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James Hardie Industries

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FY2010 Annual Report · James Hardie Industries
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JAMES HARDIE 
ANNUAL REPORT  
2010

CONTENTS

  1  Results at a Glance

  2  Chairman’s Report 

  3  CEO’s Report 

  4  CFO’s Report

  7  Asbestos Funding

  8  Manufacturing Capacity

  9  Summary of Operations 

  10  USA and Europe Fibre Cement 

  12  Asia Pacific Fibre Cement

  13  Workplace Safety

  14  Differentiated Products

  15  Sustainability

  16  Group Management Team

  18  Board Directors

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  21  Contents

  22  Management’s Discussion  

  and Analysis

  37  Directors’ Report 

  41  Remuneration Report 

  67  Corporate Governance Report 

  81  Report of Independent  
  Registered Public  
  Accounting Firm 

  82  Consolidated Balance Sheets 

  83  Consolidated Statements  

  of Operations

  85  Consolidated Statements  

  of Cash Flows

  87  Consolidated Statements  

  of Changes in Shareholders’  
  Deficit

  88  Notes to Consolidated  
  Financial Statements

 118  Remuneration Disclosures

 119  Selected Quarterly  
  Financial Data

 120  Group Statistics

 121  Share/CUFS Information 

See pages 34–36 for definitions, 
abbreviations and information 
about the terminology used in 
this report.

James Hardie Industries SE 
(ARBN 097 829 895)

Incorporated in Ireland with registered office 
at Second Floor, Europa House, Harcourt 
Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland 
and registered number 485719. 

The liability of its members is limited.

RESULTS AT 
A GLANCE 

– Based on net sales, we believe we are the largest manufacturer 
of fibre cement products and systems for internal and external 
building construction applications in the United States, Australia, 
New Zealand and the Philippines.

– Our fibre cement products are used in a number of markets, 

including new residential construction, manufactured housing and 
repair and remodelling and a variety of commercial and industrial 
applications.

– We manufacture numerous types of fibre cement products with 
a variety of patterned profiles and surface finishes for a range of 
applications, including external siding and soffit lining, internal 
linings, facades and floor and tile underlay.

– We employ around 2,500 people and generated net sales of 

US$1.1 billion in fiscal year 2010.

In our major market in the United States, annualised seasonally-adjusted 
housing starts in March 2010 were 531,000, still significantly below the 
January 2006 peak of 1.823 million annualised starts, but 11% above the 
trough in April 2009. During fiscal year 2010, residential housing approvals 
increased in Australia and New Zealand. In these conditions, all our  
businesses performed strongly:

– Total net sales were down 6%, from US$1,202.6 million to  

US$1,124.6 million. 

– Gross profit increased 7% from US$388.8 million to US$416.1 million.

– Gross profit margin increased 4.7 percentage points to 37.0%.

– Net operating profit decreased from a net operating profit of US$136.3 million 
in fiscal year 2009 to a net operating loss of US$84.9 in fiscal year 2010. 

The fiscal year 2010 loss includes unfavourable asbestos adjustments of 
US$224.2 million, AICF SG&A expenses of US$2.1 million, AICF interest income 
of US$3.3 million, a realised gain on the sale of AICF investments of US$6.7 
million, and a tax expense related to asbestos adjustments of US$1.1 million. 

   Net operating profit excluding asbestos increased 67% to US$132.5 million.

– EBIT excluding asbestos increased by 31% to US$205.3 million,  

compared to US$156.9 million for the prior year.

– EBIT margin excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses increased by 5.3 

percentage points to 18.3%.

– As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses declined 0.9 of a percentage  

point to 16.5%.

– Diluted earnings per share excluding asbestos increased 66% from  

US18.3 cents to US30.3 cents.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Millions of US dollars) 
Net sales
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Total net sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Research and development expenses 
Asbestos adjustments 
EBIT 
Net interest expense 
Other income (expense) 
Operating (loss) income before taxes 
Income tax expense 
Net operating profit (loss) 
Volume (mmsf)
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Average net sales price per unit (per msf)
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 

2010 

$       828.1 
296.5 
1,124.6 
(708.5) 
416.1 
(185.8) 
(27.1) 
(224.2) 
(21.0) 
(4.0) 
6.3 
(18.7) 
(66.2) 
$   (84.9) 

1,303.7 
389.6 

2009 

% Change

$     

$ 

 929.3 
273.3 
1,202.6 
 (813.8) 
388.8 
(208.8) 
(23.8) 
17.4 
 173.6 
(3.0) 
(14.8) 
155.8 
(19.5) 
    136.3 

1,526.6 
390.6 

(11)
9
(6)
13
7
11
(14)
–
–
(33) 
–
–
–
–

(15)
–

4
2

US$ 
A$ 

   635 
   894 

US$ 
A$ 

  609 
  879 

10

09

08

07

06

1,124.6

1,202.6

1,468.8

1,542.9

1,488.5

10

09

08

07

06

50.5

26.1

38.5

92.1

162.8

10

09

08

07

06

205.3

156.9

207.5

318.9

280.7

10

09

08

07

06

Net Sales  
(Millions of US dollars)

Capital Expenditure 
(Millions of US dollars)

EBIT 1 
(Millions of US dollars)

EBITDA 1  
(Millions of US dollars)

10

09

08

07

06

132.5

79.3

117.3

222.2

208.9

10

09

08

07

06

18.3

13.0

14.1

20.7

18.9

10

09

08

07

06

30.3

18.3

25.7

47.6

45.2

10

09

08

07

06

267.0

213.3

264.0

369.6

326.0

17.1

15.3

18.1

26.6

28.9

Net Operating Profits 1,2  
(Millions of US dollars)

EBIT Margin 1
(%)

Diluted Earnings per Share 1
(US cents)

Return on Capital Employed 
(%)

To allow readers to assess the underlying performance of the fibre cement business, unless otherwise stated, graphs and editorial comments throughout this report 
refer to results from continuing operations excluding:

–   For fiscal year 2010 - unfavourable asbestos adjustments of US$224.2 million, AICF SG&A expenses of US$2.1 million, AICF interest income of US$3.3 million,  

a realised gain on the sale of AICF investments of US$6.7 million and tax expense related to asbestos adjustments of US$1.1 million.

–   For fiscal year 2009 - favourable asbestos adjustments of US$17.4 million, AICF SG&A expenses of US$0.7 million, AICF interest income of US$6.4 million, 

impairment of AICF investments of US$14.8 million and tax benefit related to asbestos adjustments of US$48.7 million.

Balance sheet references exclude the net AFFA liability of US$966.2 million and US$756.6 million at 31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively.

1    See Definitions starting on page 34.
2    Includes discontinued operations.

1

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
Shareholder meetings
As an Irish company we will be holding  
our Board meetings in Ireland and we plan  
to hold all shareholder meetings there also.  
We will simulcast these meetings so that 
those shareholders who cannot attend in 
person can participate in real time. In 
addition, Louis Gries and his team and  
I will, of course, continue to meet with 
shareholders on a periodic basis.

Summary
On balance, we are pleased with the continued 
progress achieved last year on legacy issues 
and with the operational results of the 
company, despite the economic difficulties  
we are all living through. Beyond these 
specific accomplishments in 2010, James 
Hardie, under the leadership of Louis Gries, 
has continued to put in place those strategic 
building blocks – product, operational and 
organisational – that are necessary for the 
continued outstanding success of the 
company in the medium and longer term.

Michael Hammes 

The company’s improved cash flow for fiscal 
year 2010 means that we will contribute 
approximately US$64 million to the AICF on  
1 July 2010. We should all be encouraged 
that the AFFA has proved itself to be a robust 
and flexible agreement that simultaneously 
enables James Hardie to grow and be 
profitable, while meeting its commitments  
to the asbestos liabilities of former group 
companies. 

May 2010 also saw the completion of  
the Court of Appeal hearings in the ASIC 
proceedings, and the judgment will bring  
us closer to finalising this issue. 

From a business point of view, especially 
considering the uncertain market conditions, 
Louis Gries and his team produced 
outstanding financial results in profit and  
cash flow and continued to make progress  
in other operational areas such as health and 
safety. Also during fiscal year 2010, the 
James Hardie management team put in place 
or developed many strategic initiatives that 
will continue to benefit the company for many 
years to come, including HardieZone™ siding 
products engineered for different climates,  
Job Pack, where James Hardie products are 
delivered to a site in house lots, and the 
continuing development of our presence in 
the repair and remodelling market segment.

Dividends
We know that the issue of when the dividend 
might be reinstated is an important subject to 
all of us as shareholders. We decided in May 
2009 to omit the year-end dividend for fiscal 
year 2009 to conserve capital, and then to 
continue to omit dividends until market and 
global economic conditions improved 
significantly and the level of uncertainty 
surrounding future industry trends and 
company-specific contingencies dissipated. 
These external economic uncertainties 
continue and we still await the final resolution 
of the 1999 ATO decision. Until the company 
has more clarity on the issues mentioned,  
we have determined that it continues to be 
appropriate to omit dividend payments.

10

09

08

07

06

13.2

9.1

13.2

24.0

29.1

10

09

08

07

06

0.0

8.0

27.0

9.0

10.0

Return on Shareholders Funds 
(%)

Dividends Paid per Share  
(US cents)

My report last year mentioned the challenges 
we had as a company and the continuing 
uncertainty in the general economic situation. 

In this past year, we have made significant 
progress in both the financial and other 
operating results of the company, despite the 
economic situation remaining quite uncertain 
– especially in our major market, the US 
housing market. Major progress also 
continues to be made on James Hardie’s 
legacy issues.

With your support at the Extraordinary 
Meetings held in August 2009 and June  
2010, we have resolved the complex issue  
of domicile, and have transformed ourselves 
into an Irish SE company. Our office on 
Harcourt Street in central Dublin now 
manages our Treasury and Intellectual 
Property functions and the company’s 
Secretariat. Our senior operating leadership 
can now spend essentially all of their time in 
our operations and major markets, and our 
governance structure has been simplified to 
a single board of directors. 

With the agreements we reached with the US 
IRS and the ATO last fiscal year, we resolved 
the outstanding tax issues that faced the 
company, with the exception of the 1999 
disputed amended assessment for RCI,  
where we still await judgment from the 
hearing in September 2009.

CHAIRMAN’S 
REPORT 

2

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Net sales increased 9% to US$296.5 million, 
compared to US$273.3 million for fiscal year 
2009. In Australian dollars, net sales increased 
2% due to an increase in average net sales 
price, while sales volume was stable. 

Asia Pacific Fibre Cement EBIT increased 25% 
from US$47.1 million in fiscal year 2009 to 
US$58.7 million. In Australian dollars, Asia 
Pacific Fibre Cement EBIT increased 14% due 
to strong primary demand growth offsetting 
weaker local markets, an increase in average 
net sales price and favourable product mix shift, 
together with lower raw materials costs and 
reduced manufacturing costs. The EBIT margin 
for the business was 19.8%. 

Outlook 
Although new housing construction activity in 
the US improved in the fourth quarter of fiscal 
year 2010, the start of fiscal year 2011 has seen 
another decline in US new housing numbers 
following the expiry of the government’s 
housing initiatives on 30 April 2010. 

Analysts are now less confident that the US 
housing market will improve in fiscal year 
2011. Severe challenges remain, including 
constrained credit conditions that are restricting 
the availability of finance for prospective buyers 
and developers, a weak employment market, 
and a continuing supply of foreclosed homes. 

Asia Pacific markets that James Hardie 
participates in are likely to be somewhat better 
in fiscal year 2011 than in fiscal year 2010. 

Operating costs are expected to be considerably 
higher than in fiscal year 2010, as market 
demand puts upward pressure on basic 
commodity prices. 

Despite the challenging environment and 
higher input costs, the company will continue 
to pursue strong financial returns, and, at the 
same time, increase spending on long-term 
product and market initiatives. 

Legacy issues 
During the year, we continued to make progress 
on the legacy issues that face the company, 
reducing distractions for management and 
uncertainty for shareholders. 

In September 2009, the Federal Court of 
Australia heard our appeal against the ATO’s 
Objection Decision in the 1999 Disputed 
Amended Assessment issued to RCI and  
we await a decision. 

The appeals lodged by the company’s former 
directors and officers against Justice Gzell’s 
judgments were heard in April 2010 and the 
appeal lodged by the company was heard in 
May 2010. Again, judgment is awaited. 

The most significant progress was made in 
the area of our domicile, when on 17 June 
2010, we finalised our transformation to an 
Irish Societas Europaea company, domiciled 
in Ireland. 

These issues are described in more detail in 
Management’s Analysis of Results on pages 
22–33 of this annual report. 

Our focus for fiscal year 2011 
Last year, when we were closer to the worst 
part of the downturn, we were cautious 
about spending and growth initiatives. In 
October 2009, we committed to the first 
wave of growth initiatives and in January 
2010 we made some organisational changes 
designed to support these growth initiatives, 
making Nigel Rigby responsible for all the 
US operations and Mark Fisher responsible 
for research and development, engineering, 
manufacturing, logistics and product 
management, as well as the company’s  
non-US businesses. 

We will continue to focus on delivering good 
returns and long term share gains. We will  
do this by increasing primary demand growth, 
moving to a higher value mix that is difficult 
for others to copy, pursuing zero to the landfill 
initiative in the plants, and – as we start 
ramping up the growth initiatives – making 
sure we have the organisational capabilities  
to achieve the growth initiatives. 

Overall, we are facing a challenging year, with 
pressure from both higher input costs and a 
weak US housing market, but we are confident 
that we will continue to generate above 
industry average returns and growth. 

10

09

08

07

06

447.9

521.5

509.6

524.1

450.7

Louis Gries 

10

09

08

07

06

81.8

68.0

72.0

108.3

85.0

Net Sales/Employee 
(Thousands of US dollars)

EBIT/Employee 
(Thousands of US dollars)

3

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

The key result for fiscal year 2010 was that all 
the businesses ran well, despite the lack of 
market opportunity that faced the US business. 

Although we believe that we have reached the 
bottom of the housing downturn in the US,  
this is obviously at a very low level. 

Net sales decreased 6% to US$1,124.6 million 
due to the lower market opportunity, but gross 
profit was up 7% to US$416.1 million and EBIT 
excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses, was 
22% higher, at US$208.7 million, compared  
to last year. 

USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
For the full year, USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
sales volume was down 15%, reflecting the 
downturn in the housing construction market, 
while sales were down 11% compared to fiscal 
year 2009, to US$828.1 million. 

The fiscal year 2010 results were helped on the 
costs side with freight, pulp and energy costs 
being lower than in the prior year, although 
these started to increase in the last quarter of 
fiscal year 2010. 

EBIT increased 5% to US$208.5 million, driven 
by lower input costs, higher average net sales 
price and improved plant performance, partially 
offset by lower sales volume and a resulting 
increase in the fixed unit cost of manufacturing 
as fixed costs were spread over significantly 
lower production volume. The EBIT margin  
was 25.2%. 

CEO’S 
REPORT

We also had lower legacy costs in fiscal year 
2010. These added to the effective tax rate in 
the last few years but are now dissipating and 
are unlikely to be material in the future. Given 
this, we expect the effective tax rate to continue 
in the mid-30% range. 

Adjusted EBITDA, excluding asbestos, ASIC 
expenses and asset impairments, was US$270.4 
million. Depreciation and amortisation amounts 
were in line with the prior year and the total 
EBITDA was US$40.7 million, versus US$230.0 
million in the prior year.

Net operating cash flow was US$183.1 million, 
which was a significant turnaround on the 
prior year’s figure of negative US$45.2 million, 
although fiscal year 2009 cash flow was 
affected by two material outflows which did not 
recur in 2010: US$110.0 million to the AICF, 
and US$101.6 million to the ATO for settlement 
of the 2002 to 2006 years. 

At US$50.5 million, capital expenditure was  
up by 93% on the prior year.

Our debt position improved significantly, with 
net debt down to US$134.8 million at the end 
of March 2010, a decrease of US$146.8 million 
compared to 31 March 2009. At the end of the 
fiscal year we had US$291.9 million of cash 
and unutilised facilities. We retired US$161.7 
million of debt facilities in June 2010 when 
they matured. At 31 March 2010, the weighted 
average remaining term of our facilities was 2.6 
years, one year more than at 31 March 2009, as 
a result of a new three-year facility that we put 
in place at the beginning of calendar year 2010.

A$ – US$ exchange rate 
Our results continued to be significantly 
influenced by movements in the A$-US$ 
exchange rate. This affects the translation  
of results and corporate costs that we incur 
in Australian dollars, as well as the asbestos 
liability. For the year ended 31 March 2010, 
the Australian dollar appreciated against 
the US dollar by 33%, compared to a 25% 
depreciation in the prior year.

 Continued page 6

Our fiscal year 2010 results were affected 
by continuing weak economic activity, 
particularly in the US, where some 
improvement in consumer sentiment and 
affordability was offset by a soft employment 
market and constraints in the availability  
of credit. 

Despite this, all businesses performed well, 
enabling the company to generate strong cash 
flow. This allowed us to more than halve net 
debt in the year, putting us in a very strong 
financial position. 

Consolidated results
The results for the business segments are 
described in detail on pages 10–12 of this 
annual report, and in Management’s Analysis  
of Results on pages 22–33.

We recorded a net operating loss of  
US$84.9 million for the year, compared to 
a net operating profit of US$136.3 million 
last year. This result included unfavourable 
asbestos adjustments of US$224.2 million, 
primarily attributable to the appreciation of  
the Australian dollar against the US dollar. 

Excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and tax 
adjustments, we recorded a US$133.0 million 
profit, a 32% increase on last year’s profit of 
US$100.5 million. 

Financial results
Our total EBIT excluding asbestos, ASIC 
expenses and asset impairments, was up 
22% to US$208.7 million. Adding back the 
adjustments, the total reported EBIT was a 
loss of US$21.0 million.

Corporate costs were 39% lower at US$42.9 
million, primarily as a result of a drop in ASIC 
expenses from US$14.0 million in the prior 
year to US$3.4 million. 

Our net interest expense of US$7.3 million 
for the year was lower than the prior year’s 
US$9.4 million, reflecting a lower average 
level of debt through the year. 

Our effective tax rate excluding asbestos 
and tax adjustments for fiscal year 2010 
was 34.4%, versus 41.4% in the prior year. 
The lower rate reflected the geographic mix 
of earnings, with a lower percentage of US 
earnings which have a higher tax rate, and 
a higher percentage of earnings from Asia 
Pacific Fibre Cement. 

10

09

08

07

06

61.7

56.4

56.5

50.7

45.3

10

09

08

07

06

65.1

68.2

81.9

91.1

71.6

Depreciation and Amortisation  
(Millions of US dollars)

Income Tax Expense 
(Millions of US dollars)

CFO’S 
REPORT 

4

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Currency of Borrowings 

(Millions of US dollars) 
Borrowings
USD 
Other 
Total Borrowings 
Deposits
AUD 
USD 
NZD 
PHP 
Other 
Total Deposits 
Net Borrowings 

Debt Maturity Profile  

(Millions of US dollars) 
Less than one year 
1–2 years 
2–3 years 
Total Borrowings 

As at 31 March

2010 

2009

$   154.0 
– –
$   154.0 

$

$

 0.7 
14.6 
0.9 
1.8 
1.2 
19.2 
134.8 

$   324.0 

$   324.0

$       2.2 
32.3  
1.3  
5.4  
1.2 
   42.4
$    281.6

$

As at 31 March

2010 
$      95.0 
– 
59.0 
$   154.0 

2009
$      93.3 
230.7 
– 
$   324.0

Capital Expenditure 

Year ended 31 March

(Millions of US dollars) 
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Research and Development and Corporate 
Total Capital Expenditure 

$

$

2010 
   40.6 
   6.7 
3.2 
   50.5 

2009
$      20.0 
4.9 
1.2
$      26.1

Exchange Rates (US$1=)

Weighted Average 
AUD 
NZD 
Closing Spot
AUD 
NZD 

Gross Capital Employed

(Millions of US dollars) 
Fixed assets 
Inventories 
Receivables/prepayments 
Other 
Accounts payable and accruals 
Gross capital employed 

2010 
1.1749 
1.4740 

1.0919 
1.4088 

2009
1.2600 
1.5351 

1.4552 
1.7592

2010 
$ 708.2 
149.1 
455.6 
0.8 
(113.7) 
$ 1,200.0 

2009
$   700.0 
128.9 
293.6 
0.9
(99.8)
 $  1,023.6

828.1  USA and Europe Fibre Cement

296.5  Asia Pacific Fibre Cement

Net Sales 
(Millions of US dollars)

780.8  USA and Europe Fibre Cement

216.9  Asia Pacific Fibre Cement

14.2 

Research and Development

Total Identifiable Assets
(Millions of US dollars)

208.5  USA and Europe Fibre Cement

58.7 

Asia Pacific Fibre Cement

EBIT for R&D was a loss of 19.0

EBIT 
(Millions of US dollars)

10

09

08

07

06

34.4

41.4

37.9

32.5

32.9

10

09

08

07

06

7.3

9.4

8.3

6.5

0.2

10

09

08

07

06

28.1

16.7

25.4

49.1

1,404.0

Effective Income Tax Rate 1 
(%)

Net Interest Expense  
(Millions of US dollars)

Net Interest Expense Cover 
(Times)

1  Excludes asbestos, asset impairments and tax adjustments.

5

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
CFO’S REPORT continued from page 4

  Asbestos funding 
  As a result of the company’s positive net 
operating cash flow in fiscal year 2010, 
James Hardie will make a contribution of 
A$72.8 million (US$63.7 million) to the  
AICF on 1 July 2010. 

  More information about James Hardie’s 

asbestos compensation funding is set out 
on page 7 of this annual report.

  Key performance ratios
  Many key performance ratios for fiscal  

year 2010 showed improvement:

–  an increase in diluted earnings per share,  

from US18.3 cents to US30.3 cents; 

–  a return on shareholders’ funds of 13.2%; 

–  an increase in return on capital employed,  

from 15.3% last year to 17.1%; and 

–  an increase in EBIT margin, from 13.0%  

to 18.3%. 

  Our debt service capacity indicators 

remained strong: 

–  net interest expense cover of 28.1 times; 

–  net interest paid cover of 29.0 times; and 

–  net debt payback1 of 0.7 years.

In summary, although sales volumes were 
down, especially in the US, the downturn 
was more than offset by benefits we 
received from input costs, which enabled 
us to record a much stronger overall 
result for the year. We also benefited 
from stronger Asia Pacific currencies, 
particularly towards the end of the year.

  With costs now moving up and the Asia 

Pacific currencies falling relative to the US 
dollar, some of the benefits that prevailed 
in fiscal year 2010 may not be sustained 
through fiscal year 2011. Despite that, our 
cash flow continues to be strong and the 
company is in good financial shape.

  Russell Chenu 

10

09

08

07

06

4.5

11.5

12.5

12.5

10.1

10

09

08

07

06

10.9

24.0

22.7

12.8

(1.6)

Working Capital to Net Sales  
(%)

Gearing Ratio 
(%)

6

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

1  Excludes payments under the AFFA.

 
 
Fund update 
As of 31 March 2010, the AICF had cash  
and investment assets of A$63.1 million 
(US$57.8 million).

James Hardie will make a contribution of 
A$72.8 million (US$63.7 million) to the AICF 
on 1 July 2010. This amount represents 35%  
of the company’s free cash flow, as defined by 
the AFFA, for fiscal year 2010.

The 2010 payment will take James Hardie’s  
total contributions to the AICF to A$375.1 
million since the beginning of 2007.

AICF notice to James Hardie and  
the NSW Government 
On 7 November 2009, the Australian and NSW 
Governments announced a A$320.0 million 
standby facility for the AICF to cover any 
shortfall in funding from James Hardie, largely 
as a result of a downturn in the US housing 
industry. James Hardie continues to work with 
the AICF and the NSW Government to finalise 
the details of the facility.

This development followed the 23 April 2009 
announcement by the AICF that its Board had 
determined that it was reasonably foreseeable 
that, within two years, the available assets of the 
AICF were likely to be insufficient to fund the 
payment of all reasonably foreseeable liabilities.

Annual actuarial assessment
KPMG Actuaries conducts an annual actuarial 
assessment of the liabilities of the AICF to 
enable projections to be regularly updated 
in line with actual claims experience and the 
claims outlook. Subject to the Annual Cash 
Flow Cap1, James Hardie makes payments 
to the AICF based on these annual actuarial 
assessments.

James Hardie discloses summary information 
on claims numbers with its quarterly results 
releases. The more detailed information 
contained in the annual actuarial report is  
made public each year. All of the KPMG 
Actuaries’ reports are available in the Investor 
Relations area of the James Hardie website 
(www.jameshardie.com).

Updated actuarial assessment 
James Hardie received an updated actuarial 
report from KMPG Actuaries at 31 March 2010, 
which showed the discounted central estimate 
of the asbestos liability decreased from 
A$1.782 billion at 31 March 2009 to A$1.537 
billion at 31 March 2010. 

The reduction in the discounted central 
estimate of A$245.0 million is primarily due 
to increases in yields on Government Bonds, 
which are used for discounting the future cash 
flows; and a reduction in the projected future 
number of claims to be reported for a number 
of disease types.

The graph at the bottom of this page shows the 
undiscounted range that KPMG Actuaries have 
derived each year, as well as the discounted 
and undiscounted central estimates.  

Accounting for asbestos liabilities
The asbestos-related assets and liabilities 
are denominated in Australian dollars. This 
means the reported values of these asbestos-
related assets and liabilities in James Hardie’s 
consolidated balance sheets in US dollars are 
subject to adjustment, with a corresponding 
effect on the company’s consolidated statement 
of operations, depending on the closing 
exchange rates between the two currencies  
at the relevant balance sheet dates. 

For the year from 31 March 2009 to 31  
March 2010, the Australian dollar appreciated 
against the US dollar by 33%, compared  
to a 25% depreciation in the prior year.  
As a result of this appreciation, James Hardie 
recorded an unfavourable asbestos adjustment 
of US$224.2 million for fiscal year 2010.

The appreciation of the Australian dollar resulted 
in an increase in the actuarial assessment at 
31 March 2010, when expressed in US dollar 
terms, to US$966.2 million net of tax.

While the accounting liability is based on the 
actuarial estimate, under US GAAP there are 
some adjustments that are made to the actuarial 
estimate to establish the liability for James 
Hardie’s accounts.

Claims data2
The number of new claims filed, 535 for the 
year ended 31 March 2010, was lower than 
new claims of 607 for the prior year, and also 
slightly below actuarial expectations for the 
year ended 31 March 2010.

The number of claims settled of 540 for the 
year ended 31 March 2010, was lower than 
claims settled of 596 for the corresponding 
period of last year. 

The average claim settlement of A$191,000 
for the full year ended 31 March 2010 was 
in line with that for the corresponding period 
last year and slightly below the actuarial 
expectation for the full year.

Asbestos claims paid of A$103.2 million for 
the year ended 31 March 2010, are lower than  
the actuarial expectation of A$114.2 million 
for the period.

Legal costs were lower, at A$8.1 million, and 
insurance claims and cross claim recoveries 
decreased slightly to A$16.9 million. This led 
to total net claims costs of A$86.3 million, 
lower than the estimate from KPMG Actuaries’ 
(A$96.5 million) and also the prior year 
(A$90.7 million).

Additional information about James Hardie’s 
asbestos liabilities and asbestos adjustments 
is contained in Note 11 to the consolidated 
balance sheets, starting on page 98 of this 
annual report.

1  In each financial year, the Annual Payment is limited  

such that the Annual Payment cannot exceed the Annual 
Cash Flow Cap for that year. The Annual Cash Flow Cap 
is calculated as a percentage of James Hardie’s Free Cash 
Flow for the immediately preceding financial year. The 
Annual Cash Flow Cap Percentage is currently set at a 
maximum of 35% per the AFFA. Accordingly, if James 
Hardie has zero or negative Free Cash Flow in a financial 
year, there will be no Annual Payment made in the 
following financial year, as the Annual Cash Flow Cap  
will be zero. Free Cash Flow for the purposes of the 
Annual Cash Flow Cap calculation is equivalent to  
James Hardie’s net cash flow provided by operating 
activities less contributions by James Hardie to the AICF. 
2  All figures provided in this Claims Data section are gross 
of insurance and other recoveries. See Note 11 to the 
company’s Consolidated Financial Statements starting  
on page 98 of this annual report for further information  
on asbestos adjustments.

Undiscounted central 
estimate (net)

Discounted central 
estimate (net)

Sensitivity range 
(net, undiscounted)

ASBESTOS 
FUNDING

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$
A

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

30 June 
2004

31 March
2005

30 June
2005

31 March 
2006

30 Sept
2006

31 March 
2007

31 March 
2008

31 March 
2009

31 March 
2010

Asbestos liability valuations 
Source: KPMG Actuaries

Asbestos liability valuations*
* Source: KPMG Actuaries

7

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
MANUFACTURING CAPACITy – BUILDING PRODUCTS 

Plant location 

Existing design capacity/ 
year (mmsf)1 

Number of  
Employees

North America – Plants Operating  

Cleburne, Texas 
Peru, Illinois 
Plant City, Florida 
Pulaski, Virginia 
Reno, Nevada 
Tacoma, Washington 
Waxahachie, Texas 

North America – Plants Suspended 

Blandon, Pennsylvania2 
Fontana, California3 
Summerville, South Carolina3 

Brisbane, Queensland  
Sydney, New South Wales  

Auckland  
Manila 

Total North America 

Australia 

Total Australia 

New Zealand 
Philippines  
Europe 
Research and Development 
Corporate 

Total 

500 
560
300
600
300
200
360

200
180
190
3,390 

120
180
300 

75 
145 

1,605

382

137
150
42
105
34

3,910 

2,455

MANUFACTURING CAPACITy – PIPES

Australia 

Grand total 

Plant location 

Brisbane, Queensland  

Design capacity/year 
(Thousand tons4 ) 
50 

Number of  
Employees
56

2,511

1   Annual design capacity is based on 

management’s historical experience with 
our production process and is calculated 
assuming continuous operation, 24 
hours per day, seven days per week, 
producing 5/16” thickness siding at a 
target operating speed. Annual design 
capacity does not necessarily reflect our 
actual capacity utilisation at each plant. 
See below for a description of average 
capacity utilisation rates for our fibre 
cement plants by region. Plants outside 
the United States produce a range of 
thicker products, which negatively 
affect their outputs. Actual production 
is affected by factors such as product 
mix, batch size, plant availability and 
production speeds and is usually less 
than annual design capacity.

  Beginning September 2010, annual 
design capacity will be calculated 
assuming approximate current product 
mix and then adjusted for 5/16” 
thickness. This change in methodology 
will be implemented to reflect changes in 
our product mix as we expect to increase 
production of thicker products.

  For fiscal year 2010, average capacity 
utilisation for our fibre cement plants  
by region was approximately as follows: 
United States 40%; Asia Pacific 69%. 
Note: capacity utilisation is based on 
design capacity. Design capacity is 
based on management’s estimates, as 
described above. No accepted industry 
standard exists for the calculation of fibre 
cement manufacturing facility capacities. 
Asia Pacific capacity utilisation includes 
plants in Australia, New Zealand and the 
Philippines.

2   We suspended production at our Blandon, 
Pennsylvania plant in November 2007.

3   We suspended production at our 
Summerville, South Carolina and 
Fontana, California plants in November 
2008 and December 2008, respectively.
4   Pipe and column capacity is measured  
in tons rather than million square feet.

DUBLIN

LONDON

AMSTERDAM

SOUTHAMPTON

PARIS

TACOMA

RENO

MISSION VIEJO

FONTANA 

WAXAHACHIE 
CLEBURNE

CHICAGO

PERU 

DALLAS

BLANDON 

PULASKI
SUMMERVILLE 

PLANT CITY

TAMPA

BLANDON 

PULASKI
SUMMERVILLE 

DUBLIN

LONDON

AMSTERDAM

SOUTHAMPTON

PARIS

HONG KONG

MANILA

TACOMA

RENO

MISSION VIEJO

CHICAGO

PERU 

FONTANA 

WAXAHACHIE 
CLEBURNE

PLANT CITY

TAMPA

HONG KONG

PERTH
MANILA

ADELAIDE

MELBOURNE

BRISBANE

SYDNEY

AUCKLAND

CHRISTCHURCH

PERTH

ADELAIDE

MELBOURNE

BRISBANE

SYDNEY

AUCKLAND

CHRISTCHURCH

MANUFACTURING  
CAPACITY

8

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

James Hardie 
Manufacturing Operations 

James Hardie 
Manufacturing Operations - 
production suspended 

James Hardie Sales Office

Distribution Hub

Corporate Headquarters

James Hardie 
Manufacturing Operations 

James Hardie 
Manufacturing Operations - 
production suspended 

James Hardie Sales Office

Distribution Hub

Corporate Headquarters

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
USA AND EUROPE FIBRE CEMENT 
Results

ASIA PACIFIC FIBRE CEMENT
Results

–  Net sales decreased 11% from US$929.3 

–  Net sales increased 9% from US$273.3 

million to US$828.1 million. 

million to US$296.5 million.

–  Sales volume decreased 15% from 1,526.6 
million square feet to 1,303.7 million square 
feet. 

–  Net sales in Australian dollars increased 
2% due to an increase in average net  
sales price. 

–  Average net sales price increased 4% from 

US$609 per thousand square feet to US$635 
per thousand square feet.

–  Sales volume was stable, at 389.6 million 
square feet, compared to 390.6 million 
square feet for fiscal year 2009.

–  Gross profit increased 5% and gross profit 
margin increased by 5.9 percentage points.

–  EBIT increased 5% from US$199.3 million  

to US$208.5 million.

–  EBIT margin increased by 3.8 percentage 

points to 25.2%.

Trading conditions

–  Annualised seasonally-adjusted single family 
housing starts in March 2010 were 531,000, 
still significantly below the January 2006 peak 
of 1.823 million annualised starts.

–  Although US housing affordability improved, 
the reduced availability of mortgage credit for 
prospective home buyers, the large inventory 
of homes for sale and relatively low consumer 
confidence continued to negatively affect 
demand.

–  During the course of the year, key raw  
material and energy costs increased.

–  Freight costs were lower for fiscal year 

2010, compared to the prior year. However, 
freight costs rose in the fourth quarter of 
fiscal year 2010, compared to the previous 
corresponding period, in response to 
significantly higher diesel prices amid 
emerging signs of a recovery in the United 
States economy. 

  For more information about USA and Europe 

Fibre Cement, see pages 10–11.

–  Gross profit increased 16%. The higher 

value of the Asia Pacific business’ 
currencies against the US dollar accounted 
for 8% of the increase. Gross profit margin 
increased by 1.9 percentage points.

–  EBIT increased 25% from US$47.1 million 

to US$58.7 million. 

–  The EBIT margin was 2.6 percentage points 

higher, at 19.8%.

Trading conditions

–  Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a 

16% increase in housing approvals for the 
year to 31 March 2010, compared to the 
prior year, although residential building 
activity, based on housing starts, was 
down 2% in the year to 31 March 2010, 
compared to the prior year.

–  New Zealand housing consents for the 

year ended 31 March 2010 decreased 5% 
compared to the prior year, although the 
market showed good growth in the last 
quarter with a 32% increase in the quarter 
to 31 March 2010, compared to the quarter 
to 31 March 2009.

–  The Philippines market increased 7% for 
the year to 31 March 2010 compared to  
the prior year.

–  Appreciating local currencies resulted 
in a 5% decrease in raw material costs 
measured in Australian dollar terms for  
the Asia Pacific business compared to  
the prior year.  

  For more information about Asia Pacific 

Fibre Cement, see page 12.

Outlook
Although new housing construction activity in 
the US improved in the fourth quarter of fiscal 
year 2010, the start of fiscal year 2011 has seen 
another decline in US new housing numbers 
following the expiry of the government’s 
housing initiatives on 30 April 2010. 

Analysts are now less confident that the US 
housing market will improve in fiscal year 
2011. Severe challenges remain, including 
constrained credit conditions that are restricting 
the availability of finance for prospective buyers 
and developers, a weak employment market, 
and a continuing supply of foreclosed homes.

Asia Pacific markets that James Hardie 
participates in are likely to be somewhat better 
in fiscal year 2011 than in fiscal year 2010.

Operating costs are expected to be 
considerably higher in fiscal year 2011 than 
in fiscal year 2010, as market demand puts 
upward pressure on basic commodity prices.

Despite the challenging environment and 
higher input costs, the company will continue 
to pursue strong financial returns, and, at the 
same time, increase spending on long-term 
product and market initiatives.

9

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

SUMMARY OF 
OPERATIONS

 
  Based on our net sales, we believe we are the 
largest manufacturer of fibre cement products 
and systems for internal and external building 
construction applications in the United States.

  Products
  Our products are typically sold as planks or 
flat sheets with a variety of patterned profiles 
and finishes. Planks are used for external 
siding while flat sheets are used for internal 
and external wall linings and floor and tile 
underlayments.

  Plants
  We have ten manufacturing plants in the 
United States: two in Texas and one each 
in California3, Florida, Washington, Illinois, 
Pennsylvania3, South Carolina3, Nevada 
and Virginia. We also have a Research and 
Development Centre at our California plant.

  Sales

In the United States, we sell fibre cement 
products for new residential construction 
predominantly to distributors, which then  
sell these products to dealers or lumber 
yards. Repair and remodel products in the 
United States are typically sold through 
large home centre retailers and specialist 
distributors.

  Market position and opportunity
  Exterior products

–  Based on the NAHB’s Builder Practices 

Reports1 for the past three years, fibre cement 
has been one of the fastest growing segments 
(in terms of market growth) of the siding 
industry, gaining market share against vinyl 
and wood for reasons including aesthetics, 
durability concerns and lower maintenance 
requirements compared to wood.

–  Based on our knowledge, experience and 
third-party data regarding our industry, we 
estimate that the total US industry shipments 
of fibre cement siding were between 0.87  
and 0.93 billion square feet during fiscal  
year 2010, a decrease of 19-23% from  
fiscal year 2009. 

–  Based on our knowledge, experience and 
third-party data regarding our industry, we 

USA AND  
EUROPE  
FIBRE CEMENT

10

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

10

09

08

07

06

635

609

600

583

555

10

09

08

07

06

208.5

199.3

235.2

353.1

316.1

10

09

08

07

06

25.2

21.4

20.1

27.3

25.4

USA and Europe  
Fibre Cement Average  
Net Sales Price (US dollars/msf)

USA and Europe  
Fibre Cement EBIT 1 
(Millions of US dollars)

USA and Europe  
Fibre Cement EBIT Margin 1

 
 
  USA And EUropE FIBrE CEMEnt 

Net sales US$m 

  EBIT1 US$m 
  Total identifiable assets US$m 
  Volumes (mmsf ) 
  Average net sales price  

(per msf ) US$ 
  EBIT Margin1 % 
  Number of employees 

2010 
828.1 
208.5 
780.8 
1,303.7 

635 
25.2 
1,647 

2009 
929.3 
199.3 
772.6 
1,526.6 

609 
21.4 
1,368 

2008 
1,170.5 
235.2 
846.4 
1,951.2 

600 
20.1 
1,889 

2007 
1,291.2 
353.1 
910.0 
2,216.2 

583 
27.3 
1,958 

2006 
1,246.7
316.1
842.4
2,244.4

555
25.4
2,281

estimate that, in fiscal year 2010, we sold 
approximately 12%2 of the estimated 6.0-6.5 
billion square foot US exterior siding market 
(all types of siding, which excludes fascia, 
trim and soffit).

–  Our fibre cement products exhibit superior 

resistance to the damaging effects of 
moisture, fire, impact and termites compared 
to wood and wood-based products.

–  Our early focus on producing planks for new 

construction has been expanded to an exterior 
products portfolio that contains a full-wrap 
exterior bundle (siding, trim and soffits).

–  The repair and remodelling segment now 

accounts for around 70-75% of our sales mix 
and we have identified significant opportunity 
for growth here.

Interior products

–  We have a technology advantage for floor 

applications, and hold a leading position in 
the ¼” backer market. 

–  HardieBacker™ ½” backerboard continues 
to drive our market penetration for wall 
applications.

–  Our ceramic tile underlayment products 

provide superior handling and installation 
characteristics compared to fiberglass mesh 
cement boards. 

–  In internal lining applications where exposure 
to moisture and impact damage are significant 
concerns, our products provide superior 
moisture resistance and impact resistance 
compared to traditional gypsum wet area 
wallboard and other competing products.

  Our strategy
  Our global strategy is to:

–  aggressively grow demand for our products  

in targeted market segments; 

–  grow our overall market position while 
defending our share in existing market 
segments; 

–  offer products with superior value to that  

of our competitors; and 

–  introduce differentiated products to reduce 

direct price competition.

  Progress towards our strategy
  During the year:

–  Our differentiated ColorPlus® product range  
continued to increase its penetration rate;

–  In May 2009, we began the launch of 

HardieZoneTM exterior products in the US. 
These products are engineered for specific 
climate conditions using our seventh 
generation product technology.

–  To support planned growth initiatives, we 

made organisational changes at the beginning 
of 2010, putting all the US businesses under 
the management of Nigel Rigby, Executive 
General Manager – USA; and research and 
development, engineering, manufacturing, 
logistics and product management, and 
the company’s non-US businesses under 
the management of Mark Fisher, Executive 
General Manager – International.

–  We continued to grow our presence in the 

repair and remodelling market segment, which 
now represents 70-75% of our US sales mix. 

  Our focus included re-launching the 

Preferred Remodeller website to build 
relationships with specialty exterior 
replacement contractors; creating marketing 
materials to directly communicate the 
benefits and affordability of James Hardie 
to the consumer; and increasing the 
number of sales representatives with repair 
and remodel responsibility. 

–  The business continued to focus on its 

three main strategic initiatives of primary 
demand growth, product mix shift and  
zero to landfill.

1  Excluding impairments.
2  Repair and remodel siding usage report from NAHB  
for calendar year 2009 will not be available until  
July 2010.

3  Production at the Pennsylvania, California and South 
Carolina plants was suspended in November 2007, 
November 2008 and December 2008 respectively.
4  The full title of this report is NAHB’s Builder Practices 
Reports – Siding Usage/Exterior Wall Finish In New 
Construction and Consumer Practices Reports – Siding 
Usage/Exterior Wall Finish In Repair & Remodel.

70-75% 
Repair and 
Remodel

25-30% 
New 
Construction

30-40% 
James Hardie

60-70% 
Other

12% 
James Hardie

88% 
Other

James Hardie  
US Sales Mix

US Interior  
Backerboard Market 

US Exterior  
Siding Market 2

11

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASIA PACIFIC FIBRE CEMENT  

  Net sales US$m 
  EBIT US$m 
  Total identifiable assets US$m 
  Volumes (mmsf )  
  Average net sales price  

(per msf ) A$ 
  EBIT Margin % 
  Number of employees 

2010 
296.5 
58.7 
216.9 
389.6 

894 
19.8 
725 

2009 
273.3 
47.1 
167.9 
390.6 

879 
17.2 
784 

2008 
298.3 
50.3 
218.3 
398.2 

862 
16.9 
834 

2007 
251.7 
39.4 
199.3 
390.8 

842 
15.7 
835 

2006 
241.8 
41.7 
170.4 
368.3 

872 
17.2 
854 

  We manufacture a wide range of fibre cement 
products in Australia, New Zealand and the 
Philippines and sell these throughout the Asia 
Pacific region.

  Our fibre cement building products are used  
in both residential and commercial buildings, 
as external siding, internal walls, ceilings, 
floors, eaves lining and fascias. In Australia, 
we also manufacture pipes for civil and 
commercial use, and fibre cement columns  
for decorative use.

  Our products are typically sold as planks or 
flat sheets with a variety of patterned profiles 
and finishes. Planks are used for external 
siding while flat sheets are used for internal 
and external wall linings and as floor and tile 
underlay. 

Plants

  We manufacture our products at two plants 
in Australia, in New South Wales and in 
Queensland, and at plants in the Philippines 
and New Zealand. Our reinforced concrete 
pipes and decorative columns are manufactured 
at a second plant in Queensland. We also have 
a Research and Development Centre at our  
New South Wales plant.

Sales 
In Australia and New Zealand, products for both 
new construction and renovation are generally 
sold directly to distributors/hardware stores 
and timber yards. In the Philippines, a network 
of thousands of small to medium size dealer 
outlets sells our fibre cement products to real 
estate developers, contractors and consumers.

Our strategy

  Asia Pacific Fibre Cement shares our global 

strategy to:

–  aggressively grow demand for our products in 

targeted market segments; 

–  grow our overall market position while defending 

our share in existing market segments; 

–  offer products with superior value to that of  

our competitors; and 

–  introduce differentiated products to reduce  

direct price competition.

Progress towards our strategy 

  During the year:

–  We focused on four primary areas: 

manufacturing efficiencies, overhead cost 
management, value pricing and differentiated 
product shift, and primary demand growth. 

–  In Australia, the differentiated Scyon™ branded 
product range continued to build momentum, 
driven primarily by sales of Secura™ flooring. 
Also in Australia, we introduced EasyLap™ 
panel, a strong, fibre cement base sheet with a 
shiplap vertical joint, finished with a site applied 
roll-on textured acrylic paint to create a rendered 
look with a subtle vertical joint. 

–  In New Zealand, sales of differentiated products 

also grew in fiscal year 2010, with HardieGlaze™ 
lining a significant driver of this growth. 

–  In the Philippines, sales of differentiated 

products, primarily wall systems, increased  
over the full year.

ASIA PACIFIC  
FIBRE CEMENT

10

09

08

07

06

58.7

47.1

50.3

39.4

41.7

10

09

08

07

06

19.8

17.2

16.9

15.7

17.2

Asia Pacific EBIT 
(Millions of US dollars)

Asia Pacific EBIT Margin
(%)

12

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
  Safety results 
  USA and Europe Fibre Cement 

safe working environment and has set safety 
objectives to:

  James Hardie is committed to creating a 

  The region recorded 22 incidents, a  

–  achieve an incident rate of less than 2 and  
a severity rate of less than 20 (“2 and 20”); 

–  eliminate serious bodily harm; and 

–  achieve zero fatalities. 

  Recognising that the safety of employees 
is critical to its Environment, Social and 
Governance goals, James Hardie’s Board has 
made Safety one of the Scorecard1 measures 
used to determine payments to executives 
under the company’s incentive plans. 

SAFETy PERFORMANCE  
IN FISCAL yEAR 2010 

USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
The USA and Europe Fibre Cement business 
recorded 16 incidents in fiscal year 2010, a 
42% reduction in the number of incidents 
compared to fiscal year 2009. 

For the first time, its incident and severity 
rates were below the safety goals of  
“2 and 20”.

66% reduction on the fiscal year 2009 
result. By emphasising the leading 
indicators of near-miss reports and hazard 
identification in fiscal year 2010, the 
region’s businesses broadened safety 
participation and ownership and created 
momentum in its core safety programs.  
The region implemented pre-shift 
stretching, mandatory personal protective 
equipment requirements and core safety 
training programs throughout the plants.

SAFETy PERFORMANCE  
IN FISCAL yEAR 2011

  Guided by safety managers, safety 

co-ordinators or Environment, Health  
and Safety officers based at each location, 
we will continue to work to instil a safe 
culture in the business.

  Our global safety programs will involve:

–  continuation of regular safety audits; 

–  behavioural safety programs such as 

manual handling; 

–  identification and management of safety 

  The significant safety improvements achieved 

hazards; and 

–  developing specific areas of “safety 

expertise” at different plants that can  
be shared within the company.

in fiscal year 2010 were the result of a 
concerted effort to eliminate the top three 
types of incidents recorded or identified in 
near-miss reports in fiscal year 2009. These 
were slips and falls, strains, and machine-
related incidents. 

  To overcome these incidents, the region 

developed site-specific safety plans and safety 
observation programs; implemented pre-shift 
stretching throughout the group; and focused 
on improved housekeeping to reduce trip 
hazards.

Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 

  Asia Pacific Fibre Cement improved its safety 
performance during the fiscal year but still 
has significant progress to make relative to 
the company’s 2 and 20 objective, and the 
region’s objective to be best practice within 
James Hardie. 

–  Incident rate 1.1
–  Severity rate 19.97

  Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
–  Incident rate 2.7
–  Severity rate 65.1

  Definitions 
  A plant’s incident rate is the number 
of recordable incidents that occur per 
200,000 hours worked there (equivalent 
to the number of incidents per 100 
employees per year). A recordable incident 
is an incident that requires the employee 
to seek professional medical treatment 
which may or may not lead to lost or 
restricted workdays for the employee  
and the facility.

  The severity rate for any plant is then the 
number of days of lost or restricted duty 
(when the employees carries out lighter 
duties than required in their normal role) 
from recordable incidents per 200,000 
hours worked at the plant (equivalent 
to the number of days lost or restricted 
because of injury per 100 employees  
per year).

  A lower incident rate and severity rate  
is normally regarded as an indicator of  
a plant that is safer for employees.

WORKPLACE  
SAFETY

1  More information about the Scorecard is contained in the 
Remuneration Report on page 44 of this annual report.

13

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
The James Hardie ColorPlus® technology 
finish also represents a breakthrough. 
James Hardie siding products with 
ColorPlus technology combine advanced 
fibre cement and baked-on pigment using 
paint especially formulated for James 
Hardie siding. The end result is a durable, 
low-maintenance long-lasting and fade-
resistant finish.

In Australia, James Hardie customers can 
take advantage of the lightweight cement 
composite Scyon™ product range, with 
recent new products including Scyon 
Stria™ cladding, a wide cladding board with 
a horizontal joint that has the classic appeal 
of decorative render, and Scyon Secura™ 
external flooring, a fast and simple-to-
install external structural flooring substrate 
for ceramic tile finishes over timber or 
lightweight steel floor joists.

The New Zealand business also offers a 
differentiated range of products including 
Linea® weatherboards, Horizon™ lining, 
RAB® board, Axon™ panel and CLD 
structural cavity battens.

James Hardie pioneered the successful 
development of cellulose reinforced 
fibre cement and, since the 1980s, 
has progressively introduced products 
developed as a result of its proprietary 
product formulation and process 
technology. 

The introduction of differentiated products 
is one of the core components of our 
global business strategy. This product 
differentiation strategy is supported by 
our significant investment in research and 
development activities. In fiscal year 2010, 
we spent US$30.4 million, or approximately 
2.7% of total net sales, in research and 
development activities.

By targeting specific performance attributes, 
we can continue to deliver superior-
performance, low-maintenance, non-
combustible fibre cement products.

In the United States, our latest generation 
of technologically advanced products – the 
HardieZone™ System – has been created 
specifically for two climate conditions: 
HZ5 for freezing wet climates and HZ10 for 
climates with a combination of hot, humid 
or high moisture conditions. 

These Engineered for Climate Products™ 
are the seventh generation of James Hardie 
siding products innovation. We started by 
developing a fibre cement substrate that 
offered superior exterior protection over 
wood and stucco, and have made additional 
improvements designed to further improve 
product performance and enhance aesthetic 
qualities in design and colour. 

DIFFERENTIATED  
PRODUCTS

14

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

10

09

08

07

06

30.4

28.3

27.4

30.0

32.1

  Research and development expenditure includes US 

GAAP research and development expenses and amounts 
classified as selling, general and administrative expense 
in the amounts of US$3.3 million, US$4.5 million, 
US$0.1 million, US$4.1 million and US$3.4 million for 
the years ended 31 March 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 
2006, respectively.

Research and Development 
Expenditure 
(Millions of US dollars)

 
In the development of its products, and in its 
support of improved housing and community 
design, James Hardie actively contributes to 
the building industry’s efforts to create more 
sustainable materials, and better built homes 
and neighbourhoods.

  PRODUCTS 

Raw materials 

  The primary raw materials used in the 

manufacture of James Hardie’s products are 
readily available: cellulose fibre sourced from 
plantation grown timber wherever possible, 
sand from various sources, cement from a 
worldwide market, and water. 

  Cement continues to be the biggest 

contributor to the impact of James Hardie 
products on the environment, but its effect  
is being reduced. As the cement industry 
adopts cleaner and more efficient 
technologies, James Hardie adapts its 
processes and formulas to maximise  
the benefits to the environment. 

Manufacturing processes 

  We devote considerable time, effort  
and capital to advancing fibre cement 
technology to ensure we:

–  minimise the environmental impacts  

from our operations; 

–  use water and energy more efficiently; and 

–  make use of recycled or by-product 

materials while delivering high performance, 
sustainable products. 

In fiscal year 2010, we continued to  
operate our manufacturing facilities in  
an environmentally-responsible manner. 
Should any gaps be noted in our compliance 
efforts, we formulate and implement  
corrective measures to ensure full and 
sustainable compliance. 

Energy use 

  Our Australian plants are registered under the 
national Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act 
2006. We conduct annual energy assessments 
of our Australian manufacturing plants, and 
publicly reported on this most recently in 
December 2009. The latest review identified 
additional energy efficiency projects and these 
have been incorporated into the company’s 
capital investment plan for fiscal year 2011.

  James Hardie is subject to the Australian 

Federal Government’s National Greenhouse 
and Energy Reporting Act 2007. Our plant 
emissions remain less than the reporting 
threshold for the Carbon Pollution Reduction 
Scheme, so we are not required to purchase 
carbon pollution permits. 

Water conservation

  Water is a critical component of the fibre 
cement manufacturing process and all of 
our plants recognise the importance of 
water conservation. In Australia there are a 
number of local government initiatives we are 
participating in to reduce water consumption, 
and to investigate opportunities for using  
non-potable recycled water. 

  Two plants in our US operations have 

implemented technology where they have 
zero, or close to zero, process water discharge 
from their facilities. The continuous research 
and experience gained from these plants will 
permit us to reduce water usage in our other 
manufacturing facilities. 

Zero to Landfill 

  As a whole-of-business initiative for 

manufacturing, we have a company-wide 
program, called Zero to Landfill, to focus  
on eliminating waste and improving material 
yield. 

  A major part of this initiative is the recycling 
of our waste materials. At all locations, 
as much as possible, solid waste – such 
as trimmings, scrap, fine particles and 
reject material – is reintroduced into the 
manufacturing process as raw materials. 

