The James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) share price has jumped 10% after a pleasing quarterly update.James Hardie describes itself as the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, and composite and PVC decking and railing products. Some of its brands include Hardie, TimberTech, AZEK, Exteriors, Versatex, fermacell and StruXure. Its products are sold in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.Strong quarterly updateTh ...

Q1 FY26 Financial Performance - Net sales reached $900 million, a decrease of 9% compared to the prior year[34] - Adjusted EBITDA was $226 million, down 21% year-over-year, with an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 251%, a decrease of 370 basis points[16, 34] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $029, a 28% decrease[34] - Free cash flow increased by 88% to $104 million[34] AZEK Acquisition and Integration - AZEK Residential quarterly net sales were $417 million with Adjusted EBITDA of $127 million and Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 304%[18] - The company reaffirms expectation to exit FY26 annualizing a third of total cost synergies, representing approximately $20 million of actual anticipated P&L benefit within FY26, concentrated in 2H FY26[27] - The company is on track to achieve $125 million in cost synergies and anticipates over $500 million in commercial synergies[26] FY26 Financial Guidance - The company issues new FY26 guidance reflecting contribution from AZEK[30] - FY26 Siding & Trim net sales are projected to be $2675 to $285 billion[51] - FY26 Deck, Rail & Accessories net sales are projected to be $775 to $800 million[51] - AZEK contribution to Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be +$250 to $265 million, with total Adjusted EBITDA between $105 to $115 billion[51] - Free cash flow is expected to be $200 million+, including approximately $315 million of incremental interest expense and transaction & integration costs related to the AZEK acquisition[51, 53]