Margin Expansion to 2026 Targets
Q: How will margin expansion progress to 2026 targets?
A: Keith Allman explains that in 2024, they expect a flat top line and modest margin improvements due to ongoing operational efficiencies and innovation projects that will gain traction in later years. Margin acceleration is anticipated in 2025 and 2026, driven primarily by a 25–30% drop-down on incremental revenue from projected 3–5% R&R market growth and benefits from new product launches and cost reduction initiatives. ** " " **

Revenue Guidance and Demand Outlook
Q: How is demand tracking, and what's the revenue outlook for '24?
A: Demand is stabilizing, with signs of improvement in wholesale plumbing, Europe, and China. For 2024, Masco expects sales to be flat to slightly down in the first half, with better performance in the second half as growth picks up. Overall, they project a flat top line for the year, aligning with their guidance of a flat to down low single-digit R&R market. ** " " **

Cost Inflation and Pricing Dynamics
Q: What are the expectations for input costs and pricing in '24?
A: In 2024, input costs are not expected to have a significant impact. In Plumbing, they anticipate modest input cost declines offset by freight and other inflation, while Decorative Architectural Products should see a modest decrease in input costs. They expect a slight pricing tailwind in Plumbing and a slight headwind in Decorative due to modest price givebacks corresponding with cost deflation. ** " " **

Working Capital and Cash Flow Management
Q: What is the outlook for working capital in '24?
A: After reducing working capital to 16% of sales in 2023, Masco plans to maintain disciplined working capital management in 2024, targeting 16.5% of sales to support inventory and service levels as the market grows. This approach contributed over $200 million to free cash flow in 2023. ** " " **

Supply Chain and Red Sea Shipping Issues
Q: Are there supply chain issues due to Red Sea shipping disruptions?
A: Masco is experiencing elevated shipping costs for containers rerouted around the Red Sea, primarily impacting their European business. These increased costs have been factored into their 2024 guidance, and so far, service levels have been maintained without significant disruptions. "

Competitive Positioning and Market Share Gains
Q: How is Masco planning to outgrow its markets?
A: Masco expects to outperform the market and expand margins by leveraging their strong brands, consumer and trade pull, and superior service proposition. They are focused on gaining share in areas like the showroom channel in Plumbing and have seen 60% growth in pro paint over the past three years, aiming to continue this momentum through innovation and customer engagement. ** " " **

Trends in Hardware and Lighting
Q: What are the trends in hardware and lighting within Decorative Architectural?
A: In 2023, the hardware and lighting businesses faced market softness, but took pricing and cost actions to partially offset volume losses. In 2024, these businesses are expected to perform in line with the overall R&R market, which is projected to be flat to down low single digits. "

Spa Business Expectations
Q: What's the outlook for the spa business in '24?
A: Masco is positive about their spa business, citing it as a strong, globally recognized segment with growth opportunities driven by trends like an aging population and increased focus on health and wellness. The business is growing and is expected to continue performing well in 2024. "

Cost Management Opportunities
Q: Where are the biggest cost opportunities moving forward?
A: New CFO Rick Westenberg sees significant opportunities in leveraging Masco's continuous improvement mindset and operational efficiencies. By driving productivity and efficiency across all businesses, particularly in Plumbing, Masco aims to enhance cost reduction and scale benefits. "

Impact of Rates and Existing Home Sales
Q: How will changing rates and existing home sales affect the business?
A: While existing home sales are important, Masco views consumer confidence and home equity as more critical drivers of R&R spending. They believe that as rates decrease and consumer confidence improves, R&R activity will be positively impacted. Segments focused on lower-ticket, repair and remodel projects are expected to benefit the most. "