Recasts paragraph 1, adds share moves, earnings details throughout, and background on AZEK buy in the last paragraph

Feb 11 (Reuters) - James Hardie Industries JHX.AX raised its annual earnings forecast on Wednesday, after beating third-quarter profit estimates on robust inorganic sales growth at its key siding and trim division, sending its Sydney-listed shares soaring 11%.

The Dublin-based company, one of the world's leading fibre cement makers, reported 10% inorganic sales growth in its Siding and Trim unit, with solid gains across other segments, including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and Deck, Rail and Accessories.

That boosted its quarterly adjusted net income to $142.2 million, beating the Visible Alpha estimate of $130.1 million but below last year's $153.6 million.

It forecast full-year adjusted operating earnings of $1.23 billion to $1.26 billion, up from $1.20 billion to $1.25 billion expected earlier, with the midpoint broadly in line with the Visible Alpha consensus of $1.23 billion.

James Hardie's Australia-listed shares surged as much as 13.12% to A$37.60 in early trade, hitting their highest level since mid-August last year and marking the best intra-day rally since early November 2023.

The stock was among the top 10 movers on the broader ASX 200 index .AXJO, which was up 0.7%, as of 0000 GMT.

Siding and Trim business, which makes fiber‑cement building products, reported net sales of $788.3 million for the December quarter, 10% higher on an inorganic basis, driven by sales contribution from AZEK Exteriors.

On an organic basis, however, the division's net sales fell 2% due to lower volumes, reflecting softer housing demand.

"For Siding and Trim, market conditions remain challenged, consistent with our prior expectations," said CFO Ryan Lada, adding that channel inventories are expected to remain at seasonally normal levels for the remainder of fiscal 2026.

James Hardie acquired U.S.-based decking and exteriors firm AZEK for $8.75 billion last year, stoking concerns that it overpaid for exposure to the U.S. housing market still hit by high costs and affordability pressures.