Hardie said it expected further improvements in the US and Australian housing markets and announced new plans for a $100 million expansion in the US. The company declared a dividend of US8¢ a share, up from US5¢ a year earlier. This helped shares in the company jump $1.56 to close at $12 each. Credit Suisse analyst Andrew Peros said investors were buoyed by the company's strong cash position and its investment plans in the US. ''This highlights management's confidence in the US housing outlook and underpins the longer-term growth strategy.'' James Hardie said its results had also benefited from the recent fall in the Australian dollar, which reduced its liability for asbestos claims by $US90 million.