2025-03-27 02:30Financial Performance - The company's revenue for 2024 was JPY 8,675,000,000, a decrease of 10.1% year-on-year, with a significant decline in sales volume and prices [4][6] - Gross profit margin improved from 37.2% in 2023 to 39.6% in 2024, an increase of 2.4 percentage points, while operating margin expanded by 190 basis points to 8.2%, marking the best operating profit in the company's history [6][7] - Attributable net profit was JPY 4,435,000,000, excluding the impact of goodwill impairments from Bellamy and Modern Dairy [8][12] - Cash flow for 2024 was stable at JPY 8,330,000,000, with capital expenditures (CapEx) reduced by 30% to JPY 38,700,000 [13][15] Business Segment Performance - Revenue from chilled products and yogurt segments showed positive trends, while white milk and ice cream faced growth pressures [9][10] - Formula milk revenue declined, but excluding Bellamy's impairment, profitability was maintained [10] - The cheese business stabilized and improved profitability, achieving a market share of over 49.5% [33] Market Performance - The fresh milk segment faced intense competition but saw a 20% growth in the high-end brand "Shiny Metal," which became the market leader among premium brands [27][28] - Ice cream sales declined due to destocking pressures, but inventory levels improved in early 2025 [29] - The infant milk formula segment returned to a growth track with double-digit growth for the company's brands [30] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is implementing a "One Core, Two Wings" strategy, focusing on core businesses like room temperature and chilled products while expanding into international markets [18][38] - Emphasis on innovation, product upgrades, and enhancing supply chain efficiency to navigate industry challenges [51][70] - The company aims to address the nutritional needs of consumers and improve market penetration, especially in lower-tier markets [64][66] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted the current dairy industry challenges, including supply-demand imbalances and weak consumer consumption [51][52] - The focus will be on premium protein as a core value, with a commitment to improving nutritional offerings and addressing consumer health needs [53][57] - The company is optimistic about future growth opportunities, particularly in the context of an expanding middle class and increasing demand for high-quality dairy products [68][69] Other Important Information - The company has made significant strides in ESG initiatives, including green packaging and carbon reduction efforts, and has received recognition for its sustainability practices [49][50] - The management emphasized the importance of brand building and cultural integration in marketing strategies to resonate with consumers [42][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the company's plans for future growth? - The company plans to focus on premium product offerings and expand its market share in both domestic and international markets, leveraging its strong brand influence [38][69] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the dairy industry? - The management acknowledged the challenges and emphasized the need for refined management, cost control, and innovation to improve operational efficiency and meet consumer demands [51][70] Question: What is the company's approach to ESG and sustainability? - The company is committed to advancing its green strategy and enhancing transparency in its ESG reporting, which has been well recognized by authoritative institutions [49][50]