Form 6-K
Table of Contents

 

No.1-7628

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 


 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE MONTH OF April 2004

 


 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-07628

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

(Name of registrant)

 


 

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

1-1, Minami-Aoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8556, Japan

(Address of principal executive officers)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F     *        Form 40-F             

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):         

 

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):             

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes              No             

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82-            

 


 


Table of Contents

Contents

 

Exhibit 1:

On April 1, 2004, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the development of a new Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, called SH-AWD, that provides cornering performance that responds faithfully to driver input, and outstanding vehicle stability. (Ref. #A04-016)

 

Exhibit 2:

On April 19, 2004, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it acquired its treasury stock pursuant to the provisions of Article 210 of the Japanese Commercial Code.

 

Exhibit 3:

On April 22, 2004, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the establishment of a fully-owned subsidiary in Russia to strengthen its local motorcycle, automobile and power product sales operations in the rapidly expanding Russian market. (Ref. #C04-023)

 

Exhibit 4:

On April 24, 2004, Dongfeng Honda Automobile (Wuhan) Co., Ltd., one of Honda’s joint venture companies in China, Began local production of the CR-V sport utility vehicle in Wuhan, Hubei Province. (Ref. #C04-024)

 

Exhibit 5:

On April 26, 2004, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced automobile production, sales and export results for the month of March 2004 as well as for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004(FY04). Honda reached a new all-time record for global auto production of nearly 3 million units in FY04, while overseas production increased for the seventh consecutive fiscal year. (Ref. #C04-025)

 

Exhibit 6:

On April 27, 2004, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. (Ref. #C04-026)

 

Exhibit 7:

Notice of board of director’s meeting which was scheduled to be held on April 27, 2004.

 

Exhibit 8:

English translation of the Notice of Resolution passed by the Board of Directors meeting held on April 27, 2004.


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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO

KABUSHIKI KAISHA

( HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD )

/s/    Satoshi Aoki


Satoshi Aoki

Senior Managing and

Representative Director

 

Date: May 21, 2004

 

 


Table of Contents
LOGO    Ref. #A04-016

 

Honda Develops World’s First Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive

Available this fall in the Acura RL (North America) and the Legend (Japan)

 

April 1, 2004—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the development of a new Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, called SH-AWD, that provides cornering performance that responds faithfully to driver input, and outstanding vehicle stability. A world’s first, the SH-AWD system combines front-rear torque distribution control with independently regulated torque distribution to the left and right rear wheels to freely distribute the optimum amount of torque to all four wheels in accordance with driving conditions. The new system will be available this fall in the Acura RL (North America) and the Legend (Japan).

 

By monitoring driver input and driving conditions, the SH-AWD system determines the optimum front-rear and lateral (left-right) torque distribution. This information is then conveyed to the rear differential, where direct electromagnetic clutches continuously regulate and vary front-rear torque distribution between ratios of 30:70 and 70:30, and lateral torque distribution in the rear wheels between ratios of 100:0 and 0:100. Torque is used not only for propulsion, but for cornering as well, resulting in a significant enhancement in vehicle maneuverability.

 

The SH-AWD system is composed of sensors to detect steering angle, lateral g, and other vehicle information; an ECU; and the rear differential. The direct electromagnetic clutches inside the rear differential, another world’s first, employ electromagnets to obtain precise control over the multi-plate clutches. Built-in search coils monitor the gaps between the electromagnets and the magnetic body to achieve precise, continuously variable torque regulation.

 

The rear differential is also equipped with a built-in acceleration device, yet another world’s first. During cornering, the track of the outside rear wheel normally falls outside the average of the tracks of the front wheels. The outside rear wheel does not rotate fast enough to keep up with the front wheels, preventing efficient transmission of torque. To counteract this problem, the SH-AWD acceleration device alters the gearing to speed up the outside rear wheel’s rotation relative to the front wheels. This reduces torque transmission losses and significantly improves vehicle maneuverability.

 

    LOGO     
    SH-AWD system (rear differential cutaway model)     

 

–1–


Table of Contents

At Honda, driving pleasure is regarded as one of the most important factors in vehicle development. The new SH-AWD system features “feed-forward” control, which utilizes the degree of driver input to determine appropriate torque distribution. This results in a super-neutral steering feel that responds with optimal faithfulness to the driver’s handling of the steering wheel, realizing outstanding driving comfort and stability.

 

Torque Distribution Regulation

 

  Acceleration during cornering

 

Torque to the rear wheels is continuously varied to supply up to 100% to the outside wheel and 0% to the inside wheel. This creates an inward yaw moment, significantly improving vehicle handling.

 

* Yaw moment is turning torque relative to the vertical axis running through the vehicle’s center of gravity.

 

  Deceleration during cornering (throttle closed)

 

Torque to the outside rear wheel is freely varied to change from an inward to an outward yaw moment, ensuring vehicle stability at all times.

 

  Straight-line driving

 

Front-rear torque distribution is regulated for optimum performance in accordance with the amount of torque produced. During rapid acceleration the load on the front wheels is reduced; conversely, rear-wheel load is reduced during cruising. The result is stable driving at all times.

 

System Configuration

 

  World’s first direct electromagnetic clutch

 

An electromagnetic coil (electromagnet) attracts a magnetic body which, in turn, presses on the multi-plate clutch to facilitate torque transmission.

 

A compact clutch unit, equipped with a planetary gear step-up mechanism to increase torque, permits transmission of substantial amounts of torque. A built-in search coil monitors the gap between the electromagnetic coil and the magnetic body. Current flow in the electromagnetic clutch is then adjusted to achieve highly precise torque regulation.

 

  Acceleration device

 

During straight-ahead driving, the twin-pinion planetary carrier spins in synchronization with the propeller shaft, causing the front and rear wheels to turn at the same speed. When the vehicle enters a curve, however, the planetary carrier is locked to the case, releasing the device from synchronization with the propeller shaft and accelerating the rotation speed of the rear wheels. A hydraulic actuator which turns the clutches on and off, and a one-way clutch are included in this compact configuration.

 

  Sensors, ECU

 

The input of steering angle, lateral g, yaw rate, wheel speed and other sensors monitor driver input, vehicle demeanor, and driving conditions such that the SH-AWD ECU can calculate ideal torque distribution.

 

–2–


Table of Contents
System Overview

 

LOGO

 

Operational Flow

 

LOGO

 

–3–


Table of Contents
Rear Differential Unit

 

LOGO

 

Publicity materials for the SH-AWD are available at the following URL:http:// www.honda.co.jp/PR/

(The site is intended exclusively for the use of journalists.)

 

–4–


Table of Contents

April 19, 2004

 

Notice Regarding the Purchase of Treasury Stock

 

Tokyo, April 19, 2004 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it acquired its treasury stock as follows pursuant to the provisions of Article 210 of the Commercial Code.

 

(1) Type of shares acquired

 

Common stock of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

(2) Period of acquisition

 

From April 1, 2004 to April 15, 2004

 

(3) Aggregate number of shares acquired

 

1,760,900 shares

 

(4) Aggregate amount of acquisition

 

8,338,356,000 yen

 

(5) Method of acquisition

 

Purchase on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

 

Reference:

 

Resolution at the 79th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 24, 2003.

 

(1) Type of shares to be acquired

 

Common stock of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

(2) Maximum number of shares to be acquired

 

25,000,000 shares

 

(3) Maximum amount of acquisition

 

100 billion yen

 

Number of Common Stock having been acquired from June 24, 2003 up to April 15, 2004.

 

(1) Aggregate number of shares acquired

 

20,900,100 shares

 

(2) Aggregate amount of acquisition

 

96,999,051,000 yen

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Ref #C04-023

 

Honda Announces the Establishment of Local Subsidiary in Russia

 

April 22, 2004 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today the establishment of a fully-owned subsidiary in Russia to strengthen its local motorcycle, automobile and power product sales operations in the rapidly expanding Russian market. The new subsidiary named, Honda Motor RUS LLC is located in Moscow and will be responsible for strengthening Honda’s sales operations as well as overseeing logistics, after-service, advertising and public relations functions.

