Exhibit 99.3

 

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Management’s Analysis of Results

 

 

This Management’s Analysis of Results forms part of a package of information about James Hardie Industries plc’s results. It should be read in conjunction with the other parts of this package, including the Media Release, the Management Presentation and the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Except as otherwise indicated in this Management’s Analysis of Results, James Hardie Industries plc is referred to as “JHI plc.” JHI plc, together with its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, are collectively referred to as “James Hardie,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us.” Definitions for certain capitalized terms used in this Management’s Analysis and Results can be found in the sections titled “Definitions and Other Terms” and “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

This Management’s Analysis of Results includes financial measures that are not considered a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than the equivalent US GAAP measures. Management has included such measures to provide investors with an alternative method for assessing its operating results in a manner that is focused on the performance of its ongoing operations and excludes the impact of certain legacy items, such as asbestos adjustments. Additionally, management uses such non-GAAP financial measures for the same purposes. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with US GAAP, may not be reported by all of the Company’s competitors and may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of the Company’s competitors due to potential differences in the exact method of calculation. For additional information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this Management’s Analysis of Results, including a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the equivalent US GAAP measure, see the section titled “Non-US GAAP Financial Measures.” In addition, this Management’s Analysis of Results includes financial measures and descriptions that are considered to not be in accordance with US GAAP, but which are consistent with financial measures reported by Australian companies. Since James Hardie prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with US GAAP, the Company provides investors with a table and definitions presenting cross-references between each US GAAP financial measure used in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements to the equivalent non-US GAAP financial measure used in this Management’s Analysis of Results. See the section titled “Non-US GAAP Financial Measures.”

These documents, along with an audio webcast of the Management Presentation on 03 February 2017, are available from the Investor Relations area of our website at http://www.ir.jameshardie.com.au

NOTE TO THE READER:

As of 30 June 2016, the Company changed its reportable operating segments. Previously, the Company reported on three operating segments: (i) North America and Europe Fiber Cement, (ii) Asia Pacific Fiber Cement, and (iii) Research and Development. As of 30 June 2016, the Company began reporting on four operating segments: (i) North America Fiber Cement, (ii) International Fiber Cement, (iii) Other Businesses, and (iv) Research and Development. The significant changes to how certain businesses are reported in the new segment structure are as follows: (i) our European business is now reported in the International Fiber Cement segment, along with the other businesses that were historically reported in the Asia Pacific Fiber Cement segment, and (ii) business development, including some non-fiber cement operations, such as our Windows business in North America, are now reported in the Other Businesses segment as opposed to previously being reported in the North America and Europe Fiber Cement segment. The Company has provided its historical segment information at 31 March 2016 and for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2015 to be consistent with the new reportable segment structure. The change in reportable segments had no effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the periods presented. Readers are referred to Note 14 of our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information on our segments.

 

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Media/Analyst Enquiries:

Laura Vize

Manager, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

 

  Telephone:    +61 2 8845 3353   
  Email:    [email protected]   

 

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James Hardie Industries plc

Results for the 3rd Quarter and Nine Months Ended 31 December

 

 

US$ Millions

  

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

    
     Q3 FY17      Q3 FY16         Change %     

 

  9 Months
  FY17

     9 Months
 FY16
      Change %     

Net sales

   $           453.8        $          413.9                      10      $      1,427.3      $      1,292.4                  10     

Cost of goods sold

     (298.8)         (264.4)         (13     (913.4     (820.3   (11)    

Gross profit

     155.0          149.5          4        513.9        472.1      9     
                   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (74.6)         (61.4)         (21     (215.7     (185.5   (16)    

Research and development expenses

     (7.3)         (7.0)         (4     (22.2     (21.4   (4)    

Asbestos adjustments

     35.6          (29.0)                 39.0        32.5      20     

EBIT

     108.7          52.1                  315.0        297.7      6     
                   

Net interest expense

     (7.2)         (6.7)         (7     (20.3     (19.2   (6)    

Other income

     1.4          1.9          (26     1.2        4.0      (70)    

Operating profit before income taxes

     102.9          47.3            295.9        282.5      5     

Income tax expense

     (15.0)         (21.9)         32        (63.9     (66.9   4     

Net operating profit

   $ 87.9        $ 25.4                $ 232.0      $ 215.6      8     
                   

Earnings per share - basic (US cents)

     20                    52        48          

Earnings per share - diluted (US cents)

     20                    52        48          
                   

Volume (mmsf)

     632.1         586.7         8        1,998.1        1,819.2      10     

 

Net sales for the quarter and the nine months increased 10% from the prior corresponding periods to US$453.8 million and US$1,427.3 million, respectively. For both periods net sales were favorably impacted by higher sales volumes in the North America Fiber Cement segment and higher average net sales price in the International Fiber Cement segment.

Gross profit of US$155.0 million for the quarter and US$513.9 million for the nine months increased 4% and 9%, respectively, when compared with the prior corresponding periods. Gross profit margin of 34.2% for the quarter and 36.0% for the nine months decreased 1.9 percentage points and 0.5 percentage points, respectively, when compared with the prior corresponding periods.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) of US$74.6 million for the quarter and US$215.7 million for the nine months increased 21% and 16%, respectively, when compared with the prior corresponding periods. The increase primarily reflects higher SG&A costs driven by increased global investment in headcount and market development activities.

Research and development (“R&D”) expenses for the quarter and nine months increased 4% from the prior

corresponding periods to US$7.3 million and US$22.2 million, respectively, primarily due to an increase in the number of R&D projects being undertaken by the R&D team.

Asbestos adjustments primarily reflect the non-cash foreign exchange re-measurement impact on asbestos related balance sheet items, driven by the change in the AUD/USD spot exchange rate.

