RV maker’s loss widens

Recreational vehicle manufacturer Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. said that its fiscal second-quarter loss widened to $56.7 million as tight credit and a weak economy eroded demand for motor homes.

The deficit was 74 cents a share, compared with a loss of $1.21 million, or 2 cents, a year earlier, Riverside-based Fleetwood said. Sales for the quarter ended Oct. 26 fell 54% to $216.4 million.

Excluding costs for severance and other one-time items, the loss was about 60 cents a share. Analysts expected 43 cents, the average estimate compiled by Bloomberg.

Revenue from Fleetwood’s RV group fell 63% to $116.6 million, the company said. Sales of factory-built housing dropped 33% to $99.8 million.

Fleetwood shares closed up 1 cent at 17 cents. The shares have fallen 97% this year.