CSR wary on outlook after $326m loss

CSR Ltd (ASX:CSR) has emerged from its worst financial performance on record unwilling to provide shareholders with guidance on its prospects in the next year because of the uncertain economic climate.

The company yesterday reported a thumping $326.5 million loss in the year to March 31 after restructuring costs, asset writedowns and the impact of the slowdown on its key building products operations. The loss represents a huge turnaround on a previous profit of $177.4 million.

CSR managing director Jerry Maycock said it was one of the worst results he had ever delivered, and passed on the bad news to shareholders by slashing full- year dividend by 50 per cent to 7.5c per share, down from 15c. The company plunged into the red after significant items blew out to $460.5 million, which included a one-time charge for asset writedowns, restructuring costs and product liability losses.

Is this as bad as its going to get ? My thought is that it will get better for this company with the new budget Infrastructure spending. There may also be a rush to build homes in the next few months with the rush to ensure people take up the first bome buyers grant.

Good Luck