  The importance of the Zero to Landfill 

program is demonstrated by the fact that it 
forms one of the Scorecard1 measures the 
Board will use to determine payments to 
senior executives under the company’s  
long-term incentive plan. In the past three 
years the company has made significant 
progress in reducing the amount of materials 
sent to landfill.

Green products 

  Our products are typically used in lightweight 

construction systems that have lower 
embodied energy than many other typical 
construction systems. They are also lighter 
than many other building products, so they 
can be transported using less energy. 

Continued over

SUSTAINABILITY 

1  More information about the Scorecard is contained in the 
Remuneration Report on page 44 of this annual report.

15

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
It also contributed products and ideas 
to the design and development of the 
Smarter Smaller Home™ which combines 
a small lot, small house, smart choice 
of materials and efficient construction 
method to produce a home that is stylish, 
sustainable and affordable and in March 
2010 published the Smarter Small Home™ 
case book.

  To further enhance its involvement in 
sustainable housing design, in March 
2010, the Australian business launched its 
second national LookHome™ Green Design 
Awards, to recognise and reward the best in 
sustainable, affordable and innovative home 
design. In its first year, in 2009, the awards 
attracted 94 entries. 

In the United States, James Hardie has 
established itself as an educational resource 
for developers, architects, builders and city 
planners encouraging them to incorporate 
more New Urbanist planning principles that 
create better places to live. 

The management of James Hardie is  
overseen by a Group Management Team, 
whose members cover the key areas of 
fibre cement research and development, 
production, manufacturing, sales, human 
resources, investor relations, finance 
and legal. Team members are:

Louis Gries BSc, MBA
Chief Executive Officer 
Age 56

Louis Gries joined James Hardie as Manager 
of the Fontana fibre cement plant in California 
in February 1991 and was appointed President 
of James Hardie Building Product, Inc in 
December 1993. Mr Gries became Executive 
Vice President Operations in January 2003,  
responsible for operations, sales and 
marketing in our businesses in the Americas, 
Asia Pacific and Europe.

He was appointed Interim CEO in October 
2004 and became CEO in February 2005.  
Mr Gries was elected to the company’s 
Managing Board by CUFS holders at the  
2005 AGM and continued as Chairman of  
the Managing Board until it was disbanded  
in June 2010.

Before he joined James Hardie, Mr Gries 
worked for 13 years for USG Corp, in a 
variety of roles in research, plant quality and 
production, product and plant management. 

He has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics 
from the University of Illinois, USA and an 
MBA from California State University in  
Long Beach, California USA. 

Russell Chenu BCom, MBA
Chief Financial Officer 
Age 60

Russell Chenu joined James Hardie as Interim 
CFO in October 2004 and was appointed 
CFO in February 2005. He was elected to 
the company’s Managing Board by CUFS 
holders at the 2005 AGM, re-elected in 2008 
and continued as a member of the Managing 
Board until it was disbanded in June 2010.

GROUP  
MANAGEMENT  
TEAM

SUSTAINABILITY continued from page 15

  Our latest generation of technologically 

advanced products – the HardieZone® System 
launched in the US in May 2009 – enables us 
to continue to deliver sustainable fibre cement 
products that offer superior performance and 
low maintenance. 

In the United States, James Hardie is a 
member of The US Green Building Council 
(USGBC). The USGBC is a non-profit 
membership organisation founded in 1993 
and dedicated to creating a sustainable built 
environment within a generation. The USGBC 
Leadership in Energy and Environmental 
Design (LEED®) green building certification 
system is a feature-oriented certification 
program that awards buildings points for 
satisfying specified green building criteria  
in the categories of Sustainable Sites,  
Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, 
Materials and Resources, Indoor 
Environmental Quality and Innovation  
and Design. 

  The use of James Hardie products contributes 
points towards a LEED certification as well 
as the more recently introduced National 
Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 
– National Green Building Standard. We 
actively monitor these programs and relevant 
developing standards. 

  Factors contributing to the points awarded 
to James Hardie products include our local 
manufacturing facilities, which reduce the 
environmental impact of transporting material, 
the low toxicity of the raw materials used in 
manufacture, and the longer-lasting nature 
of the materials which reduces maintenance 
and repair costs. The NAHB program also 
recognises the benefits of ColorPlus® 
technology for removing the need for site-
applied finishing.

  HOMES AND NEIGHBOURHOODS
  Our Australian operation has published  

The Smarter Green Book to help people learn 
how to design and build sustainably with 
James Hardie products. The book explains 
the many green accreditation programs in the 
building industry and presents facts regarding 
the environmental impact of manufacturing 
James Hardie products and the impact of our 
products on a building over its whole life. 

16

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
Mr Chenu is an experienced corporate and 
finance executive who has held senior finance 
and management positions with a number of 
Australian publicly-listed companies.

In a number of these senior roles, he has 
been engaged in significant strategic business 
planning and business change, including 
several turnarounds, new market expansions 
and management leadership initiatives.

Mr Chenu has a Bachelor of Commerce from 
the University of Melbourne and an MBA from 
Macquarie Graduate School of Management, 
Australia. 

Robert Cox BA, MA, JD
General Counsel  
Age 56

Robert Cox commenced as James Hardie’s 
General Counsel in January 2008. He  
joined the company’s Managing Board as  
an Executive Director and as Company 
Secretary effective 7 May 2008. He was 
elected in 2008 and continued as a member  
of the Managing Board until it was disbanded 
in June 2010 and as Company Secretary  
until 29 June 2010. 

Before joining James Hardie, Mr Cox was 
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and 
Assistant Secretary with PepsiCo Inc. During 
his five years with PepsiCo, Mr Cox was 
responsible for corporate governance and 
Sarbanes-Oxley/New York Stock Exchange 
compliance, and managed the corporate law 
group and the office of Corporate Secretary  
for the Board of Directors.

His experience also includes 10 years as a 
partner of the international law firm Bingham 
McCutchen LLP, at their offices in Asia and 
California, where he led the business and 
transactions practice group in corporate 
governance, corporate securities, mergers and 
acquisitions, financial services, real estate, tax 
and strategic technology transactions.

Mr Cox has a Juris Doctorate from the 
University of California, Berkeley, California; 

and a Master of Arts from the John Hopkins 
School of Advanced International Studies in 
Washington, DC, specialising in International 
Economics, European Studies, and American 
Foreign Policy.

Mark Fisher BSc, MBA
Executive General Manager – International 
Age 39

Mark Fisher joined James Hardie in 1993 
as a Production Engineer. Since then, he 
has worked for the company as Finishing 
Manager, Production Manager and Product 
Manager at various locations; Sales and 
Marketing Manager; and as General Manager 
of our Europe Fibre Cement business.  
Mr Fisher was appointed Vice President – 
Specialty Products in November 2004, then 
Vice President Research & Development in 
December 2005. In February 2008, his role 
was expanded to cover Engineering &  
Process Development.

In January 2010, he was appointed Executive 
General Manager – International, responsible 
for research and development, engineering, 
manufacturing, logistics and product 
management, as well as the company’s  
non-US businesses.

Mr Fisher has a Bachelor of Science in 
Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from  
the University of Southern California, USA. 

Sean O’Sullivan BA, MBA
Vice President – Investor & Media Relations 
Age 45

Sean O’Sullivan joined James Hardie as  
Vice President, Investor and Media Relations 
in December 2008. For the eight years prior 
to joining James Hardie, Mr O’Sullivan was 
Head of Investor Relations at St George Bank, 
where he established and led the investor 
relations function.

Mr O’Sullivan’s background includes thirteen 
years as a fund manager for GIO Asset 
Management, responsible for domestic and 

global investments. During this period, he 
spent time on secondment with McKinsey 
and Co, completing a major study into the 
Australian financial services industry.  
Mr O’Sullivan’s final position at GIO was 
General Manager of Diversified Investments 
where his responsibilities included 
determining the asset allocation for over 
A$10 billion in funds under management. 
After leaving the GIO, Mr O’Sullivan worked 
for Westpac Banking Corporation in funds 
management sales.

He has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in 
Economics from Sydney University and an 
MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of 
Management. 

Nigel Rigby
Executive General Manager – USA  
Age 43

Nigel Rigby joined James Hardie in 1998 
as a Planning Manager for our New Zealand 
business and has held a number of sales, 
marketing and product and business 
development roles with the company. In 
November 2004, Mr Rigby was appointed 
Vice President – Emerging Markets, and in 
2006 he was named Vice President – General 
Manager Northern Division. In November 
2008, he became Vice President – General 
Manager of the company’s newly-formed  
US Eastern Division, responsible for the 
former Northern and Southern Division 
markets and plants.

In January 2010 he was appointed Executive 
General Manager – USA, responsible for the 
US business.

Before joining James Hardie, Mr Rigby held 
various management positions at Fletcher 
Challenge, a New Zealand-based company 
then involved in energy, pulp and paper, 
forestry and building materials. 

Louis Gries

Russell Chenu

Robert Cox 

Mark Fisher 

Sean O’Sullivan

Nigel Rigby

17

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
Donald McGauchie AO
Age 60

Brian Anderson BS, MBA, CPA
Age 59

Donald McGauchie joined James Hardie as 
an independent Non-Executive Director in 
August 2003 and was appointed Acting Deputy 
Chairman of the Joint and Supervisory Boards 
in February 2007, and Deputy Chairman of the 
Joint and Supervisory Boards in April 2007. 
Following completion of the Re-domicile on 
17 June 2010, he became Deputy Chairman of 
the single Board. Mr McGauchie is a member 
of the Board, Chairman of the Nominating and 
Governance Committee and a member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Experience: Mr McGauchie has wide 
commercial experience within the food 
processing, commodity trading, finance and 
telecommunication sectors. He also has 
extensive public policy experience, having 
previously held several high-level advisory 
positions to the Australian Government.

Directorships of listed companies in the past 
three or more years: Current – Director of 
Nufarm Limited (since 2003); Director of 
GrainCorp Limited (since 2009); Director 
and Chairman-elect of Australian Agricultural 
Company Limited (since May 2010).  
Former – Chairman of Telstra Corporation 
Limited (2004-2009); Chairman of Woolstock 
Australia Limited (1999-2002); Deputy 
Chairman of Ridley Corporation Limited  
(1998-2004); Director of National Foods 
Limited (2000-2005); Director of GrainCorp 
Limited (1999-2002).

Other: Director of The Reserve Bank of 
Australia; Chairman Australian Wool Testing 
Authority (since 2005) and Director (since 
1999); President of the National Farmers 
Federation (1994-1998); Chairman of Rural 
Finance Corporation (2003-2004); awarded 
the Centenary Medal for service to Australian 
society through agriculture and business in 
2003; resident of Australia.

Last elected: August 2009 

Brian Anderson was appointed as an 
independent Non-Executive Director of James 
Hardie in December 2006. He is a member  
of the Board, Chairman of the Audit Committee 
and a member of the Remuneration Committee.  
Mr Anderson was also Chairman of the 
Re-domicile Due Diligence Committee.

Experience: Mr Anderson has extensive  
financial and business experience at both 
executive and board levels. He has held a 
variety of senior positions, with thirteen years 
at Baxter International, Inc, including seven 
years as Corporate Vice President of Finance, 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
(1997-2004) and, more recently, as Executive 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 
OfficeMax, Inc (2004-2005). Earlier in his career, 
Mr Anderson was an Audit Partner of Deloitte  
& Touche LLP (1986-1991) and he is accredited 
as a Certified Public Accountant (1976).

Directorships of listed companies in the past 
three or more years: Current – Chairman 
(since April 2010) and Director (since 2005)
of A.M. Castle & Co.; Director of Pulte Homes 
Corporation (since September 2005); Director 
(since 1999) and Chair of the Audit Committee 
(since 2003) for W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Other: Director of The Nemours Foundation 
(since January 2006); resident of the United 
States.

Last elected: August 2009

David Dilger CBE, BA, FCA
Age 53

David Dilger was appointed as an independent 
Non-Executive Director of James Hardie effective 
2 September 2009. He is a member of the Board, 
the Audit Committee and the Remuneration 
Committee.

Experience: Mr Dilger has substantial experience 
of multinational manufacturing operations, 
a strong finance foundation and leadership 
qualities, including 16 years as a chief executive 
of listed companies. He has a proven ability to 

Michael Hammes 

Donald McGauchie  

Brian Anderson 

James Hardie’s directors have  
widespread experience, spanning  
general management, finance, law and 
accounting. Each director also brings 
valuable international experience that 
assists with James Hardie’s growth. 

Michael Hammes BS, MBA
Age 68

Michael Hammes was elected as an  
independent Non-Executive Director of James 
Hardie in February 2007. He was appointed 
Chairman of the Joint and Supervisory Boards 
in January 2008 and, following the completion 
of the Re-domicile on 17 June 2010, he became 
Chairman of the single Board. He is a member 
of the Audit Committee, the Remuneration 
Committee and the Nominating and Governance 
Committee. Mr Hammes was also a member  
of the Re-domicile Due Diligence Committee.

Experience: Mr Hammes has extensive 
commercial experience at the senior executive 
level. He has held a number of executive 
positions in the medical products, hardware  
and home improvement, and automobile 
sectors, including CEO and Chairman of Sunrise 
Medical, Inc (2000-2007), Chairman and CEO of 
Guide Corporation (1998-2000), Chairman and 
CEO of Coleman Company, Inc (1993-1997), 
Vice Chairman of Black & Decker Corporation 
(1992-1993) and various senior executive roles 
with Chrysler Corporation (1986-1990) and 
Ford Motor Company (1979-1986).

Directorships of listed companies in the past 
three or more years: Current – Director of 
Navistar International Corporation (since 
1996), Chairman of the Navistar Nominating 
and Governance Committee, Chairman of the 
Navistar Finance Committee, and a member 
of the Navistar Executive Compensation 
Committee.

Other: Previous Member of the Board of 
Directors of Johns Manville Corporation; 
Member of the Board of Visitors, Georgetown 
University’s School of Business; resident of  
the United States.

Last elected: August 2009

BOARD  
DIRECTORS

18

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

transform and drive large businesses by setting 
a clear strategy and building strong management 
teams. 

Directorships of listed companies in the past 
three or more years: non-executive director of 
The Bank of Ireland plc (2003-2009) serving as 
Senior Independent Director and as Chairman of 
the Bank’s Remuneration Committee.

Other: Chairman of Dublin Airport Authority 
plc (since May 2009); Fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants in Ireland; previous 
member of the Board and National Executive 
Council of the Irish Business and Employers 
Confederation (IBEC); and former Board member 
of Enterprise Ireland, the government agency 
responsible for the development and promotion 
of the indigenous business sector; resident of 
the Republic of Ireland.

Last elected: Appointed September 2009

David Harrison BA, MBA, CMA 
Age 63 

David Harrison was appointed as an independent 
Non-Executive Director of James Hardie in May 
2008. He is a member of the Board, Chairman of 
the Remuneration Committee and a member of 
the Audit Committee.

Experience: Mr Harrison is an experienced 
company director and has a distinguished 
finance background, having served with special 
expertise in corporate finance roles, international 
operations and information technology during  
22 years with Borg-Warner/General Electric Co. 

He is Managing Partner of the US financial 
investor, HCI Inc. and previously spent ten  
years at Pentair, Inc., as Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial Officer. His 
experience also includes roles as Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer at Scotts, Inc. 
and Coltec Industries, Inc. and numerous 
accounting and financial roles held during his 
career at Borg-Warner/GE, culminating in his 
appointment as Vice President Finance Europe/
Canada and Director, Finance North America.

Directorships of listed companies in the past 
three or more years: Current – Director and 

Chairman of the Audit Committee for National 
Oilwell Varco (since 2003); Director and 
member of the Audit & Finance Committee  
for Navistar International (since 2007).

Other: Member of Ohio University MBA  
Advisory Board (since 2003) and of the Iredell 
County / Twin Cities / Charlotte Salvation  
Army Advisory Board (since 1995); resident  
of the United States.

Last elected: August 2008

James Osborne BA Hons, LLB 
Age 61

James Osborne was appointed as an 
independent Non-Executive Director of James 
Hardie in March 2009. He is a member of the 
Board and the Nominating and Governance 
Committee. Mr Osborne was also a member  
of the Re-domicile Due Diligence Committee. 

Experience: Mr Osborne is an experienced 
company director with a strong legal 
background and a considerable knowledge 
of international business operating in North 
America and Europe. His career includes 35 
years with the leading Irish law firm, A&L 
Goodbody, in roles which included opening 
the firm’s New York office in 1979, and serving 
as the firm’s managing partner for 12 years. 
He has served as a consultant to the firm since 
1994. Mr Osborne also contributed to the 
listing of Ryanair in London, New York and 
Dublin and continues to serve on its board.

Directorships of listed companies in the  
past three or more years: Current – Director 
and Chairman of Remuneration Committee, 
Ryanair Holdings plc (since 1996);  
Former – Chairman, Newcourt Group plc 
(2004-2009), Director Bank of Ireland  
(1986-1991), Golden Vale plc (1993-1998), 
Carrolls Holdings plc (1986-2005) and  
Adare plc (1994-1998).

Other: Director of numerous private 
companies, including Centric Health  
(2006 - present); resident of the Republic  
of Ireland.

Last elected: August 2009

Rudy van der Meer M.Ch.Eng
Age 65

Rudy van der Meer was elected as an 
independent Non-Executive Director of James 
Hardie in February 2007. He is a member of 
the Board and the Nominating and Governance 
Committee.

Experience: Mr van der Meer is an experienced 
executive, with considerable knowledge of global 
businesses and the building and construction 
sector. During his 32-year association with Akzo 
Nobel N.V., he held a number of senior positions 
including CEO – Coatings (2000-2005), CEO 
– Chemicals (1993-2000), member of the five 
member Executive Board (1993-2005), Division 
President – Akzo Salt & Base Chemicals  
(1991-1993) and member of the Executive Board 
– Akzo Salt & Base Chemicals (1989-1991).

Directorships of listed companies in the past 
three or more years: Current – Chairman of the 
Supervisory Board of Imtech N.V. (since 2005); 
Former – Chairman of the Supervisory Board 
of Norit International B.V. (2005-2007); Member 
of the Supervisory Board of Hagemeyer N.V. 
(2006-2008).

Other: Member of the Supervisory Board of  
ING Bank Nederland N.V. and ING Verzekeringen 
(Insurance) Nederland N.V. (since 2004); 
Chairman of the Board of Energie Beheer 
Nederland B.V. (since 2006). Previous 
appointments include Chairman of VNCI 
(Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry) 
(1994-2000); Member of the Supervisory Board 
of Gelderse Papier N.V. (1994-2000); Member  
of the Board of CEFIC (European Chemical 
Industry Council) (1998-2002); Member of  
the Board and Executive Committee of the 
American Chemistry Council (1996-2002); 
Member of the Board of the European Council 
Paint, Printing Ink and Artists’ Colours Industry  
(2004-2005); Chairman of the Board of 
Foundation “Toekomstbeeld der Techniek” 
(1999-2005); Member of the ING Group N.V. 
Advisory Council (1997-2005). Mr van der Meer 
is a resident of The Netherlands.

Last elected: August 2009

David Dilger

David Harrison

James Osborne 

Rudy van der Meer 

Our CEO, Louis Gries, is an Executive 
Director on the company’s Board. Mr Gries’ 
biographical details appear on page 16.

19

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

20

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

ConTEnTS

  22 
  37 
  41 
  67 
  81 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis
  Directors’ Report
  Remuneration Report
  Corporate Governance Report
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Ernst & Young LLP

ConSolidaTEd FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

  82 
  83 
  85 
  87 

  Consolidated Balance Sheets
  Consolidated Statements of Operations
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit

noTES To ConSolidaTEd FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

  88 
  89 
  94 
  94 
  94 
  94 
  95 
  96 
  96 
  97 
  98 
 103 
 104 
 105 
 109 
 114 
 114 
 117 
 117 

Inventories

1  Background and Basis of Presentation
2  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
3  Cash and Cash Equivalents
4  Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
5  Accounts and Other Receivables
6 
7  Property, Plant and Equipment
8  Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
9  Short and Long-Term Debt
10  Product Warranties
11  Asbestos
12  Fair Value Measurements
13  Commitment and Contingencies
14 
15  Stock-Based Compensation
16  Share Repurchase Program
17  Operating Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk
18  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
19  Re-domicile

Income Taxes

oThEr inFormaTion

 118 
 119 
 120 
 121 
 124 

  Remuneration Disclosures – Remuneration of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
  Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 
  Group Statistics 
  Share/CUFS Information
  Addresses

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

21 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
managEmEnT’S  
diSCuSSion and analySiS

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

ovErviEw

This discussion is intended to provide information that will assist 
in understanding James Hardie’s (the company’s) 31 March 2010 
consolidated financial statements, the changes in significant items 
in those consolidated financial statements from year to year, and the 
primary reasons for those changes and the factors and trends which are 
anticipated to have a material effect on the company’s financial condition 
and results of operations in future periods. This discussion includes 
information about James Hardie’s critical accounting policies and how 
these policies affect its consolidated financial statements, and information 
about the consolidated financial results of each business segment to 
provide a better understanding of how each segment and its results affect 
the financial condition and results of operations as a whole.

James Hardie’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in 
accordance with US GAAP. The discussion in this section includes 
several non-US GAAP measures to provide additional information 
concerning the company’s performance. James Hardie believes 
that these non-US GAAP measures enhance an investor’s overall 
understanding of the company’s financial performance by being more 
reflective of its core operational activities and to be more comparable 
with financial results over various periods. In addition, the company 
uses non-US GAAP financial measures internally for strategic decision 
making, forecasting future results and evaluating current performance. 
Non-US GAAP financial measures include:

–  operating income excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and 

asset impairments;

–  effective tax rate excluding asbestos, asset impairments and 

tax adjustments; and

–  net operating profit excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses, asset 

impairments and tax adjustments.

The company has reconciled these non-US GAAP financial measures 
to the most directly comparable US GAAP financial measure for fiscal 
years 2010 and 2009 on pages 34–36. These non-US GAAP financial 
measures are not prepared in accordance with US GAAP; therefore, 
the information is not necessarily comparable to other companies’ 
financial information and should be considered as a supplement to, not 
a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated 
in accordance with US GAAP.

James Hardie’s pre-tax results for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were 
affected by unfavourable asbestos adjustments of US$224.2 million 
and favourable asbestos adjustments of US$17.4 million, respectively; 
AICF SG&A expenses of US$2.1 million and US$0.7 million, 
respectively; and ASIC expenses of US$3.4 million and 
US$14.0 million, respectively. Information regarding asbestos-related 
matters and ASIC matters can be found in this discussion and in Notes 
11 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements starting on pages 98 
and 104 of this annual report.

The Company and the Building Product Markets
Based on net sales, James Hardie believes it is the largest manufacturer 
of fibre cement products and systems for internal and external building 
construction applications in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, 

22

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

and the Philippines. The company’s current primary geographic markets 
include the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, 
Europe and Canada. Through significant research and development 
expenditure, James Hardie develops key product and production 
process technologies that it patents or holds as trade secrets. James 
Hardie believes that these technologies give it a competitive advantage.

James Hardie’s fibre cement products are used in a number of markets, 
including new residential construction (single and multi-family 
housing), manufactured housing (mobile and pre-fabricated homes), 
repair and remodelling and a variety of commercial and industrial 
applications (stores, warehouses, offices, hotels, motels, schools, 
libraries, museums, dormitories, hospitals, detention facilities, religious 
buildings and gymnasiums). The company manufactures numerous 
types of fibre cement products with a variety of patterned profiles 
and surface finishes for a range of applications, including external 
siding and soffit lining, internal linings, facades, fencing and floor 
and tile underlayments.

The company’s products are primarily sold in the residential housing 
markets. Residential construction levels fluctuate based on new home 
construction activity and the repair and renovation of existing homes. 
These levels of activity are affected by many factors, including home 
mortgage interest rates, the availability of financing to homeowners to 
purchase a new home or make improvements to their existing homes, 
inflation rates, unemployment levels, existing home sales, the average 
age and the size of housing inventory, consumer home repair and 
renovation spending, gross domestic product growth and consumer 
confidence levels. A number of these factors continued to be generally 
unfavourable during fiscal year 2010, resulting in weaker residential 
construction activity.

Fiscal Year 2010 Key Results
Total net sales decreased 6% to US$1,124.6 million in fiscal year 
2010. James Hardie recorded an operating loss of US$21.0 million 
in fiscal year 2010 compared to an operating profit of US$173.6 
million in fiscal year 2009. The operating loss of US$21.0 million in 
fiscal year 2010 was adversely affected by the unfavourable asbestos 
adjustment of US$224.2 million. EBIT excluding asbestos and ASIC 
expenses increased 22% to US$208.7 million in fiscal year 2010 from 
US$170.9 million in fiscal year 2009.

Net income excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and tax adjustments 
increased 32% to US$133.0 million in fiscal year 2010 from 
US$100.5 million in fiscal year 2009. Including asbestos, 
ASIC expenses and tax adjustments, net income moved from 
US$136.3 million to a loss of US$84.9 million.

The company’s largest market is North America. Based on the NAHB’s 
Builder Practices Reports, for the past three years, fibre cement has 
been one of the fastest growing segments (in terms of market growth) of 
the US residential exteriors industry. During fiscal year 2010, USA and 
Europe Fibre Cement net sales contributed approximately 74% of total 
net sales, and its operating income was the primary contributor to the 
total company results. Net sales for the USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
business decreased due to a reduction in sales volume, slightly offset 
by a higher average net sales price.

(US GAAP – US$ Millions) 
Net Sales
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Total Net Sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Research & development expenses 
Asbestos adjustments 
EBIT 
Net interest expense 
Other income (expense) 
Operating (loss) income before taxes 
Income tax expense 
Net operating (loss) profit 
Volume (mmsf)
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Average net sales price per unit (per msf)
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 

2010 

2009 

% Change

$ 

  828.1 
296.5 
$  1,124.6 
(708.5) 
416.1 
(185.8) 
(27.1) 
(224.2) 
(21.0) 
(4.0) 
6.3 
(18.7) 
(66.2) 
  (84.9) 

$ 

$ 

  929.3 
273.3 
$  1,202.6 
(813.8) 
388.8 
(208.8) 
(23.8) 
17.4 
173.6 
(3.0) 
(14.8) 
155.8 
(19.5) 
  136.3 

$ 

1,303.7 
389.6 

1,526.6 
390.6 

US$ 
A$ 

635 
894 

US$ 
A$ 

609 
879 

(11)
9
(6)
13
7
11
(14)
–
–
(33)
–
–
–
–

(15)
–

4
2

Operating income for the USA and Europe Fibre Cement segment 
increased in fiscal year 2010 from fiscal year 2009 primarily due to 
lower material input costs, higher average net sales price and improved 
plant performance, partially offset by lower sales volume and a resulting 
increase in the fixed unit costs of manufacturing as fixed costs were 
spread over significantly lower production volume.

During fiscal year 2010, Asia Pacific Fibre Cement net sales contributed 
approximately 26% of total net sales. Net sales increased 9% due to 
favourable currency exchange rates movements in the Asia Pacific 
business’ currencies compared to the US dollar and a 2% increase 
in average net sales price.

ToTal nET SalES

Total net sales decreased 6% from US$1,202.6 million in fiscal year 
2009 to US$1,124.6 million in fiscal year 2010 reflecting the ongoing 
decline in US housing activity.

uSa and EuropE FibrE CEmEnT nET SalES

Net sales decreased 11% from US$929.3 million in fiscal year 2009 
to US$828.1 million in fiscal year 2010 due to lower sales volume, 
partially offset by a higher average net sales price.

Sales volume decreased 15% from 1,526.6 million square feet in fiscal 
year 2009 to 1,303.7 million square feet in fiscal year 2010, primarily 
due to weaker demand for the company’s products in the United States 
as a result of the downturn in activity in the US housing construction 
and renovations market amid overall weak economic conditions. 

Although housing affordability has improved, the reduced availability 
of mortgage credit for prospective home buyers, the large inventory of 
homes for sale and relatively low consumer confidence continued to 
negatively affect demand. The average net sales price increased 4% 
from US$609 per msf in fiscal year 2009 to US$635 per msf in fiscal 
year 2010 as a result of a price increase early in fiscal year 2010 and 
a favourable shift in product mix.

According to the US Census Bureau, annualised seasonally-
adjusted single family housing starts in March 2010 were 531,000, 
still significantly below the January 2006 peak of 1.823 million 
annualised starts.

For the full year ended 31 March 2010, the NBSK pulp price was 
US$761 per ton, 7% down compared to US$814 per ton for the prior 
year; however during the course of the year, key raw material and 
energy costs increased. The average pulp price in the fourth quarter 
was 24% higher than in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, and 
9% higher than in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, as a result of 
continued strong demand, especially from China, and the effects on 
supply of the Chilean earthquake in February 2010.

Although production capacity has been re-commissioned as the NBSK 
pulp price index has risen, the price of pulp is expected to remain high 
in the immediate to medium term. In April 2010, the average NBSK pulp 
price rose to US$939 per ton.

23

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
managEmEnT’S  
diSCuSSion and analySiS 

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Similarly, freight costs were lower for fiscal year 2010, compared to 
fiscal year 2009. However, freight costs rose in the fourth quarter of 
fiscal year 2010, compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 
and the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, in response to significantly 
higher diesel prices amid emerging signs of a recovery in the United 
States economy.

Over the full year, the ColorPlus® product range continued to increase 
its penetration rate.

The company’s strategy remains unchanged, with the focus continuing 
to be on primary demand growth, product mix shift and zero to landfill.

aSia paCiFiC FibrE CEmEnT nET SalES

Net sales from Asia Pacific Fibre Cement increased 9% from US$273.3 
million in fiscal year 2009 to US$296.5 million in fiscal year 2010. The 
higher value of the Asia Pacific business’ currencies against the US 
dollar accounted for 7% of the increase, while the remaining 2% of the 
increase was due to the underlying Australian dollar business results. In 
Australian dollars, net sales increased 2% due to an increase in average 
net sales price.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported a 16% increase in 
housing approvals in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009.

Asia Pacific sales volume was stable as increasing volume in Australia 
and the Philippines was offset by an 11% decrease in New Zealand 
volume, due to a weaker domestic market in fiscal year 2010, compared 
to fiscal year 2009.

In Australia, the Scyon™ branded product range continued to build 
momentum over the course of the fiscal year. In New Zealand, sales of 
differentiated products also grew in fiscal year 2010. Similarly, in the 
Philippines, sales of differentiated products, primarily thicker board, 
increased over the full year.

Appreciating local currencies resulted in a 5% decrease in raw material 
costs measured in Australian dollar terms for the Asia Pacific business 
compared to fiscal year 2009. The vast majority of this saving relates to 
pulp which is traded in US dollars.

groSS proFiT

Gross profit increased 7% from US$388.8 million in fiscal year 2009 to 
US$416.1 million in fiscal year 2010. The gross profit margin increased 
4.7 percentage points from 32.3% in fiscal year 2009 to 37.0% in fiscal 
year 2010. 

USA and Europe Fibre Cement gross profit increased 5% in fiscal 
year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. Gross profit benefited 11% 
as a result of higher average net sales price and 12% from a reduction 
of input costs, primarily pulp, energy and freight and lower warranty 
expenses. The benefits were partially offset by a 19% detriment 
due to lower sales volume and a resulting increase in the fixed 
unit cost of manufacturing, as fixed costs were spread over a lower 
production volume.

The gross profit margin of the USA and Europe Fibre Cement business 
increased by 5.9 percentage points.

24

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Asia Pacific Fibre Cement gross profit increased 16% in fiscal year 
2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. The higher value of Asia Pacific 
business’ currencies against the US dollar accounted for 8% of 
the increase.

In Australian dollars, Asia Pacific Fibre Cement gross profit benefited 6% 
as a result of a favourable price movement, including product mix shift. In 
addition, gross profit benefited 5% from reduced manufacturing costs and 
decreased raw material input costs as appreciating local currencies more 
than offset increasing costs of raw materials that are traded in US dollars. 
These benefits were offset by higher warranty expenses.

The gross profit margin of the Asia Pacific Fibre Cement business 
increased by 1.9 percentage points.

SElling, gEnEral and adminiSTraTivE 
(Sg&a) ExpEnSES

SG&A expenses decreased 11% from US$208.8 million in fiscal 
year 2009 to US$185.8 million in fiscal year 2010. The decrease was 
primarily due to a favourable US$7.6 million adjustment to a legal 
provision following settlement of a contractual warranty and lower 
general corporate costs, partially offset by higher SG&A spending 
in the USA and Europe Fibre Cement and Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
segments. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses declined 0.9 of 
a percentage point to 16.5% in fiscal year 2010. For fiscal year 2010, 
SG&A expenses included non-claims handling related operating 
expenses of the AICF of US$2.1 million.

ASIC Proceedings
On 23 April 2009, his Honour Justice Gzell issued judgment against 
the company and ten former officers and directors of the company.

All defendants other than two lodged appeals against Justice Gzell’s 
judgments, and ASIC responded by lodging cross-appeals against the 
appellants. The appeals lodged by the former directors and officers were 
heard in April 2010 and the appeal lodged by the company was heard 
in May 2010. A final judgment is awaited.

Depending upon the outcome of the appeals and cross-appeals, further 
or different findings may be made as to the liability of each defendant-
appellant, any banning orders, fines payable, and costs of the appeal 
and the first instance proceedings that the company may become 
liable for either in respect of its own appeal or the appeals of other 
defendants-appellants under indemnities.

As with the first instance proceedings, the company has agreed to pay 
a proportion of the costs of bringing and defending appeals, with the 
remaining costs being met by third parties. The company notes that 
other recoveries may be available, including as a result of successful 
appeals or repayments by former directors and officers in accordance 
with the terms of their indemnities.

As a result of the above uncertainties, it is not presently possible for 
the company to estimate the amount or range of amounts, including 
costs that it might become liable to pay as a consequence of the appeal 
proceedings. Accordingly, as of 31 March 2010, the company has not 
recorded any related loss reserves.

It is the company’s policy to expense legal costs as incurred. Losses 
and expenses arising from the ASIC proceedings and appeals could 
have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, 
liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.

proceedings in 2003 against the former James Hardie Chilean entity 
alleging that it had engaged in predatory pricing, by selling products 
below cost when it entered the Chilean market, in breach of the relevant 
anti-trust laws in Chile. Quimel also joined the proceedings.

For the year ended 31 March 2010, the company incurred legal 
costs related to the ASIC proceedings, noted as ASIC expenses, 
of US$3.4 million. These costs were substantially lower compared 
to fiscal year 2009, when the company incurred ASIC expenses of 
US$14.0 million. ASIC expenses are included in SG&A expenses.

The company’s net costs in relation to the ASIC proceedings from their 
commencement in February 2007 and the appeals to 31 March 2010 
total US$23.1 million.

Background
In February 2007, ASIC commenced civil proceedings in the Supreme 
Court of New South Wales (the Court) against the company, ABN 60 
and ten then-present or former officers and directors of the James 
Hardie Group. While the subject matter of the allegations varied 
between individual defendants, the allegations against the company 
were confined to alleged contraventions of provisions of the Australian 
Corporations Act/Law relating to continuous disclosure, and engaging 
in misleading or deceptive conduct in respect of a security.

The company defended each of the allegations made by ASIC and the 
orders sought against it in the proceedings, as did the other former 
directors and officers of the company.

See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements starting on 
page 104 of this annual report for further information on the ASIC 
Proceedings.

Chile Litigation
On 30 December 2009, the company entered into a settlement 
agreement with El Volcan resolving all outstanding issues between 
the parties relating to the sale of FC Volcan to El Volcan in July 2005. 
Under the settlement agreement, James Hardie will have no further 
obligation to defend or indemnify El Volcan in the antitrust proceedings 
commenced by Cementa or Quimel.

El Volcan will now be responsible for its own defence of the antitrust 
proceedings, including payment of any final judgments rendered 
on appeal. El Volcan will also be required to defend and indemnify 
James Hardie against any future claims by third parties related to the 
management or business of FC Volcan, including any future antitrust 
allegations. The terms and conditions of the settlement remain 
confidential. All amounts owed under the terms of the settlement were 
paid in full on 31 December 2009. As a result, the amount of the 
provision in excess of the settlement amount was reversed, resulting 
in a gain of US$7.6 million included in general corporate costs for the 
year ended 31 March 2010.

Background
On 24 April 2009, a trial court in Santiago, Chile awarded the then 
equivalent of US$13.4 million in damages against FC Volcan, in civil 
litigation brought by Cementa in 2007.

Cementa, a fibre cement manufacturer in Chile, commenced anti-trust 

As these actions existed prior to James Hardie’s sale of its Chilean 
business in July 2005, the company had agreed to indemnify the buyer, 
El Volcan, subject to certain conditions and limitations, for damages or 
penalties awarded against FC Volcan in relation to such proceedings.

After the anti-trust proceedings concluded in 2006, Cementa, in 2007, 
brought a separate civil action against FC Volcan claiming that Cementa 
had suffered damages, allegedly as a result of predatory pricing.

Quimel also filed a separate civil action against FC Volcan in 2007 
claiming that it had suffered damages, allegedly as a result of predatory 
pricing. On 23 June 2009, the Chilean trial court dismissed the claim 
filed by Quimel against FC Volcan.

James Hardie denied and continues to deny the allegations of predatory 
pricing in Chile.

See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements starting on 
page 104 of this annual report for more information on the Chile 
Litigation.

rESEarCh and dEvElopmEnT ExpEnSES

Research and development expenses include costs associated with 
“core” research projects that are designed to benefit all business units. 
These costs are recorded in the Research and Development segment 
rather than being attributed to individual business units. These costs 
were 9% higher for fiscal year 2010, at US$15.7 million.

Other research and development costs associated with 
commercialisation projects in business units are included in the 
business unit segment results. In total, these costs were 24% higher 
for fiscal year 2010 at US$11.4 million, compared to fiscal year 2009.

aSbESToS adjuSTmEnTS

The company’s asbestos adjustments are derived from an estimate 
of future Australian asbestos-related liabilities in accordance with the 
AFFA that was signed with the NSW Government in November 2006 
and approved by the company’s security holders in February 2007.

The discounted central estimate of the asbestos liability has decreased 
from AUS$1.782 billion at 31 March, 2009 to AUS$1.537 billion at 
31 March, 2010. The reduction in the discounted central estimate of 
A$245.0 million is primarily due to increases in yields on Government 
Bonds, which are used for discounting the future cash flows; and a 
reduction in the projected future number of claims to be reported for 
a number of disease types.

The asbestos-related assets and liabilities are denominated in 
Australian dollars. Therefore the reported value of these asbestos-
related assets and liabilities in the company’s consolidated balance 
sheets in US dollars is subject to adjustment, with a corresponding 
effect on the company’s consolidated statement of operations, 
depending on the closing exchange rate between the two currencies 
at each balance sheet date.

25

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

managEmEnT’S  
diSCuSSion and analySiS 

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

For fiscal year 2010, the Australian dollar appreciated against the US 
dollar by 33%, compared to a 25% depreciation in fiscal year 2009.

The company receives an updated actuarial estimate as of 31 March 
each year. The last actuarial assessment was performed as of 31 March 
2010. The asbestos adjustments for the fiscal years ended 31 March 
2010 and 2009 are as follows:

(US$ millions) 
Change in estimates 
Effect of foreign exchange movements 
Asbestos adjustments 

Fiscal Years Ended 31 March

2010 
(3.3) 
(220.9) 
(224.2) 

$ 

$ 

2009
$  (162.3)
179.7
(17.4)

$ 

ClaimS daTa

The number of new claims filed in fiscal year 2010 of 535 is lower than 
new claims of 607 reported for fiscal year 2009, and also slightly below 
actuarial expectations for fiscal year 2010.

The number of claims settled of 540 for fiscal year 2010 is lower than 
claims settled of 596 for fiscal year 2009.

The average claim settlement of A$191,000 for fiscal year 2010 is in 
line with fiscal year 2009 and slightly below the actuarial expectations 
for fiscal year 2010.

Asbestos claims paid of A$103.2 million for fiscal year 2010 were lower 
than the actuarial expectation of A$114.2 million for fiscal year 2010.

As of 31 March 2010, the AICF had cash and investment assets 
of A$63.1 million (US$57.8 million). James Hardie will make a 
contribution of A$72.8 million (US$63.7 million) to the AICF on 1 July 
2010. This amount represents 35% of the company’s free cash flow for 
fiscal year 2010, as defined by the AFFA.

All figures provided in this claims data section are gross of insurance 
and other recoveries. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial 
statements for further information on asbestos adjustments.

EbiT

EBIT moved from US$173.6 million in fiscal year 2009 to a loss of 
US$21.0 million for fiscal year 2010. The loss for fiscal year 2010 
includes net unfavourable asbestos adjustments of US$224.2 million 
(due primarily to the appreciation of the Australian dollar against the 
US dollar during the period), AICF SG&A expenses of US$2.1 million 
and ASIC expenses of US$3.4 million.

In fiscal year 2009, EBIT included net favourable asbestos adjustments 
of US$17.4 million (attributable to depreciation of the Australian dollar 
against the US dollar during the period, partially offset by a change in 
the actuarial estimate), AICF SG&A expenses of US$0.7 million and 
ASIC expenses of US$14.0 million.

Excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses, operating income increased 
from US$170.9 million in fiscal year 2009 to US$208.7 million in fiscal 
year 2010 as shown in the following table:

$ 

2010 
  208.5 
58.7 
(19.0) 

(42.9) 
(224.2) 
(2.1) 
(21.0) 

224.2 
2.1 
3.4 
  208.7 
$ 
$  1,124.6 
18.6% 

$ 

2009 
  199.3 
47.1 
(18.9) 

% Change
5
25
(1)

(70.6) 
17.4 
(0.7) 
173.6 

(17.4) 
0.7 
14.0 
  170.9 
$ 
$   1,202.6 
14.2%

39
-
-
-

-
-
(76)
22
(6)

(Millions of US$) 
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Research & Development 
General Corporate:
  General corporate costs 
  Asbestos adjustments 
  AICF SG&A expenses 
EBIT 
Excluding:
Asbestos:
  Asbestos adjustments 
  AICF SG&A expenses 
ASIC expenses 
EBIT excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses 
Net sales 
EBIT margin excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses 

26

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
USA and Europe Fibre Cement EBIT increased by 5% from 
US$199.3 million in fiscal year 2009 to US$208.5 million in fiscal 
year 2010. The improvement was driven by lower material input costs 
(primarily pulp, energy and freight), higher average net sales price and 
improved plant performance which contributed to lower average unit 
manufacturing costs. These benefits were partially offset by lower sales 
volume and a resulting increase in the fixed unit cost of manufacturing 
as fixed costs were spread over significantly lower production volume. 
The USA and Europe Fibre Cement EBIT margin was 3.8 percentage 
points higher at 25.2%.

Asia Pacific Fibre Cement EBIT increased 25% from US$47.1 million 
in fiscal year 2009 to US$58.7 million in fiscal year 2010. Favourable 
currency exchange rate movements in the Asia Pacific business’ 
currencies compared to the US dollar accounted for 11% of this 
increase. In Australian dollars, Asia Pacific Fibre Cement EBIT for the 
full year increased 14% due to strong primary demand growth offsetting 
weakened local markets, an increase in average net sales price, and 
favourable product mix shift, together with lower raw materials costs 
and reduced manufacturing costs. These benefits were partially offset by 
an increase in warranty expenses. The EBIT margin was 2.6 percentage 
points higher at 19.8%.

gEnEral CorporaTE CoSTS

General corporate costs decreased US$27.7 million from 
US$70.6 million in fiscal year 2009 to US$42.9 million in fiscal year 
2010. The company incurred costs associated with its Re-domicile of 
US$9.1 million in fiscal year 2010, compared to US$10.3 million in 
fiscal year 2009. ASIC expenses decreased from US$14.0 million in 
fiscal year 2009 to US$3.4 million in fiscal year 2010.

General corporate costs excluding ASIC expenses and Re-domicile 
costs for fiscal year 2010 decreased from US$46.3 million in fiscal year 
2009 to US$30.4 million in fiscal year 2010. The reduction was due to 
a US$7.6 million reversal of a legal provision and reductions in other 
general corporate costs.

nET inTErEST ExpEnSE

Net interest expense increased from US$3.0 million in fiscal year 
2009 to US$4.0 million in fiscal year 2010. Net interest expense for 
fiscal year 2010 included AICF interest income of US$3.3 million and 
a realised loss of US$2.5 million on interest rate swap contracts. Net 
interest expense for fiscal year 2009 included AICF interest income of 
US$6.4 million and nil related to interest rate swap contracts.

oThEr inComE (ExpEnSE)

Other income moved from an expense of US$14.8 million in fiscal 
year 2009 to income of US$6.3 million in fiscal year 2010. The 
turnaround resulted from an other-than-temporary impairment charge 
of US$14.8 million recognised at 31 March 2009 on restricted short-
term investments held by the AICF. Other income for the full year also 
benefited from a US$6.7 million (A$7.9 million) realised gain arising 
from the sale of restricted short-term investments held by the AICF, 
partially offset by an unrealised loss of US$0.4 million resulting from 
movements in the fair value of interest rate swap contracts.

inComE Tax

Income tax expense increased from US$19.5 million in fiscal year 
2009 to US$66.2 million in fiscal year 2010. The company’s effective 
tax rate on earnings excluding asbestos and tax adjustments was 
34.4% in fiscal year 2010, compared to 41.4% for fiscal year 2009. 
The change in effective tax rate excluding asbestos and tax adjustments 
is attributable to changes in the geographic mix of earnings and 
expenses, reductions in non-tax deductible expenses and the reversal 
of a non-taxable legal provision in operating profit.

The company recorded favourable tax adjustments of US$2.9 million 
in fiscal year 2010 compared to unfavourable tax adjustments of 
US$7.2 million in fiscal year 2009. The tax adjustments in fiscal years 
2010 and 2009 relate to uncertain tax positions.

nET opEraTing (loSS) proFiT

Net operating loss moved from a profit of US$136.3 million in 
fiscal year 2009 to a loss of US$84.9 million in fiscal year 2010. 
Net operating profit excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and tax 
adjustments increased 32% from US$100.5 million in fiscal year 2009 
to US$133.0 million in fiscal year 2010 as shown in the table below.

(US$ millions) 
Net operating (loss) profit 
Excluding:
Asbestos adjustments 
AICF SG&A expenses 
AICF interest income 
(Gain) impairment on AICF investments 
Tax expense (benefit) related to asbestos 
  adjustments 
ASIC expenses 
Tax adjustments 
Net operating profit excluding asbestos,  
  ASIC expenses and tax adjustments 

Fiscal Years Ended 31 March

2010 
$  (84.9) 

2009
$  136.3

224.2 
2.1 
(3.3) 
(6.7) 

1.1 
3.4 
(2.9) 

(17.4)
0.7
(6.4)
14.8

(48.7)
14.0
7.2

$  133.0 

$  100.5

Fiscal year 2010 includes a one-time legal provision reversal of 
US$7.6 million. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements 
starting on page 104 of this annual report for further information on the 
legal provision reversal.

27

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
managEmEnT’S  
diSCuSSion and analySiS 

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

liquidiTy and CapiTal rESourCES

The company’s treasury policy regarding liquidity management, 
foreign exchange risk management, interest rate risk management 
and cash management is administered by its treasury department 
and is centralised in Ireland. This policy is reviewed annually and is 
designed to ensure that the company has sufficient liquidity to support 
its business activities and meet future business requirements in the 
countries in which it operates. Counterparty limits are managed by the 
treasury department and based upon the counterparty credit rating; total 
exposure to any one counterparty is limited to specified amounts that 
are approved annually by the Chief Financial Officer.

James Hardie has historically met its working capital needs and 
capital expenditure requirements through a combination of cash flow 
from operations, credit facilities and other borrowings, proceeds 
from the sale of property, plant and equipment and proceeds from 

(Millions of US dollars) 
Description 
Term facilities, can be drawn in US$, variable interest rates based  
on LIBOR plus margin, can be repaid and redrawn until June 2010 

Term facilities, can be drawn in US$, variable interest rates based  
on LIBOR plus margin, can be repaid and redrawn until February 2011 

Term facilities, can be drawn in US$, variable interest rates based  
on LIBOR plus margin, can be repaid and redrawn until December 2012 

Term facilities, can be drawn in US$, variable interest rates based  
on LIBOR plus margin, can be repaid and redrawn until February 2013 
Total 

At 31 March 2010 the company had net debt of US$134.8 million, 
a decrease of US$146.8 million from net debt of US$281.6 million 
at 31 March 2009.

In December 2009, the company refinanced US$130.0 million in 
facilities, which previously had maturity dates in or prior to June 2010. 
The maturity date of these new facilities is December 2012. On 16 June 
2010, US$161.7 million of the term facilities matured. The company did 
not refinance these facilities. Accordingly, amounts outstanding under 
these facilities were repaid by using longer-term facilities.

The weighted average remaining term of the total credit facilities at 
31 March 2010 was 2.6 years. For all facilities, the interest rate is 
calculated two business days prior to the commencement of each draw-
down period based on the US$ London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) 
plus the margins of individual lenders and is payable at the end of each 
draw-down period. During fiscal year 2010, the company paid US$1.3 
million in commitment fees. As of 31 March 2010, US$154.0 million was 
drawn under the combined facilities and US$272.7 million was available.

In March 2006, RCI received an amended assessment from the ATO 
based on the ATO’s calculation of RCI’s net capital gains arising as a 
result of an internal corporate restructuring carried out in 1998.

During fiscal year 2007, the company agreed with the ATO that in 
accordance with the ATO Receivables Policy, James Hardie would 

28

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

the redemption of investments. Seasonal fluctuations in working 
capital generally have not had a significant impact on the company’s 
short-term or long-term liquidity. The company anticipates that it will 
have sufficient funds to meet its planned working capital and other 
cash requirements for the next 12 months based on its existing cash 
balances, cash available under proposed new credit facilities and 
anticipated operating cash flows arising during the year. The company 
anticipates that any additional cash requirements will be met from 
existing cash, unutilised committed credit facilities, anticipated future 
net operating cash flows and proposed new facilities.

Excluding restricted cash, the company had cash and cash equivalents of 
US$19.2 million as of 31 March 2010. At that date, the company also had 
credit facilities totalling US$426.7 million, of which US$154.0 million 
was drawn, leaving US$272.7 million available to be drawn. The credit 
facilities are all uncollateralised and consist of the following:

Effective Interest Rate 

At 31 March 2010
Total Facility 

Principal Drawn

0.86% 

$  161.7 

$ 

  95.0

– 

– 

45.0 

130.0 

–

–

1.01% 

90.0 
$  426.7 

59.0
$  154.0

pay 50% of the total amended assessment being A$184.0 million 
(US$148.4 million – converted at the 31 March 2007 spot rate) and 
provide a guarantee from JHI SE in favour of the ATO for the remaining 
unpaid 50% of the amended assessment, pending the outcome of 
the appeal of the amended assessment. The company also agreed to 
pay GIC accruing on the unpaid balance of the amended assessment 
in arrears on a quarterly basis. Up to 31 March 2010, the company 
had paid A$118.6 million (US$108.6 million) of GIC to the ATO. This 
amount includes GIC of A$76.7 million (US$70.2 million) paid as part 
of the payment of A$184.0 million (US$148.4 million – converted at the 
31 March 2007 spot rate) towards the amended assessment in fiscal 
year 2007. On 15 April 2010, the company paid an additional amount 
of A$2.5 million (US$2.3 million) in GIC related to the quarter ended 
31 March 2010.

RCI strongly disputes the amended assessment and is pursuing all 
avenues of appeal to contest the ATO’s position in this matter. The 
company believes that RCI’s view on its tax position will ultimately 
prevail in this matter. As a result, the company has treated all payments 
in respect of the amended assessment and the accrued interest 
receivable on such payments as of 31 March 2010 as a deposit. It is 
the company’s intention to treat any payments to be made at a later date 
and accrued interest receivable as a deposit.

 
The company expects that any amounts paid would be recovered, with 
interest, by RCI at the time RCI is successful in its appeal against the 
amended assessment. However, if RCI is unsuccessful in its appeal, RCI 
will be required to pay the entire assessment. As of 31 March 2010, the 
company had not recorded any liability for the amended assessment as 
it believes it is more-likely-than-not, based on the technical merits, that 
its position will be upheld.

For more information, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial 
statements starting on page 105 of this annual report. If the company 
is unable to extend its credit facilities, or unable to renew its credit 
facilities on terms that are substantially similar to the ones it presently 
has, it may experience liquidity issues and may have to reduce its 
levels of planned capital expenditures, continue to suspend dividend 
payments, or take other measures to conserve cash in order to meet 
future cash flow requirements.

As of 31 March 2010, the company’s management believed that it 
was in compliance with all restrictive covenants contained in its credit 
facility agreements. Under the most restrictive of these covenants, 
the company (i) is required to maintain certain ratios of indebtedness 
to equity which do not exceed certain maximums, excluding assets, 
liabilities and other balance sheet items of the AICF, Amaba, Amaca, 
ABN 60 and Marlew Mining Pty Limited, (ii) must maintain a minimum 
level of net worth, excluding assets, liabilities and other balance sheet 
items of the AICF; for these purposes “net worth” means the sum of 
the par value (or value stated in the books of the James Hardie Group) 
of the capital stock (but excluding treasury stock and capital stock 
subscribed or unissued) of the James Hardie Group, the paid-in capital 
and retained earnings of the James Hardie Group and the aggregate 
amount of provisions made by the James Hardie Group for asbestos 
related liabilities, in each case, as such amounts would be shown in 
the consolidated balance sheet of the James Hardie Group if Amaba, 
Amaca, ABN 60 and Marlew Mining Pty Limited were not accounted for 
as subsidiaries of the company, (iii) must meet or exceed a minimum 
ratio of earnings before interest and taxes to net interest charges, 
excluding all income, expense and other profit and loss statement 
impacts of the AICF, Amaba, Amaca, ABN 60 and Marlew Mining Pty 
Limited and (iv) must ensure that no more than 35% of Free Cash Flow 
(as defined in the AFFA) in any given Financial Year is contributed to 
the AICF on the payment dates under the AFFA in the next following 
Financial Year. The limit does not apply to payments of interest to the 
AICF. Such limits are consistent with the contractual liabilities of the 
Performing Subsidiary and the company under the AFFA.

