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Honda Motor(HMC) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-06 07:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating profit for the fiscal first quarter was JPY 244.1 billion, a decrease of JPY 240.5 billion compared to the same period last year [2][4] - The full-year forecast for operating profit has been revised up to JPY 700 billion, an increase of JPY 200 billion from the previous forecast [2][4] - The net profit forecast for the year is JPY 420 billion, up by JPY 170 billion from the previous estimate [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Motorcycle operations achieved an operating profit of JPY 189 billion, an increase of JPY 11.3 billion year-on-year, driven by sales growth in South America [9] - The automobile segment reported an operating loss of JPY 29.6 billion, impacted by tariffs and nonrecurring expenses related to EVs [9][10] - Power Products segment saw a decline in sales, totaling 828,000 units, with growth primarily in Europe [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Unit sales for motorcycles reached 5.143 million, with significant growth in Brazil and Vietnam [6] - Automobile sales declined to 839,000 units, primarily due to decreases in China and other Asian markets [6] - The forecast for motorcycle unit sales remains at 21.3 million, while automobile sales are projected at 3.62 million [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve its earnings structure and expand profits despite ongoing uncertainties related to tariffs and policy changes [3] - There is a focus on localizing production in the U.S. to meet demand and mitigate tariff impacts [22] - The company is exploring collaborations with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors to enhance business operations [62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges in the Chinese market, which has seen declining sales for 17 consecutive months, and emphasized the need for strategic adjustments [55][59] - The company remains cautious about the impact of tariffs and is actively monitoring the situation to adapt its strategies accordingly [20][64] - Future EV production timelines may be affected by recent losses and market conditions, with a focus on being prepared for the next fiscal term [80] Other Important Information - The company has acquired shares worth JPY 936.5 billion as part of its share buyback program [3] - The gross impact of tariffs has been revised to JPY 450 billion, reflecting ongoing assessments and adjustments [26][33] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Impact from tariffs and production strategy - Management confirmed that the reduction of tariffs from 25% to 15% is a positive development for the company, but uncertainties remain regarding future tariff applications [18][20] - The company plans to maintain a high local production ratio in the U.S. and may adjust production allocations to optimize operations [22] Question: Forecast assumptions regarding tariffs - The company has not significantly changed its assumptions regarding tariffs but is working closely with suppliers to understand the impacts [27][31] - The gross impact of tariffs has been adjusted based on detailed calculations, with expectations for a 15% tariff starting from September [33] Question: Sales decline in Asia and Europe - Management noted that competition from Chinese OEMs has intensified in Asian markets, affecting sales, and emphasized the need for hybrid model launches to regain market share [39][42] - In Europe, the company is reassessing its strategy due to historical production challenges and ongoing competitive pressures [42] Question: EV losses and pricing strategy - The company anticipates significant EV-related losses, with a total of JPY 250 billion expected for the fiscal year, impacting future production strategies [78][80] - Pricing strategies will be cautiously adjusted in response to market conditions and inflation trends, with ongoing monitoring of competitor pricing [66][69]