Other income for the quarter and nine months reflects the impact of interest rate swaps and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses. The nine months fiscal 2016 results also include the gain on the sale of the Australian pipes business, which was sold in the first quarter of the prior year.

Net operating profit for the quarter increased compared to the prior corresponding periods, primarily due to the favorable underlying performance of the operating business units, favorable movement of asbestos adjustments and a decrease in income tax expense. Net operating profit for the nine months increased compared to the prior corresponding periods, primarily due to the favorable underlying performance of the operating business units, the favorable movement of asbestos adjustments and a decrease income tax expense.

 

 

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North America Fiber Cement Segment

 

Operating results for the North America Fiber Cement segment were as follows:

 

US$ Millions   

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

    
       Q3 FY17          Q3 FY16        Change     

 

 

  9 Months  
FY17

    

 

 

  9 Months  
FY16

      Change   

Volume (mmsf)

     516.7         469.6       10%      1,636.8         1,451.2       13%    

Average net sales price per unit (per msf)

     US$670         US$669       -          US$666         US$673       (1%)    
                            

Net sales

     350.9         317.9       10%      1,105.7         989.2       12%    

Gross profit

         (3%)              5%    

Gross margin (%)

         (4.6 pts)              (2.2 pts)    

EBIT

     75.5         84.4       (11%)      267.8         266.8       -         

EBIT margin (%)

     21.5         26.5             (5.0 pts)      24.2         27.0             (2.8 pts)    

Net sales for the quarter were favorably impacted by higher volumes. Net sales for the nine months were favorably impacted by higher volumes, partially offset by a slightly lower average net sales price. The increase in our sales volume for both the quarter and the nine months, compared to the prior corresponding periods, was driven by growth in both the repair and remodel and new construction markets and continued improvement in our commercial execution resulting in improved market penetration.

For the nine months our average net sales price decreased slightly as a result of maintaining current strategic pricing levels and the ongoing execution of our tactical pricing strategies.

We note that there are a number of data sources that measure US housing market growth, most of which have reported mid to high single-digit growth in recent quarters when compared to prior corresponding periods. However, at the time of filing our results for the quarter ended 31 December 2016, only US Census Bureau data was available. According to the US Census Bureau, single family housing starts for the quarter were 186,300, or 12% above the prior corresponding period, and for the half year ended 31 December 2016, single family housing starts were 610,500, or 6% above the prior corresponding period.

While we have provided US Census Bureau data above, we note that this data can be different than other indices we use to measure US housing market growth, namely the McGraw-Hill Construction Residential Starts Data (also known as Dodge), the National Association of Home Builders and Fannie Mae.

 

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The change in gross margin for the quarter and nine months can be attributed to the following components:

 

For the Three Months Ended 31 December 2016:

 

Higher average net sales price

    0.1 pts     

Higher production costs

       (4.7 pts)    
 

 

 

 

Total percentage point change in gross margin

    (4.6 pts)    
 

 

 

 
 

For the Nine Months Ended 31 December 2016:

 

Lower average net sales price

    (0.8 pts)    

Higher production costs

    (1.4 pts)    
 

 

 

 

Total percentage point change in gross margin

    (2.2 pts)    
 

 

 

 

Gross margin for the quarter decreased 4.6 percentage points primarily a result of higher production costs. The higher production costs resulted from unfavorable plant performance, higher freight costs, increased startup costs and increased depreciation associated with newly capitalized lines.

Gross margin for the nine months decreased 2.2 percentage points primarily as a result of higher production costs. The higher production costs result from unfavorable plant performance, increased startup costs and increased depreciation associated with newly capitalized lines.

EBIT for the quarter decreased 11% driven by a 3% decrease in gross profit and an increase in SG&A. EBIT for the nine months was flat, driven by a 5% increase in gross profit, offset by an increase in SG&A.

The 16% and 18% increase in SG&A expense for the quarter and nine months, respectively, was driven by an increase in our headcount in an effort to build and align organizational capability with anticipated growth of the company, as well as increased spending on our market development activities. As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased by 0.6 percentage points and 0.5 percentage points for the quarter and nine months, respectively, when compared to prior periods.

EBIT margin for the quarter and nine months decreased 5.0 percentage points and 2.8 percentage points to 21.5% and 24.2%, respectively, when compared to the prior corresponding periods, driven primarily by the increases in production costs and SG&A spend, both described above.

 

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International Fiber Cement Segment

 

The International Fiber Cement Segment is comprised of the following businesses: (i) Australia Fiber Cement, (ii) New Zealand Fiber Cement, (iii) Philippines Fiber Cement, and (iv) Europe Fiber Cement.

Operating results for the International Fiber Cement segment in US dollars were as follows:

 

US$ Millions   

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

    
      Q3 FY17         Q3 FY16        Change %       9 Months 
 FY17 
      9 Months 
 FY16 
     Change %     

Volume (mmsf)

     115.4         117.1         (1%     361.3         368.0       (2%)    

Volume (mmsf) excluding1

     115.4         117.1         (1%     361.3         358.2       1%     

Average net sales price per unit (per msf)

     US$790         US$733         8%        US$786         US$742       6%     

Average net sales price per unit (per msf)1

     US$790         US$733         8%        US$786         US$748       5%     
                     

Net Sales

     99.5         92.9         7%        309.0         292.5       6%     

Gross Profit

           29%            20%     

Gross Margin (%)

           6.4 pts            4.4 pts     

EBIT

     21.9         16.2         35%        71.5         58.4       22%     

EBIT Margin (%)

     22.0         17.4         4.6 pts        23.1         20.0       3.1 pts     
1 Excludes Australian Pipes business sold in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016   

Volume for the quarter decreased 1%, primarily driven by lower volume in the Philippines business due to penetration of competitor imports within the Philippines market, partially offset by volume growth in our Australian, New Zealand and European businesses.

