Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie) covers the month of September 2006, with the report dated September 22, 2006. The filing serves to distribute materials previously filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on September 19, 2006, specifically the Chairman's Address for the 2006 Annual Meetings and the CEO's Presentation for the Annual Information Meeting.
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 financial statement itself.
Material Changes
The filing text does not provide specific details on material changes in financial performance compared to prior periods. It references forward-looking statements regarding expectations for the Final Funding Agreement, payments to a special purpose fund for asbestos-related claims, and an amended assessment by the Australian Tax Office, but does not quantify these changes.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement identifying forward-looking statements and associated risks. Key areas of uncertainty and risk highlighted include:
- Conditions precedent to the Final Funding Agreement and payments for asbestos-related personal injury and death claims.
- Outcomes of the Australian Tax Office amended assessment.
- Extension or renewal of credit facilities.
- Projections of operating results and financial condition.
- Product or environmental liabilities and legal proceedings.
- Competition, product pricing, and raw material costs.
- Foreign exchange risks and international business operations.
- Implementation of internal controls under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the content of the Chairman's Address and CEO's Presentation (Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2) filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on September 19, 2006, as the specific financial data is not included in this text.
- Review the status of the Final Funding Agreement and the special purpose fund for asbestos claims.
- Monitor the outcome of the Australian Tax Office amended assessment.
- Assess the company's credit facility status and renewal terms.
- Examine the Form 20-F filed on July 7, 2005, for detailed risk factors referenced in this filing.