SYDNEY & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE / ASX: JHX) ("James Hardie†or the "Company†), a global leader in high-performance building product solutions, today announced the appointment of Samara (Sam) Toole as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). As a member of the executive leadership team, Toole will lead marketing strategy and execution across the company's portfolio, including the James Hardie®, TimberTech®, and AZEK Exteriors® brands. "This is an incredibly exciting mo. ...

Core Viewpoint - James Hardie Industries plc is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws, following a significant decline in its stock price due to disappointing sales results attributed to temporary inventory loading rather than sustainable customer demand [1][4]. Company Overview - James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions, primarily used in external siding for the residential building industry in the United States and Canada [2]. Sales Performance - The company claimed that its "fast[]-growing customers" were a key aspect of its competitive positioning, asserting that its North American business results demonstrated inherent strength and momentum in its strategy [3]. - However, it appears that North American sales may have been artificially inflated due to temporary inventory loading by channel partners, rather than genuine customer demand [3]. Financial Results - On August 19, 2025, James Hardie reported a 12% decline in North American net sales for fiscal Q1 2026, attributing this to lower volumes as customers adjusted their inventory levels [4]. - The company indicated that significant inventory destocking among channel partners would continue to negatively impact sales for the upcoming quarters [4]. Stock Market Reaction - Following the earnings report, James Hardie's stock price plummeted by $9.79 per share, a decrease of over 34%, dropping from $28.43 to $18.64 on August 20, 2025 [4].

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Litigation Partner Brandon Walker Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In James Hardie (JHX) To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you purchased or acquired stock in James Hardie and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Bragar Eagel & Squire partner Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore directly at (212) 355-4648. Click here to participate in the action. NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What’s Happening: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationall ...

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of James Hardie Industries plc (“James Hardie” or the “Company”) (NYSE: JHX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.    The investigation concerns whether James Hardie and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.  [Click here for information about joining the class ac ...

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in James Hardie, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit. Why Is James Hardie being Investigated?James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cemen ...

Core Viewpoint - James Hardie Industries plc is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws, following a significant decline in its stock price due to misleading statements about its North American sales performance [1][4]. Company Overview - James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions, primarily used in external siding for the residential building industry in the United States and Canada [2]. Sales Performance and Misleading Statements - The company previously claimed that its "fast[]-growing customers" were a key aspect of its competitive positioning and that its North American business results demonstrated inherent strength [3]. - However, it appears that the North American sales growth was driven by temporary inventory loading by channel partners rather than sustainable customer demand [3]. Financial Results and Stock Impact - On August 19, 2025, James Hardie reported a 12% decline in North American net sales for fiscal Q1 2026, attributing this to lower volumes as customers adjusted inventory levels [4]. - Following this announcement, the stock price plummeted by $9.79 per share, a decrease of over 34%, from $28.43 to $18.64 [4].

Group 1: James Hardie Industries - James Hardie Industries is a building solutions company and the world's largest producer of fibre cement and gypsum products, operating across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand with over 5,200 employees [1] - The share price of James Hardie Industries (ASX:JHX) has decreased by approximately 41.8% since the beginning of 2025 [1] - Currently, James Hardie Industries plc shares have a price-sales ratio of 2.77x, which is lower than its 5-year average of 4.14x, indicating that the shares are trading below historical averages despite revenue growth over the last three years [7] Group 2: CSL Limited - CSL is a global biotechnology company focused on creating and delivering life-saving medicines, with a mission to protect public health and improve the quality of life for individuals with life-threatening conditions [3] - The company operates through three main divisions: CSL Behring, which manufactures blood plasma products; CSL Seqirus, which develops flu-related products; and CSL Vifor, specializing in iron deficiency and nephrology [4] - CSL has established a strong reputation among Australian investors for reliability and consistent dividend payouts, making it a favored choice for those seeking exposure to the growing healthcare sector [5] - CSL is currently paying a trailing dividend yield of around 1.95%, which is higher than its 5-year average of 1.50%, indicating stability and the ability to provide income [8]

