James Hardie(US:JHX) TMX Newsfile·2025-12-18 20:46Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc and certain senior executives for securities fraud following a significant stock drop due to potential violations of federal securities laws [1]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, captioned Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, et al., No. 1:25-cv-13018 [3]. - Investors have until December 23, 2025, to request to be appointed to lead the case [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 Fraud - During the relevant period, James Hardie claimed that its North American fiber cement segment showed "inherent strength" and "underlying momentum," while in reality, sales were driven by inventory loading rather than sustainable customer demand [5]. - The company reported a 12% decline in North American fiber cement sales during the quarter, attributed to destocking efforts by customers [6]. Group 4: Stock Performance - Following the revelation of declining sales, James Hardie's stock price fell by $9.79 per share, or over 34%, from $28.43 on August 19, 2025, to $18.64 on August 20, 2025 [6].