James Hardie (ASX:JHX) share price slips amid Jack Truong battle heating up

Here's the latest on James Hardies' leadership saga.

| More on:
Man slipping over on banana skin

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The James Hardie Industries (ASX: JHX) share price is in the red on Tuesday after rumours that its ousted CEO could be gearing up for a legal battle hit headlines.

The company's former boss was shown the door last week after the company found that his treatment of employees, while not discriminatory, went against its code of conduct.  

After spending most of this morning in the green, the James Hardie share price has currently slipped to $50.08. That's 0.18% lower than its previous close.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently down 0.6%.

Let's take a look at the latest in the building product company's leadership debacle.

According to reporting by The Australian, Truong seems to be readying himself to challenge James Hardie with a legal battle, which he expects will amount to a settlement.

That could help Truong recover some of the valuable incentives taken off the table on his termination.

According to the company, he is only eligible to statutory entitlements after being shown the door.

The company claimed its former boss engaged in bullying behaviour, with many employees feeling threatened and intimidated.

On Monday, reports emerged stating that Truong had issued a response to his termination, saying it "blindsided" him and denied the company's version of events.

Interestingly, a now-former James Hardie director, Dr Moe Nozari, resigned yesterday effective immediately.

Nozari previously sat on the company's Nominating and Governance Committee. The committee evaluates board members and senior management, among other responsibilities.

In Truong's wake, James Hardie director Harold Wiens has been appointed to the role of interim CEO while the board looks for its next boss.

After all the commotion, the James Hardie share price is far from the green this week.

Over the last 7 days, the company's stock has slipped 10.5% lower. Though, it's still 40% higher than it was this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Materials Shares

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Materials Shares

ASX lithium shares tumble as falling prices hit export values

Here are all the details from a new report released today.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Materials Shares

Why are Sayona Mining shares getting thumped today?

Should this miner have put its lithium operation on care and maintenance?

Read more »

Three miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background
Materials Shares

BHP shares sink on $60b Anglo American takeover news

The Big Australian could be on the verge of a major acquisition.

Read more »

A man in trendy clothing sits on a bench in a shopping mall looking at his phone with interest and a surprised look on his face.
Materials Shares

Dirt cheap! Why Lynas shares could rise 18%

Bell Potter sees a lot of value in this rare earths miner's shares.

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Materials Shares

Why Fortescue shares could crash 30%

One leading broker believes this mining giant's shares are severely overvalued.

Read more »

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Materials Shares

Here's the Pilbara Minerals dividend forecast through to 2028

Let's see what analysts are predicting for this lithium giant's dividends.

Read more »

A man wearing glasses and a white t-shirt pumps his fists in the air looking excited and happy about the rising OBX share price
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX lithium stock is rocketing 15% on big news

Why are investors buying this lithium share on Wednesday?

Read more »

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Materials Shares

Mineral Resources share price tumbles amid ongoing lithium price weakness

ASX 200 investors are bidding down the Mineral Resources share price on Wednesday.

Read more »