immediately preceding year.

Sales and Operations
Net sales for 2018 were $8.4 billion, which increased nine percent compared to 2017. Excluding acquisitions, divestitures and the effect of currency translation, net sales increased five percent. The following table reconciles reported net sales to net sales excluding acquisitions, divestitures and the effect of currency translation, in millions:
 
Year Ended
December 31
 
2018
 
2017
Net sales, as reported
$
8,359

 
$
7,642

Acquisitions
(377
)
 
—

Divestitures
—

 
(72
)
Net sales, excluding acquisitions and divestitures
7,982

 
7,570

Currency translation
(47
)
 
—

Net sales, excluding acquisitions, divestitures and the effect of currency translation
$
7,935

 
$
7,570

Net sales for 2018 increased five percent due to the acquisition of Kichler in March 2018 and Mercury in December 2017. Net sales were also positively impacted by increased sales volume of plumbing products and cabinetry, which, in aggregate, increased sales by three percent, and net selling price increases of paints and other coating products, plumbing products and windows, which, in aggregate, increased sales by two percent. Foreign currency translation also increased sales by one percent. Net sales for 2018 were negatively affected by the divestiture of our Arrow and Moores businesses, which, in aggregate, decreased sales by one percent.
Net sales for 2017 were positively affected by increased sales volume of plumbing products, paints and other coating products and builders' hardware, which, in aggregate, increased sales by four percent. Net sales for 2017 were also positively affected by favorable sales mix of cabinets, North American plumbing products and North American windows, as well as net selling price increases of windows and international plumbing products, which, in aggregate, increased sales two percent. Net sales for 2017 were negatively affected by lower sales volume of cabinets, the

23

divestiture of our Arrow and Moores businesses, and an unfavorable sales mix of international plumbing products, which, in aggregate, decreased sales by two percent.
Net sales for 2016 were positively affected by increased sales volume of plumbing products, paints and other coating products and builders' hardware. Net sales for 2016 were also positively affected by favorable sales mix of cabinets and windows, and net selling price increases of North American windows and North American and international plumbing products. Net sales for 2016 were negatively affected by lower sales volume of cabinets and lower net selling prices of paints and other coating products.
Our gross profit margins were 32.2 percent, 34.2 percent and 33.4 percent in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 2018 gross profit margin was negatively impacted by an increase in commodity costs, the recognition of the inventory step up adjustment established as a part of the the acquisition of Kichler, an increase in other expenses (such as logistics costs and salaries) and unfavorable sales mix. These negative impacts were partially offset by an increase in net selling prices, the benefits associated with cost savings initiatives, and increased sales volume. The 2017 gross profit margin was positively impacted by increased sales volume, a more favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs, and cost savings initiatives.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 17.7 percent in 2018 compared with 18.6 percent in 2017 and 18.7 percent in 2016. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales, was driven by leverage of fixed expenses, due primarily to increased sales volume, and improved cost control.
The following table reconciles reported operating profit to operating profit, as adjusted to exclude certain items, dollars in millions:
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Operating profit, as reported
$
1,211

 
$
1,194

 
$
1,087

Rationalization charges
14

 
4

 
22

Kichler inventory step up adjustment
40

 
—

 
—

Operating profit, as adjusted
$
1,265

 
$
1,198

 
$
1,109

Operating profit margins, as reported
14.5
%
 
15.6
%
 
14.8
%
Operating profit margins, as adjusted
15.1
%
 
15.7
%
 
15.1
%
Operating profit margin in 2018 was negatively affected by an increase in commodity costs, the recognition of the inventory step up adjustment established as a part of the the acquisition of Kichler and an increase in other expenses (such as logistics costs, salaries and ERP costs). These negative impacts were partially offset by increased net selling prices, benefits associated with cost savings initiatives and increased sales volume. Operating profit margin in 2017 was positively impacted by increased sales volume, cost savings initiatives, and a more favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs. Operating profit margin in 2017 was negatively impacted by an increase in strategic growth investments and certain other expenses, including stock-based compensation, health insurance costs, trade show costs and increased head count.
Due to the recently-announced increase in tariffs on imported materials from China, and assuming tariffs rise to 25 percent in 2019, we could be exposed to approximately $150 million of potential annual direct cost increases. We will work to mitigate the impact of these tariffs through a combination of price increases, supplier negotiations, supply chain repositioning and other internal productivity measures. 

