MASCO CORP /DE/
10-Q, 1998-11-13
HEATING EQUIP, EXCEPT ELEC & WARM AIR; & PLUMBING FIXTURES
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                                   FORM 10-Q

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


             Quarterly Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of 
                      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


 For Quarter Ended September 30, 1998.  Commission File Number 1-5794

                                MASCO CORPORATION                              
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)



        Delaware                                              38-1794485       
(State or other jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                            Identification No.)



 21001 Van Born Road, Taylor, Michigan                                 48180   
(Address of principal executive offices)                           (Zip Code)



                                   (313) 274-7400                             

                                 (Telephone Number)


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 and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                             Yes   X     No      

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practical date.

                                                    Shares Outstanding at 
            Class                                     November 1, 1998    

Common stock, par value $1 per share                    339,225,000          
           
















<PAGE>
                               MASCO CORPORATION

                                     INDEX



                                                                Page No.

Part I.     Financial Information                                        

  Item 1.    Financial Statements:

                 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet -
                     September 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997        1

                 Condensed Consolidated Statement of 
                     Income for the Three Months and  
                     Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998
                     and 1997                                        2

                 Condensed Consolidated Statement of 
                     Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended 
                     September 30, 1998 and 1997                     3

                 Notes to Condensed Consolidated
                     Financial Statements                          4-9

  Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
                 Financial Condition and Results of 
                 Operations                                       10-15

             Unaudited Information Regarding Equity
                 Investments for the Three Months and
                 Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998
                 and 1997                                          16

Part II.    Other Information and Signature                        17




























<PAGE>
                               MASCO CORPORATION
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                   September 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997
                            (Dollars in thousands)
                                                 

                                                 September 30,   December 31, 
          ASSETS                                     1998            1997    
Current assets:
     Cash and cash investments                    $  442,880      $  441,330 
     Accounts and notes receivable, net              734,660         559,050
     Prepaid expenses and other                      111,320         111,340
     Inventories:
          Raw material                               242,850         229,040
          Finished goods                             176,460         161,920
          Work in process                            131,410         124,040 
                                                     550,720         515,000 
               Total current assets                1,839,580       1,626,720

Equity investment in MascoTech, Inc.                  57,160          52,780
Equity investments in other affiliates               161,300         175,300
Securities of Furnishings International Inc.         423,910         393,140
Property and equipment, net                        1,119,580       1,037,320
Acquired goodwill, net                               974,600         729,190
Other noncurrent assets                              440,070         319,310
               Total assets                       $5,016,200      $4,333,760 

          LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
     Notes payable                                $  261,130      $   68,460 
     Accounts payable                                155,210         166,310
     Accrued liabilities                             456,860         385,230 
               Total current liabilities             873,200         620,000

Long-term debt                                     1,292,990       1,321,470
Deferred income taxes and other                      186,160         163,270 
               Total liabilities                   2,352,350       2,104,740 

          SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, par value $1 per share
     Authorized shares: 900,000,000                  340,270         165,570
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share
     Authorized shares: 1,000,000                    ---             ---  
Paid-in capital                                      319,230         304,560
Retained earnings                                  2,026,370       1,784,370 
Cumulative translation adjustments                   (22,020)        (25,480)
               Total shareholders' equity          2,663,850       2,229,020 
               Total liabilities and
                 shareholders' equity             $5,016,200      $4,333,760 




           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       1








<PAGE>
                               MASCO CORPORATION
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

    For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
                 (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
                                                


                              Three Months Ended         Nine Months Ended 
                                 September 30               September 30       
                               1998        1997           1998        1997   
                  
Net sales                   $1,122,000  $1,003,000     $3,246,000  $2,770,000
Cost of sales                  717,100     634,000      2,067,700   1,751,700
                        
      Gross profit             404,900     369,000      1,178,300   1,018,300

Selling, general and 
  administrative expenses      216,900     205,100        637,400     573,300
Amortization of acquired 
  goodwill                       7,400       5,400         20,200      12,900


      Operating profit         180,600     158,500        520,700     432,100

Other income (expense), net:
   Interest expense            (22,600)    (20,700)       (63,800)    (58,200)
   Re:  MascoTech, Inc.:   
      Equity earnings            2,700       1,300         13,000      11,600
      Interest income            ---         2,500           ---        7,500 
      Gain from change in 
        investment               ---         ---             ---       29,500
   Other, net                   36,400      28,300        100,300      39,000
                                16,500      11,400         49,500      29,400 

      Income before income 
        taxes                  197,100     169,900        570,200     461,500 
Income taxes                    71,200      68,100        216,700     184,600

      Net income            $  125,900  $  101,800     $  353,500  $  276,900  
           
Earnings per share: 
  Basic                          $ .38       $ .32          $1.07       $ .87
  Diluted                        $ .37       $ .30          $1.03       $ .84  
   

Cash dividends per share:
  Paid                           $ .11       $.10           $.32        $.30
  Declared                       $ .22       $.105          $.325       $.305










           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       2

<PAGE>
                               MASCO CORPORATION
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

             For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
                            (Dollars in thousands)
                                                 

                                                          Nine Months Ended
                                                           September 30      
                                                         1998          1997  

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     Cash provided by operations                      $ 351,270      $298,940 
     (Increase) in receivables                         (144,260)      (66,960)
     (Increase) in inventories                          (37,220)      (21,520)
     (Increase) decrease in prepaid 
       expenses and other                                 1,730       (34,770)
     Increase in current liabilities                     37,060        11,400 

          Total cash from operating activities          208,580       187,090 

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired    (237,600)     (186,920)
     Capital expenditures                              (122,230)     (102,950)
     Proceeds from sale of subsidiary                    83,000         ---
     Proceeds from sale of TriMas investment             54,640         ---
     Collection of MascoTech note receivable              ---          45,580
     0ther, net                                         (77,390)       56,090 

          Total cash (for) investing activities        (299,580)     (188,200)

