Investment Rating - The report maintains a bullish outlook on the KR Defense sector, particularly highlighting Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace as key players with strong order momentum and growth potential [1][4][5]. Core Insights - Hyundai Rotem is expected to announce a significant Poland EC2 contract valued at approximately $6 billion, which includes 180 K2 tanks and local production initiatives [4]. - Hanwha Aerospace has secured an L-SAM II project order worth W199 billion, enhancing its capabilities in Korea's air defense systems [5]. - Hitachi's recent investor day revealed a net debt/EBITDA leverage of 1-2x and a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 12-15%, indicating a stable financial position [1]. Detailed Highlights - **KR Defense**: Hyundai Rotem's anticipated Poland EC2 orders are a strong catalyst for growth, with investor confidence reflected in recent share price rallies [4]. Hanwha Aerospace's order win for the L-SAM II project and the approval of the Austal acquisition position it well for future projects [5]. - **Japan Auto**: Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso have finalized a merger agreement with Toyota and Daimler, aiming to create synergies in the commercial vehicle segment [6]. Stanley Electric's guidance for FY25 was weaker than expected, but a large-scale share buyback was announced [6]. - **Mitsubishi Electric**: The company is focusing on digital transformation and has allocated a new M&A budget of ¥1 trillion to support its business model transformation [8]. Sector Key Newsflow - The J.P. Morgan EU Industrial Conference highlighted strong interest in electrification, data centers, and defense sectors, indicating a shift in investor focus [5][7]. - The merger between Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso is expected to yield significant benefits despite potential dilution from new share issuance [6]. - Investors are cautiously optimistic about the Asia FA & Robotics sector, with expectations of limited downside amid potential trade deals between China and the US [10]. Catalyst Calendar - Key upcoming events include the Hitachi Investor Day and the launch of the Xpeng G7 SUV, which are expected to attract significant investor attention [15].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a Neutral rating for Tata Motors, indicating cautious optimism regarding its aggressive targets in the passenger vehicle (PV) and commercial vehicle (CV) segments [4][5]. Core Insights - Tata Motors aims for a 40% market share in the CV segment by FY30, with a target of achieving a teens EBITDA percentage and strong free cash flow (FCF) [5]. - In the PV segment, Tata Motors expects to exceed market growth, targeting a 16% market share by FY27 and 18-20% by FY30, with double-digit EBITDA and Rs 10 billion FCF for PV internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles [5]. - The company plans to diversify its EV strategy, focusing on high-end segments and new launches, while anticipating positive EBITDA margins in the EV segment [5]. - Koito Manufacturing has postponed the expected profitability of its LiDAR business by two years, now targeting FY2030 for profitability, citing a slowdown in automobile demand and shifts in OEM development policies [3][6]. Detailed Highlights - Tata Motors presented a comprehensive outlook during its India Investor Day, emphasizing aggressive targets for market share and margins in both PV and CV segments [4][5]. - Koito's LiDAR business briefing revealed increased R&D efforts and a revised sales guidance through FY2030, with a focus on adapting to changing market conditions [3][6]. - The report notes a shift in the ADAS/AD development landscape, with developed countries focusing on rule-based autonomous driving while Chinese manufacturers adopt end-to-end self-driving technologies [6][9].