Other Income (Expense), Net
Other, net, for 2018 included $14 million of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit cost and $8 million of realized foreign currency losses. These expenses were partially offset by $3 million of earnings related to equity method investments and $1 million related to distributions from private equity funds.
Other, net, for 2017 included $26 million related to periodic pension and post-retirement benefit costs, $13 million net loss related to the divestitures of Moores and Arrow and $2 million related to the impairment of a private equity fund, partially offset by $3 million related to distributions from private equity funds and $1 million of earnings related to equity method investments.

24

Other, net, for 2016 included $32 million related to periodic pension and post-retirement benefit costs and $3 million of realized foreign currency losses, partially offset by $5 million related to distributions from private equity funds, $3 million from the redemption of auction rate securities and $2 million of earnings from equity method investments.
Interest expense was $156 million, $278 million and $229 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in interest expense from 2017 to 2018 is primarily the result of a loss on debt extinguishment of $107 million which was recorded as additional interest expense in connection with the early retirement of debt in 2017, the discharge of indebtedness in 2018 and refinancing certain debt at more favorable interest rates in 2017. The increase in interest expense from 2016 to 2017 is primarily the result of the $107 million and $40 million losses on debt extinguishment which were recorded as additional interest expense in connection with the early retirement of debt in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase was partially offset by the discharge of indebtedness in 2016 as well as refinancing certain debt at more favorable interest rates.
Net Income and Income Per Common Share (Attributable to Masco Corporation)
Net income and diluted income per common share for 2018 were $734 million and $2.37 per common share, respectively. Net income and diluted income per common share for 2017 were $533 million and $1.66 per common share, respectively. Net income and diluted income per common share for 2016 were $493 million and $1.48 per common share, respectively.
Our effective tax rate was 25 percent, 34 percent and 36 percent in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. U.S. tax reform, which generally became effective in 2018, reduced the U.S. Federal tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. Additionally, effective January 1, 2017 we adopted ASU 2016-09, which requires the tax effects related to employee stock-based payments to be recorded to income tax expense, thus increasing the volatility in our effective tax rate. Our normalized tax rate was 25 percent, 34 percent and 36 percent in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, our normalized rate was changed from 26 percent to 25 percent primarily due to a reduction in our U.S. tax on foreign earnings attributable to Global Intangible Low-taxed Income as a result of recently issued IRS regulatory guidance. Our 2018 effective tax rate equaled our normalized rate.
The 2017 effective tax rate was impacted by divestiture of businesses with no tax impact. This impact was offset by a $17 million net tax benefit from the impact of changes in U.S. Federal tax law and a $20 million tax benefit from stock-based compensation payments recognized in 2017.
The 2016 effective tax rate includes a $14 million charge to tax expense from the elimination of a disproportionate tax effect resulting from our auction rate securities being called by our counterparty during 2016. This charge was offset by a $13 million tax benefit from the recognition of a deferred tax asset on certain German net operating losses primarily resulting from a return to sustainable profitability.
Refer to Note R to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Outlook for the Company

We continue to successfully execute our long-term growth and capital allocation strategies by leveraging our strong brand portfolio, industry-leading positions and Masco Operating System, our methodology to drive growth and productivity. Although we have experienced commodity and logistics cost pressures, the fundamentals of the repair and remodel industry remain strong. We believe that our strong financial position and cash flow generation, together with our current strategy of investing in our industry-leading branded building products, our continued focus on innovation and our commitment to operational excellence, the active management of our portfolio and disciplined capital allocation, will allow us to drive long-term growth and create shareholder value.


25

Business Segment and Geographic Area Results
The following table sets forth our net sales and operating profit (loss) information by business segment and geographic area, dollars in millions.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018 vs.
2017
 
2017 vs.
2016
Net Sales:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Plumbing Products
$
3,998

 
$
3,732

 
$
3,529

 
7
 %
 
6
 %
Decorative Architectural Products
2,656

 
2,206

 
2,092

 
20
 %
 
5
 %
Cabinetry Products
950

 
934

 
970

 
2
 %
 
(4
)%
Windows and Other Specialty Products
755

 
770

 
770

 
(2
)%
 
—
 %
Total
$
8,359

 
$
7,642

 
$
7,361

 
9
 %
 
4
 %
North America
$
6,763

 
$
6,067

 
$
5,838

 
11
 %
 
4
 %
International, principally Europe
1,596

 
1,575

 
1,523

 
1
 %
 
3
 %
Total
$
8,359

 
$
7,642

 
$
7,361

 
9
 %
 
4
 %
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Profit (Loss): (A)
 

