Masco sales rise in Q2

TAYLOR, Mich. — Masco reported that Q2 sales rose 4% to $2 billion, while operating profit grew 20% to $335 million. Earnings of $0.45 per share represented an increase of 45%, and operating margins improved to 17.1% compared to 14.5% a year earlier. The only segment to see a drop in sales was cabinetry, where net sales decreased 3% due to the exit of lower margin business in the builder channel, which was partially offset by growth and improved mix in the retail channel.