 

The Russian automobile market has made a strong recovery since the economic crisis in 1998 reflected by growth in annual automobile sales from approximately 900,000 units in 2000 to 1.20 million units in 2003. Annual sales of imported automobiles quadrupled to over 190,000 units during this same period and are expected to continue expanding in the future. Elimination of the consumption tax, a reduction of VAT from 20% to 18% in January of this year as well as the anticipated participation of Russia in the WTO within the next few years, are expected to further contribute to economic growth in the region and to further expansion of the automobile market. Honda’s automobile sales target for 2004 is 4,800 units (+34% compared to 2003).

 

[Company Outline]

    

Company name:

   Honda Motor RUS LLC

Registration:

   February 18, 2004

Location:

   Moscow

Total capital:

   30 million rubles (approx. USD 1 million)

Investment ratio:

   Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 100%

Number of employees:

   30 (approx.)

Business activities:

   Import, sales and after-service of motorcycles, automobiles and power products

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Ref. #C04-024

 

Honda’s New Joint Venture in China Begins CR-V Production

 

Wuhan, April 24, 2004 — Dongfeng Honda Automobile (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. (WDHAC), one of Honda’s joint venture companies in China, today began local production of the CR-V sport utility vehicle in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The line-off ceremony was joined by 450 guests, including Mr. Yu Zheng Sheng, commissioner of the Central Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as Mr. Atsuyoshi Hyogo, Managing Director and COO of Honda’s China Operations.

 

WDHAC was created from the former Wuhan Grand Motor Co., Ltd., which was renamed WDHAC when Honda joined Dongfeng Motor in the new joint venture. Lines for welding, painting, and assembly were renovated, with the new addition of a final inspection line. For the welding process, Honda installed its advanced general weld equipment – which provides tremendous flexibility. After these major renovations and upgrades, the plant now has advanced manufacturing lines that reflect Honda’s global flexible manufacturing philosophy. The current plant capacity is set at 30,000 units per year, but WDHAC plans to expand up to 120,000 units in the future by adding to its product lineup based on local customer demand. WDHAC has a sales target of 20,000 units for calendar year 2004.

 

CR-V, the first vehicle to be manufactured by WDHAC, is one of Honda’s core global models, following Accord and Civic. Worldwide sales of CR-V have exceeded 1.7 million units since its introduction in 1995, and this vehicle has already gained popularity in China as an import from Japan. The SUV market in China has been growing rapidly in the last several years and reached approximately 110,000 units in 2003, a 143% increase from the previous year.

 

The alliance between Honda and Dongfeng Motor began in 1994, when the first joint venture – Dongfeng Honda Auto Parts Co., Ltd. – was established to manufacture forged drive-train components. In 1998, as part of a passenger car production project in Guangzhou, the two companies established Dongfeng Honda Engine Co., Ltd. to produce automobile engines for Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. Building on the long-term relationship between Honda and Dongfeng Motor, a new joint venture for auto production was established in Wuhan. In addition, Honda Automobile (China) Co., Ltd. – a joint venture of Honda, Dongfeng Motor, and Guangzhou Auto Group Corp. will begin operation by the end of 2004, for production of automobiles exclusively for export.

 

     LOGO     
Dongfeng Honda Automobile (Wuhan) Co., Ltd CR-V lineoff ceremony     

 

–1–


Table of Contents

About CR-V

 

Main Features

 

  2.0 liter i-VTEC engine

 

  4-speed automatic with overdrive switch

 

  Real-time 4WD

 

  In-dash 6 CD changer

 

  SRS airbag

 

  ABS (4-wheel anti-lock break system)

 

  Immobilizer

 

About WDHAC

 

Company Name

  

: Dongfeng Honda Automobile (Wuhan) Co., Ltd

President

  

: Mitsuru Ozaki

Establishment

  

: July 2003

Capital

  

: USD 98million

Capitalization Ratio

  

: 50% Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

    

: 50% Dongfeng Motor Industry Investment Corp., Ltd.

Location

  

: Wuhan, Hubei Province, Economic and Technological Development Area

Number of associates

  

: 850 (as of April, 2004)

Lot area

  

: 375,000 m2

Building area

  

: 50,000 m2

Production capacity

  

: 30,000 units/year

 

–2–


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LOGO

 

Ref. #C04-025

 

Honda Achieves Record High Global and Overseas Automobile Production for FY2004

 

April 26, 2004 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced automobile production, sales and export results for the month of March 2004 as well as for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 (FY04). Honda reached a new all-time record for global auto production of nearly 3 million units in FY04, while overseas production increased for the seventh consecutive fiscal year.

 

Domestic production for March 2004 increased by 27.3% compared to the same month last year, while the total for FY04 was 12.6% lower compared to FY03.

 

Total overseas production in March 2004 increased 10.1% compared to the same month last year – highlighted by increased production in Asia and Europe. The FY04 total of approximately 1.8 million units set an all-time record high for Honda, representing a 12.4% increase compared to FY03. For FY04, Honda also set all-time record production totals in North America, the U.S. and Asia. While the overall global production total of approximately 2.99 million units was also the largest in Honda history.

 

Domestic sales of passenger cars and light trucks in March declined 18.1% compared to the same month last year. However, mini-vehicle sales, including Life, remained strong and increased 20.2% in March and 23.7% in the first three months of 2004 compared to the same period a year ago. Life was Honda’s best-selling vehicle in Japan in March with sales of 24,984 units. Odyssey and Fit also remained strong, with sales of 15,081 units and 20,075 units respectively. Overall FY04 domestic sales were 16.1% lower than the previous fiscal year.

 

With an increase in shipments to Europe (+74.2%), Asia (+7.7%) and North America (+6.0%), total exports in March increased 22.7% compared to the same month last year. Total exports for the first three months of 2004 were also 7.3% higher than a year ago. Total exports for FY04 were 2.5% lower than for FY03.

 

Honda Automobile Production, Sales And Exports

 

     Production

    Year-to-date Total
Jan – Mar 2004


 
     **Fiscal Year 2004

    March 2004

   
     Units

   vs. FY03

    Units

   vs.3 /03

    Units

   vs.2003

 

Domestic (CBU+CKD)

   1,182,024    -12.6 %   124,624    +27.3 %   320,221    +3.6 %

Overseas (CBU only)

   1,809,314    +12.4 %   177,394    +10.1 %   477,244    +2.6 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Worldwide Total *

   2,991,338    +1.0 %   302,018    +16.6 %   797,465    +3.0 %

 

  * excludes overseas CKD

 

  ** (April/01/2003~March/31/2004)

 

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Table of Contents

 

     Regional Production        
     **Fiscal Year 2004

    March 2004

    Year-to-date Total
Jan – Mar 2004


 
     Units

   vs.FY03

    Units

   vs.3 /03

    Units

   vs.2003

 

North America

   1,234,366    +3.3 %   116,559    -0.9 %   318,140    -7.2 %

(U.S. only)

   824,838    +3.3 %   77,346    -3.3 %   210,442    -8.9 %

Europe

   185,579    -0.4 %   18,009    +13.2 %   52,706    +1.7 %

Asia

   334,821    +57.6 %   35,879    +43.9 %   89,878    +41.3 %

Others

   54,548    +239.0 %   6,947    +168.3 %   16,520    +138.3 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Regional Total

   1,809,314    +12.4 %   177,394    +10.1 %   477,244    +2.6 %

 

 

     Domestic Sales        

Vehicle type


   **Fiscal Year 2004

    March 2004

    Year-to-date Total
Jan – Mar 2004


 
   Units

    vs.FY03

    Units

    vs.3 /03

    Units

    vs.2003

 

Passenger Cars & Light Trucks

   462,632     -23.2 %   63,924     -18.1 %   137,995     -11.1 %

(Imports)

   (17,356 )   (+38.1 %)   (1,340 )   -53.2 %   (2,976 )   (-45.7 %)