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Increase in debt, principally European bank debt   175,820        85,720
     Issuance of 6.625% debentures                      250,000         ---
     Retirement of 9% notes                            (108,620)        ---    
     Payment of other debt                              (72,150)      (62,240)
     Cash dividends paid                               (108,070)      (96,930)
     Other, net                                         (44,430)      (20,130)

          Total cash from (for) financing activities     92,550       (93,580)

CASH AND CASH INVESTMENTS:
     Increase (decrease) for the period                   1,550       (94,690)
     At January 1                                       441,330       473,730

     At September 30                                  $ 442,880      $379,040












           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       3

<PAGE>
                               MASCO CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A.   In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed
     consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, of a normal
     recurring nature, necessary to present fairly its financial position as
     at September 30, 1998 and the results of operations for the three months
     and nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 and cash flows for the
     nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997.  The condensed
     consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1997 was derived from audited
     financial statements. Shares and per share data in the financial
     statements and notes have been adjusted to reflect the July 1998 100
     percent stock distribution to shareholders and to conform with the
     earnings per share presentation required under Statement of Financial
     Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128. Certain amounts for the prior year
     periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year
     presentation.  

B.   The following are reconciliations of the numerators and denominators used
     in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share, in
     thousands: 

                                      Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended  
                                         September 30          September 30   
                                        1998      1997        1998      1997  
      Numerator:
         Basic (net income)           $125,900  $101,800    $353,500  $276,900
         Add convertible debenture
           interest, net                 ---       1,500         700     4,400
         Diluted (net income)         $125,900  $103,300    $354,200  $281,300

      Denominator:
         Basic shares (based on 
           weighted average)           333,200   321,600     331,700   317,800
         Add:
           Contingent award shares       7,100     6,500       7,000     6,600
           Stock option dilution         3,700     3,900       3,700     2,900
           Convertible debentures        ---       8,400       1,300     8,400
         Diluted shares                344,000   340,400     343,700   335,700

C.   In June 1998, the Company effected a stock split in the form of a 100
     percent stock distribution (one additional share for every share held).
     Following the issuance of the common shares for the stock split, the
     Company declared an increased quarterly dividend of $.11 per common share
     on its post-split shares.  Such dividend is the equivalent of $.22 per
     share quarterly prior to the stock split; the Company had been previously
     paying a $.21 per share quarterly dividend on its pre-split shares.

D.   In the third quarter of 1998, the Company acquired The Brugman Group, a
     European manufacturer of residential hydronic radiators and heat     
     convectors.  During the second quarter of 1998, the Company acquired
     General Accessory Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of stainless
     steel commercial washroom accessories and bathroom partitions, and
     Mirolin Industries, Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of tubs, shower
     enclosures and whirlpools. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company
     acquired Vasco Corporation, a European manufacturer of residential
     decorative hydronic radiators and heat convectors.  The aggregate net
     purchase price of these cash acquisitions was approximately $238 million
     and was principally financed with bank debt.  

     The above acquisitions were accounted for as purchase transactions. 
     Combined 1997 annual net sales of companies acquired in 1998 through
     September were approximately $150 million.

                                       4

<PAGE>


                              MASCO CORPORATION
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

E.   In July 1998, the Company completed the sale of its Thermador subsidiary,
     a U.S. manufacturer of kitchen appliances, with annualized 1998 net sales
     of approximately $140 million.  All significant accounts have been
     eliminated effective from the date of disposal.

F.   The Company called for redemption its $178 million of 5.25% convertible
     subordinated debentures due 2012 in February 1998.  Substantially all
     holders exercised their right to convert these debentures into Company
     common stock (at the conversion price of $21.14 per share), resulting in
     the issuance of approximately 8.4 million shares of Company common stock
     in February 1998.

     During the first quarter of 1998, the Company retired approximately $98
     million face value of its outstanding 9% notes due 2001 (of a total face
     value of $175 million at December 31, 1997), using a portion of its
     available cash.  The Company recognized an approximate $12 million pre-
     tax charge in the first quarter of 1998 related to the early retirement
     of long-term debt.

     During the second quarter of 1998, the Company issued $250 million of
     6.625% debentures due April 2018.  In October 1998, the Company issued 
     $100 million of 5.75% notes due October 15, 2008.  The proceeds from 
     these financings were used for general corporate purposes, including 
     working capital, repayment of debt and expenditures for development 
     activities.

G.   Other income (expense), net consists of the following, in thousands:

                                  Three Months Ended        Nine Months Ended  
                                    September 30             September 30     
                                   1998        1997         1998        1997  

          Interest expense      $(22,600)   $(20,700)    $(63,800)   $(58,200)
          Re:  MascoTech, Inc.:      
            Equity earnings        2,700       1,300       13,000      11,600 
            Interest income         ---        2,500         ---        7,500
            Gain from change in 
              investment            ---         ---          ---       29,500
          Equity earnings, other   4,600       1,500        8,600       5,100
          Income from cash and      
           cash investments        6,800       4,200       15,000      12,100 
          Other interest income   11,500       9,900       33,400      29,100
          Other, net              13,500      12,700       43,300      (7,300)
                                $ 16,500    $ 11,400     $ 49,500    $ 29,400 

     Included in other interest income is interest income from the 12% pay-in-
     kind junior debt securities of Furnishings International Inc.
     (approximately $336 million principal amount at December 31, 1997).  Such
     interest income approximated $10.6 million and $9.0 million,
     respectively, for the third quarter of 1998 and 1997 and $30.8 million
     and $27.0 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30,
     1998 and 1997.

     Included in other, net for the three months ended September 30, 1998 is
     an approximate $30 million pre-tax gain from the sale of the Company's
     Thermador subsidiary.  Such gain was partly offset by pre-tax expense
     aggregating approximately $26 million, principally related to the
     disposition of certain non-operating assets. 

     Other, net for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 includes income
     and gains, net regarding certain non-operating assets of $18.5 million,
     as compared with similar income of $23.4 million for the comparable
     period of the prior year. Also included in other, net for the nine months
     ended September 30, 1998 is a first quarter $29 million pre-tax gain from
     the sale of the Company's investment in TriMas Corporation to MascoTech,
     Inc. in the public tender offer. Such gain was partly offset by an
     approximate $12 million pre-tax charge related to the early retirement of
     long-term debt.

