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)
Reporting Period: Month of June 2009
Date Filed: June 4, 2009
Principal Executive Offices: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This filing serves as a cover document for the submission of specific exhibits to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It does not contain a standalone financial report or operational update for the period.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide a clear value for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. This document is a procedural filing referencing attached exhibits rather than a financial statement.
Material Changes
No material changes to financial performance or operations are detailed in the text of this filing. The document focuses on the legal requirements for submitting forward-looking statements and the specific exhibits attached.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
Forward-Looking Statements: The filing includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement regarding forward-looking statements found in the attached exhibits. These statements cover future performance, operational plans, plant closures, credit facilities, dividends, tax liabilities, and legal proceedings.
Key Risks Identified:
- Liabilities arising from the prior manufacture of asbestos-containing products.
- Required contributions to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF).
- Currency exchange rate movements affecting asbestos liability recordings.
- Compliance with tax laws and environmental regulations.
- Competition, product pricing, and raw material costs.
- Legal proceedings involving the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.
- Concentration of customer base on large retail customers and distributors.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the content of the attached exhibits (Appendix 3Y-Chenu, 3Y-Cox, 3Y-Gries, and Appendix 3B) for specific financial data or operational details not present in this cover letter.
- Review the company's most recent Form 20-F (filed July 8, 2008) for detailed risk factors and historical financial context.
- Monitor updates regarding the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) contribution levels and related legal proceedings.
- Assess the impact of currency exchange rates on the company's reported liabilities.