Mini Vehicles

   269,781     -0.4 %   36,238     +20.2 %   76,733     +23.7 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Honda Brand Total

   732,413     -16.1 %   100,162     -7.4 %   214,728     -1.2 %

 

 

     Exports        
     **Fiscal Year 2004

    March 2004

    Year-to-date Total
Jan – Mar 2004


 
     Units

   vs.FY03

    Units

   vs.3 /03

    Units

   vs.2003

 

North America

   243,575    -15.7 %   20,449    +6.0 %   61,618    +2.4 %

(U.S. only)

   218,605    -14.5 %   17,978    +16.7 %   55,308    +5.4 %

Europe

   121,089    +31.7 %   13,029    +74.2 %   36,165    +8.6 %

Asia

   18,760    -37.7 %   989    +7.7 %   3,070    -33.6 %

Others

   90,577    +20.9 %   6,225    +13.7 %   21,739    +34.5 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Total

   474,001    -2.5 %   40,692    +22.7 %   122,592    +7.3 %

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Masaya Nagai

Shigeki Endo

Tatsuya David Iida

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Corporate Communications Division

Telephone: 03-5412-1512

Facsimile: 03-5412-1545

 

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LOGO

 

April 27, 2004

Ref. #C04-026

 

 

Consolidated Financial Summary for the Fiscal Year

Ended March 31, 2004

 

  Record sales amidst fierce competition; record net sales and other operating revenue for 4 consecutive fiscal years and record net income for 3 consecutive fiscal years

 

Results for the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2004 (*record result)

 

    

Year ended

March 31, 2004
(billions of JPY)


   

Year ended

March 31, 2003

(billions of JPY)


  

Difference

billions of JPY

(% Change)


Net sales and other operating revenue

   8,162.6 *   7,971.4    +191.1 (+ 2.4%)

Operating income

   600.1     724.5    -124.3 (-17.2%)

Income before income taxes

   641.9 *   609.7    + 32.1 (+ 5.3%)

Net income

   464.3 *   426.6    + 37.6 (+ 8.8%)

Basic net income per common share

   JPY 486.91 *   JPY 439.43    + 47.48 (+10.8%)

 

(Exchange rate: JPY 113 = U.S. dollar 1 JPY 133 = Euro 1)

 

Note:  Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2003 is restated to reflect certain reclassifications applied to the figures for the year ended March 31, 2004.

 

Honda realized record consolidated net sales and other operating revenue for the fiscal year mainly due to robust overseas sales. Domestic sales saw a decline. Consolidated operating income was lower due to an increase in sales, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as well as depreciation of the U.S. dollar. Honda’s consolidated income before income taxes and consolidated net income both reached all-time highs.

 

  Unit sales for motorcycles, automobiles and power products all set all-time records

 

Motorcycles: 9.206 million (+13.9%); mainly attributable to growth in Asia and South America.

 

Automobiles: 2.983 million (+3.3%); domestic sales declined by 133,000 units; an increase of 36,000 units in North America was led by strong light truck sales including the Element and Pilot models as well as the Acura TSX and the new Acura TL. Further, strong sales of the Jazz and Accord Diesel led to a 24,000 unit increase in Europe. A 136,000 unit increase was realized in Asia fueled predominantly by growth in China, Thailand and Malaysia.

 

Power Products: 5.047 million (+10.1%); the increase was due primarily to sales growth in North America.

 


Table of Contents
  Consolidated net sales and other operating revenue rose to JPY 8,162.6 billion (+2.4%) due to unit sales increases in all business areas notwithstanding a negative impact from currency translation effects. (If the exchange rate from the same period during the previous fiscal year was applied, Honda estimates that an increase in revenue of approximately 6.4% would have been realized.)
  Consolidated operating income decreased to JPY 600.1 billion (- 17.2%) primarily due to negative effects from currency effects of (JPY -101.0 billion ) and an increase in sales, and general and administrative expenses which offset the positive impact of increased revenues and cost reduction measures.
  Consolidated net income increased to JPY 464.3 billion (+8.8%) due predominantly to increased profits (accounted for by equity method) in joint venture companies in Asian markets of JPY 75.1 billion (+21.3%).
  The stock dividend per share planned for the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2004 is JPY 23, an increase of JPY 7 from that allocated at the end of the previous fiscal year. Combined with the interim dividend of JPY 19, the dividend for the whole fiscal year is expected to total JPY 42.

 

Forecasts for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2005

 

An all-time record is forecast for consolidated net sales and other operating revenue based on all-time record unit sales plans for motorcycles 9.29 million units (+84,000 units), automobiles 3.255 million units (+272,000 units) and power products 5.60 million units (+553,000 units). Honda’s targeted consolidated operating income, income before taxes and net income for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 are as follows, taking negative currency translation effects (approx. JPY -139.0 billion at the operating income level) into consideration:

 

    

Year ending

March 31, 2005

(billions of JPY)


  

Year ending

March 31, 2004

(billions of JPY)


  

Difference

billions of JPY

(% change)


Net sales and other operating revenue

   8,500.0    8,162.6    +337.4   (+4.1%)

Operating income

      560.0       600.1    -40.1   (-6.7%)

Income before income taxes

      500.0       641.9    -141.9   (-22.1%)

Net income

      390.0       464.3    -74.3   (-16.0%)

 

(Exchange rate: JPY 105 = U.S. dollar 1 JPY 125 = Euro 1

 

(With respect to operating income, an actual income increase of JPY 99.0 billion is forecast if currency translation effects are excluded.)

 


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April 27, 2004

 

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. REPORTS

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS

FOR THE FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER AND

THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

 

Tokyo, April 27, 2004— Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004.

 

Fourth Quarter Results

 

Honda’s consolidated net income for the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2004 totaled JPY 74.1 billion (USD 701 million), a decrease of 36.5% from the corresponding period in 2003. Basic net income per Common Share for the quarter amounted to JPY 78.47 (USD 0.74), compared to JPY 120.86 for the same period in 2003. Two of Honda’s American Depositary Shares represent one Common Share.

 

Unit sales in all of Honda’s business categories relating to products, namely motorcycles, automobiles and power products, increased during the fiscal fourth quarter and consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (herein referred to as “revenue”) for the quarter amounted to JPY 2,144.9 billion (USD 20,294 million), increased by 0.8% over the corresponding period in 2003. Revenue included a negative effect of currency translation, caused by translation of foreign currency denominated revenue from Honda’s overseas subsidiaries into yen. Honda estimates that if the exchange rate of yen had remained unchanged from that in the corresponding period in 2003, revenue for the quarter would have increased by approximately 5.5%.

 

Consolidated operating income for the fiscal fourth quarter totaled JPY 137.1 billion (USD 1,298 million), a decrease of 43.3% compared to the corresponding period in 2003. This decrease in operating income was primarily due to the negative impacts of depreciation of U.S. dollar and an increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which offset positive impacts of ongoing cost reduction effects.

 

Consolidated income before income taxes for the quarter totaled JPY 106.4 billion (USD 1,007 million), a decrease of 40.0% from the corresponding period in 2003.

 

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Table of Contents

With respect to Honda’s sales in the fiscal fourth quarter by business category, motorcycle unit sales increased by 26.7% to 2,620 thousand units, and revenue increased 12.1%, to JPY 294.8 billion (USD 2,790 million).

 

Honda’s unit sales of automobiles for the quarter increased by 1.7% to 793 thousand units. Revenue decreased 1.0%, to JPY 1,694.3 billion (USD 16,031 million).

 

Revenue from financial services for the quarter decreased 4.1% to JPY58.6 billion (USD 555 million).

 

Unit sales of power products for the quarter totaled 1,788 thousand units, an increase of 4.2% compared to the corresponding period in 2003. Revenue from power products and other businesses increased by 4.0% to JPY 99.8 billion (USD 945 million).

