The Wall Street Journal-20080213-Earnings Digest -- Home Products- Masco Corp-

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Earnings Digest -- Home Products: Masco Corp.

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Masco Corp. narrowed its fourth-quarter loss on fewer write-downs and a higher profit margin, but the home-improvement and building- products company continues to suffer from a weak housing market. The Taylor, Mich., company also projected 2008 results well below analysts' expectations. That could be an omen for home-improvement retailers Home Depot Inc. and Lowe's Cos., both of which are major customers of Masco. Masco's shares were down $2.39, or 11%, to $19.37 in 4 p.m. New York Stock Exchange trading. Masco, which makes Delta faucets and KraftMaid kitchen cabinets, said it expects slower housing starts and continued softness in sales of existing homes.