Core Insights - A class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc for allegedly making false statements regarding the demand for its North America Fiber Cement segment, which was reportedly experiencing weakening demand due to distributor inventory destocking [3][7] - The lawsuit claims that James Hardie misrepresented the strength of demand and inventory levels, leading to a significant drop in share price after the company disclosed a 12% sales decline in the segment on August 19, 2025 [3][7] Allegation Details - The complaint alleges that James Hardie was aware of weakening demand in its key segment by April and May 2025 but failed to disclose this information [3] - The company falsely represented that demand remained strong and inventory levels were "normal" [3] - Following the announcement of a 12% sales decline attributed to "normalization of channel inventories," the company's share price fell by more than 34% [3] Next Steps - Investors who purchased James Hardie shares during the class period (May 20, 2025, to August 18, 2025) and suffered losses are encouraged to contact the law firm for more information and to discuss their legal rights [4][7] - The deadline for investors to apply to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit is December 23, 2025 [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales grew 34% to $1.3 billion, including $345 million from acquired AZEK sales, while organic sales declined 1% [22] - Adjusted EBITDA was $330 million, with a 25.5% adjusted EBITDA margin [22] - Adjusted net income was $154 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.26 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Siding and trim segment net sales increased 10%, including $89 million from AZEK, while organic net sales declined 3% due to lower volumes [23][24] - Deck rail and accessories net sales increased 6% on a pro forma basis, with adjusted EBITDA of $79 million and a 30.7% adjusted EBITDA margin [25] - Australia and New Zealand net sales declined 10% due to a 20% decline in volumes, partially offset by a 14% rise in average selling price [26] - Europe net sales increased 18%, driven by strong fiber gypsum volume and consistent average net sales price [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America accounts for 80% of net sales, with siding and trim and deck rail and accessories being the largest segments [9] - New construction represents approximately 40% of North America revenue, with repair and remodel at about 60% [10] - Demand trends in the new home market have improved relative to expectations, with mid-single-digit organic net sales declines anticipated for the full year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on profitable growth, disciplined execution, and material conversion from wood and inferior materials to composite alternatives and fiber cement [7] - The integration with AZEK is on track, with a focus on cost synergies and enhancing marketing capabilities [18][19] - The company aims to drive material conversion and sharpen execution across the business while delivering on synergy and deleveraging commitments [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that market conditions have stabilized, leading to a modest increase in full-year guidance despite ongoing challenges [8] - The company expects continued challenges in siding and trim markets, with mid-single-digit organic sales declines anticipated in the second half [28] - Management remains optimistic about long-term cash generation and expects to generate at least $200 million in free cash flow for the year [30] Other Important Information - The appointment of Nigel Steen as Chair of the Board and Ryan Lotta as the new Chief Financial Officer was announced [4][6] - The company has surpassed its first-year cost synergy goal and is pushing towards a total cost synergy target of $125 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in siding and trim, particularly with builder customers in the South - Management noted that the deterioration in market conditions has been less severe than previously anticipated, with some regions showing more stable activity [36][39] Question: Competitive environment in decking and railing - Management indicated that they have not seen a need to change their strategy and continue to focus on customer value and downstream marketing [42][46] Question: Price expectations in decking - Management confirmed that they will remain consistent in their pricing actions and continue to take inflationary pricing in the marketplace [52] Question: Cost synergies and timing - Management highlighted that they have achieved 85% of their G&A cost synergy target and are focused on ensuring no disruption to the base business [78] Question: Trim attachment rates in new housing and R&R - Management reported progress in trim attachment rates, particularly with large home builders, and sees significant opportunities for growth [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales grew 34% to $1.3 billion, including $345 million from acquired AZEK sales, while organic sales declined 1% [22] - Adjusted EBITDA was $330 million, with a 25.5% adjusted EBITDA margin [22] - Adjusted net income was $154 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.26 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Siding and Trim segment, net sales increased 10%, including $89 million from AZEK, while organic net sales declined 3% due to lower volumes [23][24] - Deck Rail and Accessories saw net sales increase by 6% on a pro forma basis, with adjusted EBITDA of $79 million and a 30.7% adjusted EBITDA margin [25] - Australia and New Zealand net sales declined 10% due to a 20% decline in volumes, partially offset by a 14% rise