 
 

 
 

Plumbing Products
$
715

 
$
702

 
$
654

Decorative Architectural Products
456

 
438

 
433

Cabinetry Products
86

 
92

 
97

Windows and Other Specialty Products
34

 
54

 
(3
)
Total
$
1,291

 
$
1,286

 
$
1,181

 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
1,094

 
$
1,080

 
$
973

International, principally Europe
197

 
206

 
208

Total
1,291

 
1,286

 
1,181

General corporate expense, net
(80
)
 
(92
)
 
(94
)
Total operating profit
$
1,211

 
$
1,194

 
$
1,087

 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Profit (Loss) Margin: (A)
 

 
 

 
 

Plumbing Products
17.9
%
 
18.8
%
 
18.5
 %
Decorative Architectural Products
17.2
%
 
19.9
%
 
20.7
 %
Cabinetry Products
9.1
%
 
9.9
%
 
10.0
 %
Windows and Other Specialty Products
4.5
%
 
7.0
%
 
(0.4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
16.2
%
 
17.8
%
 
16.7
 %
International, principally Europe
12.3
%
 
13.1
%
 
13.7
 %
Total
15.4
%
 
16.8
%
 
16.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating profit margin, as reported
14.5
%
 
15.6
%
 
14.8
 %
                                                                 
(A)
Before general corporate expense, net; refer to Note P to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

26

Business Segment Results Discussion
Changes in operating profit margins in the following Business Segment and Geographic Area Results discussion exclude general corporate expense, net, and compares each respective period to the same period of the immediately preceding year.
Plumbing Products
Sales
Net sales of Plumbing Products increased seven percent in 2018 due primarily to higher sales volume of North American and International operations, which, in aggregate, increased sales by five percent, and net selling price increases of International and North American operations, which in aggregate, increased sales by one percent. The acquisition of Mercury and foreign currency translation each increased sales by one percent. Such increases were partially offset by unfavorable sales mix of North American and International operations which, in aggregate, decreased sales by one percent.
Net sales in this segment increased six percent in 2017, primarily due to higher sales volume of both North American and International operations, net selling price increases of International operations and a favorable sales mix of North American operations, which, in aggregate, increased sales by seven percent. These increases were partially offset by an unfavorable sales mix of International operations, which decreased sales by one percent.
Net sales in this segment increased in 2016, primarily due to higher sales volume of both North American and International operations, partially offset by foreign currency translation.
Operating Results
Operating margins in the Plumbing Products segment in 2018 were negatively impacted by an increase in commodity costs, unfavorable sales mix, an increase in other expenses (such as salaries, logistics, and ERP system costs), and higher depreciation expense. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased sales volume, the benefit associated with cost savings initiatives and increased net selling prices.
Operating margins in this segment in 2017 were positively impacted by increased sales volume, cost savings initiatives, and a favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs, partially offset by an increase in strategic growth initiatives and certain other expenses (including trade show costs and higher headcount).
Operating margins in this segment in 2016 were positively impacted by increased sales volume, a favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs (including the positive impact of metal hedge contracts), and the benefits associated with business rationalization and other cost savings initiatives. Such increases were partially offset by an increase in strategic growth investments, higher insurance costs, and unfavorable sales mix.
Decorative Architectural Products
Sales
Net sales of Decorative Architectural Products increased 20 percent in 2018 due primarily to the acquisition of Kichler in March 2018, which increased sales by 16 percent. Net sales also increased due to net selling price increases of paints and other coating products and increased sales volume of builders' hardware and paints and other coating products.
Net sales in this segment increased five percent in 2017 primarily due to higher sales volume of paints and other coating products and builders' hardware, resulting from growth in our BEHR PRO® business and the expansion of our shower door and cabinet hardware programs, as well as net selling price increases of paints and other coating products.
Net sales in this segment increased in 2016 primarily due to higher sales volume of paints and other coating products related to our BEHR PRO business and core-DIY products, as well as builder's hardware. Such increases were partially offset by lower net selling prices of paints and other coating products.
Operating Results
Operating margins in the Decorative Architectural Products segment in 2018 were negatively impacted by an increase in commodity costs of paints and other coating products and builders' hardware, the recognition of the inventory step up adjustment established as part of the acquisition of Kichler, increased depreciation and amortization expense and an increase in strategic growth investments. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased net selling

