Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie) was submitted on November 17, 2006. The filing serves to distribute the company's financial results for the second quarter and the half-year ended September 30, 2006, which were originally filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on November 13, 2006.
Key Financial Metrics
The provided text contains only the cover page, safe harbor statement, exhibit index, and signatures of the Form 6-K. It does not include the actual financial results document (Exhibit 99.1). Consequently, the filing text does not provide clear values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity.
Material Changes
As the specific financial data and comparative analysis are located in the referenced exhibit rather than the filing text itself, no material changes versus the prior comparable period can be summarized from this document.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement regarding forward-looking statements. Management cautions that actual results may differ materially from expectations due to various risks, including:
- Liabilities arising from the prior manufacture of asbestos-containing products.
- Expectations regarding payments to a special purpose fund for asbestos-related claims.
- Outcomes of an amended assessment by the Australian Tax Office.
- The extension or renewal of credit facilities.
- General economic conditions, raw material costs, and foreign exchange risks.
- Compliance with environmental laws and the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 requirements.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the actual financial performance figures (revenue, profit, cash flow) by accessing Exhibit 99.1, the results announcement filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on November 13, 2006.
- Confirm the status of the Final Funding Agreement and payments to the asbestos compensation fund.
- Review the outcome of the Australian Tax Office amended assessment.
- Assess the company's liquidity position and the status of credit facility renewments.