Net sales for the quarter increased 7% compared to the prior corresponding period primarily due to higher average net sales price, partially offset by lower volume. Average net sales price in US dollars was primarily driven by favorable product and geographic mix, and the effects of our annual price increase across the businesses.

Volume for the nine months was lower compared to the prior corresponding period primarily due to the sale of the Australian Pipes business at the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 and lower volumes in the Philippines. Excluding the Australian Pipes business, volume increased 1%, primarily driven by volume growth in our Australian, New Zealand and European businesses, partially offset by a lower volume in the Philippines due to penetration of competitor imports within the Philippines market.

Net sales for the nine months increased 6% compared to the prior corresponding period, and increased 8% excluding Australian Pipes. The increase in net sales excluding Australian Pipes was primarily driven by the Australian and New Zealand businesses which had higher volumes along with higher average net sales price. Average net sales price in US dollars was primarily driven by favorable product and geographic mix, and the effects of our annual price increase across the businesses.

 

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The change in gross margin for the quarter and nine months can be attributed to the following components:

 

For the Three Months Ended 31 December 2016:

 

Higher average net sales price and mix

         5.1 pts    

Lower production costs

    1.3 pts    
 

 

 

 

Total percentage point change in gross margin

    6.4 pts    
 

 

 

 
 

For the Nine Months Ended 31 December 2016:

 

Higher average net sales price and mix

    4.0 pts    

Lower production costs

    0.4 pts    
 

 

 

 

Total percentage point change in gross margin

    4.4 pts    
 

 

 

 

For the quarter and nine months, production costs for the segment were favorable primarily due to the lack of Carole Park start-up costs in the current period compared to the prior corresponding period and favorable plant performance, partially offset by higher freight and fixed costs.

EBIT for the quarter and nine months increased by 35% and 22%, respectively, when compared to the prior corresponding period, to US$21.9 million and US$71.5 million, respectively, due to the increase in gross profit described above, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses. The increase in SG&A was driven by an increase in headcount in an effort to build and align organizational capability with anticipated demand growth, as well as increased spending on our market development activities.

Country Analysis

Australia

Net sales for the quarter and the nine months increased primarily due to higher average net sales price and increased volume. The key drivers of net sales growth were favorable conditions in our addressable markets, favorable impact of our price increase and favorable product mix.

For the quarter and nine months, production costs were lower, driven by lower start-up costs in the current period compared to the prior corresponding period associated with our new Carole Park sheet machine, favorable plant performance and lower input costs, partially offset by higher fixed costs.

EBIT for the quarter and nine months increased by 35% and 33%, respectively, compared to the prior corresponding periods, driven by improved gross profit, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses related to marketing and employee costs.

While we have provided Australian Bureau of Statistics data in prior periods, we note that December 2016 data is not available at the filing date of this document. However we note the data for the eight months ended 30 November 2016, was consistent with prior period data trends.

New Zealand

Net sales for the quarter and nine months increased primarily due to higher sales volumes from addressable markets and a higher average net sales price due to our price increase.

 

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Philippines

EBIT for both the quarter and nine months was lower compared to the prior corresponding periods due to lower volumes driven by the entrance of competitor imports during the nine month period. While recent periods suggest that the volume impact has steadied, this change in the overall competitive landscape is expected to persist within the Philippines market.

Europe

For both the quarter and nine months, volume and EBIT increased when compared to the prior corresponding period.

Other Businesses Segment

 

 

     Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December    
US$ Millions    Q3 FY17      Q3 FY16      Change %   

9 Months  

 

FY17  

 

  

9 Months  

 

FY16  

 

    Change %  

Net sales

   3.4      3.1      10%      12.6      10.7     18%    

Gross profit

             33%               74%    

Gross profit margin (%)

             15.2 pts              28.5 pts   

EBIT

   (2.1)     (2.1)     -          (4.7)     (6.2)    24%    

We continue to invest in strategic future growth business development opportunities and continue to incur losses in our Other Businesses segment. EBIT loss for the quarter remained flat at US$2.1 million, when compared to the prior corresponding period. EBIT for the nine months improved 24% to a loss of US$4.7 million when compared to the prior corresponding period. This improvement was driven by increased volume and lower per unit production costs in the Windows business.

Research and Development Segment

 

We record R&D expenses depending on whether they are core R&D projects that are designed to benefit all business units, which are recorded in our R&D segment; or commercialization projects for the benefit of a particular business unit, which are recorded in the individual business unit’s segment results. The table below details the expenses of our R&D segment:

 

US$ Millions   

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

   
     Q3 FY17    Q3 FY16    Change %     

9 Months

 

FY17

 

  

9 Months

 

FY16

 

    Change %     

Segment R&D expenses

   $             (5.4)     $             (5.2)     (4)     $            (16.5)     $            (15.9)    (4)   

Segment R&D SG&A expenses

   (0.8)     (0.3)     -      (1.8)     (1.6)    (13)   

Total R&D EBIT

   $             (6.2)     $             (5.5)     (13)     $            (18.3)     $            (17.5)    (5)   

The change in segment R&D expenses for the quarter and nine months compared to the prior corresponding periods is a result of the number of core R&D projects being undertaken by the R&D team. The expense will fluctuate period to period depending on the nature and number of core R&D projects being worked on and the average AUD/USD exchange rates during the period.

 

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Other R&D expenses associated with commercialization projects in business units are recorded in the results of the respective business unit segment. Other R&D expenses associated with commercialization projects were US$1.9 million for the quarter and US$5.7 million for the nine months, compared to US$1.8 million and US$5.5 million for the prior corresponding periods.