Industry Overview - The Australian construction and materials sector is experiencing a divergence, with public investment booming while private building activity is declining [1][5] - The overall construction market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.31% from 2025 to 2030, driven by varying factors [1] Public Investment - Public infrastructure and energy spending are significant growth drivers, with record funding committed for major projects [2][7] - Deloitte estimates that the total value of investment projects under construction rose by 13.6% to $473.8 billion as of March 2025, with major transport initiatives leading the way [3][4] Private Sector Challenges - The private construction sector is facing challenges due to high interest rates, rising material costs, and builder administrations, leading to a 9% decline in total building activity in FY24 [5][6] - Companies heavily reliant on private work are encountering a more difficult environment, contrasting sharply with the public sector's stability [5] Labor Market and Cost Pressures - The construction sector is experiencing a skilled labor shortage, needing an additional 90,000 workers by the end of 2025, which could rise to 130,000 by 2029 [11] - Building construction prices have increased by 31.1% from September 2020 to June 2024, while house construction costs rose by 40.8%, impacting private sector confidence [4][5] Decarbonization and Technology - Decarbonization and the energy transition are creating long-term growth opportunities, insulated from the volatility of private construction [13] - Adoption of digital solutions like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and modular construction is enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on scarce labor [14] Company-Specific Insights - **Downer EDI (ASX: DOW)**: Transitioning to urban services with a strong backlog of government contracts, FY25 results showed an 81.6% increase in NPAT and a 46.5% dividend increase, indicating a stable growth outlook [20][21][23] - **Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC)**: Undergoing a strategic overhaul, the company reported a return to profitability but faces a challenging market, with a "Sell" rating due to elevated risks and execution uncertainty [26][30] - **Seven Group Holdings (ASX: SGH)**: The acquisition of Boral has strengthened its position in construction materials, with FY25 results showing revenue growth and improved cash generation, making it a stock to watch [32][34] - **Maas Group Holdings (ASX: MGH)**: Achieved a 38% EBITDA growth in its Construction Materials division, supported by strong demand in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, rated as a "Buy" [36][39][40] - **James Hardie Industries (ASX: JHX)**: Facing a credibility crisis with a 12% decline in North American sales volumes, the company is rated as a "Sell" due to operational fragility and legal investigations [43][44][47] - **Fletcher Building (ASX: FBU)**: In a multi-year strategic reset, the company reported a 9% revenue decline and a net loss, but is making progress on legacy issues, rated as a "Hold" [50][52][54] - **Reliance Worldwide Corporation (ASX: RWC)**: Despite a 5.5% increase in net sales, profitability is under pressure, leading to a "Hold" rating as the company navigates a slower growth environment [57][59]

Core Idea - The article emphasizes the investment philosophy of Thomas W. Phelps, particularly his book "100 to 1 in the Stock Market," which advocates for buying exceptional companies early, holding them with discipline, and allowing compounding to generate wealth [1][4][6]. Phelps's Investment Framework - Phelps's framework focuses on identifying companies with durable advantages, such as network effects, proprietary know-how, and advantageous cost structures [8]. - The importance of verifying a large addressable market that allows for long-term compounding without hitting a wall is highlighted [8]. - Present-tense profitability is essential; Phelps preferred companies that generate cash rather than speculative ventures [8]. - The article suggests buying companies when their narratives are still forming, favoring modest valuations over those priced for perfection [8]. - A strategy of doing less is recommended, as holding onto winning investments can lead to tax deferral and reduced errors [8]. Current Investment Candidates - The article lists 25 companies that fit Phelps's criteria, categorized by how they create competitive advantages rather than by index labels [9]. - Companies in the construction and infrastructure sector, such as EMCOR Group and Quanta Services, are noted for their execution capabilities and ability to convert backlog into cash [10][11]. - Precision manufacturers like Celestica and Fabrinet are recognized for their high returns on capital and asset-light models [12]. - In network infrastructure, Arista Networks and Super Micro Computer are highlighted for their strong positions in high-speed switching and AI hardware, respectively [13]. - Companies in the materials sector, such as Martin Marietta Materials, are noted for their pricing power and local monopolies [14]. - Engineering firms like WSP Global are recognized for their expertise and customer relationships in regulated markets [15]. - Consumer brands like e.l.f. Beauty and Academy Sports are mentioned for their market share growth and operational efficiency [16]. - Specialty finance companies like FirstCash and software firms like Agilysys are noted for their cash generation and growth potential [17]. - Internationally, utilities like Sabesp and fintechs like StoneCo are highlighted for their governance and profitability improvements [18]. - UK companies like Spectris and Halma are recognized for their consistent acquisition strategies and operational excellence [19]. Conclusion - The article concludes that the focus should be on finding real engines of growth and sizing investments appropriately to endure market volatility, allowing time to enhance value [22].

Group 1 - James Hardie Industries PLC is recognized as a top investment option in the cement sector, with a renewed partnership with Green Brick Partners extending through 2028 [1][2][3] - The exclusive agreement designates James Hardie's siding and trim products as the sole choice for new projects by Green Brick Partners, which is the third-largest homebuilder in the Dallas-Fort Worth area [2][3] - The collaboration emphasizes a shared commitment to quality and innovation in building durable homes, reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two companies [3][4] Group 2 - James Hardie is a global leader in high-performance building materials, particularly known for its fiber cement siding and backer board products, which are durable and resistant to fire, water, and pests [4] - The company also offers a variety of exterior and interior solutions, including composite and PVC decking, as well as composite and gypsum fiber boards [4]