CaSh Flow

Net operating cash moved from a cash outflow of US$45.2 million in 
fiscal year 2009 to a cash inflow of US$183.1 million in fiscal year 
2010, primarily due to two significant cash outflows in fiscal year 2009 
that did not recur in fiscal year 2010: the ATO settlement payment of 
US$101.6 million in settlement of disputes for the years 2002 and 2004 
to 2006, and the quarterly instalment payments to the AICF totalling 
US$110.0 million. Under the terms of the AFFA, the company was not 
required to make a contribution to the AICF during fiscal year 2010. Net 
operating cash flow was also favourably affected by a net improvement 

in operating results across the business, changes in accrued liabilities 
and an increase in accounts payable due to rising levels of inventory. 
These favourable movements were partially offset by an increase in 
accounts receivable.

Historically, the company has generated cash from operations before 
accounting for unusual or discrete large cash outflows. Therefore, 
in periods when it does not incur any unusual or discrete large cash 
outflows, such as or similar to the ATO settlement during fiscal year 
2009, the company expects that net operating cash flow will be the 
primary source of liquidity to fund business activities. In periods 
where cash flows from operations are insufficient to fund all business 
activities, the company expects to rely more significantly on available 
credit facilities and other sources of working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities increased from US$26.1 million 
in fiscal year 2009 to US$50.5 million in fiscal year 2010 as capital 
expenditures increased from the prior year.

Net financing cash moved from a cash inflow of US$25.0 million in 
fiscal year 2009 to a cash outflow of US$159.0 million in fiscal year 
2010, primarily due to repayment of 364-day facilities of US$93.3 
million and a reduction in outstanding term facilities of US$76.7 million 
during fiscal year 2010.

Capital Requirements and Resources
James Hardie’s capital requirements consist of expansion, renovation 
and maintenance of its production facilities and construction of new 
facilities. The company’s working capital requirements, consisting 
primarily of inventory and accounts receivable and payables, fluctuate 
seasonally during months of the year when overall construction and 
renovation activity volumes increase.

During the fiscal year ended 31 March 2010, the company met its 
capital expenditure requirements through a combination of internal 
cash and funds from credit facilities. The company expects to use cash 
primarily generated from its operations to fund capital expenditures 
and working capital. During fiscal year 2011, the company expects 
to spend approximately US$70 million to US$80 million on capital 
expenditures, including facility upgrades, equipment to enhance 
environmental compliance and capital to implement new fibre cement 
technologies. The company plans to fund any cash flow shortfalls that 
it may experience due to payments related to the AFFA and payments 
made to the ATO under the amended assessment, with future cash flow 
surpluses, cash on hand of US$19.2 million at 31 March 2010, and 
cash that it anticipates will be available under credit facilities.

Under the terms of the AFFA, the company is required to fund the 
AICF on an annual basis, depending on its net operating cash flow. 
The initial funding payment of A$184.3 million (US$145.0 million 
at the time of payment) was made to the AICF in February 2007 and 
annual payments will be made each July. The amounts of these annual 
payments are dependent on several factors, including the company’s 
free cash flow (as defined in the AFFA), actuarial estimations, actual 
claims paid, operating expenses of the AICF and the annual cash flow 
cap. No contribution was required to be made under the AFFA in fiscal 
year 2008. Further contributions in fiscal year 2009 were made on a 

29

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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

quarterly basis in July and October 2008 and in January and March 
2009, totalling A$118.0 million (inclusive of interest). Under the terms 
of the AFFA, the company was not required to make a contribution to 
the AICF in fiscal year 2010. The company will make a contribution 
to the AICF in fiscal year 2011 of A$72.8 million (US$63.7 million). 
Future funding for the AICF continues to be linked under the terms of 
the AFFA to the company’s long-term financial success, especially its 
ability to generate net operating cash flow.

The company anticipates that its cash flows from operations, net of 
estimated payments under the AFFA, will be sufficient to fund its 
planned capital expenditure and working capital requirements in the 
short-term. If the company does not generate sufficient cash from 
operations to fund its planned capital expenditures and working 
capital requirements, it believes the cash and cash equivalents of 
US$19.2 million at 31 March 2010, and the cash that it anticipates will 
be available under credit facilities, will be sufficient to meet any cash 
shortfalls during at least the next 12 months.

The company expects to rely primarily on increased market penetration 
of its products and increased profitability from a more favourable 
product mix to generate cash to fund its long-term growth. Historically, 
the company’s products have been well-accepted by the market and its 
product mix has changed towards higher-priced, differentiated products 
that generate higher margins.

The company has historically reinvested a portion of the cash generated 
from its operations to fund additional capital expenditures, including 
research and development activities, which it believes have facilitated 
greater market penetration and increased profitability. The company’s 
ability to meet its long-term liquidity needs, including its long-term 
growth plan, is dependent on the continuation of this trend and other 
factors discussed here.

In May 2007, the company announced a dividend policy of a payout ratio 
of between 50% to 75% of net income before asbestos adjustments, 
subject to funding requirements. In November 2008, the company 
announced that its Board had decided to omit the interim dividend for 
fiscal year 2009 and that it would continue to review the dividend policy, 
but that it was likely dividends would be suspended until conditions 
improved significantly. On 20 May, 2009, the company announced that it 
would omit the year-end dividend for fiscal year 2009 to conserve capital 
and that, until such time as market and global economic conditions 
improve significantly and the level of uncertainty surrounding future 
industry trends as well as company specific contingencies dissipates, 
it anticipates that dividends will continue to be suspended in order to 
conserve capital. This remains the company’s position.

The company believes its business is affected by general economic 
conditions, such as level of employment, consumer confidence, 
consumer income, the availability of financing and interest rates 
in the United States and in other countries because these factors 
affect housing affordability and the level of housing prices. Over the 
past several years, the ongoing sub-prime mortgage fallout, rising 
unemployment, increased foreclosures, high current inventory of 
unsold homes, tighter credit and volatile equity markets have materially 

30

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

adversely affected the company’s business. The company expects that 
business derived from current US forecasts of new housing starts 
and renovation and remodel expenditures will result in its operations 
generating cash flow sufficient to fund the majority of its planned capital 
expenditures. It is possible that a deeper than expected decline in new 
housing starts in the United States or in other countries in which the 
company manufactures and sells its products would negatively affect 
its growth and current levels of revenue and profitability and therefore 
decrease the company’s liquidity and ability to generate sufficient cash 
from operations to meet its capital requirements.

Pulp and cement are primary ingredients in the company’s fibre cement 
formulation, which have been subject to price volatility, affecting its 
working capital requirements. The company’s pulp prices are discounted 
from a global index, NBSK, which – based on information the company 
receives from RISI and other sources – are predicted to increase in 
fiscal year 2011 due to increased demand and the effects on supply 
of the Chilean earthquake in February 2010. To minimise additional 
working capital requirements caused by rising pulp prices, the company 
has entered into contracts that discount pulp prices in relation to 
various pulp indices over a longer-term and purchases its pulp from 
several qualified suppliers in an attempt to mitigate price increases and 
supply interruptions.

The company expects its average price for cement to remain relatively 
flat compared to fiscal year 2010. The company continues to look for 
opportunities to negotiate lower prices with its cement suppliers and 
continues to evaluate opportunities to increase its supplier base.

Freight costs decreased in fiscal year 2010 due to shifts in product mix; 
however, freight costs increased in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010 
in response to significantly higher diesel prices amid emerging signs of 
recovery in the US economy. The company expects this to continue in 
fiscal year 2011.

The collective impact of the foregoing factors, and other factors, 
including those identified in Forward-looking Statements on the inside 
back cover of this annual report, may materially adversely affect the 
company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations 
to meet its short and longer-term capital requirements. The company 
believes that it will be able to fund any cash shortfalls for at least the 
next 12 months with cash that it anticipates will be available under 
its credit facilities and that it will be able to maintain sufficient cash 
available under those facilities. Additionally, the company may decide 
that it is necessary to continue to suspend dividend payments, scale 
back or postpone its expansion plans and/or take other measures to 
conserve cash to maintain sufficient capital resources over the short 
and longer-term.

Capital Expenditures
The company’s total capital expenditures, including amounts accrued, 
for continuing operations for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were 
US$50.5 million and US$26.1 million, respectively.

Significant capital expenditures in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 
included expenditures related to a new finishing capability on an 
existing product line.

Contractual Obligations
The following table summarises the company’s contractual obligations at 31 March 2010:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Asbestos Liability1 
Long-Term Debt 
Estimated interest payments on Long-Term Debt2 
Operating Leases 
Purchase Obligations3 
Total 

Total 
$  1,619.2 
154.0 
24.1 
114.4 
0.7 
$  1,912.4 

Payments Due
During Fiscal Year Ending 31 March
2012 to 2013 
$    N/A 
59.0 
11.2 
31.5 
– 
$  101.7 

2014 to 2015 
$  N/A 
– 
5.7 
28.0 
– 
$  33.7 

2011 
$   N/A 
95.0 
5.7 
17.4 
0.7 
$  118.8 

Thereafter
$  N/A
–
1.5
37.5
–
$  39.0

1  The amount of the asbestos liability reflects the terms of the AFFA, which has been calculated by reference to (but is not exclusively based upon) 
the most recent actuarial estimate of the projected future asbestos-related cash flows prepared by KPMG Actuaries. The asbestos liability also 
includes an allowance for the future claims-handling costs of the AICF. The table above does not include a breakdown of payments due each year 
as such amounts are not reasonably estimable. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements starting on page 98 for further information 
regarding the future obligations under the AFFA.

2  Interest amounts are estimates based on gross debt remaining unchanged from the 31 March 2010 balance and interest rates remaining consistent 
with the rates at 31 March 2010. Interest paid includes interest in relation to the company’s debt facilities, as well as the net amount paid relating 
to interest rate swap agreements. The interest on debt facilities is variable based on a market rate and includes margins agreed to with the various 
lending banks. The interest on interest rate swaps is set at a fixed rate. There are several variables that can affect the amount of interest the 
company may pay in future years, including: (i) new debt facilities with rates or margins different from historical rates; (ii) expiration of existing 
debt facilities resulting in a change in the average interest rate; (iii) fluctuations in the market interest rate; (iv) new interest rate swap agreements; 
and (v) expiration of existing interest rate swap agreements.

3  Purchase Obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally-binding on the company and 

that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the 
approximate timing of the transactions.

The table above excludes US$7.7 million of uncertain tax positions as the company is unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing 
of settlement. See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements starting on page 105 of this annual report.

See Notes 9 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements starting on pages 96 and 104 of this annual report for further information regarding  
long-term debt and operating leases, respectively.

oFF-balanCE ShEET arrangEmEnTS

As of 31 March, 2010 and 2009, the company did not have any material 
off-balance sheet arrangements.

inFlaTion

to summer holidays. In the Philippines, construction activity diminishes 
during the wet season from June to September and during the last half 
of December due to the slowdown in business activity over the holiday 
period. Also, general industry patterns can be affected by weather, 
economic conditions, industrial disputes and other factors.

The company does not believe that inflation has had a significant impact 
on the results of operations for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2010.

For fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the company’s expenses for research and 
development were US$27.1 million and US$23.8 million, respectively.

SEaSonaliTy and quarTErly variabiliTy

The company’s earnings are seasonal and typically follow activity levels in 
the building and construction industry. In the United States, the calendar 
quarters ending December and March reflect reduced levels of building 
activity depending on weather conditions. In Australia and New Zealand, 
the calendar quarter ending March is usually affected by a slowdown due 

James Hardie views research and development as key to sustaining 
its existing market leadership position and expects to continue to 
allocate significant funding to this endeavour. Through its investment in 
process technology, the company aims to keep reducing its capital and 
operating costs, and find new ways to make existing and new products.

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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

ouTlook

Although new housing construction activity in the US improved in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, the start of fiscal year 2011 has seen 
another decline in US new housing numbers following the expiry of the 
government’s housing initiatives on 30 April 2010.

Analysts are now less confident that the US housing market will 
improve in fiscal year 2011. Severe challenges remain, including 
constrained credit conditions that are restricting the availability of 
finance for prospective buyers and developers, a weak employment 
market, and a continuing supply of foreclosed homes.

Asia Pacific markets that James Hardie participates in are likely to be 
somewhat better in fiscal year 2011 than in fiscal year 2010.

Operating costs are expected to be considerably higher in fiscal year 
2011 than in fiscal year 2010, as market demand puts upward pressure 
on basic commodity prices.

Despite the challenging environment and higher input costs, the company 
will continue to pursue strong financial returns, and, at the same time, 
increase spending on long-term product and market initiatives.

CriTiCal aCCounTing poliCiES

The accounting policies affecting James Hardie’s financial condition 
and results of operations are more fully described in Note 2 to the 
consolidated financial statements starting on page 89 of this annual 
report. Certain of the company’s accounting policies require the 
application of judgment by management in selecting appropriate 
assumptions for calculating financial estimates, which inherently contain 
some degree of uncertainty. Management bases its estimates on historical 
experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable 
under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making 
judgments about the reported carrying value of assets and liabilities 
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses that may not be 
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these 
estimates under different assumptions and conditions. The company 
considers the following policies to be the most critical in understanding 
the judgments that are involved in preparing its consolidated financial 
statements and the uncertainties that could have an impact on its results 
of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Accounting for Contingencies
James Hardie accounts for loss contingencies arising from contingent 
obligations when the obligations are probable and the amounts are 
reasonably estimable. As facts concerning contingencies become 
known, the company reassesses its situation and makes appropriate 
adjustments to the consolidated financial statements. For additional 
information regarding asbestos-related matters, ASIC proceedings, 
and Chile litigation, see Notes 11 and 13 to the consolidated financial 
statements starting on pages 98 and 104 of this annual report.

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Accounting for the AFFA
Prior to 31 March 2007, the company’s consolidated financial 
statements included an asbestos provision based on the Original FFA.

In February 2007, the AFFA was approved to provide long-term funding 
to the AICF, a special purpose fund that provides compensation for 
Australian asbestos-related personal injury and death claims for which 
the Former James Hardie Companies are found liable.

The amount of the asbestos liability reflects the terms of the AFFA, 
which has been calculated by reference to (but is not exclusively 
based upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of projected future cash 
flows prepared by KPMG Actuaries. Based on its assumptions, KPMG 
Actuaries arrived at a range of possible total cash flows and proposed 
a central estimate which is intended to reflect an expected outcome. 
The company views the central estimate as the best estimate for 
recording the asbestos liability in the company’s financial statements. 
The asbestos liability includes these cash flows as undiscounted and 
uninflated on the basis that it is inappropriate to discount or inflate 
future cash flows when the timing and amounts of such cash flows 
is not fixed or readily determinable.

The asbestos liability also includes an allowance for the future 
operating costs of the AICF.

In estimating the potential financial exposure, KPMG Actuaries has made 
a number of assumptions. These include an estimate of the total number 
of claims by disease type which are reasonably estimated to be asserted 
through 2071, the typical average cost of a claim settlement (which is 
sensitive to, among other factors, the industry in which the plaintiff claims 
exposure, the alleged disease type and the jurisdiction in which the action 
is being brought), the legal costs incurred in the litigation of such claims, 
the proportion of claims for which liability is repudiated, the rate of receipt 
of claims, the settlement strategy in dealing with outstanding claims, the 
timing of settlements of future claims and the long-term rate of inflation of 
claim awards and legal costs.

Due to inherent uncertainties in the legal and medical environment, the 
number and timing of future claim notifications and settlements, the 
recoverability of claims against insurance contracts, and estimates of 
future trends in average claim awards, as well as the extent to which 
the above-named entities will contribute to the overall settlements, 
the actual amount of liability could differ materially from that which is 
currently projected and could result in significant debits or credits to 
the consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations.

An updated actuarial assessment is performed as of 31 March each 
year. Any changes in the estimate will be reflected as a charge or credit 
to the consolidated statements of operations for the year then ended. 
Material adverse changes to the actuarial estimate would have an 
adverse effect on the company’s business, results of operations and 
financial condition.

For additional information regarding the asbestos liability, see Note 
11 to the consolidated financial statements starting on page 98 of this 
annual report.

Sales Rebates and Discounts
James Hardie records estimated reductions to sales for customer 
rebates and discounts including volume, promotional, cash and other 
rebates and discounts. Rebates and discounts are recorded based on 
management’s best estimate when products are sold. The estimates 
are based on historical experience for similar programs and products. 
Management reviews these rebates and discounts on an ongoing 
basis and the related accruals are adjusted, if necessary, as additional 
information becomes available.

Accounts Receivable
James Hardie evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable on 
an ongoing basis based on historical bad debts, customer credit-
worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment 
activity. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for known 
and estimated bad debts. Although credit losses have historically 
been within the company’s expectations, it cannot guarantee that it 
will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that it has in the 
past. Because the company’s accounts receivable are concentrated in 
a relatively small number of customers, a significant change in the 
liquidity or financial position of any of these customers could affect 
their ability to make payments and result in the need for additional 
allowances which would decrease the company’s net sales. For 
additional information regarding customer concentration, see Note 17  
to the consolidated financial statements on page 114 of this annual 
report.

Inventory
Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or market. In order to 
determine market, management regularly reviews inventory quantities 
on hand and evaluates significant items to determine whether they are 
excess, slow-moving or obsolete. The estimated value of excess, slow-
moving and obsolete inventory is recorded as a reduction to inventory 
and an expense in cost of sales in the period it is identified. This estimate 
requires management to make judgments about the future demand for 
inventory, and is therefore at risk to change from period to period. If the 
company’s estimate for the future demand for inventory is greater than 
actual demand and it fails to reduce manufacturing output accordingly, the 
company could be required to record additional inventory reserves, which 
would have a negative impact on its gross profit.

Accrued Warranty Reserve
James Hardie has offered and continues to offer various warranties on 
its products. In April 2009, the company replaced its 50-year limited 
pro-rated warranty with a 30-year limited non-pro-rated warranty for 
certain fibre cement siding products in the United States. Because 
the company’s fibre cement products have only been used in North 
America since the early 1990s, there is a risk that these products will 
not perform in accordance with the company’s expectations over an 
extended period of time. A typical warranty program requires that the 
company replace defective products within a specified time period from 
the date of sale. The company records an estimate for future warranty-
related costs based on an analysis by the company, which includes 

the historical relationship of warranty costs to installed product. Based 
on this analysis and other factors, the company adjusts the amount 
of its warranty provisions as necessary. Although warranty costs 
have historically been within calculated estimates, if the company’s 
experience is significantly different from its estimates, it could result in 
the need for additional reserves.

Accounting for Income Tax
James Hardie recognises deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities 
for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between 
the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using 
enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which it expects the differences 
to reverse. The company records a valuation allowance to reduce the 
deferred tax assets to the amount that it is more likely than not to 
realise. The company must assess whether, and to what extent, it can 
recover its deferred tax assets. If full or partial recovery is unlikely, 
it must increase its income tax expense by recording a valuation 
allowance against the portion of deferred tax assets that it cannot 
recover. The company believes that it will recover all of the deferred tax 
assets recorded (net of valuation allowance) on its consolidated balance 
sheet at 31 March 2010. However, if facts later indicate that it will 
be unable to recover all or a portion of its net deferred tax assets, its 
income tax expense would increase in the period in which it determines 
that recovery is unlikely.

The company evaluates its uncertain tax positions in accordance 
with the guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. 
The company believes that its reserve for uncertain tax positions, 
including related interest, is adequate. Due to its size and the nature 
of its business, the company is subject to ongoing reviews by taxing 
jurisdictions on various tax matters, including challenges to various 
positions it asserts on its income tax returns. The amounts ultimately 
paid upon resolution of these matters could be materially different 
from the amounts previously included in its income tax expense and 
therefore could have a material impact on the company’s tax provision, 
net income and cash flows. Positions taken by an entity in its income 
tax returns must satisfy a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, 
assuming that the positions will be examined by taxing authorities with 
full knowledge of all relevant information, in order for the positions to 
be recognised in the consolidated financial statements. Each quarter the 
company evaluates the income tax positions taken, or expected to be 
taken, to determine whether these positions meet the more-likely-than-
not threshold. The company is required to make subjective judgments 
and assumptions regarding its income tax exposures and must consider 
a variety of factors, including the current tax statutes and the current 
status of audits performed by tax authorities in each tax jurisdiction. To 
the extent an uncertain tax position is resolved for an amount that varies 
from the recorded estimated liability, the company’s income tax expense 
in a given financial statement period could be materially affected.

For additional information, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial 
statements starting on page 105 of this annual report.

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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

About the terminology used in this annual report
In this annual report, James Hardie may present financial measures, sales 
volume terms, financial ratios, and non-US GAAP financial measures 
included in the Definitions section of this document starting on this page.

Financial Ratios
Gearing Ratio – Net debt (cash) divided by net debt (cash) plus 
shareholders’ equity.

Net interest expense cover – EBIT divided by net interest expense.

The company presents financial measures that it believes are 
customarily used by its Australian investors. Specifically, these 
financial measures, which are equivalent to or derived from certain US 
GAAP measures as explained in the definitions, include “EBIT”, “EBIT 
margin”, “Operating profit” and “Net operating profit”. The company 
may also present other terms for measuring its sales volume (“million 
square feet” or “mmsf” and “thousand square feet” or “msf”); financial 
ratios (“Gearing ratio”, “Net interest expense cover”, “Net interest paid 
cover”, “Net debt payback”, “Net debt (cash)”); and non-US GAAP 
financial measures (“EBIT excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses”, 
“EBIT margin excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses”, “Net operating 
profit excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and tax adjustments”, 
“Diluted earnings per share excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and 
tax adjustments”, “Operating profit before income taxes excluding 
asbestos”, “Effective tax rate excluding asbestos and tax adjustments”, 
“EBITDA” and “General corporate costs excluding ASIC expenses and 
domicile change related costs”). Unless otherwise stated, results and 
comparisons are of the current fiscal year versus the prior fiscal year.

dEFiniTionS

Financial Measures – US GAAP equivalents
EBIT and EBIT margin – EBIT, as used in this document, is 
equivalent to the US GAAP measure of operating income. EBIT margin 
is defined as EBIT as a percentage of net sales. James Hardie believes 
EBIT and EBIT margin to be relevant and useful information as these are 
the primary measures used by management to measure the operating 
profit or loss of its business. EBIT is one of several metrics used by 
management to measure the earnings generated by the company’s 
operations, excluding interest and income tax expenses. Additionally, 
EBIT is believed to be a primary measure and terminology used by 
its Australian investors. EBIT and EBIT margin should be considered 
in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial 
performance reported in accordance with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America. EBIT and EBIT 
margin, as the company has defined them, may not be comparable 
to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Operating profit – is equivalent to the US GAAP measure of income.

Net operating profit – is equivalent to the US GAAP measure of 
net income.

Sales Volume
mmsf – million square feet, where a square foot is defined as 
a standard square foot of 5/16” thickness.

msf – thousand square feet, where a square foot is defined as 
a standard square foot of 5/16” thickness.

Net interest paid cover – EBIT divided by cash paid during the 
period for interest, net of amounts capitalised.

Net debt payback – Net debt (cash) divided by cash flow from 
operations.

Net debt (cash) – short-term and long-term debt less cash and 
cash equivalents.

Non-US GAAP Financial Measures
EBIT and EBIT margin excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses 
– EBIT and EBIT margin excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses are not 
measures of financial performance under US GAAP and should not be 
considered to be more meaningful than EBIT and EBIT margin. James 
Hardie has included these financial measures to provide investors with an 
alternative method for assessing its operating results in a manner that is 
focused on the performance of its ongoing operations and provides useful 
information regarding its financial condition and results of operations. 
The company uses these non-US GAAP measures for the same purposes.

(Millions of US dollars) 
EBIT 
Asbestos:
Asbestos adjustments 
AICF SG&A expenses 
ASIC expenses 
EBIT excluding asbestos  
  and ASIC expenses 
Net sales 
EBIT margin excluding asbestos  
  and ASIC expenses 

2009
2010 
(21.0)  $   173.6

$  

224.2 
2.1 
3.4 

(17.4)
0.7
14.0

208.7 
$  1,124.6 

170.9
$  1,202.6

18.6% 

14.2%

EBIT and EBIT margin excluding asbestos – EBIT and EBIT 
margin excluding asbestos are not measures of financial performance 
under US GAAP and should not be considered to be more meaningful 
than EBIT and EBIT margin. James Hardie has included these financial 
measures to provide investors with an alternative method for assessing 
its operating results in a manner that is focused on the performance of 
its ongoing operations and provides useful information regarding its 
financial condition and results of operations. The company uses these 
non-US GAAP measures for the same purposes.

(Millions of US dollars) 
EBIT 
Asbestos:
Asbestos adjustments 
AICF SG&A expenses 
EBIT excluding asbestos 
Net Sales 
EBIT margin excluding asbestos 

2009
2010 
 (21.0)  $  173.6

$   

224.2 
2.1 
205.3 
$  1,124.6 
18.3% 

(17.4) 
0.7 
156.9 
$  1,202.6 
13.0%

34

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Net operating profit excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and 
tax adjustments – Net operating profit excluding asbestos, ASIC 
expenses and tax adjustments is not a measure of financial performance 
under US GAAP and should not be considered to be more meaningful 
than net income. The company has included this financial measure to 
provide investors with an alternative method for assessing its operating 
results in a manner that is focused on the performance of its ongoing 
operations. The company uses this non-US GAAP measure for the 
same purposes.

(Millions of US dollars) 
Net operating profit excluding asbestos,
ASIC expenses and tax adjustments 
Weighted average common shares  
  outstanding – Diluted (millions) 
Diluted earnings per share excluding  
  asbestos, ASIC expenses and  
  tax adjustments (US cents) 

2010 

2009

$  133.0 

$  100.5

436.8 

434.5

30.5 

23.1

(Millions of US dollars) 
Net operating (loss) profit 
Asbestos:
  Asbestos adjustments 
  AICF SG&A expenses 
  AICF interest income 
  (Gain) impairment on AICF investments 
  Tax expense (benefit) related  
    to asbestos adjustments 
ASIC expenses 
Tax adjustments 
Net operating profit excluding asbestos,
  ASIC expenses and tax adjustments 

2010 

2009
  (84.9)  $  136.3

$ 

224.2 
2.1 
(3.3) 
(6.7) 

1.1 
3.4 
(2.9) 

(17.4)
0.7
(6.4)
14.8

(48.7)
14.0
7.2

$ 

 133.0 

$  100.5

Net operating profit excluding asbestos – Net operating profit 
excluding asbestos is not a measure of financial performance under 
US GAAP and should not be considered to be more meaningful than 
net income. The company has included this financial measure to 
provide investors with an alternative method for assessing its operating 
results in a manner that is focused on the performance of its ongoing 
operations. The company uses this non-US GAAP measure for the 
same purposes.

(Millions of US dollars) 
Net operating (loss) profit 
Asbestos:
  Asbestos adjustments 
  AICF SG&A expenses 
  AICF interest income 
  (Gain) impairment on AICF investments 
  Tax expense (benefit) related 
    to asbestos adjustments 
Net operating profit excluding asbestos 

2010 

2009
  (84.9)  $  136.3

$ 

224.2 
2.1 
(3.3) 
(6.7) 

(17.4) 
0.7 
(6.4)
14.8 

1.1 
$    132.5 

(48.7)
  79.3

$ 

Diluted earnings per share excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses 
and tax adjustments – Diluted earnings per share excluding asbestos, 
ASIC expenses and tax adjustments is not a measure of financial 
performance under US GAAP and should not be considered to be more 
meaningful than diluted earnings per share. The company has included 
this financial measure to provide investors with an alternative method 
for assessing its operating results in a manner that is focused on the 
performance of its ongoing operations. The company’s management uses 
this non-US GAAP measure for the same purposes.

Diluted earnings per share excluding asbestos – Diluted 
earnings per share excluding asbestos is not a measure of financial 
performance under US GAAP and should not be considered to be more 
meaningful than diluted earnings per share. The company has included 
this financial measure to provide investors with an alternative method 
for assessing its operating results in a manner that is focused on the 
performance of its ongoing operations. The company’s management 
uses this non-US GAAP measure for the same purposes.

(Millions of US dollars) 
Net operating profit excluding asbestos 
Weighted average common shares 
outstanding – Diluted (millions)  
Diluted earnings per share excluding  
asbestos (US cents) 

2010 
$  132.5 

2009
$    79.3 

436.8 

434.4 

30.3 

18.3

Effective tax rate excluding asbestos and tax adjustments – 
Effective tax rate excluding asbestos and tax adjustments is not a measure 
of financial performance under US GAAP and should not be considered 
to be more meaningful than effective tax rate. The company has included 
this financial measure to provide investors with an alternative method 
for assessing its operating results in a manner that is focused on the 
performance of its ongoing operations. The company’s management uses 
this non-US GAAP measure for the same purposes.

2010 

(17.4)
0.7
(6.4)
14.8

224.2 
2.1 
(3.3) 
(6.7) 

2009
(Millions of US dollars) 
Operating profit (loss) before income taxes  $  (18.7)  $  155.8
Asbestos:
Asbestos adjustments 
AICF SG&A expenses 
AICF interest income 
(Gain) impairment on AICF investments 
Operating profit before income taxes  
  excluding asbestos 
Income tax (expense) benefit 
Tax expense (benefit) related to  
  asbestos adjustments 
1.1 
Tax adjustments 
(2.9) 
Income tax expense excluding tax adjustments  (69.1) 
Effective tax rate excluding asbestos  
  and tax adjustments 

$  197.6 
(67.3) 

$  147.5
(19.5)

(48.7)
7.2
(61.0)

35.0% 

41.4%

35

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Abbreviations 
ADR – American Depositary Receipt 
AICF – Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund 
AIM – Annual Information Meeting 
AGM – Annual General Meeting 
AFFA – Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement 
ASIC – Australian Securities and Investments Commission 
ASX – Australian Securities Exchange 
ATO – Australian Taxation Office 
CEO – Chief Executive Officer 
CFO – Chief Financial Officer 
CUFS – CHESS Units of Foreign Securities 
GIC – General Interest Charge 
IRS – US Internal Revenue Service 
JHAF – James Hardie Australia Finance Pty Limited 
KPMG Actuaries – KPMG Actuaries Pty Limited 
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate 
NAHB – National Association of Home Builders 
NBSK – Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft 
NSW – New South Wales 
NV – Naamloze Vennootschap  
NYSE – New York Stock Exchange 
RCI – RCI Pty Limited 
SE – Societas Europaea  
SEC – United States Securities and Exchange Commission 
SG&A – Selling, General & Administrative 
US GAAP – US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

managEmEnT’S  
diSCuSSion and analySiS 

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

EBITDA – is not a measure of financial performance under US GAAP 
and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful 
than, income from operations, net income or cash flows as defined by 
US GAAP or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. Not all companies 
calculate EBITDA in the same manner as James Hardie has and, 
accordingly, EBITDA may not be comparable with other companies. 
The company has included information concerning EBITDA because 
it believes that this data is commonly used by investors to evaluate the 
ability of a company’s earnings from its core business operations to 
satisfy its debt, capital expenditure and working capital requirements.

(Millions of US dollars) 
EBIT 
Depreciation and amortisation 
EBITDA 

2009
2010 
(21.0)  $  173.6
56.4
61.7 
$  230.0
  40.7 

$ 

$ 

EBITDA excluding asbestos and ASIC expenses – EBITDA 
excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and asset impairments is not a 
measure of financial performance under US GAAP and should not be 
considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, income from 
operations, net income or cash flows as defined by US GAAP or as a 
measure of profitability or liquidity. Not all companies calculate EBITDA 
in the same manner as James Hardie has and, accordingly, EBITDA may 
not be comparable with other companies. The company has included 
information concerning EBITDA because it believes that this data is 
commonly used by investors to evaluate the ability of a company’s 
earnings from its core business operations to satisfy its debt, capital 
expenditure and working capital requirements.

(Millions of US dollars) 
EBIT excluding asbestos  
  and ASIC expenses  
Depreciation and amortisation 
EBITDA excluding asbestos  
  and ASIC expenses  

2010 

2009

$    208.7 
61.7 

$  170.9 
56.4 

$  270.4 

$  227.3

EBITDA excluding asbestos – EBITDA excluding asbestos is not a 
measure of financial performance under US GAAP and should not be 
considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, income from 
operations, net income or cash flows as defined by US GAAP or as a 
measure of profitability or liquidity. Not all companies calculate EBITDA 
in the same manner as James Hardie has and, accordingly, EBITDA may 
not be comparable with other companies. The company has included 
information concerning EBITDA because it believes that this data is 
commonly used by investors to evaluate the ability of a company’s 
earnings from its core business operations to satisfy its debt, capital 
expenditure and working capital requirements.

(Millions of US dollars) 
EBIT excluding asbestos 
Depreciation and amortisation 
EBITDA excluding asbestos 

2010 
$  205.3 
61.7 
$  267.0 

2009
$  156.9 
56.4 
$  213.3

36

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

dirECTorS’
rEporT

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

dirECTorS

For most of fiscal year 2010, James Hardie had a multi-tiered 
board structure. Until completion of Stage 1 of the Re-domicile on 
19 February 2010, this consisted of a Joint Board, a Supervisory 
Board and a Managing Board. Following completion of Stage 1 of the 
Re-domicile, the Managing Board remained in place but the Joint Board 
ceased to exist and all of its responsibilities were assumed by the 
Supervisory Board. Since completion of Stage 2 of the Re-domicile  
on 17 June 2010, the company has had a single Board.

At the date of this report the directors are: Michael Hammes 
(Chairman), Donald McGauchie (Deputy Chairman), Brian Anderson, 
David Dilger, David Harrison, James Osborne, Rudy van der Meer and 
Louis Gries (CEO).

Changes in James Hardie Boards between 1 April 2009 and the date  
of this report were:

–  Mr David Dilger was appointed to the Joint and Supervisory Boards 

effective 2 September 2009 (US time);

–  Mr Hammes, Mr McGauchie, Mr Anderson, Mr Dilger, Mr Harrison, 
Mr Osborne and Mr van der Meer ceased to be members of the Joint 
Board on 19 February 2010 when the Joint Board ceased to exist; 
and ceased to be members of the Supervisory Board and became 
members of the single Board of directors on 17 June 2010 when the 
Supervisory Board ceased to exist; and

SigniFiCanT ChangES in STaTE oF aFFairS

On 21 August 2009, shareholders approved Stage 1 of a two-
stage re-domicile proposal (together, the Re-domicile) to move the 
company’s corporate domicile from The Netherlands to the Republic 
of Ireland (Ireland).

Following this vote, on 19 February 2010, James Hardie completed 
its transformation from an NV to an SE registered in The Netherlands 
(Stage 1).

poST FiSCal yEar EvEnTS

Re-domicile
On 2 June 2010, shareholders approved Stage 2 of the Re-domicile 
to transform James Hardie Industries SE to an Irish SE by moving the 
corporate domicile from The Netherlands to Ireland.

Following this vote, on 17 June 2010, the company moved its corporate 
domicile to Ireland and became subject to Irish law in addition to 
the Council of the European Union’s Regulation on the Statute for a 
European Company regulations governing an SE.

Debt Facilities
On 16 June 2010, US$161.7 million of the company’s term facilities 
matured, which included US$95.0 million of term facilities that were 
outstanding at 31 March 2010. The company did not refinance these 
facilities. Accordingly, amounts outstanding under these facilities were 
repaid in June 2010 by using longer term facilities.

–  Mr Gries, Mr Chenu and Mr Cox ceased to be members of the 

Managing Board on 17 June 2010 when the Managing Board ceased to 
exist, but continue in their executive roles.

FinanCial poSiTion, ouTlook 
and FuTurE nEEdS

Directors’ qualifications, experience, special responsibilities, period in 
office and directorships of other publicly listed companies are set out in 
the directors’ profiles on pages 18–19 of this annual report.

aTTEndanCE aT mEETingS

Directors’ attendance at James Hardie Board meetings during the 
fiscal year ended 31 March 2010 is recorded on page 69, within the 
Corporate Governance Report of this annual report.

prinCipal aCTiviTiES

The principal activities of the company during fiscal year 2010 were 
the manufacture and marketing of fibre cement products in the USA, 
Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Europe.

rEviEw and rESulTS oF opEraTionS

A review of the company’s operations during the fiscal year and of the 
results of those operations is contained in Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis on pages 22–33 of this annual report.

The financial position, outlook and future needs of the company are set 
out in Management’s Discussion and Analysis, on pages 22–33 of this 
annual report.

dividEndS

No dividends or distributions were recommended by the Board or paid 
to shareholders in fiscal year 2010.

The company announced on 20 May 2009 that it would omit a dividend 
for fiscal year 2009 to conserve capital and that, until such time as 
market and global economic conditions improve significantly and 
the level of uncertainty surrounding future industry trends as well 
as company specific contingencies dissipates, it is anticipated the 
company will continue to omit dividends in order to conserve capital. 
On 27 May 2010, the company confirmed that this remains its position.

37

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

dirECTorS’
rEporT

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

EnvironmEnTal rEgulaTionS 
and pErFormanCE

rEmunEraTion oF dirECTorS 
and SEnior ExECuTivES

Protecting the environment is critical to the way the company does 
business, and we continue to seek ways to use materials and energy 
more efficiently and to reduce waste and emissions.

The summary of the Board’s remuneration policy and practices between 
1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010 is set out within the Remuneration 
Report in this annual report starting on page 41.

Our integrated environmental, health and safety management system 
includes regular monitoring, auditing and reporting within the 
company. The system is designed to continually improve the company’s 
performance and systems with training, regular review, improvement 
plans and corrective action as priorities.

Irish law does not require the company to produce a remuneration 
report or to submit one to shareholders. Similarly, the company is not 
required under the ASX Corporate Governance Council Principles and 
Recommendations or section 300A of the Corporations Act to submit 
a remuneration report to shareholders for a non-binding vote.

However, the company has produced, and submitted for non-binding 
shareholder approval, a remuneration report for some years and 
currently intends to continue to do so. Taking into consideration 
the company’s large Australian shareholder base, the company has 
voluntarily elected to provide the information in sections 2 and 8 to 10 
of this report, which are intended to provide information similar to that 
provided by Australian listed companies in their remuneration reports.

ChangES in dirECTorS’ inTErESTS 
in jhi SE SECuriTiES

Changes in directors’ relevant interests in JHI SE securities between 
1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010 are set out on page 66, in the 
Remuneration Report in this annual report.

The manufacturing and other ancillary activities conducted by the 
company are subject to licenses, permits and agreements issued under 
environmental laws that apply in each location.

Under the applicable licenses, permits and trade waste agreements, 
discharges to water and air and noise emissions are to be maintained 
below specified limits.

In addition, dust and odour emissions from sites are regulated by local 
government authorities. The company employs dedicated resources 
and appropriate management systems at each site to ensure that our 
obligations are met. These resources are also employed to secure 
improvements in our systems and process.

Solid wastes are removed to licensed landfills. Programs, including 
expanded recycling programs, are in place to reduce waste that 
presently goes to landfills. Further information about James Hardie’s 
approach to the environment is included in pages 15–16 of this 
annual report.

CorporaTE govErnanCE

Details of JHI SE’s corporate governance policies and procedures, 
including information about the roles, structure and Charters of the 
Board Committees, are set out on pages 67–80 of this annual report. 

Company SECrETary

The company secretary until 29 June 2010 was Robert Cox. Mr Cox’s 
qualifications and experience are set out on page 17 of this annual 
report. On 29 June 2010, Marcin Firek became company secretary. 
Mr Firek has been employed by James Hardie as Legal Counsel and 
Company Secretary – Australia since 2006. Mr Firek is a member of 
the Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Australia and has over 13 years 
experience in legal practice.

38

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

opTionS and rESTriCTEd SToCk uniTS

No options were granted during fiscal year 2010.

The company uses restricted stock units (RSUs) over its CUFS listed on the ASX for its long-term incentive compensation. Details of RSUs granted 
to the CEO and senior executives during the fiscal year are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 59 of this annual report. Details of options 
exercised and RSUs vested during the fiscal year are set out in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, starting on page 109 of this annual 
report.

Options changes between 31 March 2010 and 15 June 2010 are set out below. Options changes during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 
are set out in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements starting on page 109 of this annual report.

Range of exercise prices 
Prices A$ 
3.09 
5.06 
5.99 
6.30 
6.38 
6.45 
7.05 
7.83 
8.35 
8.40 
8.53 
8.90 
9.50 
Total 

Options
 exercised 
for equal number
of shares /CUFS 
1 April to 
15 June 2010 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(12,489) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(12,489) 

Options 
 cancelled 
1 April to 
15 June 2010 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(21,475) 
– 
(19,500) 
– 
(40,975) 

Number of options
outstanding at
15 June 2010
115,140
254,309
1,523,250
93,000
2,626,240
796,500
1,758,250
1,016,000
151,400
2,625,085
1,090,000
2,301,600
40,200
14,390,974

Number of options 
outstanding at 
31 March 2010 
115,140 
254,309 
1,523,250 
93,000 
2,638,729 
796,500 
1,758,250 
1,016,000 
151,400 
2,646,560 
1,090,000 
2,321,100 
40,200 
14,444,438 

RSU changes between 31 March 2010 and the date of this report are set out below. RSU changes during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 
are set out in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements on page 109 of this annual report.

Number of 
outstanding RSUs 
at 31 March 2010 
4,736,721 

RSUs 
Cancelled 
(26,658) 

RSUs 
Vested 
(19,293) 

RSUs 
Granted 
807,457 

Number of
outstanding RSUs
at 15 June 2010
5,498,227

39

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
dirECTorS’
rEporT

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

inSuranCE and indEmniFiCaTion 
oF dirECTorS and oFFiCErS

Like most publicly-listed companies, JHI SE provides insurance 
and indemnities to its directors, officers and senior executives. In 
accordance with common commercial practice, the insurance policies 
prohibit disclosure of the nature of the insurance cover and the amount 
of the premiums.

The company’s Articles of Association provide for indemnification of 
any person who is (or keep indemnified any person who was) a Board 
director or the company secretary and our employees and any other 
person deemed by the Board to be an agent of the company, who 
suffers any loss as a result of any action in discharge of their duties, 
provided they acted in good faith in carrying out their duties. This 
indemnification will generally not be available if the person seeking 
indemnification acted with gross negligence or wilful misconduct 
in performing their duties.

The company and some of its subsidiaries have provided Deeds 
of Access, Insurance and Indemnity to Board directors and senior 
executives who are or who have been officers or directors of the 
company or its subsidiaries. The indemnities provided are consistent 
with the Articles of Association and relevant laws.

audiTorS

The company prepared its annual accounts for fiscal year 2010 in 
accordance with Dutch GAAP and US GAAP. Each set of accounts is 
audited by an independent registered public accounting firm in the 
countries concerned. The independent registered accounting firms have 
provided the company with a declaration of their independence.

From fiscal year 2011 onwards, the company will prepare its annual 
accounts in Irish GAAP and US GAAP. The annual accounts will also 
include a report of an independent accountant.

non-audiT SErviCES

The Audit Committee has approved policies to ensure that all non-audit 
services performed by the external auditor, including the amount of 
fees payable for each individual service, receives prior approval by the 
Audit Committee. Particulars of non-audit service fees paid to JHI SE’s 
external auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, for fiscal year 2010 are set out in 
Remuneration Disclosures, on page 118 of this annual report.

The Board is satisfied that the provision of these non-audit services by 
the auditor during fiscal year 2010 is compatible with the appropriate 
standards of independence for auditors applicable to the company 
and its auditors. The Board is satisfied, on the basis of the company’s 
policies for review and pre-approval of all non-audit services and the 
auditor’s statements of their continued independence of the company, 
that the provision of these non-audit services by the auditor did not 
compromise their independence. This statement has been made in 
accordance with advice provided, and a resolution approved, by the 
Audit Committee.

oThEr diSCloSurES

Readers are referred to the company’s Form 20-F document which 
is filed with the US SEC annually, and which contains additional 
disclosures prescribed by the SEC. The Form 20-F filing can be 
accessed through the Investor Relations area of the company’s website 
(www.jameshardie.com), or obtained from the company’s Corporate 
Headquarters in Ireland or Regional Office in Sydney.

Michael Hammes 
Chairman 

29 June 2010

Louis Gries
Chief Executive Officer

40

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

dirECTorS’
rEporT
rEmunEraTion rEporT  

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

2010 rEmunEraTion rEporT

This remuneration report explains James Hardie’s approach 
to remuneration, and has been adopted by the Board on the 
recommendation of the Remuneration Committee.

Sections 1–7 of this report describe the remuneration policy for the 
senior executives (which in this report include the members of the 
Managing Board and the CEO’s US-based direct reports). Although 
we ceased to be a Dutch Societas Europaea company and became an 
Irish Societas Europaea company on 17 June 2010, we have prepared a 
Dutch annual report for fiscal year 2010 and therefore have included in 
section 11 of this report a description of the company’s departures from 
the Best Practice Recommendations in the Dutch Code on Corporate 
Governance (Dutch Code), and the reasons for these.

Irish law does not require the company to produce a remuneration 
report or to submit it to shareholders. Similarly, the company is not 
required under the ASX Corporate Governance Council Principles and 
Recommendations or section 300A of the Corporations Act to submit 
a remuneration report to shareholders for a non-binding vote.

However, the company has produced, and submitted for non-binding 
shareholder approval, a remuneration report for some years and currently 
intends to continue to do so. Taking into consideration the company’s 
large Australian shareholder base, the company has voluntarily elected  
to provide the information relating to remuneration of the company’s 
senior executives for fiscal year 2010 in sections 2 and 8 to 10 of this 
report, which is intended to provide information similar to that provided 
by Australian incorporated listed companies in their remuneration reports.  
In addition, although also not required under the ASX Corporate 
Governance Council Principles and Recommendations or section 300A 
of the Corporations Act, the company has voluntarily elected in section 
6 of this report to provide shareholders with an outline of the company’s 
proposed remuneration framework for fiscal year 2011.

During fiscal year 2010, the Remuneration Committee retained Towers 
Watson, formerly called Towers Perrin (in the United States) and 
Guerdon Associates (in Australia) as its independent advisers. In 
addition, the company retained Hewitt Associates as its compensation 
external remuneration advisor.

References in this document to the Managing or Supervisory Board are 
references to those Boards of James Hardie as a NV and later a Dutch 
Societas Europaea company.

1. approaCh To CEo, SEnior ExECuTivE 
and managing board rEmunEraTion

1.1 Objectives
James Hardie’s compensation philosophy is to provide competitive 
compensation, compared with US companies, that emphasises 
operational excellence and shareholder value creation through long 
and short-term incentives which link executive remuneration with 
the interests of shareholders and attract, motivate and retain high-
performing executives.

The company’s executive remuneration framework is based on a pay-for-
performance policy that differentiates compensation amounts based on an 
evaluation of performance in two basic areas: business and individual.

1.2 Policy
Compensation is managed to align compensation received with 
performance achieved relative to peers.

Compensation packages for senior executives comprise fixed salary 
benefits (Fixed Remuneration) and variable performance pay, based 
on both short-term incentives (STI) and long-term incentives (LTI) 
(Variable Remuneration).

The company’s policy is for fixed pay and benefits for senior 
executives to be positioned at the market median and total target 
direct compensation (comprising salary and target STI and LTI) to be 
positioned at the market 75th percentile if stretch target performance 
goals are met.

Performance hurdles for target STI and LTI payments are set in the 
expectation that the company will deliver results in the top quartile of 
its listed US building products peer group companies. If the relevant 
performance hurdles are not met, the amount payable under the STI 
and LTI targets will be less.

1.3 Setting remuneration packages
Remuneration and individual packages for the CEO and senior 
executives are evaluated by the Remuneration Committee annually 
to make sure that they continue to achieve the company’s objectives 
and are competitive with developments in the market. Changes to 
the remuneration framework are recommended by the Remuneration 
Committee to the Board from time to time.

The Board makes the final remuneration decisions concerning 
remuneration for the CEO and senior executives. The CEO’s 
remuneration package is reviewed by the Remuneration Committee, 
which recommends any changes to the Board for final approval. The 
CEO makes recommendations to the Remuneration Committee on 
the remuneration packages of the senior executives, which in turn 
makes recommendations to the Board. Remuneration decisions are 
based on the company’s remuneration policy and framework, and take 
into account the individual’s competencies, skills and performance; 
the specific roles and responsibilities of the relevant position; advice 
received by the Remuneration Committee from external independent 
compensation advisers; and other practices specific to the markets in 
which the company operates and countries in which the executive is 
based, or was based prior to any relocation.

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dirECTorS’
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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Each year the Remuneration Committee reviews and approves a list 
of peer group companies which it uses for comparison purposes in 
setting remuneration (Fixed and Variable Remuneration at target and 
at maximum as well as actual payouts for Variable Remuneration) for 
the CEO and the company’s senior executives. As the company’s main 
business and most of its senior executives are in the US, the peer 
group used by the company is US listed companies exposed to the US 
housing market.

At the end of fiscal year 2010 the Remuneration Committee 
commissioned Towers Watson to conduct a comprehensive 
benchmarking survey of the compensation positioning of the CEO, 
senior executives and the next level of management. That review 
indicated that the CEO’s Variable Remuneration had fallen below the 
Board’s target levels and recommended an increase in his STI and LTI 
targets, which will apply in fiscal year 2011. However, it is expected 
that further adjustments will need to be applied to the CEO’s LTI target 
levels beyond fiscal year 2011 in order to bring his total target Variable 
Remuneration in line with the Board’s policy. That review also indicated 
that senior executive Fixed Remuneration is around the Board’s market 
median target levels and therefore most of the company’s senior 
management, including the CEO, will not receive any base salary 
increases for fiscal year 2011 in the absence of a change in the scope 
of their role.

1.4 Senior executives
The remuneration policy for senior executives is the same irrespective 
of whether they were or were not members of the Managing Board. For 
the purpose of this report, the company will report the remuneration 
details of the following senior executives:

Senior executives:
–  Louis Gries, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the 

Managing Board1

–  Russell Chenu, Chief Financial Officer and member of the 

Managing Board2

–  Robert Cox, General Counsel and member of the Managing Board3

–  Mark Fisher, Executive General Manager – International4

–  Nigel Rigby, Executive General Manager – USA5

1.5 Stock ownership guidelines
The Remuneration Committee believes that senior executives should 
hold James Hardie stock to further align their interests with those of the 
company’s shareholders. The company has adopted stock ownership 
guidelines for the senior executives which require them to accumulate 
the following holdings in the company over a period of five years from 
1 April 2009:

Position 
Chief Executive Officer 
Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel 
Other senior executives 

Multiple of base salary
3x
1.5x
1x

Until the guideline has been achieved, a senior executive is required to 
retain at least 75% of shares obtained under the company’s long-term 
equity incentive plans, by exercising of options or vesting of restricted 
stock units (RSUs) (net of taxes and other costs).

Even after the guideline has been achieved, senior executives will be 
required to retain at least 25% of stock obtained under the company’s 
long-term equity incentive plans by exercising of options or vesting of 
RSUs (net of taxes and other costs).

Details of the company’s policy regarding employees hedging James 
Hardie shares or grants under various equity incentive plans are 
set out on page 74 of the Corporate Governance Report within this 
annual report.

1  From 1 April 2009 to 17 June 2010 Louis Gries was Chairman of the Managing Board. Mr Gries remains an executive employed by the company.

2  From 1 April 2009 to 17 June 2010 Russell Chenu was a member of the Managing Board. Mr Chenu remains an executive employed by the company.

3  From 1 April 2009 to 17 June 2010 Robert Cox was a member of the Managing Board. Mr Cox remains an executive employed by the company.

4  From 1 April 2009 to the beginning of 2010 Mark Fisher was Vice President – Research and Development.

5  From 1 April 2009 to the beginning of 2010 Nigel Rigby was Vice President – General Manager Eastern Division.

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2. STruCTurE and ovErviEw oF rEmunEraTion paCkagES

The proportions of the Fixed and Variable Remuneration components of James Hardie’s remuneration packages, based on actual remuneration 
received for performance in fiscal year 2010, are shown in the following table:

Fixed 
Remuneration1 
Salary, Non-cash  
Benefits, Superannuation,  
401(k) etc 
% 
Senior executives, including Managing Board
18 
Louis Gries 
46 
Russell Chenu 
26 
Robert Cox 
25 
Mark Fisher 
24 
Nigel Rigby 

1 See section 4 of this report.

Variable Remuneration

STI
Incentive2  
% 

21 
10 
19 
23 
24 

Equity (RSUs)3 
% 

Scorecard LTI4 
% 

Total Variable
%

43 
31 
40 
36 
36 

18 
13 
15 
16 
16 

82
54
74
75
76

2  See section 3 of this report. This includes short-term incentive paid in Performance Shares to current senior executives under the Executive 

Incentive Plan in June 2010 for performance in fiscal year 2010.

3  See section 3 of this report. This includes long-term incentive paid under the Long Term Incentive Plan with Relative TSR RSUs granted in 
September and December 2009 and Executive Incentive Program RSUs granted May 2010 for performance in fiscal year 2010. This amount 
includes the actual value received in respect of fiscal year 2010 rather than the value used for accounting purposes.

4  See section 3 of this report. This includes awards of Scorecard LTI under the Long Term Incentive Plan granted in June 2010. This amount 

includes the actual value received in respect of fiscal year 2010 rather than the value used for accounting purposes.

