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Honda Motor(HMC) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-10 09:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating profit for the third quarter was JPY 591.5 billion, a decrease of JPY 548.4 billion year-on-year [2][6] - Operating cash flow after R&D adjustment was JPY 1,855.8 billion, consistent with the same period last year [3] - The forecast for operating profit for the fiscal year ending March 2026 remains at JPY 550 billion, with profit for the year unchanged at JPY 300 billion [3][5] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Motorcycle operations achieved record high unit sales of 21.3 million units, driven by strong sales in India and Brazil [4] - Automobile operations forecast remains at 3.34 million units, with a noted decline in profit due to non-recurring expenses related to EVs and tariffs [4][5] - Power products business sold 2.507 million units, with mixed results across regions [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment for automobiles in Asia is expected to intensify, necessitating increased incentives [3] - The impact from tariffs is projected to decrease from an initial forecast of JPY 450 billion to JPY 310 billion [3][41] - The exchange rate against the U.S. dollar is assumed at 140 JPY for the full-year period [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its competitive strength by reviewing strategies in light of stagnated EV market growth and intensified competition from emerging OEMs [13][14] - Plans include settling losses related to EVs sold in North America and launching next-generation hybrid systems [14][15] - The company is focusing on building a well-balanced business portfolio to generate cash flow and maintain a sound balance sheet [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges challenges such as the stagnation of the EV market and the need for flexible strategies to adapt to changing environments [12][13] - The company is monitoring supply chain risks, particularly concerning rare earth metals and semiconductors, and is taking steps to mitigate these risks [39][40] - Future strategies will be communicated at an appropriate time during the coming fiscal year [14] Other Important Information - The forecast for the full-year dividend remains at 70 JPY per share, unchanged from previous forecasts [5] - The board has resolved to cancel 747 million treasury stocks [5] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Full year outlook and automobile profitability - Management indicated that while expenses are expected to be high in the fourth quarter, the overall outlook remains unchanged, with a focus on managing tariff impacts and sales strategies in North America [20][21][23] Question: EV market trends and strategy - Management acknowledged the need to revisit EV strategies due to negative demand environments and competition from local manufacturers in China [30][31][32] Question: Semiconductor supply issues - Management reported that they have good prospects for preventing recurrence of semiconductor shortages and are actively managing supplier relationships [33][37][39] Question: Tariff impact and sales situation - Management explained that the tariff impact has decreased and outlined recovery plans involving local procurements and adjustments to logistics [41][42][43] Question: Collaboration with other companies - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with Nissan and other potential partners regarding co-development and cost-sharing strategies [58][59]