General Corporate

 

Results for General Corporate for the quarter and nine months ended 31 December were as follows:

 

US$ Millions   Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December    
     Q3 FY17      Q3 FY16        Change %         9 Months  
FY17
       9 Months  
FY16
      Change %    

General Corporate SG&A expenses

  $ (15.6   $           (11.4     (37   $ (39.1   $ (35.0   (12)   

Asbestos:

                   

Asbestos Adjustments

    35.6        (29.0         39.0        32.5      20    

AICF SG&A Expenses1

    (0.4     (0.5     20        (1.2     (1.3   8    

General Corporate EBIT

  $             19.6      $ (40.9           $ (1.3   $ (3.8   66    

1 Relates to non-claims related operating costs incurred by AICF, which we consolidate into our financial results due to our pecuniary and contractual interests in AICF. Readers are referred to Note 7 of our 31 December 2016 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Asbestos Adjustments

For the quarter, General Corporate SG&A expenses increased US$4.2 million primarily due to higher employee costs driven by an increase in headcount, higher discretionary spending primarily associated with consulting and legal fees and an increase in recognized foreign exchange losses. For the nine months, General Corporate SG&A expenses increased US$4.1 million primarily due to higher employee costs driven by an increase in headcount and higher discretionary spending primarily associated with consulting and legal fees, partially offset by a decrease in recognized foreign exchange losses.

Asbestos adjustments for both periods reflect the non-cash foreign exchange re-measurement impact on asbestos related balance sheet items, driven by the change in the AUD/USD spot exchange rate from the beginning balance sheet date to the ending balance sheet date, for each respective period.

The AUD/USD spot exchange rates are shown in the table below:

 

Q3 FY17   Q3 FY16   9 Months FY17   9 Months FY16

30 September 2016

  0.7628     30 September 2015    0.7017     31 March 2016   0.7657     31 March 2015   0.7636  

31 December 2016

  0.7236     31 December 2015    0.7305     31 December 2016   0.7236     31 December 2015   0.7305  

Change ($)

  (0.0392)    Change ($)    0.0288     Change ($)   (0.0421)    Change ($)   (0.0331) 

Change (%)

  (5%)    Change (%)    4%     Change (%)   (5%)    Change (%)   (4%) 

Readers are referred to Note 7 of our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information on asbestos adjustments.

 

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EBIT

 

The table below summarizes EBIT results as discussed above:

 

US$ Millions   Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December    
         Q3 FY17              Q3 FY16          Change %    

 

    9 Months   
 FY17

   

 

    9 Months   
 FY16

        Change %     

North America Fiber Cement

   $ 75.5       $ 84.4        (11    $ 267.8       $ 266.8      -    

International Fiber Cement

    21.9        16.2        35        71.5        58.4      22    

Other

    (2.1     (2.1     -        (4.7     (6.2   24    

Research & Development

    (6.2     (5.5     (13     (18.3     (17.5   (5)   

General Corporate1

    (15.6     (11.4     (37     (39.1     (35.0   (12)   

Adjusted EBIT

    73.5        81.6        (10     277.2        266.5      4    
                         

Asbestos:

                         

Asbestos adjustments

    35.6        (29.0         39.0        32.5      20    

AICF SG&A expenses

    (0.4     (0.5     20        (1.2     (1.3   8    

EBIT

   $ 108.7       $ 52.1               $       315.0       $       297.7      6    

1 Excludes Asbestos-related expenses and adjustments

Net Interest Expense

 

 

US$ Millions   Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December    
         Q3 FY17              Q3 FY16          Change %    

 

    9 Months   
 FY17

   

 

    9 Months   
 FY16

        Change %     

Gross interest expense

   $ (7.5    $ (7.0     (7    $ (21.4    $ (20.5   (4)   

Capitalized Interest

    0.5        0.7        (29     1.6        2.5      (36)   

Interest income

    -            0.1            0.3        0.3      -    

Realized loss on interest rate swaps

    -            (0.4         -          (1.4      

Net AICF interest expense

    (0.2     (0.1             (0.8     (0.1      

Net interest expense

   $   (7.2    $ (6.7     (7    $       (20.3    $       (19.2   (6)   

Gross interest expense for the quarter and nine months increased US$0.5 million and US$0.9 million, respectively, when compared to the prior corresponding periods, primarily due to the higher outstanding balance of our senior unsecured notes, partially offset by a reduction in the total cost of funding charged under our unsecured revolving credit facility in the current period when compared to the percentage charged under the bilateral credit facilities in the prior corresponding periods. For the nine months, AICF interest expense increased by US$0.7 million when compared to the prior corresponding period, due to an increase in the balance of AICF’s borrowing under its loan facility with the New South Wales Government.

Other Income

 

During the quarter, other income decreased from US$1.9 million in the prior corresponding period to US$1.4 million. The US$0.5 million unfavorable change in other income compared to prior period is driven by an unfavorable movement of US$0.3 million in our net foreign exchange forward contracts.

For the nine months, other income decreased from US$4.0 million in the prior corresponding period to US$1.2 million. The US$2.8 million unfavorable change in other income compared to prior corresponding period is primarily due to the non-recurring US$2.1 million gain on the sale of Australian Pipes business in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and an unfavorable movement of US$1.2 million in our net foreign exchange forward contracts.

 

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Income Tax

 

 

        Three Months and Nine Months Ended  31 December        
         Q3 FY17             Q3 FY16        9 Months 
FY17 
  9 Months  
FY16  
   

Income tax expense (US$ Millions)

  (15.0)    (21.9)    (63.9)    (66.9)   

Effective tax rate (%)

  14.6     46.3     21.6     23.7    
                 

Adjusted income tax expense1 (US$ Millions)

  (15.3)    (21.1)    (64.9)    (66.9)   

Adjusted effective tax rate1 (%)

  22.5     27.4     25.1     26.6    

 

1Adjusted income tax expense represents income tax on net operating profit excluding asbestos adjustments and other tax adjustments

 

Total income tax expense for the quarter and nine months decreased by US$6.9 million and US$3.0 million, respectively, driven primarily by a decrease in the effective tax rate. For the quarter, the decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily caused by a favorable movement in asbestos adjustments of US$35.6 million compared to an unfavorable movement of US$29.0 million in the prior quarter. For the nine months, the decrease in the effective tax rate was driven by a lower proportion of taxable earnings in jurisdictions with higher tax rates, in particular the USA.

