| USG Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2008 Net Sales of $1.2 Billion - Tuesday, October 28, 2008 USG Corporation reported third quarter 2008 net sales of $1.2 billion and a net loss of $40 million. For the same period a year ago, the corporation reported net sales of $1.3 billion and net earnings of $7 million. (full story) |
| Consumer Confidence Falls to 1969 Levels - Tuesday, October 28, 2008 The Conference Board index tumbled in October to 38 from September's 61.4 (upwardly revised from 59.8). The expectations component of the index fell the most, dropping to 35.5 from 61.5. The present situation fell to 41.9 from 61.1. Assessments of labor market conditions fell sharply, especially the expectations for future jobs. This puts the index at its lowest level on record back to 1969, by more than 5 points. Recent financial market turmoil has clearly taken a toll on consumer confidence. (full story) |
| Temple-Inland Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results - Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Temple-Inland today reported third quarter 2008 net income of $3 million, compared with third quarter 2007 net income of $36 million, and second quarter 2008 net income of $8 million. (full story) |
| NAW, Allies Win Ohio Asbestos Product Liability Appeal - Monday, October 27, 2008 The Ohio Supreme Court ruled on October 22nd in DiCenzo v. A-Best Products, Co, Inc et al, Slip Opinion No. 2008-5327, that non-manufacturer product sellers (e.g., wholesaler-distributors and retailers) are not subject to strict liability (i.e.., liability based on the condition of a manufacturer’s product rather than the conduct of the defendant) under Ohio law for products sold before 1977. (full story) |
| Eagle Materials Reports Second Quarter 2009 Results - Monday, October 27, 2008 Eagle Materials Inc. reported the second quarter of fiscal 2009 revenues and net earnings were $178.9 million and $15.6 million, respectively. Revenues decreased 15% from the prior year second quarter and net earnings decreased 55% from the same period. (full story) |
| New Home Sales for September Up 2.7% - Monday, October 27, 2008 September new-home sales offer a glimmer of hope for housing, coming 2.7% above the August figure. At 464,000, however, the pace of sales remained dismally low. Despite September's little pickup, new-home sales remained weak, with sales still down at their early-1990s pace. Foreclosures, job losses, and weak consumer confidence constrained the new-home market. The main positive sign was that inventories fell, largely because of the reduction in homebuilding. Notwithstanding September's improvement, sales are likely to weaken again. (full story) |
| Stock Building Supply to Close 86 Branches - Friday, October 24, 2008 Wolseley plc, UK-based distributor of plumbing and heating products and building materials, reported it would not sell Stock Building Supply but instead has decided to carry out a fundamental restructuring of Stock to further downsize its operations in line with the deteriorating market conditions. It will focus on maintaining a presence in those markets where it will benefit most from any market recovery. For example, Stock will remain in its top states, namely North Carolina, Florida, Texas, California, Utah and South Carolina, but will exit Louisiana, where it does not have a significant presence. (full story) |
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