Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K is a report of a foreign private issuer filed by James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie) for the month of July 2008, dated July 25, 2008. The registrant is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and files annual reports on Form 20-F. The filing primarily serves to transmit information previously filed with the Australian Stock Exchange regarding the 2008 Notice of Meetings and Dutch GAAP accounts for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text provided does not contain specific numerical values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity for the current period. It references Exhibit 99.2, which contains the "JHINV Dutch GAAP Accounts for fiscal year ended March 31, 2008," but the actual financial data from that exhibit is not included in the text of this Form 6-K.
Material Changes
No specific material changes in financial performance or operations are detailed in the text of this filing. The document acts as a conduit for the attached exhibits rather than a standalone financial update.
Guidance, Outlook, Risks, and Contingencies
The filing includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement regarding forward-looking statements. Key areas of uncertainty and risk identified include:
- Asbestos Liabilities: Expectations regarding payments to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) and the impact of foreign exchange rates on recorded asbestos liabilities.
- Legal Proceedings: Potential consequences of proceedings by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission against the company and former directors/officers.
- Operational Costs: Costs associated with the suspension of operations at the Blandon, Pennsylvania, and Plant City, Florida plants.
- Financial Obligations: Expectations concerning credit facility renewals, dividend payments, and tax liabilities.
- General Risks: Competition, raw material costs, environmental liabilities, and general economic conditions.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the specific financial results contained in Exhibit 99.2 (Dutch GAAP Accounts for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008), as they are referenced but not detailed in this text.
- Review the Notice of Meetings 2008 (Exhibit 99.1) for details on upcoming shareholder actions.
- Assess the status of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) contributions and related legal proceedings.
- Monitor the operational status and cost implications of the suspended plants in Pennsylvania and Florida.
- Check for updates on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission proceedings mentioned in the risk factors.