3. variablE rEmunEraTion in FiSCal yEar 2010

3.1 Overview of Variable Remuneration in fiscal year 2010
Senior executives are eligible to participate in one or more incentive plans containing Variable Remuneration. Eligibility for inclusion in a plan 
does not guarantee participation in any future year and participation of any division/business unit in a plan is at the discretion of the CEO. Variable 
remuneration is at risk and consists of STIs and LTIs earned by meeting or exceeding specified performance goals. The company’s Variable 
Remuneration incentive plans for senior executives in fiscal year 2010 are set out below:

Duration

Plan Name

Short-term incentive
(1–3 years)

Executive Incentive Plan

Form of Incentive

Performance Shares

Further Details

Section 3.3.1(b) below

RSUs with vesting deferred for 
two years and subject to the 
Scorecard (Executive Incentive 
Program RSUs)

Sections 3.2 and 3.3.1(c) below

Section 3.3.1(d) below

Section 3.3.2(a) below

Section 3.2 and 3.3.2(b) below

Individual Performance Plan (IP Plan)

Performance Shares

Long-term incentive 
(3–5 years)

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

1 TSR refers to Total Shareholder Return.

RSUs with relative TSR1 
performance hurdles 
(Relative TSR RSUs)

Cash payment based on share 
price performance and subject to 
the Scorecard (Scorecard LTI)

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directors’
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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

3.2 Scorecard
In fiscal year 2010 the Board introduced a Scorecard as a component of 
some of its Variable Remuneration plans to ensure management focus 
on financial, strategic, business, customer and people components 
important to long-term creation of shareholder value. The Scorecard 
reflects a number of key objectives and the outcomes the Board expects 
to see achieved in these components. Although most of the components 
in the Scorecard have quantitative targets, the company has not allocated 
a specific weight to any of the components and the final Scorecard 
assessment will involve an element of judgment by the Board. The Board 
may also give different weights to different components when weighing 
Executive Incentive Program and Scorecard LTI results. Individual senior 
executives may receive different ratings depending on their contribution 
to achieving the Scorecard components. The Board will monitor progress 
against the Scorecard annually.

The Scorecard will be applied to Executive Incentive Program RSUs 
(granted after one year as a result of short-term performance, but 
deferred for two more years for final assessment) and Scorecard LTI 
(a cash payment three years from the grant date directly tied to the 
company’s share price).

When the Scorecard for fiscal year 2010 LTI grants is applied at the 
conclusion of fiscal year 2012, senior executives may receive all, some, 
or none of their awards under these plans. The Scorecard can only 
be applied by the Board to exercise negative discretion. It cannot be 
applied to enhance the maximum reward that can be received.

The primary components of the Scorecard for fiscal year 2010, and  
the reasons the Board considers these components are appropriate, are 
set out below. An overview of management’s performance in fiscal year 
2010 against the measures in the Scorecard is set out in section 5.4  
of this report. Further details of the Scorecard, including the method  
of measurement, historical performance against the proposed measures 
and the Board’s expectations, were set out in the 2009 Notice of 
Meetings.

Measure

Reasons

US Primary 
Demand Growth

US Product Mix 
Shift

US Zero to 
Landfill

A key strategy for the company is to maximise 
its market share growth/retention of the exterior 
cladding market for new housing starts and for 
repair and remodel segments, which it does by 
growing fibre cement’s share of the exterior siding 
market and by maintaining the company’s share of 
the fibre cement category.

The company aims to maintain its leadership position 
across the fibre cement category of the exterior siding 
market by developing new products/marketing/
manufacturing approaches that will result in an 
improved mix of our products and gross margins.

This measure is a primary contributor to the 
company’s environmental goals and improving 
material yield will reduce manufacturing costs. In 
addition, achieving important environmental, social 
and governance (ESG) goals reduces risk.

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Safety

Legacy Issues

Strategic 
Positioning

Managing 
During the 
Downturn

Talent 
Management/ 
Development

Safety of company employees is an essential 
ESG measure.

Resolution of these issues is a fundamental 
component of the company’s ESG goals, paving 
the way to lower risk and more certainty for 
all stakeholders.

Developing and, as appropriate, implementing, 
alternative strategic actions for sustainable growth 
beyond the company’s traditional markets will create 
shareholder value through increased profits and 
diversification for lower risk.

With the US building materials industry continuing 
to experience a downturn unprecedented in the 
past 60 years, managing the company through this 
time so it can emerge at the end of this period in 
as strong or stronger competitive position in the 
overall industry is crucial.

Improving management development and capability 
is important to the company’s future growth.

The Board is committed to providing a clear explanation of the rationale 
for the final assessment of performance under the Scorecard at the 
conclusion of fiscal year 2012.

3.3 Details of Variable Remuneration components 
in fiscal year 2010
3.3.1 Short-term incentives
The STI target for senior executives, other than the CFO, is allocated 
80% towards corporate goals (under the Executive Incentive Plan) and 
20% towards individual goals (under the IP Plan).

STI target is determined as a percentage of base salary. The STI target 
for senior executives was:

Position 
Chief Executive Officer 
Chief Financial Officer 
General Counsel 
Other senior executives 

STI Target as percentage  

of base salary
100%
33%
65%
55%

In addition to this STI target, for fiscal year 2010, the Board decided to 
also transfer 40% of each senior executive’s LTI target to the STI target 
under the Executive Incentive Plan.

All short-term incentives for current senior executives in fiscal  
year 2010 were paid in a form of James Hardie shares, being  
either Performance Shares (for Executive Incentive Plan and  
IP Plan performance) or Executive Incentive Program RSUs.

 
(a) Executive Incentive Plan overview
The Executive Incentive Plan rewards managers based on their 
performance against EBIT goals adopted at the start of each fiscal year. 
EBIT goals for fiscal year 2010 were derived internally based on the 
prevailing business environment and outlook. The targets were then 
reviewed by the Remuneration Committee before final approval by the 
Board. Similarly, the final results achieved under the Executive Incentive 
Program were reviewed by the Remuneration Committee before final 
approval by the Board.

Senior executives had different EBIT goals depending on their function 
and location:

–  Corporate senior executives, including Managing Board directors, 

had a goal based on consolidated group EBIT result in US$, indexed 
depending on changes to housing starts over the performance period, 
excluding legacy costs; and

–  US and Asia Pacific senior executives had a goal based on the EBIT 

of their business in US$ and A$ respectively, also indexed depending 
on changes to housing starts over the performance period.

Senior executives could earn between 0% and 200% of their STI target 
and 0 and 300% of their LTI transferred to STI, based on the payout 
schedule below:

Executive Incentive Plan payout schedule

)
t
e
g
r
a
T

f
o
%

(

t
u
o
y
a
P

300
250
200
150
100
50
0

70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
Performance (% of Plan)

LTI transferred to STI 
payout capped at 300% 
(refer section 3.3.1c)

STI payout capped at 200%
(refer section 3.3.1b)

(b) Executive Incentive Plan – Performance Shares
80% of STI target for senior executives other than the CFO was allocated to the Executive Incentive Plan and payable in Performance Shares based 
on the company’s average closing price on the 10 business days preceding the grant date. The maximum payout was capped at 200% of target STI.

Since US executives are required to pay State and Federal income taxes on the day their bonus is paid, the grant of performance shares was made 
based on the net amount payable to senior executives. Sale of these shares is subject to the company’s insider trading policy and the shares issued 
are not subject to any further vesting or restriction conditions.

Grants of performance shares were calculated as follows:

STI target

x

80%1

x

Gross payout 
based on 
performance 
against EBIT 
goal

–

Tax payable 
on gross 
payout

=

Corporate 
component 
of STI 
received in 
Performance 
Shares

1 Amount of STI target allocated to the Executive Incentive Plan

Board’s assessment of Executive Incentive Plan
The Executive Incentive Plan rewards directly-measurable performance. Indexing the goal for housing starts protects the company against windfall 
payments if housing starts are greater than anticipated and provides appropriate incentive opportunities if housing starts are lower than anticipated. 
Setting different EBIT goals depending on the senior executive’s responsibilities is intended to ensure that their incentive is tied to factors within 
their control.

(c) Executive Incentive Plan – transfer of 40% of LTI to STI
In the 2009 Remuneration Report the Board described its continued concerns about the lack of stability in the US housing market. To deal with 
this the Board decided to maintain a focus on shorter term results by continuing to transfer some of the LTI target to the Executive Incentive Plan. 
However, the proportion of LTI target transferred was reduced from the 70% in fiscal year 2009 to 40% in fiscal year 2010. In addition, in order to 
ensure that this focus did not come at the expense of longer term outcomes, the Board introduced a new mechanism, the Scorecard (described in 
section 3.2 above), to allow it to assess each senior executive against the company’s long-term objectives set out in the Scorecard, and consider 
how each senior executive has contributed to the company’s performance against those objectives. Senior executives were granted Executive 
Incentive Program RSUs in June 2010. Depending on the Board’s rating of an executive under the Scorecard, between 0% and 100% of these RSUs 
granted in June 2010 will vest in June 2012.

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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Because the Scorecard judgment applied in June 2012 may reduce the potential award, the maximum for out-performance has increased on a 
straight line basis from 200% of target in fiscal year  2009 to 300% of target. In effect, the Scorecard applies a “claw-back” principle to ensure 
short-term results in fiscal year 2010 are not obtained at the expense of long-term sustainability.

All other elements of the Executive Incentive Program RSUs in fiscal year 2010 were the same as in fiscal year 2009.

Calculation of the Executive Incentive Program RSUs granted at the end of fiscal year 2010 is described below:

LTI target

x

40%1

x

Payout 
based on 
performance 
against 2010 
EBIT goal

=

Value granted 
in Executive 
Incentive 
Program 
RSUs

x

Scorecard 
rating 
in 2012 
(0–100%)

=

Executive 
Incentive 
Program 
RSUs vesting

1 Amount of LTI target received as Executive Incentive Program RSUs

Board’s assessment of the transfer of LTI to the STI Executive Incentive Plan
The Board believes that the transfer of 40% of LTI to STI under the Executive Incentive Program RSUs combined with the Scorecard is an 
appropriate incentive vehicle in the current market because it:

–  requires management to focus on the continuing short-term challenges of the current economic downturn;

–  aligns management with shareholders because the reward vehicle is based on share price;

–  focuses on long-term results over the three year performance period;

–  focuses management on sustainable long-term value creation;

–  avoids a mechanistic formula with outcomes based on market movements rather than management action; and

–  allows the collective judgment of the independent directors to “claw-back” some or all of the potential value based on a number of long-term 
objectives identified by the Board as being able to affect longer-term outcomes in the currently prevailing uncertain economic environment.

(d) Individual Performance Plan (IP Plan) – Performance Shares
In fiscal year 2010, 20% of STI target for senior executives other than the CFO was allocated to the IP Plan (which is part of the Executive Incentive 
Plan for the senior executives) and payable in Performance Shares based on the company’s average closing price on the 10 business days preceding 
the grant date. The maximum payout was capped at 150% of STI target.

Senior executives who participated in the Executive Incentive Plan were assessed on their individual performance based on the IP Plan.

The IP Plan links financial rewards to senior executives achieving specific individual objectives that have benefited the company and contributed 
to shareholder value. These objectives were developed in consultation with, and approved, by the Board and Remuneration Committee. Senior 
executives are given a performance rating based on a review of how they performed against their individual objectives. Rewards are based on this 
performance rating as recommended by the Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board at the end of the fiscal year.

Since US executives are required to pay State and Federal income taxes on the day their bonus is paid, the grant of performance shares was made 
based on the net amount payable to senior executives. Sale of these shares is subject to the company’s insider trading policy and the shares are not 
subject to any further vesting or restriction conditions.

Final grants of performance shares at the end of fiscal year 2010 were calculated as follows:

STI target

x

20%1

x

Performance 
rating 
multiple or 
fraction

–

Tax payable 
on gross 
payout

=

Individual 
component 
of STI 
received in 
Performance 
Shares

1 Amount of STI target under the individual component (IP Plan).

Board’s assessment of the IP Plan
The IP Plan measures and rewards strategic, financial and individual objectives which are not directly captured by the corporate component of the 
Executive Incentive Plan.

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| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

3.3.2 Long-term incentives
As described in 3.2.1(c) above, 40% of the LTI target for senior 
executives in fiscal year 2010 was allocated as grants of RSUs based on 
the company’s performance under the Executive Incentive Plan during 
fiscal year 2010. The remaining 60% of the LTI target was allocated 
as grants of RSUs based on the company’s total shareholder return 
(Relative TSR RSUs) relative to its peers and grants of cash-settled 
awards based on the company’s stock price performance and the 
Scorecard (Scorecard LTI).

The company’s long-term incentive programs have a maximum payout 
of 300% of the LTI target.

(a) Relative TSR RSUs
30% of LTI target for senior executives in fiscal year 2010 was allocated 
as grants of Relative TSR RSUs.

The peer group for the Relative TSR RSUs is companies exposed to the 
US housing market. This peer group was reviewed and approved by the 
Remuneration Committee during the year. The Board and Remuneration 
Committee believe that US companies form a more appropriate peer 
group than ASX listed companies as they are exposed to the same 
macro factors in the US housing market as the company faces. The 
names of the companies comprising the peer group for each grant of 
Relative TSR RSUs are set out in section 7 of this Remuneration Report.

The company’s relative TSR performance will be measured against the 
peer group over a 3 to 5 year period from grant date, with testing after 
the third year, and then every six months during, until the end of year 5, 
based on the following schedule:

Performance against  
Peer Group 
< 50th Percentile 
50th Percentile 
51st – 74th Percentile 
≥75th Percentile 

% of Relative TSR  

RSUs vested
0%
33%
Sliding Scale
100%

Board’s assessment of the Relative TSR RSU component 
of Long Term Incentive Plan
The Board considered whether re-testing is appropriate for Relative TSR 
RSUs, given some investors prefer a single test for relative performance 
measures. The Board concluded that re-testing is appropriate in the 
company’s circumstances because the company’s share price is subject 
to substantial short-term fluctuations relating to public comment 
and disclosures on a number of legacy issues facing the company, 
including asbestos-related matters, and believes that senior executives 
should be given the same opportunity as shareholders, who may elect 
to delay disposing of their equity interests when affected by short-term 
factors. Further volatility may also be experienced in the aftermath of 
the currently prevailing uncertain economic environment. In addition, 
this approach extends the motivational potential of the Relative 
TSR RSUs from three to five years, so is more effective from a cost-
benefit perspective.

(b) Scorecard LTI
30% of LTI target for senior executives in fiscal year 2010 was allocated 
as grants of Scorecard LTI awards.

Scorecard LTI was described in the 2009 Remuneration Report and first 
introduced in fiscal year 2010. Scorecard LTI is a cash-settled award 
with the final payout based on the company’s share price performance 
over the three years from the grant date and a senior executive’s 
Scorecard rating.

At the start of the three-year performance period, the company will 
calculate the number of shares the senior executives could have 
acquired if they received a maximum payout on the Scorecard LTI 
on that date. At the end of the three-year performance period, senior 
executives will be assessed by the Board under the Scorecard. 
Depending on each senior executive’s rating under the Scorecard, 
between 0% and 100% of these awards will vest in June 2012. The 
executive will receive a cash payment based on the company’s share 
price at the end of the period multiplied by the number of shares they 
could have acquired at the start of the performance period, adjusted 
downward in accord with the senior executive’s Scorecard rating.

Board assessment of Scorecard LTI
The Board introduced Scorecard LTI because it considered that a 
reward that focused on longer-term strategic and operational goals 
was essential, given that specific longer-term financial objectives 
cannot be set in the currently prevailing uncertain economic 
environment. Ensuring that the rewards value is tied to share price 
provides alignment with shareholder outcomes. Moreover, payment in 
cash allows flexibility to apply the reward across different countries, 
while providing executives with liquidity to pay tax at a time that 
coincides with vesting of shares (via the RSU programs).

(c) Long term incentives below senior executive level
In fiscal year 2010, selected employees other than senior executives 
received equity-based long-term incentives in the form of RSUs 
under the 2001 JHI SE Equity Incentive Plan (2001 Plan). This helps 
align the interests of employees with shareholders. Award levels are 
determined based on the Remuneration Committee’s review of local 
market standards and the individual’s responsibility, performance and 
potential to enhance shareholder value. Unlike the RSUs granted to 
senior executives, these RSUs generally vest at the rate of 25% on the 
1st anniversary of the grant, 25% on the 2nd anniversary date and 50% 
on the 3rd anniversary date.

Board’s assessment of 2001 Plan
The majority of participants in the 2001 Plan are US employees.  
Senior executives named in this report did not receive RSUs under 
the 2001 Plan. The RSUs granted to other employees under the 2001 
Plan follow normal and customary US grant guidelines and market 
practice and have no performance hurdles. The Board is satisfied that 
this practice is necessary to attract and retain US employees and is 
particularly effective in the current environment for the conservation  
of the company’s capital.

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dirECTorS’
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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

3.4 Variable Remuneration paid in fiscal year 2010
Details of the Variable Remuneration, including the percentage of the maximum Variable Remuneration awarded to or forfeited by senior executives 
for performance in fiscal year 2010 are set out below. Both Relative TSR RSUs and Scorecard LTI granted for performance in fiscal year 2010 are not 
included in the table as they are granted on a dollar value determined by the Remuneration Committee and would only be forfeited during fiscal year 
2010 in limited circumstances, all of which involve the employee ceasing employment. All amounts shown in this table relating to fiscal year 2010 
were paid or granted in June 2010.

Senior executives, including Managing Board
Louis Gries 
Russell Chenu 
Robert Cox 
Mark Fisher 
Nigel Rigby 

STI1 

Awarded 
% 

Forfeited 
% 

STI transferred from LTI2
Forfeited
Awarded 
%
% 

100 
100 
92 
100 
100 

0 
0 
8 
0 
0 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

0
0
0
0
0

1  Awarded = % of fiscal year 2010 STI maximum actually paid. Forfeited = % of fiscal year 2010 STI maximum foregone. These amounts were paid 
as grants of Performance Shares under the Executive Incentive Plan and IP Plan to current senior executives. These amounts do not include the 
Executive Incentive Program RSUs granted following the transfer of LTI to STI. The after-tax value earned by for performance was granted in the 
form of Performance Shares to senior executives in June 2010.

2  Awarded = % of fiscal year 2010 transfer of LTI to STI maximum which actually paid. Forfeited = % of fiscal year 2010 transfer of LTI to STI which 
was foregone. The value earned for performance in fiscal year 2010 was granted in the form of Executive Incentive Program RSUs in June 2010.

3.5 Variable Remuneration payable in future years
Details of the value of the Variable Remuneration for fiscal year 2010 that may be paid to senior executives over future years are set out below. The 
minimum amount payable is nil in all cases. The maximum amount payable will depend on the share price at time of vesting, and is therefore not 
possible to determine. The table below is based on the fair value of the RSUs and Scorecard LTI according to US GAAP accounting standards.

(US dollars) 

Scorecard LTI1 

Executive Incentive Program RSUs2 

Relative TSR RSUs3

2011 

2012 

20134 

2011 

2012 

20134 

2011 

2012 

20134

Senior executives, including Managing Board
Louis Gries 
Russell Chenu 
Robert Cox 
Mark Fisher 
Nigel Rigby 

894,207 
173,874 
248,390 
149,034 
149,034 

891,764 
173,399 
247,711 
148,627 
148,627 

200,341 
38,955 
55,650 
33,390 
33,390 

870,588  1,072,846 
208,609 
169,281 
298,012 
241,830 
178,806 
145,097 
178,806 
145,097 

199,327 
38,758 
55,368 
32,221 
32,221 

1,416,390 
275,409 
393,442 
229,851 
229,851 

730,464 
142,034 
202,906 
120,739 
120,739 

274,444
53,360
76,234
45,740
45,740

1  Represents annual SG&A expense for Scorecard LTI granted in June 2010 for performance in fiscal year 2010. The final value of the Scorecard LTI 
is based on the company’s share price and the senior executive’s Scorecard rating at the time of vesting. Since neither the Scorecard rating nor the 
JHI SE share price in years 2011, 2012 or 2013 are known at this time, this table assumes a common Scorecard rating for all executives, and no 
changes to the share price.

2  Represents annual SG&A expense for the Executive Incentive Program RSUs granted in June 2010 for performance in fiscal year 2010, with fair 

market value estimated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model.

3  Represents annual SG&A expense for the Relative TSR RSUs granted in September and December 2009 with fair market value estimated using 

the Monte Carlo option-pricing method.

4  There will be no accounting charge for fiscal year 2010 LTI grants after fiscal year 2013.

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4. FixEd rEmunEraTion in FiSCal yEar 2010

JHX Total Return Index vs US housing starts1

Fixed Remuneration comprises base salaries, non-cash benefits,  
defined contribution retirement plan and superannuation.

4.1 Base salaries
James Hardie provides base salaries to attract and retain senior 
executives who are critical to the company’s long-term success. The 
base salary provides a guaranteed level of income that recognises the 
market value of the position and internal equities between roles, and the 
individual’s capability, experience and performance. Base pay for senior 
executives is positioned around the market median for positions of 
similar responsibility. Base salaries are reviewed by the Remuneration 
Committee each year, although increases are not automatic.

4.2 Non-cash benefits
James Hardie’s executives may receive non-cash benefits such as cost 
of living allowance, medical and life insurance benefits, car allowances, 
membership of executive wellness programs, long service leave and tax 
services to prepare their income tax returns if they are required to lodge 
returns in multiple countries.

4.3 Retirement plans/superannuation
In every country in which it operates, the company offers employees 
access to pension, superannuation or individual retirement savings 
plans consistent with the laws of the respective country.

5. link bETwEEn rEmunEraTion poliCy and 
Company pErFormanCE in FiSCal yEar 2010

5.1 Board assessment of performance
The Remuneration Committee reviewed and discussed with the Audit 
Committee both the EBIT goals set at the start of fiscal year 2010, and 
the results against the EBIT goals at the end of fiscal year 2010, before 
recommending these goals for approval by the Board.

5.2 Actual performance

James Hardie’s five year EBIT in US$ terms (excluding asbestos)  
and five-year A$ total shareholder return (including dividends)  
mapped against changes in US housing starts are shown in the 
following graphs:

Five year EBIT (ex reported adjustments)  
(Millions of US dollars)

10

09

08

07

06

205.3

156.9

207.5

318.9

280.7

JHX Total Return Index

US Housing Starts

180

140

100

60

20

5
0
0
2

h
c
r
a
M
1
3

t
a

d
e
s
a
b
e
R
x
e
d
n
I

31 March 
2005

31 March
2006

31 March
2007

31 March 
2008

31 March 
2009

31 March 
2010

Fiscal Year End

Graph compiled by Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd using publicly available data 
5.3 Market conditions
Note: Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd provides no opinion on the veracity of the data 
As shown in the table at section 2 on page 43, a significant proportion 
of the remuneration for senior executives is Variable Remuneration, 
which is at risk. The company’s remuneration arrangements aim to 
ensure a link between the performance of the company and bonuses 
paid and equity awarded.

As expected, the company continued to be affected by the ongoing 
economic downturn in our major market, the US housing market,  
where housing starts in the United States reached a seasonally-adjusted 
annual rate of 531,000 units in March 2010, significantly below the 
January 2006 peak of 1.823 million annualised starts.

In the face of this downturn in the US housing market over the past 
14 quarters, the company’s USA and Europe Fibre Cement business 
continued to outperform the broader housing market for fiscal year 
2010, with revenue down 11% and sales volume down 15% from 
fiscal year 2009. At the same time, the USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
business was still able to improve realised unit revenue and deliver 
an EBIT margin of 25.2% for fiscal year 2010 compared with 21.4% 
in fiscal year 2009. The USA and Europe Fibre Cement business still 
accounted for approximately 75% of total company EBIT and 74% of 
total company sales in fiscal year 2010.

1  Graph compiled by Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd using publicly 

available data. Note: Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd provides no opinion 
on the veracity of the data.

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These results were achieved mainly through:

–  the successful execution of the company’s primary demand growth 
strategies to achieve further market penetration at the expense 
of alternative materials such as wood and vinyl, driving stronger 
volume; and

–  its continued success in introducing higher margin products (such 
as the ColorPlus® collection of products), driving stronger revenue.

Australia, New Zealand and The Philippines experienced a rebound 
in housing approvals towards the end of the fiscal year and the Asia 
Pacific business recorded accelerating sales revenue.

The relative success of the company in fiscal year 2010 and prior 
years can be seen in its strong relative share price performance in 
fiscal year 2010.

5.4 Performance linkage with Remuneration Policy
The design of the Executive Incentive Plan and the targets for fiscal 
year 2010 provided a framework for management to be rewarded for 
the company’s strong relative performance during fiscal year 2010.

The initial fiscal year 2010 EBIT target was set assuming 588,000 
addressable new starts for the US business (which comprises all US 
housing starts excluding multi-family high rise). This target was set 
based on assumptions around agreed metrics for contribution dollars 
per housing start, market position, repair and remodel performance and 
fixed spending.

Actual US new addressable starts during fiscal year 2010 were slightly 
higher than expected at 648,856, which meant that the target EBIT for 
the Managing Board and US senior executives was indexed upwards. 
An increase in Asia Pacific housing starts also contributed to an increase 
in the Asia Pacific and Managing Board target EBIT. Despite the higher 
indexed EBIT target, all targets were exceeded. The actual results for each 
of the EBIT goals were: US 164%, Asia Pacific 123% and Managing 
Board 203%. In accordance with the terms of the Executive Incentive 
Plan, STI payouts were capped at 200% for the Performance Share 
payments and 300% for Executive Incentive Program RSUs.

Because of the high level of payout in fiscal year 2010, the Board 
requested additional review of the composition of the EBIT result,  
to understand whether the payout was significantly affected by outside 
factors (such as lower than anticipated pulp, freight and energy input 
costs). The result of that review indicated that even if all of those lower 
than anticipated factors contributing to the STI result were removed,  
the STI payouts would still all have been at the maximum number  
for members of the Managing Board and US senior executives.

The Remuneration Committee also reviews the company’s performance 
relative to its peer group based on a range of comparable ratios 
to confirm that management has performed at the top quartile level 
compared to its US peers expected by the Board. The company 
was above the 75th percentile of its US peer group in all measures 
considered by the Board.

The Remuneration Committee and Board believe that the company’s 
continued out-performance of the market in fiscal year 2010 through the 

50

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

current overall economic environment and the continued deterioration in 
the US housing market reflects well on the strategies set and implemented 
by management and is superior to the results delivered by most of its US 
peers. Particularly pleasing was the company’s ability to increase EBIT 
and EBIT margin in a market with declining sales and volumes.

The Remuneration Committee also reviewed the company’s and 
management’s performance under the Scorecard, and the following 
positive results were achieved in fiscal year 2010:

Measure

Starting Point

US Primary 
Demand Growth 
(PDG)

PDG for the last three fiscal years is as follows:

FY 10 
FY 09 
FY 08 

6.1%
3.0%
5.2%

US Product Mix 
Shift

This has focused primarily on 
ColorPlus penetration.

US Zero to 
Landfill (ZTL)

Safety

FY10 results are commercial in confidence 
but exceeded FY09-07 results.

In the past three years the company has made 
significant progress in reducing the amount of 
materials sent to landfill.

The incident rate (IR) and severity rate (SR) over 
the last three fiscal years were as follows:

FY 10 
FY 09 
FY 08 

IR 
1.7 
4.7 
3.8 

SR
37
54
45

Strategic 
Positioning

Legacy Issues

The Group remains highly dependent upon the 
US fibre cement exterior cladding business.

The company’s Re-domicile to Ireland was 
completed in June 2010. Remaining inherited 
legacy issues are ASIC proceedings, tax issues 
and managing the company’s obligations under 
the AFFA.

Managing 
During the 
Economic Crisis

At the end of FY10, total credit facilities 
were US$426.7 million and net debt was 
US$134.8 million.

Talent 
Management/ 
Development

The company has a strong management team 
which has delivered superior results over the 
past three years.

The remuneration paid to senior executives in fiscal year 2010 reflects 
this out-performance compared to its US peers and demonstrates an 
appropriate link between the company’s remuneration policy and company 
performance. The Board and Remuneration Committee continue to believe 
that the structure of the remuneration framework to motivate management 
to successfully address the challenging US housing industry conditions 
in fiscal year 2010 by shifting 40% of senior executives’ LTI target to STI 
target, payable in two-year vesting Executive Incentive Program RSUs to  
promote alignment between senior executives and shareholders,  
has been an important element in the substantial increase of  
shareholder value in fiscal year 2010.

 
6. rEmunEraTion For FiSCal yEar 2011

6.1 Overview of remuneration for fiscal year 2011
Following their review of the existing remuneration framework, the 
Remuneration Committee and Board resolved to continue with the 
remuneration framework of the last two years, with a number of 
adjustments as described in this section.

The following Variable Remuneration incentive plans are in place for 
fiscal year 2011:

Duration Plan Name

Form of Incentive

Short-term 
incentive
(1-3 years)

Cash

Executive 
Incentive Plan

RSUs with vesting 
deferred for two years 
and subject to Scorecard 
(Executive Incentive 
Program RSUs)

Cash

Individual 
Performance 
Plan (IP Plan)

Long-term 
incentive 
(3-5 years)

Long Term 
Incentive Plan 
(LTIP)

RSUs with relative TSR 
performance hurdles 
(Relative TSR RSUs)

Cash payment based on 
share price performance 
and subject to Scorecard 
(Scorecard LTI)

Further 
Details

Section 
6.3.1(a) 
below

Section 
6.3.1(b) 
below

Section 
6.3.1(c) 
below

Section 
6.3.2(a) 
below

Section 
6.3.2(b) 
below

6.2 Summary of changes to compensation  
for fiscal year 2011
Although the overall remuneration framework in fiscal years 2010 and 
2011 is substantially the same, the Board has approved a number of 
changes to the underlying performance measures as described below.

The Board believes that as the US housing market starts to recover, the 
company is well positioned to use its strong capital and market position 
to drive significant growth in shareholder value. The remuneration 
framework adopted by the company in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 was 
designed to sustain the company through an unpredictable economic 
downturn. Although significant uncertainty remains, the Board believes 
that the remuneration framework for fiscal year 2011 should ensure that 
that company is prepared for any market recovery.

James Hardie’s long-term objective involves continued primary demand 
growth, which requires it to grow fibre cement’s share of the exterior 
cladding market and maintain the company’s share of the fibre cement 
category. Achieving this objective over a sustained period of time will 
result in substantial growth in the business.

The Board believes that it is important that this growth does not come at 
the expense of short and medium-term profitability. Two changes have 
been made to the company’s STI and LTI plans to provide appropriate 
incentives to senior executives to balance the growth components of the 
company’s plans without sacrificing short to medium-term profitability. 
These are:

–  revising the STI performance target so that it is based on a matrix of 

earnings vs growth above market; and

–  changing the payout schedule for the Executive Incentive Program 

RSUs to provide incentives for senior executives to make the 
substantial improvements required to attain the company’s objective.

No changes will be made to the components or operation of the 
Scorecard in fiscal year 2011.

6.3 Details of Variable components in fiscal year 2011
6.3.1 FY 2011 Short-term incentive
The STI target for senior executives, other than the CFO, is allocated 
80% towards corporate goals (under the Executive Incentive Plan) and 
20% towards individual goals (under the IP Plan). The STI target will be 
paid in cash.

For fiscal year 2011, the Board has decided to continue to transfer 
40% of each senior executive’s LTI target to the STI target under the 
Executive Incentive Plan. The Executive Incentive Plan component 
will be paid in RSUs with a two-year vesting period and subject to the 
negative discretion exercisable by the Board under the Scorecard.

(a) Executive Incentive Plan – Cash
80% of STI target for senior executives other than the CFO is allocated 
to the Executive Incentive Plan. The maximum payout is 300% of the 
target.

For fiscal year 2011, the Board has introduced a new performance 
target measure for awards under Executive Incentive Plan payable in 
cash. The purpose of this new performance hurdle is to ensure that as 
management increases its top line growth focus, it does not do so at 
the expense of short to medium-term returns. The Executive Incentive 
Plan for fiscal year 2011 is designed to encourage senior executives  
to effectively balance growth and returns.

On the recommendation of the Remuneration Committee, the Board 
has approved a ‘Payout Matrix’ which will be used to determine the 
amount of reward under the Executive Incentive Plan. A separate Payout 
Matrix has been approved by the Remuneration Committee for the 
individual business units.

Senior executives will be subject to a different Payout Matrix depending 
on their function and location:

–  Corporate senior executives, including the CEO, have a goal based  

on the consolidated result for all business units; and

–  US senior executives have a goal based on the Payout Matrix for  

the US business.

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| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

The Executive Incentive Program RSUs will have the following  
payout slope:

Executive Incentive Program RSUs payout schedule 

)
t
e
g
r
a
T

f
o
%

(

t
u
o
y
a
P

300
250
200
150
100
50
0

70

80

90

100

120
Performance (% of Plan)

110

130

140

Before the Executive Incentive Program RSUs vest in 2013, the Board 
will assess each senior executive against the long-term objectives set 
out in the Scorecard and consider how each of them has contributed 
to the company’s performance against those objectives. Depending on 
each senior executive’s rating under the Scorecard, between 0% and 
100% of their Executive Incentive Program RSUs will vest. In effect, 
the Scorecard applies a “claw-back” principle to ensure short-term 
results in fiscal year 2011 are not obtained at the expense of long-term 
sustainability.

All other elements of the Executive Incentive Program RSUs in fiscal 
year 2011 will be the same as in fiscal year 2010.

directors’
report
reMUNerAtioN report  
(coNtiNUed)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

To achieve strong rewards, management will be required to grow both 
earnings (Return Measure) and generate sales growth substantially 
above market (Growth Measure). Strong returns on one measure at the 
expense of the other measure may result in lower, or nil, reward.

The Board will have discretion to change the payout under the Payout 
Matrix if growth relative to market is below expectations and the 
Board determines that the reason for such performance is outside 
management’s control or as a result of a management decision 
endorsed by the Board given an assessment of market circumstances 
at the time.

Board Assessment of Executive Incentive Plan
The Board believes that revised targets for the Executive Incentive Plan 
are appropriate because they:

–  provide management with an incentive towards achieving the overall 

corporate goals;

–  balance growth with returns;

–  recognise the need to flexibly respond to strategic opportunities 
depending on our markets’ ability to recover from the currently 
prevailing uncertain economic environment.

(b) Executive Incentive Plan – Executive Incentive 
Program RSUs
It is currently intended that there will be no changes to the operation of 
Executive Incentive Program RSUs, although the payout slope forming 
the performance hurdle will change. The company intends to continue 
to transfer 40% of LTI target for senior executives to an STI target, with 
an award based on fiscal year 2011 performance payable in two-year 
deferred RSUs subject to the Scorecard and vesting in May or June 
2013. The maximum payout will remain at 300% of target.

The retention of the 40% transfer of target LTI to STI reflects the Board’s 
continued concerns about the lack of stability in the US housing market 
as well as emphasising continued profitability as the company seeks 
to attain its primary demand growth objectives. The EBIT performance 
targets for the Executive Incentive Program RSUs are derived from 
fiscal year 2010 performance and the performance matrix for fiscal year 
2011 used as a basis for short term incentive (STI) payouts that sets 
acceptable standards for various combinations of volume growth and 
earnings and have been reviewed by the Remuneration Committee and 
the Board.

Achievement of a target payout in Executive Incentive Program RSUs 
will require improvement on performance for fiscal year 2010, indexed 
to housing starts.

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| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
Calculation of the Executive Incentive Plan RSUs at the end of fiscal year 2011 is described below:

LTI target

x

40%1

x

Payout 
based on 
performance 
against 2011 
EBIT goal

=

Value granted 
in Executive 
Incentive 
Program 
RSUs

x

Scorecard 
Rating 
in 2013 
(0–100%)

=

Executive 
Incentive 
Program 
RSUs vesting

1 Amount of LTI target received as Executive Incentive Program RSUs in the absence of long-term quantitative financial measures

Board Assessment
The Board believes that Executive Incentive Program RSUs and the 
Scorecard are an appropriate incentive vehicle in the current market 
because they:

–  provide an incentive to ensure that the primary demand growth 

objective is not achieved at the expense of short and medium-term 
shareholder returns in the form of EBIT;

–  align management with shareholders because the reward vehicle 

is based on share price;

–  focus on long-term results over the three year performance period;

–  focus management on sustainable long-term value creation;

–  recognise that quantifying a specific long-term financial outcome 

requirement is not yet possible in the current market;

–  avoid a mechanistic formula with outcomes based on market 

movements rather than management action; and

–  allow the collective judgment of the independent directors to  

“claw-back” some or all of the potential value based on a number of 
long-term objectives identified by the Board as being able to affect 
longer-term outcomes in uncertain economic times.

(c) Individual Performance Plan (IP Plan)
20% of STI target for senior executives is allocated to the IP Plan. The 
maximum payout is capped at 150% of target STI. Other than paying 
awards under the IP Plan in cash rather than Performance Shares, it is 
currently intended that there will be no changes to the operation of the 
IP Plan for fiscal year 2011.

6.3.2 Long-term incentive
(a) Relative TSR RSUs
It is currently intended that there will be no changes to the operation 
of Relative TSR RSUs, although following a review of the peer group 
conducted by the company’s independent advisors, Towers Watson, 
the Remuneration Committee and Board adopted their recommendation 
to add seven companies to the peer group list. The companies added 
to the peer group for fiscal year 2011 are set out in the 2010 Notice of 
Meeting.

The Board considered whether re-testing continued to be appropriate 
for Relative TSR RSUs, and determined that it is, given short-term price 
fluctuations in the price of the company’s shares.

The maximum that can be received will remain at 300% of the LTI target 
allocated to Relative TSR RSUs.

(b) Scorecard LTI
It is currently intended that there will be no changes in the operation 
of Scorecard LTI. At the start of the three-year performance period, 
the company will calculate the number of shares the senior executives 
could have acquired if they received a maximum payout on the 
Scorecard LTI on that date. At the end of the three-year performance 
period, senior executives will be assessed against the Scorecard and 
may forfeit a proportion of their Scorecard LTI based on their rating. 
The executive will receive a cash payment based on the company’s 
share price at the end of the period multiplied by the number of shares 
they could have acquired at the start of the performance period and the 
senior executive’s Scorecard rating.

The maximum that can be received will remain at 300% of the LTI target 
allocated to Scorecard LTI.

Board assessment
The Board considered a reward that focused on longer-term strategic 
and operational goals is essential, given that appropriate longer-term 
financial objectives cannot be set in the current uncertain housing 
market. Linking the rewards value to share price ensures alignment with 
shareholder outcomes. Payment in the form of cash allows flexibility to 
apply the reward across different countries, while providing executives 
with liquidity to pay tax at a time that coincides with vesting of shares 
(via the RSU programs). This feature will make it less likely that 
executives are compelled to sell stock to meet tax or other obligations, 
and supports senior executives being able to satisfy the company’s 
executive stock ownership guidelines, further enhancing shareholder 
alignment.

Further details of the Relative TSR RSUs and Executive Incentive 
Program RSUs to be granted under the Executive Incentive Plan 
for fiscal year 2011 will be set out in the 2010 Notice of Meeting.

6.4 Fixed Remuneration for fiscal year 2011
The Board has currently determined that and most of the company’s 
senior management, including the CEO, will not receive base salary 
increases in fiscal year 2011 in the absence of a change in the scope  
of their roles. This follows a benchmarking survey which indicated 
that senior management is generally adequately compensated on base 
salary based on the company’s pay philosophy. The Board feels that it 
is appropriate that senior executives have a significant portion of their 
compensation  
“at risk”.

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7. kEy TErmS oF ouTSTanding EquiTy granTS

2001 JHI SE Equity Incentive Plan 
(Options)

Offered to

Vesting schedule

Annual option grants made in December 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, November 2007 and 
December 2007.
Off-cycle grants made to senior US executives on 19 October 2001 in exchange for the termination 
of shadow stock awards, previously granted in November 2000, and to new employees in March 2007.

Senior executives, not Managing Board directors.

25% of options vest on the 1st anniversary of the grant, 25% vest on the 2nd anniversary date and 
50% vest on the 3rd anniversary date.

Expiry date

10th anniversary of each grant.

2001 Plan (Restricted Stock Units 
(RSUs))

Annual grants made December 2008 and 2009. The grant vehicle changed from options to RSUs 
in 2008.

Offered to

Vesting schedule

Senior employees other than senior executives.

25% of RSUs vest on the 1st anniversary of the grant, 25% vest on the 2nd anniversary date and 50% 
vest on the 3rd anniversary date.

Expiry date

RSUs convert to shares on vesting.

2005 Managing Board Transitional 
Stock Option Plan (MBTSOP)

Options granted on 22 November 2005.

Offered to

Performance period

Re-testing

Exercise period

Performance condition

Vesting criteria

Managing Board directors.

22 November 2005 to 22 November 2008.

Yes, on the last Business Day of each six-month period following the 3rd anniversary and before the 
5th anniversary.

Until November 2015.

TSR compared to a peer group of companies in the S&P/ASX 200 Index on the grant date excluding the 
companies in the 200 Financials and 200 A-REIT GICS sector indices.

– 0% vesting if TSR below 50th percentile of peer group.
– 50% vesting if TSR at 50th percentile of peer group.
– Between 50th and 75th percentiles, vesting on a straight line basis.
– 100% vesting if TSR is at least 75th percentile of peer group.

Vesting to date

No options have vested to date.

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| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

James Hardie Industries Long 
Term Incentive Plan 2006 (LTIP) 
Option Grants

Options granted on 21 November 2006 and 29 August 2007. Grants were divided into two tranches: 
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) and Total Shareholder Return (TSR).

Offered to

Performance period

Re-testing

Exercise period

Performance condition

Vesting criteria

Managing Board directors.

Three years to five years from the grant date.

Yes, for the TSR tranche only, on the last Business Day of each six-month period following the 3rd 
Anniversary and before the 5th Anniversary.

Until five years from the grant date.

For the ROCE tranche:
ROCE performance against the following global peer group of building materials companies in US, 
Europe and Asia Pacific specialising in building materials: Boral Limited, Valspar Corporation, Hanson 
plc, Rinker Group Limited (2006 grant only), Weyerhaeuser, Lafarge SA, CSR Limited, Cemex SA de CV, 
Nichiha Corp, Fletcher Building Limited, Martin Marietta Materials Inc, Saint Gobain, Eagle Materials 
Inc, Texas Industries, Wienerberger AG, Lousiana-Pacific Corporation, Florida Rock Industries Inc, 
CRH plc, USG Corporation, Vulcan Materials Co and The Siam Cement Plc.

For the TSR tranche:
TSR performance against a peer group of comparable companies in the S&P/ASX 100 at the time of 
grant excluding financial institutions, insurance companies, property trusts, oil and gas producers and 
mining companies, and adjusted to account for additions and deletions to S&P/ASX 100 during the 
relevant period.

For the ROCE tranche:
– 0% vesting if ROCE below 60th percentile of peer group.
– 50% vesting if ROCE at 60th percentile of peer group.
– Between the 60th and 85th percentiles, vesting on a straight line basis.
– 100% vesting if ROCE is at 85th percentile of peer group.

For the TSR tranche:
– 0% vesting if TSR below 50th percentile of peer group.
– 50% vesting if TSR at 50th percentile of peer group.
– Between 50th and 75th percentiles, vesting on a straight line basis.
– 100% vesting if TSR is at 75th percentile of peer group.

Vesting to date

To date, the 2006 grant ROCE tranche options have vested 100% and the 2006 TSR tranche options 
have vested 60%. No options have been exercised.

2001 JHI SE Equity Incentive 
Plan Deferred Bonus Program 
(Restricted Stock Units (RSUs))

Offered to

RSU exercise price

Vesting schedule

Expiry date

One-off grant of RSUs to senior executives made 17 June 2008.
Grant to CEO made 15 September 2008 under James Hardie Industries Long Term Incentive Plan 2006.

Senior executives.

Nil.

100% vest on the 2nd anniversary of the grant.

On vesting, the RSUs convert into shares granted on a one-for-one basis.

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dirECTorS’
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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

James Hardie Industries Long 
Term Incentive Plan 2006 Relative 
TSR RSUs (Restricted Stock Units 
(RSUs))

Offered to

Performance period

Re-testing

Exercise period

Performance condition

Vesting criteria

RSU exercise price

Expiry date

James Hardie Industries Long 
Term Incentive Plan 2006 
Executive Incentive Program RSUs 
(Restricted Stock Units (RSUs))

Relative TSR RSUs granted September and December 2008 and September and December 2009.

Senior executives and Managing Board directors.

Three years to five years from the grant date.

Yes, on the last Business Day of each six month period following three years from grant date and before 
five years from grant date.

Until five years from the grant date.

TSR performance hurdle compared to the following peer group of companies: Acuity Brands, Inc., Eagle 
Materials, Inc, Headwaters, Inc, Lennox International, Inc, Louisiana-Pacific Corp., Martin Marietta 
Materials, Inc, Masco Corporation, MDU Resources Group, Inc, Mueller Water Products, Inc, NCI 
Building Systems, Inc, Owens Corning, Quanex Building Products Corp., Sherwin Williams, Simpson 
Manufacturing Co., Texas Industries, Inc, Trex, USG, Valmont Industries, Valspar Corporation, Vulcan 
Materials and Watsco, Inc.

– 0% vesting if TSR below 50th percentile of peer group.
– 33% vesting if TSR at 50th percentile of peer group.
– Between 50th and 75th percentile, vesting is on a straight line basis.
– 100% vesting if TSR is at 75th percentile of peer group.

Not applicable.

On vesting, the RSUs convert into shares granted on a one-for-one basis.

Executive Incentive Program RSUs granted in May 2009 and June 2010.

Offered to

Senior executives and Managing Board directors.

Option Exercise Price

Nil.

Vesting schedule  
(2009 grant only)

Vesting schedule  
(2010 grant only)

Expiry date

James Hardie Industries Long 
Term Incentive Plan 2006 
Scorecard LTI (Awards)

Offered to

Option Exercise Price

Performance period

Payment schedule

100% vest on the 2nd anniversary of the grant.

A proportion will vest on the 2nd anniversary of the grant depending on each senior executive’s 
Scorecard rating between 0 and 100.

On vesting, the RSUs convert into shares granted on a one-for-one basis.

Cash-settled Awards granted June 2009.

Senior executives and Managing Board directors.

Nil.

Three years from the grant date.

A cash payment based on the company’s share price at the end of the performance period multiplied 
by the number of shares that could have been acquired at the start of the performance period and the 
senior executive’s Scorecard rating.
A proportion of the payment will be payable on the 3rd anniversary of the grant depending on each 
senior executive’s Scorecard rating between 0 and 100.

Expiry date

On vesting, the RSUs convert into shares granted on a one-for-one basis.

Details of equity incentive plans that expired during fiscal year 2010 are provided in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements starting on 
page 109 of this annual report.

56

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

8. REMUNERATION TABLES FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES

8.1 Total remuneration for senior executives for the years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009
Details of the remuneration of the senior executives, including the Managing Board directors in fiscal year 2010, as determined in accordance with 
US GAAP, are set out below:

(US dollars) 

Primary 

Post- 
employment 

Bonuses1 

Non-cash 
Benefits2 

Super- 
annuation 
and 401(k) 
Benefits 

Equity 

Other
Relocation 
Allowances, 
Expatriate 
LTI and  Benefits, and 
Other Non-
Equity 
recurring4 
Awards3 

Total

863,448 

Base Pay 

Name 
Senior executives, including Managing Board
Louis Gries
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
Russell Chenu
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
Robert Cox
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
Mark Fisher
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
Nigel Rigby
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 

397,558 
340,433 

384,169 
340,433 

450,000 
444,808 

738,463 
676,719 

$ 936,860  $ 1,688,832  $ 471,208 
268,008 

1,215,876 

$ 12,999  $ 3,744,250 
2,146,279 

19,872 

$ 174,510  $ 7,028,659
4,685,157

171,674 

320,148 
216,453 

83,728 
40,983 

245,699 
339,300 

74,721 
14,354 

382,303 
273,670 

33,098 
35,961 

66,462 
60,025 

14,700 
– 

12,842 
14,014 

607,122 
296,514 

185,971 
148,366 

2,001,894
1,439,060

606,351 
79,575 

156,807 
308,583 

1,548,278
1,186,620

536,472 
328,408 

– 
– 

– 
– 

1,348,884
992,486

1,364,969
967,478

406,711 
273,670 

24,228 
24,967 

– 
– 

536,472 
328,408 

1  Bonuses in respect of each fiscal year are paid in June of the following fiscal year. The amounts in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 include all incentive 
amounts accrued for in respect of each fiscal year, pursuant to the terms of the applicable plans. In addition, since the amount reported each year 
is an estimated accrual, fiscal year 2010’s bonus amounts include any adjustments to the 2009 bonus amounts previously reported to the extent 
necessary to reflect the actual bonus paid. Current senior executives were paid fiscal year 2010 bonuses after tax in performance shares.

  Refer section 3 for a summary of the terms of our Variable Compensation plans.

2  Includes the aggregate amount of all non-cash benefits received by the executive in the year indicated. Examples of non-cash benefits that may be 
received by our executives include medical and life insurance benefits, car allowances, membership in executive wellness programs, long service 
leave, and tax services.

3  Includes grants of Scorecard LTI awards and Relative TSR and Executive Incentive Program RSUs. Scorecard LTI awards are liability-classified 
awards that are remeasured and include an amount based on changes to a company’s stock price over each reporting period. Equity awards are 
valued using either the Black-Scholes pricing model or the Monte Carlo pricing method, depending on the plan under which the equity awards 
were issued. The fair value of equity awards granted are included in compensation over the period in which the equity awards vest.

4  Other non-recurring benefits include cash paid in lieu of vacation accrued, as permitted under our US vacation policy and California law.

57

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
directors’
report
reMUNerAtioN report  
(coNtiNUed)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

8.2 Equity Holdings for the years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009
(a) Options
Details of the changes to equity holdings of senior executives, including the Managing Board directors in fiscal year 2010, are set out below:

  Exercise 
Price 
Grant  per right 
(A$) 
Date 

Holding 
at 
1 April 
2009 

Name 
Senior executives, including Managing Board 
Louis Gries 

Total 
Value at 
Grant1 
(US$) 

  Value at 
  Exercise 
  per right2 

  Weighted
  Value at  Holding  Average
Fair
 Value
2010  per right4

at 
  per right3  31 March 

(US$) 

Lapse 

Granted 

Vested  Exercised 

(US$)  Lapsed 

19 Oct 015 
19 Oct 015 
17 Dec 015 
3 Dec 026 
5 Dec 035 
22 Nov 056 
21 Nov 067 
21 Nov 067 
29 Aug 077 
29 Aug 077 
Russell Chenu  22 Feb 055 
22 Nov 056 
21 Nov 067 
21 Nov 067 
29 Aug 077 
29 Aug 077 
– 
19 Oct 01 
17 Dec 01 
3 Dec 02 
5 Dec 03 
14 Dec 04 
1 Dec 05 
21 Nov 06 
10 Dec 07 
17 Dec 01 
3 Dec 02 
5 Dec 03 
14 Dec 04 
1 Dec 05 
21 Nov 06 
10 Dec 07 

Robert Cox 
Mark Fisher 

Nigel Rigby 

40,174 
175,023 
324,347 
325,000 
325,000 

200,874 
437,539 
324,347 
325,000 
325,000 

3.1321 
3.0921 
5.0586 
6.4490 
7.0500 
8.5300  1,000,000  1,000,000  2,152,500 
8.4000 
8.4000 
7.8300 
7.8300 
6.3000 
8.5300 
8.4000 
8.4000 
7.8300 
7.8300 
– 
3.0921 
5.0586 
6.4490 
7.0500 
5.9900 
8.9000 
8.4000 
6.3800 
5.0586 
6.4490 
7.0500 
5.9900 
8.9000 
8.4000 
6.3800 

71,732  200,874 
168,321  437,539 
137,296  324,347 
210,633  325,000 
338,975  325,000 
– 
888,100  415,000 
415,000 
381,000  1,131,570  228,600 
– 
445,000 
965,650 
– 
437,000  1,302,260 
93,000 
107,973 
93,000 
– 
193,725 
90,000 
65,000 
139,100 
65,000 
36,000 
178,200 
60,000 
– 
130,200 
68,000 
– 
178,800 
66,000 
– 
– 
– 
92,113 
35,436 
92,113 
68,283 
28,904 
68,283 
47,959 
74,000 
74,000 
137,676  132,000 
132,000 
180,000 
183,276  180,000 
386,137  190,000 
190,000 
291,069  158,500 
158,500 
275,064  138,889 
277,778 
8,467 
20,003 
20,003 
17,499 
27,000 
27,000 
33,000 
34,419 
33,000 
183,276  180,000 
180,000 
386,137  190,000 
190,000 
291,069  158,500 
158,500 
275,084  138,889 
277,778 

415,000 
381,000 
445,000 
437,000 
93,000 
90,000 
65,000 
60,000 
68,000 
66,000 
– 
92,113 
68,283 
74,000 
132,000 
180,000 
190,000 
158,500 
277,778 
20,003 
27,000 
33,000 
180,000 
190,000 
158,500 
277,778 

200,874 
437,539 
324,347 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
92,113 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1.98 
2.11 
3.05 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
5.06 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–  325,000 
–  325,000 
–  1,000,000 
–  415,000 
–  381,000 
–  445,000 
–  437,000 
93,000 
– 
90,000 
– 
65,000 
– 
60,000 
– 
68,000 
– 
66,000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
68,283 
– 
– 
74,000 
–  132,000 
–  180,000 
–  190,000 
–  158,500 
–  277,778 
20,003 
27,000 
33,000 
  180,000 
  190,000 
  158,500 
–  277,778 

0.3571
0.3847
0.4233
0.6481
1.0430
2.1525
2.1400
2.9700
2.1700
2.9800
1.1610
2.1525
2.1400
2.9700
2.1700
2.9800
–
0.3847
0.4233
0.6481
1.0430
1.0182
2.0323
1.8364
0.9903
0.4233
0.6481
1.0430
1.0182
2.0323
1.8364
0.9903

1  Total Value at Grant = Weighted Average Fair Value per right multiplied by number of rights granted.

2  Value at Exercise/right = Market Value of a share of the company’s stock at Exercise less the Exercise price per right.

3  Value at Lapse/right = Market Value of a share of the company’s stock at Lapse less the Exercise price per right.

4  Weighted Average Fair Value per right is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model or Monte Carlo  

option pricing method, depending on the plan the options were issued under.