 

Fiscal Year Results

 

Honda’s consolidated net income for the year ended March 31, 2004 totaled JPY 464.3 billion (USD 4,393 million), an increase of 8.8% from the previous year. Basic net income per Common Share for the year amounted to JPY 486.91 (USD 4.61), compared to JPY 439.43 for the previous year.

 

Consolidated net sales and other operating revenue for the year amounted to JPY 8,162.6 billion (USD 77,232 million), an increase of 2.4% from last year. Revenue included a negative effect of currency translation caused by translation of foreign currency denominated revenue from Honda’s overseas subsidiaries into yen, Honda estimates that if the exchange rate of yen had remained unchanged from that in the previous year, revenue for the year would have increased by approximately 6.4%.

 

Consolidated operating income for the year totaled JPY 600.1 billion (USD 5,678 million), a decrease of 17.2% compared to the previous year. This decrease in operating income was primarily due to negative impacts of depreciation of U.S. dollar and an increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which offset positive impacts of increased revenue from increased unit sales and ongoing cost reduction effects.

 

Consolidated income before income taxes for the year totaled JPY 641.9 billion (USD 6,074 million), an increase of 5.3% compared to the previous year.

 

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With respect to Honda’s sales for the year by business category, motorcycle unit sales increased 13.9% to 9,206 thousand units. In Japan, unit sales of motorcycles decreased 6.7% to 403 thousand units, while overseas unit sales increased 15.1% to 8,803 thousand units. Revenue from motorcycle business increased 1.9% to JPY 996.2 billion (USD 9,427million) due primarily to increased sales. Operating income decreased 25.9% to JPY 42.4 billion (USD 401 million).

 

Honda’s unit sales related to automobiles for the year increased by 3.3% to 2,983 thousand units. Of them, unit sales in Japan decreased 15.7% to 716 thousand units, and overseas unit sales increased 11.2% to 2,267 thousand units. Revenue from automobile business also increased 2.4% to JPY 6,592.0 billion (USD 62,371 million) due mainly to increase in overseas unit sales, which offset the negative impact of appreciation of yen. Operating income decreased 20.4% to JPY 438.8 billion (USD 4,153 million).

 

Revenue from financial services increased 2.0% to JPY 245.8 billion (USD 2,326 million). Operating income was JPY 108.4 billion (USD 1,026 million), increased by 0.6% from the previous year.

 

For power products, unit sales for the year was increased by 10.1% to 5,047 thousand units compared with the previous year. Of them, unit sales in Japan totaled 477 thousand units, increased by 1.1% from the previous year, and overseas unit sales increased 11.1% to 4,570 thousand units, due primarily to increased sales in North America. Revenue from power product and other businesses increased by 4.7% to JPY 341.6 billion (USD 3,233 million) due mainly to increased sales in power products. Operating income increased 28.3% to JPY 10.3 billion (USD 98 million).

 

With respect to Honda’s sales for the year by geographic segment, in Japan, revenue was JPY 3,930.8 billion (USD 37,192 million), almost the same level as the previous year, with increased sales in automobile export offsetting decreased domestic sales. Operating income in Japan was JPY 192.4 billion (USD 1,821 million), almost the same level as the previous year.

 

In North America, revenue decreased by 0.8% from the previous year to JPY 4,673.0 billion (USD 44,214 million), due to negative impact of appreciation of yen against U.S. dollar, although unit sales in motorcycles, automobiles and power products increased. Operating income in North America decreased by 30.2% to JPY 310.1 billion (USD 2,935 million) from the previous year.

 

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In Europe, revenue for the year increased by 15.0% to JPY 948.5 billion (USD 8,975 million) compared to the previous year, due mainly to increased unit sales in automobiles, as well as a positive impact of currency translation effects. Operating income in Europe increased by 78.3% to JPY 25.8 billion (USD 245 million).

 

In Asia, revenue increased by 34.6% to JPY 704.1 billion (USD 6,663 million) from the previous year, due mainly to continued strong sales in motorcycle and automobile businesses. Operating income also increased by 18.2% to JPY 44.6 billion (USD 423 million) from the previous year.

 

Revenue from Other regions for the year increased by 26.9% to JPY 348.2 billion (USD 3,295 million) compared to the previous year, due to increased unit sales in automobiles, motorcycles and power products. Operating income increased by 2.5% to JPY 23.7 billion (USD 225 million) from the previous year.

 

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Forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005

 

The economy of the U.S. is showing its recovery, while consumer spending for later this fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 may be expected to slowdown. On the other hand, Asian and other regions are expected to show stable. However, management environment is still under difficult conditions attributable to global political and economic uncertainty and currency movements. Competition in the Japanese market is expected to intensify amid continuing weak consumer spending.

 

In these circumstances, Honda expects competition in each of its markets to remain challenging. In regard to the forecasts of the financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, Honda projects consolidated results as to be below:

 

First half ending September 30, 2004

 

     In billions of yen

   Changes from FY 2004

 

Net sales and other operating revenue

   4,180    +3.8 %

Income before income taxes

   255    +23.2 %

Net income

   195    -18.5 %

 

Fiscal year ending March 31, 2005

 

     In billions of yen

   Changes from FY2004

 

Net sales and other operating revenue

   8,500    +4.1 %

Income before income taxes

   500    -22.1 %

Net income

   390    -16.0 %

 

These forecasts are based on the assumption that the average exchange rates for yen to U.S. dollar and euro for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 will be JPY 105 and JPY 125, respectively.

 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Honda’s actual results could materially differ from those contained in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors outside of Honda’s control. Such factors include general economic conditions in Honda’s principal markets, and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time in Honda’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Table of Contents

Risk Factors

 

This section describes some of the risks that could affect Honda’s business and financial statements, and the Company’s stock price.

 

Honda may be adversely affected by market conditions

 

Japanese economy started to show moderate recovery, however, consumer spending still remains weak. A continued economic slowdown, recession or sustained loss of consumer confidence in Japan could trigger a significant decline in demand for automobiles, motorcycles and power products that may affect Honda’s result of operation.

 

Additionally, Honda conducts its operation throughout over the world, including North America, Europe and Asia. Economic downturns in these markets may also affect Honda’s results of operation.

 

Prices for automobiles, motorcycles and power products can be volatile

 

Prices for automobiles, motorcycles and power products in certain markets have, at times, experienced sharp changes over short periods of time.

 

This volatility is caused by many factors, including short-term fluctuations in demand, shortages of certain supplies, volatility in underlying economic conditions, changes in import regulations, excess inventory and increased competition.

 

There can be no assurance that such price volatility will not continue or that price volatility will not occur in markets that to date have not experienced such volatility.

 

Overcapacity within the industry has increased and will likely continue to increase if the economic downturn continues in Honda’s major markets or worldwide, leading, potentially, to further increased price pressure.

 

Price volatility in any or all of Honda’s markets could adversely affect Honda’s results of operations in a particular period.

 

Honda’s operations are subject to currency fluctuations

 

Honda’s Japanese operations export automobiles, motorcycles, power products and components of automobile, motorcycle and power product to a number of countries. Its overseas operations such as U.S. operations also export such products and components abroad.

 

Changes in exchange rates have an effect on Honda’s results of operations, balance sheet and cash flow, as well as on Honda’s competitiveness, which will over time affect its results.

 

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In addition, currency fluctuations may affect Honda’s pricing of products sold and materials purchased in foreign currencies.

 

Since Honda has substantial manufacturing operations in Japan and generates a substantial portion of its revenues in currencies other than yen, Honda’s results of operations would be adversely affected by an appreciation of yen against other currencies, in particular the U.S. dollar.

 

Honda’s hedging of currency and interest rate risk exposes Honda to other risks

 

Although it is impossible to hedge against all currency or interest risk, Honda uses hedging instruments in order to reduce the effects of currency fluctuations and interest rate exposure.

 

As with all hedging instruments, there are risks associated with the use of foreign currency forward contracts, currency swap agreements and currency option contracts, as well as interest rate swap agreements.

