Goldman cuts USG EPS views

NEW YORK -- Goldman Sachs said analyst Christopher Winham has cut his outlook for gypsum wallboard maker USG Corp. earnings per share.

In a report, Winham trimmed his estimate for fourth-quarter EPS to 50 from 65 cents. He trimmed his outlook for 2001 earnings per share to $3 from $3.30.

The reductions were "due to a combination of softer end-market demand and rising raw material and energy costs," Winham wrote. "In addition, we expect the company will announce a significant charge to earnings related to asbestos this week."

He added that he was resuming a "cautious view toward the shares."