James Hardie Reports First Quarter FY27 Results; Raises FY27 Outlook

First Quarter Highlights

Net Sales of $1.475 Billion, an Increase of 64% Year Over Year; Pro Forma Net Sales Increased 12%, Exceeding Original Guidance

Siding & Trim Net Sales of $860 Million; North American Fiber Cement Up 20% Organically

Net Income of $104 Million; Adjusted EBITDA of $422 Million, Exceeding Original Guidance

Cost Synergies Ahead of Schedule; Revenue Synergies On Track

FY27 Outlook

Raising Full-Year Outlook

Targeting Pro Forma Sales Growth of 5.9% to 9.0% and Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Growth of 7.4% to 13.7% for full year FY27; Organic Growth Expected in Siding & Trim for remainder of the year

FY27 Free Cash Flow Target of $500+ Million Reaffirmed, Reflecting an Increase of More than $200 Million Year Over Year

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE / ASX : JHX) ("James Hardie" or the "Company"), a leading provider of exterior home and outdoor living solutions, today announced results for its first quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Beginning in the first quarter FY27, the Company revised the definitions of certain non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, to exclude share-based compensation costs. The Company believes that this provides greater transparency into the underlying operating performance of the business and enhances comparability with peers. This presentation affects only how we calculate non-GAAP measures, each of which is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measure in the accompanying tables, where the share-based compensation adjustment is shown separately. Such non-GAAP financial measures for prior periods presented herein have been recast to reflect this change.

Aaron Erter, CEO of James Hardie, said, "In the first quarter, we delivered sales and adjusted EBITDA ahead of our original guidance. The above-market performance was driven primarily by strong double-digit sell-through in Siding & Trim, reflecting the success of our growth initiatives, underlying demand for our products, and lapping an inventory reduction from a year ago. Deck, Rail & Accessories delivered near double-digit sell-through alongside continued channel inventory normalization. In addition, Europe and Australia & New Zealand both experienced double-digit revenue growth."

Mr. Erter added, "We are encouraged by the traction from our sales initiatives to grow the fiber cement business, continued material conversion in decking, and positive contributions from both sales and cost synergies. Our commercial synergy momentum continues to build, highlighted by our recently announced expanded nationwide partnerships with Boise Cascade and major regional distributors."

Mr. Erter concluded, "Our strong first-quarter results reflect disciplined execution and continued above-market growth, rather than a meaningful improvement in the underlying U.S. housing market. We are not assuming a housing market improvement, but our performance and growth expectations support raising our full-year outlook. We remain firmly committed to our fiscal 2027 priorities: returning fiber cement to growth, outperforming the market, expanding Adjusted EBITDA, achieving cost and revenue synergies, and driving a meaningful step-up in free cash flow to support continued deleveraging. We look forward to sharing more on our long-term strategy and value creation opportunities at our Investor Day in New York City in September."

Siding & Trim net sales increased 34% compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2025, driven by low-double-digit volume increase in Fiber Cement, strong price/mix realization, and the contribution from AZEK Exteriors not in the prior period. On an organic basis, net sales increased 20%, led by a return to volume growth in North American fiber cement and traction from our strategic growth initiatives.

Exterior product volumes increased mid-double digits in the quarter, with both Single-Family and Multi-Family growing double digits. Interior products, a small portion of the segment, declined low-double digits. Growth was driven by share gains against vinyl and other competitive materials, strategic initiatives such as ColorPlus® and our Expanded Statement™ program, and greater resilience in the higher-end repair and remodel and multi-family markets. Because the Company's shipments track more closely to home completions than to starts, single-family completions performing better than starts supported volumes even as forward-looking indicators remained soft.

Year-over-year volume comparisons also benefited from an easier prior-year comparison, as channel inventory was reduced in the first quarter of fiscal 2026; with inventory now at normalized levels and ordering patterns stabilized, sell-in recovered in the quarter. The Company expects this comparison benefit to moderate over the balance of the year.

First quarter reported operating income margin of 25.0% which was approximately flat year-over-year, as favorable net price and operating leverage were offset by AZEK acquisition-related expenses and the amortization of acquired AZEK intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA margin, which excludes these items, increased 140 basis points year-over-year to 33.5%, driven primarily by favorable net price realization, favorable raw material costs and continued cost savings from the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System, partially offset by higher freight costs. Higher volumes provided operating leverage on the segment's fixed cost base, and disciplined SG&A management contributed further.