27

prices of paints and other coating products, benefits associated with cost savings initiatives, increased sales volume of builders' hardware and paints and other coating products, and a gain on the sale of a building.
Operating margins in this segment in 2017 were negatively affected by an unfavorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs of paints and other coating products, and an increase in strategic growth investments to support the expansion of pro paint sales and new programs in builders' hardware. Such cost increases were partially offset by increased sales volume and cost savings initiatives.
Operating margins in this segment in 2016 reflect increased sales volume of paints and other coating products and builders' hardware, partially offset by an unfavorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs of paints and other coating products.
Cabinetry Products
Sales
Net sales in the Cabinetry Products segment increased two percent in 2018 due primarily to higher sales volume to home centers and dealers, which increased sales four percent. Net selling price increases and favorable sales mix, in aggregate, increased sales by two percent. These increases were partially offset by the divestiture of Moores, which decreased sales by five percent.
Net sales in this segment decreased four percent in 2017 primarily due to lower sales volume of North American cabinets, mainly due to decreased sales to our builder customers in the U.S., which decreased sales by five percent. Additionally, our international cabinet business experienced lower sales volume due to the continued exit of certain accounts in the U.K., which, combined with our divestiture of the same business in the fourth quarter, decreased sales by two percent. Such decreases were partially offset by a positive sales mix of North American cabinets, which increased sales by three percent.
Net sales in this segment decreased in 2016 primarily due to lower sales volume of cabinets resulting from our deliberate exit of certain lower margin business in the direct-to-builder channel in the U.S. and other accounts in the U.K., and a stronger U.S. dollar. Such decreases were partially offset by a favorable sales mix of North American and international cabinets and net selling price increases of North American cabinets.
Operating Results
Operating margins in the Cabinetry Products segment in 2018 were negatively impacted by an increase in other expenses (such as logistics costs), program launch and display expenses, commodity costs and unfavorable sales mix. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased net selling prices, benefits associated with cost savings initiatives, increased sales volume and the divestiture of Moores.
Operating margins in this segment were slightly lower in 2017 due to decreased sales volume, costs to support new product launches in North America, anti-dumping and countervailing duties, and an unfavorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs of North American cabinets which were mostly offset by cost savings initiatives as well as positive sales mix of North American cabinets.
Operating margins in this segment in 2016 were positively affected by operational efficiencies due to the benefits associated with business rationalization activities and other cost savings initiatives, a favorable sales mix, and a more favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs, primarily at our North American cabinets business. This increase was partially offset by decreased sales volume in North American and international cabinets.
Windows and Other Specialty Products
Sales
Net sales of Windows and Other Specialty Products decreased two percent in 2018. The divestiture of Arrow in the second quarter of 2017 decreased sales by four percent. Lower sales volume of international windows further decreased sales by four percent. Such decreases were partially offset by net selling price increases of North American and international windows, which, in aggregate, increased sales by three percent, favorable sales mix of North American windows, which increased sales by two percent, and foreign currency translation, which increased sales one percent.
Net sales of Windows and Other Specialty Products were flat in 2017. Excluding the divestiture of Arrow, sales increased five percent. Net selling price increases of North American and international windows, increased sales volume of North American windows, and a favorable sales mix of North American windows, in aggregate, increased sales by seven percent. These increases were partially offset by decreased sales volume of international windows,