Total Adjusted income tax expense for the quarter and nine months decreased by US$5.8 million and US$2.0 million, respectively, when compared to the prior corresponding period. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the adjusted effective tax rate due to a lower proportion of taxable earnings in jurisdictions with higher tax rates, in particular the USA.

Readers are referred to Note 11 of our 31 December 2016 condensed consolidated financial statements for further information related to income tax.

Net Operating Profit

 

 

US$ Millions  

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

   
          Q3 FY17              Q3 FY16             Change %           9 Months    
 FY17
         9 Months    
 FY16
        Change %     

EBIT

   $       108.7       $ 52.1           $ 315.0       $ 297.7      6    
                         

Net interest expense

    (7.2     (6.7     (7     (20.3     (19.2   (6)   

Other income

    1.4        1.9        (26     1.2        4.0      (70)   

Income tax expense

    (15.0     (21.9     32        (63.9     (66.9   4    

Net operating profit

    87.9        25.4                232.0        215.6      8    
                         

Excluding:

                         

Asbestos:

                         

Asbestos adjustments

    (35.6     29.0            (39.0     (32.5   (20)   

AICF SG&A expenses

    0.4        0.5        (20     1.2        1.3      (8)   

AICF interest expense, net

    0.2        0.1            0.8        0.1         

Asbestos and other tax adjustments

    (0.3     0.8            (1.0     -         

Adjusted net operating profit

  $ 52.6      $ 55.8        (6   $ 194.0      $ 184.5      5    
                         

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (US cents)

    12        12                44        41         

 

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Adjusted net operating profit of US$52.6 million for the quarter decreased US$3.2 million, or 6%, compared to the prior corresponding period, primarily due to the underlying performance of the operating business units, as reflected in the US$8.1 million decrease in Adjusted EBIT, partially offset by a decrease in Adjusted income tax expense of US$5.8 million.

Adjusted net operating profit of US$194.0 million for the nine months increased US$9.5 million, or 5%, compared to the prior corresponding period, primarily due to the underlying performance of the operating business units as reflected in the US$10.7 million increase in Adjusted EBIT and a decrease in Adjusted income tax expense of US$2.0 million.

 

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Cash Flow

 

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased US$65.3 million to US$265.8 million. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by a favorable change in working capital of US$60.3 million and a US$30.1 million increase in net income adjusted for non-cash items, partially offset by a higher payment to AICF of US$28.3 million. The favorable change in working capital was primarily due to normal variations in accounts receivable and accounts payable as the result of the timing of collections and payments between periods.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities increased US$15.4 million to US$60.1 million. The change in net cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by the US$10.4 million in proceeds from the sale of the Blandon facility and the Australian Pipes business in the prior year, compared to nil in the current year. There was also an increase in the purchase of property, plant and equipment of US$6.4 million compared to the prior corresponding period.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities increased US$103.4 million to US$231.2 million. The increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily driven by a US$102.7 million decrease in net proceeds from borrowings and notes, and a US$77.5 million increase in the repurchase of shares of common stock under the share buyback program. This was partially offset by a US$76.6 million decrease in dividends paid compared to the prior corresponding period.

Capacity Expansion

 

We continually evaluate the performance of the US housing market, and as a result, to ensure we meet demand and achieve our targeted service levels, we have accelerated the start-up and commissioning of several lines across our US network. During the third quarter we:

   

Commissioned the 3rd sheet machine at our Cleburne facility which continues to start up as planned;

   

Continued the start-up of the 3rd sheet machine at our Plant City facility and began recommissioning a 4th sheet machine at that facility;

   

Continued work to restart our Summerville facility which is on track to be commissioned in early fiscal year 2018;

   

and continued to start-up both sheet machines at our Fontana facility

Additionally, today we announced a US$121.5 million greenfield expansion project on land adjacent to our existing Tacoma facility, with planning and design to begin immediately, and commissioning of the new plant expected in the second half of fiscal year 2019.

In our International Fiber Cement segment, we are adding additional capacity in the Philippines with an estimated total cost of PHP550 million (equivalent to US$11.1 million utilizing the exchange rate on 31 December 2016) expected to be completed in the first half of fiscal year 2018.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Allocation

 

Our cash position decreased from US$107.1 million at 31 March 2016 to US$88.1 million at 31 December 2016.

At 31 December 2016, the Company held two forms of debt; an unsecured revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes. The effective weighted average interest rate on the Company’s total debt was 5.1% and 4.5% at 31 December 2016 and 31 March 2016, respectively. The weighted average term of all debt, including undrawn facilities, was 4.9 years and 5.6 years at 31 December 2016 and 31 March 2016, respectively.

At 31 December 2016, the Company had US$500.0 million available in an unsecured revolving credit facility. At 31 December 2016, a total of US$110.0 million was drawn from the unsecured revolving facility, compared to US$190.0 million at 31 March 2016. The unsecured revolving facility expires in December 2020 and the size of the facility may be increased by up to US$250.0 million.

Based on our existing cash balances, together with anticipated operating cash flows arising during the year and unutilized committed credit facilities, we anticipate that we will have sufficient funds to meet our planned working capital and other expected cash requirements for the next twelve months.

