Australia: James Hardie's adjusted net operating profit for the second quarter of its 2016 fiscal year, which ended on 30 September 2015, was flat at US$65.3m and up by 12% for the first half of the year to US$129m. The quarterly result was affected by a higher adjusted income tax expense and higher gross interest expense offsetting the favourable operating performance. Half year sales were up by 2% to US$879m.

CEO Louis Gries said that all business units had performed well, driven in particular by its USA plants and lower input and freight costs. He said that primary demand growth in its USA business had again tracked below its targeted level. The company will focus on lifting its USA primary demand growth rate back up over the next several quarters.

The company expects its USA and Europe fibre cement segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin to be towards the higher end of its stated targeted range of 20 - 25% for its full 2016 fiscal year.

In other news, James Hardie has re-opened its Queensland, Australia fibre cement manufacturing facility following a US$64m expansion. It said that the expansion of Carole Park, near Brisbane, will boost Australian capacity by 40% to meet strong domestic demand. "At a time of decreasing investment in manufacturing in Australia, James Hardie's US$64m investment in this new facility reflects our confidence in our Australian business, the future of manufacturing in this country and the underlying economy of Australia," said Gries.