Core Viewpoint - James Hardie Industries plc is facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly misleading investors about inventory destocking in its North America Fiber Cement segment, which led to a significant decline in sales and stock price [1][2][3]. Group 1: Allegations and Misleading Statements - The lawsuit claims that despite early signs of inventory destocking in April and May 2025, the company made false assurances to investors on May 20 and 21, 2025, about the strength of the segment and denied any destocking was occurring [2]. - The complaint highlights that the company engaged in practices resembling fraudulent channel stuffing, misrepresenting sales as driven by sustainable customer demand [2]. Group 2: Impact on Sales and Stock Price - On August 19, 2025, James Hardie disclosed a 12% decline in sales for the North America Fiber Cement segment due to customer destocking, which had been known to the company since April and May [3]. - Following this announcement, the company's stock price plummeted over 34%, dropping from $28.43 per share on August 18, 2025, to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025 [3]. Group 3: Class Action Participation - Shareholders are informed that they may be eligible to participate in the class action against James Hardie Industries plc, with a deadline to submit papers to serve as lead plaintiff by December 23, 2025 [4]. - It is noted that shareholders do not need to participate in the case to be eligible for recovery, allowing them to remain as absent class members if they choose [4].