We have historically met our working capital needs and capital expenditure requirements from a combination of cash flow from operations and credit facilities. Seasonal fluctuations in working capital generally have not had a significant impact on our short or long term liquidity.

Capital Management and Dividends

 

The following table summarizes the dividends declared or paid in respect of fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017:

 

      US$ Millions  

US Cents/ 

Security

  US$ Total 
Amount
 

Announcement   

Date   

   Record Date      Payment Date      
 

FY 2017 first half dividend1

  0.10   44.1         17 November 2016      21 December 2016      24 February 2017        
 

FY 2016 second half dividend

  0.29   130.2        19 May 2016      9 June 2016      5 August 2016    
 

FY 2016 first half dividend

  0.09   39.7        19 November 2015      23 December 2015      26 February 2016    
 

FY 2015 special dividend

  0.22   92.8        21 May 2015      11 June 2015      7 August 2015    
 

FY 2015 second half dividend

  0.27   114.0        21 May 2015      11 June 2015      7 August 2015    
 

FY 2015 first half dividend

  0.08   34.2        19 November 2014      23 December 2014      27 February 2015    
 

FY 2014 special dividend

  0.20   89.0        22 May 2014      12 June 2014      8 August 2014    
 

FY 2014 second half dividend

  0.32   142.3        22 May 2014      12 June 2014      8 August 2014    
 

125 year anniversary special dividend  

  0.28   124.6        28 February 2014      21 March 2014      30 May 2014    

1 The FY2017 first half dividend total amount of US$44.1 million represents the value of the dividend declared. Any difference between the amount declared and the amount payable per the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets is due to unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss associated with the change in the dividend liability between the record date and the balance sheet date

Share Buyback

On 19 May 2016, the Company announced a new share buyback program (the “fiscal 2017 program”) to acquire up to US$100.0 million of its issued capital in the twelve months through May 2017. Under this program, the Company repurchased and cancelled 6,090,133 shares of its common stock during the second quarter of fiscal year 2017. The aggregate cost of the shares repurchased and cancelled was A$131.4 million (US$99.8 million), at an average market price of A$21.58 (US$16.40).

 

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We will continue to review our capital structure and capital allocation objectives and expect the following prioritization to remain:

 

   

invest in R&D and capacity expansion to support organic growth;

   

provide ordinary dividend payments within the payout ratio of 50-70% of net operating profit, excluding asbestos;

   

maintain flexibility for accretive and strategic inorganic growth and/or flexibility to manage through market cycles; and

   

consider other shareholder returns when appropriate.

Other Asbestos Information

 

Claims Data

 

     Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December
     Q3 FY17          Q3 FY16          Change %      9 Months  
FY17  
     9 Months  
FY16
    Change %  

Claims received

     143         159         10        428         455     

Actuarial estimate for the period

     156         165         5        469         494     

Difference in claims received to actuarial estimate

     13         6                 41         39     
                           

Average claim settlement1 (A$)

     195,000         275,000         29        215,000         239,000      10 

Actuarial estimate for the period2

     327,000         302,000         (8     327,000         302,000      (8)

Difference in claims paid to actuarial estimate

     132,000         27,000                 112,000         63,000      78 

1 Average claim settlement is derived as the total amount paid divided by the number of non-nil claim settlements

2 This actuarial estimate is a function of the assumed experience by disease type and and the relative mix of settlements assumed by disease type. Any variances in the assumed mix of settlements by disease type will have an impact on the average claim settlement experience

For the quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2016, we noted the following related to asbestos-related claims:

 

   

Claims received during the current quarter and nine months were 8% and 9% below actuarial estimates, respectively;

   

Claims received during the current quarter and nine months were 10% and 6% lower than prior corresponding periods, respectively;

   

Mesothelioma claims reported for the nine months are 6% below actuarial expectations and are 11% below the prior corresponding period;

   

The average claim settlement for both the quarter and nine months is lower by 40% and 34%, respectively, versus actuarial estimates;

   

Average claim settlement sizes are lower for most disease types, including for mesothelioma and asbestosis, compared to actuarial expectations for fiscal year 2017; and

   

The decrease in average claim settlement for the nine months versus actuarial estimates is largely attributable to lower average claim sizes for non-large mesothelioma claims together with a lower number of large mesothelioma claims being settled compared to the prior corresponding period.

 

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AICF Funding

On 1 July 2016, we made a payment of A$120.7 million (US$91.1 million) to AICF, representing 35% of our free cash flow for fiscal year 2016. Free cash flow, as defined in the AFFA, was equivalent to our fiscal year 2016 operating cash flows of US$260.4 million.

From the time AICF was established in February 2007 through 1 July 2016, we have contributed approximately A$919.9 million to the fund.

Readers are referred to Note 7 of our 31 December 2016 condensed consolidated financial statements for further information on asbestos.

 

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Non-financial Terms

 

AFFA Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement.

AICFAsbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Ltd.

 

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Financial Measures – US GAAP equivalents

 

This document contains financial statement line item descriptions that are considered to be non-US GAAP, but are consistent with those used by Australian companies. Because we prepare our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under US GAAP, the following table cross-references each non-US GAAP line item description, as used in Management’s Analysis of Results and Media Release, to the equivalent US GAAP financial statement line item description used in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

Management’s Analysis of Results and

Media Release

  

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(US GAAP)

Net sales

  

 

Net sales

Cost of goods sold

  

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

  

Gross profit

   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

  

Research and development expenses

Asbestos adjustments

  

Asbestos adjustments

EBIT*

  

Operating income (loss)

   

Net interest income (expense)*

  

Sum of interest expense and interest income

Other income (expense)

  

Other income (expense)

Operating profit (loss) before income taxes*

  

Income (loss) before income taxes

   

Income tax (expense) benefit

  

Income tax (expense) benefit

   

Net operating profit (loss)*

  

Net income (loss)

 

*- Represents non-US GAAP descriptions used by Australian companies.