     

                                       5

<PAGE>

                              MASCO CORPORATION
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


Note G - Continued:

     In June 1997, MascoTech, Inc., an equity affiliate, redeemed all of its
     outstanding convertible preferred stock in exchange for the issuance of
     approximately 10 million shares of its common stock.  This issuance
     reduced the Company's common equity ownership in MascoTech to 17 percent
     from 21 percent, and increased the Company's equity in MascoTech's net
     book value by approximately $29.5 million.  As a result, the Company
     recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $29.5 million during the
     second quarter of 1997.

     Other, net for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 includes charges
     aggregating $29.5 million, primarily for the adjustment of the Company's
     Payless Cashways investment to its estimated fair value. 
     
     Interest income from MascoTech for the three months and nine months ended
     September 30, 1997 resulted from the $151 million note receivable due
     from MascoTech, which was paid on September 30, 1997.

H.   The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
     No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," in the first quarter of 1998.
     Accordingly, the Company's total comprehensive income was as follows, in
     thousands:

                                       Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
                                         September 30        September 30    
                                         1998      1997      1998      1997  

          Net income                   $125,900  $101,800  $353,500  $276,900
          Other comprehensive income, 
            currency translation 
            adjustments                   8,110    (4,210)    3,460   (20,740)

             Total comprehensive 
               income                  $134,010  $ 97,590  $356,960  $256,160


I.   During June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting
     for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."  SFAS 133 is
     effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after
     June 15, 1999 (effective January 1, 2000 for the Company).  SFAS 133
     requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet
     at their fair value.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives are
     recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income,
     depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge
     transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction.  The Company
     anticipates that the adoption of SFAS 133 will not have a significant
     effect on the Company's results of operations or its financial position.

                                       6

<PAGE>

                       MASCO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


J.   For 1998, the following presents, as one entity with Masco Corporation as
     the parent company, the combined unaudited financial statements of the
     Company and MascoTech, Inc., and for 1997, the combined unaudited
     financial statements of the Company, MascoTech and TriMas Corporation. 
     Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.  Amounts, except per
     share data, are in thousands. (MascoTech completed its acquisition of
     TriMas Corporation in the first quarter of 1998.)

     Combined Balance Sheet
                                                   September 30,  December 31,
     Assets                                            1998           1997   
     Current assets:
       Cash and cash investments                   $  471,900     $  587,820
       Marketable securities                            2,540         45,970
       Receivables                                    959,040        768,030
       Prepaid expenses and other                     108,200         85,250
       Deferred income taxes                           47,490         80,520   
       Inventories:
         Raw material                                 300,920        286,120
         Finished goods                               262,000        237,340   
         Work in process                              174,850        162,460
                                                      737,770        685,920
           Total current assets                     2,326,940      2,253,510

     Equity and other investments in 
       affiliates                                     254,200        280,970 
     Securities of Furnishings International Inc.     423,910        393,140
     Property and equipment, net                    1,791,600      1,654,840
     Acquired goodwill, net                         1,728,700        925,120
     0ther noncurrent assets                          499,110        421,170
           Total assets                            $7,024,460     $5,928,750

     Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
     Current liabilities:
       Notes payable                               $  265,690     $   72,340 
       Accounts payable                               269,880        264,980 
       Accrued liabilities                            613,240        535,300
           Total current liabilities                1,148,810        872,620 

     Long-term debt                                 2,618,140      1,959,440
     Deferred income taxes and other                  370,660        365,470
     Other interests in combined affiliates           223,000        502,200
     Equity of shareholders of Masco Corporation    2,663,850      2,229,020
           Total liabilities and shareholders' 
             equity                                $7,024,460     $5,928,750
     



                                       7

<PAGE>

                               MASCO CORPORATION
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


Note J - Continued:

                                Three Months Ended       Nine Months Ended  
                                  September 30            September 30       
Combined Statement of Income     1998        1997         1998        1997   


Net sales                     $1,518,380  $1,386,760   $4,469,580  $3,954,710

Costs and expenses, net:
  Cost of sales                1,013,330     929,870    2,969,670   2,625,200
  Selling, general and 
    administrative expenses      275,460     259,220      824,270     732,390
  Other income (expense), net:
    Interest expense             (44,030)    (29,020)    (124,620)    (84,230)
    Other income, net             37,140      38,500      120,100     116,150 
                                  (6,890)      9,480       (4,520)     31,920 
                               1,295,680   1,179,610    3,798,460   3,325,670
Income before income taxes 
  and other interests            222,700     207,150      671,120     629,040 
Income taxes                      82,760      85,840      251,370     262,900 

Income before other 
  interests                      139,940     121,310      419,750     366,140

Other interests in combined 
  affiliates                      14,040      19,510       66,250      89,240  
                                                                               
        
Net income                    $  125,900  $  101,800   $  353,500  $  276,900

Earnings per share:                     
  Basic                            $ .38       $ .32        $1.07       $ .87
  Diluted                          $ .37       $ .30        $1.03       $ .84

Cash dividends per share:
  Paid                             $ .11       $.10         $.32        $.30
  Declared                         $ .22       $.105        $.325       $.305






                                       8


<PAGE>

                               MASCO CORPORATION
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)


Note J - Concluded:

                                                        Nine Months Ended  
                                                           September 30    

Combined Statement of Cash Flows                         1998        1997  

Cash Flows From (For) Operating Activities:
  Cash provided by operations                         $  527,240  $ 497,770 
  (Increase) in receivables                             (155,950)   (84,210)
  (Increase) in inventories                              (47,110)   (14,200)
  (increase) decrease in prepaid expenses                  1,730    (34,770)
  Decrease in marketable securities                       43,430      5,590 
  Increase in current liabilities                         66,300     12,330 
     Total cash from operating activities                435,640    382,510
        