5  Options granted under 2001 JHI SE Equity Incentive Plan. See section 7, page 54 for summary of key terms of options granted.

6  Options granted under 2005 Managing Board Transitional Stock Option Plan. See section 7, page 54 for summary of key terms of options granted.

7  Options granted under James Hardie Industries Long-Term Incentive Plan 2006 (LTIP). See section 7, page 54 for summary of key terms of options 

granted. 

58

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) RSUs
Details of the changes to equity holdings of senior executives, including the Managing Board directors in fiscal year 2010, are set out below:

Name 
Senior executives, including Managing Board
Louis Gries 

Holding 
at 
1 April 
2009 

201,324 
558,708 
– 
– 
– 
108,637 
– 
– 
– 
155,196 
– 
– 
– 
36,066 
116,948 
– 
– 
– 
36,066 
116,948 
– 
– 
– 

Grant 
Date 

15 Sep 088 
15 Sep 089 
29 May 09 
15 Sep 099 
11 Dec 099 
15 Sep 089 
29 May 09 
15 Sep 09 
11 Dec 099 
15 Sep 089 
29 May 09 
15 Sep 099 
11 Dec 099 
17 Jun 0810 
17 Dec 089 
29 May 09 
15 Sep 099 
11 Dec 099 
17 Jun 0810 
17 Dec 089 
29 May 09 
15 Sep 099 
11 Dec 099 

Total 
Value at 
Grant 
(US$) 

746,107 
1,592,318 
2,100,892 
1,653,696 
670,317 
309,615 
408,506 
321,552 
130,339 
442,309 
583,583 
459,360 
186,197 
144,625 
268,980 
334,232 
275,616 
111,717 
144,625 
268,980 
334,232 
275,616 
111,716 

Granted 

201,324 
558,708 
487,446 
234,900 
81,746 
108,637 
94,781 
45,675 
15,895 
155,196 
135,402 
65,250 
22,707 
36,066 
116,948 
77,548 
39,150 
13,624 
36,066 
116,948 
77,548 
39,150 
13,624 

Holding 
at 
31 March 
2010 

Weighted
Average
Fair
 Value
per unit

Vested 

Lapsed 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

201,324 
558,708 
487,446 
234,900 
81,746 
108,637 
94,781 
45,675 
15,895 
155,196 
135,402 
65,250 
22,707 
36,066 
116,948 
77,548 
39,150 
13,624 
36,066 
116,948 
77,548 
39,150 
13,624 

3.7060
2.8500
3.3650
5.0100
6.9100
2.8500
3.3650
5.0100
6.9100
2.8500
3.3650
5.0100
6.9100
4.0100
2.3000
3.3650
5.0100
6.9100
4.0100
2.3000
3.3650
5.0100
6.9100

Russell Chenu 

Robert Cox 

Mark Fisher 

Nigel Rigby 

8  Bonus RSUs granted under Deferred Bonus Program and LTIP. See section 7, page 54 for key terms of Deferred Bonus RSUs.

9  Relative TSR RSUs granted under LTIP. See section 7, page 54 for key terms of Relative TSR RSUs.

10  Deferred Bonus RSUs granted under Deferred Bonus Program and 2001 JHI SE Equity Incentive Plan. See section 7, page 54 for key terms  

of Deferred Bonus RSUs.

59

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
dirECTorS’
rEporT
rEmunEraTion rEporT  
(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

(c) Scorecard LTI
Changes in senior executives’, including the Managing Board directors in fiscal year 2010, grants of awards of Scorecard LTIs between 1 April 2009 
and 31 March 2010 are set out below:

Name 
Senior executives, including Managing Board
Louis Gries 
Russell Chenu 
Robert Cox 
Mark Fisher 
Nigel Rigby 

Grant 
Date 

21 Jun 09 
21 Jun 09 
21 Jun 09 
21 Jun 09 
21 Jun 09 

Granted 

Vested 

Lapsed 

483,294 
93,974 
134,248 
80,549 
80,549 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Holding
at
31 March 
2010

483,294
93,974
134,248
80,549
80,549

See sections 3.2 and 3.3.2(b) on pages 44 and 47, respectively, for more information about Scorecard LTI.

8.3 Senior executive’s relevant interests in JHI SE
Changes in senior executives’, including the Managing Board directors in fiscal year 2010, relevant interests in JHI SE securities between 1 April 
2009 and 31 March 2010 are set out below:

CUFS at 
1 April 2009 

CUFS at 
31 March 2010 

Options at 
1 April 2009 

Options at 
31 March 2010 

RSUs at 
1 April 2009 

RSUs at
31 March 2010

Senior executives, including Managing Board
Louis Gries 
Russell Chenu 
Robert Cox 
Mark Fisher 
Nigel Rigby 

127,675 
25,000 
– 
– 
– 

259,875 
35,000 
– 
29,519 
– 

3,867,544 
442,000 
– 
1,172,674 
886,281 

3,328,000 
442,000 
– 
1,080,561 
886,281 

760,032 
108,637 
155,916 
153,014 
153,014 

1,564,124
264,988
378,555
283,336
283,336

8.4 Loans
The company did not grant loans to senior executives during fiscal year 2010. There are no loans outstanding to senior executives.

60

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. EmploymEnT ConTraCTS

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the CEO, CFO and General Counsel and certain other senior executives are formalised in 
employment contracts. The main elements of these contracts are set out below.

9.1 CEO’s employment contract
Details of the terms of the CEO’s employment contract are as follows:

Components 
Length of contract 

Base salary 

Short-term incentive 

Long-term incentive 

Defined Contribution Plan 

Resignation 

Termination by James Hardie 

Post-termination Consulting 

Details
Initially a three-year term, commencing 10 February 2005. Term is automatically extended on 9th day of each 
February for an additional one year unless either party notifies the other, 90 days in advance of the automatic 
renewal date, that it does not want the term to renew.
US$950,000 for fiscal year 2010 and 2011. Salary reviewed annually by the Board and there will be no base salary 
increase for fiscal year 2011.
Annual STI target is 125% of annual base salary for fiscal year 2011. The quantum of STI target is reviewed 
annually by the Board in May.

The Remuneration Committee recommends the company’s and CEO’s performance objectives, and the performance 
against these objectives, to the Board for approval. The CEO’s short-term incentive is calculated under the Executive 
Incentive Plan and the Individual Performance Plan.
On the approval of shareholders, stock options or other equity incentive will be granted each year. The 
recommended number of options or other form of equity to be granted will be appropriate for this level of executive 
in the US. For fiscal year 2011, the LTI target will be US$2.8 million.
The CEO may participate in the US 401(k) defined contribution plan up to the annual US Internal Revenue Service 
(IRS) limit. The company will match the CEO’s contributions into the plan up to the annual IRS limit.
The CEO may cease employment with the company by providing written notice. If the CEO retires with the approval 
of the Board then his unvested restricted stock units and awards will not be forfeited and will be held until the next 
test date.
The company may terminate the CEO’s employment for cause or not for cause. If the company terminates the 
CEO’s employment, not for cause, or the CEO terminates his employment “for good reason” the company will pay 
the following:

(a)  amount equivalent to 1.5 times the CEO’s annual base salary at the time of termination; and

(b)  amount equivalent to 1.5 times the CEO’s average STI actually paid in up to the previous three fiscal years 

as CEO; and

(c)  continuation of health and medical benefits at the company’s expense for the remaining term of the agreement 

and the consulting agreement referenced below.

The company will request the CEO, and the CEO will agree, to consult to the company upon termination for a 
minimum of two years, as long as the CEO maintains the company’s non-compete and confidentiality agreements 
and executes a release of claims following the effective date of termination. Under the consulting agreement, the 
CEO will receive the annual base salary and annual target incentive in exchange for this consulting and non-
compete. Under the terms of equity incentive grants made to the CEO under the MBTSOP and LTIP, the CEO’s 
outstanding options will not expire during any post-termination consulting period. This arrangement is a standard 
arrangement for US executives and the Board considers that it is an appropriate restraint for Mr Gries given his 
intimate involvement in developing the company’s fibre cement business in the United States over the past 19 years.

61

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
dirECTorS’
rEporT
rEmunEraTion rEporT  
(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

9.2 CFO’s employment contract
Details of the CFO’s employment contract are as follows:

Components 
Length of contract 
Base salary 
Short-term incentive 

Long-term incentive 

Superannuation/pension 
Other 
Resignation or Termination 

Redundancy or diminution 

Details
Fixed period concluding 5 October 2012.
A$874,058 for fiscal year 2010. Salary reviewed annually by the Board.
Annual STI target is 33% of annual base salary as set out in the CFO’s employment contract, based on 
personal goals. The CFO does not participate in the Executive Incentive Program for his short-term incentive,  
other than the arrangement where some of the CFO’s LTI target is transferred to STI in the form of Executive Incentive 
Program RSUs.
Stock options or other long-term equity with performance hurdles will be granted each year. The recommended 
value of equity to be granted will be equivalent to at least US$350,000. If the CFO ceases employment with the 
company, a pro-rata amount of each tranche of the CFO’s unvested options or other form of equity will expire on  
the date employment ceases, calculated based on the formula D=Cx(A/B), where A is the number of months from 
the date employment ceases to the first testing or vesting date, B is the number of months from the date of grant 
until the first testing or vesting date and C is the total number of options or other form of equity granted in the 
relevant tranche. The remaining unvested/unexercised options or other form of equity will continue as if the CFO 
remained employed by the company until the first testing or vesting date, at which point any options or other form 
of equity that do not vest at that time will also lapse.
The company will contribute A$50,000 to the CFO’s nominated superannuation/pension fund.
The CFO receives an additional benefit of approximately A$30,000.
The company or CFO may cease the CFO’s employment with the company by providing three months’ notice 
in writing.
If the position of CFO is determined to be redundant or subject to a material diminution in status, duties or 
responsibility of the role, the company or the CFO may terminate the CFO’s employment. The company will pay  
the CFO a severance payment equal to the greater of 12 months’ pay or the remaining proportion of the term of  
the contract.

9.3 General Counsel’s employment contract
Details of the General Counsel’s employment contract are as follows:

Components 
Length of contract 
Base salary 

Short-term incentive 

Long-term incentive 

Resignation 
Termination by James Hardie 

Post-termination Consulting 

Details
Indefinite.
US$450,000 for fiscal year 2010 and 2011. Salary reviewed annually by the Board and there will be no base salary 
increase for fiscal year 2011.
Annual STI target is 65% of annual base salary as set out in the General Counsel’s employment contract.
The General Counsel’s short-term incentive is calculated under the Executive Incentive Plan (which includes the 
IP Plan).
Stock options or other long-term equity with performance hurdles will be granted each year. The recommended 
value of equity to be granted will be equivalent to at least US$500,000.
The General Counsel may cease employment with the company by providing 30 days’ written notice.
The company may terminate the General Counsel’s employment for cause or not for cause. If the company 
terminates the employment, not for cause, or the General Counsel terminates his employment “for good reason”, 
the company may request the General Counsel to consult to the company for two years as set out below. No other 
termination payment is payable.
Depending on the reasons for termination, the company may request the General Counsel, and the General Counsel 
will agree, to consult to the company for two years upon termination, as long as he signs and complies with 1) a 
consulting agreement, which will require him to maintain non-compete and confidentiality obligations to the company, 
and 2) a release of claims in a form acceptable to the company. In exchange for the consulting agreement, the company 
shall pay the General Counsel’s annual base salary as of the termination date for each year of consulting.

62

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
9.4 Benefits contained in contracts for CEO, CFO and General Counsel
In fiscal year 2010, and until we moved our corporate domicile to Ireland, the CEO, CFO and General Counsel were on international assignment in 
The Netherlands. During the time of their international assignment, the employment contracts for the CEO, CFO and General Counsel also specified 
the following benefits:

Components 
International Assignment 

Other 

Details
Additional benefits due to international assignment: housing allowance, expatriate goods and services allowance, 
moving and storage.
Tax Equalisation: The company covers the extra personal tax burden imposed by residency in The Netherlands.
Tax Advice: The company will pay the costs of filing income tax returns to the required countries.
Health, Welfare and Vacation Benefits: Eligible to receive all health, welfare and vacation benefits offered to 
all US employees, or similar benefits. Are also eligible to participate in the company’s executive health and wellness 
program.
Business Expenses: Entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary travel and other 
business expenses incurred or paid for in connection with the performance of their services under their 
employment agreements.
Automobile: The company will either purchase or lease an automobile for business and personal use, or, in the 
alternative, they will be entitled to an automobile equivalent to the level of vehicle they could receive in the US.

9.5 Other senior executives’ employment contracts
Details of employment contracts for current senior executives are as follows:

Components 
Length of contract 
Base salary 
Short-term incentive 

Long-term incentive 

Defined Contribution Plan 

Resignation 
Termination by James Hardie 

Post-termination Consulting 

Other 

Details
Indefinite.
Base salary is subject to Remuneration Committee approval and reviewed annually.
An annual STI target is set at a percentage of the senior executive’s salary. The STI target is between 55% and 65% 
and reviewed annually.
Upon the approval of the Board, grants of Scorecard LTI awards and Relative TSR and Executive Incentive Plan 
RSUs have been made under the LTIP plan.
US senior executives may participate in the US 401(k) defined contribution plan up to the annual IRS limit. The 
company will match the senior executive’s contributions into the plan up to the annual IRS limit.
The senior executive may cease employment with the company by providing 30 days’ written notice.
The company may terminate the senior executive’s employment for cause or not for cause. Other than the post-
termination consulting arrangement discussed below for a termination without cause or a resignation for good 
reason, no other termination payments are payable.
Depending on the senior executive’s individual contract, and the reasons for termination, the company may request 
the senior executive, and the senior executive will agree, to consult to the company for two years upon termination, 
as long as they sign and comply with 1) a consulting agreement, which will require them to maintain non-compete 
and confidentiality obligations to the company, and 2) a release of claims in a form acceptable to the company. In 
exchange for the consulting agreement, the company shall pay the senior executive’s annual base salary as of the 
termination date for each year of consulting.
Health, Welfare and Vacation Benefits: Eligible to receive all health, welfare and vacation benefits offered to 
all US employees and also eligible to participate in the company’s executive health and wellness program.
Business Expenses: The senior executives are entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable and 
necessary travel and other business expenses incurred or paid in connection with the performance of services 
under their employment.
Automobile: The company will either lease an automobile for business and personal use by the senior executive, or, 
in the alternative, the executive will be entitled to an automobile lease allowance not to exceed US$750 per month.

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10.2 Board Accumulation Policy
Non-executive directors are expected to accumulate a minimum of 1.5 
times (and two times for the Chairman) their total base remuneration 
(excluding Board Committee fees) in JHI SE shares (either personally, 
in the name of their spouse, or through a personal superannuation or 
pension plan) over a reasonable time following their appointment. The 
Remuneration Committee monitors non-executive directors’ progress 
against this policy on a periodic basis.

10.3 Supervisory Board Share Plan
Under the Supervisory Board Share Plan 2006 (SBSP), non-executive 
directors can elect to receive some of their annual fees in JHI SE 
shares. The SBSP was last approved at the 2007 AGM. The SBSP is 
one of the vehicles non-executive directors can use to achieve their 
target shareholding under the Board Accumulation Policy. Although a 
number of directors used the SBSP to acquire shares during fiscal year 
2010, the company anticipates that the complexity of the four different 
jurisdictions in which the company’s individual directors are resident 
means that in the future most directors are likely to acquire shares in 
the company directly on the ASX or NYSE.

JHI SE shares received under the SBSP can be either be acquired on 
market or new shares issued by the company. Where shares are issued, 
the price is the average of the market closing prices at which the shares 
were quoted on the ASX during the five business days preceding the 
day of issue. Where the shares are acquired on market, the price is the 
purchase price.

The SBSP does not include a performance condition because the 
amounts applied to acquire shares under the SBSP are from the annual 
fees earned by the non-executive directors.

10.4 Director retirement benefits
The company does not provide any benefits for non-executive Board 
directors upon termination of employment.

dirECTorS’
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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

10. rEmunEraTion For board  
non-ExECuTivE dirECTorS

Fees paid to non-executive directors are determined by the Board, 
with the advice of the Remuneration Committee’s independent external 
remuneration advisers, within the maximum total amount approved 
by shareholders from time to time. The current aggregate fee pool of 
US$1,500,000 was approved by shareholders in 2006.

Additional Board fees are not paid to executive Board directors.

10.1 Remuneration structure
Non-executive directors are paid a base fee for service on the Board. 
Additional fees are paid to the person occupying the positions of 
Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Board Committee Chairman and 
to members of the Due Diligence Committee.

During fiscal year 2010, the Remuneration Committee reviewed 
non-executive directors’ fees, using market data and taking into 
consideration the level of fees paid to chairmen and directors 
of companies with similar size, complexity of operations and 
responsibilities, and workload requirements. As a result of the review, 
the Remuneration Committee recommended increasing all non-
executive director fees by 5%, effective 1 April 2010.

The fees paid in fiscal year 2010, and payable in fiscal year 2011, are:

(US dollars) 
Role 
Chairman 
Deputy Chairman 
Board member 
Audit Committee Chairman 
Remuneration or Nominating and  
Governance Committee Chairman 

Fiscal 
2010 
$300,000 
$175,000 
$130,000 
$20,000 

Fiscal 
2011
$315,000
$183,750
$136,500
$20,000

$10,000 

$10,000

During fiscal year 2009, the Board formed the Due Diligence Committee, 
comprised of representatives from the Board and management. This 
committee was formed to assist the Board with reviewing and considering 
alternative proposals to move the company’s domicile.

Non-executive directors who attended meetings of the Due Diligence 
Committee received fees of US$1,500 per meeting, and the Chairman 
received fees of $3,000 per meeting, in addition to their base fees. The 
Due Diligence Committee met five times in fiscal year 2010.

As the focus of the Board is on the long-term direction and well-being 
of James Hardie, there is no direct link between non-executive directors’ 
remuneration and the short-term results of the company.

No non-executive director has been granted options, restricted stock 
units or performance rights. In fiscal year 2010, some non-executive 
directors have received some of their fees in James Hardie shares in 
accordance with the Supervisory Board Share Plan described below.

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10.5 Total remuneration for non-executive directors for the years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009
The table below sets out the remuneration for those directors who served on the Board during the fiscal years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009:

(US dollars) 
Name 
Non-executive directors
Michael Hammes
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
Donald McGauchie
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
Brian Anderson
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
David Dilger 4
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
David Harrison 5
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
James Osborne 6
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 
Rudy van der Meer
Fiscal year 2010 
Fiscal year 2009 

Primary 
Directors’ Fees1 

Equity
JHI SE Stock2 

Other Benefits3 

Total

$ 221,000 
222,500 

$ 85,000 
21,250 

$ 10,641 
3,988 

$ 316,641
247,738

185,000 
185,000 

155,000 
155,000 

75,000 
N/A 

130,000 
105,537 

127,500 
6,333 

120,000 
60,000 

– 
– 

10,000 
– 

– 
N/A 

10,000 
– 

10,000 
– 

10,000 
60,000 

2,428 
11,627 

8,290 
1,300 

1,784 
N/A 

10,000 
4,178 

990 
– 

– 
14,407 

187,428
196,627

173,290
156,300

76,784
N/A

150,000
109,715

138,490
6,333

130,000
134,407

1 Amount includes base, Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Committee Chairman and Due Diligence Committee attendance fees.

2  The actual amount spent by each Board member was determined after deducting applicable Dutch taxes from this amount. The number of JHI SE 

shares acquired was determined by dividing the amount of participation in the SBSP by the market purchase price.

3 Other Benefits includes the cost of non-executive directors’ fiscal compliance in The Netherlands.

4 Mr Dilger was appointed to the company’s Joint and Supervisory Boards effective 2 September 2009.

5 Mr Harrison was appointed to the company’s Joint and Supervisory Boards effective 19 May 2008.

6 Mr Osborne was appointed to the company’s Joint and Supervisory Boards effective 12 March 2009.

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dirECTorS’
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10.6 Non-Executive directors’ relevant interests in JHI SE
Changes in non-executive directors’ relevant interests in JHI SE securities between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010 are set out below:

Number of 
Shares/CUFS 
at date of 
becoming 
director 

Number of 
Shares/CUFS 
at 1 April 20091 

21,4643 
15,3724 
6,124 
– 
10,0005 
– 
16,355 

N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
– 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

On market 
purchases 

– 
5,000 
– 
25,000 

– 
– 

  Shares/CUFS 
at date of 
resignation 

SBSP2 

Number of
Shares/CUFS at
31 March 2010

11,383 
– 
1,511 
– 
2,384 
2,551 
935 

N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

32,847
20,372
7,635
25,000
12,384
2,551
17,290

Non-executive directors
Michael Hammes 
Donald McGauchie 
Brian Anderson 
David Dilger 
David Harrison 
James Osborne 
Rudy van der Meer 

1  Shares were purchased under SBSP in fiscal year 2008 and 2009 as follows: 42,508 shares on 14 March 2008 at an average price of 

A$5.7352 and 17,550 shares on 13 March 2009 at an average price of A$3.7254.

2  Shares purchased under SBSP in fiscal year 2010 as follows: 9,432 shares on 26 June 2009 at an average price of A$4.28, 5,098 shares 
on 15 September 2009 at an average price of A$7.09, 2,019 shares on 15 December 2009 at an average price of A$8.25 and 2,215 shares 
on 11 March 2010 at an average price of A$7.68.

3 9,000 shares/CUFS held as ADRs.

4 6,000 shares held for the McGauchie Superannuation Fund.

5 Held as ADRs.

Only non-executive directors are entitled to participate in the SBSP.

11. duTCh CorporaTE govErnanCE CodE

Under the Dutch Code on Corporate Governance (the Dutch Code) 
published by the Dutch Corporate Governance Committee (the 
Tabaksblat Committee) in 2003, as amended by Government Decree of 
10 December 2009, listed Dutch companies are obliged to explain their 
corporate governance structure in a separate section of their annual 
report. The corporate governance section of this report on pages 67–80 
states that where the company has not completely applied the best 
practice provisions of the Dutch Code relating to remuneration matters, 
such information will be provided in this report.

Best Practice Provision II.1.1 of the Dutch Code stipulates that 
Managing Directors shall be appointed for a maximum period of four 
years. Our CEO has been appointed for a period of six years.

Best Practice Provision II.2.7 of the Dutch Code provides that neither 
the exercise price nor the other conditions regarding options granted 
to Managing Board directors may be modified during the term of the 
options, except as prompted by structural changes relating to shares 
or the company in accordance with established market practice. James 
Hardie may modify the term of the options as specified in the LTIP or 
employment agreement with a Managing Board director upon departure 
of the employee of other circumstances described in the LTIP.

individual basis, taking into account home country practice and the 
Managing Board director’s specific situation. Consistent with Mr Gries’ 
prior employment agreement when he acted as the company’s Chief 
Operating Officer, Mr Gries’ current contract specifies that in the event 
of a termination without cause or for good reason, he will receive 1.5 
times his annual base salary and 1.5 times his average annual bonus in 
addition to a two-year consulting contract, as long as he maintains the 
company’s non-compete and confidentiality agreements.

Best Practice Provision III.7.1 of the Dutch Code provides that members 
of the Supervisory Board shall not be granted shares by way of 
remuneration. Although our members of the Board who were members 
of the Supervisory Board in fiscal year 2010 are not granted shares by 
way of remuneration, the guideline contained in the Stock Accumulation 
Policy provides guidance that they should accumulate 1.5 times their 
annual base board fees in share ownership. We believe this practice is 
to the benefit of the company and is common practice in Australia and 
the United States.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the members 
of the Board.

Best Practice Provision II.2.8 of the Dutch Code provides that a 
severance payment to a Managing Board director shall not exceed 
one time the amount of the fixed salary. In contracts with Managing 
Board directors, the severance payments are agreed upon on an 

Michael Hammes 
Chairman 

Approved 29 June 2010

Louis Gries
Chief Executive Officer

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CorporaTE  
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JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

These Corporate Governance Principles describe the corporate 
governance arrangements that have been followed by James Hardie 
from the commencement of the fiscal year 2010 and contain an 
overview of our corporate governance framework, developed and 
approved by the Nominating and Governance Committee and, on 
its recommendation, adopted by the Board in June 2010.

On 19 February 2010, we completed Stage 1 of a proposal to move 
our corporate domicile from The Netherlands to Ireland, in a transaction 
designed to transform James Hardie Industries NV into an Irish 
Societas Europea company, and James Hardie Industries NV became 
James Hardie Industries SE, incorporated under the laws of The 
Netherlands. On 17 June 2010 we completed Stage 2 of the proposal 
and as a result James Hardie Industries SE moved its corporate seat 
to Ireland (together, the Re-domicile).

Where applicable, these Corporate Governance Principles indicate 
the changes in the company’s governance arrangements as a result of 
implementing the Re-domicile. References to the Board are references 
to the Supervisory Board prior to completion of the Re-domicile, and 
to the single Board following completion of the Re-domicile.

These Corporate Governance Principles, as well as our Articles of 
Association, Board and Board Committee charters and key company 
policies, as updated from time to time, are available from the Investor 
Relations area of our website (www.jameshardie.com) or by requesting 
a printed copy from the company secretary at the company’s head office 
at 2nd Floor, Europa House, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, 
Republic of Ireland.

1. CorporaTE govErnanCE aT jamES hardiE

1.1 OVERVIEW
James Hardie operates under the regulatory requirements of numerous 
jurisdictions and organisations, including the ASX, ASIC, the NYSE, 
the US SEC and various other rulemaking bodies.

In addition, prior to completing Stage 2 of the Re-domicile, we were 
also subject to the jurisdiction of the Dutch Authority Financial Markets 
and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (the Dutch Code). Since 
completing Stage 2 of the Re-domicile, James Hardie is no longer 
subject to the regulatory requirements of the Dutch Authority Financial 
Markets and the Dutch Code and is instead subject to the regulatory 
requirements of the Irish Takeover Panel.

James Hardie’s corporate governance framework is reviewed 
regularly and updated as appropriate to reflect what we believe is in 
our and our stakeholders’ interests, changes in law and current best 
practices. An important part of the Board’s review of the Re-domicile 
involved spending a significant time to ensure that the company’s 
governance framework following the Re-domicile to Ireland met the 
company’s needs.

2. board STruCTurE

2.1 NUMBER OF BOARDS
During the entire fiscal year 2010, James Hardie had a multi-tiered 
board structure. Until completion of Stage 1 of the Re-domicile on 19 
February 2010 this consisted of a Joint Board, a Supervisory Board and 
a Managing Board. Following completion of Stage 1 of the Re-domicile, 
the Managing Board remained in place but the Joint Board ceased to 
exist and all of its responsibilities were assumed by the Supervisory 
Board. Since completion of Stage 2 of the Re-domicile on 17 June 
2010, the company has had a single Board.

The responsibilities of our Board/s and Board Committees are 
formalised in charters and our Articles of Association, which set out the 
responsibilities of the Board/s and Board Committees. These charters 
and our Articles of Association also identify the matters reserved to the 
Board or Board Committees and the matters reserved to the Managing 
Board or the CEO as applicable.

2.2 SINGLE BOARD
The single Board has been in place since completion of the Re-domicile 
on 17 June 2010 and comprises seven non-executive directors and the 
CEO. The Board must have no less than three and not more than twelve 
directors, as determined by the Board.

Board directors may be elected by our shareholders at general 
meetings, or by the Board if there is a vacancy. The Board and our 
shareholders have the right to nominate candidates for the Board. Board 
directors may be dismissed by our shareholders at a general meeting.

Irish law provides that the Board is responsible for the management and 
operation of James Hardie. The Board can, and has, delegated authority 
to the CEO to manage the corporation within specified authority levels. 
The Board has also reserved certain matters to itself, including:

–  appointing, removing and assessing the performance and 

remuneration of the CEO and CFO;

–  succession planning for the Board and senior management and 

defining the company’s management structure and responsibilities;

–  approving the overall strategy for the company, including the 
three year business plan and annual operating and capital 
expenditure budgets;

–  convening and monitoring the operation of shareholder 

meetings and approving matters to be submitted to shareholders 
for their consideration;

–  approving annual and periodic reports, results announcements, 

media releases and notices of shareholder meetings;

–  approving the dividend policy and interim dividends and making 
recommendations to shareholders regarding the annual dividend;

Our corporate governance framework incorporates a number of 
processes and policies designed to provide the Board with appropriate 
assurance about the operations and governance of the company and 
thereby protect shareholder value. Further details of these processes 
and policies are set out in this report.

–  reviewing the authority levels of the CEO and management;

–  approving the remuneration framework for the company;

–  overseeing corporate governance matters for the company;

–  approving corporate-level company policies;

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–  considering management’s recommendations on various matters 
which are above the authority levels delegated to the CEO or 
management; and

–  any other matter which the Board considers ought to be approved 

by the Board.

The full list of those matters reserved to the Board are formalised 
in our Board charter, which is available on our website  
(www.jameshardie.com, select Investor Relations, Corporate 
Governance, then Board Structure).

In discharging its duties, the Board aims to take into account the 
interests of James Hardie, its enterprise (including the interests of 
its employees), shareholders, other stakeholders and other parties 
involved in or with James Hardie.

2.3 SUPERVISORY BOARD
The Supervisory Board was in operation for all of fiscal year 2010 
and until completion of the Re-domicile on 17 June 2010, when it 
was replaced by the single Board.

The Supervisory Board comprised only non-executive directors, 
with at least two members or a higher number as determined by the 
Supervisory Board.

Supervisory Board directors were appointed by our shareholders at a 
general meeting, or by the Supervisory Board if there was a vacancy. 
The Supervisory Board and our shareholders had the right to nominate 
candidates for the Supervisory Board. Supervisory Board directors 
could be dismissed by our shareholders at a general meeting.

The Supervisory Board supervised and provided advice to the 
Managing Board, and was responsible for, amongst other matters:

–  nominating Managing Board directors for election by shareholders;

–  appointing and removing the CEO and the Chairman of the 

Managing Board;

–  approving Managing Board decisions relating to specified matters 

or above agreed thresholds;

–  approving the strategic plan and annual budget proposed by the 

Managing Board;

–  approving the annual financial accounts;

–  supervising the policy and actions of the Managing Board;

–  supervising the general course of affairs of James Hardie and the 

business it operates; and

–  approving issues of new shares.

Following completion of Stage 1 of the Re-domicile and the abolition of 
the Joint Board, the Supervisory Board also became responsible for the 
following matters previously reserved solely to the Joint Board as well 
as those matters where responsibility was previously shared with the 
Supervisory Board:

–  approving declaration of dividends;

–  approving any share buy-back programs and cancelling the shares 

bought back;

–  approving any significant changes in the identity or nature of 

the company;

–  approving the strategy set by the Managing Board;

–  monitoring company performance; and

–  maintaining effective external disclosure policies and procedures.

2.4 MANAGING BOARD
The Managing Board was in operation for all of fiscal year 2010 and 
until completion of the Re-domicile on 17 June 2010. It comprised 
only executive directors, with at least two members or such higher 
number as determined by the Supervisory Board. The Managing Board 
directors were appointed by our shareholders at a general meeting. 
The Supervisory Board could appoint interim members to the Managing 
Board if there was a vacancy on the Managing Board. The Supervisory 
Board and our shareholders could nominate candidates for the 
Managing Board.

The Supervisory Board appointed one Managing Board director as its 
Chairman and one member as its CEO. Throughout the period until the 
Managing Board ceased to exist, our current CEO occupied both roles.

Managing Board directors could be dismissed by our shareholders at a 
general meeting and suspended at any time by the Supervisory Board.

The Managing Board was accountable to the Supervisory Board, the 
Joint Board (while it was in operation) and to the shareholders for 
the performance of its duties, and was responsible for the day-to-day 
management of the company, including:

–  administering the company’s general affairs, operations and finance;

–  preparing a strategic plan and budget setting out operational and 
financial objectives, implementation strategy and parameters for 
the company for the next three years, for approval by the Joint and 
Supervisory Boards;

–  ensuring the implementation of the company’s strategic plan;

–  preparing quarterly and annual accounts, management reports and 

related media releases;

–  monitoring the company’s compliance with all relevant legislation 

and regulations and managing the risks associated with the 
company’s activities;

–  reporting and discussing the company’s internal risk management 
and control systems with the Supervisory Board and the Audit 
Committee; and

–  representing, entering into and performing agreements on behalf 

of the company.

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2.5 JOINT BOARD
The Joint Board was in operation for part of fiscal year 2010 until 
it ceased to exist on completion of Stage 1 of the Re-domicile on 
19 February 2010, when its responsibilities were assumed by the 
Supervisory Board.

The Joint Board comprised between three and twelve members as 
determined by the Supervisory Board’s Chairman, or a greater number 
as determined by our shareholders at a general meeting. The Joint Board 
included all of the Supervisory Board directors as well as our CEO.

The Joint Board was allocated specific tasks under the Articles of 
Association but was primarily a forum for communication between the 
Managing Board and Supervisory Board. It was responsible, in some 
cases jointly with the Supervisory Board, for:

–  supervising the general course of affairs of James Hardie;

–  approving declaration of dividends;

–  approving any share buy-back programs and cancelling the 

shares bought back;

–  approving issues of new shares;

–  approving any significant changes in the identity or nature of 

the company;

–  approving the strategy set by the Managing Board;

–  monitoring company performance; and

–  maintaining effective external disclosure policies and procedures.

The core responsibility of the Joint Board was to oversee the general 
course of affairs of the company by exercising business judgment in the 
best interests of the company and its stakeholders.

3. opEraTion oF ThE board

3.1 BOARD MEETINGS
The Board meets at least four times a year or whenever the Chairman or 
three or more members have requested a meeting.

While the Supervisory Board was in operation, meetings were generally 
held at the company’s offices in The Netherlands. At each physical 
meeting, the Board met in executive session without management 
present for at least part of the meeting. The Board was also able to pass 
resolutions by written consent.

During fiscal year 2010, the Managing Board met regularly and 
the majority of its meetings were held at the company’s offices in 
The Netherlands.

On 29 June 2010, the single Board held its first meeting in Ireland. 
The company intends to hold the majority of its subsequent Board 
meetings, at which key decisions affecting it are made, in Ireland.

Attendance at Board and Board Committee meetings during the year ended 31 March 2010
The number of Board and Board Committee meetings held, and each director’s attendance during the fiscal year, is set out below:

Name 

Joint 

Michael Hammes 
Donald McGauchie 
Brian Anderson 
David Dilger 
David Harrison 
James Osborne 
Rudy van der Meer 
Louis Gries 
Russell Chenu 
Robert Cox 

H 
7 
7 
7 
4 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 

A 
7 
7 
7 
4 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 

BOARD 

Supervisory 
A 
H 
8 
8 
8 
8 
8 
8 
5 
5 
8 
8 
8 
8 
8 
8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Managing 
A 
H 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
31 
32 
32  
32 
32 
32 

Audit 

H 
2 
– 
5 
2 
5 
4 
– 
– 
– 
– 

A 
2 
– 
5 
2 
5 
4 
– 
– 
– 
– 

BOARD COMMITTEE

Nominating 
and 
Governance  
A 
H 
1 
1 
4 
4 
– 
– 
– 
– 
3 
3 
1 
1 
4 
4 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Remuneration 
A 
8 
8 
7 
– 
8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

H 
8 
8 
8 
– 
8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Due 
Diligence
A
H 
4
5 
–
– 
5
5 
–
– 
–
– 
5
5 
–
– 
5
5 
5
5 
5
5 

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3.2 DIRECTOR qUALIFICATIONS
Directors have skills, qualifications, experience and expertise which 
assist the Board to fulfill its responsibilities and assist the company 
to create shareholder value. The skills, qualifications, experience and 
relevant expertise of each director, and his or her term of appointment, 
are summarised on pages 18–19 of this annual report and also appear 
in the Investor Relations area of our website (www.jameshardie.com).

Directors must be able to devote a sufficient amount of time to prepare 
for, and effectively participate in, Board and Board Committee meetings. 
The Nominating and Governance Committee reviews the other 
commitments of Board members each year.

3.3 SUCCESSION PLANNING
The Board, together with the Nominating and Governance Committee, 
has developed, and periodically reviews with the CEO, management 
succession plans, policies and procedures for our CEO and other 
senior executives.

Board renewal has been a priority for the Board and Nominating and 
Governance Committee during recent years. A number of changes 
occurred in the composition of the Board during the fiscal year.

In the lead up to implementing the Re-domicile, the Board, together 
with the Nominating and Governance Committee, considered the 
desired composition of the Board, including the right number, mix of 
skills, qualifications, experience, expertise and geographic location 
of its directors, to maximise the effectiveness of the Board following 
completion of the Re-domicile. As a result of this review, two Irish-
based directors were appointed to the Board. The Board will continue to 
review and evaluate the desired profile of the Board and expects that an 
additional European-based director may be appointed in the future.

3.4 RETIREMENT AND TENURE POLICY
During fiscal year 2010, the company adhered to the recommendation 
of the Dutch Code which limited the tenure of Supervisory Board 
directors to twelve years (unless the Supervisory Board determined 
that it would be in the best interests of the company for a director to 
serve longer than this period). There was no tenure policy for Managing 
Board directors. Following completion of the Re-domicile, the company 
is no longer subject to the Dutch Code.

None of our current directors has served for more than seven years 
and the company has elected not to adopt a retirement and tenure 
policy following completion of the Re-domicile. The length of tenure 
of individual Board directors will be considered as part of the Board’s 
decision making process when considering whether a director should 
be recommended by the Board for re-election.

3.5 BOARD EVALUATION
The Nominating and Governance Committee supervises the director 
evaluation process and makes recommendations to the Board. During 
fiscal year 2010, a purpose-designed survey was used by directors 
to self-assess the operation of the Supervisory Board and each Board 
Committee, and the results were reviewed and discussed by the 
Nominating and Governance Committee and the Supervisory Board.

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The Chairman discussed with each Supervisory Board director, and the 
Deputy Chairman discussed with the Chairman, his performance and 
contribution to the effectiveness of the Board. Following completion of 
Stage 2 of the Re-domicile, the Nominating and Governance Committee 
and the Board will continue to discuss annually the performance of 
the CEO and the CEO’s direct reports, and the Chairman provides that 
feedback to the CEO. The CEO uses the feedback as part of an annual 
review of his direct reports.

3.6 DIRECTOR RE-ELECTION
No director (other than the CEO) shall hold office for a continuous 
period of more than three years, or past the end of the third annual 
general meeting (AGM) following his or her appointment, whichever 
is longer, without submitting him or herself for re-election. A person 
appointed to the Board to fill a vacancy must submit him or herself for 
re-election at the next AGM.

Directors are not automatically nominated for re-election at the end 
of their term. Nomination for re-election is based on their individual 
performance and the company’s needs. The Nominating and 
Governance Committee and the Board discuss in detail the performance 
of each director due to stand for re-election at the next AGM before 
deciding whether to recommend their re-election.

Because the company is a European SE company, the CEO is required 
to stand for re-election every six years as long as he remains as the 
CEO. The company believes this policy is appropriate (having regard 
to Australian practice under the rules of the ASX) as it supports the 
continuity of management performance.

3.7 INDEPENDENCE
The company requires the majority of directors on the Board and 
Board Committees, as well as the Chairman of the Board and Board 
Committees, to be independent, unless a greater number is required to 
be independent under the rules and regulations of the ASX, the NYSE 
or any other applicable regulatory body.

Each year the Board, together with the Nominating and Governance 
Committee, assesses each Board director and his or her responses to 
a lengthy questionnaire on matters relevant to his or her independence 
according to the rules and regulations of the Dutch Code (up until 
completion of the Re-domicile), the NYSE and SEC as well as the 
Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations 
published by the ASX Corporate Governance Council (the Principles 
and Recommendations). Following this assessment, the Board has 
determined that each Board director is independent.

All directors are expected to bring their independent views and 
judgment to the Board and Board Committees and must declare 
any potential or actual conflicts of interest. The Board has not set 
materiality thresholds for assessing independence and considers all 
relationships on a case-by-case basis, considering the materiality 
of the relationship and the rules and regulations of the applicable 
exchange or regulatory body.

The Board considered the following specific matters prior to 
determining that each director was independent:

–  Brian Anderson is a director of Pulte Homes, a home builder in the 

United States. Pulte Homes does not buy any James Hardie products 
directly from the company, although it does buy a small amount of 
James Hardie products through the company’s customers;

–  Rudy van der Meer is a member of the Supervisory Board of ING Bank 
Nederland N.V. and ING Verzekeringen (Insurance) Nederland N.V.. 
Entities in the ING Group provide financial services to the company. In 
each case those entities were providing these services to the company 
prior to Mr van der Meer becoming a Board director; and

3.11 CHAIRMAN
The Board appoints one of its members as the Chairman. The Chairman 
must be an independent, non-executive director. The Chairman appoints 
the Deputy Chairman. The Chairman co-ordinates the Board’s duties 
and responsibilities and acts as the main contact with the CEO.

The Chairman:

–  provides leadership to the Board;

–  chairs Board and shareholder meetings;

–  facilitates Board discussion;

–  monitors, evaluates and assesses the performance of the company’s 

–  David Dilger is a director of a number of James Hardie’s subsidiaries 
and receives director’s fees for such service approved by the Board.

Board and Board Committees; and

–  is a member of all Board Committees.

Any transactions mentioned above were conducted on an arms-length 
basis and in accordance with normal terms and conditions and were not 
material to any of the companies listed above or to James Hardie. Each 
of these relationships, other than Mr Dilger’s service as a director of a 
number of James Hardie’s subsidiaries, existed and was disclosed before 
the person in question became a Board director. It is not considered that 
these directors had any influence over these transactions.

3.8 ORIENTATION
The company has an orientation program for new directors, which was 
reviewed and updated during the fiscal year. The program includes an 
overview of the company’s governance arrangements and directors’ duties 
in The Netherlands, the United States and Australia, plant and market 
tours to impart relevant industry knowledge, briefings on the company’s 
risk management and control framework, financial results and key risks 
and issues, and meeting other Board directors, the CEO and members 
of management. New directors are provided with orientation materials 
including relevant corporate documents and policies and are expected 
to complete the entire orientation process within six months of their 
appointment. Following completion of the Re-domicile, this program will 
also include details of James Hardie’s governance arrangements and an 
overview of directors’ duties in Ireland.

3.9 BOARD CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT
The company operates within a complex industry, geographical and 
regulatory framework. The company regularly schedules time at 
physical Board meetings to develop the Board’s understanding of the 
company’s operations and regulatory environment, including updates 
on topical developments from management and external experts. 
A yearly plant and market tour forms an important part of the Board’s 
continuing development.

3.10 LETTER OF APPOINTMENT
Each incoming Board director receives a letter of appointment setting 
out the key terms and conditions of his or her appointment and the 
company’s expectations of them in that role. The company does not 
provide any benefits for non-executive directors upon termination of 
their appointment.

The Chairman may not also be the Chairman of the Audit Committee. 
The current Chairman is Mr Hammes and the current Deputy Chairman 
is Mr McGauchie.

3.12 REMUNERATION
A detailed description of the company’s remuneration policies for 
directors and executives, and the link to performance, is set out in the 
Remuneration Report within the Directors’ Report on pages 41–66 of 
this annual report.

3.13 INDEMNIFICATION
The company’s Articles of Association provide for indemnification of 
any person who is (or keep indemnified any person who was) a Board 
director or the company secretary and our employees and any other 
person deemed by the Board to be an agent of the company, who 
suffers any loss as a result of any action in discharge of their duties, 
provided they acted in good faith in carrying out their duties. This 
indemnification will generally not be available if the person seeking 
indemnification acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in 
performing their duties.

The company and some of its subsidiaries have provided Deeds 
of Access, Insurance and Indemnity to Board directors and senior 
executives who are officers or directors of the company or its 
subsidiaries. The indemnities provided are consistent with the Articles 
of Association and relevant laws.

3.14 EVALUATION OF MANAGEMENT
At least once a year, the CEO, the Remuneration Committee and 
the Board review the performance of each member of the Group 
Management Team against agreed performance measures. This 
discussion occurs at a different meeting to that which discusses 
management succession planning. The CEO uses this feedback to 
assist in the annual review of members of the Group Management 
Team. This process was followed during the fiscal year.

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3.15 INFORMATION FOR THE BOARD
Board directors receive timely and necessary information to allow them 
to fulfill their duties, including access to senior executives if required. 
The Nominating and Governance Committee periodically reviews the 
format, timeliness and content of information provided to the Board.

In discharging their duties, Board directors were provided with direct 
access to senior executives and outside advisors and auditors. The 
Board, Board Committees and individual directors may all seek 
independent professional advice at the company’s expense for the 
proper performance of their duties.

The Board has regular discussions with the CEO and (while the 
company was domiciled in The Netherlands the Managing Board) on 
the company’s strategy and performance, including two sessions each 
year where Board members formally review the company’s strategy and 
progress. The Board has also scheduled an annual calendar of topics to 
be covered to assist it to properly discharge all of its responsibilities.

Board directors receive a copy of all Board Committee papers for 
physical meetings and may attend any Board Committee meeting, 
whether or not they are members of the Board Committee. Board 
directors also receive the minutes which record each Board Committee’s 
deliberations and findings, as well as oral reports from each Board 
Committee Chairman. Whilst the company was domiciled in The 
Netherlands, the Board also received and reviewed the minutes of 
each Managing Board meeting.

3.16 DELEGATION TO THE CEO
The Board has delegated to the CEO the power to manage the business 
of the company to achieve the mission statements and corporate goals 
approved by the Board from time to time. This delegation is subject 
to a specified monetary cap for a range of matters, above which Board 
approval is required.

4. board CommiTTEES

The Board Committees are generally committees of the Board and 
comprise the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance 
Committee and the Remuneration Committee. The Board Committee 
charters are available from the Investor Relations area of our website 
(www.jameshardie.com).

Each Board Committee meets at least quarterly and has scheduled an 
annual calendar of meeting and discussion topics to assist it to properly 
discharge all of its responsibilities. The Board may also form ad hoc 
committees from time to time. During fiscal year 2009 the Board formed 
the Due Diligence Committee (discussed in more detail in section 
4.4 on page 73) to review management’s progress in formulating the 
Re-domicile proposal. This committee continued to meet during fiscal 
year 2010.

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4.1 AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee oversees the adequacy and effectiveness of the 
company’s accounting and financial policies and controls. The key 
aspects of the terms of reference followed by our Audit Committee are 
set out in this report. The Audit Committee meets at least quarterly in 
separate executive sessions with the external auditor and internal auditor.

Currently, the members of the Audit Committee are Mr Anderson 
(Chairman), Mr Hammes, Mr Harrison and Mr Dilger.

All members of the Audit Committee must be financially literate and 
must have sufficient business, industry and financial expertise to act 
effectively as members of the Audit Committee. At least one member 
of the Audit Committee shall be an “audit committee financial expert” 
as determined by the Nominating and Governance Committee and 
the Board in accordance with the SEC rules. These may be the same 
person. The Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board 
have determined that Mr Anderson, Mr Harrison and Mr Dilger are 
“audit committee financial experts”.

Under the NYSE listing standards that apply to US companies, if a 
member of an audit committee simultaneously serves on the audit 
committees of more than three public companies, the listed company’s 
board must determine that the simultaneous service will not impair the 
ability of this member to effectively serve on the listed company’s audit 
committee. Although we are not bound by this provision, we follow it 
voluntarily. Currently, none of our directors serve on the audit committee 
of three or more public companies in addition to our audit committee.

The Audit Committee provides advice and assistance to the Board in 
fulfilling its responsibilities and, amongst other matters:

–  overseeing the company’s financial reporting process and reports 

on the results of its activities to the Board;

–  reviewing with management and the external auditor the company’s 

annual and quarterly financial statements and reports to shareholders;

–  discussing earnings releases as well as information and earnings 

guidance provided to analysts;

–  reviewing and assessing the company’s risk management policies 

and procedures;

–  having general oversight of the appointment and provision of all 
external audit services to the company, the remuneration paid to 
the external auditor, and the performance of the company’s internal 
audit function;

–  reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the company’s internal 

compliance and control procedures;

–  reviewing the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory 

requirements; and

–  establishing procedures for complaints regarding accounting, internal 
accounting controls and auditing matters, including any complaints 
from the company’s Ethics Hotline.

Conflicts of interest
The Audit Committee oversees the company’s Code of Business 
Conduct and Ethics policy and other business-related conflict of 
interest issues as they arise.

Reporting
The Audit Committee will inform the Board of any general issues 
that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the company’s 
financial statements, the company’s compliance with legal or 
regulatory requirements, the company’s risk management systems, 
the performance and independence of the external auditor, or the 
performance of the internal audit function.

4.2 NOMINATING AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for:

–  identifying and recommending to the Board individuals qualified 

to become Board directors;

–  overseeing the evaluation of the Board and senior management;

–  assessing the independence of each Board director;

–  reviewing the conduct of the general meetings; and

–  performing a leadership role in shaping the company’s corporate 

governance policies.

The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee 
are Mr McGauchie (Chairman), Mr Hammes, Mr van der Meer and 
Mr Osborne.

4.3 REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee oversees the company’s overall 
remuneration structure, policies and programs; assesses whether the 
company’s remuneration structure establishes appropriate incentives for 
management and employees; and approves any significant changes in 
the company’s remuneration structure, policies and programs. It also:

–  administers and makes recommendations on the company’s incentive 

compensation and equity-based remuneration plans;

–  reviews the remuneration of Board directors;

–  reviews the remuneration framework for the company; and

–  makes recommendations to the Board on the company’s 

recruitment, retention and termination policies and procedures 
for senior management.

Members of the Remuneration Committee must qualify as “non-
employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and “outside 
directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the US Internal 
Revenue Code.

Further details on the role of the Remuneration Committee are disclosed 
in the Remuneration Report within the Directors’ Report on pages 
41–66 of this annual report.

The current members of the Remuneration Committee are Mr Harrison 
(Chairman), Mr Anderson, Mr Hammes, Mr McGauchie and Mr Dilger.

4.4 DUE DILIGENCE COMMITTEE
During fiscal year 2009, the Board formed the Due Diligence 
Committee, comprising representatives from the Supervisory Board 
together with the Managing Board and a representative of the company’s 
management. This committee was formed to assist the Board with 
reviewing and considering alternative proposals to move the company’s 
domicile by co-ordinating and overseeing implementation of the due 
diligence process and reporting back to the Boards regarding the 
conduct of this process.

The purpose of the due diligence process was to assist in ensuring 
that the Explanatory Memorandum and Notices of Meeting (Meeting 
Materials) prepared in connection with the Re-domicile proposal 
were accurate and complete in all material respects and contained all 
required information.

The due diligence and verification process undertaken by the Due 
Diligence Committee culminated in a report to the Board on the due 
diligence process undertaken and its results, including recommending 
that the Meeting Materials for the Re-domicile proposal be submitted 
to shareholders.

5. poliCiES and proCESSES

As noted at the start of this report, we have a number of policies 
that address key aspects of our corporate governance. Our key 
policies cover:

–  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics;

–  Ethics Hotline;

–  Continuous Disclosure and Market Communication; and

–  Insider Trading.

Copies of all these policies are available in the Investor Relations area 
of our website (www.jameshardie.com).

5.1 CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
We seek to maintain high standards of integrity and we are committed 
to ensuring that James Hardie conducts its business in accordance 
with high standards of ethical behaviour. We require our employees 
to comply with the spirit and the letter of all laws and other statutory 
requirements governing the conduct of James Hardie’s activities in each 
country in which we operate. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 
applies to all of our employees and directors. The Code of Business 
Conduct and Ethics covers many aspects of company policy that govern 
compliance with legal and other responsibilities to stakeholders. All 
directors and company employees worldwide are reminded annually of 
the existence of the Code and asked to confirm that they have read it.

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5.2 COMPLAINTS/ETHICS HOTLINE
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics policy provides employees 
with advice about who they should contact if they have information 
or questions regarding violations of the policy. James Hardie has a 
telephone Ethics Hotline operated by an independent external provider 
which allows employees to report anonymously any concerns. All 
company employees worldwide are reminded annually of the existence 
of the Ethics Hotline.

All complaints, whether to the Ethics Hotline or otherwise, are initially 
reported directly to the General Counsel and director of internal audit 
(except in cases where the complaint refers to one of them). The most 
serious complaints are referred immediately to the Chairmen of the 
Audit Committee and Board; less serious complaints are reported to the 
Audit Committee on a quarterly basis and at different levels of detail, 
depending on the nature of the complaint.

Interested parties who have a concern about James Hardie’s conduct, 
including accounting, internal accounting controls or audit matters, 
may communicate directly with the company’s Chairman (or Presiding 
Director for NYSE purposes), Deputy Chairman, Board directors as 
a group, the Chairman of the Audit Committee or Audit Committee 
members. These communications may be confidential or anonymous, 
and may be submitted in writing to the Company Secretary at the 
company’s head office at Second Floor, Europa House, Harcourt Centre, 
Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland, or submitted by phone 
at Telephone +353 (0)1 411 6924. All concerns will be forwarded to the 
appropriate Board directors for their review and will be simultaneously 
reviewed and addressed by our General Counsel in the same way that 
other concerns are addressed. Our Code of Business Conduct and 
Ethics policy, which is described above, prohibits any employee from 
retaliating or taking any adverse action against anyone for raising or 
helping to resolve a concern about integrity.

5.3 CONTINUOUS DISCLOSURE AND MARKET 
COMMUNICATION
We strive to comply with all relevant disclosure laws and listing rules 
in Australia (ASX and ASIC) and the United States (SEC and NYSE).

Our Continuous Disclosure and Market Communication Policy aims 
to ensure timely communications so that investors can readily:

–  understand James Hardie’s strategy and assess the quality of 

its management;

–  examine James Hardie’s financial position and the strength of its 

growth prospects; and

–  receive any news or information that might reasonably be expected to 

materially affect the price or market for James Hardie securities.

