James Hardie half year (ended 30 September 2016) earnings show net operating profit of US$141m, an increase of 10% on the same time last year. Group Adjusted EBIT for the half US$204 million, also up 10% on last year.
The James Hardie earnings update supports our view that JHX remains well positioned to benefit from the ongoing recovery in US housing construction.
Overnight, US housing Starts data was released. On an annualised basis, October data showed 1.3m in October compared to expectations of 1.1m. Building Permits annualised 1.23 in October compared to expectations for 1.2m
FY17 revenue US$2b, EBITDA US$470m, EPS US$0.60 and DPS $0.44, placing the stock on a forward yield of 3%. We expect EPS growth of 10%+ in to FY17 and FY18.
Our algorithm engines triggered a buy signal earlier this week.