Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie) covers the month of April 2008, with the report dated April 15, 2008. The registrant is a foreign private issuer headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The filing primarily serves to transmit an Appendix 3B document previously filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on April 9, 2008.
Key Financial Metrics
The provided filing text does not contain specific financial data. There are no reported values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity within this document. The filing acts as a conduit for an external exhibit rather than a standalone financial report.
Material Changes
The filing text does not provide comparative financial data or specific details regarding material changes in operations or financial condition versus prior periods. It references forward-looking expectations regarding costs and liabilities but does not quantify historical changes.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The document includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement identifying forward-looking statements and associated risks. Key areas of uncertainty and potential impact include:
- Asbestos Liabilities: Expectations regarding the timing and amount of payments to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) and the impact of foreign exchange on recorded asbestos liabilities.
- Operational Disruptions: Costs associated with the suspension of operations at the Blandon, Pennsylvania plant.
- Legal Proceedings: Potential consequences of proceedings brought by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission against the company and former directors/officers.
- Financial Obligations: Expectations regarding the extension or renewal of credit facilities and tax liabilities.
- General Risks: Competition, product pricing, raw material costs, environmental liabilities, and natural disasters.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the contents of Exhibit 99.1 (Appendix 3B filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on April 9, 2008) for specific operational or financial details not included in this summary.
- Review the company's Form 20-F filed on July 6, 2007, for detailed risk factors and historical financial context.
- Monitor updates regarding the suspension of the Blandon, Pennsylvania plant and associated cost estimates.
- Track developments in legal proceedings involving the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.
- Assess the status of credit facility renewals and AICF contribution requirements.