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The CEO is responsible for ensuring the company complies with our 
continuous disclosure obligations. A Disclosure Committee comprising 
the CEO, CFO, General Counsel and the Vice President – Investor and 
Media Relations is responsible for all decisions regarding our market 
disclosure obligations outside of the company’s normal financial 
reporting calendar. For our quarterly and annual results releases, the 
CEO and CFO are supported by the Financial Statements Disclosure 
Committee, which provides assurance regarding our compliance with 
reporting processes and controls. The CEO, CFO and General Counsel 
discuss with the Audit Committee any issues arising out of meetings of 
the Financial Statements Disclosure Committee that affect the quarterly 
and annual results releases. The Audit Committee reviewed the 
company’s disclosure practices under the Continuous Disclosure and 
Market Communication policy during the fiscal year.

5.4 SHARE TRADING
All company employees and directors are subject to our Insider Trading 
Policy. Company employees and directors may only buy or sell the 
company’s securities within four weeks beginning two days after the 
announcement of quarterly or full year results, or another period 
designated by the Board for this purpose, provided they are not in 
possession of material non-public price-sensitive information. There 
are additional restrictions on trading for designated senior employees 
and directors, including a requirement that they receive prior clearance 
from the company’s compliance officer before trading or pledging their 
shares by taking out a margin loan over them, and a general prohibition 
on hedging or selling any shares or options for shortswing profit. 
Company employees who are not designated employees may hedge 
vested options or shares, provided they notify the company.

The Board recognises that it is the individual responsibility of each 
James Hardie director and employee to ensure he or she complies with 
the spirit and the letter of insider trading laws and that notification to 
the compliance officer in no way implies approval of any transaction.

6. riSk managEmEnT

6.1 OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
The Audit Committee has oversight of the company’s risk management 
policies, procedures and controls. The Audit Committee reviews, 
monitors and discusses these matters with the CEO, CFO and General 
Counsel. The Audit Committee, CEO, CFO and General Counsel report 
periodically to the Board on the company’s risk management policies, 
processes and controls.

The Audit Committee is supported in its oversight role by the policies 
put in place by management to oversee and manage material business 
risks, as well as the roles played by the Risk Management Committee 
(described in detail in section 6.4 below) and internal and external audit 
functions. The internal and external audit functions are separate from 
and independent of each other and each has a direct reporting line to 
the Audit Committee.

6.2 OBJECTIVE
The company considers that a sound framework of risk management 
policies, procedures and controls produces a system of risk oversight, 
risk management and internal control that is fundamental to good 
corporate governance and creation of shareholder value. The objective 
of the company’s risk management policies, procedures and controls 
is to ensure that:

–  our risk management systems are effective;

–  our principal strategic, operational and financial risks are identified;

–  effective systems are in place to monitor and manage risks; and

–  reporting systems, internal controls and arrangements for monitoring 

compliance with laws and regulations are adequate.

Risk management does not involve avoiding all risks. The company’s 
risk management policies seek to strike a balance between ensuring 
that the company continues to generate financial returns and 
simultaneously manages risks appropriately by setting appropriate 
strategies and objectives.

6.3 POLICIES FOR MANAGEMENT OF MATERIAL 
BUSINESS RISKS
Management has put in place a number of key policies, processes 
and independent controls to provide assurance as to the integrity of 
our systems of internal control and risk management. In addition to 
the measures described elsewhere in this report, the more significant 
policies, processes or controls adopted by the company for oversight 
and management of material business risks are:

–  quarterly meetings of the Risk Management Committee to assess the 
key strategic, operations, reporting and compliance risks facing the 
company, the level of risk and the processes implemented to manage 
each of these key risks over the upcoming twelve months;

–  quarterly reporting to the Audit Committee of the Risk Management 
Committee’s conclusions regarding the key strategic, operations, 
reporting and compliance risks facing the company;

–  an Enterprise Risk Management process, which involves developing 

contingency plans for the key risks facing the company and its 
assumptions in its three year strategic plans and beyond;

–  a planning process involving the preparation of three-year strategic 

plans and a rolling twelve month forecast;

–  annual budgeting and monthly reporting to monitor performance;

–  an internal audit department with a reporting line direct to the 

Chairman of the Audit Committee;

–  increased monitoring of the company’s liquidity and status of 

renewals of finance facilities;

–  maintaining an appropriate insurance program;

–  maintaining policies and procedures in relation to treasury 

operations, including the use of financial derivatives;

–  issuing and revising standards and procedures in relation to 

environmental and health and safety matters;

–  implementing and maintaining training programs in relation to legal 

issues such as trade practices/antitrust, trade secrecy, and intellectual 
property protection;

–  issuing procedures requiring significant capital and recurring 

expenditure to be approved at the appropriate levels; and

–  documenting detailed accounting policies, procedures and guidance 

for the group in a single group finance manual.

A summary of these policies, processes and controls is available in the 
Investor Relations area of our website (www.jameshardie.com).

Another example of the company’s approach to managing significant 
business risks is the establishment of the Due Diligence Committee, 
which was formed to oversee the formulation of the company’s 
Re-domicile proposal.

During the fiscal year, the Audit Committee, and through it the Board, 
received a number of reports on the operation and effectiveness of 
the policies, processes and controls described in this section. This 
included a review of the company’s current compliance programs 
and disclosure controls and processes, how they compare with 
best practices and the steps proposed by management to continue 
cultivating the company’s risk management culture.

6.4 RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Risk Management Committee, which reviews and monitors the 
risks facing the company, is the primary management forum for risk 
assessment and risk management in the company. This role is more 
formally documented in the company’s Risk Management Committee 
charter. The Risk Management Committee comprises a cross-functional 
group of employees and reports quarterly to both the CEO, CFO, 
General Counsel and Audit Committee on the procedures in place 
for identifying, monitoring, managing and reporting on the principal 
strategic, operational, financial and legal risks facing the company. The 
Risk Management Committee also oversees the company’s Enterprise 
Risk Management process.

6.5 INTERNAL AUDIT
The director of internal audit heads the internal audit department. 
The internal audit charter sets out the independence of the internal 
audit department, its scope of work, responsibilities and audit plan. 
The internal audit department’s workplan is approved annually by the 
Audit Committee. The director of internal audit reports to the Chairman 
of the Audit Committee and meets quarterly with the Audit Committee 
and Board in executive sessions.

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6.9 INTERNAL CONTROLS AND SOX 404
Each fiscal year, the members of the Group Management Team, and key 
members of the company’s business and corporate functions, complete 
an internal control certificate that seeks to confirm that adequate internal 
controls are in place and are operating effectively, and evaluate any 
failings and weaknesses.

6.10 MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL 
CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 
13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Because of its inherent limitations, 
internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to 
future periods are subject to the risk that controls become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with 
the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial 
reporting as of 31 March 2010. In making this assessment, we used 
the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework. Based on our assessment using those criteria, we 
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was 
effective as of 31 March 2010.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting 
as of 31 March 2010 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an 
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their 
report which appears on the following page.

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6.6 EXTERNAL AUDIT
The external auditor reviews each quarterly and half-year results 
announcement and audits the full year results. The external auditor 
attends each meeting of the Audit Committee, including an executive 
session where only members of the Audit Committee and Board 
directors are present. The Audit Committee has approved policies to 
ensure that all non-audit services performed by the external auditor, 
including the amount of fees payable for those services, receive prior 
approval. The Audit Committee also reviews the remuneration paid 
to the external auditor and makes recommendations to the Board 
regarding the maximum compensation to be paid to the external auditor.

6.7 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE
The Financial Statements Disclosure Committee is a management 
committee comprising senior finance, accounting, compliance, 
legal, tax, treasury and investor relations executives in the company, 
which meets with the CEO, CFO and General Counsel prior to the 
Board’s consideration of any quarterly or annual results. The Financial 
Statements Disclosure Committee is a forum for the CEO, CFO and 
General Counsel to discuss, and, on the basis of those discussions, 
report to the Audit Committee, about a range of risk management 
procedures, policies and controls, covering the draft results materials, 
business unit financial performance and the current status of legal, 
tax, treasury, accounting, compliance, internal audit, complaints and 
disclosure control matters.

6.8 CEO AND CFO CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Under SEC rules and the company’s internal control arrangements, 
our CEO and CFO provide certain certifications with respect to our 
full year financial statements, disclosure controls and procedures and 
internal controls over financial reporting. These certifications are more 
comprehensive and detailed than those required under the Australian 
Corporations Act and are considered appropriate given that the 
company’s financial reports are prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

The Board in turn receives quarterly assurance from the Financial 
Statements Disclosure Committee relating to the company’s disclosure 
controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. 
This assurance is supported by written quarterly and annual sub-
certifications from the general managers and chief financial officers of 
each business unit, the director treasury and the corporate controller 
and the annual certifications from the Group Management Team.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of James Hardie Industries SE:

We have audited James Hardie Industries SE and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2010, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the 
COSO criteria). James Hardie Industries SE’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and 
for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal 
Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based 
on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require 
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained 
in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other 
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s 
internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable 
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions 
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that 
receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and 
(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets 
that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any 
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that 
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, James Hardie Industries SE maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 
2010, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated 
balance sheets of James Hardie Industries SE and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related statements of operations, and 
changes in shareholders’ deficit and cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, and our report dated May 27, 2010 expressed 
an unqualified opinion thereon.

Orange County, California
May 27, 2010

77

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
CorporaTE  
govErnanCE rEporT

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

6.11 STATEMENT ON RISK MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL
James Hardie has designed its internal risk management and control 
systems to provide reasonable (but not absolute) assurance to ensure 
compliance with regulatory matters and to safeguard reliability of the 
financial reporting and its disclosures. Having assessed our internal 
risk management and control systems, the CEO and CFO believe that:

–  the risk management and control systems provide reasonable 

assurance that this annual report does not contain any material 
inaccuracies; and

–  no material failings in the risk management and control systems 

were discovered in our fiscal year 2010.

This statement is not a statement in accordance with the requirements 
of Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our analysis of our 
internal risk management and control systems for purposes of the 
Dutch Code is different from the report that we are required to prepare 
in the United States pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

6.12 LIMITATIONS OF CONTROL SYSTEMS
Despite the steps outlined above, our management does not expect that 
our internal risk management and control systems will prevent or detect 
all error and all fraud. No matter how well it is designed and operated, 
a control system can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance 
that the control system’s objectives will be met.

The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are 
resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered 
relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in 
all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute 
assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or 
that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company 
have been detected.

These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in 
decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because 
of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the 
individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, 
or by management override of the controls. The design of any system 
of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood 
of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design 
will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future 
conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls’ effectiveness to 
future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the 
degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

78

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

7. SharEholdErS’ parTiCipaTion

7.1 LISTING INFORMATION
For most of fiscal year 2010, James Hardie was an NV incorporated 
under Dutch law. On 19 February 2010, following the completion of 
Stage 1 of the Re-domicile, James Hardie transformed from a Dutch NV 
company to a Dutch SE company named James Hardie Industries SE. 
On 17 June 2010, the company moved its corporate domicile to Ireland. 
James Hardie securities trade as CUFS on the ASX and as ADSs (which 
reference American Depositary Shares) on the NYSE.

7.2 ANNUAL INFORMATION MEETING (AIM)
Recognising that most shareholders were not able to attend the AGM 
in The Netherlands, we conducted our 2009 AIM in Australia to allow 
shareholders to review the items of business and other matters to be 
considered and voted on at the AGM. Shareholders were able to appoint 
representatives to attend the AIM on their behalf and ask questions.

Beginning in 2010, we will hold our AGM in Dublin, and will simulcast 
this meeting to a venue in Sydney so that Australian shareholders 
can attend a meeting together and ask questions of the Board and 
external auditor.

We distribute with our Notice of Meetings (for annual meetings) a 
question form which shareholders can use to submit questions in 
advance of the meetings. Shareholders can also ask questions relevant 
to the business of the meeting during the meeting.

For those shareholders unable to attend, the annual meetings 
are broadcast live over the internet in the Investor Relations area 
of the website (www.jameshardie.com). The webcast remains on 
the company’s website until the next annual meeting so it can be 
replayed later if desired.

7.3 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
The 2009 AGM was held in The Netherlands within seven days of the 
AIM. Beginning fiscal year 2011, the AGM will be held in Ireland.

Each shareholder (other than an ADS holder) has the right to:

–  attend the AGM either in person or by proxy;

–  speak at the AGM; and

–  exercise voting rights, including at the AGM subject to their 

instructions on the Voting Instruction Form.

While ADS holders cannot vote directly, ADS holders can direct the 
voting of their underlying shares through the ADS depositary.

The external auditor attends the AGM and is available to 
answer questions.

7.4 COMMUNICATION
We are committed to communicating effectively with our shareholders 
through a program that includes:

Where these instances related to the remuneration of Supervisory, Joint 
or Managing Board directors they are described in the Remuneration 
Report on pages 41–66 of this annual report.

–  making management briefings and presentations accessible via a live 
webcast and/or teleconference following the release of quarterly and 
annual results;

–  audio webcasts of other management briefings and webcasts of the 

annual shareholder meeting;

–  a comprehensive Investor Relations website that displays all 

company announcements and notices (promptly after they have 
been cleared by the ASX), and major management and investor road 
show presentations;

–  site visits and briefings on strategy for investment analysts;

–  an email alert service to advise shareholders and other interested 

parties of announcements and other events; and

–  equality of access for shareholders and investment analysts to 

briefings, presentations and meetings.

7.5 INVESTOR WEBSITE
We have a dedicated section on corporate governance as part of 
the Investor Relations area of our website (www.jameshardie.com). 
Information on this section of the website is progressively updated and 
expanded to ensure it presents the most up-to-date information on our 
corporate governance structure. Except where stated, the contents of the 
website are not incorporated into this annual report.

8. ComplianCE wiTh CorporaTE 
govErnanCE rEquirEmEnTS

8.1 DUTCH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE (DUTCH CODE)
For fiscal year 2010, the Dutch Code applied to James Hardie because 
it was a Dutch public limited liability company. Under the Dutch 
Code, listed Dutch companies are obliged to explain their corporate 
governance structure in a separate section of their annual report. Listed 
Dutch companies must indicate expressly to what extent they apply the 
best practice provisions contained in the Dutch Code and, if they do 
not, why and to what extent they do not apply them.

Under the Dutch Code, not applying a specific best practice provision is 
not in itself considered objectionable by the Dutch Code, and may well be 
justified because of particular circumstances relevant to James Hardie.

Whilst the Dutch Code applied to James Hardie, its corporate 
governance structure and compliance with the Dutch Code was the joint 
responsibility of the Managing Board and the Supervisory Board, which 
were accountable for this to shareholders at the AGM.

James Hardie complied with almost all of the principles and best 
practice provisions contained in the Dutch Code and, in accordance 
with the requirements of the Dutch Code, this document describes 
instances where James Hardie did not fully comply with the letter of a 
principle or best practice provision contained in the Dutch Code and 
the reasons why.

Following the completion of the Re-domicile, the Dutch Code no longer 
applies to James Hardie. In fiscal year 2011, we became subject to the 
regulatory requirements of the Irish Takeover Panel. The Combined 
Code on Corporate Governance as published by the Financial Reporting 
Council in the UK will not apply to us unless our shares become quoted 
on the Irish Stock Exchange or the London Stock Exchange.

8.2 ASX PRINCIPLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Listed Australian companies are encouraged to comply with the 
Principles and Recommendations. Except where otherwise stated, the 
company has complied with the Principles and Recommendations for 
the entire period described in this annual report.

For the benefit of Australian holders, the Investor Relations area of our 
website (www.jameshardie.com) contains more detail about the ways in 
which we comply with the Principles and Recommendations.

As an Irish-domiciled company, James Hardie Industries SE will 
continue to comply with the Principles and Recommendations as its 
general policy and will continue to explain any departures from those 
Principles and Recommendations in its annual report.

8.3 NYSE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE RULES
In accordance with the NYSE corporate governance standards, listed 
companies that are foreign private issuers (which includes James 
Hardie) are permitted to follow home-country practice in lieu of the 
provisions of the corporate governance rules contained in Section 303A 
of the Listed Company Manual, except that foreign private issuers are 
required to comply with Section 303A.06, Section 303A.11 and Section 
303A.12(b) and (c), each of which is discussed below.

Section 303A.06 requires that all listed companies have an Audit 
Committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the 
Exchange Act.

Section 303A.11 provides that listed foreign private issuers must 
disclose any significant ways in which their corporate governance 
practices differ from those followed by US companies under the NYSE 
listing standards.

Section 303A.12(b) provides that each listed company’s CEO must 
promptly notify the NYSE in writing after any executive officer of the 
listed company becomes aware of any material non-compliance with 
any applicable provisions of Section 303A. Section 303A.12(c) provides 
that each listed company must submit an executed written affirmation 
annually to the NYSE about its compliance with the NYSE’s corporate 
governance listing standards and an interim written affirmation to the 
NYSE as and when required by the interim written affirmation form 
specified by the NYSE.

79

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

CorporaTE  
govErnanCE rEporT

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

James Hardie presently complies with the mandatory NYSE listing 
standards and many of the non-compulsory standards including, for 
example, the requirement that a majority of our directors meet the 
independence requirements of the NYSE. In accordance with Section 
303A.11, we disclose in this report, and in our annual report on 
Form 20-F that is filed with the SEC, any significant ways in which 
our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US 
companies under the NYSE listing standards. Our annual report on 
Form 20-F is available from the Investor Relations area of our website 
(www.jameshardie.com) or from our corporate offices, the addresses 
of which are shown on page 124 of this annual report.

Two ways in which our corporate governance practices differ 
significantly from those followed by US domestic companies under 
NYSE listing standards should be noted:

–  In the US, an audit committee of a public company is required to 
be directly responsible for appointing the company’s independent 
registered public accounting firm. Under Dutch law, the independent 
registered public accounting firm is appointed by the shareholders or, 
in the absence of such an appointment, by the Supervisory Board and 
then the Managing Board. Under Irish law, the independent registered 
public accounting firm is appointed by the shareholders where 
there is a new appointment, otherwise the appointment is deemed 
to continue unless the firm retires, is asked to retire or is unable to 
perform their duties; and

–  NYSE rules require each issuer to have an audit committee, 

a compensation committee (equivalent to a remuneration committee) 
and a nominating committee composed entirely of independent 
directors. As a foreign private issuer, we do not have to comply 
with this requirement. In our case, the Board Committee charters 
reflect Australian and Irish practices, in that we have a majority 
of independent directors on these committees, unless a higher 
number is mandatory. Notwithstanding this difference, our Board has 
determined that all of the current members of our Audit Committee, 
Remuneration Committee and Nominating and Governance 
Committee presently qualify as independent in accordance with the 
rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE.

As an Irish-domiciled company, James Hardie will also continue to 
follow the NYSE corporate governance standards for listed companies 
that are foreign private issuers.

8.4 ANTI-TAKEOVER PROTECTIONS AND CONTROL OVER 
THE COMPANY
Until completion of the Re-domicile on 17 June 2010, the company 
was not formally subject to the takeover laws that applied to listed 
companies incorporated in Australia or in The Netherlands. However, 
Article 49 of our Articles of Association was incorporated to provide 
shareholders with similar protections in the event of a potential change 
of control to those provided to shareholders in Australian listed 
companies under the Australian Corporations Act.

80

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

The purpose of Article 49 was to ensure that:

–  the acquisition of control over CUFS or shares takes place in an 

efficient, competitive and informed market;

–  each shareholder and CUFS holder and the Managing Board, Joint 

Board and Supervisory Board:

i. 

ii. 

 know the identity of any person who proposes to acquire a 
substantial interest in the company;

 are given reasonable time to consider a proposal to acquire 
a substantial interest in the company; and

iii.   are given enough information to assess the merits of a proposal 

to acquire a substantial interest in the company; and

–  as far as practicable, the shareholders and CUFS holders all have 
a reasonable and equal opportunity to participate in any benefits 
accruing through a proposal to acquire a substantial interest in 
the company.

Following completion of the Re-domicile, the company has become 
subject to Irish takeover laws, and under ASX rules, the provisions set 
out in Article 49 have ceased to apply. The Irish Takeover Rules are built 
on several General Principles, the text of which is set out below. Also, 
the takeover threshold is set at 30%, meaning that a person (or persons 
acting in concert) who acquire more than 30% of voting rights must 
make a mandatory cash bid for all of the shares in the company:

–  All holders of the securities of an offeree of the same class must be 

afforded equivalent treatment; moreover, if person acquires control of 
a company, the other holders of securities must be protected.

–  The holders of the securities of an offeree must have sufficient time 

and information to enable them to reach a properly informed decision 
on the offer; where it advises the holders of securities, the board of 
the offeree must give its views on the effects of implementation of the 
offer on employment, considerations of employment and the locations 
of the offeree’s places of business.

–  The board of an offeree must act in the interest of the company as a 
whole and must not deny the holders of securities the opportunity to 
decide on the merits of the offer.

–  False markets must not be created in the securities of the offeree, of 
the offeror or of any other company concerned by the offer in such 
a way that the rise or fall of the prices of the securities becomes 
artificial and the normal functioning of the markets is distorted.

–  An offeror must announce an offer only after ensuring that he or she 
can pay in full any cash consideration, if such is offered, and after 
taking all reasonable measures to secure the implementation of any 
other type of consideration.

–  An offeree must not be hindered in the conduct of its affairs for longer 

than is reasonable by any offer for its securities.

–  A substantial acquisition of securities (whether such acquisition is to 
be effected by one transaction or a series of transactions) shall take 
place only at an acceptable speed and shall be subject to adequate 
and timely disclosure.

 
 
 
rEporT oF indEpEndEnT
rEgiSTErEd publiC
aCCounTing Firm

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

ThE board oF dirECTorS and SharEholdErS  
oF jamES hardiE induSTriES SE

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of James Hardie Industries SE and Subsidiaries (formerly “James Hardie Industries 
N.V. and Subsidiaries”) as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficit, and 
cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting 
principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our 
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of James Hardie 
Industries SE and Subsidiaries at March 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then 
ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), James Hardie 
Industries SE’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated May 27, 2010 expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

Orange County, California
27 May 2010 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

81

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

ConSolidaTEd
balanCE ShEETS

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes 

ASSETS 
Current assets: 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents – Asbestos 
Restricted short-term investments – Asbestos 
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts  
  of $2.3 million (A$2.5 million) and $1.4 million (A$2.0 million)  
  as of 31 March 2010 and 31 March 2009, respectively 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
Insurance receivable – Asbestos 
Workers’ compensation – Asbestos 
Deferred income taxes 
Deferred income taxes – Asbestos 
Total current assets 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents 
Property, plant and equipment, net 
Insurance receivable – Asbestos 
Workers’ compensation – Asbestos 
Deferred income taxes 
Deferred income taxes – Asbestos 
Deposit with Australian Taxation Office 
Other assets 
Total assets 

3 
4 
11 
11 

5 
6 

11 
11 
14 
11 

4 
7 
11 
11 
14 
11 
14 

liabiliTiES and SharEholdErS’ dEFiCiT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Short-term debt 
Current portion of long-term debt 
Accrued payroll and employee benefits 
Accrued product warranties 
Income taxes payable 
Asbestos liability 
Workers’ compensation – Asbestos 
Other liabilities 
Total current liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Deferred income taxes 
Accrued product warranties 
Asbestos liability 
Workers’ compensation – Asbestos 
Other liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Commitments and contingencies 
Shareholders’ deficit:
Common stock, Euro 0.59 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorised;  
  434,524,879 shares issued at 31 March 2010 and  
  432,263,720 shares issued at 31 March 2009 
Additional paid-in capital 
Accumulated deficit 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Total shareholders’ deficit 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit 

8 
9 

10 
14 
11 
11 

9 
14 
10 
11 
11 

13

18 

(Millions of US dollars) 
31 March 

2010 

2009 

$ 

    19.2 
0.6 
44.5 
13.3 

$ 

  42.4 
0.3 
45.4 
52.9 

(Millions of Australian dollars)
31 March 

2010 
(Unaudited) 
  21.0 
A$ 
0.7 
48.6 
14.5 

A$ 

2009
(Unaudited)
  61.7
0.4
66.1
77.0

155.0 
149.1 
25.6 
16.7 
0.1 
24.0 
16.4 
464.5 
4.7 
710.6 
185.1 
98.8 
3.2 
420.0 
247.2 
44.7 
$  2,178.8 

$ 

  100.9 
– 
95.0 
42.1 
6.7 
34.9 
106.7 
0.1 
27.7 
414.1 
59.0 
113.5 
18.2 
1,512.5 
98.8 
80.6 
$  2,296.7 

111.4 
128.9 
20.4 
12.6 
0.6 
25.5 
12.3 
452.7 
5.0 
700.8 
149.0 
73.8 
2.1 
333.2 
173.5 
1.6 
$  1,891.7 

$ 

  89.1 
93.3 
– 
35.5 
7.4 
1.4 
78.2 
0.6 
9.5 
315.0 
230.7 
93.8 
17.5 
1,206.3 
73.8 
63.3 
$  2,000.4 

169.2 
162.8 
28.0 
18.2 
0.1 
26.2 
17.9 
507.2 
5.1 
775.9 
202.1 
107.9 
3.5 
458.6 
269.9 
48.8 
A$ 2,379.0 

A$  110.2 
– 
103.7 
46.0 
7.3 
38.1 
116.5 
0.1 
30.2 
452.1 
64.4 
123.9 
19.9 
1,651.5 
107.9 
88.0 
A$ 2,507.7 

162.1
187.6
29.7
18.3
0.9
37.1
17.9
658.8
7.3
1,019.8
216.9
107.4
3.1
484.8
252.5
2.3
A$  2,752.9

A$ 

  129.7
135.8
–
51.7
10.8
2.0
113.8
0.9
13.8
458.5
335.7
136.5
25.5
1,755.4
107.4
92.1
A$  2,911.1

221.1 
39.5 
(437.7) 
59.2 
(117.9) 
$  2,178.8 

219.2
22.7
(352.8)
2.2
(108.7)
$  1,891.7

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

82

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ConSolidaTEd
STaTEmEnTS
oF opEraTionS

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

(US$)

(Millions of US dollars, except per share data) 
Net sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 

Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Research and development expenses 
Impairment charges 
Asbestos adjustments 
Operating (loss) income 

Interest expense 
Interest income 
Other income (expense) 
(Loss) income before income taxes 

Income tax expense 
Net (loss) income 

Net (loss) income per share – basic 
Net (loss) income per share – diluted 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (Millions):
  Basic 
  Diluted 

Notes 
17 

7 
11 

11,12 
17 

14 

2 
2 

2010 
$  1,124.6 
(708.5) 
416.1 

Years Ended 31 March
2009 
$  1,202.6 
(813.8) 
388.8 

2008
$  1,468.8
(938.8)
530.0

(185.8) 
(27.1) 
– 
(224.2) 
(21.0) 

(7.7) 
3.7 
6.3 
(18.7) 

(66.2) 
(84.9) 

(0.20) 
(0.20) 

433.1 
433.1 

$ 

$ 
$ 

(208.8) 
(23.8) 
– 
17.4 
173.6 

(11.2) 
8.2 
(14.8) 
155.8 

(19.5) 
  136.3 

0.32 
0.31 

432.3 
434.5 

$ 

$ 
$ 

(228.2)
(27.3)
(71.0)
(240.1)
(36.6)

(11.1)
12.2
–
(35.5)

(36.1)
(71.6)

(0.16)
(0.16)

455.0
455.0

$ 

$ 
$ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

83

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ConSolidaTEd
STaTEmEnTS
oF opEraTionS

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

(A$) UNAUDITED

(Millions of Australian dollars, except per share data) 
Net sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 

Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Research and development expenses 
Impairment charges 
Asbestos adjustments 
Operating (loss) income 

Interest expense 
Interest income 
Other income (expense) 
(Loss) income before income taxes 

Income tax expense 
Net (loss) income 

Net (loss) income per share – basic 
Net (loss) income per share – diluted 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (Millions):
  Basic 
  Diluted 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2010 
A$  1,321.3 
(832.4) 
488.9 

Years Ended 31 March
2009 
A$  1,515.3 
(1,025.4) 
489.9 

2008
A$  1,689.6
(1,079.9)
609.7

(218.3) 
(31.8) 
– 
(263.4) 
(24.6) 

(9.0) 
4.3 
7.4 
(21.9) 

(77.8) 
(99.7) 

(0.23) 
(0.23) 

433.1 
433.1 

(263.1) 
(30.0) 
– 
21.9 
218.7 

(14.1) 
10.3 
(18.6) 
196.3 

(24.6) 
171.7 

A$ 
A$ 

  0.40 
  0.40 

432.3 
434.5 

(262.5)
(31.4)
(81.7)
(276.2)
(42.1)

(12.8)
14.0
–
(40.9)

(41.5)
(82.4)

(0.18)
(0.18)

455.0
455.0

A$ 

A$ 
A$ 

A$ 

A$ 
A$ 

84

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ConSolidaTEd
STaTEmEnTS
oF CaSh FlowS

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

(US$)

(Millions of US dollars, except per share data) 

Years Ended 31 March
2009 

2010 

2008

(84.9) 

$  136.3 

$ 

(71.6)

$  

Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortisation 
  Deferred income taxes 
  Pension cost 
  Stock-based compensation 
  Asbestos adjustments 
  Tax benefit from stock options exercised 
  Other-than-temporary impairment on investments 
  Impairment charges 
  Other 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
  Restricted cash and cash equivalents 
  Restricted short-term investments 
  Payment to the AICF 
  Accounts and other receivable 
  Inventories 
  Prepaid expenses and other assets 
  Insurance receivable – Asbestos 
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
  Asbestos liability 
  Deposit with Australian Taxation Office 
  ATO settlement payment 
  Other accrued liabilities 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

61.7 
19.2 
0.1 
7.7 
224.2 
(0.9) 
– 
– 
– 

14.9 
54.4 
– 
(30.1) 
(12.2) 
(48.1) 
14.4 
35.4 
(91.0) 
(29.3) 
– 
47.6 
$  183.1 

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 
Repayments of short-term borrowings 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 
Repayments of long-term borrowings 
Proceeds from issuance of shares 
Tax benefit from stock options exercised 
Treasury stock purchased 
Dividends paid 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

Components of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and on hand 
Short-term deposits 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

$ 
$ 

(50.5) 
(50.5) 

$ 

  – 
(93.3) 
274.0 
(350.7) 
10.1 
0.9 
– 
– 
$  (159.0) 

$ 

$ 

  3.2 
(23.2) 
42.4 
  19.2 

$    13.1 
6.1 
  19.2 

$ 

56.4 
(58.2) 
0.7 
7.2 
(17.4) 
– 
14.8 
– 
– 

69.0 
– 
(110.0) 
6.6 
40.3 
5.7 
16.5 
(11.4) 
(91.1) 
(9.9) 
(101.6) 
0.9 
(45.2) 

(26.1) 
(26.1) 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$  128.8 
(125.5) 
431.6 
(375.4) 
0.1 
– 
– 
(34.6) 
 25.0 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

53.3 
7.0 
35.4 
42.4 

  8.9 
33.5 
42.4 

56.5
(54.0)
1.0
7.7
240.1
–
–
71.0
(3.4)

44.7
–
–
39.6
(26.6)
4.9
16.7
2.6
(67.0)
(9.7)
–
66.8
$  319.3

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(38.5)
(38.5)

  7.0 
– 
69.5 
– 
3.3 
– 
(208.0)
(126.2)
(254.4)

(25.1)
1.3 
34.1 
35.4 

 21.6 
13.8 
 35.4 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activities
Cash paid during the year for interest, net of amounts capitalised 
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

$ 
$ 

  7.4 
  48.5 

$ 
$  

  7.8 
23.2 

$ 
$ 

  12.8 
  70.4 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

85

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
ConSolidaTEd
STaTEmEnTS
oF CaSh FlowS

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

(A$) UNAUDITED

(Millions of Australian dollars, except per share data) 

Years Ended 31 March
2009 

2010 

2008

(99.7) 

A$  171.7 

A$ 

(82.4)

A$ 

Cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss) income 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortisation 
  Deferred income taxes 
  Pension cost 
  Stock-based compensation 
  Asbestos adjustments 
  Tax benefit from stock options exercised 
  Other-than-temporary impairment on investments 
  Impairment charges 
  Other 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
  Restricted cash and cash equivalents 
  Restricted short-term investments 
  Payment to the AICF 
  Accounts and other receivable 
  Inventories 
  Prepaid expenses and other assets 
  Insurance receivable – Asbestos 
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
  Asbestos liability 
  Deposit with Australian Taxation Office 
  ATO settlement payment 
  Other accrued liabilities 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

72.5 
22.6 
0.1 
9.0 
263.4 
(1.1) 
– 
– 
– 

17.5 
63.9 
– 
(35.4) 
(14.3) 
(56.5) 
16.9 
41.6 
(106.9) 
(34.4) 
– 
55.9 
A$  215.1 

71.1 
(73.3) 
0.9 
9.1 
(21.9) 
– 
18.6 
– 
– 

86.9 
– 
(138.6) 
8.3 
50.8 
7.2 
20.8 
(14.4) 
(114.8) 
(12.5) 
(128.0) 
1.1 
(57.0) 

A$ 

65.0
(62.1)
1.2
8.9
276.2
–
–
81.7
(3.9)

51.4
–
–
45.6
(30.6)
5.6
19.2
3.0
(77.1)
(11.2)
–
76.8
A$  367.3

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 
Repayments of short-term borrowings 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 
Repayments of long-term borrowings 
Proceeds from issuance of shares 
Tax benefit from stock options exercised 
Treasury stock purchased 
Dividends paid 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

Components of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and on hand 
Short-term deposits 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

A$   (59.3) 
A$   (59.3) 

A$ 
A$ 

(32.9) 
(32.9) 

A$ 
A$ 

(44.3)
(44.3)

A$ 

– 
(109.6) 
321.9 
(412.0) 
11.9 
1.1 
– 
– 
A$ (186.7) 

(9.8) 
(40.7) 
61.7 
A$  21.0 

A$  14.3 
6.7 
A$   21.0 

A$  162.3 
(158.1) 
543.8 
(473.0) 
0.1 
– 
– 
(43.6) 
 31.5 

A$ 

81.5 
23.1 
38.6 
61.7 

13.0 
48.7 
61.7 

A$ 

A$ 

A$ 

A$ 

  8.1
–
79.9
–
3.8
–
(239.3)
(145.2)
A$  (292.7)

(34.0)
(3.7)
42.3
38.6

23.6
15.0
38.6

14.7
81.0

A$ 

A$ 

A$ 

A$ 
A$ 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activities
Cash paid during the year for interest, net of amounts capitalised 
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net 

A$ 
  8.5 
A$  57.0 

A$ 
A$ 

  9.8 
29.2 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

86

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
ConSolidaTEd
STaTEmEnTS oF ChangES
in SharEholdErS’ dEFiCiT

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Millions of US dollars) 

Common 
Stock 

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital 

Accumulated 
Deficit 

Treasury  
Stock  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive 
(Loss) Income 

Total

$  251.8 

$  180.2 

$ 

(178.7) 

$ 

  – 

$ 

  5.4  $  258.7

Balances as of 31 March 2007 
Comprehensive loss:
  Net loss 
  Pension and post-retirement benefit adjustments 
  Unrealised loss on investments 
  Foreign currency translation gain 
    Other comprehensive income 
    Total comprehensive loss 
Adoption of uncertainty in income taxes 
Stock-based compensation 
Stock options exercised 
Dividends paid 
Treasury stock purchased 
Treasury stock retired 
Balances as of 31 March 2008 

Comprehensive income:
  Net income 
  Pension and post-retirement benefit adjustments 
  Unrealised gain on investments 
  Foreign currency translation loss 
    Other comprehensive loss 
    Total comprehensive income 
Stock-based compensation 
Tax benefit from stock options exercised 
Stock options exercised 
Dividends paid 
Treasury stock retired 
Balances as of 31 March 2009 

Comprehensive income:
  Net loss 
  Pension and post-retirement benefit adjustments 
  Unrealised gain on investments 
  Foreign currency translation gain 
    Other comprehensive income 
    Total comprehensive loss 
Stock-based compensation 
Tax benefit from stock options exercised 
Stock options exercised 
Balances as of 31 March 2010 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(208.0) 
204.0 
$  (4.0) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
4.0 
  – 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
0.5 
– 
– 
(32.6) 
$  219.7 

– 
7.7 
2.8 
– 
– 
(171.4) 
  19.3 

$ 

$ 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(71.6) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(78.0) 
– 
– 
(126.2) 
– 
– 
(454.5) 

136.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.5) 
$  219.2 

7.2 
(0.4) 
0.1 
– 
(3.5) 
  22.7 

$ 

– 
– 
– 
(34.6) 
– 
(352.8) 

$ 

$ 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(84.9) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
1.9 
$  221.1 

7.7 
0.9 
8.2 
  39.5 

$ 

– 
– 
– 
(437.7) 

$ 

– 
– 
– 
  – 

$ 

– 
0.6 
(4.4) 
15.3 
11.5 

(71.6)
0.6
(4.4)
15.3
11.5
(60.1)
(78.0)
7.7
3.3
(126.2)
(208.0)
–
16.9  $  (202.6)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
0.7 
4.4 
(19.8) 
(14.7) 

136.3
0.7
4.4
(19.8)
(14.7)
121.6
7.2
(0.4)
0.1
(34.6)
–
  2.2  $  (108.7)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
(0.2) 
1.2 
56.0 
57.0 

(84.9)
(0.2)
1.2
56.0
57.0
(27.9)
7.7
0.9
10.1
59.2  $  (117.9)

– 
– 
– 

$ 

$ 

$ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

87

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

1. baCkground and baSiS oF prESEnTaTion

Nature of Operations
The Company manufactures and sells fibre cement building products 
for interior and exterior building construction applications primarily in 
the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Europe.

Background
On 2 July 1998, ABN 60 000 009 263 Pty Ltd, formerly James Hardie 
Industries Limited (“JHIL”), then a public company organised under 
the laws of Australia and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, 
announced a plan of reorganisation and capital restructuring (the 
“1998 Reorganisation”). James Hardie N.V. (“JHNV”) was incorporated 
in August 1998, as an intermediary holding company, with all of 
its common stock owned by indirect subsidiaries of JHIL. On 16 
October 1998, JHIL’s shareholders approved the 1998 Reorganisation. 
Effective as of 1 November 1998, JHIL contributed its fibre cement 
businesses, its US gypsum wallboard business, its Australian and 
New Zealand building systems businesses and its Australian windows 
business (collectively, the “Transferred Businesses”) to JHNV and its 
subsidiaries. In connection with the 1998 Reorganisation, JHIL and 
its non-transferring subsidiaries retained certain unrelated assets 
and liabilities.

On 24 July 2001, JHIL announced a further plan of reorganisation 
and capital restructuring (the “2001 Reorganisation”). Completion of 
the 2001 Reorganisation occurred on 19 October 2001. In connection 
with the 2001 Reorganisation, James Hardie Industries N.V. (“JHI 
NV”), formerly RCI Netherlands Holdings B.V., issued common shares 
represented by CHESS Units of Foreign Securities (“CUFS”) on a one 
for one basis to existing JHIL shareholders in exchange for their shares 
in JHIL such that JHI NV became the new ultimate holding company for 
JHIL and JHNV.

Following the 2001 Reorganisation, JHI NV controlled the same 
assets and liabilities as JHIL controlled immediately prior to the 
2001 Reorganisation.

On 21 August 2009, JHI NV shareholders approved a plan (“Proposal”) 
to transform the Company into a Societas Europaea (“SE”) (Stage 
1 of the Proposal) and, subsequently, change its domicile from The 
Netherlands to the Republic of Ireland (Stage 2 of the Proposal). On 
19 February 2010, the Company completed Stage 1 of the Proposal and 
was transformed from a Dutch “NV” company to a Dutch “SE” Company 
and now operates under the name of James Hardie Industries Societas 
Europaea (“JHI SE”).

Previously deconsolidated entities have been consolidated beginning 
31 March 2007 as part of the process of accounting for certain asbestos 
liabilities. Upon shareholder approval of the Amended and Restated 
Final Funding Agreement on 7 February 2007 (the “Amended FFA”), 
the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (the “AICF”) was deemed a 
special purpose entity and, as such, it was consolidated with the results 
for JHI SE. See Note 2 and Note 11 for additional information.

Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements represent the financial position, 
results of operations and cash flows of JHI SE and its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries and special purpose entity, collectively referred to as 
either the “Company” or “James Hardie” and “JHI SE”, together with 
its subsidiaries as of the time relevant to the applicable reference, the 
“James Hardie Group,” unless the context indicates otherwise.

The consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and 
statements of cash flows of the Company have been presented with 
accompanying Australian dollar (A$) convenience translations as the 
majority of the Company’s shareholder base is Australian. These A$ 
convenience translations are not prepared in accordance with US GAAP 
and have not been audited. The exchange rates used to calculate the 
convenience translations are as follows:

(US$1 = A$) 
Assets and liabilities 
Statements of operations 
Cash flows – beginning cash 
Cash flows – ending cash 
Cash flows – current  
  period movements 

2010 
1.0919 
1.1749 
1.4552 
1.0919 

31 March
2009 
1.4552 
1.2600 
1.0903 
1.4552 

2008
1.0903
1.1503
1.2395
1.0903

1.1749 

1.2600 

1.1503

88

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
2. Summary oF SigniFiCanT 
aCCounTing poliCiES

Reclassifications
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to 
the current year presentation. The reclassifications do not impact 
shareholders’ deficit.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property, plant and 
equipment of businesses acquired are recorded at their estimated 
fair value at the date of acquisition. Depreciation of property, plant 
and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the 
following estimated useful lives:

Accounting Principles
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America (“US GAAP”). The US dollar is used as the reporting currency. 
All subsidiaries and special purpose entities are consolidated and all 
significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.

Buildings 
Building improvements 
Manufacturing machinery 
General equipment 
Computer equipment, software, and software development 
Office furniture and equipment 

Years
40
5 to 10
20
5 to 10
3 to 7
3 to 10

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These 
estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues 
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ 
from these estimates.

The costs of additions and improvements are capitalised, while 
maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Interest is 
capitalised in connection with the construction of major facilities. 
Capitalised interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates 
and is amortised over the asset’s estimated useful life. Retirements, 
sales and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the cost and 
accumulated depreciation amounts with any resulting gain or loss 
reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

Foreign Currency Translation
All assets and liabilities are translated into US dollars at current 
exchange rates while revenues and expenses are translated at average 
exchange rates in effect for the period. The effects of foreign currency 
translation adjustments are included directly in other comprehensive 
income in shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses arising from foreign 
currency transactions are recognised in income currently.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents relate to amounts subject to letters 
of credit with insurance companies which restrict the cash from use for 
general corporate purposes.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is generally 
determined under the first-in, first-out method, except that the cost 
of raw materials and supplies is determined using actual or average 
costs. Cost includes the costs of materials, labour and applied factory 
overhead. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates its inventory 
balances for excess quantities and obsolescence by analysing demand, 
inventory on hand, sales levels and other information. Based on these 
evaluations, inventory costs are written down, if necessary.

The Company accrues for all asset retirement obligations in the period 
in which the liability is incurred. The initial measurement of an asset 
retirement obligation is based upon the present value of estimated cost 
and a related long-lived asset retirement cost is capitalised as part of 
the asset’s carrying value and allocated to expense over the asset’s 
useful life.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and 
purchased intangibles subject to amortisation are reviewed for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability 
of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the 
carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash 
flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of 
the asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge 
is recognised by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset 
exceeds the fair value of the assets.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

89

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Environmental Remediation Expenditures
Environmental remediation expenditures that relate to current operations 
are expensed or capitalised, as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an 
existing condition caused by past operations, and which do not contribute 
to current or future revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities are 
recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are 
probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Estimated liabilities 
are not discounted to present value. Generally, the timing of these 
accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the Company’s 
commitment to a formal plan of action.

Revenue Recognition
The Company recognises revenue when the risks and obligations of 
ownership have been transferred to the customer, which generally 
occurs at the time of delivery to the customer. The Company records 
estimated reductions in sales for customer rebates and discounts 
including volume, promotional, cash and other discounts. Rebates and 
discounts are recorded based on management’s best estimate when 
products are sold. The estimates are based on historical experience for 
similar programs and products. Management reviews these rebates and 
discounts on an ongoing basis and the related accruals are adjusted, 
if necessary, as additional information becomes available.

Depreciation and Amortisation
The Company records depreciation and amortisation under both 
cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, 
depending on the asset’s business use. All depreciation and 
amortisation related to plant building, machinery and equipment 
is recorded in cost of goods sold.

Advertising
The Company expenses the production costs of advertising the 
first time the advertising takes place. Advertising expense was 
US$9.1 million, US$9.9 million and US$11.9 million during the years 
ended 31 March 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Accrued Product Warranties
An accrual for estimated future warranty costs is recorded based on an 
analysis by the Company, which includes the historical relationship of 
warranty costs to installed product.

Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability 
method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognised by 
applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences 
between the tax bases and financial reporting amounts of existing 
assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax 
rates is recognised in income in the period that includes the enactment 
date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than 
not that all or some portion of deferred tax assets will not be realised. 
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognised 
in income tax expense.

Financial Instruments
The Company calculates the fair value of financial instruments and 
includes this additional information in the notes to the consolidated 
financial statements when the fair value is different from the carrying 
value of those financial instruments. When the fair value reasonably 
approximates the carrying value, no additional disclosure is made. 
The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the 
Company using available market information and appropriate 
valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required 
in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. 
Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily 
indicative of the amounts that the Company could realise in a current 
market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or 
estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated 
fair value amounts.

Periodically, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps and forward 
exchange contracts are used to manage market risks and reduce 
exposure resulting from fluctuations in interest rates, commodity 
prices and foreign currency exchange rates. Where such contracts 
are designated as, and are effective as, a hedge, changes in the fair 
value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are 
deferred and recorded in other comprehensive income. These deferred 
gains or losses are recognised in income when the transactions being 
hedged are recognised. The ineffective portion of these hedges is 
recognised in income currently. Changes in the fair value of derivative 
instruments designated as fair value hedges are recognised in income, 
as are changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Changes in the fair 
value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges for 
accounting purposes are recognised in income. The Company does not 
use derivatives for trading purposes.

Stock-based Compensation
The Company recognised stock-based compensation expense (included 
in selling, general and administrative expense) of US$9.3 million, 
US$7.2 million and US$7.7 million for the years ended 31 March 2010, 
2009 and 2008, respectively. Included in stock-based compensation 
expense for the year ended 31 March 2010 is an expense of US$1.6 
million related to liability-classified awards.

90

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Earnings Per Share
The Company discloses basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). 
Basic EPS is calculated using net income divided by the weighted 
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 
Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average 
number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the 
number of additional common shares calculated using the Treasury 
Method that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential 
common shares, such as options, had been issued. Accordingly, basic 
and dilutive common shares outstanding used in determining net (loss) 
income per share are as follows:

Years Ended 31 March

(Millions of shares) 
Basic common shares outstanding 
Dilutive effect of stock awards 
Diluted common shares outstanding 

2010 
433.1 
– 
433.1 

2009 
432.3 
2.2 
434.5 

2008
455.0
–
455.0

(US dollars) 
2010 
Net (loss) income per share – basic  $  (0.20) 
Net (loss) income per share – diluted  $  (0.20) 

2009 

2008
$  0.32  $  (0.16)
$  0.31  $  (0.16)

Potential common shares of 13.7 million, 19.0 million and 10.4 million 
for the years ended 31 March 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, 
have been excluded from the calculation of diluted common shares 
outstanding because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Unless they are anti-dilutive, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) which 
vest solely based on continued employment are considered to be 
outstanding as of their issuance date for purposes of computing diluted 
EPS and are included in the calculation of diluted EPS using the 
Treasury Method. Once these RSUs vest, they are included in the basic 
EPS calculation on a weighted-average basis.

RSUs which vest based on performance or market conditions are 
considered contingent shares. At each reporting date prior to the end 
of the contingency period, the Company determines the number of 
contingently issuable shares to include in the diluted EPS, as the 
number of shares that would be issuable under the terms of the RSU 
arrangement, if the end of the reporting period were the end of the 
contingency period. Once these RSUs vest, they are included in the 
basic EPS calculation on a weighted-average basis.

Asbestos
At 31 March 2006, the Company recorded an asbestos provision 
based on the estimated economic impact of the Original Final Funding 
Agreement (“Original FFA”) entered into on 1 December 2005. The 
amount of the net asbestos provision of US$715.6 million was based 
on the terms of the Original FFA, which included an actuarial estimate 
prepared by KPMG Actuaries as of 31 March 2006 of the projected 
future cash outflows, undiscounted and uninflated, and the anticipated 
tax deduction arising from Australian legislation which came into force 
on 6 April 2006. The amount represented the net economic impact 
that the Company was prepared to assume as a result of its voluntary 
funding of the asbestos liability which was under negotiation with 
various parties.

In February 2007, the shareholders approved the Amended FFA 
entered into on 21 November 2006 to provide long-term funding to the 
Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (“AICF”), a special purpose fund 
that provides compensation for Australian-related personal injuries for 
which certain former subsidiary companies of James Hardie in Australia 
(being Amaca Pty Ltd (“Amaca”), Amaba Pty Ltd (“Amaba”) and ABN 
60 Pty Limited (“ABN 60”) (collectively, the “Former James Hardie 
Companies”)) are found liable.

Amaca and Amaba separated from the James Hardie Group in February 
2001. ABN 60 separated from the James Hardie Group in March 2003. 
Upon shareholder approval of the Amended FFA in February 2007, 
shares in the Former James Hardie Companies were transferred to the 
AICF. The AICF manages Australian asbestos-related personal injury 
claims made against the Former James Hardie Companies and makes 
compensation payments in respect of those proven claims.

AICF
In February 2007, the shareholders approved a proposal pursuant 
to which the Company provides long-term funding to the AICF. The 
Company owns 100% of James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd (the “Performing 
Subsidiary”) that funds the AICF subject to the provisions of the 
Amended FFA. The Company appoints three of the AICF directors and 
the NSW Government appoints two of the AICF directors.

Under the terms of the Amended FFA, the Performing Subsidiary 
has an obligation to make payments to the AICF on an annual basis, 
depending on the Company’s net operating cash flow. The amounts of 
these annual payments are dependent on several factors, including the 
Company’s free cash flow (as defined in the Amended FFA), actuarial 
estimations, actual claims paid, operating expenses of the AICF and the 
annual cash flow cap. JHI SE guarantees the Performing Subsidiary’s 
obligation. As a result, the Company considers it to be the primary 
beneficiary of the AICF.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

91

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company’s interest in the AICF is considered variable because 
the potential impact on the Company will vary based upon the 
annual actuarial assessments obtained by the AICF with respect 
to asbestos-related personal injury claims against the Former 
James Hardie Companies.

Although the Company has no legal ownership in the AICF, the 
Company consolidates the AICF due to its pecuniary and contractual 
interests in the AICF as a result of the funding arrangements outlined 
in the Amended FFA. The Company’s consolidation of the AICF resulted 
in a separate recognition of the asbestos liability and certain other 
items including the related Australian income tax benefit. Among other 
items, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset for the anticipated tax 
benefit related to asbestos liabilities and a corresponding increase in 
the asbestos liability. As stated in “Deferred Income Taxes” below, the 
Performing Subsidiary is able to claim a tax deduction for contributions 
to the asbestos fund. For the year ended 31 March 2007, the Company 
classified the expense related to the increase of the asbestos liability as 
asbestos adjustments and the Company classified the benefit related to 
the recording of the related deferred tax asset as an income tax benefit 
(expense) on its consolidated statements of operations.

For the year ended 31 March 2010, the Company did not provide 
financial or other support to the AICF that it was not previously 
contractually required to provide. Future funding for the AICF continues 
to be linked under the terms of the Amended FFA to the Company’s 
long-term financial success, specifically the Company’s ability to 
generate net operating cash flow.

The AICF has operating costs that are claims related and non-claims 
related. Claims related costs incurred by the AICF are treated as 
reductions to the accrued asbestos liability balances previously 
reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. Non-claims related 
operating costs incurred by the AICF are expensed as incurred in 
the line item Selling, general and administrative expenses in the 
consolidated statements of operations. The AICF earns interest on 
its cash and cash equivalents and on its short-term investments; 
these amounts are included in the line item Interest income in the 
consolidated statements of operations.

See Asbestos-Related Assets and Liabilities below and Note 11 – 
Asbestos for further details on the related assets and liabilities recorded 
in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet under the terms of the 
Amended FFA.

Asbestos-Related Assets and Liabilities
The Company has recorded on its consolidated balance sheets certain 
assets and liabilities under the terms of the Amended FFA. These items 
are Australian dollar-denominated and are subject to translation into US 
dollars at each reporting date. These assets and liabilities are referred to 
by the Company as Asbestos-Related Assets and Liabilities and include:

Asbestos Liability
The amount of the asbestos liability reflects the terms of the Amended 
FFA, which has been calculated by reference to (but is not exclusively 
based upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of projected future 
cash flows prepared by KPMG Actuaries. Based on their assumptions, 
they arrived at a range of possible total cash flows and proposed a 
central estimate which is intended to reflect an expected outcome. The 
Company views the central estimate as the basis for recording the 
asbestos liability in the Company’s financial statements, which under 
US GAAP, it considers the best estimate. The asbestos liability includes 
these cash flows as undiscounted and uninflated on the basis that it is 
inappropriate to discount or inflate future cash flows when the timing 
and amounts of such cash flows are not fixed or readily determinable.

Adjustments in the asbestos liability due to changes in the actuarial 
estimate of projected future cash flows and changes in the estimate 
of future operating costs of the AICF are reflected in the consolidated 
statements of operations during the period in which they occur. Claims 
paid by the AICF and claims-handling costs incurred by the AICF are 
treated as reductions in the accrued balances previously reflected in the 
consolidated balance sheets.

Insurance Receivable
There are various insurance policies and insurance companies with 
exposure to the asbestos claims. The insurance receivable determined 
by KPMG Actuaries reflects the recoveries expected from all such 
policies based on the expected pattern of claims against such policies 
less an allowance for credit risk based on credit agency ratings. 
The insurance receivable generally includes these cash flows as 
undiscounted and uninflated on the basis that it is inappropriate to 
discount or inflate future cash flows when the timing and amounts of 
such cash flows are not fixed or readily determinable. The Company 
only records insurance receivables that it deems to be probable.