Cash Flows From (For) Investing Activities:    
  Acquisition of other interests in  
    TriMas Corporation                                  (869,680)     ---
  Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired        (277,540)  (205,470)
  Capital expenditures                                  (196,480)  (153,460)
  Proceeds from redemption of debt by affiliate           80,500      ---
  Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries                     108,020     76,560
  Other, net                                            (121,350)    58,350 
     Total cash (for) investing activities            (1,276,530)  (224,020)

Cash Flows From (For) Financing Activities:
  Increase in debt                                     1,460,470    123,120
  Payment of debt                                       (526,750)  (152,830)
  Cash dividends paid                                   (115,500)  (113,150)
  Other, net                                             (93,250)   (42,700) 
     Total cash from (for) financing activities          724,970   (185,560)

Cash and Cash Investments:
  (Decrease) for the period                             (115,920)   (27,070)
  At January 1                                           587,820    599,020  
  At September 30                                     $  471,900  $ 571,950 






                                       9













<PAGE>
                               MASCO CORPORATION

Item 2.              MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THIRD QUARTER 1998 AND THE FIRST NINE MONTHS 1998 VERSUS
THIRD QUARTER 1997 AND THE FIRST NINE MONTHS 1997

SALES AND OPERATIONS

     Net sales increased 12 percent and 17 percent for the three months and
nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively, from the comparable
periods in 1997. Excluding acquisition and disposition of companies during
1998 and 1997, net sales for the three months and nine months ended September
30, 1998 increased 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively, from the
comparable periods in 1997; these increases in net sales are principally due
to increases in sales volume of cabinets, faucets and other kitchen and bath
products.

     Sales of Kitchen and Bath Products for the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 1998 were $834 million and $2,488 million, respectively,
representing increases of 9 percent and 15 percent, respectively, from the
comparable periods in 1997; excluding acquisition and disposition of
companies, net sales of this segment increased 12 percent and 10 percent,
respectively, from the comparable periods in 1997.

     Sales of Other Specialty Products for the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 1998 were $288 million and $758 million, respectively,
representing  increases of 22 percent and 24 percent, respectively, from the
comparable periods in 1997; excluding acquisition and disposition of
companies, net sales of this segment increased 12 percent and 14 percent,
respectively, from the comparable periods in 1997.

     Net sales from North American operations for the three months and nine
months ended September 30, 1998 were $896 million and $2,641 million,
respectively, representing increases of 10 percent and 15 percent,
respectively, from the comparable periods in 1997; excluding acquisition and
disposition of companies, net sales from these operations increased 13 percent
and 12 percent, respectively, from the comparable periods in 1997.  Net sales
from European operations for the three months and nine months ended September
30, 1998 were $226 million and $605 million, respectively, representing
increases of 22 percent and 27 percent, respectively, from the comparable
periods in 1997; excluding acquisition and disposition of companies, net sales
from these operations were relatively flat in the first two quarters of 1998
and up 6 percent in the third quarter of 1998 when compared with the prior
year periods. A stronger U.S. dollar, principally against the German Deutsche
Mark, had a negative effect on the translation of European sales for the first
six months of 1998, as compared with the first six months of 1997.

     The Company's operating profit margins improved for the three months and
nine months ended September 30, 1998 from the comparable 1997 periods.  Cost
of sales as a percentage of sales, influenced by product mix and acquisitions,
increased to 63.9 percent from 63.2 percent and to 63.7 percent from 63.2
percent for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 1998,
respectively, from the comparable periods in 1997; selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased  to 19.3 percent
from 20.4 percent and to 19.6 percent from 20.7 percent for the third quarter
and nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively, from the comparable
periods in 1997.  The decrease in the selling,  general and administrative 
expenses percentage in 1998 includes the 

                                      10

<PAGE>
                               MASCO CORPORATION

Item 2.              MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
           FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

SALES AND OPERATIONS, concluded

Company's cost-control initiatives and the leveraging of fixed  costs over a
higher sales base.  The Company's operating profit margins, before general
corporate expense, were 18.1 percent and 18.0 percent for the third quarter
and nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively,  as compared with 17.8
percent for both of the comparable 1997 periods.  Operating profit margins,
after general corporate expense, were 16.1 percent and 16.0 percent, for the
third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively, as
compared with 15.8 percent and 15.6 percent for the comparable 1997 periods,
respectively.

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

     Included in other income (expense), net for the third quarter and nine
months ended September 30, 1998 were equity earnings from MascoTech, Inc. of
$2.7 million and $13.0 million, respectively, as compared with equity earnings
of $1.3 million and $11.6 million for the comparable periods of the prior
year, respectively.  Included in MascoTech's net income for the third quarter
and nine months ended September 30, 1997 was a $29.3 million after-tax gain
related to the delivery to the Company of 9.9 million shares of Emco Limited
common stock; the Company's recording of equity earnings from MascoTech for
the three months and nine months ended September 30, 1997 excludes the effect
of such gain due to the related-party nature of the transaction.  

     Included in other interest income is interest income from the 12% pay-in-
kind junior debt securities of Furnishings International Inc. (approximately
$336 million principal amount at December 31, 1997).  Such interest income
approximated $10.6 million and $9.0 million, respectively, for the third
quarter of 1998 and 1997 and $30.8 million and $27.0 million, respectively,
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997.

     Included in other, net for the three months ended September 30, 1998 is
an approximate $30 million pre-tax gain from the sale of the Company's
Thermador subsidiary.  Such gain was partly offset by pre-tax expense
aggregating approximately $26 million, principally related to the disposition
of certain non-operating assets. 

     Other, net for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 includes income
and gains, net regarding certain non-operating assets of $18.5 million, as
compared with similar income of $23.4 million for the comparable period of the
prior year. Also included in other, net for the nine months ended September
30, 1998 is a first quarter $29 million pre-tax gain from the sale of the
Company's investment in TriMas Corporation to MascoTech, Inc. in the public
tender offer.  Such gain was partly offset by an approximate $12 million pre-
tax charge related to the early retirement of long-term debt.