 

While providing some protection from fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates, by utilizing such hedging instruments Honda potentially forgoes benefits that might result from other fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates.

 

Honda has entered into, and expects to continue to enter into, such hedging arrangements. Honda manages exposure to counterparty credit risk by limiting the counterparties to major international banks and financial institutions meeting established credit guidelines.

 

However, any default by such counterparties might have an adverse effect on Honda.

 

The automobile and motorcycle industries are subject to extensive environmental and other governmental regulation

 

Regulations regarding vehicle emission levels, fuel economy, noise and safety, as well as levels of pollutants from production plants, are extensive within the automobile and motorcycle industries. These regulations are subject to change, and are often made more restrictive. The costs to comply with these regulations can be significant to Honda’s operations. New legislation, such as the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act in the United States, will also subject Honda to additional expense, which could be significant.

 

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Honda is reliant on the protection and preservation of its intellectual property

 

Honda owns or otherwise has rights in a number of patents and trademarks relating to the products it manufactures, which have been obtained over a period of years. These patents and trademarks have been of value in the growth of Honda’s business and may continue to be of value in the future. Honda does not regard any of its businesses as being dependent upon any single patent or related group of patents. However, an inability to protect this intellectual property generally, or the illegal breach of some or a large group of Honda’s intellectual property rights, would have an adverse effect on Honda’s operations.

 

Honda’s financial services business conducts business under highly competitive conditions in an industry with inherent risks

 

Honda’s Financial Services business offers various financing plans designed to increase the opportunity for sales of its products and to generate financing income. However, customers can also obtain financing for the lease or purchase of Honda’s products through a variety of other sources that compete with our financing services, including commercial banks and finance and leasing companies. The financial services offered by us also involve risks relating to residual value, credit risk and cost of capital. Competition for customers and/or these risks may affect Honda’s results of operations in the future.

 

Honda relies on suppliers for the provision of certain raw materials and components

 

Honda purchases raw materials, and certain components and parts, from numerous external suppliers, and relies on some key suppliers for some items and the raw materials it uses in the manufacture of its products. Honda’s ability to continue to obtain these supplies in an efficient and cost-effective manner is subject to a number of factors, some of which are not within Honda’s control. These factors include the ability of its suppliers to provide a continued source of supply and Honda’s ability to compete with other users in obtaining the supplies. Loss of a key supplier in particular may affect our production and increase our costs.

 

Honda may be adversely affected by its joint ventures

 

In several countries, Honda conducts businesses through joint ventures with local entities, in part due to the legal and other requirements of those countries. These businesses may be affected by changes in the business condition or policy of these entities. Any or all of these factors may adversely affect Honda’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Honda may be adversely affected by natural disasters, wars, terrorism and labor strikes

 

Honda conducts its businesses worldwide, and its operations may variously be subject to natural disasters, disease, wars, terrorism or labor strikes which may delay or disrupt Honda’s local operations in the affected regions, including the acquisition of raw materials and parts, the manufacture, sales and distribution of products and the provision of services. If such delay or disruption occurs and continues for a long period of time, Honda’s business financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

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[1] Unit Sales Breakdown

 

     (In thousands of unit)

 
     Three months
ended
Mar. 31, 2004


    Three months
ended
Mar. 31, 2003


    Year ended
Mar. 31, 2004


    Year ended
Mar. 31, 2003


 

MOTORCYCLES

                        

Japan

   103     123     403     432  

(motorcycles included above)

   (103 )   (123 )   (403 )   (432 )

North America

   227     170     656     610  

(motorcycles included above)

   (129 )   (101 )   (360 )   (324 )

Europe

   91     92     299     305  

(motorcycles included above)

   (89 )   (89 )   (289 )   (296 )

Asia

   1,996     1,486     7,017     5,948  

(motorcycles included above)

   (1,996 )   (1,486 )   (7,017 )   (5,948 )

Others

   203     197     831     785  

(motorcycles included above)

   (201 )   (195 )   (822 )   (774 )
    

 

 

 

Total

   2,620     2,068     9,206     8,080  

(motorcycles included above)

   (2,518 )   (1,994 )   (8,891 )   (7,774 )

AUTOMOBILES

                        

Japan

   210     221     716     849  

North America

   369     402     1,558     1,522  

Europe

   74     64     231     207  

Asia

   102     66     341     205  

Others

   38     27     137     105  
    

 

 

 

Total

   793     780     2,983     2,888  

POWER PRODUCTS

                        

Japan

   123     119     477     472  

North America

   895     712     2,363     1,872  

Europe

   538     592     1,261     1,290  

Asia

   149     200     619     657  

Others

   83     93     327     293  
    

 

 

 

Total

   1,788     1,716     5,047     4,584  

 

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Table of Contents

[2] Net Sales Breakdown

 

(A) For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
     Three months ended
Mar. 31, 2004


    Three months ended
Mar. 31, 2003


 

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   22,143    (7.5 %)   24,277    (9.2 %)

North America

   109,461    (37.1 %)   89,130    (33.9 %)

Europe

   57,977    (19.7 %)   57,758    (22.0 %)

Asia

   66,518    (22.6 %)   60,736    (23.1 %)

Others

   38,747    (13.1 %)   31,126    (11.8 %)
    
  

 
  

Total

   294,846    (100.0 %)   263,027    (100.0 %)

AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   416,850    (24.6 %)   377,804    (22.1 %)

North America

   891,517    (52.6 %)   1,038,509    (60.7 %)

Europe

   165,638    (9.8 %)   133,009    (7.8 %)

Asia

   151,990    (9.0 %)   116,610    (6.8 %)

Others

   68,306    (4.0 %)   45,210    (2.6 %)
    
  

 
  

Total

   1,694,301    (100.0 %)   1,711,142    (100.0 %)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

                      

Japan

   4,716    (8.2 %)   4,851    (8.0 %)

North America

   50,052    (86.8 %)   53,919    (89.3 %)

Europe

   2,023    (3.5 %)   1,525    (2.5 %)

Asia

   305    (0.5 %)   115    (0.2 %)

Others

   549    (1.0 %)   —      (— )
    
  

 
  

Total

   57,645    (100.0 %)   60,410    (100.0 %)

POWER PRODUCT & OTHER BUSINESSES

                      

Japan

   26,783    (27.3 %)   26,022    (27.6 %)

North America

   36,416    (37.1 %)   32,328    (34.4 %)

Europe

   25,745    (26.3 %)   24,265    (25.8 %)

Asia

   4,635    (4.7 %)   7,684    (8.2 %)

Others

   4,553    (4.6 %)   3,771    (4.0 %)
    
  

 
  

Total

   98,132    (100.0 %)   94,070    (100.0 %)

TOTAL

                      

Japan

   470,492    (22.0 %)   432,954    (20.3 %)

North America

   1,087,446    (50.7 %)   1,213,886    (57.0 %)

Europe

   251,383    (11.7 %)   216,557    (10.2 %)

Asia

   223,448    (10.4 %)   185,145    (8.7 %)

Others

   112,155    (5.2 %)   80,107    (3.8 %)
    
  

 
  

Total

   2,144,924    (100.0 %)   2,128,649    (100.0 %)

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. The geographic breakdown of net sales is based on the location of affiliated and unaffiliated customers.

 

2. Net sales of power product & other businesses include revenue from sales of power products and relevant parts, leisure businesses and trading.

