** ASX-listed shares of James Hardie JHA1.F, JHX.AX rise as much as 2.3% to A$35.790, hitting their highest level since Aug. 19
** Fibre cement maker reaffirms its third-quarter and FY26 forecast
** Co shuts down manufacturing plants in California, South Carolina, others
** Expects to generate annualized cost savings of about $25 million
** Stock lost 38% in 2025; up over 15% so far this year, including current session's moves
** JHX up over 10% this week
(Reporting by Rajasik Mukherjee in Bengaluru)
((Rajasik.Mukherjee@thomsonreuters.com))