     In June 1997, MascoTech, Inc. redeemed all of its outstanding convertible
preferred stock in exchange for the issuance of approximately 10 million
shares of its common stock.  This issuance reduced the Company's common equity
ownership in MascoTech to 17 percent from 21 percent, and increased the
Company's equity in MascoTech's net book value by approximately $29.5 million. 
As a result, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $29.5
million during the second quarter of 1997.  

     Other, net for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 includes charges
aggregating $29.5 million, primarily for the adjustment of the Company's
Payless Cashways investment to its estimated fair value.


                                      11

<PAGE>

                               MASCO CORPORATION

Item 2.              MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
             FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET, concluded

     Included in other income (expense), net for the three months and nine
months ended September 30, 1997 was $2.5 million and $7.5 million,
respectively, of interest income from the $151.4 million receivable balance
due from MascoTech, which was paid on September 30, 1997. 

NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Net income for the third quarter of 1998 increased 24 percent to $125.9
million from $101.8 million in the comparable 1997 period.  Basic and diluted
earnings per share for the third quarter of 1998 increased 19 percent and 23
percent, respectively, to $.38 and $.37 from $.32 and $.30, respectively, for
the comparable period of 1997. 

     Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 increased 28
percent to $353.5 million from $276.9 million in the comparable 1997 period. 
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30,
1998 each increased 23 percent to $1.07 and $1.03 from $.87 and $.84,
respectively, for the comparable period of 1997.

     The Company's effective tax rate for the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 1998 was 36.1 percent and 38.0 percent, respectively, as
compared with 40.1 percent and 40.0 percent for the comparable periods of the
prior year.  The reduction in the Company's effective tax rate is primarily
due  to the improved utilization of foreign tax credits. The Company 
estimates that its effective tax rate for 1998 will approximate 38.0 percent.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     During June 1998, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a resolution
for a stock split, effected in the form of a 100 percent stock distribution
(one additional share for every share held) to shareholders of record on June
19, 1998 and issued on July 10, 1998. Following the issuance of the common
shares for the stock-split, the Company declared an increased quarterly
dividend of $.11 per common share on its post-split shares, which marks the
40th consecutive year in which dividends have been increased.  Late in the
third quarter of 1998, the Company declared another quarterly dividend of $.11
per common share.

     At September 30, 1998, current assets were 2.1 times current liabilities;
excluding $200 million of 6.625% notes due September 15, 1999, current assets
were 2.7 times current liabilities.

     For the nine months ended September 30, 1998, cash of $208.6 million was
provided by operating activities.  Cash used for investing activities was
$299.6 million, including $237.6 million for acquisition of companies, $122.2
million for capital expenditures and $77.4 million for other cash outflows;
cash from investing activities included $83.0 million from the sale of the
Company's Thermador subsidiary and $54.6 million from the sale of the
Company's TriMas investment. Financing activities provided cash of $92.6
million, including  $250.0 million from the issuance of 6.625% debentures and an
increase in debt of $175.8 million (principally European bank debt for
acquisitions); cash used for financing activities included $108.6 million  for
the early retirement of certain of the Company's 9% notes and the payment of a
premium associated with this early retirement, $72.1 million for the payment
of other debt, $108.1 million for cash dividends paid and $44.4 million for
other cash outflows. The aggregate of the preceding items represents a net cash
inflow of $1.6 million. Changes in working capital and debt as indicated on
the statement of cash flows exclude the effect of acquisition and disposition
of companies, other than as mentioned above.


                                      12

<PAGE>

                               MASCO CORPORATION

Item 2.              MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
             FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION, concluded


     The Company called for redemption its $178 million of 5.25% convertible
subordinated debentures due 2012 in February 1998. Substantially all holders
exercised their right to convert these debentures into Company common stock
(at the conversion price of $21.14 per share), resulting in the issuance of
approximately 8.4 million shares of Company common stock in February 1998. 

     During the second quarter of 1998, the Company issued $250 million of
6.625% debentures due April 2018.  In October 1998, the Company issued $100 
million of 5.75% notes due October 15, 2008.  The proceeds from these 
financings were used for general corporate purposes, including working capital,
repayment of debt and expenditures for development activities. After giving 
effect to the issuance of these debt securities, the Company has on file with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), an unallocated shelf registration 
pursuant to which the Company is able to issue up to a combined $409 million of
debt and equity securities.

     During October 1998, the Company repurchased approximately two million of
its common shares in open-market transactions.  At November 1, 1998, the
Company had remaining authorization to repurchase up to an additional 12.7
million shares of its common stock in open-market transactions or otherwise.

     The Company believes that its present cash balance, its cash flows from
operations and, to the extent necessary, future financial market activities
and bank borrowings, are sufficient to fund its future working capital and
other investment needs.

YEAR 2000 UPDATE

     The year 2000 ("Y2K") issue is the result of computer programs being
written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year.  Any
of the Company's systems or equipment that have date-sensitive software using
only two digits may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than
the year 2000.  The resulting system failures or miscalculations may cause
disruption of operations, including, among other things, a temporary inability
to process transactions or send and receive electronic data with third parties
or engage in similar normal business activities.

     In 1997, the Company formed an internal review team to address the Y2K
issue. This team, consisting of existing employees of the Company, has
developed a Year 2000 compliance program (the "Y2K Program") which includes: 
assessing and monitoring the compliance of all applications, operating systems
and hardware on mainframe, mid-range, personal computer and network platforms;
addressing issues related to non-information technology embedded software and
equipment; and addressing the compliance of key business partners.  Executive
management regularly monitors the status of the Company's Y2K Program.

     The first component of the Y2K Program is to identify the computer
systems and other equipment with embedded technology that are susceptible to
failures or errors as a result of the Y2K issue.  This effort is substantially
complete.


