Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie) was submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 2008. The registrant is a foreign private issuer headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The filing serves to distribute a presentation delivered to the GSJBW Conference in London on September 11, 2008, which was originally filed with the Australian Stock Exchange.
Key Financial Metrics
The provided text does not contain specific financial data. It does not report revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity figures for the period. The filing text explicitly states that it contains forward-looking statements regarding expectations of results of operations and financial condition, but does not provide the actual historical or current numerical values.
Material Changes
The filing text does not provide specific data to compare against prior periods. Consequently, no material changes in financial performance or position can be summarized from this document alone.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement identifying numerous forward-looking statements and associated risks. Key areas of uncertainty and potential impact include:
- Asbestos Liabilities: Expectations regarding payments to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) and the impact of foreign exchange rates on recorded asbestos liabilities.
- Operational Disruptions: Costs associated with the suspension of operations at the Blandon, Pennsylvania, and Plant City, Florida plants.
- Legal and Regulatory: Proceedings by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission against the company and former directors; tax liabilities and audits; and environmental or product liability claims.
- Financial Obligations: Expectations concerning credit facility renewals, indemnification obligations, and dividend payments.
- Market Conditions: Competition, product pricing, raw material costs, and general economic conditions.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the specific financial results and operational updates contained in the attached Exhibit 99.1 (GSJBW Conference Presentation), as the Form 6-K text itself does not list these figures.
- Confirm the current status and cost implications of the suspended operations in Pennsylvania and Florida.
- Review the latest estimates for contributions to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF).
- Assess the status of legal proceedings involving the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
- Monitor foreign exchange rate fluctuations and their potential impact on asbestos liability valuations.