EBIT – Earnings before interest and tax.

EBIT margin – EBIT margin is defined as EBIT as a percentage of net sales.

Sales Volume

mmsf – million square feet, where a square foot is defined as a standard square foot of 5/16” thickness.

msf – thousand square feet, where a square foot is defined as a standard square foot of 5/16” thickness.

 

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This Management’s Analysis of Results includes certain financial information to supplement the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). These financial measures are designed to provide investors with an alternative method for assessing our performance from on-going operations, capital efficiency and profit generation. Management uses these financial measure for the same purposes. These financial measures include:

 

   

Adjusted EBIT;

   

Adjusted EBIT margin;

   

Adjusted net operating profit;

   

Adjusted diluted earnings per share;

   

Adjusted operating profit before income taxes;

   

Adjusted income tax expense;

   

Adjusted effective tax rate;

   

Adjusted EBITDA; and

   

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (“Adjusted SG&A”).

These financial measures are or may be non-US GAAP financial measures as defined in the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and may exclude or include amounts that are included or excluded, as applicable, in the calculation of the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with US GAAP. These financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable US GAAP financial measures and should be read only in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP. In evaluating these financial measures, investors should note that other companies reporting or describing similarly titled financial measures may calculate them differently and investors should exercise caution in comparing the Company’s financial measures to similar titled measures by other companies.

 

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Financial Measures – US GAAP equivalents

 

Adjusted EBIT

 

           US$ Millions  

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

 

   
       

 

    Q3 FY17     

 

 

    Q3 FY16     

 

 

9 Months FY17 

 

 

9 Months FY16 

 

          
 

EBIT

  $                108.7    $                  52.1    $               315.0    $               297.7   
 

Asbestos:

                 
 

Asbestos adjustments

  (35.6)   29.0    (39.0)   (32.5)  
 

AICF SG&A expenses

  0.4    0.5    1.2    1.3   
 

Adjusted EBIT

  $                  73.5    $                  81.6    $               277.2    $               266.5   
 

Net sales

  453.8    413.9    1,427.3    1,292.4   
 

Adjusted EBIT margin

  16.2%   19.7%   19.4%   20.6%  

Adjusted Net Operating Profit

 

       
    US$ Millions  

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

   
       

 

    Q3 FY17     

 

 

    Q3 FY16     

 

 

9 Months FY17 

 

 

9 Months FY16 

 

   
 

Net operating profit

  $                  87.9    $                  25.4    $               232.0    $               215.6   
 

Asbestos:

                 
 

Asbestos adjustments

  (35.6)   29.0    (39.0)   (32.5)  
 

AICF SG&A expenses

  0.4    0.5    1.2    1.3   
 

AICF interest expense, net

  0.2    0.1    0.8    0.1   
 

Asbestos and other tax adjustments

  (0.3)   0.8    (1.0)    
 

Adjusted net operating profit

  $                  52.6    $                   55.8    $               194.0    $               184.5   

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

 

         
       

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

 

   
       

 

    Q3 FY17     

 

 

    Q3 FY16     

 

 

9 Months FY17 

 

 

9 Months FY16 

 

   
 

Adjusted net operating profit (US$ millions)

  $                  52.6    $                  55.8    $               194.0    $               184.5   
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted (millions)

  441.6    447.1    444.8    447.3   
 

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (US cents)

  12    12    44    41   

 

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Adjusted effective tax rate

 

    US$ Millions  

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

 

   
       

 

     Q3 FY17     

 

 

     Q3 FY16     

 

 

9 Months FY17 

 

 

9 Months FY16 

 

          

        

 

Operating profit before income taxes

  $                    102.9    $                      47.3    $               295.9    $               282.5   
 

Asbestos:

                 
 

Asbestos adjustments

  (35.6)   29.0    (39.0)   (32.5)  
 

AICF SG&A expenses

  0.4    0.5    1.2    1.3   
 

AICF interest expense, net

  0.2    0.1    0.8    0.1   
 

Adjusted operating profit before income taxes

  $                       67.9    $                       76.9    $               258.9    $               251.4   
                   
 

Income tax expense

  $                     (15.0)   $                     (21.9)   $                (63.9)   $                (66.9)  
 

Asbestos and other tax adjustments

  (0.3)   0.8    (1.0)  

 
 

Adjusted income tax expense

  $                      (15.3)   $                      (21.1)   $                (64.9)   $                (66.9)  
 

Effective tax rate

  14.6%    46.3%    21.6%    23.7%   
 

Adjusted effective tax rate

  22.5%   27.4%   25.1%   26.6%  

Adjusted EBITDA

 

    US$ Millions  

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

 

            
       

 

     Q3 FY17     

 

 

     Q3 FY16     

 

 

9 Months FY17 

 

 

9 Months FY16 

 

     

        

 

EBIT

  $                   108.7    $                     52.1    $             315.0    $             297.7   
 

Depreciation and amortization

  22.6    19.3    62.5    55.1   
 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $                    131.3    $                      71.4    $             377.5    $             352.8   

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (“Adjusted SG&A”)

 

    US$ Millions  

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended 31 December

 

     
       

 

     Q3 FY17      

 

 

     Q3 FY16      

 

 

9 Months FY17 

 

 

9 Months FY16 

 

            

        

 

SG&A expenses

  $                      74.6    $                           61.4    $               215.7    $               185.5   
 

Excluding:

                 
 

AICF SG&A expenses

  (0.4)   (0.5)   (1.2)   (1.3)  
 

Adjusted SG&A expenses

  $                      74.2    $                           60.9    $               214.5    $               184.2   
 

Net Sales

  $                     453.8    $                         413.9    $            1,427.3    $            1,292.4   
 

SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales

  16.4%    14.8%   15.1%   14.4%  
 

Adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales

 

16.4%

 

14.7%

 

15.0%

 

14.3%

 

 

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As set forth in Note 7 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the net AFFA liability, while recurring, is based on periodic actuarial determinations, claims experience and currency fluctuations. The company’s management measures its financial position, operating performance and year-over-year changes in operating results with and without the effect of the net AFFA liability. Accordingly, management believes that the following non-GAAP information is useful to it and investors in evaluating the company’s financial position and ongoing operating financial performance. The following non-GAAP table should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes contained therein.

