United States, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Shares of a leading siding manufacturer plunged nearly 35% after the company reported weaker fiscal first-quarter results, with net profit down about 28% and sales falling roughly 9%. Management attributed the decline to softer U.S. housing demand and homeowners deferring large exterior projects amid higher interest rates. Major home improvement retailers signaled similar consumer caution. Industry notes highlight that stucco remains a popular siding choice, a magnitude 4.1 quake rattled parts of the Southeast, and a private equity deal reshaped regional installer ownership, underscoring varied pressures across the exterior services market.
James Hardie Shares Plunge Nearly 35% as Housing Headwinds Weigh on Demand
Market reaction was swift after the maker of premium home siding saw its stock fall nearly 35% in a single day, marking the largest one-day drop for the company since the early 1970s based on market data. The company reported a double-digit pullback in the fiscal first quarter, with net profit down about 28% year over year and net sales falling roughly 9% over the same period. Management pointed to softer demand in the U.S. housing market and homeowners delaying big exterior projects as primary factors behind the results.
What company reports show
The firm that sells high-end siding cited a slowdown in single-family construction activity, especially across southern U.S. markets. Higher interest rates were listed as a cross-cutting pressure, slowing sales, new home starts and large remodeling jobs that typically rely on home equity lines or other financing. Company leadership described conversations with customers and contractor partners as full of uncertainty and said many homeowners are deferring large-ticket projects such as re-siding.
Retailer signals and wider market context
Major home improvement retailers reported similar consumer caution about large projects. While the big-box chains saw far smaller share moves after their results, both firms described customers pausing on major remodels that often require debt financing. One retailer expects the overall home improvement market to remain roughly flat for the year, and both companies said they are managing costs tied to trade tariffs by leaning on more domestic sourcing. One chain noted that over half of its products are sourced in the U.S., while the other reported about 60% U.S.-sourced supply and roughly 20% from China, a meaningful shift from several years earlier.
Industry impact
The combined effect of high rates and a slowed housing market is dampening demand for exterior materials and contractor services. Smaller remodeling jobs and routine maintenance may continue, but projects that require new loans or tapping home equity are being delayed — slowing growth for manufacturers and installers tied to single-family construction and higher-end home updates.
Stucco remains a popular siding choice despite limitations
A recent guide updated in May 2025 highlights stucco as one of the most enduring exterior finishes. Stucco ranks behind vinyl as the second-most popular siding nationwide and is used on nearly one-quarter of single-family homes built in recent years, according to industry reporting from 2019. Traditional stucco is a layered cement-like system applied in coats that create color and texture in the final finish. Newer systems — acrylic, insulated and crack-suppression variations — are expanding stucco’s geographical reach by addressing cracking and insulation concerns.
Stucco installation typically requires multiple coats, specialized lath and weather barrier layers, and a crew with skill and experience. Experts recommend professional installation rather than DIY for most homeowners, particularly for insulated or crack-suppression systems that involve extra materials and steps.
A 4.1 magnitude quake rattles parts of the Southeast
A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck eastern Tennessee one Saturday morning and was felt across neighboring states, with initial reports showing wide public response in the first hour. Early estimates were revised upward from an initial magnitude reading. The epicenter was located roughly 21 kilometers southeast of a local community in Tennessee. Because seismic waves travel efficiently across the eastern U.S., the tremor was felt over a broad area and generated thousands of felt reports. Seismologists place the chance of a magnitude 4 or larger aftershock in the following week at a single-digit percentage. The region sits within the eastern Tennessee seismic zone, which is one of the more active earthquake areas in the Southeast.
Curb appeal trends with a Southern focus
Exterior design trends in the South emphasize charm and layered materials. Current highlights include reimagined rooflines, proper-scale shutters, natural or unpainted brick, mixed materials such as brick with siding or stone accents, and refreshed porches that act as outdoor living rooms. Designers recommend focusing on no more than three exterior features so the look feels intentional, pairing classic materials with clean landscaping, and using properly scaled lighting and hardware to boost evening appeal. Native plantings are popular for low-maintenance landscaping, while bold front-door colors and carefully chosen exterior fixtures remain effective ways to make an immediate impression.
Private equity deal reshapes regional installer ownership
A private equity firm sold a majority stake in a leading regional exterior installer to another investment firm, while retaining a minority position to support future growth. The company, founded in 2000 and based in Georgia, installs siding, roofing, gutters, windows and other exterior products for both homebuilders and homeowners across several southeastern states. Management will continue to lead day-to-day operations, and advisors and legal counsel were engaged to complete the transaction. The deal reflects ongoing consolidation in the building products and services sector and a focus on scale, technology-enabled solutions and geographic expansion.
Bottom line
Elevated interest rates and a softer housing market are cooling demand for big exterior projects, squeezing margins and sales for some siding manufacturers and installers. At the same time, material and design trends such as newer stucco systems and classic exterior details continue to shape homeowner choices. Regional seismic events and ongoing deal activity in the installer market are additional factors builders, contractors and homeowners will watch in the coming months.
FAQ
Why did the siding manufacturer’s stock fall so sharply?
The company reported weaker quarterly results with lower profits and sales, and management linked the drop to softer housing demand and homeowners deferring large remodeling projects that often require financing.
Are homeowners still using stucco for exterior siding?
Yes. Stucco remains a widely used siding option and is the second-most popular material behind vinyl for single-family homes. New product systems have broadened where and how stucco is used.
Was the recent earthquake likely to cause major damage?
The quake measured in the low 4.0 range and was widely felt. Historically, quakes of this size in the region cause limited damage, but authorities monitor aftershocks and local effects on older structures.
What curb-appeal updates give the best return for Southern homes?
Smaller-scale updates such as well-proportioned lighting, a refreshed front door, correct-size shutters, clean native landscaping and a tidy porch can deliver strong visual impact without major expense.
What does the private equity sale mean for regional installers?
The transaction signals continued consolidation and investment in scale, technology and market reach for companies that serve homebuilders and homeowners in fast-growing regional markets.
Key features at a glance
| Topic | Key Facts | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Company earnings & stock | Stock down ~35%, profit -28%, sales -9% in fiscal Q1 | Demand weakness, investor concern about housing-linked exposure |
| Home improvement retailers | Customers delaying large projects; retailers managing tariff-driven costs via sourcing | Smaller-ticket work may persist while big projects slow |
| Stucco trends | ~25% of new single-family homes use stucco; newer systems reduce cracking and add insulation | Stucco remains viable; professional installation recommended |
| Seismic event | Magnitude 4.1 quake felt across multiple states; thousands of reports | Low-likelihood aftershock; regional monitoring advised |
| Private equity deal | Majority stake sale in regional installer; seller retains minority interest; management stays | Continued consolidation and growth focus in exterior services |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Family Handyman: Stucco Guide
- Wikipedia: Stucco
- WYFF4: Southeast Earthquake Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Eastern Tennessee seismic zone
- Southern Living: Curb Appeal Trends
- Google Search: Curb appeal Southern homes
- PR Newswire: Halifax Group sells majority stake in Southern Exteriors
- Google Scholar: Private equity regional installer
- PE Professional: Halifax Group deal coverage
- Google News: Halifax Group Southern Exteriors
Author: Construction FL News
FLORIDA STAFF WRITER The FLORIDA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionflnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florida and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florida Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Shutts & Bowen LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
