Core Viewpoint - Hitachi is considering selling its domestic white goods business, including refrigerators and washing machines, as it shifts focus towards more stable and profitable sectors like power and railways, leveraging digital technologies through its Lumada platform [2][4][5]. Group 1: Business Strategy - Hitachi's white goods business has been underperforming compared to its core growth areas, prompting the company to explore potential sales to various interested parties, including Samsung Electronics [2][4]. - The expected sale price for the white goods business could range from 100 billion yen to several hundred billion yen [2][4]. - The company aims to transition towards a business model that emphasizes long-term profitability through digital solutions and maintenance services, rather than one-time sales [5][8]. Group 2: Market Context - The Japanese white goods market is projected to grow by 2.4% in the fiscal year 2024, reaching 2.5838 trillion yen, driven by pandemic-related home demand and high-value products [6]. - Historically, Japanese manufacturers excelled in the white goods sector, but since the 2010s, they have faced intense competition from Asian companies like Haier and Midea, which have gained significant market shares globally [7]. - Hitachi's previous acquisitions, such as ABB's power distribution business and GlobalLogic, reflect its strategy to strengthen its position in social infrastructure and digital sectors [7][8]. Group 3: Future Outlook - While Hitachi is moving forward with the sale of its domestic white goods business, maintaining the business remains a potential option to enhance brand recognition among consumers [6][8]. - The company's president has indicated that the restructuring process is ongoing, with further reforms aimed at growth expected in the future [8].