in average selling price [26] - Europe experienced an 18% increase in net sales, driven by strong Fiber Gypsum volume and average net sales price [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America accounted for 80% of net sales, with new construction representing approximately 40% of revenue and Repair and Remodel at 60% [9][10] - The company expects mid-single-digit organic net sales declines for the full year, with challenges in the Siding and Trim segment [10][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on profitable growth, disciplined execution, and material conversion from wood and inferior materials to composite alternatives and Fiber Cement [7] - The integration with AZEK is on track, with a focus on cost synergies and expanding market reach [18][19] - The company aims to drive material conversion and sharpen execution across the business [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that market conditions have stabilized, leading to a modest increase in full-year guidance despite ongoing challenges [8] - The company is optimistic about long-term cash generation and expects to generate at least $200 million in free cash flow for the year [30] - Management emphasized the importance of contractor conversion and the potential for growth in the Repair and Remodel market [12][66] Other Important Information - The company appointed Nigel Steen as Chair of the Board and Ryan Lada as the new Chief Financial Officer [4][6] - The company has surpassed its first-year cost synergy goal and is targeting $125 million in total cost synergies [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in Siding and Trim, particularly with builder customers in the South - Management noted that the deterioration in market conditions has been less severe than previously expected, with some regions showing more stability [36][39] Question: Competitive environment in decking and railing - Management indicated that they have not seen a need to change their strategy and continue to focus on customer value [42][46] Question: Pricing expectations in decking - Management confirmed that they will continue to take inflationary pricing in the marketplace and do not foresee changes [52] Question: Future plans for railing product introductions - Management highlighted the recent launch of Advantage Rail and the strategy to provide a complete portfolio to dealer partners [55][58] Question: Organic strategy and challenges in the Northeast - Management identified the need to decrease the price differential versus inferior substrates as a key opportunity for growth [63][66] Question: Cost synergies and timing - Management reported that they have achieved significant G&A cost synergies and are focused on ensuring no disruption to the base business [77][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales grew 34% to $1.3 billion, including $345 million from acquired AZEK sales, while organic sales declined 1% [21] - Adjusted EBITDA was $330 million, with a 25.5% adjusted EBITDA margin [21] - Adjusted net income was $154 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.26 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Siding and trim segment net sales increased 10%, including $89 million from AZEK, while organic net sales declined 3% due to lower volumes [23][24] - Deck rail and accessories net sales increased 6% on a pro forma basis, with adjusted EBITDA of $79 million and a 30.7% adjusted EBITDA margin [25] - Australia and New Zealand segment net sales declined 10% due to a 20% decline in volumes, partially offset by a 14% rise in average selling price [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America accounts for 80% of net sales, with siding and trim and deck rail and accessories being the largest segments [9] - In North America, new construction represents approximately 40% of revenue, while repair and remodel accounts for about 60% [10] - Europe saw an 18% increase in net sales, driven by strong fiber gypsum volume [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on profitable growth, disciplined execution, and material conversion from wood to composite alternatives and fiber cement [6] - The integration with AZEK is on track, with a goal of achieving $125 million in total cost synergies [19] - The company aims to drive material conversion and sharpen execution across the business [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that market conditions have stabilized, leading to a modest increase in full-year guidance despite ongoing challenges [8] - The company expects mid-single-digit organic net sales declines for the full year, with a focus on returning the siding and trim segment to growth [10][28] - Management expressed confidence in long-term cash generation and plans to reduce net debt leverage to under two turns within two years post-acquisition [29] Other Important Information - The company appointed Nigel Steen as Chair of the Board and Ryan Lotta as the new Chief Financial Officer [4][5] - The company is investing in contractor conversion and has seen strong performance in its Color Plus product line [12][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in siding and trim, particularly with builder customers in the South - Management noted that the deterioration in market conditions has been less severe than previously expected, with some regions showing more stability [31][32] Question: Competitive environment in decking and railing - Management indicated that their strategy remains consistent and they have not seen a need to change their approach despite increased competition [35][36] Question: Pricing expectations in decking - Management confirmed that they continue to take price and expect to maintain their pricing strategy moving forward [39] Question: Organic strategy and challenges in the Northeast - Management highlighted the importance of reducing the price differential versus inferior substrates and noted positive results from pilot programs [44][46] Question: Cost synergies and timing - Management reported that they have achieved 85% of their G&A cost synergy target and are focused on ensuring no disruption to the base business [54] Question: Margin improvement expectations - Management expects more pronounced benefits from HOS initiatives and cost synergies in the second half of the fiscal year [49][50]