Included in insurance receivable is US$12.5 million recorded on a 
discounted basis because the timing of the recoveries has been agreed 
with the insurer.

Adjustments in insurance receivable due to changes in the actuarial 
estimate, or changes in the Company’s assessment of recoverability are 
reflected in the consolidated statements of operations during the period 
in which they occur. Insurance recoveries are treated as a reduction in 
the insurance receivable balance.

92

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation claims are claims made by former employees 
of the Former James Hardie Companies. Such past, current and future 
reported claims were insured with various insurance companies and 
the various Australian State-based workers’ compensation schemes 
(collectively “workers’ compensation schemes or policies”). An estimate 
of the liability related to workers’ compensation claims is prepared 
by KPMG Actuaries as part of the annual actuarial assessment. This 
estimate contains two components, amounts that will be met by a 
workers’ compensation scheme or policy, and amounts that will be met 
by the Former James Hardie Companies.

The portion of the estimate that is expected to be met by the Former 
James Hardie Companies is included as part of the Asbestos Liability. 
Adjustments to this estimate are reflected in the consolidated 
statements of operations during the period in which they occur.

The portion of the estimate that is expected to be met by the workers’ 
compensation schemes or policies of the Former James Hardie 
Companies is recorded by the Company as a workers’ compensation 
liability. Since these amounts are expected to be paid by the workers’ 
compensation schemes or policies, the Company records an equivalent 
workers’ compensation receivable.

Adjustments to the workers’ compensation liability result in an 
equal adjustment in the workers’ compensation receivable recorded 
by the Company and have no effect on the consolidated statements 
of operations.

Asbestos-Related Research and Education Contributions
The Company agreed to fund asbestos-related research and education 
initiatives for a period of 10 years, beginning in fiscal year 2007. The 
liabilities related to these agreements are included in “Other Liabilities” 
on the consolidated balance sheets.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents of the AICF are reflected as restricted 
assets, as the use of these assets is restricted to the settlement of 
asbestos claims and payment of the operating costs of the AICF. The 
Company classifies these amounts as a current asset on the face of the 
consolidated balance sheet since they are highly liquid.

Restricted Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments consist of highly liquid investments held in 
the custody of major financial institutions. All short-term investments 
are classified as available for sale and are recorded at market value 
using the specific identification method. Unrealised gains and losses 
on the market value of these investments are included as a separate 
component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realised 
gains and losses on short-term investments are recognised in Other 
Income on the consolidated statement of operations.

AICF – Other Assets and Liabilities
Other assets and liabilities of the AICF, including fixed assets, trade 
receivables and payables are included on the consolidated balance 
sheets under the appropriate captions and their use is restricted to the 
operations of the AICF.

Deferred Income Taxes
The Performing Subsidiary is able to claim a taxation deduction for 
its contributions to the AICF over a five-year period from the date of 
contribution. Consequently, a deferred tax asset has been recognised 
equivalent to the anticipated tax benefit over the life of the Amended 
FFA. The current portion of the deferred tax asset represents Australian 
tax benefits that will be available to the Company during the subsequent 
twelve months.

Adjustments are made to the deferred income tax asset as adjustments 
to the asbestos-related assets and liabilities are recorded.

Foreign Currency Translation
The asbestos-related assets and liabilities are denominated in 
Australian dollars and thus the reported values of these asbestos-
related assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance 
sheets in US dollars are subject to adjustment depending on the 
closing exchange rate between the two currencies at the balance sheet 
date. The effect of foreign exchange rate movements between these 
currencies is included in Asbestos Adjustments in the consolidated 
statements of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that changed 
the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging 
activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about 
how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative 
instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and how 
derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s 
financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The adoption 
of this authoritative guidance did not result in a material impact to the 
Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or 
cash flows.

In June 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that clarified 
that share-based payment awards that entitle their holders to receive 
non-forfeitable dividends before vesting should be considered 
participating securities. As participating securities, these instruments 
should be included in the calculation of basic earnings per share. 
This authoritative guidance is effective for financial statements issued 
for fiscal years beginning after 15 December 2008, as well as interim 
periods in those years. The adoption did not result in a material impact 
to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations 
or cash flows.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

93

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

In April 2009, the FASB expanded disclosure requirements for interim 
reporting periods to include disclosures about the fair value of financial 
instruments held by the Company. The Company adopted this statement 
effective for its first quarter of fiscal 2010, which has resulted in the 
disclosure of fair values attributable to debt instruments included in 
Note 12.

Effective for the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2010, the 
Company adopted the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and 
the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles which only 
affected the specific references to US GAAP literature in the notes to 
the consolidated financial statements. There was no impact on the 
Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

3. CaSh and CaSh EquivalEnTS

Cash and cash equivalents include amounts on deposit in banks and 
cash invested temporarily in various highly liquid financial instruments 
with original maturities of three months or less when acquired.

Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following components:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Cash at bank and on hand 
Short-term deposits 
Total cash and cash equivalents 

31 March

2010 
  13.1 
6.1 
  19.2 

$ 

$ 

2009
  8.9
33.5
42.4

$ 

$ 

4. rESTriCTEd CaSh and CaSh EquivalEnTS

Included in restricted cash and cash equivalents is 
US$5.3 million related to an insurance policy as of 31 March 2010 
and 2009, respectively.

5. aCCounTS and oThEr rECEivablES

Accounts and notes receivable consist of the following components:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Trade receivables 
Other receivables and advances 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Total accounts and other receivables 

31 March

2010 
$  122.8 
34.5 
(2.3) 
$  155.0 

$ 

2009
  96.6
16.2
(1.4)
$  111.4

The collectability of accounts receivable, consisting mainly of trade 
receivables, is reviewed on an ongoing basis. An allowance for doubtful 
accounts is provided for known and estimated bad debts by analysing 
specific customer accounts and assessing the risk of uncollectability 
based on insolvency, disputes or other collection issue.

The following are changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Balance at beginning of period 
Charged to expense 
Costs and deductions 
Balance at end of period 

6. invEnToriES

31 March

2010 
  1.4 
0.9 
– 
  2.3 

$ 

$ 

2009
  2.0
0.4
(1.0)
  1.4

$ 

$ 

Inventories consist of the following components:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Finished goods 
Work-in-process 
Raw materials and supplies 
Provision for obsolete finished goods  
  and raw materials 
Total inventories 

$ 

31 March

2010 
  99.8 
4.8 
52.0 

$ 

2009
  82.5
4.7
48.9

(7.5) 
$  149.1 

(7.2)
$  128.9

94

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
7. propErTy, planT and EquipmEnT

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following components:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Balance at 31 March 2008:
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book value 

Changes in net book value:
Capital expenditures 
Depreciation 
Other movements 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
Total changes 

Balance at 31 March 2009:
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book value 

Changes in net book value:
Capital expenditures 
Depreciation 
Other movements 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
Total changes 

Balance at 31 March 2010:
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book value 

Land 

Buildings 

$  17.2 
– 
17.2 

$  208.9 
(52.0) 
156.9 

0.8 
– 
– 
– 
0.8 

3.4 
(9.4) 
– 
– 
(6.0) 

Machinery
and 
Equipment 

$  840.5 
(340.6) 
499.9 

52.7 
(47.0) 
(0.2) 
(25.1) 
(19.6) 

Construction
in Progress1 

Total

$ 

  82.4 
– 
82.4 

$  1,149.0
(392.6)
756.4

(30.8) 
– 
– 
– 
(30.8) 

26.1
(56.4)
(0.2)
(25.1)
(55.6)

18.0 
– 
$  18.0 

212.3 
(61.4) 
$  150.9 

867.9 
(387.6) 
$  480.3 

51.6 
– 
  51.6 

$ 

1,149.8
(449.0)
700.8

$ 

0.1 
– 
– 
– 
0.1 

3.6 
(9.7) 
– 
– 
(6.1) 

30.0 
(52.0) 
20.7 
21.0 
19.7 

16.8 
– 
(20.7) 
– 
(3.9) 

50.5
(61.7)
–
21.0
9.8

18.1 
– 
$  18.1 

215.9 
(71.1) 
$  144.8 

939.6 
(439.6) 
$  500.0 

47.7 
– 
  47.7 

$ 

1,221.3
(510.7)
710.6

$ 

1 Construction in progress consists of plant expansions and upgrades.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

95

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Interest related to the construction of major facilities is capitalised and 
included in the cost of the asset to which it relates. Interest capitalised 
was US$0.2 million, US$0.1 million and US$0.6 million for the years 
ended 31 March 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Depreciation 
expense was US$61.7 million, US$56.4 million and US$56.5 million 
for the years ended 31 March 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Included in property, plant and equipment are restricted assets of the 
AICF with a net book value of US$2.3 million and US$0.8 million as of 
31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Asset Impairments
The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of US$32.4 million 
in the year ended 31 March 2008 in its USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
segment related to the suspension of production at its Blandon, 
Pennsylvania plant in the United States. The impaired assets include 
buildings and machinery, which were reduced to their estimated fair 
value based on valuation methods including quoted market prices and 
discounted future cash flows. These assets are being held for use by 
the Company.

The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of US$25.4 million 
in the year ended 31 March 2008 in its USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
segment, related to the closure of its Plant City, Florida Hardie Pipe 
plant. The impaired assets include buildings and machinery, which 
were reduced to their estimated fair value based on valuation methods 
including quoted market prices and discounted future cash flows. 
These assets are being held for use by the Company.

The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of US$13.2 million 
in the year ended 31 March 2008 related to buildings and machinery 
utilised to produce materials for the Company’s products. This asset 
impairment was recorded in its USA and Europe Fibre Cement segment. 
The impaired assets were reduced to their estimated fair value based 
on valuation methods including quoted market prices and discounted 
future cash flows. These assets are being held for use by the Company.

8. aCCounTS payablE and aCCruEd liabiliTiES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the 
following components:

31 March

(Millions of US dollars) 
2010 
$  71.3 
Trade creditors 
29.6 
Other creditors and accruals 
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $  100.9 

2009
$    44.4
44.7
$    89.1

9. ShorT and long-TErm dEbT

Debt consists of the following components:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Short-term debt 
Current portion of long-term debt 
Long-term debt 
Total debt 

31 March

$ 

2010 
  – 
95.0 –
59.0 
$  154.0 

2009
93.3

$ 

230.7
$  324.0

The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s total debt was 
0.92% and 1.48% at 31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively.

At 31 March 2010, the Company’s credit facilities consisted of:

Description 
(US$ millions)

Effective  
Interest Rate 

Total 
Facility 

Principal
Drawn

Term facilities, can be drawn in US$,  
variable interest rates based on  
LIBOR plus margin, can be repaid  
and redrawn until June 2010 

0.86%  $  161.7 

$ 

  95.0

Term facilities, can be drawn in US$,  
variable interest rates based on  
LIBOR plus margin, can be repaid  
and redrawn until February 2011 

Term facilities, can be drawn in US$,  
variable interest rates based on  
LIBOR plus margin, can be repaid  
and redrawn until December 2012 

– 

45.0 

– 

130.0 

–

–

Term facilities, can be drawn in US$,  
variable interest rates based on  
LIBOR plus margin, can be repaid  
and redrawn until February 2013 
Total 

1.01% 

90.0 
  $  426.7 

59.0
$  154.0

96

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
For all facilities, the interest rate is calculated two business days prior 
to the commencement of each draw-down period based on the US$ 
London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus the margins of individual 
lenders and is payable at the end of each draw-down period. At 31 
March 2010, there was US$154.0 million drawn under the combined 
facilities and US$272.7 million was unutilised and available.

In December 2009, the Company refinanced US$130.0 million in 
facilities, which previously had maturity dates on or prior to June 
2010. The maturity date of these new facilities is in December 2012. 
At 31 March 2010, the Company held US$161.7 million of term 
facilities that will mature in June 2010. The weighted average term 
of all debt facilities is 2.6 years at 31 March 2010.

At 31 March 2010, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive 
debt covenants contained in its credit facility agreements. Under the 
most restrictive of these covenants, the Company (i) is required to 
maintain certain ratios of indebtedness to equity which do not exceed 
certain maximums, excluding assets, liabilities and other balance sheet 
items of the AICF, Amaba, Amaca, ABN 60 and Marlew Mining Pty 
Limited, (ii) must maintain a minimum level of net worth, excluding 
assets, liabilities and other balance sheet items of the AICF; for these 
purposes “net worth” means the sum of the par value (or value stated 
in the books of the James Hardie Group) of the capital stock (but 
excluding treasury stock and capital stock subscribed or unissued) of 
the James Hardie Group, the paid in capital and retained earnings of the 
James Hardie Group and the aggregate amount of provisions made by 
the James Hardie Group for asbestos related liabilities, in each case, 
as such amounts would be shown in the consolidated balance sheet of 
the James Hardie Group if Amaba, Amaca, ABN 60 and Marlew Mining 
Pty Limited were not accounted for as subsidiaries of the Company, (iii) 
must meet or exceed a minimum ratio of earnings before interest and 
taxes to net interest charges, excluding all income, expense and other 
profit and loss statement impacts of the AICF, Amaba, Amaca, ABN 60 
and Marlew Mining Pty Limited and (iv) must ensure that no more than 
35% of Free Cash Flow (as defined in the Amended FFA) in any given 
Financial Year is contributed to the AICF on the payment dates under 
the Amended FFA in the next following Financial Year. The limit does 
not apply to payments of interest to the AICF. Such limits are consistent 
with the contractual liabilities of the Performing Subsidiary and the 
Company under the Amended FFA.

10. produCT warranTiES

James Hardie has offered and continues to offer various warranties on 
its products. In April 2009, the company replaced its 50-year limited 
pro-rated warranty with a 30-year limited non-pro-rated warranty for 
certain fibre cement siding products in the United States. A typical 
warranty program requires the Company to replace defective products 
within a specified time period from the date of sale. The Company 
records an estimate for future warranty related costs based on a trend 
analysis of actual historical warranty costs as they relate to sales. Based 
on this analysis and other factors, the adequacy of the Company’s 
warranty provisions is adjusted as necessary. While the Company’s 
warranty costs have historically been within its calculated estimates, it 
is possible that future warranty costs could differ from those estimates.

Additionally, the Company includes in its accrual for product warranties 
amounts for a Class Action Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement 
Agreement”) related to its previous roofing products, which are no 
longer manufactured in the United States. On 14 February 2002, the 
Company signed the Settlement Agreement for all product, warranty 
and property related liability claims associated with these previously 
manufactured roofing products. These products were removed from the 
marketplace between 1995 and 1998 in areas where there had been any 
alleged problems. The total amount included in the product warranty 
provision relating to the Settlement Agreement is US$1.2 million and 
US$1.9 million as of 31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following are the changes in the product warranty provision:

Years Ended 31 March

2009 

2010 

(Millions of US dollars) 
Balance at beginning of period 
8.1 
Accruals for product warranties 
Settlements made in cash or in kind 
(8.4) 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  0.3 
Balance at end of period 

2008
$  24.9  $  17.7  $  15.2
10.2
(7.9)
0.2
$  24.9  $  24.9  $  17.7

14.6 
(7.1) 
(0.3) 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

97

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

11. aSbESToS

The Amended FFA to provide long-term funding to the AICF was approved by shareholders in February 2007. The accounting policies utilised by 
the Company to account for the Amended FFA are described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Asbestos Adjustments
The asbestos adjustments included in the consolidated statements of operations comprise the following:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Change in estimates:
  Change in actuarial estimate – asbestos liability 
  Change in actuarial estimate – insurance receivable 
  Change in estimate – AICF claims-handling costs 
  Change in estimate – other 
    Subtotal – Change in estimates 

(Loss) gain on foreign currency exchange 
Total Asbestos Adjustments 

$ 

2010 

    (3.8) 
1.9 
(1.4) 
– 
(3.3) 

(220.9) 
(224.2) 

$ 

Years Ended 31 March
2009 

$ 

$ 

(180.9) 
19.8 
(1.2) 
– 
(162.3) 

179.7 
17.4 

2008

(175.0)
27.4
(6.5)
1.2
(152.9)

(87.2)
(240.1)

$ 

$ 

Asbestos-Related Assets and Liabilities
Under the terms of the Amended FFA, the Company has included on its consolidated balance sheets certain asbestos-related assets and liabilities. 
These amounts are detailed in the table below, and the net total of these asbestos-related assets and liabilities is referred to by the Company as the 
“Net Amended FFA Liability”.

31 March

$ 

2010 
(106.7) 
(1,512.5) 
(1,619.2) 

$ 

2009
(78.2)
(1,206.3)
(1,284.5)

16.7 
185.1 
201.8 

0.1 
98.8 
(0.1) 
(98.8) 
– 

16.4 
420.0 
436.4 

16.5 
(1.7) 

12.6
149.0
161.6

0.6
73.8
(0.6)
(73.8)
–

12.3
333.2
345.5

22.8
(2.0)

(756.6)
98.3
(658.3)

(Millions of US dollars) 
Asbestos liability – current 
Asbestos liability – non-current 
Asbestos liability – Total 

Insurance receivable – current 
Insurance receivable – non-current 
Insurance receivable – Total 

Workers’ compensation asset – current 
Workers’ compensation asset – non-current 
Workers’ compensation liability – current 
Workers’ compensation liability – non-current 
Workers’ compensation – Total 

Deferred income taxes – current 
Deferred income taxes – non-current 
Deferred income taxes – Total 

Income tax payable 
Other net liabilities 

Net Amended FFA liability 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted short-term investment assets of the AICF 
Unfunded Net Amended FFA liability 

(966.2) 
57.8 
(908.4) 

$ 

$ 

98

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
Asbestos Liability
The amount of the asbestos liability reflects the terms of the Amended FFA, which has been calculated by reference to (but is not exclusively based 
upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of the projected future asbestos-related cash flows prepared by KPMG Actuaries. The asbestos liability also 
includes an allowance for the future claims-handling costs of the AICF. The Company receives an updated actuarial estimate as of 31 March each 
year. The last actuarial assessment was performed as of 31 March 2010.

The changes in the asbestos liability for the year ended 31 March 2010 are detailed in the table below:

Asbestos liability – 31 March 2009 
Asbestos claims paid1 
AICF claims-handling costs incurred1 
Change in actuarial estimate2 
Change in estimate of AICF claims-handling costs2 
Loss on foreign currency exchange 
Asbestos liability – 31 March 2010 

A$ 
Millions 
(1,869.2) 
103.2 
3.6 
(4.1) 
(1.5) 

A$ to US$ 
 rate 
1.4552 
1.1749 
1.1749 
1.0919 
1.0919 

  (1,768.0) 

1.0919 

US$
 Millions
(1,284.5)
87.8
3.1
(3.8)
(1.4)
(420.4)
  (1,619.2)

Insurance Receivable – Asbestos
The changes in the insurance receivable for the year ended 31 March 2010 are detailed in the table below:

Insurance receivable – 31 March 2009 
Insurance recoveries1 
Change in actuarial estimate2 
Gain on foreign currency exchange 
Insurance receivable – 31 March 2010 

A$ 
Millions 
  235.2 
(16.9) 
2.0 

A$ to US$ 
 rate 
1.4552 
1.1749 
1.0919 

220.3 

1.0919 

Deferred Income Taxes – Asbestos
The changes in the deferred income taxes – asbestos for the year ended 31 March 2010 are detailed in the table below:

Deferred tax assets – 31 March 2009 
Amounts offset against income tax payable1 
Impact of other asbestos adjustments1 
Gain on foreign currency exchange 
Deferred tax assets – 31 March 2010 

A$ 
Millions 
  502.7 
(17.9) 
(8.3) 

A$ to US$ 
 rate 
1.4552 
1.1749 
1.1749 

  476.5 

1.0919 

US$
 Millions
  161.6
(14.4)
1.8
52.8
  201.8

US$
 Millions
  345.5
(15.3)
(7.0)
113.2
  436.4

1  The average exchange rate for the period is used to convert the Australian dollar amount to US dollars based on the assumption that these 

transactions occurred evenly throughout the period.

2  The spot exchange rate at 31 March 2010 is used to convert the Australian dollar amount to US dollars as the adjustment to the estimate was 

made on that date.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

99

| JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Income Taxes Payable
A portion of the deferred income tax asset is applied against the Company’s income tax payable. At 31 March 2010 and 2009, this amount was 
US$15.3 million and US$8.8 million, respectively. During the year ended 31 March 2010, there was a US$6.6 million favourable effect of foreign 
currency exchange.

Other Net Liabilities
Other net liabilities include a provision for asbestos-related education and medical research contributions of US$2.6 million and US$2.2 million 
at 31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively. Also included in other net liabilities are the other assets and liabilities of the AICF including trade 
receivables, prepayments, fixed assets, trade payables and accruals.

These other assets and liabilities of the AICF were a net asset of US$0.9 million and US$0.2 million at 31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively. 
During the year ended 31 March 2010, there was a US$0.6 million unfavourable effect of foreign currency exchange on the other net liabilities.

Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments of the AICF
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of the AICF are reflected as restricted assets as these assets are restricted for use in the 
settlement of asbestos claims and payment of the operating costs of the AICF. During the year ended 31 March 2010, the AICF sold US$61.1 million 
(A$71.8 million) of its short-term investments. The sale of investments for the year ended 31 March 2010 resulted in the Company recording a 
realised gain of US$6.7 million (A$7.9 million) in the line item Other Income.

At 31 March 2010, the Company revalued the AICF’s remaining short-term investments available-for-sale resulting in a positive mark-to-market fair 
value adjustment of US$1.2 million (A$1.4 million). This appreciation in the value of the investments was recorded as an unrealised gain in Other 
Comprehensive Income.

The changes in the restricted cash and short-term investments of the AICF for the year ended 31 March 2010 are detailed in the table below:

Restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted short-term  
  investments – 31 March 2009 
Asbestos claims paid1 
AICF operating costs paid – claims-handling1 
AICF operating costs paid – non claims-handling1 
Insurance recoveries1 
Interest and investment income1 
Unrealised gain on investments1 
Gain on investments1 
Other1 
Gain on foreign currency exchange 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted short-term  
  investments – 31 March 2010 

A$ 
Millions 

A$ to US$ 
 rate 

US$
 Millions

  143.1 
(103.2) 
(3.6) 
(2.5) 
16.9 
3.9 
1.4 
7.9 
(0.8) 

1.4552 
1.1749 
1.1749 
1.1749 
1.1749 
1.1749 
1.1749 
1.1749 
1.1749 

  98.3
(87.8)
(3.1)
(2.1)
14.4
3.3
1.2
6.7
(0.7)
27.6

  63.1 

1.0919 

  57.8

1  The average exchange rate for the period is used to convert the Australian dollar amount to US dollars based on the assumption that these 

transactions occurred evenly throughout the period.

100 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial Study; Claims Estimate
The AICF commissioned an updated actuarial study of potential 
asbestos-related liabilities as of 31 March 2010. Based on KPMG 
Actuaries’ assumptions, KPMG Actuaries arrived at a range of possible 
total cash flows and proposed a central estimate which is intended to 
reflect an expected outcome. The Company views the central estimate 
as the basis for recording the asbestos liability in the Company’s 
financial statements, which under US GAAP, it considers the best 
estimate. Based on the results of these studies, it is estimated that the 
discounted (but inflated) value of the central estimate for claims against 
the Former James Hardie Companies was approximately A$1.5 billion 
(US$1.4 billion). The undiscounted (but inflated) value of the central 
estimate of the asbestos-related liabilities of Amaca and Amaba as 
determined by KPMG Actuaries was approximately A$2.9 billion 
(US$2.7 billion). Actual liabilities of those companies for such claims 
could vary, perhaps materially, from the central estimate described 
above. The asbestos liability includes projected future cash flows as 
undiscounted and uninflated on the basis that it is inappropriate to 
discount or inflate future cash flows when the timing and amounts 
of such cash flows is not fixed or readily determinable.

The asbestos liability has been revised to reflect the most recent 
actuarial estimate prepared by KPMG Actuaries as of 31 March 
2010 and to adjust for payments made to claimants during the year 
then ended.

In estimating the potential financial exposure, KPMG Actuaries 
made assumptions related to the total number of claims which 
were reasonably estimated to be asserted through 2071, the typical 
cost of settlement (which is sensitive to, among other factors, the 
industry in which a plaintiff claims exposure, the alleged disease type 
and the jurisdiction in which the action is brought), the legal costs 
incurred in the litigation of such claims, the rate of receipt of claims, 
the settlement strategy in dealing with outstanding claims and the 
timing of settlements.

Due to inherent uncertainties in the legal and medical environment, 
the number and timing of future claim notifications and settlements, 
the recoverability of claims against insurance contracts, and estimates 
of future trends in average claim awards, as well as the extent to which 
the above named entities will contribute to the overall settlements, 
the actual amount of liability could differ materially from that which 
is currently projected.

The potential range of costs as estimated by KPMG Actuaries is 
affected by a number of variables such as nil settlement rates (where no 
settlement is payable by the Former James Hardie Companies because 
the claim settlement is borne by other asbestos defendants (other than 
the former James Hardie subsidiaries) which are held liable), peak year 
of claims, past history of claims numbers, average settlement rates, past 
history of Australian asbestos-related medical injuries, current number 
of claims, average defence and plaintiff legal costs, base wage inflation 
and superimposed inflation. The potential range of losses disclosed 
includes both asserted and unasserted claims. While no assurances can 
be provided, the Company believes that it is likely to be able to partially 
recover losses from various insurance carriers. As of 31 March 2010, 
KPMG Actuaries’ undiscounted central estimate of asbestos-related 
liabilities was A$2.9 billion (US$2.7 billion). This undiscounted (but 
inflated) central estimate is net of expected insurance recoveries of 
A$434.9 million (US$398.3 million) after making a general credit risk 
allowance for insurance carriers for A$61.5 million (US$56.3 million) 
and an allowance for A$77.7 million (US$71.2 million) of “by claim” 
or subrogation recoveries from other third parties. The Company has 
not netted the insurance receivable against the asbestos liability on its 
consolidated balance sheets.

A sensitivity analysis has been performed to determine how the 
actuarial estimates would change if certain assumptions (i.e., the rate 
of inflation and superimposed inflation, the average costs of claims 
and legal fees, and the projected numbers of claims) were different 
from the assumptions used to determine the central estimates. This 
analysis shows that the discounted (but inflated) central estimates 
could be in a range of A$1.0 billion (US$0.9 billion) to A$2.4 billion 
(US$2.2 billion). The undiscounted, but inflated, estimates could 
be in a range of A$1.8 billion (US$1.6 billion) to A$5.1 billion 
(US$4.7 billion), as of 31 March 2010. The actual cost of the liabilities 
could be outside of that range depending on the results of actual 
experience relative to the assumptions made. One of the critical 
assumptions is the estimated peak year of mesothelioma disease claims 
which is targeted for 2010/2011. Potential variation in this estimate 
has an impact much greater than the other sensitivities. If the peak year 
occurs five years later, in 2015/2016, the discounted central estimate 
could increase by approximately 50%.

Claims Data
The AICF provides compensation payments for Australian asbestos-
related personal injury claims against the Former James Hardie 
Companies. The claims data in this section are only reflective of these 
Australian asbestos-related personal injury claims against the Former 
James Hardie Companies.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

101 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following table shows the activity related to the numbers of open claims, new claims and closed claims during each of the past five years and 
the average settlement per settled claim and case closed:

Number of open claims at beginning of period 
Number of new claims 
Number of closed claims 
Number of open claims at end of period 
Average settlement amount per settled claim 
Average settlement amount per case closed 
Average settlement amount per settled claim 
Average settlement amount per case closed 

2010 
534 
535 
540 
529 
A$  190,627 
A$  171,917 
US$  162,250 
US$  146,325 

2009 
523 
607 
596 
534 
A$  190,638 
A$  168,248 
US$  151,300 
US$  133,530 

For the Years Ended 31 March
2008 
490 
552 
519 
523 
A$  147,349 
A$  126,340 
US$  128,096 
US$  109,832 

2007 
564 
463 
537 
490 
A$  166,164 
A$  128,723 
US$  127,163 
US$    98,510 

20061
712
346
502
556
A$  151,883
A$  122,535
US$  114,318
US$    92,229

1  Information includes claims data for only 11 months ended 28 February 2006. Claims data for the 12 months ended 31 March 2006 were not 

available at the time the Company’s financial statements were prepared.

Under the terms of the Amended FFA, the Company has obtained rights of access to actuarial information produced for the AICF by the actuary 
appointed by the AICF (the “Approved Actuary”). The Company’s future disclosures with respect to claims statistics are subject to it obtaining such 
information from the Approved Actuary. The Company has had no general right (and has not obtained any right under the Amended FFA) to audit or 
otherwise require independent verification of such information or the methodologies to be adopted by the Approved Actuary. As such, the Company 
will need to rely on the accuracy and completeness of the information and analysis of the Approved Actuary when making future disclosures with 
respect to claims statistics.

102 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
12. Fair valuE mEaSurEmEnTS

Assets and liabilities of the Company that are carried at fair value are 
classified in one of the following three categories:

Level 1   Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets 

and liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the 
measurement date;

Level 2   Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that 
are corroborated by market data for the asset or liability at the 
measurement date;

Level 3   Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data 

used when there is minimal market activity for the asset or 
liability at the measurement date.

Fair value measurements of assets and liabilities are assigned a level 
within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of any input 
that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and 
cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, restricted short-
term investments, trade receivables, trade payables, debt and interest 
rate swaps.

Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and cash equivalents, 
Trade receivables and Trade payables – These items are recorded in the 
financial statements at historical cost. The historical cost basis for these 
amounts is estimated to approximate their respective fair values due to 
the short maturity of these instruments.

Restricted short-term investments – Restricted short-term investments 
are recorded in the financial statements at fair value. The fair value of 
restricted short-term investments is based on quoted market prices. 
Changes in fair value are recorded, net of tax, as other comprehensive 
income and included as a component in shareholders’ deficit. Restricted 
short-term investments are held and managed by the AICF and are 
reported at their fair value. At 31 March 2009, the Company determined 

that these investments were other-than-temporarily impaired due to 
the current economic environment, the length of time the fair value 
of the assets were less than cost and the extent of the discount of the 
fair value compared to the cost of the assets. The Company recorded 
an unrealised gain on these restricted short-term investments of 
US$1.2 million for the year ended 31 March 2010. This unrealised 
gain is included as a separate component of accumulated other 
comprehensive income.

Debt – Debt is generally recorded in the financial statements at 
historical cost. The carrying value of debt provided under the 
Company’s credit facilities approximates fair value since the interest 
rates charged under these credit facilities are tied directly to market 
rates and fluctuate as market rates change.

Interest Rate Swaps – Interest rate swaps are recorded in the financial 
statements at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in the 
statement of operations in Other Income. At 31 March 2010, the 
Company had interest rate swap contracts with a total principal of 
US$200.0 million. For all of these interest rate swap contracts, the 
Company has agreed to pay fixed interest rates while receiving a 
floating interest rate. The purpose of holding these interest rate swap 
contracts is to protect against upward movements in US$ LIBOR and 
the associated interest the Company pays on its external credit facilities.

At 31 March 2010 the weighted average fixed interest rate of these 
contracts is 2.40% and the weighted average remaining life is 
3.6 years. These contracts have a fair value of US$2.4 million, which is 
included in Accounts Payable. For the year ended 31 March 2010, The 
Company included in Other Income an unrealised loss on interest rate 
swaps of US$0.4 million. Included in Interest Expense is a realised loss 
on settlements of interest rate swap contracts of US$2.5 million for the 
year ended 31 March 2010.

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, the 
Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair 
value on a recurring basis at 31 March 2010 according to the valuation 
techniques the Company used to determine their fair values.

(Millions of US Dollars) 
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted short-term investments 
Total Assets 

Liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts 
Total Liabilities 

Fair Value at 
31 March 2010 

$ 

$ 

  19.2 
49.8 
13.3 
  82.3 

2.4 
    2.4 

$ 

Level 1 

  19.2 
49.8 
13.3 
  82.3 

– 
  – 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as
Level 2 

$ 

$ 

  – 
– 
– 
  – 

2.4 
$  2.4 

Level 3

$ 

$ 

$ 

  –
–
–
  –

–
  –

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

103 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

13. CommiTmEnT and ConTingEnCiES

The Company is involved from time to time in various legal 
proceedings and administrative actions incidental or related to the 
normal conduct of its business. Although it is impossible to predict 
the outcome of any pending legal proceeding, management believes 
that such proceedings and actions should not, except as it relates to 
asbestos, the ASIC proceedings and income taxes as described in 
these financial statements, individually or in the aggregate, have a 
material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results 
of operations or cash flows.

ASIC Proceedings
In February 2007, the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission (“ASIC”) commenced civil proceedings in the Supreme 
Court of New South Wales (the “Court”) against the Company, ABN 
60 and ten then-present or former officers and directors of the James 
Hardie Group. While the subject matter of the allegations varies between 
individual defendants, the allegations against the Company are confined 
to alleged contraventions of provisions of the Australian Corporations 
Act/Law relating to continuous disclosure, a director’s duty of care and 
diligence, and engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct in respect 
of a security.

The Company defended each of the allegations made by ASIC and the 
orders sought against it in the proceedings, as did the other former 
directors and officers of the Company.

The proceedings commenced on 29 September 2008 before his Honour 
Justice Gzell. On 23 April 2009, Justice Gzell issued judgment against 
the Company and the ten former officers and directors of the Company. 
All defendants other than two lodged appeals against Justice Gzell’s 
judgments, and ASIC responded by lodging cross appeals against the 
appellants. The appeals lodged by the former directors and officers were 
heard in April 2010 and the appeal lodged by the Company was heard 
in May 2010. A final judgment has not been rendered.

Depending upon the outcome of the appeals and cross-appeals, further 
or different findings may be made as to the liability of each defendant-
appellant, any banning orders, fines payable, and as to the costs of 
the appeal and the first instance proceedings that the Company may 
become liable for either in respect of its own appeal or the appeals 
of other defendants-appellants under indemnities. As with the first 
instance proceedings, the Company has agreed to pay a portion of 
the costs of bringing and defending appeals, with the remaining costs 
being met by third parties. The Company notes that other recoveries 
may be available, including as a result of successful appeals or 
repayments by former directors and officers in accordance with the 
terms of their indemnities.

It is the Company’s policy to expense legal costs as incurred. Losses 
and expenses arising from the ASIC proceedings could have a material 
adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, results of 
operations and cash flows.

As a result of the above uncertainties, it is not presently possible for 
the Company to estimate the amount or range of amounts, including 
costs that it might become liable to pay as a consequence of the appeal 
proceedings. Accordingly, as of 31 March 2010, the Company has not 
recorded any related loss reserves.

Chile Litigation
On 24 April 2009, a trial court in Santiago, Chile awarded the then 
equivalent of US$13.4 million in damages against the former James 
Hardie Chilean entity now known as Compañía Industrial El Volcán S.A. 
(“El Volcan”) in civil litigation brought by Industria Cementa Limitada 
(“Cementa”) in 2007.

Cementa, a fibre cement manufacturer in Chile, commenced anti-trust 
proceedings in 2003 against the former James Hardie Chilean entity 
alleging that it had engaged in predatory pricing, by selling products 
below cost when it entered the Chilean market, in breach of the relevant 
anti-trust laws in Chile. Quimel also joined the proceedings.

As these actions existed prior to James Hardie’s sale of its Chilean 
business in July 2005, the Company had agreed to indemnify the buyer, 
El Volcan, subject to certain conditions and limitations, for damages or 
penalties awarded against FC Volcan in relation to such proceedings.

After the anti-trust proceedings concluded in 2006, Cementa, in 2007, 
brought a separate civil action against FC Volcan claiming that Cementa 
had suffered damages, allegedly as a result of predatory pricing.

Electrónica Quimel S.A. (“Quimel”) also filed a separate civil action 
against FC Volcan in 2007 claiming that it had suffered damages, 
allegedly as a result of predatory pricing. On 23 June 2009, the Chilean 
trial court dismissed the claim filed by Quimel against FC Volcan.

On 30 December 2009, the Company entered into a settlement agreement 
with El Volcan resolving all outstanding issues between the parties 
relating to the sale of the former James Hardie Chilean entity to El Volcan 
in July 2005. Under the settlement agreement, James Hardie will have 
no further obligation to defend or indemnify El Volcan in the antitrust 
proceedings commenced by Cementa or Quimel. El Volcan will now be 
responsible for its own defence of the antitrust proceedings, including 
payment of any final judgments rendered on appeal. El Volcan will also be 
required to defend and indemnify James Hardie against any future claims 
by third parties related to the management or business of the former 
James Hardie Chilean entity, including any future antitrust allegations. 
The terms and conditions of the settlement remain confidential. All 
amounts owed by the Company under the terms of the settlement 
were paid in full on 31 December 2009. As a result, the amount of the 
Company’s provision in excess of the settlement amount was reversed, 
resulting in a gain of US$7.6 million included in the consolidated 
statements of operations for the year ended 31 March 2010.

104 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Environmental and Legal
The operations of the Company, like those of other companies engaged 
in similar businesses, are subject to a number of laws and regulations 
on air and water quality, waste handling and disposal. The Company’s 
policy is to accrue for environmental costs when it is determined that it 
is probable that an obligation exists and the amount can be reasonably 
estimated. In the opinion of management, based on information 
presently known except as set forth above, the ultimate liability for 
such matters should not have a material adverse effect on either the 
Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or 
cash flows.

Operating Leases
As the lessee, the Company principally enters into property, building 
and equipment leases. The following are future minimum lease 
payments for non-cancellable operating leases having a remaining term 
in excess of one year at 31 March 2010:

Years ending 31 March: 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
Thereafter 
Total 

$ 

(Millions of US dollars)
  17.4
16.4
15.1
14.1
13.9
37.5
$  114.4

Rental expense amounted to US$13.2 million, US$14.5 million 
and US$10.2 million for the years ended 31 March 2010, 2009 and 
2008, respectively.

Capital Commitments
Commitments for the acquisition of plant and equipment and other 
purchase obligations, primarily in the United States, contracted for but 
not recognised as liabilities and generally payable within one year, were 
US$0.7 million at 31 March 2010.

14. inComE TaxES

Income tax expense includes income taxes currently payable and 
those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial 
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income tax (expense) 
benefit consists of the following components:

(Loss) income from operations 
  before income taxes:
  Domestic1 
  Foreign 
Total (loss) income before  
  income taxes 
Income tax (expense) benefit:
  Current:
  Domestic1 
  Foreign 
Current income tax  
  (expense) benefit 
  Deferred:
  Domestic1 
  Foreign 
Deferred income tax  
  benefit (expense) 
Total income tax expense 

Years Ended 31 March
2009 

2010 

2008

$  12.8 
(31.5) 

$ 

 24.6 
131.2 

$ 

80.1
(115.6)

$  (18.7)  $  155.8 

$ 

(35.5)

$ 

  0.6 
(137.7) 

$ 

  (0.1)  $ 
37.4 

  (7.1)
(102.1)

(137.1) 

37.3 

(109.2)

(0.9) 
71.8 

(0.1) 
(56.7) 

(0.2)
73.3

70.9 
$  (66.2)  $ 

(56.8) 
(19.5) 

73.1
(36.1)

$ 

1  Since JHI SE is a Dutch parent holding company, domestic represents 

The Netherlands.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

105 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Income tax (expense) benefit computed at the statutory rates represents taxes on income applicable to all jurisdictions in which the Company 
conducts business, calculated as the statutory income tax rate in each jurisdiction multiplied by the pre-tax income attributable to that jurisdiction. 
Income tax (expense) benefit is reconciled to the tax at the statutory rates as follows:

(Millions of US dollars) 

Income tax benefit (expense) at statutory tax rates 
US state income taxes, net of the federal benefit 
Asbestos – effect of foreign exchange 
Benefit from Dutch financial risk reserve regime 
Expenses not deductible 
Non-assessable items 
Losses not available for carryforward 
Change in reserves 
Taxes on foreign income 
State amended returns and audit 
Other permanent items 
Total income tax (expense) benefit 
Effective tax rate 

Deferred tax balances consist of the following components:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Deferred tax assets:
  Asbestos liability 
  Other provisions and accruals 
  Net operating loss carryforwards 
  Capital loss carryforwards 
  Taxes on intellectual property transfer 
  Prepayments 
  Foreign currency movements 
  Other 
Total deferred tax assets 

Valuation allowance 
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 

Deferred tax liabilities:
  Property, plant and equipment 
  Accrued interest income 
  Foreign currency movements 
Total deferred tax liabilities 
Net deferred tax assets 

2010 

$8.3 
(3.7) 
(66.4) 
3.2 
(3.7) 
2.0 
(0.6) 
(2.2) 
(1.6) 
(2.2) 
0.7 
(66.2) 
354.0% 

$ 

Years Ended 31 March
2009 

$(47.0) 
(2.9) 
51.2 
1.8 
(7.8) 
1.6 
(4.1) 
(13.4) 
(2.7) 
3.0 
0.8 
(19.5) 

12.5% 

$ 

$ 

2008

$7.8
(1.9)
(27.5)
7.3
(3.2)
2.7
(1.4)
(18.5)
(2.1)
–
0.7
(36.1)
101.7%

2009

345.5
28.5
10.8
22.8
3.6
4.2
6.6
2.1
424.1

(31.7)
392.4

(105.7)
(7.5)
–
(113.2)
279.2

$ 

31 March

$ 

2010 

$  436.6 
37.4 
9.9 
30.4 
– 
2.8 
– 
0.2 
517.3 

(39.2) 
478.1 

(115.7) 
(12.0) 
(0.3) 
(128.0) 
$  350.1 

106 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
The Company establishes a valuation allowance against a deferred tax 
asset if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred 
tax asset will not be realised. The Company has established a valuation 
allowance pertaining to all of its Australian and European capital loss 
carry-forwards. The valuation allowance increased by US$7.5 million 
during fiscal year 2010 due to foreign currency movements.

At 31 March 2010, the Company had Australian tax loss carry-forwards 
of approximately US$3.0 million that will never expire.

At 31 March 2010, the Company had US$101.3 million in Australian 
capital loss carry-forwards which will never expire. At 31 March 2010, 
the Company had a 100% valuation allowance against the Australian 
capital loss carry-forwards.

At 31 March 2010, the Company had European tax loss carry-forwards 
of approximately US$32.8 million that are available to offset future 
taxable income, of which US$22.3 million will never expire. Carry-
forwards of US$10.5 million will expire in fiscal 2019. At 31 March 
2010, the Company had a 100% valuation allowance against the 
European tax loss carry-forwards.

In determining the need for and the amount of a valuation allowance 
in respect of the Company’s asbestos related deferred tax asset, 
management reviewed the relevant empirical evidence, including the 
current and past core earnings of the Australian business and forecast 
earnings of the Australian business considering current trends. 
Although realisation of the deferred tax asset will occur over the life 
of the Amended FFA, which extends beyond the forecast period for 
the Australian business, Australia provides an unlimited carry-forward 
period for tax losses. Based upon managements’ review, the Company 
believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realise 
its asbestos related deferred tax asset and that no valuation allowance 
is necessary as of 31 March 2010. In the future, based on review of 
the empirical evidence by management at that time, if management 
determines that realisation of its asbestos related deferred tax asset is 
not more likely than not, the Company may need to provide a valuation 
allowance to reduce the carrying value of the asbestos related deferred 
tax asset to its realisable value.

At 31 March 2010, the undistributed earnings of non-Dutch 
subsidiaries approximated US$790.4 million. The Company intends to 
indefinitely reinvest these earnings, and accordingly, has not provided 
for taxes that would be payable upon remittance of those earnings. The 
amount of the potential deferred tax liability related to undistributed 
earnings is impracticable to determine at this time.

The Company is subject to ongoing reviews by taxing jurisdictions 
on various tax matters, including challenges to various positions the 
Company asserts on its income tax returns. The Company accrues for 
tax contingencies based upon its best estimate of the taxes ultimately 
expected to be paid, which it updates over time as more information 
becomes available. Such amounts are included in taxes payable or 
other non-current liabilities, as appropriate. If the Company ultimately 
determines that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, the 
Company reverses the liability and recognises a tax benefit during the 
period in which the Company determines that the liability is no longer 

necessary. The Company records additional tax expense in the period 
in which it determines that the recorded tax liability is less than the 
ultimate assessment it expects.

In fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded an income 
tax expense of US$2.2 million, an income tax benefit of US$3.0 million 
and nil, respectively, as a result of the finalisation of certain tax audits 
(whereby certain matters were settled), the expiration of the statute of 
limitations related to certain tax positions and adjustments to income 
tax balances based on the filing of amended income tax returns, which 
give rise to the benefit recorded by the Company.

The Company or its subsidiaries files income tax returns in various 
jurisdictions including the United States, The Netherlands, Australia and 
the Republic of Ireland. The Company is no longer subject to US federal 
examinations by US Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for tax years prior 
to tax year 2007. The Company is no longer subject to examinations by 
The Netherlands tax authority, for tax years prior to tax year 2005. The 
Company is no longer subject to Australian federal examinations by the 
Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) for tax years prior to tax year 2007.

The Company currently derives significant tax benefits under the 
US-Netherlands tax treaty. The treaty was amended during fiscal year 
2005 and became effective for the Company on 1 February 2006. The 
amended treaty provides, among other things, requirements that the 
Company must meet for the Company to continue to qualify for treaty 
benefits and its effective income tax rate. During fiscal year 2006, the 
Company made changes to its organisational and operational structure 
to satisfy the requirements of the amended treaty and believes that it 
is in compliance and should continue qualifying for treaty benefits. 
However, if during a subsequent tax audit or related process, the 
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) determines that these changes do not 
meet the requirements, the Company may not qualify for treaty benefits 
and its effective income tax rate could significantly increase beginning 
in the fiscal year that such determination is made and it could be liable 
for taxes owed for calendar year 2008 and subsequent periods.

The Company believes that it is more likely than not that it is in 
compliance and should continue qualifying for treaty benefits. 
Therefore, the Company believes that the requirements for recording a 
liability have not been met and therefore it has not recorded any liability 
at 31 March 2010 for the treaty benefits.

ATO – 1999 Disputed Amended Assessment
In March 2006, RCI Pty Ltd (“RCI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the 
Company, received an amended assessment from the ATO with respect 
to RCI’s income tax return for the year ended 31 March 1999. The 
amended assessment related to the amount of net capital gains arising 
as a result of an internal corporate restructure carried out in 1998 and 
was issued pursuant to the discretion granted to the Commissioner of 
Taxation under Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. The 
amended assessment issued to RCI was for a total of A$412.0 million. 
However, after subsequent remissions of general interest charges 
(“GIC”) by the ATO the total was changed to A$368.0 million, 
comprising primary tax after allowable credits, penalties, and GIC.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

107 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

During fiscal year 2007, RCI agreed with the ATO that in accordance 
with the ATO Receivable Policy, RCI would pay 50% of the total 
amended assessment being A$184.0 million (US$152.5 million), and 
provide a guarantee from James Hardie Industries SE (formerly James 
Hardie Industries N.V.) in favour of the ATO for the remaining unpaid 
50% of the amended assessment, pending outcome of the appeal 
of the amended assessment. RCI also agreed to pay GIC accruing 
on the unpaid balance of the amended assessment in arrears on a 
quarterly basis.

On 30 May 2007, the ATO issued a Notice of Decision disallowing 
RCI’s objection to the amended assessment (“Objection Decision”). 
On 11 July 2007, RCI filed an application appealing the Objection 
Decision and the matter was heard before the Federal Court of Australia 
in September 2009. Judgment was reserved and a decision is awaited.

The Company believes that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax 
position reported in RCI’s tax return for the 1999 fiscal year will be 
upheld on appeal. Therefore, the Company has not recorded any 
liability at 31 March 2010 for the amended assessment.

The Company expects that amounts paid in respect of the amended 
assessment will be recovered by RCI (with interest) at the time RCI is 
successful in its appeal against the amended assessment. As a result, the 
Company has treated all payments in respect of the amended assessment 
that have been made up through 31 March 2010 and related accrued 
interest receivable as a deposit, and it is the Company’s intention to 
treat any payments to be made at a later date as a deposit. At 31 March 
2010 and 2009, this deposit totalled US$247.2 (A$269.9 million) and 
US$173.5 million (A$252.5 million), respectively.

Included in other non-current liabilities are taxes payable on 
accrued interest of US$43.0 and US$27.3 at 31 March 2010 and 
2009, respectively.

ATO Settlement
As announced on 12 December 2008, the Company and the ATO 
reached an agreement that finalised tax audits being conducted by 
the ATO on the Company’s Australian income tax returns for the years 
ended 31 March 2002 and 31 March 2004 through 31 March 2006 
and settled all outstanding issues arising from these tax audits. With 
the exception of the assessment in respect of RCI for the 1999 financial 
year, the settlement concluded ATO audit activities for all years prior to 
the year ended 31 March 2007.

The agreed settlement, made without concessions or admissions of 
liability by either the Company or the ATO, required the Company 
to pay an amount of US$101.6 million (A$153.0 million) in 
December 2008.

Dutch Exit Tax
In connection with implementing Stage 1 of the Company’s proposal to 
re-domicile its corporate seat from The Netherlands to the Republic of 
Ireland, the Company incurred a tax liability that arose from: (i) a capital 
gain on the transfer of its intellectual property from The Netherlands 
to a newly-formed James Hardie entity located in Bermuda and tax 
resident in the Republic of Ireland and (ii) the exit from the Dutch 
Financial Risk Reserve regime.

The Dutch Tax Authority (the “DTA”) reviewed the Company’s assessed 
fair value of the intellectual property as performed by a third party 
valuation firm. Based on the DTA’s review, the Company incurred a 
capital gain and Dutch exit tax liability of US$40.8 million. The charge 
has been deferred and included in non-current Other Assets on the 
Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of 31 March 2010 and will be 
amortised on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful life of the 
intellectual property.

Unrecognised Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognised 
tax benefits and interest and penalties are as follows:

Unrecognised 
tax benefits 
$  39.0 
1.3 
16.0 
5.6 
$  61.9 
1.7 

(US$ millions) 
Balance at 1 April 2007 
Additions for tax positions of the current year 
Additions for tax positions of prior year 
Foreign currency translation adjustment 
Balance at 31 March 2008 
Additions for tax positions of the current year 
Additions (deletions) for tax positions  
37.3 
  of prior year 
(72.0) 
Settlements paid during the current period 
(16.6) 
Foreign currency translation adjustment 
$  12.3 
Balance at 31 March 2009 
Additions for tax positions of the current year 
1.2 
Additions (deletions) for tax positions of prior year 4.4 
Other reductions for the tax positions  
  of prior periods 
Foreign currency translation adjustment 
Balance at 31 March 2010 

(10.2) 
– 
  7.7 

$ 

Interest and
Penalties
$  39.7
–
1.8
5.5
$  47.0
–

(14.3)
(39.6)
(9.1)
$  (16.0)
–
(4.1)

(0.6)
(6.2)
$  (26.9)

As of 31 March 2010, the total amount of unrecognised tax benefits and 
the total amount of interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognised 
tax benefits that, if recognised, would affect the effective tax rate is 
US$7.7 million and an expense of US$26.9 million, respectively.

108 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
The Company recognises penalties and interest accrued related to 
unrecognised tax benefits in income tax expense. During the year ended 
31 March 2010 and 2009, the total amount of interest and penalties 
recognised in tax expense as a benefit was US$4.7 million and 
US$14.3 million, respectively.

The liabilities associated with uncertain tax benefits are included in other 
non-current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

A number of years may lapse before an uncertain tax position is 
audited and ultimately settled. It is difficult to predict the ultimate 
outcome or the timing of resolution for uncertain tax positions. It is 
reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognised tax benefits 
could significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. 
These changes could result from the settlement of ongoing litigation, 
the completion of ongoing examinations, the expiration of the statute 
of limitations, or other circumstances. At this time, an estimate of the 
range of the reasonably possible change cannot be made.

On 1 April 2007, the Company adopted a new accounting standard 
for uncertainty in income taxes. This standard clarified the accounting 
for uncertainty in income taxes recognised in an enterprise’s financial 
statements. The adoption of this standard resulted in the reduction of the 
Company’s consolidated beginning retained earnings of US$78.0 million. 
As of the adoption date, the Company had US$39.0 million of gross 
unrecognised tax benefits that, if recognised, would affect the effective tax 
rate. As of the adoption date, the Company’s opening accrual for interest 
and penalties was US$39.7 million.

15. SToCk-baSEd CompEnSaTion

At 31 March 2010, the Company had the following equity award 
plans: the Executive Share Purchase Plan; the JHI SE 2001 Equity 
Incentive Plan; the 2005 Managing Board Transition Stock Option 
Plan; the Long-Term Incentive Plan 2006 as amended in 2009 and 
the Supervisory Board Share Plan 2006.

Compensation expense arising from equity-based award grants as 
estimated using pricing models was US$7.7 million, US$7.2 million, 
US$7.7 million for the years ended 31 March 2010, 2009 and 2008, 
respectively. As of 31 March 2010, the unrecorded deferred stock-based 
compensation balance related to equity awards was US$8.9 million after 
estimated forfeitures and will be recognised over an estimated weighted 
average amortisation period of 2.4 years.

JHI SE 2001 Equity Incentive Plan
Under the JHI SE 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2001 Equity 
Incentive Plan”), the Company can grant equity awards in the form of 
nonqualified stock options, performance awards, restricted stock grants, 
stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, phantom stock 
or other stock-based benefits such as restricted stock units. The 2001 
Equity Incentive Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders and 
the Joint Board subject to implementation of the consummation of the 
2001 Reorganisation. The Company is authorised to issue 45,077,100 
shares under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan.

On 19 October 2001 (the grant date), JHI NV granted 5,468,829 
options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock under the 
2001 Equity Incentive Plan to key US executives in exchange for their 
previously granted Key Management Equity Incentive Plan (“KMEIP”) 
shadow shares that were originally granted in November 2000 and 1999 
by JHIL. These options may be exercised in five equal tranches (20% 
each year) starting with the first anniversary of the original shadow 
share grant. As of 31 March 2010, 115,140 options were outstanding 
and exercisable with an exercise price of A$3.78. The options will 
expire in November 2010.

