Core Viewpoint - Bridgestone's CEO anticipates a challenging second half of the year due to significant declines in truck tire demand in the U.S., tariff impacts, and production disruptions caused by cyberattacks [1][2] Group 1: Market Challenges - Since early August, there has been a sharp decline in demand for new truck tires in the U.S. as truck manufacturers have reduced production plans for the coming months [1] - The North American market is facing challenges such as tariff pressures, a slowdown in U.S. capital spending, and shifts in trade flows, testing Bridgestone's ability to maintain profit margins and sustained growth [1] - The company expects to incur approximately 25 billion yen (around 166 million USD) in tariff losses for the year, with an additional negative impact of about 10 billion yen expected from the U.S. economic slowdown [2] Group 2: Operational Adjustments - Bridgestone is forced to rely on overseas shipments to address production backlogs caused by cyberattacks, leading to additional costs due to U.S. tariffs triggered by imports [2] - The company plans to maintain its full-year performance guidance and aims to achieve profit targets, with a potential announcement of a new stock buyback plan in February [3] - Efforts to build a more resilient operational structure include integrating older facilities to reduce fixed costs and improve efficiency [3] Group 3: Brand Strategy and Future Outlook - Bridgestone is focusing on revitalizing its classic tire brand Firestone to buffer impacts and enhance market profitability, with sales of Firestone passenger and truck tires increasing since Q2 [4] - The company aims to achieve profitability in its Brazilian operations by the end of the fiscal year, while European operations have shown improvement, with an expected adjusted operating profit margin of 6% to 7% for the next fiscal year [4] - Bridgestone's long-term profit margin target of 15% by 2030 must be based on new realities amid ongoing global policy changes and rapidly evolving market dynamics [4]