Core Viewpoint - Donghai Carbon Co., Ltd. has completed the acquisition of Bridgestone Carbon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (BSCB) for 9.5 billion yen (approximately 64 million USD), enhancing its global carbon black operations and collaboration with Bridgestone [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition was conducted in partnership with Donghai Carbon's affiliate, Thai Donghai Carbon Products Co., Ltd. [1] - Following the acquisition, BSCB has been renamed Thai Donghai Carbon Products Rojana Co., Ltd. [1] - BSCB was previously a subsidiary of Bridgestone, supplying carbon black to its global production bases [1] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The integration of BSCB into Donghai Carbon's operations is expected to stabilize supply and enhance competitiveness [1] - Donghai Carbon aims to strengthen its global collaboration with Bridgestone through this acquisition [1] - Bridgestone anticipates that the acquisition will leverage Donghai Carbon's supply system, technology, and expertise in carbon black production to adapt to changing business environments and enhance long-term competitiveness [1] Group 3: Financial Performance - BSCB reported revenues of 10.4 billion yen and profits of 187 million yen for 2024 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Bridgestone's CEO anticipates a challenging second half of the year due to significant declines in truck tire demand in the U.S., tariff impacts, and production disruptions caused by cyberattacks [1][2] Group 1: Market Challenges - Since early August, there has been a sharp decline in demand for new truck tires in the U.S. as truck manufacturers have reduced production plans for the coming months [1] - The North American market is facing challenges such as tariff pressures, a slowdown in U.S. capital spending, and shifts in trade flows, testing Bridgestone's ability to maintain profit margins and sustained growth [1] - The company expects to incur approximately 25 billion yen (around 166 million USD) in tariff losses for the year, with an additional negative impact of about 10 billion yen expected from the U.S. economic slowdown [2] Group 2: Operational Adjustments - Bridgestone is forced to rely on overseas shipments to address production backlogs caused by cyberattacks, leading to additional costs due to U.S. tariffs triggered by imports [2] - The company plans to maintain its full-year performance guidance and aims to achieve profit targets, with a potential announcement of a new stock buyback plan in February [3] - Efforts to build a more resilient operational structure include integrating older facilities to reduce fixed costs and improve efficiency [3] Group 3: Brand Strategy and Future Outlook - Bridgestone is focusing on revitalizing its classic tire brand Firestone to buffer impacts and enhance market profitability, with sales of Firestone passenger and truck tires increasing since Q2 [4] - The company aims to achieve profitability in its Brazilian operations by the end of the fiscal year, while European operations have shown improvement, with an expected adjusted operating profit margin of 6% to 7% for the next fiscal year [4] - Bridgestone's long-term profit margin target of 15% by 2030 must be based on new realities amid ongoing global policy changes and rapidly evolving market dynamics [4]

Core Insights - The 2024 Global Tire "75 Strong" ranking shows stability in the top positions, with Michelin leading for the sixth consecutive year, followed closely by Bridgestone [2][3] - The tire industry is experiencing a "East rises, West falls" trend, with significant sales growth in Asia, particularly China, while North American and European markets are declining [3][4] - Profitability remains a concern, with a divergence in performance among companies, as the average pre-tax operating profit margin is 10.3%, but net profit margins are under pressure [5][6] Ranking Changes - The top six companies in the 2024 ranking remain unchanged, with Michelin at $25.647 billion, Bridgestone at $24.77 billion, and Goodyear at $17.447 billion [2] - The ranking includes 39 Chinese companies, 9 from India, and a total of 75 companies from various countries, indicating China's significant role in the global tire industry [2] Sales Performance - Global tire sales revenue for 2024 is approximately $181.96 billion, reflecting a modest 8% increase from 2023 [3] - The top six companies experienced collective sales declines, with Michelin down 5.95% and Bridgestone down 5.1%, while companies ranked seventh to tenth saw positive growth [3][4] Regional Distribution - Sales growth is primarily concentrated in Asian countries, with 25 out of 39 Chinese companies reporting increases, contrasting with declines in North America and Europe [4] - The top three companies' combined sales account for 37.3% of global sales, indicating a decrease in industry concentration [4] Profitability Trends - The tire industry shows a mixed profitability landscape, with an average net profit margin of 5%, and 8 out of 15 companies reporting declines in net profit [5][6] - Major companies like Michelin and Bridgestone reported significant drops in net profit, highlighting ongoing challenges in the industry [6]