 

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[2] Net Sales Breakdown - continued

 

(B) For the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
    

Year ended

Mar. 31, 2004


   

Year ended

Mar. 31, 2003


 

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   93,203    (9.4 %)   98,391    (10.1 %)

North America

   322,213    (32.3 %)   329,073    (33.6 %)

Europe

   182,400    (18.3 %)   175,736    (18.0 %)

Asia

   242,370    (24.3 %)   222,955    (22.8 %)

Others

   156,104    (15.7 %)   151,940    (15.5 %)
    
  

 
  

Total

   996,290    (100.0 %)   978,095    (100.0 %)

AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   1,397,237    (21.2 %)   1,513,596    (23.5 %)

North America

   3,900,755    (59.2 %)   3,926,848    (61.0 %)

Europe

   516,108    (7.8 %)   420,292    (6.5 %)

Asia

   532,552    (8.1 %)   397,156    (6.2 %)

Others

   245,372    (3.7 %)   182,202    (2.8 %)
    
  

 
  

Total

   6,592,024    (100.0 %)   6,440,094    (100.0 %)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

                      

Japan

   20,043    (8.2 %)   21,308    (9.0 %)

North America

   212,522    (87.6 %)   210,903    (88.6 %)

Europe

   7,448    (3.1 %)   5,548    (2.3 %)

Asia

   899    (0.4 %)   199    (0.1 %)

Others

   1,784    (0.7 %)   —      (— )
    
  

 
  

Total

   242,696    (100.0 %)   237,958    (100.0 %)

POWER PRODUCT & OTHER BUSINESSES

                      

Japan

   118,010    (35.6 %)   115,411    (36.6 %)

North America

   107,440    (32.4 %)   101,102    (32.1 %)

Europe

   64,154    (19.3 %)   60,385    (19.1 %)

Asia

   25,790    (7.8 %)   25,216    (8.0 %)

Others

   16,196    (4.9 %)   13,238    (4.2 %)
    
  

 
  

Total

   331,590    (100.0 %)   315,352    (100.0 %)

TOTAL

                      

Japan

   1,628,493    (20.0 %)   1,748,706    (21.9 %)

North America

   4,542,930    (55.7 %)   4,567,926    (57.3 %)

Europe

   770,110    (9.4 %)   661,961    (8.3 %)

Asia

   801,611    (9.8 %)   645,526    (8.1 %)

Others

   419,456    (5.1 %)   347,380    (4.4 %)
    
  

 
  

Total

   8,162,600    (100.0 %)   7,971,499    (100.0 %)

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. The geographic breakdown of net sales is based on the location of affiliated and unaffiliated customers.

 

2. Net sales of power product & other businesses include revenue from sales of power products and related parts, leisure businesses and trading.

 

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[3] Consolidated Financial Summary

 

For the three months and the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

Financial Highlights

 

     (In millions of Yen)

     Three months
ended
Mar. 31, 2004


   %
Change


    Three months
ended
Mar. 31, 2003


   Year ended
Mar. 31, 2004


   %
Change


    Year ended
Mar. 31, 2003


Net sales and other operating revenue

   2,144,924    0.8 %   2,128,649    8,162,600    2.4 %   7,971,499

Operating income

   137,143    -43.3 %   241,680    600,144    -17.2 %   724,527

Income before income taxes

   106,465    -40.0 %   177,345    641,927    5.3 %   609,755

Net income

   74,110    -36.5 %   116,716    464,338    8.8 %   426,662
     (In Yen)

Basic net income per

                               

Common Share

   78.47          120.86    486.91          439.43

American Depositary Share

   39.23          60.43    243.45          219.71

 

     (In millions of U.S. Dollar)

     Three months
ended
Mar. 31, 2004


   Year ended
Mar. 31, 2004


Net sales and other operating revenue

   20,294    77,232

Operating income

   1,298    5,678

Income before income taxes

   1,007    6,074

Net income

   701    4,393
     (In U.S. Dollar)

Basic net income per

         

Common Share

   0.74    4.61

American Depositary Share

   0.37    2.30

 

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[4] Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings

 

(A) For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

     (In millions of Yen)

     Three months
ended
Mar. 31, 2004


   Three months
ended
Mar. 31, 2003


Net sales and other operating revenue

   2,144,924    2,128,649

Operating costs and expenses:

         

Cost of sales

   1,451,412    1,374,387

Selling, general and administrative

   438,414    395,200

Research and development

   117,955    117,382
    
  

Operating income

   137,143    241,680

Other income:

         

Interest

   2,404    1,721

Other

   6,904    555

Other expenses:

         

Interest

   2,741    2,559

Other

   37,245    64,052
    
  

Income before income taxes

   106,465    177,345

Income taxes

   46,504    78,953
    
  

Income before equity in income of affiliates

   59,961    98,392

Equity in income of affiliates

   14,149    18,324
    
  

Net income

   74,110    116,716

Retained earnings:

         

Balance at beginning of period

   3,515,324    3,044,948

Cash dividends paid

   —      —  

Transfer to legal reserves

   —      —  
    
  

Balance at end of period

   3,589,434    3,161,664
    
  
     (In Yen)

Basic net income per

         

Common Share

   78.47    120.86

American Depositary Share

   39.23    60.43

 

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[4] Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings - continued

 

(B) For the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
     Year ended
Mar. 31, 2004


    Year ended
Mar. 31, 2003


 

Net sales and other operating revenue

   8,162,600     7,971,499  

Operating costs and expenses:

            

Cost of sales

   5,609,806     5,364,204  

Selling, general and administrative

   1,503,683     1,445,905  

Research and development

   448,967     436,863  
    

 

Operating income

   600,144     724,527  

Other income:

            

Interest

   9,299     7,445  

Other

   54,909     5,741  

Other expenses:

            

Interest

   10,194     12,207  

Other

   12,231     115,751  
    

 

Income before income taxes

   641,927     609,755  

Income taxes

   252,740     245,065  
    

 

Income before equity in income of affiliates

   389,187     364,690  

Equity in income of affiliates

   75,151     61,972  
    

 

Net income

   464,338     426,662  

Retained earnings:

            

Balance at beginning of period

   3,161,664     2,765,600  

Cash dividends paid

   (33,541 )   (30,176 )

Transfer to legal reserves

   (3,027 )   (422 )
    

 

Balance at end of period

   3,589,434     3,161,664  
    

 

     (In Yen)

 

Basic net income per

            

Common Share

   486.91     439.43  

American Depositary Share

   243.45     219.71  

 

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Table of Contents

[5] Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     (In millions of Yen)

     Mar. 31, 2004

   Mar. 31, 2003

Assets

         

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

   724,421    547,404

Trade accounts and notes receivable

   373,416    444,498

Finance subsidiaries receivables, net

   1,264,620    1,097,541

Inventories

   765,433    751,980

Deferred income taxes

   222,179    202,376

Other current assets

   303,185    248,561
    
  

Total current assets

   3,653,254    3,292,360
    
  

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net

   2,377,338    2,230,020

Investments and advances

   541,066    412,971

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

         

Land

   354,762    342,991

Buildings

   968,159    942,747

Machinery and equipment

   2,072,347    2,023,724

Construction in progress

   49,208    72,112
    
  
     3,444,476    3,381,574

Less accumulated depreciation

   2,008,945    1,987,231
    
  

Net property, plant and equipment

   1,435,531    1,394,343
    
  

Other assets

   321,579    351,597
    
  

Total assets

   8,328,768    7,681,291
    
  

 

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Table of Contents

[5] Consolidated Balance Sheets - continued

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
     Mar. 31, 2004

    Mar. 31, 2003

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

            

Current liabilities:

            

Bank loans and commercial paper

   734,271     877,954  

Current portion of long-term debt

   487,125     304,342  

Trade payables

   911,237     830,671  

Accrued expenses

   813,733     777,492  

Income taxes payable

   31,194     64,179  

Other current liabilities

   357,259     267,752  
    

 

Total current liabilities

   3,334,819     3,122,390  
    

 

Long-term debt

   1,394,612     1,140,182  

Other liabilities

   724,937     788,999  
    

 

Total liabilities

   5,454,368     5,051,571  
    

 

Stockholders’ equity:

            

Common stock

   86,067     86,067  

Capital surplus

   172,719     172,529  

Legal reserves

   32,418     29,391  

Retained earnings

   3,589,434     3,161,664  

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

   (665,413 )   (469,472 )

Net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

   36,066     14,820  

Minimum pension liabilities adjustments

   (225,226 )   (308,513 )
    

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (854,573 )   (763,165 )