As organic volumes continue to recover, the Company expects to benefit from strong incremental margins driven by the deployment of the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System and improved manufacturing utilization across the network.

DR&A net sales decreased 5% on a proforma basis compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The volume decline reflected the planned reduction in production and shipments the Company implemented late in the prior quarter to align channel inventory with end-market demand, rather than any weakening in the underlying category. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 27.1%.

Underlying demand remained healthy and improved through the quarter, with total sell-through approaching double digit growth. Sell-through accelerated each month and outpaced shipments, bringing channel inventory down to more normalized levels and positioning the segment well for the balance of the year. Retail sell-through was particularly strong, supported by solid consumer demand as well as incremental shelf space across the combined platform.

The runway for margin improvement in DR&A is supported by cost synergies, continued progress in recycled material usage and formulation optimization, improved utilization across the manufacturing network, and the application of the Hardie Operating System ("HOS"). As production normalizes with channel demand, the Company expects manufacturing absorption to improve.

The Company continues to execute its proven growth strategy focused on material conversion from wood, share gains, and product innovation. James Hardie's combination with AZEK continues to support growth through expanded distribution, incremental shelf space, and a more comprehensive exterior solutions offering.

Net sales increased +26% in the quarter, or 14% in Australian dollars, driven by low double digit volume growth and a FX tailwind in the period. Volume growth reflected a combination of gradual improvement in the Australian housing market, ongoing share gains, continued conversion and new builder wins. EBITDA margin of 34.9% decreased 50 basis points in the quarter as strong flow-through on higher volumes was offset by the margin diluting effect of the fuel levy, which is passed through at cost, and the allocation of certain R&D expenses that were not allocated to the segment in the prior period.

The Company is focused on driving growth in Australia and New Zealand by evolving from a fiber cement business to a broader building products platform. The strategy centers on defending and extending our core fiber cement operations while accelerating adoption of whole-home solutions, including Hardie™ Gravis™, to better align with changing customer preferences and modern building design trends. While first-quarter macro conditions were relatively favorable, the Company is not assuming a market recovery and remains focused on operational execution, including advanced manufacturing initiatives and HOS productivity improvements to support margin performance and consistent profitability.

Net sales increased 15% in the quarter, or 12% in Euros, driven by high-single digit volume growth in Fiber Gypsum, strong price realization, and a favorable FX tailwind. Operating Income Margin of 12.9% increased 180 basis points year over year. EBITDA margin of 19.4% increased 340 basis points year-over-year.

Margin expansion was driven by operating leverage on higher volumes, favorable pricing, and continued cost savings from HOS, which more than offset higher freight costs stemming from elevated diesel prices in the current global environment. SG&A spending was held relatively flat despite higher sales, driving improved operating leverage.

Market conditions across Europe, particularly in Germany, the Company's largest market, remain challenged, with ongoing inflationary pressure on raw materials, energy, and freight. Against this backdrop, the Company remains focused on improving the profitability of its core fiber gypsum business through product innovation and continued optimization of its operating network.

We are prioritizing our higher-margin, innovation-led product portfolio, including flooring systems and underfloor heating solutions, which continues to deliver strong growth and attractive returns. We also see an opportunity to expand in adjacent applications, including fire protection and prefabricated construction, where our differentiated product performance and sustainability advantages support continued share gains. Margin expansion is expected to be driven by operating leverage from sales growth, alongside ongoing efficiency initiatives, including manufacturing optimization, logistics improvements and HOS productivity actions.

Q2 FY27 Guidance and Full Year Planning Assumptions

Ryan Lada, CFO said, “Our first quarter results came in ahead of expectations, and that outperformance was driven through synergy realization, our enhanced go-to-market model, and the manufacturing cost actions we took in FY26, not a shift in the underlying housing market. We’re raising our full-year guidance to reflect that execution, while continuing to plan conservatively on the macro environment.

