Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie) covers the month of November 2007, with the report dated November 2, 2007. The registrant is a foreign private issuer headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and files annual reports on Form 20-F. The primary purpose of this filing is to disclose a specific operational event regarding a manufacturing facility.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. This document serves as a notification of a material event rather than a financial results report.
Material Changes and Operational Events
The filing discloses the suspension of production at the company's Pennsylvania plant. This information was originally filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on October 31, 2007, and is included here as Exhibit 99.1.
Guidance, Risks, and Contingencies
The filing includes a Safe Harbor Statement regarding forward-looking statements. Key risks and uncertainties identified include:
- Expectations regarding payments to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) and the impact on financial statements.
- Proceedings brought by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission against the company and former directors.
- Renewal or extension of credit facilities.
- Foreign exchange risks affecting the asbestos provision.
- Competition, product pricing, raw material costs, and environmental liabilities.
- General economic conditions and the success of research and development efforts.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the specific reasons and expected duration for the suspension of production at the Pennsylvania plant.
- Review the impact of the production suspension on supply chains and revenue in the North American market.
- Monitor updates regarding the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) payment expectations.
- Check for any subsequent filings regarding the Australian Securities & Investments Commission proceedings.