Investment Rating - The report provides various investment ratings for Japanese automotive companies, including "Overweight" for Toyota Motor, Suzuki Motor, Yamaha Motor, Isuzu Motors, Denso, Aisin, and Nifco, while "Underweight" is assigned to Nissan Motor and SUBARU [5]. Core Insights - The global auto industry is expected to normalize after overcoming COVID-19 and supply chain issues, with a projected growth rate of approximately 2% CAGR from 2024 [20]. - The report highlights the complexity of the Toyota Group structure, indicating increasing cross-shareholdings among its subsidiaries [7]. - Tariff impacts are noted to be minor in the tire sector, but the competitive environment remains challenging [4]. Coverage Universe & Valuation - Nissan Motor: Underweight, Price: ¥355, Target Price: ¥320, Market Cap: ¥1,318.5 billion, FY24E P/E: NM, ROE: -1.2% [5] - Toyota Motor: Overweight, Price: ¥2,624, Target Price: ¥3,600, Market Cap: ¥41,438.1 billion, FY24E P/E: 6.9, ROE: 13.4% [5] - Mitsubishi Motors: Neutral, Price: ¥432, Target Price: ¥360, Market Cap: ¥631.1 billion, FY24E P/E: 15.4, ROE: 3.7% [5] - Mazda Motor: Neutral, Price: ¥894, Target Price: ¥1,000, Market Cap: ¥564.8 billion, FY24E P/E: 4.5, ROE: 7.3% [5] - Honda Motor: Neutral, Price: ¥1,421, Target Price: ¥1,500, Market Cap: ¥7,500.2 billion, FY24E P/E: 6.4, ROE: 7.5% [5] - Suzuki Motor: Overweight, Price: ¥1,787, Target Price: ¥2,300, Market Cap: ¥3,509.7 billion, FY24E P/E: 8.6, ROE: 14.5% [5] - SUBARU: Underweight, Price: ¥2,625, Target Price: ¥2,500, Market Cap: ¥1,923.9 billion, FY24E P/E: 5.5, ROE: 12.9% [5] - Yamaha Motor: Overweight, Price: ¥1,075, Target Price: ¥1,500, Market Cap: ¥1,103.3 billion, FY24E P/E: 9.7, ROE: 13.3% [5] - Isuzu Motors: Overweight, Price: ¥1,924, Target Price: ¥2,600, Market Cap: ¥1,372.5 billion, FY24E P/E: 9.8, ROE: 9.5% [5] - Denso: Overweight, Price: ¥1,897, Target Price: ¥2,300, Market Cap: ¥5,522.1 billion, FY24E P/E: 13.0, ROE: 8.0% [5] - Aisin: Overweight, Price: ¥1,781, Target Price: ¥2,200, Market Cap: ¥1,440.9 billion, FY24E P/E: 13.4, ROE: 5.2% [5] - Bridgestone: Overweight, Price: ¥6,106, Target Price: ¥6,500, Market Cap: ¥4,357.8 billion, FY24E P/E: 14.7, ROE: 8.0% [5] Earnings Forecast Summary - Toyota's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥45,095.3 billion, with a YoY growth of 21.4% and a net profit of ¥4,944.9 billion [17]. - Honda's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥20,428.8 billion, with a YoY growth of 20.8% and a net profit of ¥1,107.2 billion [17]. - Nissan's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥12,685.7 billion, with a YoY growth of 19.7% and a net profit of ¥426.6 billion [17]. - Suzuki's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥5,374.3 billion, with a YoY growth of 15.8% and a net profit of ¥267.7 billion [17]. - SUBARU's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥4,702.9 billion, with a YoY growth of 24.6% and a net profit of ¥385.1 billion [17].