James Hardie Industries plc

Supplementary Financial Information

31 December 2016

(Unaudited)

 

               US$ Millions    Total Fiber
Cement –
Excluding
Asbestos
Compensation
   Asbestos
Compensation
   As Reported
(US GAAP)
          
 

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents – Asbestos

  

 

$                  - 

  

 

$              24.3 

  

 

$            24.3 

 
 

Insurance receivable – Asbestos¹

      145.2     145.2   
 

Workers compensation asset – Asbestos¹

      48.2     48.2   
 

Deferred income taxes – Asbestos¹

      352.3     352.3   
     
 

Asbestos liability¹

   $                  -     $         1,163.3     $       1,163.3   
 

Workers compensation liability – Asbestos¹

      48.2     48.2   
 

Income taxes payable

   17.7     (12.0)     5.7   
     
 

Asbestos adjustments

   $                  -     $              39.0     $            39.0   
 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (214.5)     (1.2)     (215.7)   
 

Net interest expense

   (19.5)     (0.8)     (20.3)   
 

Income tax expense

  

(64.0) 

 

  

0.1 

 

  

(63.9) 

 

 

 

           

 

 

¹ The amounts shown on these lines are a summation of both the current and non-current portion of the respective asset or liability as presented on our consolidated balance sheets

 

 

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This Management’s Analysis of Results contains forward-looking statements. James Hardie Industries plc (the “company”) may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, on Forms 20-F and 6-K, in its annual reports to shareholders, in offering circulars, invitation memoranda and prospectuses, in media releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by the company’s officers, directors or employees to analysts, institutional investors, existing and potential lenders, representatives of the media and others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and such forward-looking statements are statements made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Examples of forward-looking statements include:

 

 

statements about the company’s future performance;

 

projections of the company’s results of operations or financial condition;

 

 

statements regarding the company’s plans, objectives or goals, including those relating to strategies, initiatives, competition, acquisitions, dispositions and/or its products;

 

 

expectations concerning the costs associated with the suspension or closure of operations at any of the company’s plants and future plans with respect to any such plants;

 

 

expectations concerning the costs associated with the significant capital expenditure projects at any of the company’s plants and future plans with respect to any such projects;

 

expectations regarding the extension or renewal of the company’s credit facilities including changes to terms, covenants or ratios;

 

expectations concerning dividend payments and share buy-backs;

 

statements concerning the company’s corporate and tax domiciles and structures and potential changes to them, including potential tax charges;

 

statements regarding tax liabilities and related audits, reviews and proceedings;

 

 

expectations about the timing and amount of contributions to Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF), a special purpose fund for the compensation of proven Australian asbestos-related personal injury and death claims;

 

expectations concerning the adequacy of the company’s warranty provisions and estimates for future warranty-related costs;

 

 

statements regarding the company’s ability to manage legal and regulatory matters (including but not limited to product liability, environmental, intellectual property and competition law matters) and to resolve any such pending legal and regulatory matters within current estimates and in anticipation of certain third-party recoveries; and

 

 

statements about economic conditions, such as changes in the US economic or housing recovery or changes in the market conditions in the Asia Pacific region, the levels of new home construction and home renovations, unemployment levels, changes in consumer income, changes or stability in housing values, the availability of mortgages and other financing, mortgage and other interest rates, housing affordability and supply, the levels of foreclosures and home resales, currency exchange rates, and builder and consumer confidence.

Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “target,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “forecast,” “guideline,” “aim,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “continue,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and all such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on the company’s current expectations, estimates and assumptions and because forward-looking statements address future results, events and conditions, they, by their very nature, involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond the company’s control. Such known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results, performance or other achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed, projected or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors, some of which are discussed under “Risk Factors” in Section 3 of the Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 19 May 2016, include, but are not limited to: all matters relating to or arising out of the prior manufacture of products that contained asbestos by current and former company subsidiaries; required contributions to AICF, any shortfall in AICF and the effect of currency exchange rate movements on the amount recorded in the company’s financial statements as an asbestos liability; governmental loan facility to AICF; compliance with and changes in tax laws and treatments; competition and product pricing in the markets in which the company operates; the consequences of product failures or defects; exposure to environmental, asbestos, putative consumer class action or other legal proceedings; general economic and market conditions; the supply and cost of raw materials; possible increases in competition and the potential that competitors could copy the company’s products; reliance on a small number of customers; a customer’s inability to pay; compliance with and changes in environmental and health and safety laws; risks of conducting business internationally; compliance with and changes in laws and regulations; currency exchange risks; dependence on customer preference and the concentration of the company’s customer base on large format retail customers, distributors and dealers; dependence on residential and commercial construction markets; the effect of adverse changes in climate or weather patterns; possible inability to renew credit facilities on terms favorable to the company, or at all; acquisition or sale of businesses and business segments; changes in the company’s key management personnel; inherent limitations on internal controls; use of accounting estimates; and all other risks identified in the company’s reports filed with Australian, Irish and US securities regulatory agencies and exchanges (as appropriate). The company cautions you that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and that other risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those referenced in the company’s forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are statements of the company’s current expectations concerning future results, events and conditions. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law.

 

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