28

which decreased sales by one percent. Foreign currency translation also decreased sales by one percent, due to a weaker U.S. dollar.
Net sales in this segment increased in 2016 primarily due to improved net selling prices of North American windows, a favorable sales mix of North American and international windows, and the impact from acquiring a U.K. window business. These increases were partially offset by foreign currency translation due to a stronger U.S. dollar.
Operating Results
Operating margins in the Windows and Other Specialty Products segment in 2018 were negatively impacted by an increase in other expenses (such as warranty-related costs and higher labor costs), increased commodity costs, decreased sales volume of international windows, and the divestiture of Arrow. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased net selling prices and benefits associated with costs savings initiatives.
Operating margins in this segment in 2017 were positively affected by a decrease in warranty adjustments, cost savings initiatives and a favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs of North American windows.
Operating margins in this segment decreased in 2016 due to a $31 million increase in our estimate of expected future warranty claims relating to previously sold windows and doors. The change in estimate resulted from the adoption of an improved warranty valuation model and the availability of additional information used to support the estimate of costs to service claims and recent warranty claim trends, including a shift to increased costs to repair. Operating margins also decreased due to increases in certain other expenses, such as higher labor costs and ERP system implementation costs at our North American windows business. Such costs were partially offset by a more favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs of North American windows.
Business Rationalizations and Other Initiatives
Over the last several years, we have taken several actions focused on the strategic rationalization of our businesses including business consolidations, plant closures, head count reductions and other cost savings initiatives. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, we incurred net pre-tax costs and charges related to these initiatives of $14 million, $4 million, and $22 million, respectively.
We continue to realize the benefits of our business rationalizations and continuous improvement initiatives across our enterprise and expect to identify additional opportunities to improve our business operations, although we do not anticipate that the related costs will be as significant as they have been historically.
During 2018, our Plumbing Products segment incurred costs and charges of $9 million primarily related to plant closure costs in North America. Our Windows and Other Specialty Products segment incurred costs of $5 million primarily related to plant closure costs and severance in the United Kingdom.
During 2017, our Plumbing Products segment incurred costs and charges of $2 million primarily related to plant closure costs and severance in North America. Our Cabinetry Products segment incurred costs of $2 million primarily related to plant closure costs in North America.
During 2016, our Plumbing Products segment incurred costs of $13 million primarily related to plant closure costs in Canada and at our International operations, as well as severance costs across multiple businesses. Our Cabinetry Products segment incurred costs and charges of $8 million primarily related to cost savings initiatives in North America. Lastly, our Windows and Other Specialty Products segment incurred costs of $1 million related to severance at our U.S. windows business.



29

Geographic Area Results Discussion

North America
Sales
North American net sales in 2018 increased 11 percent. Net sales were positively impacted by the acquisitions of Kichler and Mercury which, in aggregate, increased sales by six percent. Net sales were also positively impacted by increased sales volume of plumbing products and cabinets, which, in aggregate, increased sales by three percent, and increased net selling prices of paints and other coating products, which increased sales by one percent.
North American net sales in 2017 increased four percent. Net sales were positively impacted by increased sales volume of plumbing products, paints and other coating products, builders' hardware and windows, which more than offset decreased sales volume of cabinets. In aggregate, sales volume increased sales by three percent. Favorable sales mix of cabinets, plumbing products and windows, and net selling price increases of windows and paints and other coating products, in aggregate, increased sales by two percent. The divestiture of Arrow decreased sales by one percent.
North American net sales in 2016 were positively impacted by increased sales volume of paints and other coating products, plumbing products and builders' hardware, which more than offset decreased sales volume of cabinets. A favorable sales mix of cabinets and windows and increased net selling prices of windows, plumbing products and cabinets also increased sales. Such increases were partially offset by lower net selling prices of paints and other coating products.
Operating Results
Operating margins from North American operations in 2018 were negatively affected by an increase in commodity costs, the recognition of the inventory step up adjustment established as part of the acquisition of Kichler and an increase in other expenses (such as logistics costs, salaries and ERP costs). These negative impacts were partially offset by increased net selling prices, the benefits associated with cost savings initiatives and higher sales volume.
Operating margins from North American operations in 2017 were positively impacted by cost savings initiatives, increased sales volume, and favorable sales mix, partially offset by increases in strategic growth initiatives, an unfavorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs, and certain other expenses, including increased headcount.
Operating margins from North American operations in 2016 were positively affected by the benefits associated with business rationalization and other cost savings initiatives. North American operations were also positively affected by increased sales volume, a more favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs, as well as a favorable sales mix. Such increases were partially offset by an increase in warranty costs and certain other expenses, such as higher labor costs, ERP system implementation costs, strategic growth investments and insurance costs.
International, Principally Europe
Sales
Net sales from International operations in 2018 increased one percent. In local currencies (including sales in foreign currencies outside their respective functional currencies), net sales decreased two percent. The divestiture of Moores in the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased sales by three percent, lower sales volume of windows decreased sales by two percent, and unfavorable sales mix of plumbing products decreased sales by one percent. These decreases were partially offset by increased net selling prices and higher sales volume of plumbing products, which increased sales, in aggregate, by three percent.
Net sales from International operations in 2017 increased three percent. In local currencies, net sales increased four percent. Net sales were positively impacted by increased sales volume of plumbing products and net selling price increases of plumbing products and windows, which, in aggregate, increased sales by seven percent. Such increases were partially offset by an unfavorable sales mix of plumbing products and lower sales volume of cabinets and windows, which, in aggregate, decreased sales by three percent. The divestiture of Moores also decreased sales by one percent.
Net sales from International operations increased in 2016 due primarily to increased sales volume of plumbing products. Net sales were also positively impacted by a favorable sales mix of cabinets and windows, and increased net selling prices for plumbing products. These increases were partially offset by lower sales volume for cabinets and unfavorable foreign currency translation due to the stronger U.S. dollar.