Treasury Stock

   (151,665 )   (56,766 )
    

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   2,874,400     2,629,720  
    

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   8,328,768     7,681,291  
    

 

 

17


Table of Contents

[6] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
    

Year

ended
Mar. 31, 2004


   

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net income

   464,338     426,662  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

            

Depreciation

   213,445     220,874  

Deferred income taxes

   113,422     68,433  

Equity in income of affiliates

   (75,151 )   (61,972 )

Loss on fair value adjustment of derivative instrument (profit)

   (84,783 )   36,983  

Decrease (increase) in:

            

Trade accounts and notes receivable

   50,925     (16,842 )

Inventories

   (51,836 )   (146,574 )

Increase (decrease) in trade payables

   132,541     28,675  

Other, net

   (49,959 )   131,888  
    

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   712,942     688,127  
    

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

            

Decrease (increase) in investments and advances

   50,619     20,737  

Capital Expenditures

   (287,741 )   (316,991 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

   19,157     16,438  

Decrease (increase) in finance subsidiaries-receivables

   (749,470 )   (793,743 )
    

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (967,435 )   (1,073,559 )
    

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

            

Increase (decrease) in short-term debt

   (7,910 )   (47,959 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

   885,162     775,987  

Repayment of long-term debt

   (289,107 )   (292,063 )

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (95,312 )   (56,717 )

Cash dividends paid

   (33,541 )   (30,176 )

Increase (decrease) in commercial paper classified as long-term debt

   280     (2,131 )
    

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   459,572     346,941  
    

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (28,062 )   (23,546 )
    

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   177,017     (62,037 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   547,404     609,441  
    

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   724,421     547,404  
    

 

 

18


Table of Contents

[7] Segment Information

 

(A) Business Segment Information

 

For the year ended March 31, 2004

 

     (In millions of Yen)

    

Motor-
cycle

Business


  

Auto-
mobile

Business


  

Financial

Services


   Power
Product&
Other
Businesses


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

                                     

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   996,290    6,592,024    242,696    331,590    8,162,600    —       8,162,600

Intersegment sales

   0    0    3,138    10,070    13,208    (13,208 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   996,290    6,592,024    245,834    341,660    8,175,808    (13,208 )   8,162,600

Cost of sales, SG&A. and R&D expenses

   953,857    6,153,133    137,396    331,278    7,575,664    (13,208 )   7,562,456
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   42,433    438,891    108,438    10,382    600,144    0     600,144
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Assets

   764,893    3,727,259    3,818,915    247,451    8,558,518    (229,750 )   8,328,768

Depreciation and amortization

   25,156    181,266    359    6,664    213,445    —       213,445

Capital expenditures

   35,041    240,416    430    11,854    287,741    —       287,741
For the year ended March 31, 2003
     (In millions of Yen)

    

Motor-
cycle

Business


  

Auto-
mobile

Business


  

Financial

Services


   Power
Product&
Other
Businesses


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   978,095    6,440,094    237,958    315,352    7,971,499    —       7,971,499

Intersegment sales

   0    0    3,037    10,971    14,008    (14,008 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   978,095    6,440,094    240,995    326,323    7,985,507    (14,008 )   7,971,499

Cost of sales, SG&A and R&D expenses

   920,865    5,888,702    133,182    318,231    7,260,980    (14,008 )   7,246,972
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   57,230    551,392    107,813    8,092    724,527    0     724,527
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Assets

   798,530    3,624,639    3,505,017    241,085    8,169,271    (487,980 )   7,681,291

Depreciation and amortization

   25,311    187,839    804    6,920    220,874    —       220,874

Capital expenditures

   37,496    270,263    646    8,586    316,991    —       316,991

 

19


Table of Contents

Explanatory notes:

 

  1. Business Segment

 

Business Segment is based on Honda’s business organization and the similarity of the principal products included within each segment as well as the relevant markets for such products.

 

  2. Principal products of each segment

 

Business


  

Sales


  

Principal Products


Motorcycle business    Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), personal water craft and relevant parts    Large-size motorcycles, mid-size motorcycles, motorized bicycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), personal water craft
Automobile business    Automobiles and relevant parts    Compact cars, sub-compact cars, minivehicles
Financial services    Financial and insurance services    N/A
Power product & other businesses   

Power products and relevant parts,

and others

   Power tillers, generators, general purpose engines, lawn mowers, outboard engines

 

  3. Within assets, corporate assets are included in Eliminations and amounted to JPY482,471 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 and JPY323,055 million for the year ended March 31, 2003, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities held by the Parent company.

 

20


Table of Contents
(B) Geographic Segment Information

 

The geographic segments are based on the location where sales are originated.

 

For the year ended March 31, 2004

 

     ( In millions of Yen)

     Japan

   North-
America


   Europe

   Asia

   Others

   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                        

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   1,879,141    4,552,941    756,312    637,163    337,043    8,162,600    —       8,162,600

Transfers between geographic segments

   2,051,729    120,069    192,235    67,009    11,222    2,442,264    (2,442,264 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   3,930,870    4,673,010    948,547    704,172    348,265    10,604,864    (2,442,264 )   8,162,600

Cost of sales,

SG&A and R&D expenses

   3,738,419    4,362,860    922,704    659,500    324,466    10,007,949    (2,445,493 )   7,562,456
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   192,451    310,150    25,843    44,672    23,799    596,915    3,229     600,144
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Assets

   2,370,214    4,539,320    571,419    435,815    141,851    8,058,619    270,149     8,328,768

For the year ended March 31, 2003

     ( In millions of Yen)

     Japan

   North-
America


   Europe

   Asia

   Others

   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                        

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   1,975,518    4,580,004    663,032    487,415    265,530    7,971,499    —       7,971,499

Transfers between geographic segments

   1,943,465    131,906    161,551    35,710    8,865    2,281,497    (2,281,497 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   3,918,983    4,711,910    824,583    523,125    274,395    10,252,996    (2,281,497 )   7,971,499

Cost of sales,

SG&A and R&D expenses

   3,727,564    4,267,527    810,085    485,316    251,184    9,541,676    (2,294,704 )   7,246,972
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   191,419    444,383    14,498    37,809    23,211    711,320    13,207     724,527
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Assets

   2,392,252    4,182,861    535,507    362,432    109,827    7,582,879    98,412     7,681,291

 

Explanatory notes:

 

  1. Geographic Segment

 

Asia was previously included in Others. Currently, Asia is separately presented in the Geographic Segment.

 

  2. Within assets, corporate assets are included in Eliminations and amounted to JPY482,471 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 and JPY323,055 million for the year ended March 31, 2003, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities held by the Parent company.

 

21


Table of Contents
(C) Overseas Sales

 

For the year ended March 31, 2004

 

     ( In millions of Yen)

 
     North-
America


    Europe

    Asia

    Others

    Total

 

Overseas Sales

   4,542,930     770,110     801,611     419,456     6,534,107  

Consolidated Sales

                           8,162,600  

Overseas Sales Ratio to Consolidated Sales

   55.7 %   9.4 %   9.8 %   5.1 %   80.0 %
For the year ended March 31, 2003       
     ( In millions of Yen)

 
     North-
America


    Europe

    Asia

    Others

    Total

 

Overseas Sales

   4,567,926     661,961     645,526     347,380     6,222,793  

Consolidated Sales

                           7,971,499  

Overseas Sales Ratio to Consolidated Sales

   57.3 %   8.3 %   8.1 %   4.4 %   78.1 %

 

Explanatory note:

 

Geographic Segment

 

Asia was previously included in Others. Currently, Asia is separately presented in the Geographic Segment.

