James Hardie(US:JHX) Newsfile·2025-11-26 12:17Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc for securities fraud, following a significant stock drop attributed to potential violations of federal securities laws [1][3]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, with a deadline for investors to seek lead plaintiff status by December 23, 2025 [3]. - The complaint alleges violations under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in James Hardie common stock [3]. Group 2: Company Background - James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement building solutions, primarily used in external siding for the residential building industry in the U.S. and Canada [4]. Group 3: Allegations of Misrepresentation - During the relevant period, James Hardie claimed strong performance in its North American fiber cement segment, asserting "inherent strength" and "underlying momentum" in its strategy [5]. - The lawsuit alleges that the reported sales were due to inventory loading by channel partners rather than genuine customer demand, indicating potential fraudulent practices [5]. Group 4: Stock Performance Impact - On August 19, 2025, James Hardie reported a 12% decline in North American fiber cement sales, leading to a stock price drop of $9.79 per share, or over 34%, from $28.43 to $18.64 [6]. - The company indicated that significant inventory destocking would continue to affect sales for several quarters [6]. Group 5: Management Changes - On November 17, 2025, it was announced that Rachel Wilson would step down from her role as CFO of James Hardie [7].