Core Insights - Aristotle Capital Boston, LLC reported solid results for U.S. small/mid-cap equities in Q3 2025, with a return of 2.57% net of fees, underperforming the Russell 2500 Index's 9.00% total return [1] Company Overview - James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE:JHX) manufactures and supplies fiber cement and fiber gypsum products primarily for residential construction [3] - The company has a market capitalization of $12.122 billion, with shares closing at $20.93 on October 31, 2025 [2] Performance Metrics - James Hardie Industries plc experienced a one-month return of 4.18%, but its shares have lost 34.06% over the past 52 weeks [2] - The stock is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, although the number of hedge fund portfolios holding JHX increased from 12 to 32 in the last quarter [4] Strategic Developments - The acquisition of The AZEK Company enhances James Hardie's product offerings and positions the company for market share gains in an expanded addressable market [3] - The company is expected to benefit from operating synergies, merger cost synergies, and enhanced scale efficiencies, which should improve shareholder value creation potential [3]

Core Insights - A class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc for allegedly making false statements regarding the demand for its North America Fiber Cement segment, which was reportedly experiencing weakening demand due to distributor inventory destocking [3][7] - The lawsuit claims that James Hardie misrepresented the strength of demand and inventory levels, leading to a significant drop in share price of over 34% following the disclosure of a 12% sales decline in the segment [3][7] Allegation Details - The complaint alleges that James Hardie was aware of weakening demand in its key segment by April and May 2025 but failed to disclose this information [3] - The company falsely represented that demand remained strong and inventory levels were "normal" during the class period [3] - On August 19, 2025, James Hardie announced a 12% sales decline in the North America Fiber Cement segment, attributing it to "normalization of channel inventories" and warned of continued weakness [3] - Following this announcement, the company's share price dropped more than 34%, impacting investors significantly [3] Next Steps - Investors who purchased James Hardie shares during the class period and suffered losses are encouraged to contact the law firm Bragar Eagel & Squire for more information on their rights and potential claims [4][7] - The deadline for investors to apply to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit is December 23, 2025 [7]

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc for alleged violations of securities laws, specifically related to misleading statements about demand for its Fiber Cement products in North America [1][2]. Summary by Sections Class Action Details - The class period for the lawsuit is from May 20, 2025, to August 18, 2025, with a deadline for lead plaintiff appointments set for December 23, 2025 [2]. - The complaint alleges that James Hardie made false claims about strong demand for its products while being aware that distributors were reducing inventory levels [2]. - On August 19, 2025, the company reported a 12% sales decline in the Fiber Cement segment, attributing it to "normalization of channel inventories," which contradicts its earlier public statements [2]. Shareholder Participation - Shareholders who purchased shares during the class period are encouraged to contact the law firm for potential participation in the lawsuit, with no cost or obligation to join [3]. - Once registered, shareholders will receive updates through a portfolio monitoring software regarding the case's progress [3]. Law Firm Background - DJS Law Group specializes in securities class actions and corporate governance litigation, focusing on enhancing investor returns through advocacy [4]. - The firm represents large hedge funds and alternative asset managers, emphasizing the value of litigation claims as significant assets [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights James Hardie (JHX) as a recommended growth stock based on its strong growth metrics and favorable Zacks Rank, indicating potential for solid returns for growth investors [2][10]. Earnings Growth - James Hardie has a historical EPS growth rate of 17.5%, with projected EPS growth of 14.6% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 6.6% [5][4]. Cash Flow Growth - The company exhibits a year-over-year cash flow growth of 14.7%, which is substantially higher than the industry average of 3.5% [6]. Additionally, its annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years stands at 20.7%, compared to the industry average of 10.1% [7]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for James Hardie, with the current-year earnings estimates increasing by 0.8% over the past month [8]. Overall Assessment - James Hardie holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of B, indicating it is a solid choice for growth investors and a potential outperformer in the market [10].