Specialist Sales APAC Specialist Sales 10 June 2025 J P M O R G A N KR Defense (Stay Bullish), JPM EU Industrial Conf, JP Auto, Mitsubishi Elec, Key inbounds & feedback Joann Kim +852 2800 8016 joann.kim@jpmorgan.com Hitachi is hosting Investor Day today from 2pm HKT. Its IR material out and initial impression from investors was nothing really stands out, the net debt/ebitda leverage of 1-2x should continue to be favored for a Y1trn buyback but limited to Y300bn and ROIC of 12-15% indicated this time is on ...

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO) [2][14][17]. Core Insights - Mitsubishi Electric is undergoing significant management changes aimed at shifting from a Japan-centric approach to a more global and innovative strategy. The management is committed to qualitative changes and enhancing corporate value over the medium to long term [2][14]. - The company has a strong financial position, highlighted by a net cash position and a recent ¥100 billion share buyback to reduce its cost of capital. However, it recognizes the need for a robust growth strategy, including a ¥1 trillion M&A budget to encourage business divisions to leverage their strengths [2][3][14]. - MELCO aims to achieve a market capitalization of ¥10 trillion, which it believes cannot be accomplished with its current approach. The company is focused on becoming more innovative and willing to take risks [8][14]. Summary by Sections M&A Strategy - MELCO has set a ¥1 trillion M&A budget to pursue opportunities in the digital transformation field, acknowledging the high valuations in this sector. The company is also looking to consolidate its software business around ICONICS, which it acquired in 2019 [3][14]. Business Restructuring - The company plans to significantly reduce headcount in its factory automation (FA) business and is reviewing businesses with combined annual sales of ¥1.3 trillion, including exiting low-margin businesses and downsizing overseas production facilities [1][6][14]. - MELCO is considering restructuring its automotive business, which generates around ¥700 billion in annual sales, and is also reviewing its core FA business [9][14]. Digital Strategy - The FA solutions division has developed a cloud-based system for data updates, allowing customers to monitor equipment status via smartphones. Each business division has been tasked with finding ways to leverage the Serendie digital platform [7][14]. Financial Performance - The report projects revenue growth for MELCO, with expected revenues of ¥5,521.7 billion for FY3/25, increasing to ¥6,161.0 billion by FY3/28. Operating profit is also expected to rise from ¥391.9 billion in FY3/25 to ¥590.6 billion in FY3/28 [17].

Investment Rating - The report assigns a positive outlook on the Japan Electronics sector, indicating that sector stocks are attractive following an average decline of approximately 10% over the past month [1]. Core Insights - The report anticipates that US tariffs will be revised before causing a recession, with minimal to moderate impact on Japan's industrial and consumer electronics sectors compared to other export industries [1][2]. - Company-specific catalysts such as restructuring and buybacks are highlighted as potential growth drivers [1]. - The focus is on upcoming results from Hitachi and NEC, which are expected to be less affected by tariffs, while long-term growth prospects are emphasized for Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, and Fujitsu [1]. Summary by Sections Tariff Impact - The report suggests that tariffs could depress the sector's operating profit (OP) by 21% in gross terms for FY3/26, with varying impacts across companies: Sharp (174%), Yamaha (67%), Hitachi (5%), and Fujitsu (7%) [4][6]. - In a best-case scenario, the average impact on OP across the sector is estimated to be 9% [4]. Company-Specific Analysis - **Sony**: Expected to face the largest impact due to tariffs on PS5 sales, with a significant portion of production in China [8][9]. - **Panasonic**: Anticipated to be heavily affected due to its US sales of white goods and batteries, although some operations may mitigate tariff impacts [10][11]. - **Mitsubishi Electric**: Projected to experience a major impact primarily on air conditioner sales, with 17% of sales coming from North America [12]. - **Hitachi**: Expected to have a minimal impact with a 5% reduction in OP, potentially decreasing to 3% with strategic responses [15]. - **NEC**: Anticipated to be largely unaffected due to its low US sales weighting [16]. - **Casio and Yamaha**: Projected to see significant profit reductions of 47% and 67% respectively, as both companies are in a post-restructuring phase [17][19].