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James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX:JHX)

ALERT: Price-sensitive ASX Announcement for JHX
Current share price for JHX : $41.990 -0.81 (-1.89%)+
Announcement
Release
21 Aug 2026 7:48AM
Price at Release
$42.800
Full Release
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Summary
James Hardie Industries plc announced the strategic divestiture of its European operations, including selling its Fermacell business to Holcim for €840 million. The sale is part of a broader strategy to focus on high-growth regions and is expected to strengthen James Hardie's financial position by accelerating debt repayment and enhancing shareholder returns. The divestiture will also improve the company's margin profile and return on invested capital. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close in the first half of 2027.
Key Points
  • James Hardie announced the strategic divestiture of its European operations, including the sale of Fermacell to Holcim for €840 million.
  • The transaction is expected to accelerate deleveraging, support capital return to shareholders, and improve margin profile and ROIC.
  • James Hardie plans to close its European fiber cement business to focus on core growth regions.
  • The divestiture aligns with the company's long-term growth strategy.
  • The transaction will be accretive to margin profile and ROIC post-close.
  • Proceeds will be used to repay approximately $600 million in debt.
  • The divestiture aims to strengthen James Hardie's balance sheet and deliver value for shareholders.
  • Holcim will continue to run Fermacell with Christian Claus leading the business.
  • The transaction includes customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2027.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is autogenerated and has not been reviewed for accuracy or completeness. You should refer to the full announcement here for further information.