James Hardie Earnings On Deck – What To Expect From JHX

James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX), a leading manufacturer of fiber cement building products, is set to release its fiscal first-quarter 2026 earnings report today after market close. Markets are bracing for the update, eager to gauge the company’s performance amid a complex economic landscape marked by fluctuating housing markets and inflationary pressures. 

Heading into the earnings print, JHX is trading at $28.50, down 1.44% on the day, with broader markets lower. Since the turn of the year, the stock is down 6.95%, with the trend continuing on the 12 month, with a loss of 16.85% on the period.

Analysts' expectations for the quarter appear cautiously optimistic. William Blair analyst R. Merkel recently revised the Q1 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimate downward to $0.35 from $0.36. While this represents a slight decrease, the firm maintains an “Outperform” rating on the stock, indicating a belief in James Hardie's long-term potential. This is the high estimate on the street, with the average EPS estimate sitting at $0.29.

Revenue is expected to have slowed 3.34% to $958.74million on the quarter compared to the same period Y/Y.

Looking to previous reports for clues, for Q4 FY25, James Hardie reported shipping 741 million standard feet in North America. While volumes of exterior products saw a slight increase, interior products experienced a mid-single-digit decline. The average selling price (ASP) rose by 1% year-over-year, primarily driven by the annual price increase implemented in January 2025. However, the EBIT margin declined by 350 basis points to 28.2%, impacted by increased depreciation and amortization expenses.

Despite these challenges, James Hardie achieved its full-year fiscal 2025 guidance targets, demonstrating resilience in a tough market. The North America Fiber Cement segment delivered an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 35%, showcasing effective cost control and operational efficiencies. The company's strategic acquisition of The AZEK Company is also expected to accelerate growth and broaden its product offerings, further solidifying its market position.

The forthcoming earnings release will provide critical insights into James Hardie Industries' financial health and strategic direction. With much being made of Berkshire Hathaway's recent investments into home builders, there will be plenty of eyes on JHX as a gauge.