30

Operating Results
Operating margins from International operations in 2018 were negatively impacted by an increase in other expenses (such as salaries from increased headcount), an increase in commodity costs and unfavorable sales mix, partially offset by increased net selling prices, benefits associated with cost savings initiatives and the divestiture of Moores.
Operating margins from International operations in 2017 were negatively impacted by unfavorable sales mix, increases in certain other expenses (including trade show costs and increased headcount) and investments in strategic growth initiatives, partially offset by a favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs and increased sales volume.
Operating margins from International operations in 2016 were positively affected by increased sales volume and a more favorable relationship between net selling prices and commodity costs of plumbing products. These increases were partially offset by strategic growth investments.
Other Matters

Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation
Information regarding our legal proceedings is set forth in Note T to the consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Other Commitments
We enter into contracts, which include reasonable and customary indemnifications that are standard for the industries in which we operate. Such indemnifications include claims made against builders by homeowners for issues relating to our products and workmanship. In conjunction with divestitures and other transactions, we occasionally provide reasonable and customary indemnifications. We have never had to pay a material amount related to these indemnifications, and we evaluate the probability that amounts may be incurred and record an estimated liability when probable and reasonably estimable.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note A to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
    

31

Contractual Obligations
The following table provides payment obligations related to current contracts at December 31, 2018, in millions:
 
Payments Due by Period
 
2019
 
2020-2021
 
2022-2023
 
Beyond
2023
 
Other
 
Total
Debt (A)
$
8

 
$
605

 
$
332

 
$
2,054

 
$
—

 
$
2,999

Interest (A)
148

 
267

 
209

 
676

 
—

 
1,300

Operating leases
55

 
87

 
50

 
99

 
—

 
291

Currently payable income taxes
11

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
11

Private equity funds (B)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
4

Purchase commitments (C)
258

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
258

Uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties (D)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
67

 
67

Total
$
480

 
$
959

 
$
591

 
$
2,829

 
$
71

 
$
4,930

                                                    
(A)
We assume that all debt would be held to maturity. Amounts include capital lease obligations.
(B)
There is no schedule for the capital commitments to the private equity funds; accordingly, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate as to when capital commitments may be paid.
(C)
Excludes contracts that do not require volume commitments and open or pending purchase orders.
(D)
Due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with uncertain tax positions, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate for the year in which cash settlements may occur with applicable tax authorities.
Refer to Note M to the consolidated financial statements for defined-benefit pension plan obligations.

32

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
We have considered the provisions of accounting guidance regarding disclosure of accounting policies for derivative financial instruments and disclosure of quantitative and qualitative information about market risk inherent in derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments.
We are exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, particularly changes between the U.S. dollar and the European euro, British pound, and Canadian dollar, and to market price fluctuations related to our financial investments. We have involvement with derivative financial instruments and use such instruments to the extent necessary to manage exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Refer to Note F to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.
At December 31, 2018, we performed sensitivity analyses to assess the potential loss in the fair values of market risk sensitive instruments resulting from a hypothetical change of 10 percent in foreign currency exchange rates, a 10 percent decline in the market value of our long-term investments, or a 100 basis point change in interest rates. Based upon the analyses performed, such changes would not be expected to materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

33

Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
On March 9, 2018, we completed the acquisition of The L.D. Kichler Co. ("Kichler"). In connection with the integration of Kichler, we are in the process of analyzing and evaluating Kichler's internal control over financial reporting. This process may result in additions or changes to our internal control over financial reporting. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission guidance, we have excluded the Kichler operations from the scope of our annual assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2018. Such guidance allows for the omission of an assessment of an acquired business' internal control over financial reporting from the assessment of internal control over financial reporting for a period not to exceed one year. Kichler is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and net sales excluded from our assessment represent approximately 5% and 4%, respectively, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.
We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") in "Internal Control – Integrated Framework." Based on this assessment, we have determined that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, performed an audit of our consolidated financial statements and of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. Their report expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 and expressed an unqualified opinion on our 2018 consolidated financial statements. This report appears under 'Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data' under the heading "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."

