Business Context and Reporting Period
Company: James Hardie Industries N.V.
Filing Type: Form 6-K (Report of Foreign Private Issuer)
Filing Date: February 18, 2005
Reporting Period: Third Quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2004.
Context: This filing serves as a conduit to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for results previously filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on February 14, 2005 (Exhibit 99.1).
Key Financial Metrics
The provided text contains only the cover page, safe harbor statement, and exhibit index for 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 for the period ended December 31, 2004.
Material Changes
The filing text does not contain comparative financial data or specific commentary on material changes versus prior periods. Investors must refer to the attached Exhibit 99.1 for this information.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
Forward-Looking Statements: The filing includes a comprehensive Safe Harbor Statement regarding forward-looking statements found in the attached exhibit and other materials. These statements involve projections of operating results, plans for acquisitions/dispositions, and economic performance.
Key Risks Identified:
- Liabilities arising from the prior manufacture of asbestos by ABN 60 and former subsidiaries.
- Competition and product pricing in operating markets.
- General economic and market conditions.
- Compliance with environmental and health and safety laws.
- Successful transition of new senior management.
- Supply and cost of raw materials.
- Reliance on a small number of product distributors.
- Product failures or defects.
- Exposure to environmental, asbestos, or other legal proceedings.
- International business risks, tax law changes, and foreign exchange risks.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the specific financial results (revenue, profit, cash flow) by accessing Exhibit 99.1, which was filed with the Australian Stock Exchange on February 14, 2005.
- Confirm the status of asbestos-related liabilities and legal proceedings, as this is highlighted as a primary risk factor.
- Review the transition progress of new senior management mentioned in the risk factors.
- Assess the impact of raw material costs and distributor concentration on future margins.