Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross profits increased by JPY 189.3 billion year-on-year, driven by rising yen interest rates and improved lending spreads [1][2] - Net operating profits rose by JPY 61.3 billion year-on-year, while credit costs decreased by JPY 65.7 billion year-on-year [2][3] - Profits attributable to owners of the parent reached JPY 1,292.9 billion, marking a record high for the first half [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer segment net operating profit (NOP) is growing steadily, with all business groups achieving an increase in net income, except for retail and digital due to strategic expenditures [4] - Global commercial banking was impacted by an economic slowdown in Asia, while net fees and commissions expanded significantly due to growth in various fee revenues [2][4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans increased by approximately JPY 1.8 trillion from the end of fiscal year 2024, with a JPY 4 trillion increase excluding government loans [4] - Domestic corporate lending spreads are rising, particularly for large corporates, indicating successful profit improvement measures [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a mid- to long-term ROE target of 12% by pursuing both organic and inorganic growth strategies [12][14] - A new service brand, Emutto, was launched to enhance the domestic retail business, alongside a focus on digital banking and AI integration [11][12] - The company is committed to sustainable finance and corporate transformation using AI, with a goal to increase AI use cases significantly [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the revised net income target of JPY 2.1 trillion, citing strong performance in the customer segment and lower credit costs [10][20] - The outlook for credit costs remains unchanged, with expectations of a strong yen and strategic expense allocation impacting future performance [21][29] Other Important Information - The CET1 ratio fell 30 basis points to 10.5% due to growth investments and increased loans, with expectations to remain around the midpoint of the target range [9][29] - The company announced a share repurchase plan totaling JPY 500 billion and the cancellation of 200 million treasury shares to enhance shareholder returns [10][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Upward revision of guidance and ROE target - Inquiry about the assumptions behind the upward revision and the rationale for a relatively small increase in the profit target [17] - Management clarified that the revision was based on better-than-expected performance and aimed at appropriate disclosure of forecasts [20][22] Question: CET1 ratio forecast and inorganic investments - Request for clarification on the CET1 ratio forecast and comments on recent articles regarding inorganic investments [27] - Management provided an expected range for the CET1 ratio and stated that they continue to consider opportunities in specific areas [29][30] Question: Credit costs and private credit market - Questions regarding the impact of credit costs and the concentration of risk in the private credit market [28] - Management noted that they have limited exposure to private credit and emphasized the importance of careful project selection [30] Question: Detailed breakdown of revised financial targets - Request for a detailed breakdown of factors affecting the revised financial targets for FY 2025 [33] - Management explained the contributions from various segments and one-off gains impacting the targets [35] Question: Future growth in net fees and commissions - Inquiry about the sustainability of strong net fees and commissions growth observed in the first half [41] - Management indicated that growth is expected to continue due to ongoing initiatives and acquisitions [42] Question: Impact of exchange rates on CET1 ratio - Questions regarding the factors contributing to the decline in the CET1 ratio and the potential for improvement in a weak yen environment [41] - Management explained the impact of exchange rates and the expected effects of currency trends on the CET1 ratio [43] Question: Breakdown of NOP and ordinary profit - Request for clarification on the components contributing to the increase in NOP and ordinary profit [47] - Management provided details on the contributions from foreign exchange and one-off gains related to ownership interest [48][50]