CSR takes hit as house projects dip

CSR's net profit fell from $34.9 million in the first half last year to $17.5 million for the six months to September 30, reflecting a 14 per cent decline in housing construction over the same period.

The result included $2.9 million in costs from the restructure of CSR's building products business and its aluminium joint venture, in response to weak activity.

"The key external drivers that impact CSR's profitability were all materially worse this period," managing director Rob Sindel said.

CSR expects profit for the full year to March 31 in the range of $35 million to $45 million, down from $76.3 million last time.

Despite the profit fall, CSR closed 10? higher at $1.65.

The company forecast total housing starts in Australia in the year to the end of March 2013 would be down 9 per cent from the previous 12 months.

Mr Sindel said there were signs of a recovery beyond that, most notably a rise in finance approvals over eight consecutive months.

"A combination of falling interest rates and improved state government stimulus programs in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia should enable a moderate recovery in residential activity in the next financial year," he said.

But any recovery would likely be modest in its initial phases while consumer and investor confidence returned, he said.

CSR's glass business, Viridian, remained a burden on the company, making a loss of $11.7 million in the six months to September due to low sales volumes and the high Australian dollar.

Viridian is the most trade-exposed and highest fixed-cost business in CSR's portfolio.

The building products division, which makes supplies including Gyprock and PGH Bricks, delivered earnings of $43.4 million in the six months to September, down 12 per cent.

First-half earnings from CSR's aluminium business dropped 57 per cent to $18.3 million. CSR halved its interim dividend to 3? a share.