When Masco reports earnings tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. EST, the performance of MasterBrands will be of particular interest as a guide to the state of the housing and the economy.

Fortune Brands Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS) will release first quarter 2013 financial results after the market close on Thursday, May 2, 2013.

American Woodmark will trail Masco and MasterBrand Cabinets; its year ends April 30, 2013,

Masco last quarter found cabinetry a challenging segment as sales declined 5 percent worldwide -  2 percent excluding currency shifts. European sales fell a steep 12 percent (in local currency) and 21 percent in U.S. dollars. Conditins are only worsening in that market.

The North American market was a bright spot last quarter for Masco, with cabinet sals up 2 percent. Cabinet sales in North America, however, were up 2 percent in the quarter, jumping a healthy 4 percent.

"We continue to experience sluggish demand for big ticket repair/remodel products, especially cabinets," the company said during an earnings announcement." Previously announced plant closures and headcount reductions were expected to yield $20 million of improved operating results in 2013, according to Masco.