Company Overview - Bridgestone Corp. (BRDCY) shares increased by 5.8% to close at $19.22, supported by higher trading volume compared to normal sessions [1] - The stock had previously experienced a 9.2% decline over the past four weeks [1] Market Context - The surge in Bridgestone's stock occurred amid a broader market rebound following Trump's announcement of a 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs on most countries, excluding China [2] - This market movement was a response to significant declines and concerns that tariff increases could lead to a recession [2] Earnings Expectations - Bridgestone is projected to report quarterly earnings of $0.42 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 2.3% [2] - Expected revenues for the upcoming quarter are $7.07 billion, down 1.4% from the same quarter last year [2] Earnings Estimate Trends - The consensus EPS estimate for Bridgestone has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating a lack of upward momentum in earnings revisions [4] - Historical data suggests that stock prices typically do not continue to rise without trends in earnings estimate revisions [3][4] Industry Comparison - Bridgestone is part of the Zacks Automotive - Foreign industry, where Nissan Motor Co. (NSANY) also operates [4] - Nissan's stock closed 4.3% higher at $4.57, but has seen a return of -26.4% over the past month [4] - Nissan's consensus EPS estimate for its upcoming report has remained unchanged at -$0.30, representing a significant year-over-year decline of 179% [5]

Group 1 - Bridgestone Corp. is currently outperforming the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector with a year-to-date return of 20.5%, while the sector has lost an average of 23.4% [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Bridgestone's full-year earnings has increased by 0.6% over the past 90 days, indicating improved analyst sentiment [4] - Bridgestone Corp. holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is positioned to outperform the broader market in the near term [3] Group 2 - Bridgestone belongs to the Automotive - Foreign industry, which has an average year-to-date loss of 5.3%, further highlighting its strong performance [6] - Another stock in the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector, Dana, has a year-to-date return of 13.8% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [5] - Dana's consensus EPS estimate has increased by 23.1% over the past three months, reflecting positive analyst sentiment [5]

Core Insights - Bridgestone Corp. has shown strong year-to-date performance, returning 20.5%, significantly outperforming the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector average of -26.4% [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Bridgestone's full-year earnings has increased by 0.6%, indicating improved analyst sentiment and earnings outlook [4] - Bridgestone Corp. holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it has favorable characteristics for potential outperformance in the market [3] Company Performance - Bridgestone Corp. is part of the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector, which includes 100 individual stocks and currently ranks 10 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - The company belongs to the Automotive - Foreign industry, which consists of 23 companies and is ranked 154 in the Zacks Industry Rank [5] Comparison with Peers - Dana (DAN), another stock in the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector, has also outperformed the sector with a return of 17.7% year-to-date [5] - Dana's consensus EPS estimate has increased by 23.1% over the past three months, and it holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5] - The Automotive - Original Equipment industry, to which Dana belongs, is ranked 145 and has declined by 7.9% this year [6]

