Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie Industries Plc) covers the month of August 2006. The document serves as a report of a foreign private issuer pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The primary purpose of this filing is to distribute the Notice of 2006 Annual Meetings, Proxy Card, and Question(s) Form to American Depository Receipt (ADR) holders, which were mailed on August 24, 2006.
Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. This document is a procedural filing regarding shareholder meetings and does not contain a financial results report or audited financial statements.
Material Changes
No material changes to financial performance or operations are reported in this specific filing. The document focuses on corporate governance procedures for the upcoming Annual Information Meeting and Annual General Meeting.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing includes a Safe Harbor Statement regarding forward-looking statements. Management cautions that actual results may differ materially from expectations due to various risks, including:
- Liabilities arising from the prior manufacture of asbestos-containing products.
- Payments to a special purpose fund for asbestos-related personal injury and death claims.
- Compliance with and changes in tax laws, specifically referencing an amended assessment by the Australian Tax Office.
- Extension or renewal of credit facilities.
- General economic conditions, competition, product pricing, and raw material costs.
- Foreign exchange risks and international business operations.
- Implementation of internal controls under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Key Facts for Investor Verification
- Meeting Details: Verify the date, time, and location of the 2006 Annual Information Meeting and Annual General Meeting referenced in the attached Exhibit 99.1.
- Asbestos Liabilities: Monitor the status of the special purpose fund and the Final Funding Agreement conditions mentioned in the risk factors.
- Tax Contingencies: Review updates regarding the Australian Tax Office amended assessment.
- Shareholder Action: Confirm the deadline for submitting proxy cards and questions for the annual meetings.