News: JHX UPDATE 2-Cement maker James Hardie's third-quarter income rises 39%

	  Sees Q4 adjusted net income to be between $165 million to 

$185 million

	  Q4 EBIT margin forecast in range 30% to 32%  

	  Sees FY24 Capex OF $515 million  

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Feb 13 (Reuters) - The world's largest cement maker, James Hardie Industries (JHX) , on Tuesday reported a 39% jump in its third-quarter profit even as it flagged an uncertain outlook for the housing markets that it operates in.

The company forecast its adjusted net income to be between $165 million to $185 million for the fourth quarter, higher than $146.2 million reported in the prior corresponding period, but lower on a sequential basis.

The Dublin-based firm's adjusted net income for the three months ended Dec. 31 stood at $179.9 million, compared with $129.2 million a year earlier, beating an LSEG estimate of $174.2 million.

The firm also forecast a North American earnings margin before interest and taxes of between 30% and 32% in the fourth quarter. It reported an EBIT margin of 32.7% for the segment during the third quarter.

The company, which makes most of its profits from its U.S. operations, reaped benefits from lower freight and pulp costs in the housing construction market in the world's largest economy.

Net sales in the company's North America and other segments including Asia-Pacific and Europe rose 14% to $978.3 million from $860.8 million a year earlier.

James Hardie also said it expects to spend about a total of $515 million in capital expenditures for full year 2024.