                                      13

<PAGE>

                               MASCO CORPORATION

Item 2.              MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
             FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

YEAR 2000 UPDATE, (concluded)

     The second component involves the actual remediation or replacement of
non-compliant systems and equipment.  For its information technology, the
Company generally utilizes mid-range, non-mainframe based computing
environments which are complemented  by a series of local-area networks that
are connected via a wide-area network.  Substantially all operating systems
related to the mid-range systems and networks have been updated to comply with
Y2K requirements.  In addition, upgraded or modified versions of the Company's
financial, manufacturing, human resource, and other packaged software
applications which are Y2K compliant are in the process of being tested and
integrated into the Company's overall system. The Company presently expects
that this integration will be substantially completed by June 1999.

     The Company utilizes some microcomputers and software in its various
manufacturing processes throughout the world.  The Company is currently
assessing potential Y2K issues in those processes.  General findings to date
indicate that problems usually relate to old personal computers or embedded
microprocessors that must be replaced.  Although there can be no assurance
that the Company will identify and correct every Y2K issue found in the
computer applications used in its manufacturing processes, the Company
believes that it has in place a comprehensive program to identify and correct
any such problems, and expects to have substantially completed the remediation
of all of its manufacturing systems by June 1999.

     The Company is also reviewing its building and utility systems (i.e.,
telephones, security, electrical) to determine any Y2K issues as part of its
Y2K Program.  Many of these systems are Y2K compliant.  While the Company is
working with suppliers of these systems and has no reason to expect that they
will not meet their Y2K compliance targets, there is no guarantee that they
will do so.

     The third component of the Y2K Program, which was initiated in late 1997,
involves communication with significant suppliers and customers to determine
the extent to which the Company is vulnerable to such parties' failure to
remediate their own Y2K issues.  The Company's efforts with respect to
specific issues identified, including the development of contingency plans,
will depend in part upon its assessment of the risk that such issues could
have a material adverse impact on the Company.  The Company will continue to
monitor and evaluate the progress of its suppliers and customers on this
critical matter.

     Although a failure on the part of the Company's significant customers or
suppliers to resolve their Y2K issues in a timely manner may affect Company
operations, the Company currently does not believe that any material exposure
to significant business interruption exists as a result of Y2K compliance
issues; therefore, the Company has not adopted any formal contingency plan in
the event its Y2K Program is not completed in a timely manner. The estimated
total cost of the Y2K Program is between $10 million and $15 million.  This
cost, approximately one-half of which has been incurred and expensed at
September 30, 1998, which includes planned upgrades, is not expected to be
material to the Company's results of operations or financial position.  This
cost and the timing in which the Company plans to complete the Y2K Program,
are based on management's best estimates, at the present time.  Accordingly,
there can be no absolute assurance that the Company will timely identify and
remediate all significant Y2K issues, that remedial efforts will not involve
significant time and expense, or that such issues will not have an adverse
effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash
flow.


                                      14


<PAGE>

                                MASCO CORPORATION

Item 2.              MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
             FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (concluded)


     Statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q include certain forward-
looking statements regarding the Company's future sales and earnings growth
potential.  Actual results may vary materially because of external factors
such as interest rate fluctuations, changes in consumer spending and other
factors over which management has no control.  Additional information about
the Company's products, markets and conditions, which could affect the
Company's future performance, is contained in the Company's filings with the
SEC.












                                      15










<PAGE>

                 UNAUDITED INFORMATION REGARDING EQUITY INVESTMENTS
    FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND 1997


     Equity investments in affiliates consist primarily of the following
approximate common stock and partnership interests at September 30:


                                               1998       1997

         Emco Limited, a Canadian company       42%        42%
         MascoTech, Inc.                        16%        17%
         Hans Grohe, a German partnership       27%        27%
         TriMas Corporation                     --          4%


     The following presents the condensed financial data of MascoTech, Inc.
Amounts are in thousands.


                               Three Months Ended       Nine Months Ended
                                  September 30            September 30    
                                1998        1997         1998       1997  

         Net Sales            $399,500    $222,030    $1,223,740  $688,510

         Gross Profit         $100,150    $ 34,350    $  321,610  $144,640

         Net Income (After 
            Preferred Stock 
            Dividends)        $ 16,790    $ 38,660    $   79,350  $ 89,730


     On January 22, 1998, MascoTech announced the completion of its
acquisition of TriMas Corporation.  The Company recognized a $29 million pre-
tax gain in the first quarter of 1998, as a result of selling its common stock
investment in TriMas to MascoTech in the public tender offer.

     Included in MascoTech's net income for the third quarter and nine months
ended September 30, 1997 was a $29.3 million after-tax gain related to the
delivery to the Company of 9.9 million shares of Emco Limited common stock;
the Company's recording of equity earnings from MascoTech for the three months
and nine months ended September 30, 1997 excludes the effect of such gain due
to the related-party nature of the transaction.









                                      16








<PAGE>
                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

                               MASCO CORPORATION

Items 1 through 5 are not applicable.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

         (a)  Exhibits:

                  4 -   Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 23, 1998 to the
                        Rights Agreement.

                  12 -  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

                  27a-  Financial Data Schedule as of and for the year-to-date
                        period ended September 30, 1998.   
             
         (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:


                None






                                     SIGNATURE



     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                               MASCO CORPORATION

                                                  (Registrant)



Date:     November 11, 1998          By:      /s/ RICHARD G. MOSTELLER         
                                           Richard G. Mosteller
                                           Senior Vice-President - Finance
                                           (Chief Financial Officer
                                            and Authorized Signatory)













                                      17


<PAGE>

                               MASCO CORPORATION

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


                                                                             
  Exhibit                                                           

Exhibit 4       Amendment No. 1 dated as September 23, 1998 to the Rights
                Agreement.

Exhibit 12      Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.            
                                      
Exhibit 27      Financial Data Schedule as of and for the year-to-date period
                ended September 30, 1998.   



         AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT

     AMENDMENT NO. 1 dated as of September 23, 1998 to
the Rights Agreement dated as of December 6, 1995 (the
"Rights Agreement") between Masco Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and The Bank of
New York, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent").

