James Hardie Q4 Operating Profit Down 4%

James Hardie Industries SE

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.