Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by James Hardie Industries N.V. (James Hardie Industries Plc) was submitted to the SEC on February 17, 2004. The filing serves to distribute results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2003, which were originally filed with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on February 12, 2004.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text provided does not contain specific numerical values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. These metrics are contained within Exhibit 99.1, which is referenced but not included in the text of this document.
Material Changes
The filing text does not provide data to compare current period results against prior comparable periods. Specific details regarding material changes are located in the referenced Exhibit 99.1.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The document includes a Safe Harbor Statement regarding forward-looking statements. Management cautions that actual results may differ materially from plans due to several risk factors, including:
- Competition and product pricing in operating markets.
- General economic and market conditions.
- Compliance with and changes in environmental and health and safety laws.
- Dependence on cyclical construction markets.
- Supply and cost of raw materials.
- Reliance on a small number of product distributors.
- Consequences of product failures or defects.
- Exposure to environmental or other legal proceedings.
- Risks associated with conducting business internationally.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the specific financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2003, by reviewing Exhibit 99.1 (ASX filing dated February 12, 2004).
- Confirm the impact of cyclical construction markets on the company's performance.
- Assess the status of any environmental or legal proceedings mentioned in the risk factors.
- Review the company's reliance on a limited number of distributors for revenue stability.