Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K is a report of a foreign private issuer filed by James Hardie Industries N.V. for the month of June 2007. The registrant is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and files annual reports on Form 20-F. The filing serves to furnish information to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b), primarily consisting of exhibits filed with the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) between May 30, 2007, and June 18, 2007.
Key Financial Metrics
The provided filing text does not contain specific numerical data regarding revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. The document functions as a cover sheet and index for external exhibits rather than a standalone financial report. Consequently, no financial metrics can be extracted from this specific text.
Material Changes
The filing text does not provide specific details on material changes in financial performance or operations compared to prior periods. It references the inclusion of various Appendix 3B filings and a dividend announcement in the exhibits, but the content of those exhibits is not included in the source text.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement regarding forward-looking statements. Key areas of uncertainty and risk identified include:
- Asbestos Liabilities: Expectations regarding the timing and amount of payments to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) and the impact of foreign exchange on asbestos provisions.
- Legal Proceedings: Potential consequences of proceedings brought by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission against the company and former directors/officers.
- Operational and Market Risks: Competition, product pricing, raw material costs, product failures, and environmental liabilities.
- Financial and Regulatory Risks: Extension of credit facilities, tax law changes, foreign exchange risks, and compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Management cautions that actual results may differ materially from plans due to these factors.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the specific financial data and operational updates contained in the referenced ASX Appendix 3B filings (Exhibits 99.1 through 99.6 and 99.8).
- Confirm the exact dividend amount and payment details referenced in Exhibit 99.7.
- Review the status of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) contributions and any updates on asbestos-related litigation.
- Assess the impact of foreign exchange rates on the company's financial statements, particularly regarding the asbestos provision.
- Check for any developments in the proceedings by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.