James Hardie Q4 Operating Profit Down 4%

James Hardie Industries SE (NYSE: JHX) reported a 4% drop in its operating profit for the fiscal fourth quarter.

Its quarterly operating profit fell to US$32.1 million. Its full-year operating profit surged 20% to US$140.4 million, versus analysts' estimates of US$137.7 million.

Its quarterly sales gained 7% to US$309.3 million, while full year sales climbed 6% to US$1.24 billion.

For the full year, James Hardie's net profit, including one-time items, came in at US$604.3 million, versus a US$347.0 million loss in the year-ago period.

It declared a final dividend of 38 U.S. cents.

James Hardie shares closed at $34.72 yesterday.

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