Core Insights - Bridgestone Corporation is a leading player in the global tire market, known for its high-quality, premium tires [1] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities due to its strong reputation and product offerings [1] Company Overview - Bridgestone has a long-standing reputation in the tire industry, which contributes to its competitive advantage [1] - The company is suggested to be a small position in investment portfolios, indicating potential for growth [1] Investment Perspective - The investment style discussed includes a mix of fundamental valuation and technical analysis, focusing on companies that meet valuation criteria and have growth potential [1] - The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding societal adaptations to economic, societal, and environmental pressures, which may influence investment decisions [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a year-on-year increase in revenue to approximately JPY4.4 trillion and adjusted operating profit of approximately JPY480 billion, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 10.9% [4][43] - Net income from continuing operations was JPY295 billion, with ROIC at 8.2% and ROE at 8.1%, both below the previous year's levels [4][44] - For 2025, the company expects revenue of JPY4.370 trillion, up 2% year-on-year, and adjusted operating profit of JPY505 billion, an increase of 11% [52][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American business saw increases in both revenue and profit, aided by favorable currency exchange rates, despite a decline in unit sales of passenger car and light truck tires [7][46] - The premium tire business maintained an adjusted operating profit margin of 14%, while the diversified products business faced significant profit declines due to lower demand [14][48] - Latin America experienced a decrease in revenue and profit, landing in the red, particularly in Brazil, where measures against low-end imports were insufficient [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported improved profitability in Asia Pacific, India, and Europe, while profitability in Japan and the Americas decreased [45] - In Europe, the premium tire business saw increased revenue and profit, particularly in the passenger car replacement segment [11][12] - The mining tire business continued to perform strongly, with significant profit increases in both mining and aircraft tire solutions [13][48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has positioned 2025 as "The year of Emergency and Crisis Management," focusing on rebuilding and enhancing business quality while pursuing growth [6][16] - Strategic initiatives include optimizing business footprints, enhancing premium focus, and improving cost structures to support profitability [9][22] - The company aims to strengthen its presence in growth markets such as the US, India, and commercial B2B solutions [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a strong sense of urgency regarding declining earning power and capital efficiency, emphasizing the need for a robust business quality [7][16] - The company anticipates a challenging business environment in 2025 but remains committed to solidifying its defense and implementing offensive initiatives [40][41] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to external factors, including potential tariffs and market conditions, while maintaining a focus on premium products [30][79] Other Important Information - The company plans to conduct a share buyback of up to 75 million shares at a cost of JPY300 billion, with a target equity ratio of 55% over the medium term [36][37] - The dividend payout ratio is set to increase to 50%, with a planned minimum dividend of JPY230 for 2025, up from JPY210 in 2024 [38][61] - The company is committed to sustainability initiatives, including carbon neutrality and responsible resource management [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current Business Environment and Regional Outlook - Management acknowledged the ongoing severe business environment but noted improvements in North America, particularly in the truck and bus tire segment [66][71] - The company is optimistic about the future of the consumer tire market, especially with the revitalization of the Firestone brand [75][76] Question: Financial Plans and Tariff Implications - Management discussed the anticipated increase in selling prices and the impact of feedstock costs, emphasizing a disciplined approach to pricing [68][80] - The uncertainty surrounding import tariffs was acknowledged, with plans in place to mitigate potential impacts [70][79] Question: Rebuilding Resources and Future Targets - The company plans to invest JPY100 billion in rebuilding efforts, primarily related to the closure of the LaVergne plant, with a focus on achieving a 10% ROIC by 2026 [92][94] - Management expressed confidence in reaching adjusted operating margin targets of 12% to 13% by 2026 through improved business quality [95][96] Question: Long-term Business Management and Growth Aspirations - Management emphasized the importance of growth with quality and improving capital efficiency as foundational objectives [113][116] - The company remains committed to enhancing its B2C operations while maintaining a strong focus on B2B solutions [120][121]

Core Insights - Investors in the Automotive - Foreign sector should consider Bridgestone Corp. and Li Auto Inc. to identify better value opportunities [1] Valuation Metrics - Bridgestone Corp. has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while Li Auto Inc. has a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [3] - Bridgestone Corp. has a forward P/E ratio of 11.13, compared to Li Auto Inc.'s forward P/E of 15.56, suggesting that Bridgestone is more attractively priced [5] - The PEG ratio for Bridgestone is 2, while Li Auto's PEG ratio is 3.28, indicating that Bridgestone is expected to grow earnings at a more favorable rate relative to its price [5] - Bridgestone's P/B ratio is 1.11, significantly lower than Li Auto's P/B of 2.94, further supporting the argument for Bridgestone being undervalued [6] - Based on these valuation metrics, Bridgestone holds a Value grade of A, while Li Auto has a Value grade of D, reinforcing the conclusion that Bridgestone is the superior value option [6]