James Hardie Investors Face Dec. 23 Lead‑Plaintiff Deadline in Securities Suit Over Alleged Destocking Cover‑Up

The complaint alleges the company downplayed distributor destocking before disclosing a 12% North America sales decline that preceded a sharp stock drop.

Overview

Multiple plaintiff firms are soliciting shareholders to seek leadership in the Northern District of Illinois case, Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, No. 1:25-cv-13018.
The putative class covers purchases from May 20 through August 18, 2025, with claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5.
Filings assert James Hardie told investors demand was strong and inventory levels were normal despite knowing by early May that distributors were reducing stock.
On August 19, 2025, the company reported a 12% North America fiber cement sales decline tied to “normalization of channel inventories,” and the shares fell more than 34% the next day.
No class has been certified and the allegations remain unproven, with firms offering contingency-fee representation and noting the recent CFO transition as a development to review.