US: Owens Corning (OC) has reported that its net income sank by half in the second quarter of 2012, as the construction and industrial-materials maker's sales softened and expenses rose. OC reported a net income of US$39m for the three months ending on 30 June 2012 compared to US$78m for the same period in 2011. Revenue fell by 4% to US$1.39bn from US$1.45bn.
OC's management has said that it no longer expects that its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes will grow in 2012, citing a weaker outlook for its roofing segment. However, the company anticipates that its profits will improve in the second half of 2012 versus the first six months of 2012. OC's operating expenses climbed by about 7% to US$154m. Higher asphalt costs ate into the company's roofing unit's profits, management noted.
Looking ahead, OC anticipates US homebuilders will break ground in 2012 on between 700,000 to 750,000 homes. On the basis of that outlook, the company expects its insulation segment will significantly narrow its losses in 2012.
