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: May 21, 2009
Reporting Period: Fourth Quarter and Full Year ended March 31, 2009 (FY09)
This filing incorporates by reference the Q4 FY09 Media Release, Management's Analysis, Result Presentation, and Consolidated Financial Report. The registrant is a foreign private issuer with principal executive offices in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Key Financial Metrics
The provided text serves as a cover sheet and index for the Form 6-K. It does not contain the specific financial data tables or narrative results.
- Revenue, Profit, Cash Flow, Margins: The filing text does not provide a clear value for these metrics. They are contained within the referenced exhibits (99.1 through 99.4).
- Debt and Liquidity: The filing text does not provide a clear value for debt levels or liquidity positions.
Material Changes
The filing text does not provide specific comparative data or material changes versus the prior period. Such analysis is located in the incorporated exhibits (specifically Exhibit 99.2, Management's Analysis).
Guidance, Outlook, Risks, and Contingencies
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, and financial projections.
Key Risks and Contingencies Identified:
- Asbestos Liabilities: Risks related to prior manufacture of asbestos-containing products, including contributions to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) and potential legal proceedings.
- Regulatory and Legal: Proceedings by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission against the company and former directors/officers; compliance with tax laws and environmental regulations.
- Operational and Market: Currency exchange rate fluctuations, raw material costs, competition, product failures, and reliance on a concentrated customer base (large format retailers).
- Corporate Structure: Potential changes to corporate and tax domiciles.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Review Exhibit 99.1 (Q4 FY09 Media Release) for specific revenue, profit, and earnings per share figures.
- Examine Exhibit 99.2 (Management's Analysis) for detailed commentary on material changes and operational performance.
- Verify the status of Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) contributions and related liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Report (Exhibit 99.4).
- Assess the impact of currency exchange rates on the reported financial results, as noted in the risk factors.
- Confirm the current status of any legal proceedings involving the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.