Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $1,254.6 million against $1,186.8 million a year ago. Operating income was $119.4 million against $111.0 million a year ago. Income from continuing operations before income taxes was $107.5 million against $103.8 million a year ago. Income from continuing operations, net of tax was $75.1 million against $77.4 million a year ago. Net income was $74.9 million against $77.4 million a year ago. Net income attributable to the company was $75.0 million against $77.4 million a year ago. Earnings per common share, diluted from continuing operations were $0.49 against $0.50 a year ago. EBITDA before Charges/Gains was $160.6 million against $154.6 million a year ago. Net cash used by operating activities was $51.9 million against $17.9 million a year ago. Capital expenditures were $37.6 million against $29.5 million a year ago. Free cash out flow was $85.6 million against $38.7 million a year ago. Net debt was $1,643.6 million as of March 31, 2018.

The company provided earnings guidance for the year 2018. For the year, the company's 2018 annual outlook continues to be based on a U.S. home products market growth assumption of 5% to 7% and an assumption of 5% to 6% growth for the total global market. The company expects full-year 2018 sales growth in the range of 6% to 7%. The company increased its outlook for EPS before charges/gains to be in the range of $3.58 to $3.70, which compares to 2017 EPS before charges/gains from continuing operations of $3.08. The company also expects to generate free cash flow of approximately $525 million to $550 million for the full year 2018. Capital expenditures expected to be in the range of $150.0 million to $155.0 million. Cash flow from operations expected to be in the range of $650.0 million to $675.0 million.