34

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Masco Corporation:
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Masco Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
 
Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 8. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 8, management has excluded The L.D. Kichler Co. (Kichler) from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2018. We have also excluded Kichler from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Kichler is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and net sales excluded from management’s assessment and our audit of internal control over financial reporting represent approximately 5% and 4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.



35

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 7, 2019
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1959.  



36

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

MASCO CORPORATION and Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2018 and 2017
(In Millions, Except Share Data)
 
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
 

 
 

Current Assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash investments
$
559

 
$
1,194

Short-term bank deposits
—

 
108

Receivables
1,153

 
1,066

Inventories
946

 
784

Prepaid expenses and other
108

 
111

Total current assets
2,766

 
3,263

Property and equipment, net
1,223

 
1,129

Goodwill
898

 
841

Other intangible assets, net
406

 
187

Other assets
100

 
114

Total assets
$
5,393

 
$
5,534

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
926

 
$
824

Notes payable
8

 
116

Accrued liabilities
750

 
727

Total current liabilities
1,684

 
1,667

Long-term debt
2,971

 
2,969

Other liabilities
669

 
715

Total liabilities
5,324

 
5,351

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note T)

 

 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 
 
Masco Corporation's shareholders' equity:
  Common shares, par value $1 per share
    Authorized shares: 1,400,000,000;
    Issued and outstanding: 2018 – 293,900,000; 2017 – 310,400,000
294

 
310

  Preferred shares authorized: 1,000,000;
    Issued and outstanding: 2018 and 2017 – None
—

 
—

  Paid-in capital
—

 
—

  Retained deficit
(278
)
 
(298
)
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(127
)
 
(65
)
Total Masco Corporation's shareholders' deficit
(111
)
 
(53
)
  Noncontrolling interest
180

 
236

Total equity
69

 
183

Total liabilities and equity
$
5,393

 
$
5,534


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

37

MASCO CORPORATION and Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In Millions, Except Per Common Share Data)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
$
8,359

 
$
7,642

 
$
7,361

Cost of sales
5,670

 
5,030

 
4,899

Gross profit
2,689

 
2,612

 
2,462

Selling, general and administrative expenses
1,478

 
1,418

 
1,375

Operating profit
1,211

 
1,194

 
1,087

Other income (expense), net:
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense
(156
)
 
(278
)
 
(229
)
Other, net
(13
)
 
(32
)
 
(26
)
 
(169
)
 
(310
)
 
(255
)
Income before income taxes
1,042

 
884

 
832

Income tax expense
258

 
304

 
296

Net income
784

 
580

 
536

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
50

 
47

 
43

Net income attributable to Masco Corporation
$
734

 
$
533

 
$
493

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income per common share attributable to Masco Corporation:
 
 

 
 

Basic:
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
$
2.38

 
$
1.68

 
$
1.49

Diluted:
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
$
2.37

 
$
1.66

 
$
1.48

   















See notes to consolidated financial statements.

38

MASCO CORPORATION and Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In Millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
$
784

 
$
580

 
$
536

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
50

 
47

 
43

Net income attributable to Masco Corporation
$
734

 
$
533

 
$
493

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (Note O):
 

 
 

 
 

Cumulative translation adjustment
$
(31
)
 
$
133

 
$
(78
)
Interest rate swaps
2

 
3

 
1

Pension and other post-retirement benefits
9

 
63

 
(15
)
Realized loss on available-for-sale securities
—

 
—

 
12

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(20
)
 
199

 
(80
)
Less: Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interest:
 

 
 

 
 

Cumulative translation adjustment
$
(15
)
 
$
28

 
$
(10
)
Pension and other post-retirement benefits
(2
)
 
1

 
—

 
(17
)
 
29

 
(10
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Masco Corporation
$
(3
)
 
$
170

 
$
(70
)
Total comprehensive income
$
764

 
$
779

 
$
456

Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest          
33

 
76

 
33

Total comprehensive income attributable to Masco Corporation
$
731

 
$
703

 
$
423

   




























See notes to consolidated financial statements.

