Brampton Brick Limited recently reported a loss of $4,077,000 (Canadian, about $4,056,434 U.S.) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. For the first quarter of 2007, the company incurred a loss of $2,542,000 (about $2,529,177 U.S.). Net sales from continuing operations for the 2008 first quarter were $10,391,000 (about $10,338,583 U.S.), compared to $11,015,000 (about $10,959,436 U.S.) in 2007. Lower shipments in the Masonry Products business segment resulted in a net decrease of $624,000 (about $620,852 U.S.) in consolidated net sales from continuing operations.

Substantially lower production volumes in both the Masonry Products and Landscape Products business segments in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007 resulted in an increase in unabsorbed manufacturing expenses charged against operations. This variance accounted for most of the increase in cost of goods sold. Higher distribution costs, which resulted from an increase in personnel costs and higher transportation costs in the Sharpsmart operations, also contributed to the increase in cost of goods sold.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $209,000 (~ $207,946 U.S.) over last year. The increase was primarily attributable to higher advertising and other marketing expenditures related to the introduction of new products.

As a result of the decrease in net sales and the increases in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, the operating loss from continuing operations (before interest and other items) amounted to $5,739,000 (~ $5,710,050 U.S.) for the first quarter of 2008, compared to $3,543,000 (~ $3,525,128 U.S.) for the same period in 2007.

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