James Hardie ($JHX) fell nearly 35% after the building-materials maker reported softer U.S. demand, citing a slowdown in single-family construction—particularly in the South—alongside a year-over-year decline in profit and net sales.
Key facts:
- Largest single-day drop in decades for JHX shares, per market data.
- Fiscal Q1 profit declined ~28% year over year.
- Net sales fell ~9% year over year.
- Management flagged homeowner reluctance to undertake big projects.
- CEO Aaron Erter described “uncertainty” in conversations with customers and contractors.
- Weakness concentrated in U.S. single-family activity, especially in the South.
Relevant Companies
- James Hardie ($JHX): Direct exposure to U.S. housing demand and renovation activity.
- Louisiana-Pacific ($LPX): Peer in siding/engineered wood; demand tied to single-family starts.
- Eagle Materials ($EXP): U.S. building-materials supplier with residential construction sensitivity.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
