Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating profit for the second quarter was JPY 438.1 billion, a decrease of JPY 304.4 billion compared to the same period last year [4][6] - Investment earnings due to the equity method were JPY 10.8 billion, an increase of JPY 31.6 billion [6] - The half-year profit attributable to the owner of the parent was JPY 311.8 billion, down by JPY 182.8 billion [6] - The forecast for consolidated results for the fiscal year ending in March 2026 is an operating profit of JPY 550 billion, down by JPY 150 billion from the previous forecast [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Motorcycle operations achieved record high unit sales of 10.763 million units, despite a decline in Vietnam, with strong growth in Brazil and the Philippines [8] - Automobile business unit sales were 1.68 million units, primarily affected by declines in China [8] - Power products unit sales totaled 1.699 million units, with growth led by Europe despite declines in Asia [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The forecast for motorcycle unit sales is maintained at 21.3 million units, while automobile unit sales are revised down from 3.62 million to 3.34 million units due to semiconductor shortages [5][14] - The exchange rate against the U.S. Dollar is assumed at 145 yen for the full year [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance profitability in internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) while reviewing its product lineup to focus on profitable models [23][24] - There is a need to rationalize fixed expenses and improve overall profitability, particularly in the automobile sector [25][39] - The company plans to shift towards battery electric vehicles (BEV) while managing costs and minimizing losses [25][86] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs and semiconductor shortages, which are expected to continue impacting operations [21][40] - The company is optimistic about maintaining good results in North America but recognizes the need for fundamental changes in Asia due to declining profitability [22][23] - Future actions include revising investment plans and enhancing competitiveness in the market [24][25] Other Important Information - The company reported a free cash flow of JPY 760.6 billion, with a net cash balance of JPY 3.0539 trillion at the end of the first half [14] - The forecast for the full-year dividend remains unchanged at 70 yen per share [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future prospects for motorcycles and automobiles - Management expressed confidence in motorcycle operations, expecting to recover declines in Vietnam through strong performance in Brazil and Thailand [20] - For automobiles, management noted the need to invest in intelligence and hybrid electric vehicles, while acknowledging challenges from tariffs and environmental regulations [21][22] Question: Impact of semiconductor shortages - Management confirmed that semiconductor shortages have impacted production, with an estimated loss of 110,000 units in North America [42] - They are working closely with suppliers to minimize production disruptions and expect to resume normal operations soon [43][44] Question: Reasons for downward revision of forecasts - Management clarified that the downward revision was due to external factors, including tariffs and semiconductor shortages, which were more severe than initially anticipated [31][32] - They emphasized the importance of transparency in their forecasting approach [91] Question: Challenges in the Chinese market - Management acknowledged struggles in the Chinese market due to high price competition and the absence of advanced features in their vehicles compared to competitors [62][63] - They are reviewing their product strategy and planning to enhance local procurement to improve competitiveness [74][75] Question: Profitability of electric vehicles - Management indicated that while losses from BEVs are expected this year, they are focused on reducing manufacturing costs and improving profitability in the future [86]

Core Insights - Honda's first quarter operating profits fell 50% year over year, missing estimates due to U.S. auto tariffs and a stronger yen [1][2] - Revenue for the first quarter was reported at 5.34 trillion yen, slightly above the mean estimates [1][5] Financial Performance - Operating profit decreased to 244.17 billion yen, compared to LSEG mean estimates of 323.48 billion yen [2][5] - Revenue exceeded expectations, coming in at 5.34 trillion yen versus the estimated 5.25 trillion yen [5] Market Context - Japanese automobile makers have started reducing vehicle prices for shipments to the U.S. in response to a 25% tariff imposed by the U.S. [2] - In June, Tokyo's car exports to the U.S. saw a 25.3% year-over-year decline in value, despite a 4.6% increase in export volumes [3] Trade Relations - A new trade deal announced by President Trump includes a proposed reduction of tariffs on Japan-made vehicle imports to 15%, though the implementation timeline remains unclear [3] - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is actively engaging with President Trump to expedite the tariff reduction process [4]