Business Context and Reporting Period
Company: James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie Industries Plc)
Filing Type: Form 6-K (Report of Foreign Private Issuer)
Date: April 15, 2009
Reporting Period: Month of April 2009
This filing serves to disclose a specific corporate event regarding the resolution of a tax dispute rather than providing periodic financial results.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. The document focuses exclusively on the resolution of a legal/tax matter.
Material Changes
Tax Dispute Resolution: The company successfully resolved a tax dispute with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This information is detailed in Exhibit 99.1, which is incorporated by reference into the filing.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
Forward-Looking Statements: The filing includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement cautioning that forward-looking statements involve inherent risks. Key risk factors identified include:
- Liabilities arising from prior asbestos product manufacture.
- Required contributions to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund.
- Currency exchange rate movements affecting asbestos liability valuations.
- Compliance with tax laws and treatments.
- General economic conditions and raw material costs.
- Legal proceedings regarding product failures or environmental liabilities.
Management Commentary: The filing confirms the successful conclusion of the IRS tax dispute but does not provide further operational commentary or financial guidance within the text provided.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Review Exhibit 99.1 for specific details regarding the financial impact and terms of the resolved US IRS tax dispute.
- Verify the status of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund contributions and any related litigation updates.
- Monitor currency exchange rates given the company's exposure to international operations and liability valuations.
- Check subsequent filings for any updates on plant closures or operational suspensions mentioned in the risk factors.