                  W I T N E S S E T H
                           
    WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the
Rights Agreement in certain respects;

      NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     Section 1.  Defined Terms; References.  (a)
Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, each term
used herein which is defined in the Rights Agreement
has the meaning assigned to such term in the Rights
Agreement.  Each reference to "hereof", "hereunder",
"herein" and "hereby" and each other similar reference
and each reference to "this Agreement" and each other
similar reference contained in the Rights Agreement
shall, after this Amendment becomes effective, refer to
the Rights Agreement as amended hereby.

    (b) Section 1 of the Rights Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting the definition of "Continuing
Directors" contained therein.

    (c) Section 1 of the Rights Agreement is hereby
amended by restating in its entirety the following
definition to read in full as follows:

          "Acquiring Person" means any Person who,
          together with all Affiliates and Associates
          of such Person, shall be the Beneficial Owner
          of 15% or more of the shares of Common Stock
          then outstanding, but shall not include the
          Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any
          employee benefit plan of the Company or any
          of its Subsidiaries or any Person organized,
          appointed or established by the Company or
          any of its Subsidiaries for or pursuant to
          the terms of any such plan; provided,
          however, that
          
                 (a)  if the majority of Directors
               determines (whether prior to or after
               the date that in the absence of such
               determination would be a Distribution
               Date) in good faith that a Person who
               otherwise would be an "Acquiring Person"
               became such inadvertently, and if such
               Person as

<PAGE>
               promptly as practicable divests itself
               of Beneficial Ownership of a sufficient
               number of shares of Common Stock so that
               such Person is no longer an "Acquiring
               Person," then such Person shall not be
               deemed to be or to have become an
               "Acquiring Person" for any purposes of
               this Agreement; and
               
                    (b)   no Person shall become an
               "Acquiring Person" solely as a result of
               an acquisition of shares of Common Stock
               by the Company which, by reducing the
               number of shares of Common Stock
               outstanding, increases the proportionate
               number of shares of Common Stock
               beneficially owned by such Person
               (together with any Affiliate and
               Associate of such Person) to 15% or more
               of the shares of Common Stock then
               outstanding; provided, however, that if
               a Person shall become the Beneficial
               Owner of 15% or more of the shares of
               Common Stock then outstanding by reason
               of such share acquisition by the Company
               and shall thereafter (together with any
               Affiliate and Associate) become the
               Beneficial Owner of any additional
               shares of Common Stock (other than
               pursuant to a stock dividend, stock
               split, recapitalization or similar
               transaction that does not affect the
               percentage of outstanding Common Stock
               beneficially owned by such Person) which
               causes the proportionate number of
               shares of Common Stock beneficially
               owned by such Person to increase to 15%
               or more of the shares of Common Stock
               then outstanding, then such Person shall
               be deemed to be an "Acquiring Person".
               
    (d) Section 1 of the Rights Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting from the definition of
"Distribution Date" both instances of the word
"Continuing".

     Section 2.  Exercise of Rights; Expiration Date of
Rights.  Section 7(d) of the Rights Agreement is hereby
amended by inserting the words "a majority of" after
the words "a transfer which" and deleting the word
"Continuing" from clause (iii)(B) in the first sentence
thereof.

     Section 3.  Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number
and Kind of Shares or Number of Rights.  Section 11 of
the Rights Agreement is hereby amended by:

                           2
                           
<PAGE>

     (a)  replacing the words "a majority of the
Continuing Directors has determined to be" in the first
sentence of subsection (a)(iii) thereof with the word
"are";

     (b)  replacing each instance of the words "(as
determined by the Continuing Directors based upon the
advice of a nationally recognized investment banking
firm selected by the Continuing Directors)" in
subsection (a)(iii) thereof with the words "(based upon
the advice of a nationally recognized investment
banking firm)";

     (c)  deleting the second sentence of subsection
(a)(iii) thereof;

     (d)  replacing the words "first and/or second
sentence of this Section 11(a)(iii)" in the third
sentence of subsection (a)(iii) thereof with the words
"preceding sentence";

     (e)  replacing the words "Substitution Period in
order to seek any authorization of additional shares
and/or" in the third sentence of subsection (a)(iii)
thereof with the words "30-day period set forth above
in order";

     (f)  replacing the words "such first and/or
second" in the third sentence of subsection (a)(iii)
thereof with the words "the preceding";

     (g)  deleting the words ", or, if at the time of
such selection there is an Acquiring Person, by a
majority of the Continuing Directors" from the second
sentence of subsection (d)(i) thereof;

       (h)  replacing the words "majority of the
Continuing Directors" in the third sentence of
subsection (d)(i) thereof with the words "nationally
recognized investment banking firm";

     (i)  deleting the words "by a majority of the
Continuing Directors, or, if there are no Continuing
Directors," from the fourth sentence of subsection
(d)(i) thereof;

     (j)  deleting the words "selected by the Board of
Directors" from the fourth sentence of subsection
(d)(i) thereof;

     (k)  deleting the words "by a majority of the
Continuing Directors then in office, or, if there are
no Continuing Directors," from subsection (d)(iii)
thereof; and



                        3

<PAGE>

     (l)  deleting the words "selected by the Board of
Directors" from subsection (d)(iii) thereof.

     Section 4.  Fractional Rights and Fractional
Shares.  Section 14(a) of the Rights Agreement is
hereby amended by:

     (a)  deleting the words ", or, if at the time of
such selection there is an Acquiring Person, by a
majority of the Continuing Directors" from the
penultimate sentence thereof; and

     (b)  replacing the words "majority of the
Continuing Directors" in the last sentence thereof with
the words "nationally recognized investment banking
firm".

     Section 5.  Redemption.  Section 23(a) of the
Rights Agreement is hereby amended by:

     (a)  deleting the word "Continuing" in the first
sentence thereof; and

     (b)  deleting the proviso from the first sentence
thereof and the semicolon immediately preceding such
proviso.

     Section 6.  Exchange.  (a)  Section 24(a) of the
Rights Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the word
"Continuing" in the first sentence thereof.