In Siding & Trim, channel inventories are normalized and the prior-year destocking comparison is now largely behind us; we expect organic growth from repair and remodel expansion, improved mix, and commercial synergies. In Deck, Rail & Accessories, we expect above-market performance for the full year, supported by the sell-through strength we saw in the quarter as production aligns with demand. At the total company level, we expect earnings growth driven by synergy realization, manufacturing cost improvements, and disciplined execution, with Free Cash Flow improving meaningfully as most FY26 integration and acquisition-related costs roll off.”

We provide certain of our outlook on a non-GAAP basis, as we cannot predict some elements that are included in reported GAAP results, including the impact of actuarial estimates on asbestos-related assets and liabilities in future periods. Refer to the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures below for more details.

Updated Full Year Planning Assumptions:

• Net Sales for Siding & Trim: $3.226 to $3.314 billion
• Net Sales for Deck, Rail & Accessories: $1.210 to $1.240 billion
• Total Net Sales: $5.564 to $5.723 billion
• Adjusted EBITDA for Siding & Trim: $1.045 to $1.106 billion
• Adjusted EBITDA for Deck, Rail & Accessories: $339 to $357 million
• Total Adjusted EBITDA: $1.536 to $1.625 billion
• Free Cash Flow: At Least $500 million

Second Quarter Guidance Assumptions:

Both segments enter the second quarter with normalized channel inventory and improving visibility.

• Net Sales for Siding & Trim: $835 to $875 million
• Net Sales for Deck, Rail & Accessories: $365 to $395 million
• Total Net Sales: $1.485 to $1.575 billion
• Adjusted EBITDA for Siding & Trim: $259 to $289 million
• Adjusted EBITDA for Deck, Rail & Accessories: $116 to $128 million
• Total Adjusted EBITDA: $420 to $455 million

Note: All planning assumptions include a full-year contribution from the AZEK acquisition. Free cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment plus proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment.

First Quarter operating cash flow totaled $344.0 million, up from $206.9 million a year ago, driven by net income adjusted for non-cash items of $336.9 million and a $71.2 million working capital inflow, partially offset by $33.1 million of asbestos claims and handling costs paid. Capital expenditures totaled $89.8 million, resulting in Free Cash Flow of $254.2 million for the quarter, more than double the prior year.

Our capital allocation priorities for FY2027 are unchanged and remain sequenced: invest in organic growth, deploy capital with discipline, and reduce leverage. We are targeting less than 2.0x net leverage by the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2028.

For the remainder of FY2027, we expect capital expenditures to be in the range of approximately 6% to 7% of net sales, reflecting maintenance and targeted growth investments across the manufacturing network. Our footprint today is well positioned to support demand across both fiber cement and decking, and we do not anticipate the need for significant new capacity in the near term.

The previously announced closures of our Fontana, California and Summerville, South Carolina facilities are expected to generate approximately $25 million in annualized cost savings for Fiscal Year 2027.

Readers are referred to Part 1. Item 1. Financial Statements and Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 for additional information regarding the Company’s results.

All comparisons made are vs. the comparable period in the prior fiscal year and amounts presented are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.

James Hardie will hold a conference call to discuss results and outlook Thursday August 6, 2026 at 6:00pm EDT (Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00am AEST). Participants may register for a live webcast and access a replay following the event of the event on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (ir.jameshardie.com).

James Hardie will host its Investor Day in New York City on September 15, 2026. The event will offer investors the opportunity to hear directly from key leaders across the business and gain deeper insight into our long-term strategy and value creation. Registration invitations have been distributed.

James Hardie Industries plc is 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. Products offered by James Hardie are engineered for beauty, durability, and climate resilience, and include trusted brands like Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell® and StruXure®. With a global footprint, the James Hardie portfolio is marketed and sold throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

James Hardie Industries plc is incorporated and existing under the laws of Ireland. As an Irish plc, James Hardie is governed by the Irish Companies Act. James Hardie’s principal executive offices are located at 1st Floor, Block A, One Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 FD79, Ireland.

This Earnings Release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are not statements of historical fact, contain estimates, assumptions, projections and/or expectations regarding future events, which may or may not occur.

Investor and Media Contact
Bill Seymour
V.P. Investor Relations
T: +1 312 856 7460
E: investors@jameshardie.com