NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 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 cement ...

Key Takeaways Volatility has returned to Wall Street, with all three major indexes giving up gains this week as concerns grow over the economy's health and uncertainty over an interest rate cut in September by the Federal Reserve continues. Also, inflation remains elevated, and uncertainty over the impact of new tariffs has kept investors worried. M&T Bank Corporation Given this scenario, cautious investors seeking steady income and ways to protect their capital might want to retain or invest in dividend-pa ...

James Hardie Industries shares plummet for a second day, with analysts rushing to cut their price targets after disappointing earnings results and concerns over the US housing market https://t.co/J71SzxgBox ...

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James Hardie shares tumbled the most in five years after the Australian building materials maker said its quarterly profit sank https://t.co/dL85o6WNz7 ...

Core Insights - The company reported a 9% decline in total net sales to $900 million in fiscal Q1 2026, attributed to inventory normalization and softer global demand [5][53] - North American net sales fell 12%, driven by lower volumes, although there was a 3% increase in average net sales price [6][54] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 21% year-over-year to $226 million, with a margin of 25.1%, reflecting volume pressures and raw material inflation [3][53] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA margin fell 370 basis points to 25.1% in Q1 2026, with North America adjusted EBITDA margin down 400 basis points year-over-year [3][6] - Free cash flow improved by 88% to $104 million due to better operating cash generation and reduced capital expenditures [7][53] - The company expects free cash flow of at least $200 million for fiscal 2026, with capital expenditures projected at approximately $400 million [10][63] Market Outlook - Guidance for fiscal 2026 anticipates a high single-digit decline in total market demand, influenced by homeowner affordability pressures and uncertain macro conditions [3][61] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2026 to be between $1.05 billion and $1.15 billion, including a contribution of $250 million to $265 million from the AZEK acquisition [9][62] - North America fiber cement outlook predicts a low double-digit volume decline for fiscal 2026, primarily volume-driven [11] Strategic Initiatives - The completion of the AZEK acquisition has doubled the company's total addressable market and expanded its product offerings [8][19] - The company aims to achieve over $500 million in commercial synergies within five years, with benefits expected to begin in fiscal 2027 [12][50] - Management is focused on integrating operations and realizing cost synergies, with over 50% of targeted general and administrative cost synergies already actioned [8][44] Regional Performance - Asia Pacific net sales declined 10%, with a 25% volume decrease offset by a 22% rise in average selling price [7][57] - Europe experienced a 7% increase in net sales, driven by higher average selling prices, with an EBITDA margin improvement to 16% [7][59] - The company remains committed to outperforming market demand in both APAC and Europe despite challenging conditions [58][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales for Q1 2026 were $900 million, a 9% decline compared to the previous year, aligning with internal expectations [30] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $226 million, with a margin of 25.1%, reflecting a 21% decrease from the previous year's record [30] - Adjusted net income was $127 million, with adjusted diluted EPS at $0.29 per share [30] - Free cash flow increased by 88% to $104 million, driven by strong cash generation and moderating capital spending [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American net sales decreased by 12%, primarily due to lower volumes, although average net sales price (ASP) increased by 3% year-over-year [31] - Legacy AZAC performed well, with mid single-digit sell-through growth in decking, railing, and accessories, contributing to strong margin performance [8] - North America adjusted EBITDA was $206 million, with a margin of 32.1%, down 400 basis points year-over-year due to lower volumes and raw material inflation [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The South region, particularly Florida and Georgia, experienced significant pressure, with single-family starts down approximately 25% since February [32] - Asia Pacific net sales declined by 10%, influenced by the cessation of operations in the Philippines, while EBITDA margin increased to 35.4% [35] - European net sales increased by 7%, driven by higher ASP, with EBITDA margin rising to 16% due to lower freight and raw material costs [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The integration of James Hardie and AZAC aims to create a leading provider of exterior home solutions, with a focus on material conversion opportunities [4][5] - The company is committed to outperforming market demand through strategic investments and a customer-focused approach [10][11] - Future growth is expected to be driven by new product launches and exclusivity agreements with homebuilders [14][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that demand in both repair and remodel and new construction in North America is challenging, with homeowners deferring large projects due to affordability issues [6] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit decline in end market demand for the full year, adjusting expectations for softer demand in new construction [7] - Management expressed optimism about long-term growth potential, particularly through material conversion opportunities and strong partnerships with homebuilders [12][72] Other Important Information - The company is on track to achieve $125 million in cost synergies over three years, with over 50% of the target already realized [25] - Free cash flow for FY 2026 is expected to be at least $200 million, with total capital expenditures projected at approximately $400 million [41] - The company successfully completed a $1.7 billion debt financing, with a commitment to reduce net leverage to below two times within two years post-acquisition [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on legacy North American fiber cement volume declines - Management acknowledged a 15% volume decline and discussed the impact of inventory destocking and single-family construction outlook [47][56] Question: Cost management strategies in light of demand challenges - Management highlighted ongoing cost control measures, including headcount freezes and operational efficiencies through the Hardie Operating System [57][59] Question: Inventory destocking impact and competitive standing - Management provided insights on inventory levels and emphasized the company's strong market position despite challenges in the South [63][70] Question: Single-family new construction trends - Management noted significant changes in single-family new construction estimates and the impact on guidance, emphasizing strong partnerships with homebuilders [78][80] Question: AZEK EBITDA contribution and outlook - Management discussed conservative growth assumptions for AZEK's deck rail and accessories segment, reflecting macroeconomic uncertainties [84][85] Question: Market share with major builders - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong relationships with top homebuilders and highlighted the company's leading position in the market [88]

Group 1 - The event is a comprehensive recruitment fair for college graduates organized by the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of Erqi District and Henan 123 Talent Network, scheduled for August 21 [1] - The recruitment targets include recent and past college graduates, unemployed graduates, and young talents, focusing on urgent employment needs [1] - Participating companies span various industries such as finance, biochemistry, environmental technology, education, manufacturing, digital technology, tourism, media, law, hospitality, automotive, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, construction materials, and food [1] Group 2 - The fair will offer over 5,900 job positions concentrated in areas like new media operations, management trainees, e-commerce, technical engineering, administration, design, accounting, law, computer science, reserve cadres, human resource management, and internships [1] - To cater to job seekers' career planning needs, the event will feature a recruitment area, a company display area, and mobile scanning options for resume submission, enhancing service diversity for job seekers [1]

Core Points - Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend from $0.79 to $0.83 per share, resulting in an annualized cash dividend of $3.32 per share, payable on September 30, 2025 [1] - This marks the tenth consecutive annual dividend increase for the company, highlighting its disciplined capital allocation and commitment to shareholder value [2] - The company emphasizes its aggregates-led business model, operational excellence, and strong financial position, which contribute to its free cash flow generation [2] Company Overview - Martin Marietta is a leading supplier of building materials, including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete, and asphalt, operating across 28 states, Canada, and The Bahamas [2] - The company also has a Magnesia Specialties business that provides high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products for various applications worldwide [2]