     (b)  Section 24(b) of the Rights Agreement is
hereby amended by replacing the word "Continuing" in
the first sentence thereof with the words "majority of
the".

     Section 7.  Supplements and Amendments.  Section
27 of the Rights Agreement is hereby amended in its
entirety to read in full as follows:

     Prior to the Distribution Date, the Company may,
and the Rights Agent shall, if the Company so directs,
supplement or amend any provision of this Agreement in
any respect without the approval of any holders of
certificates representing shares of Common Stock.  At
any time when the Rights are no longer redeemable, the
Company may, and the Rights Agent shall if the Company
so directs, supplement or amend this Agreement without
the approval of any holders of Right Certificates in
order to cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement
any provision contained herein which may be defective
or inconsistent with any other provisions herein;
provided that no such supplement or amendment may (a)
adversely affect the interests of the holders of Rights
as such (other than an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate
or Associate of an Acquiring Person), (b) cause

                           4
                           
                           
                           
<PAGE>



this Agreement again to become amendable other than in
accordance with this sentence, or (c) cause the Rights
again to become redeemable.  Upon the delivery of a
certificate from an appropriate officer of the Company
which states that the proposed supplement or amendment
is in compliance with the terms of this Section, the
Rights Agent shall execute such supplement or
amendment.  Prior to the Distribution Date, the
interest of the holders of Rights shall be deemed
coincident with the interests of the holders of Common
Stock.

     Section  8.  Determination and Actions by the
Board of Directors, Etc .  Section 29 of the Rights
Agreement is hereby amended by:

     (a)   deleting the first parenthetical clause from
the second sentence thereof; and

     (b)  deleting the second parenthetical clause and
the words "or the Continuing Directors" from the last
sentence thereof.

     Section 9.  Severability.  Section 31 of the
Rights Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
proviso contained therein and the semicolon that
immediately precedes such proviso.

     Section 10.  Form of Right Certificate.  Exhibit B
to the Rights Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the word "Continuing" in subparagraph (a) of the
seventh paragraph thereof.

     Section 11.  Summary of Terms.  Exhibit C to the
Rights Agreement is hereby amended by:

     (a)  deleting the words "Continuing" from the
first sentence of the footnote thereto;

     (b)  deleting the second and third sentences of
the footnote thereto;

     (c)  deleting the word "Continuing" under the
heading "Exchange";

     (d)  deleting both instances of the word
"Continuing" under the heading "Redemption".

     (e)  restating the language under the heading
"Amendments" in its entirety to read in full as
follows:

      Prior to the Distribution Date, the Rights
Agreement may be amended in any respect.

                           5
                           
<PAGE>

     After the Distribution Date, the Rights Agreement
may be amended by the Board of Directors in any respect
that does not (i) adversely affect the Rights holders
(other than any Acquiring Person and certain affiliated
persons), (ii) cause the Rights Agreement again to
become amendable other than in accordance with this
paragraph or (iii) cause the Rights again to become
redeemable.

     Section 12.  Governing Law.  This Amendment shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware without regard to any
applicable conflicts of law rules, except that the
rights and obligations of the Rights Agent shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.

     Section 13.  Counterparts.  This Amendment may be
signed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be an original, with the same effect as if the
signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same
instrument.

     Section 14.  Effectiveness.  This Amendment shall
become effective upon execution by each of the parties
hereto of a counterpart hereof.

                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           6
                           
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first
above written.

                      MASCO CORPORATION

                      By: /s/Richard A. Manoogian
                          Name:  Richard A. Manoogian
                          Title: Chairman
                      
                      
                      THE BANK OF NEW YORK



                      By:/s/John Sivertsen
                         Name:  John Sivertsen   
                         Title: Vice President
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         7
                         


                                                                               
                                                                   Exhibit 12




                MASCO CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

               Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 (Thousands of Dollars)                    
                                  Nine 
                                 Months 
                                 Ended 
                             September 30,              Year Ended December 31,            
                                 1998        1997      1996      1995      1994      1993    

<S>                          <C>           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Earnings Before Income Taxes
  and Fixed Charges:

  Income from continuing 
    operations before income 
    taxes                    $570,200      $630,900  $502,700  $351,790  $292,830  $349,190  

  Deduct/add equity in 
    undistributed 
    (earnings)/loss of 
    equity affiliates         (17,280)      (19,470)  (12,310)  (17,770)  106,200   (13,750) 

  Add interest on indebtedness,
    net                        64,380        80,390    74,790    73,400    60,360    62,860  

  Add amortization of debt
    expense                       880         1,260     1,400     1,930     2,220     2,650  

  Add estimated interest 
    factor for rentals          7,660         8,150     6,150     4,970     4,220     3,190  

  Earnings before income
    taxes and fixed charges  $625,840      $701,230  $572,730  $414,320  $465,830  $404,140  


Fixed Charges:

  Interest on indebtedness
    regarding continuing
    operations               $ 66,620     $ 83,520  $ 77,250  $ 76,460  $ 63,220  $ 63,600  

  Amortization of debt expense    880        1,260     1,400     1,930     2,220     2,650  

  Estimated interest factor 
    for rentals                 7,660        8,150     6,150     4,970     4,220     3,190  

                             $ 75,160     $ 92,930  $ 84,800  $ 83,360  $ 69,660  $ 69,440

Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges                         8.3          7.5       6.8       5.0       6.7       5.8
</TABLE>



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM MASCO
CORPORATION'S SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 FORM 10-Q AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                         442,880
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  734,660
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    550,720
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,839,580
<PP&E>                                       1,119,580<F1>
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               5,016,200
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          873,200
<BONDS>                                      1,292,990
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       340,270
<OTHER-SE>                                   2,323,580
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 5,016,200
<SALES>                                      3,246,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,246,000
<CGS>                                        2,067,700
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,067,700
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              63,800
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                570,200
<INCOME-TAX>                                   216,700
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            353,500
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   353,500
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.07
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.03
<FN>
<F1>Receivables and property and equipment are presented net of allowances for
doubtful accounts and accumulated depreciation and amortization, respectively.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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