Under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, additional grants have been made 
at fair market value to management and other employees of the Company. 
Each option confers the right to subscribe for one ordinary share in the 
capital of JHI SE. The options may be exercised as follows: 25% after 
the first year; 25% after the second year; and 50% after the third year. 
All unexercised options expire 10 years from the date of issue or 90 days 
after the employee ceases to be employed by the Company.

The following table summarises the additional stock option grants:

Share Grant Date 
December 2001 
December 2002 
December 2003 
December 2004 
February 2005 
December 2005 
March 2006 
November 2006 
March 2007 
March 2007 
December 2007 

Original Exercise Price 
5.65 
6.66 
7.05 
5.99 
6.30 
8.90 
9.50 
8.40 
8.90 
8.35 
6.38 

Number of Options Granted 
4,248,417 
4,037,000 
6,179,583 
5,391,100 
273,000 
5,224,100 
40,200 
3,499,490 
179,500 
151,400 
5,031,310 

Option Expiration Date
December 2011
December 2012
December 2013
December 2014
February 2015
December 2015
March 2016
November 2016
March 2017
March 2017
December 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

109 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

As set out in the plan rules, the exercise prices and the number of shares 
available on exercise may be adjusted on the occurrence of certain 
events, including new issues, share splits, rights issues and capital 
reconstructions. Consequently, the exercise prices on the December 
2002 and December 2001 option grants were reduced by A$0.21 for the 
November 2003 return of capital and the December 2001 option grant 
was reduced by A$0.38 for the November 2002 return of capital.

Under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 278,569 
and 1,690,711 restricted shares of common stock to its employees in 
the years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively. These restricted 
shares may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise 
encumbered so long as such shares remain restricted. The Company 
determines the conditions or restrictions of any restricted stock 
awards, which may include requirements of continued employment, 
individual performance or the Company’s financial performance or other 
criteria. At 31 March 2010, there were 1,416,339 restricted stock units 
outstanding under this plan.

Managing Board Transitional Stock Option Plan
The Managing Board Transitional Stock Option Plan provides an 
incentive to the members of the Managing Board. The maximum 
number of shares that may be issued and outstanding or subject 
to outstanding options under this plan without further shareholder 
approval is 1,320,000 shares. There were 1,090,000 and 1,320,000 
options outstanding at 31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively, under 
this plan.

On 22 November 2005, the Company granted options to purchase 
1,320,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price 
per share equal to A$8.53 to the Managing Board directors under 
the Managing Board Transitional Stock Option Plan. As set out in the 
plan rules, the exercise price and the number of shares available on 
exercise may be adjusted on the occurrence of certain events, including 
new issues, share splits, rights issues and capital reconstructions. 
50% of these options become exercisable on the first business day 
on or after 22 November 2008 if the total shareholder returns (“TSR”) 
(essentially its dividend yield and common stock performance) from 
22 November 2005 to that date were at least equal to the median TSR 
for the companies comprising the Company’s peer group, as set out in 
the plan. In addition, for each 1% increment that the Company’s TSR 
is above the median TSR, an additional 2% of the options become 
exercisable. If any options remain unvested on the last business day of 
each six month period following 22 November 2008 and 22 November 
2010, the Company will reapply the vesting criteria to those options on 
that business day.

Long-Term Incentive Plan
At the 2006 Annual General Meeting, the Company’s shareholders 
approved the establishment of a Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) to 
provide incentives to members of the Company’s Managing Board and 
to certain members of its management (“Executives”). The shareholders 
also approved, in accordance with certain LTIP rules, the issue of 
options in the Company to members of the Company’s Managing Board 
and to Executives. At the Company’s 2008 Annual General Meeting, the 
shareholders amended the LTIP to also allow restricted stock units to be 
granted under the LTIP.

In November 2006 and August 2007, 1,132,000 and 1,016,000 options 
were granted to the members of the Managing Board, respectively, 
under the LTIP. The vesting of these equity awards are subject to 
‘performance hurdles’ as outlined in the LTIP rules. Unexercised options 
expire 10 years from the date of issue.

In September 2008, December 2008, May 2009, September 2009 
and December 2009, 1,023,865, 545,757, 1,066,595, 522,000 and 
181,656 restricted stock units, respectively, were granted under the 
LTIP to members of the Company’s Managing Board and to senior 
members of management. These restricted shares may not be sold, 
transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered so long as 
such shares remain restricted. The Company determines the conditions 
or restrictions of any restricted stock awards, which may include 
requirements of continued employment, individual performance or the 
Company’s financial performance or other criteria. Restricted stock units 
expire on exercise, vesting or as set out in the LTIP rules.

At 31 March 2010, there were 1,937,000 options and 3,320,382 
restricted stock units outstanding under this plan.

Supervisory Board Share Plan 2006
At the 2006 Annual General Meeting, the Company’s shareholders 
approved the replacement of its Supervisory Board Share Plan with a 
new plan called the Supervisory Board Share Plan 2006 (“SBSP 2006”). 
Participation by members of the Supervisory Board in the SBSP 2006 
is not mandatory. The SBSP 2006 allows the Company to issue new 
shares or acquire shares on the market on behalf of the participant. The 
total remuneration of a Supervisory Board member will take into account 
any participation in the SBSP 2006 and shares under the SBSP 2006. 
At 31 March 2010, 98,106 shares had been acquired under this plan.

110 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Stock Options
The following table summarises all of the Company’s stock options available for grant and the movement in all of the Company’s outstanding 
options during the noted period:

Balance at 31 March 2008 
Newly Authorised 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Forfeitures available for re-grant 
Balance at 31 March 2009 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Forfeitures available for re-grant 
Balance at 31 March 2010 

Outstanding Options

Number 
22,190,237 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price
7.29

Shares Available for Grant 
15,564,294 
4,291,230

(25,000) 
(3,892,309) 

18,272,928 
(2,058,275) 
(1,770,215) 

14,444,438 

3,892,309
23,747,833 

1,540,215
25,288,048 

5.99
7.34

7.28
5.51
7.97

7.44

The Company’s stock based-compensation expense is the estimated fair value of options granted over the periods in which the stock options vest.

The Company estimates the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using either the Black-Scholes option-pricing model or a binomial 
lattice model that incorporates a Monte Carlo Simulation (the “Monte Carlo method”).

There were no stock options granted during the years 31 March 2010 and 2009. For the year ended 31 March 2008, the Company granted 
5,031,310 stock options under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan. For the year ended 31 March 2008, the Company granted 1,016,000 stock options 
under the LTIP.

The following table includes the weighted average assumptions and weighted average fair values used for stock option grants valued using 
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model during the year ended 31 March 2008:

Dividend yield 
Expected volatility 
Risk free interest rate 
Expected life in years 
Weighted average fair value at grant date (A$) 
Number of stock options 

5.0%
30.0%
3.4%
4.4
1.13
5,031,310

The following table includes the weighted average assumptions and weighted average fair values used for stock option grants valued using 
a binomial lattice model that incorporates the Monte Carlo method during the year ended 31 March 2008:

Dividend yield 
Expected volatility 
Risk free interest rate 
Weighted average fair value at grant date (A$) 
Number of stock options 

5.0%
32.1%
4.2%
3.14
1,016,000

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was A$4.7 million, nil and A$1.2 million for the years ended 31 March 2010, 2009 
and 2008, respectively.

The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted was A$1.47 per share during the year ended 31 March 2008.

Windfall tax benefits realised in the United States from stock options exercised and included in cash flows from financing activities in the 
consolidated statements of cash flows were US$0.9 million, nil and nil for the years ended 31 March 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

111 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following table summarises outstanding and exercisable options as of 31 March 2010:

(In Australian dollars) 

Exercise 
Price 
3.09 
5.06 
5.99 
6.30 
6.38 
6.45 
7.05 
7.83 
8.35 
8.40 
8.53 
8.90 
9.50 
Total 

Number 
115,140 
254,309 
1,523,250 
93,000 
2,638,729 
796,500 
1,758,250 
1,016,000 
151,400 
2,646,560 
1,090,000 
2,321,100 
40,200 
14,444,438 

Options Outstanding 
Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Life (in Years) 
0.6 
1.7 
4.7 
4.9 
7.7 
2.7 
3.7 
7.4 
7.0 
6.6 
5.7 
5.7 
5.9 
6.6 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
A$  3.09 
5.06 
5.99 
6.30 
6.38 
6.45 
7.05 
7.83 
8.35 
8.40 
8.53 
8.90 
9.50 
A$  7.44 

A$    

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
 480,134 
559,480 
1,934,528 
89,280 
2,322,082 
645,165 
369,233 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
A$  6,399,902 

Options Exercisable
Weighted
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
A$  3.09  A$ 
5.06 
5.99 
6.30 
6.38 
6.45 
7.05 
0.00 
8.35 
8.40 
0.00 
8.90 
9.50 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
  480,134
559,836
1,934,528
89,280
971,047
645,165
369,233
–
–
–
–
–
–
A$  6.83  A$  5,049,223

Number 
115,140 
254,309 
1,523,250 
93,000 
1,103,462 
796,500 
1,758,250 
– 
151,400 
2,470,160 
– 
2,321,100 
40,200 
10,626,771 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value based on stock options with an exercise price less 
than the Company’s closing stock price of A$7.26 as of 31 March 2010, which would have been received by the option holders had those option 
holders exercised their options as of that date.

Restricted Stock
The Company estimates the value of restricted stock issued and recognises this estimated value as compensation expense over the periods in which 
the restricted stock vests.

The following table summarises all of the Company’s restricted stock activity during the noted period:

Weighted Average   

(In Australian dollars) 
Non-vested at 31 March 2008 
Granted 
Vested 
Forfeited 
Non-vested at 31 March 2009 
Granted 
Vested 
Forfeited 
Non-vested at 31 March 2010 

Shares 
– 
3,260,333 
(24,052) 
(245,220) 
2,991,061 
2,048,820 
(208,884) 
(94,276) 
4,736,721 

Grant Date Fair Value
  –
A$ 
3.98
3.85
4.40
  3.95
5.38
3.85
4.32
  4.57

A$ 

A$ 

Restricted Stock – service vesting
The Company granted restricted stock units with a service vesting condition to employees as follows:

Grant Date 
17 June 2008 
15 September 2008 
17 December 2008 
29 May 2009 
7 December 2009 

Equity Award Plan 
2001 Equity Incentive Plan 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 
2001 Equity Incentive Plan 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 
2001 Equity Incentive Plan 

Restricted Stock Units Granted
698,440
201,324
992,271
1,066,595
278,569
3,237,199

The fair value of each restricted stock unit (service vesting) is equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, 
adjusted for the fair value of dividends as the restricted stock holder is not entitled to dividends over the vesting period.

112 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table includes the assumptions used for restricted stock grants (service vesting) valued during the years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009:

Dividend yield (per annum)1 
Risk free interest rate1 
Expected life in years 
JHX stock price at grant date (A$) 
Number of restricted stock units 

2010 

$ 

07 Dec 2009 
  0.00 
n/a 
3.0 
8.30 
278,569 

$ 

29 May 2009 
  0.00 
n/a 
2.0 
4.31 
1,066,595 

17 Dec 2008 
  0.10 
$ 
1.3% 
3.0 
3.85 
992,271 

2009
15 Sep 2008 
  0.20 
$ 
1.8% 
2.0 
4.98 
201,324 

17 Jun 2008
  0.20
$ 
2.9%
2.0
4.93
698,440

1  The risk free rate for the grants in fiscal year 2010 are not applicable as the assumed dividend yield is nil.

Restricted Stock – market condition
Under the terms of the LTIP, the Company granted 703,656 and 1,368,298 restricted stock units (market condition) to members of the Company’s 
Managing Board and senior managers during the years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009, respectively. The vesting of these restricted stock units 
is subject to a market condition as outlined in the LITP rules.

The fair value of each of these restricted stock units (market condition) granted under the LTIP is estimated using a binomial lattice model that 
incorporates a Monte Carlo Simulation (the “Monte Carlo method”).

The following table includes the assumptions used for restricted stock grants (market condition) valued during the years ended 31 March:

Expected volatility 
Risk free interest rate 
Expected life in years 
JHX stock price at grant date (A$) 
Number of restricted stock units 

2010 

2009

11 Dec 2009 
49.9% 
2.1% 
3.0 
8.20 
181,656 

15 Sep 2009 
42.1% 
2.5% 
3.0 
7.04 
522,000 

17 Dec 2008 
37.6% 
1.3% 
3.0 
3.85 
545,757 

15 Sep 2008
34.9%
2.6%
3.0
4.98
822,541

Scorecard LTI – Cash Settled Units
Under the terms of the LTIP, the Company granted awards equivalent to 1,089,265 and nil Scorecard LTI units during the years ended 31 March 
2010 and 2009, respectively, that provide recipients a cash incentive based on JHI SE’s common stock price on the vesting date. The vesting of 
awards is measured on individual performance conditions based on certain performance measures. Compensation expense recognised for awards 
are based on the fair market value of JHI SE’s common stock on the date of grant and recorded as a liability. The liability is adjusted for subsequent 
changes in JHI SE’s common stock price at each balance sheet date.

Cash Settled Units
The Company granted 35,741 and nil cash settled units (service vesting) to employees during the years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009, 
respectively, under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan. Compensation expense recognised for awards are based on the fair market value of JHI SE’s 
common stock on the date of grant and recorded as a liability. The liability is adjusted for subsequent changes in JHI SE’s common stock price 
at each balance sheet date.

The total compensation cost related to liability classified awards for the years ended 31 March 2010 and 2009 was US$1.6 million and nil, respectively.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

113 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

16. SharE rEpurChaSE program

On 15 August 2007, the Company announced a share repurchase 
program of up to 10% of the Company’s issued capital, approximately 
46.8 million shares. The Company repurchased nil, nil and 35.7 million 
shares of common stock during the years ended 31 March 2010, 
2009 and 2008, respectively. The shares repurchased during the 
year ended 31 March 2008 had an aggregate cost of A$236.4 million 
(US$208.0 million) and the average price paid per share of common 
stock was A$6.62 (US$5.83). The US dollar amounts were determined 
using the weighted average spot rates for the days on which shares 
were purchased. The Company officially cancelled 35.0 million shares 
on 31 March 2008. On 27 March 2009, the Company cancelled the 
remaining 0.7 million shares held in treasury. The Company ceased 
the share repurchase program on 20 August 2008.

17. opEraTing SEgmEnT inFormaTion 
and ConCEnTraTionS oF riSk

The Company has reported its operating segment information in the 
format that the operating segment information is available to and 
evaluated by the Managing Board of Directors. USA and Europe Fibre 
Cement manufactures fibre cement interior linings, exterior siding 
and related accessories products in the United States; these products 
are sold in the United States, Canada and Europe. Asia Pacific Fibre 
Cement includes all fibre cement manufactured in Australia, New 
Zealand and the Philippines and sold in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, 
the Middle East, and various Pacific Islands. Research and Development 
represents the cost incurred by the research and development centres.

The Company’s operating segments are strategic operating units 
that are managed separately due to their different products and/or 
geographical location. On 1 April 2008, the Company realigned its 
operating segments by combining the previously reported segments 
of USA Fibre Cement and Other into one operating segment, USA and 
Europe Fibre Cement. On 22 May 2008, the Company ceased operation 
of its pipe business in the United States.

114 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Operating Segments
The following are the Company’s operating segments and geographical information:

(Millions of US dollars) 
USA & Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Worldwide total 

(Millions of US dollars) 
USA & Europe Fibre Cement2,3 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement2 
Research and Development2 
Segments total 
General Corporate4 
Total operating (loss) income 
Net interest (expense) income5 
Other income (expense) 
Worldwide total 

(Millions of US dollars) 
USA & Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Research and Development 
Segments total 
General Corporate6,7 
Worldwide total 

Geographic Areas 

(Millions of US dollars) 
USA 
Australia 
New Zealand 
Other Countries 
Worldwide total 

(Millions of US dollars) 
USA 
Australia 
New Zealand 
Other Countries 
Segments total 
General Corporate6,7 
Worldwide total 

Net Sales to Customers1
Years Ended 31 March

$ 

2010 
  828.1 
296.5 
$  1,124.6 

2009 
929.3 
273.3 
  1,202.6 

$ 

$ 

2008
$  1,170.5
298.3
$  1,468.8

(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
Years Ended 31 March

2010 
  208.5 
58.7 
(19.0) 
248.2 
(269.2) 
(21.0) 
(4.0) 
6.3 
(18.7) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2009 
199.3 
47.1 
(18.9) 
227.5 
(53.9) 
173.6 
(3.0) 
(14.8) 
155.8 

2008
  235.2
50.3
(18.1)
267.4
(304.0)
(36.6)
1.1
–
(35.5)

$ 

$ 

Total Identifiable Assets
31 March

$ 

2010 
  780.8 
216.9 
14.2 
1,011.9 
1,166.9 
$  2,178.8 

$ 

2009
  765.6
167.9
12.2
945.7
946.0
$  1,891.7

Net Sales to Customers1
Years Ended 31 March

$ 

2010 
  808.9 
214.3 
50.6 
50.8 
$  1,124.6 

2009 
912.2 
193.2 
50.0 
47.2 
  1,202.6 

$ 

$ 

2008
$  1,153.1
198.6
67.3
49.8
$  1,468.8

Total Identifiable Assets
31 March

$ 

2010 
  783.6 
131.6 
49.8 
46.9 
1,011.9 
1,166.9 
$  2,178.8 

$ 

2009
   767.4
99.8
27.1
51.4
945.7
946.0
$  1,891.7

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

115 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
noTES To ConSolidaTEd
FinanCial STaTEmEnTS

(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

1 Export sales and inter-segmental sales are not significant.

2  Research and development costs of US$10.4 million, US$8.0 million and US$7.7 million in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were 
expensed in the USA and Europe Fibre Cement segment. Research and development costs of US$1.0 million, US$1.2 million and US$1.6 million 
in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were expensed in the Asia Pacific Fibre Cement segment. Research and development costs of 
US$15.7 million, US$14.4 million and US$18.0 million in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were expensed in the Research and 
Development segment. The Research and Development segment also included selling, general and administrative expenses of US$3.3 million, 
US$4.5 million and US$0.1 million in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

   Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred and in total amounted to US$27.1 million, US$23.8 million and US$27.3 million 
for the years ended 31 March 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

3 Included in USA and Europe Fibre Cement for the year ended 31 March 2008 are asset impairment charges of US$71.0 million.

4  The principal components of General Corporate are officer and employee compensation and related benefits, professional and legal fees, 

administrative costs, and rental expense net of rental income on the Company’s corporate offices. Included in General Corporate for the year ended 
31 March 2010 are unfavourable asbestos adjustments of US$224.2 million, AICF SG&A expenses of US$2.1 million and ASIC expenses of 
US$3.4 million. Included in General Corporate for the year ended 31 March 2009 are favourable asbestos adjustments of US$17.4 million, AICF 
SG&A expenses of US$0.7 million and ASIC expenses of US$14.0 million. Included in General Corporate for the year ended 31 March 2008 are 
unfavourable asbestos adjustments of US$240.1 million, AICF SG&A expenses of US$4.0 million and ASIC expenses of US$5.5 million.

5  The Company does not report net interest expense for each operating segment as operating segments are not held directly accountable for interest 
expense. Included in net interest (expense) income is AICF interest income of US$3.3 million, US$6.4 million and US$9.4 million in fiscal years 
2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. See Note 11.

6  The Company does not report deferred tax assets and liabilities for each operating segment as operating segments are not held directly 

accountable for deferred income taxes. All deferred income taxes are included in General Corporate.

7  Asbestos-related assets at 31 March 2010 and 2009 are US$797.7 million and US$681.0 million, respectively, and are included in the General 

Corporate segment.

Concentrations of Risk
The distribution channels for the Company’s fibre cement products are concentrated. If the Company were to lose one or more of its major 
customers, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to find a replacement. Therefore, the loss of one or more customers could have 
a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company has three major 
customers that individually account for over 10% of the Company’s net sales in one or all of the past three fiscal years.

These three customers’ accounts receivable represented 37% and 35% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable at 31 March 2010 and 2009, 
respectively. The following are gross sales generated by these three customers, which are all from the USA and Europe Fibre Cement segment:

(Millions of US dollars) 

2010 

Customer A 
Customer B 
Customer C 

$  224.4 
144.5 
93.2 
$  462.1 

Years Ended 31 March

2009 

2008

% 
20.0 
12.8 
8.3 

$  277.1 
149.6 
46.8 
$  473.5 

% 
23.0 
12.4 
3.9 

$  431.3 
167.3 
108.2 
$  706.8

%
27.9
10.8
7.0

Approximately 28% of the Company’s fiscal year 2010 net sales were derived from outside the United States. Consequently, changes in the value 
of foreign currencies could significantly affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company’s non-US 
operations on translation into US dollars.

116 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18. aCCumulaTEd oThEr 
ComprEhEnSivE inComE

Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of the 
following components:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Pension and post-retirement  
  benefit adjustments 
Unrealised gain on restricted  
  short-term investments 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
Total accumulated other  
  comprehensive income 

31 March

2010 

2009

$ 

(1.6) 

$  (1.4)

1.2 –
59.6 

3.6

$  59.2 

$  2.2

19. rE-domiCilE

On 21 August 2009, JHI NV shareholders approved Stage 1 of a two-
stage plan to transform the Company into a Dutch Societas Europaea 
(SE) (Stage 1) and, subsequently, change its corporate domicile from 
the Netherlands to the Republic of Ireland (Stage 2). On 19 February 
2010, the Company completed Stage 1 of the proposal and was 
transformed from a Dutch “NV” company to a Dutch “SE” Company 
and now operates under the name of James Hardie Industries Societas 
Europaea (SE).

On 17 March 2010 (US time), the Company filed with the US Securities 
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form 
F-4 including a draft Explanatory Memorandum outlining Stage 2 of the 
Proposal which will transform the Company from a Dutch SE to an Irish 
SE by moving the Company’s corporate domicile from The Netherlands 
to the Republic of Ireland.

On 21 April 2010 (US time), following SEC review of the Registration 
Statement and formal Board approval of the change in corporate 
domicile, the final Explanatory Memorandum for Stage 2 was submitted 
to the SEC and the ASX with a filing date of 22 April 2010.

For additional information on and implementation timing of Stage 2 
of the Proposal, readers are referred to the Company’s Explanatory 
Memorandum, which was filed with the SEC on 22 April 2010 (File 
No. 333-165531).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

117 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with the company’s Audit Committee’s policy and the 
requirements of the law, all services provided by the independent 
registered public accounting firm are pre-approved annually by the 
Audit Committee. Pre-approval includes a list of specific audit and non-
audit services in the following categories: audit services, audit-related 
services, tax services and other services. Any additional services that 
the company asks the independent registered public accounting firm 
to perform will be set forth in a separate document requesting Audit 
Committee approval in advance of the service being performed.

All of the services pre-approved by the Audit Committee are permissible 
under the SEC’s auditor independence rules. To avoid potential conflicts 
of interest, the law prohibits a publicly traded company from obtaining 
certain non-audit services from its independent registered public 
accounting firm. James Hardie obtains these services from other 
service providers as needed.

rEmunEraTion
diSCloSurES
(unaudiTEd, noT Forming parT oF ThE  
ConSolidaTEd FinanCial STaTEmEnTS)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

rEmunEraTion oF indEpEndEnT 
rEgiSTErEd publiC aCCounTing Firm 

In December 2007, James Hardie’s Audit Committee and Supervisory 
Board undertook a competitive bid process to evaluate the alternatives 
for the company’s independent registered public accounting firm in the 
interest of good corporate governance. At the company’s 2008 AGM, 
shareholders ratified a resolution of the Supervisory Board to approve 
the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP as James Hardie’s independent 
registered public accounting firm for the year commencing 1 April 2008. 

Fees paid to the independent registered public accounting firm for 
services provided for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

(Millions of US dollars) 
Audit Fees1 
Audit-Related Fees2 
Tax Fees3 

Fiscal Years Ended 31 March
2008
2009 
$  4.2
  2.4 
–
– 
4.9
– 

2010 
$  2.5 $
– 
– 

1   Audit Fees include the aggregate fees for professional services 
rendered by the independent registered public accounting firm. 
Professional services include the audit of annual financial statements 
and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory 
and regulatory filings. During fiscal year ended 31 March 2008, total 
audit fees includes fees for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance testing of 
US$2.0 million, US$0.8 million of which related to Sarbanes-Oxley 
compliance testing performed for fiscal year 2007, but paid in fiscal 
year 2008. In addition, during fiscal year ended 31 March 2008, total 
audit fees includes fees for statutory reporting of US$0.8 million, 
US$0.4 million of which related to statutory reporting fees performed 
for fiscal year 2007, but paid in fiscal year 2008.

2   Audit-Related Fees include the aggregate fees billed for assurance 
and related services rendered by the independent registered public 
accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm 
did not engage any temporary employees to conduct any portion 
of the audit of the financial statements for the fiscal years ended 
31 March 2010, 2009 and 2008.

3   Tax Fees include the aggregate fees billed for tax compliance, tax 
advice and tax planning services rendered by the independent 
registered public accounting firm.

118 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
SElECTEd quarTErly  
FinanCial daTa
(unaudiTEd, noT Forming parT oF ThE  
ConSolidaTEd FinanCial STaTEmEnTS)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Millions of US dollars) 
Net sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 
Operating (loss) income 
Interest expense 
Interest income 
Other income (expense) 
(Loss) income from operations 
  before income taxes 
Income tax (expense) benefit 
Net (loss) income 
Net income per share - 
  basic 
Net income per share - 
  diluted 

Year Ended 31 March 2010 
By quarter 

First 
$  284.5 
(174.1) 
110.4 
(57.1) 
(1.5) 
0.8 
4.8 

Second 
Fourth 
Third 
$  304.2  $  261.0  $  274.9 
(183.5) 
(164.3) 
91.4 
96.7 
11.8 
25.1 
(2.9) 
(1.8) 
0.8 
1.0 
0.3 
2.2 

(186.6) 
117.6 
(0.8) 
(1.5) 
1.1 
(1.0) 

Year Ended 31 March 2009
By Quarter

First 

Second 
$  365.0   $  341.9  
(228.7) 
113.2  
192.2  
 (2.3) 
2.6  
–  

(241.0) 
124.0  
22.9  
 (2.6) 
1.5  
–  

Third 

Fourth
$  254.4   $  241.3 
(172.1)
69.2
(160.4)
(3.8)
2.7 
(14.8)

(172.0) 
82.4  
118.9  
(2.5) 
1.4  
–  

(53.0) 
(24.9) 

10.0 
(12.3) 
$  (77.9)  $  (19.6) $    14.9  $    (2.3) 

26.5 
(11.6) 

(2.2) 
(17.4) 

21.8  
(20.4) 

192.5  
(39.0) 
$     1.4   $  153.5  

117.8  
(6.8) 

(176.3)
46.7
$  111.0   $  (129.6)

$  (0.18)  $  (0.05)  $  0.03 

$  0.01 

$       –   $        0.36  $     0.26  $      (0.30)

(0.18) 

(0.05) 

0.03 

0.01 

        –   

0.35 

0.26 

0.30

119 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
group
STaTiSTiCS
(unaudiTEd, noT Forming parT oF ThE  
ConSolidaTEd FinanCial STaTEmEnTS)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Millions of US dollars) 
Profit and Loss Account
Net Sales
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Worldwide total 
Operating Income
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Research and Development 
Segments total 
General Corporate 
Asbestos adjustments 
Total operating (loss) income 
Net interest (expense) income 
Other income (expense) 
(Loss) income from operations before income taxes 
(Loss) income tax (expense) benefit  
(Loss) income from operations 
Dividends paid 
Balance Sheet
Net current assets 
Total assets 
Long-term debt1 
Shareholders’ (deficit) equity 
Other Statistics
Number of employees:
USA and Europe Fibre Cement 
Asia Pacific Fibre Cement 
Research and Development 
Corporate 
Total from continuing operations 
Number of shareholders 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
  Basic 
  Diluted 
Capital expenditures 
Depreciation and amortisation2 
Dividends paid per share3 
Basic (loss) earnings per share4 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share5 
Gearing ratio6 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006

$ 

$  

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$  
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

828.1 
296.5 
$  1,124.6 

  $   208.5 
58.7 
(19.0) 
248.2 
(45.0) 
(224.2) 
(21.0) 
(4.0) 
6.3 
(18.7) 
(66.2) 
(84.9) 
  – 

$   
$ 

$ 

$ 

  50.4 
2,178.8 
154.0 
(117.9) 

1,647 
725 
105 
34 
2,511 
12,411 

433.1 
433.1 
  50.5 
  61.7 
– 
(19.6¢) 
(19.6¢) 
10.9% 

$ 
$ 

 929.3 
273.3 
1,202.6 

$     1,170.5 
298.3 
1,468.8 

$ 

$  1,291.2 
251.7 
$  1,542.9 

$  1,246.7
241.8
$  1,488.5

 199.3 
47.1 
(18.9) 
227.5 
(71.3) 
17.4 
173.6 
(3.0) 
(14.8) 
155.8 
(19.5) 
 136.3 
  34.6 

$  

$ 
$ 

   235.2 
50.3 
(18.1) 
267.4 
(63.9) 
(240.1) 
(36.6) 
1.1 
– 
(35.5) 
(36.1) 
(71.6) 
  126.2 

$     353.1  $ 

39.4 
(17.1) 
375.4 
(56.5) 
(405.5) 
(86.6) 
(6.5) 
– 
(93.1) 
243.9 
  150.8  $   
 42.1  $ 

$  
$ 

   316.1
41.7
(15.7)
342.1
(61.4)
(715.6)
(434.9)
(0.2)
–
(435.1)
(71.6)
(506.7)
  45.9

 137.7 
1,891.7 
 230.7 
  (108.7) 

$ 
  183.7 
$    2,179.9 
  174.5 
$ 
  (202.6) 
$ 

  259.0  $ 

$  
   150.8
$  2,128.1  $  1,445.4
   121.7
$  
94.9
$  

  105.0  $ 
  258.7  $ 

1,368 
784 
106 
48 
2,306 
12,786 

432.3 
434.5 
26.1 
  56.4 
8.0¢ 
31.5¢ 
31.4¢ 
24.0% 

1,889 
834 
111 
48 
2,882 
14,012 

455.0 
455.0 
  38.5 
  56.5 
27.0¢ 
(15.7¢) 
(15.7¢) 
22.7% 

$  
$  

1,958 
835 
101 
50 
2,944 
14,776 

464.6 
466.4 
  92.1  $ 
  50.7  $   

$   
$   

9.0¢ 
32.5¢ 
32.3¢ 
12.8% 

2,281
854
118
50
3,303
14,679

461.7
461.7
   162.8
   45.3
10.0¢
(110.0¢)
(110.0¢)
(1.6)%

Notes:
1  Includes current portion of long term debt. The US$ notes were repaid on 8 May 2006.

2  Information for depreciation and amortisation is for continuing operations only.

3  Dividends paid divided by the weighted average number of ordinary and employee shares on issue during the year.

4  Income (loss) from continuing operations divided by the weighted average number of ordinary and employee shares on issue during the year.

5   Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number 

of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares, such as options, had been issued.

6  Borrowings less cash (net debt) divided by net debt plus total shareholders’ equity.

120 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SharE/CuFS inFormaTion
(noT Forming parT oF ThE  
ConSolidaTEd FinanCial STaTEmEnTS)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

James Hardie Industries SE voting rights:
As of 15 June 2010 James Hardie Industries SE had on issue 434,916,592 CHESS Units of Foreign Securities (CUFS) issued over 434,916,592 
ordinary shares held by CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd (CDN) on behalf of 12,411 CUFS holders. Each ordinary share carries the right to one 
vote. CUFS holders can direct CDN how to vote the ordinary shares on a one vote per CUFS basis. Options carry no voting rights.

James Hardie Industries SE distribution schedule as at 15 June 2010:

Size of Holding Range 
1–1,000 
1,001–5,000 
5,001–10,000 
10,001–100,000 
100,001 and over 
Totals 

CUFS 

Options

Holders 
5,216 
5,423 
1,028 
666 
78 
12,411 

Holdings 
2,492,719 
13,127,202 
7,330,375 
15,286,431 
396,679,865 
434,916,592 

Holders 
– 
19 
23 
83 
28 
153 

Holdings
–
43,791
182,685
3,151,923
11,012,575
14,390,974

Based on the closing price of A$7.04 on 15 June 2010, 334 CUFS holders held less than a marketable parcel.

James Hardie Industries SE substantial CUFS holders as at 15 June 2010:
Holdings shown below are as disclosed in substantial holding notices lodged with the ASX.

Shareholder 
Schroder Investment Management Australia Limited 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
FMR LLC and FIL Limited 
National Australia Bank Limited Group 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd and its related bodies corporate 
Baillie Gifford & Co 

Shares 
Beneficially Owned 
31,024,755 
30,986,692 
29,347,020 
28,198,184 
24,743,787 
22,325,859 

Percentage 
of Shares
Outstanding
7.14%
7.13%
6.75%
6.49%
5.70%
5.14%

James Hardie Industries SE 20 largest registered CUFS holders and their holdings as at 15 June 2010:

Name 
National Nominees Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
ANZ Nominees Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia 
Tasman Asset Management Ltd 
AMP Life Limited 
Madingley Nominees Pty Ltd 
Queensland Investment Corporation 
ARGO Investments Limited 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 
UBS Private Clients Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
Mr G G Cross 
Millenium Pty Limited 
Mirrabooka Investments Limited 
Carlton Hotel Limited 
Mount Margaret Pty Limited 
Total: 

Note 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 

1 

1 

1 

CUFS
Holdings 
100,578,693 
97,386,349 
82,342,840 
44,066,523 
14,587,240 
13,970,044 
7,538,357 
5,917,626 
5,304,790 
2,257,128 
2,049,008 
1,683,938 
1,469,000 
1,346,267 
1,295,286 
919,842 
900,000 
660,000 
625,362 
612,683 
385,510,976 

% 
23.13 
22.39 
18.93 
10.13 
3.35 
3.21 
1.73 
1.36 
1.22 
0.52 
0.47 
0.39 
0.34 
0.31 
0.30 
0.21 
0.21 
0.15 
0.14 
0.14 
88.64

Position
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

1  Entities which hold interests in the CUFS solely as a nominee or trustee for another person may have those interests disregarded for the purposes 
of the takeover and substantial share/CUFS holder provisions contained in the Articles of Association of the company. Those nominees may hold 
CUFS for holders which include the substantial shareholders named above.

121 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SharE/CuFS inFormaTion
(noT Forming parT oF ThE  
ConSolidaTEd FinanCial STaTEmEnTS)
(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

CompoSiTion oF our SharEholdEr baSE

42.03% 
0-1,000

43.69% 
1,001-5,000

8.28%  
5,001-10,000

5.37% 
10,001 and over

0.63%
100,001 and over

66.15% 
Australia

12.59% 
North America

15.25%
UK and Europe

5.74% 
Asia

0.27% 
Other

Size of Holding Range

Distribution of issued capital by geography
 Analysis based on Top100 extract of share register at 31 May 2010  

James Hardie Industries SE share/CUFS buy-back
The company currently does not have a share buy-back program underway.

major announCEmEnTS

James Hardie informs the ASX and the SEC of matters that might have a material effect on the company’s share price. As soon as possible after 
we receive acknowledgement from the ASX, we post announcements on our website. Following is a list of the major announcements made during 
2010 fiscal year. Complete announcements are available on our website at www.jameshardie.com (select Investor Relations, then News).

Calendar 2009
15 April 2009 

23 April 2009 

24 April 2009 

28 April 2009 

20 May 2009 

15 June 2009 

23 June 2009 

24 June 2009 

26 June 2009 
17 August 2009 

James Hardie announced that the Appeals Division of the US IRS had signed a settlement agreement with the company’s 
subsidiaries in which the IRS conceded the government’s position in full with regard to its assertion in the Notice of Proposed 
Amendment, received by the company on 23 June 2008, that the company did not qualify for benefits under the United States-
Netherlands Tax Treaty for the calendar years 2006 and 2007.
James Hardie and the NSW Government were today advised by the AICF that its Board has determined that it is reasonably 
foreseeable that, within two years, the available assets of the AICF are likely to be insufficient to fund the payment of all 
reasonably foreseeable liabilities. The advice was contained in a notice issued by the AICF under the AFFA.
Justice Gzell issued his judgment yesterday in the civil proceedings commenced by ASIC in February 2007 in the Supreme Court 
of NSW against the company, a former related entity James Hardie Industries Limited (JHIL) and ten former directors and officers.
James Hardie announced that on 24 April 2009 a trial court in Santiago, Chile awarded the equivalent of US$13.4 million 
against Fibrocementos Volcan Limitada (the former James Hardie Chilean entity), in civil litigation brought by Industria 
Cementa Limitada (“Cementa”) in 2007. FC Volcan is appealing the decision to the Santiago Court of Appeal.
Results for Q4 and full year FY09: James Hardie announced a US$7.2 million net operating profit, excluding asbestos, 
ASIC expenses, asset impairments and tax adjustments, for the quarter ended 31 March 2009, a decrease of 57% compared to 
the same period of the prior year. For the quarter, net operating loss including asbestos, ASIC expenses, asset impairments and 
tax adjustments was US$129.6 million (mainly due to the change in the actuarial estimate of the company’s asbestos liability), 
compared to US$146.9 million for the same quarter of the prior year.

Full year net operating profit excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses, asset impairments and tax adjustments, decreased 44% 
to US$96.9 million from US$173.8 million. Including asbestos, ASIC expenses, asset impairments and tax adjustments, 
net operating profit increased from a loss of US$71.6 million to a profit of US$136.3 million.
In response to media and market enquiries regarding the review of its domicile, James Hardie said that, while there had been 
a narrowing of alternatives, the review was on-going and the company was not in a position at this stage to announce the 
outcome of the review.
James Hardie announced that it would hold its 2009 AGM in The Netherlands on 21 August 2009. The AGM will be preceded 
by an Annual Information Meeting in Sydney on 18 August 2009. The AGM will consider amendments to the remuneration 
framework for the company’s Managing Board. The proposed remuneration framework will also apply to the members of the 
company’s Senior Leadership Team.
James Hardie announced that its directors have determined to seek shareholder approval for a two-stage plan to transform 
James Hardie into a Societas Europaea (SE), a relatively new form of European corporation (Stage1), and then move its 
corporate domicile from The Netherlands to Ireland (Stage 2).
James Hardie announced that it has filed its annual report on form 20-F for fiscal year 2009 with the US SEC.
In advance of the 21 August 2009 EGM to consider Stage 1 of the Proposal to transform James Hardie into a SE, and then 
move its corporate domicile from The Netherlands to Ireland, James Hardie provided an update on regulatory and other matters 
relating to the Proposal.

122 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
Calendar 2009 (continued)
18 August 2009 

Results for Q1 FY10: James Hardie announced a US$41.6 million net operating profit, excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and 
tax adjustments, for the quarter ended 30 June 2009, an increase of 4% compared to the same period of the prior year. For the 
first quarter, net operating loss including asbestos, ASIC expenses and tax adjustments was US$77.9 million, compared to a 
profit of US$1.4 million for the same quarter of the prior year. Included in the current period result are unfavourable asbestos 
adjustments of US$119.8 million, solely attributable to the movement in the A$/US$ exchange rate, from US$0.6872 at 
31 March 2009 to US$0.8126 at 30 June 2009.
Justice Gzell delivered his judgment on exoneration, penalties and costs in the civil proceedings commenced by ASIC in 
February 2007 in the Supreme Court of NSW against the company, JHIL and ten former directors and officers.

20 August 2009 

3 September 2009  The Supervisory Board of James Hardie Industries appointed David Dilger to the company’s Supervisory and Joint Boards 

effective 2 September 2009 (US time).

22 September 2009  James Hardie advised that it has received a statement of no objection from the Australian Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan, 

confirming his approval for the company to proceed with the corporate restructure connected with its proposal to transform 
James Hardie into a Societas Europaea (SE) (Stage 1), and move its corporate domicile from The Netherlands to Ireland 
(Stage 2). A copy of the Treasurer’s announcement was attached, along with the company’s letter to the Foreign Investment 
Review Board (FIRB) dated 14 September 2009.

23 September 2009  James Hardie lodged an appeal against the declarations and orders made against it by Justice Gzell on 27 August 2009 in the 
civil proceedings commenced by ASIC in February 2007 in the Supreme Court of NSW against the company, a former related 
entity, JHIL, and ten former directors and officers.
In response to extensive media coverage about a potential shortfall in the asbestos compensation fund established in 2007, 
James Hardie repeated its commitment to the agreement negotiated between it, the AICF and NSW Government.

26 October 2009 

7 November 2009  James Hardie acknowledged the loan facility of up to A$320 million to be made available to the AICF and reconfirmed its 

commitment to the AFFA.

23 November 2009  Results for Q2 FY10: James Hardie announced a US$37.6 million net operating profit, excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses 

and tax adjustments, for the quarter ended 30 September 2009. This represents an increase of 4% compared to the 
corresponding quarter of the prior year. The net operating result including asbestos, ASIC expenses and tax adjustments was 
a loss of US$19.6 million, compared to a profit of US$153.5 million for the same quarter of the prior year.

Calendar 2010
11 February 2010  Results for Q3 FY10: James Hardie announced a US$29.8 million net operating profit, excluding asbestos, ASIC expenses and 

20 February 2010 

18 March 2010 

tax adjustments, for the quarter ended 31 December 2009, an increase of 66% compared to the corresponding quarter of the 
prior year. The net operating result including asbestos, ASIC expenses and tax adjustments was a profit of US$14.9 million, 
compared to a profit of US$111.0 million for the corresponding quarter of the prior year.
James Hardie announced that it had finalised the first stage of its previously announced two-stage plan (the Proposal) 
to transform James Hardie into a Societas Europaea company (SE) (Stage 1) and move its corporate domicile from The 
Netherlands to Ireland (Stage 2).
James Hardie announced that it has filed with the US SEC and the ASX a Registration Statement on Form F-4 including 
a draft Explanatory Memorandum outlining Stage 2 of its previously announced two-stage plan to transform to a Societas 
Europaea company and move its corporate domicile from The Netherlands to Ireland.

Annual Meeting
The 2010 Annual General Meeting of CUFS holders of James Hardie 
Industries SE will be held in Dublin, Ireland, at 8.00am on Thursday, 
12 August 2010 and simultaneously broadcast to a meeting in Sydney, 
Australia, at 5.00pm (Sydney time) on Thursday, 12 August 2010. Details 
of the venues for both meetings are set out in the Notice of Meeting 2010.

Calendar 2011*
Feb 

FY11 Quarter 3 and nine months results announcement and 
management presentation
End of JHI SE Fiscal Year 2011
FY11 Quarter 4 and full year results announcement and 
management presentation

31 Mar 
May 

Calendar 2010*
31 Mar 
27 May 

30 Jun 
12 Aug 

End of JHI SE Fiscal Year 2010
FY10 Quarter 4 and full year results announcement and 
management presentation
2010 annual report released
FY11 Quarter 1 results announcement and management 
presentation

*Future dates are indicative only and may change

10 Aug  Direction Forms close 4.00pm Sydney time for Annual 

12 Aug 
15 Nov 

General Meeting
Annual General Meeting, Dublin and Sydney
FY11 Quarter 2 and half year results announcement and 
management presentation

123 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

SharE/CuFS inFormaTion
(noT Forming parT oF ThE  
ConSolidaTEd FinanCial STaTEmEnTS)
(ConTinuEd)

JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE AND SUBSIDIARIES

Stock Exchange Listings
James Hardie Industries SE’s securities are listed on the Australian and 
New York Stock Exchanges.

Disclosure
James Hardie aims to ensure the widest possible disclosure of its 
activities, using:

Australia: Australian Securities Exchange Limited

James Hardie Industries SE shares are listed on the  
ASX in the form of CHESS Units of Foreign Securities  
(or CUFS). CUFS represent beneficial ownership of JHI 
SE shares, the legal ownership of which is held by CHESS 
Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd. JHI SE CUFS trade under 
the code JHX.

New York: New York Stock Exchange Inc

In the United States, five JHI SE NV CUFS equal one Bank 
of New York Mellon-issued American Depositary Receipt 
(or ADR) and trade on the New York Stock Exchange under 
the code JHX.

All enquiries and correspondence regarding ADRs should be referred to 
The Bank of New York Mellon, which can be contacted via the website 
www.adrbny.com or contact:

BNY Mellon Shareowner Services
PO Box 358516
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8516

Telephone within USA: 1-888-BNY-ADRs
Telephone outside USA: 201-680-6825

Email: shrrelations@bnymellon.com

Share/CUFS registry
JHI SE’s registry is managed by Computershare Investor Services 
Pty Limited. All enquiries and correspondence regarding holdings 
should be directed to:

Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd
Level 4, 60 Carrington Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
or GPO Box 2975, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia

Telephone within Australia: 1300 855 080
Telephone outside Australia: (61 3) 9415 4000

Facsimile: (61 3) 9473 2500

Email: web.queries@computershare.com.au

Website: www.computershare.com

Payment of dividends and other cash distributions  
to share/CUFS holders
Dividends and other cash distributions can be paid by electronic funds 
transfer to an Australian bank account or by cheque. To participate in 
the electronic service, contact Computershare at the above address.

On 20 May, 2009, the company announced that it would omit the 
year-end dividend for fiscal year 2009 to conserve capital and that, 
until such time as market and global economic conditions improve 
significantly and the level of uncertainty surrounding future industry 
trends as well as company specific contingencies dissipates, it 
anticipates that dividends will continue to be suspended in order 
to conserve capital. This remains the company’s position.

124 | JAMES HARDIE | ANNUAL REPORT 2010

– quarterly results and management presentations;

–  webcasting and conference call facilities that make quarterly results 

available to all security holders;

–  extensive disclosure of financial results as well as detailed 

explanations about the key performance drivers; and

–  prompt postings on our website of announcements, results and 

information about other material events.

Along with these announcements, the Investor Relations area of our 
website (www.jameshardie.com) contains media releases, results 
briefings, management presentations and past annual reports. There 
are also areas where visitors can register to receive email alerts of key 
events or announcements. Our formal Disclosure Policy is contained in 
the Corporate Governance area of the website.

Annual Report
Security holders must advise the share registry if they want to receive 
a printed copy of the annual report. The annual report can be read on, 
and downloaded from, the Investor Relations area of our website at  
www.jameshardie.com

Addresses
Corporate Headquarters
Second Floor, Europa House, Harcourt Centre
Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Telephone: (+353) 1 411 6924
Facsimile: (+353) 1 479 1128

Investor Relations
Level 3, 22 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Telephone: (+61 2) 8274 5246
Facsimile: (+61 2) 8274 5218
Email: investor.relations@jameshardie.com.au

USA Chicago Regional Office
231 South LaSalle Street, 20th Floor, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: (+1 800) 348 1811
Facsimile: (+1 312) 419 2976

USA Mission Viejo Regional Office
26300 La Alameda, Suite 400, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 USA
Telephone: (+1 949) 348 1800
Facsimile: (+1 949) 348 4534

Australian Regional Office
Level 3, 22 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Telephone (+61 2) 8274 5239
Facsimile: (+61 2) 8274 5217

Place of Incorporation
James Hardie Industries SE, ARBN 097 829 895, is incorporated in 
Ireland, with registered office at Second Floor, Europa House, Harcourt 
Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland and registered number 
485719. The liability of its members is limited.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
San Diego, California USA

™ and ® denote a trademark or registered mark of James Hardie 
Technology Limited, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

Forward-looking Statements 
This annual report contains forward-looking statements. James Hardie 
may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its periodic 
reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, on Forms 20-F and 6-K, 
in its annual reports to shareholders, in offering circulars, invitation 
memoranda and prospectuses, in media releases and other written 
materials and in oral statements made by the company’s officers, directors 
or employees to analysts, institutional investors, existing and potential 
lenders, representatives of the media and others. Statements that are not 
historical facts are forward-looking statements and such forward-looking 
statements are statements made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions 
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 

Examples of forward-looking statements include:

–  statements about our future performance; 

–  projections of our results of operations or financial condition;

–  statements regarding our plans, objectives or goals, including 

those relating to strategies, initiatives, competition, acquisitions, 
dispositions and/or our products;

–  expectations concerning the costs associated with the suspension 
or closure of operations at any of our plants and future plans with 
respect to any such plants;

–  expectations that our credit facilities will be extended or renewed;

–  expectations concerning dividend payments;

–  statements concerning our corporate and tax domiciles and potential 

changes to them, including potential tax charges;

–  statements regarding tax liabilities and related audits, reviews 

and proceedings;

–  statements as to the possible consequences of proceedings 

brought against us and certain of our former directors and officers 
by the ASIC;

–  expectations about the timing and amount of contributions to 

the AICF, a special purpose fund for the compensation of proven 
Australian asbestos-related personal injury and death claims;

–  expectations concerning indemnification obligations;

–  statements about product or environmental liabilities; and

–  statements about economic conditions, such as the levels of 

new home construction, unemployment levels, the availability of 
mortgages and other financing, mortgage and other interest rates, 
housing affordability and supply, the levels of foreclosures and home 
resales, currency exchange rates and consumer confidence.

Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” 
“target,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “forecast,” “guideline,” 
“aim,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “continue” and similar expressions 
are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the 
exclusive means of identifying such statements.  Readers are cautioned 
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and 
all such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by 
reference to the following cautionary statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, 
estimates and assumptions and because forward-looking statements 
address future results, events and conditions, they, by their very 
nature, involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are 
unforeseeable and beyond our control. Such known and unknown 
risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, 
performance or other achievements to differ materially from the 
anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed, projected 
or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors, some of 
which are discussed under “Key Information – Risk Factors” beginning 
on page 6 of the Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange 
Commission on 30 June 2010 (US time), include, but are not limited 
to: all matters relating to or arising out of the prior manufacture of 
products that contained asbestos by current and former James Hardie 
subsidiaries; required contributions to the AICF, any shortfall in the 
AICF and the effect of currency exchange rate movements on the 
amount recorded in our financial statements as an asbestos liability; 
proposed governmental loan facility to the AICF; compliance with and 
changes in tax laws and treatments; competition and product pricing in 
the markets in which we operate; seasonal fluctuations in the demand 
for our products; the consequences of product failures or defects; 
exposure to environmental, asbestos or other legal proceedings; general 
economic and market conditions; the supply and cost of raw materials; 
the success of research and development efforts; the potential that 
competitors could copy our products; reliance on a small number of 
customers; a customer’s inability to pay; compliance with and changes 
in environmental and health and safety laws; risks of conducting 
business internationally; compliance with and changes in laws and 
regulations; the effect of the transfer of our corporate domicile from 
The Netherlands to Ireland to become an Irish SE including employee 
relations, changes in corporate governance, potential tax benefits 
and the effect of any negative publicity; currency exchange risks; the 
concentration of our customer base on large format retail customers, 
distributors and dealers; the effect of natural disasters; changes in our 
key management personnel; inherent limitations on internal controls; 
use of accounting estimates; and all other risks identified in our reports 
filed with Australian, Irish and US securities agencies and exchanges 
(as appropriate). We caution you that the foregoing list of factors is 
not exhaustive and that other risks and uncertainties may cause actual 
results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. 
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made 
and are statements of our current expectations concerning future 
results, events and conditions.

CORPORATE OFFICES

Corporate Headquarters 
Second Floor, Europa House 
Harcourt Centre 
Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland 
Telephone  (+353) 1 411 6924 
Facsimile  (+353) 1 479 1128

USA Chicago Regional Office 
231 South LaSalle Street, 20th Floor 
Suite 2000 
Chicago, IL 60604 
Telephone  (+1 800) 348 1811 
Facsimile  (+1 312) 419 2976

USA Mission Viejo Regional Office  
26300 La Alameda, Suite 400 
Mission Viejo, California 92691 
United States of America  
Telephone  +1 (949) 348 1800 
Facsimile  +1 (949) 348 4534

Australian Regional Office 
Level 3, 22 Pitt Street  
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia 
Telephone  +61 (2) 8274 5239 
Facsimile  +61 (2) 8274 5217

BUSINESS UNIT OFFICES

AUSTRALIA 
James Hardie Building Products 
10 Colquhoun Street  
Rosehill, 2142, NSW, Australia 
Facsimile  1800 818 819 
www.jameshardie.com.au  
Ask James Hardie™  
Telephone 13 1103

James Hardie FRC Pipes 
46 Randle Road  
Meeandah, 4008 
Queensland, Australia 
Telephone  1800 659 850 
Facsimile  1800 639 908 
www.jameshardie.com.au

EUROPE 
James Hardie Building Products  
Atrium, 8th Floor  
Strawinskylaan 3077 
1077ZX Amsterdam, Netherlands 
Telephone  +31 (0) 20 301 6750 
Facsimile  +31 (0) 20 642 5357 
www.jameshardieeu.com 
Customer Toll Free Service Help Line  
within UK – 0800 068 3103 
Customer Toll Free Service Help Line  
within France – 0800 903 069

NEW ZEALAND 
James Hardie Building Products 
50 O’Rorke Road 
Penrose, Auckland 
New Zealand 
Telephone  +64 (9) 579 9919 
Facsimile  +64 (9) 525 4810  
www.jameshardie.co.nz 
Ask James Hardie™ Helpline 
Toll Free 0800 808 868

PHILIPPINES 
James Hardie Building Products 
Barangay San Isidro 
Cabuyao, Laguna, 4025 
Philippines  
Telephone  +63 (2) 897 8131 
Facsimile  +63 (2) 895 2994 
www.jameshardie.com.ph

NORTH AMERICA 
James Hardie Building Products  
26300 La Alameda, Suite 400 
Mission Viejo 
California 92691 
United States of America  
Telephone  +1 (949) 348 1800 
Facsimile  +1 (949) 367 0185 
www.jameshardie.com 
Customer Service 1 (866) 4HARDIE