39

MASCO CORPORATION and Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In Millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
$
784

 
$
580

 
$
536

Depreciation and amortization
156

 
127

 
134

Display amortization
21

 
25

 
25

Deferred income taxes
4

 
13

 
130

Employee withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation
42

 
33

 
40

Gain on disposition of investments, net
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Loss on disposition of businesses, net
—

 
13

 
—

Pension and other postretirement benefits
(47
)
 
(38
)
 
(78
)
Impairment of financial investments
—

 
2

 
—

Stock-based compensation
27

 
38

 
29

Increase in receivables
(46
)
 
(140
)
 
(132
)
Increase in inventories
(11
)
 
(78
)
 
(37
)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, net
108

 
67

 
79

Debt extinguishment costs
—

 
104

 
40

Other, net
(2
)
 
9

 
27

Net cash from operating activities
1,032

 
751

 
789

 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

Retirement of notes
(114
)
 
(535
)
 
(1,300
)
Purchase of Company common stock
(654
)
 
(331
)
 
(459
)
Cash dividends paid
(134
)
 
(129
)
 
(128
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
(89
)
 
(35
)
 
(31
)
Issuance of notes, net of issuance costs
—

 
593

 
889

Debt extinguishment costs
—

 
(104
)
 
(40
)
Increase in debt
—

 
2

 
3

Issuance of Company common stock
—

 
—

 
1

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
14

 
—

 
—

Employee withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation
(42
)
 
(33
)
 
(40
)
Payment of debt
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(4
)
Net cash for financing activities
(1,020
)
 
(577
)
 
(1,109
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:


 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(219
)
 
(173
)
 
(180
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
(549
)
 
(89
)
 
—

Proceeds from disposition of:


 


 


Businesses, net of cash disposed
—

 
128

 
—

Short-term bank deposits
108

 
218

 
251

Property and equipment
14

 
24

 
—

Other financial investments
5

 
7

 
32

Purchases of short-term bank deposits
—

 
(106
)
 
(211
)
Other, net
(10
)
 
(34
)
 
(16
)
Net cash for investing activities
(651
)
 
(25
)
 
(124
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash investments
4

 
55

 
(34
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH INVESTMENTS:
 

 
 

 
 

(Decrease) increase for the year
(635
)
 
204

 
(478
)
At January 1
1,194

 
990

 
1,468

At December 31
$
559

 
$
1,194

 
$
990





See notes to consolidated financial statements.

40

MASCO CORPORATION and Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In Millions, Except Per Common Share Data)
 
Total
 
Common
Shares
($1 par value)
 
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings (Deficit)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance, January 1, 2016
$
58

 
$
330

 
$
—

 
$
(300
)
 
$
(165
)
 
$
193

Cumulative effect of adoption of new revenue recognition accounting standard
5

 


 


 
5

 


 


Balance, January 1, 2016
63

 
330

 
—

 
(295
)
 
(165
)
 
193

Total comprehensive income (loss)
456

 
 

 
 

 
493

 
(70
)
 
33

Shares issued
(24
)
 
3

 
(27
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Shares retired:
 
 


 


 


 


 


Repurchased
(459
)
 
(15
)
 
(14
)
 
(430
)
 
 

 
 

Surrendered (non-cash)
(14
)
 


 
 

 
(14
)
 
 

 
 

Cash dividends declared
(128
)
 
 

 
 

 
(128
)
 
 

 
 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
(31
)
 
 

 
 

 


 
 

 
(31
)
Stock-based compensation
41

 


 
41

 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2016
$
(96
)
 
$
318

 
$
—

 
$
(374
)
 
$
(235
)
 
$
195

Total comprehensive income
779

 
 

 
 

 
533

 
170

 
76

Shares issued
(19
)
 
2

 
(21
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Shares retired:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Repurchased
(331
)
 
(9
)
 
(8
)
 
(314
)
 
 

 
 

Surrendered (non-cash)
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
 

 
(14
)
 
 

 
 

Cash dividends declared
(129
)
 
 

 
 

 
(129
)
 
 

 
 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
(35
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(35
)
Stock-based compensation
29

 
 

 
29

 
 

 
 

 
 

Balance, December 31, 2017
$
183

 
$
310

 
$
—

 
$
(298
)
 
$
(65
)
 
$
236

Reclassification of disproportionate tax effects (Refer to Note A)
—

 


 


 
59

 
(59
)
 


Total comprehensive income (loss)
764

 
 

 
 

 
734

 
(3
)
 
33

Shares issued
(9
)
 
3

 
(4
)
 
(8
)
 


 


Shares retired:
 

 


 


 


 


 


Repurchased
(654
)
 
(19
)
 
(26
)
 
(609
)
 


 


Surrendered (non-cash)
(19
)
 


 


 
(19
)
 


 


Cash dividends declared
(137
)
 


 


 
(137
)
 


 


Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
(89
)
 


 


 


 


 
(89