 

22


Table of Contents

[8] (A) Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Divided into non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
     Mar. 31, 2004

 
           % of total

 

Assets

            

< Non-financial services businesses >

            

Current Assets:

   3,033,178     36.4  

Cash and cash equivalents

   707,917        

Trade accounts and notes receivable

   377,049        

Inventories

   765,433        

Other current assets

   1,182,779        

Investments and advances

   743,427     8.9  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

   1,418,397     17.0  

Other assets

   269,073     3.3  
    

 

Total assets

   5,464,075     65.6  

< Finance Subsidiaries >

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   16,504     0.2  

Finance subsidiaries-short-term receivables, net

   1,271,171     15.3  

Finance subsidiaries-long-term receivables, net

   2,378,345     28.6  

Other assets

   152,895     1.8  
    

 

Total assets

   3,818,915     45.9  

Eliminations among subsidiaries

   (954,222 )   (11.5 )
    

 

Total assets

   8,328,768     100.0  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

            

< Non-financial services businesses >

            

Current liabilities:

   2,017,607     24.2  

Short-term debt

   200,784        

Current portion of long-term debt

   6,912        

Trade payables

   913,649        

Accrued expenses

   691,637        

Other current liabilities

   204,625        

Long-term debt

   28,370     0.4  

Other liabilities

   724,331     8.7  
    

 

Total liabilities

   2,770,308     33.3  

< Finance Subsidiaries >

            

Short-term debt

   1,170,538     14.1  

Current portion of long-term debt

   482,563     5.8  

Accrued expenses

   127,232     1.5  

Long-term debt

   1,378,346     16.5  

Other liabilities

   287,705     3.5  
    

 

Total liabilities

   3,446,384     41.4  

Eliminations among subsidiaries

   (762,324 )   (9.2 )
    

 

Total liabilities

   5,454,368     65.5  

Common stock

   86,067     1.0  

Capital surplus

   172,719     2.1  

Legal reserves

   32,418     0.4  

Retained earnings

   3,589,434     43.1  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (854,573 )   (10.3 )

Treasury stock

   (151,665 )   (1.8 )
    

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   2,874,400     34.5  
    

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   8,328,768     100.0  
    

 

 

23


Table of Contents

[8] (B) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Divided into non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
     Non-financial
services
businesses


    Finance
subsidiaries


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net Income

   423,794     40,569  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

            

Depreciation

   213,086     359  

Deferred income taxes

   34,532     78,890  

Equity in income of affiliates

   (75,424 )   —    

Loss on fair value adjustment of derivative instrument (profit)

   (74,469 )   (10,314 )

Decrease (increase) in trade accounts and notes receivable

   53,035     —    

Decrease (increase) in inventories

   (51,836 )   —    

Increase (decrease) in trade payables

   130,322     —    

Other, net

   (104,351 )   65,493  
    

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   548,689     174,997  

Cash flows from investing activities:

            

*Decrease (increase) in investments and advances

   94,562     12  

Capital expenditures

   (287,311 )   (430 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

   14,398     4,759  

Decrease (increase) in finance subsidiaries-receivables

   —       (745,872 )
    

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (178,351 )   (741,531 )
    

 

Free cash flow (Cash flows from operating and investing activities)

   370,338     (566,534 )
    

 

Free cash flow of Non-financial services businesses excluding the decrease in loans to Finance subsidiaries (Note)

   258,222     —    

Cash flows from financing activities:

            

*Increase (decrease) in short-term debt

   (37,401 )   (97,505 )

*Proceeds from long-term debt

   11,663     885,084  

*Repayment of long-term debt

   (11,169 )   (278,079 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

   —       57,280  

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (95,312 )   —    

Cash dividends paid

   (33,566 )   —    

Increase (decrease) in commercial paper classified as long-term debt

   —       280  
    

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   (165,785 )   567,060  
    

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (26,979 )   (1,083 )
    

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   177,574     (557 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   530,343     17,061  
    

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   707,917     16,504  
    

 

 

Explanatory note:

 

Non-financial services businesses loans to finance subsidiaries. These cash flows were included in the items of “Other net” of Non financial services businesses, and “Increase (decrease) in short-term debt” and “Repayment of long-term debt” of Finance subsidiaries (marked by *). Free cash flow of Non financial services businesses excluding the increase in lending to finance subsidiaries are stated for the readers’ information.

 

Loans from non-financial services businesses to finance subsidiaries was decreased by 112,116 millions of yen for fiscal 2004, and increased by 124,908 millions of yen for fiscal 2003.

 

24


Table of Contents

Explanatory notes:

 

1. The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States because the Company has issued American Depositary Receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange and files reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All segment information, however, is prepared in accordance with a Ministerial Ordinance under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan.

 

2. The average exchange rates for the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2004 were ¥107.27=U.S.$1 and ¥134.07=euro1. The average exchange rates for the corresponding period last year were ¥118.94=U.S.$1 and ¥127.74=euro1. The average exchange rates for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 were ¥113.07=U.S.$1 and ¥132.61=euro1, as compared with ¥121.95=U.S.$1 and ¥121.04=euro1 for the corresponding period last year.

 

3. United States dollar amounts have been translated from yen solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of ¥105.69=U.S.$1, the mean of the telegraphic transfer selling exchange rate and the telegraphic transfer buying exchange rate prevailing on the Tokyo foreign exchange market on March 31, 2004.

 

4. The Company’s Common Stock-to-ADR exchange rate was changed from two shares of Common Stock to one ADR to one share of Common Stock to two ADRs, effective January 10, 2002.

 

5. The Company has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. The following table represents components of the Company’s comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of changes in adjustments from foreign currency translation, net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities and minimum pension liabilities adjustment.

 

     Three months ended
March 31, 2004


    Three months ended
March 31, 2003


 

(In millions of Yen)

            

Net income

   74,110     116,709  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   57,101     (82,529 )
    

 

Comprehensive income

   131,211     34,187  
    

Year ended

March 31, 2004


   

Year ended

March 31, 2003


 

(In millions of Yen)

            

Net income

   464,338     426,662  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   (91,408 )   (283,990 )
    

 

Comprehensive income

   372,930     142,672  

 

6. Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated statements of income and retained earnings of the prior year’s fiscal fourth quarter and of the prior year as well as to the segment information of the prior year, in order to conform them to the presentation used for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, respectively.

 

7. The number of treasury stock has been excluded from the calculation for basic net income per common share.

 

25


Table of Contents

Unconsolidated Financial Summary

 

(Parent company only)

 

For the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

1. Financial Highlights

 

(Parent company only)

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
    

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2004


   

%

Change


   

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


 

Net sales

   3,319,793     -0.1 %   3,322,719  

Operating profit

   184,773     27.6 %   144,838  

Ordinary profit

   311,244     28.3 %   242,680  

Net income

   226,494     33.2 %   170,035  
     (In Yen )

 

Net income per share

   237.51           174.63  

Dividend per share for the term

   42           32  

Year-end dividend per share

   23           16  

Interim dividend per share

   19           16  
     (As a percentage)

 

Payout ratio

   17.6 %         18.3 %

 

2. Estimated Financial Figures for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2005

 

(Parent company only)

 

     (In millions of Yen)

    

First half

ending

Sep. 30, 2004


  

Year

ending

Mar. 31, 2005


Net sales

   1,650,000    3,390,000

Ordinary profit

   70,000    165,000

Net income

   50,000    125,000
     (In Yen)

Dividend per share for the term

   23    23

 

26


Table of Contents

[1] Unit Sales Breakdown

 

(Parent company only)

 

     (In thousands of unit)

 
    

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2004


   

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


 

MOTORCYCLES

            

Japan

   403     429  

(motorcycles included above)

   (403 )   (429 )

Export

   730     776  

(motorcycles included above)

   (412 )   (446 )
    

 

Total

   1,133     1,205  

(motorcycles included above)

   (815 )   (875 )

AUTOMOBILES

            

Japan

   725     871  

(Mini vehicles included above)

   (270 )   (265 )

Export

   479     485  
    

 

Total

   1,204     1,357  

POWER PRODUCTS

            

Japan

   467     473  

Export

   4,674     4,075  
    

 

Total

   5,142     4,548  

 

27


Table of Contents

[2] Net Sales Breakdown - continued

 

(Parent company only)

 

     (In millions of Yen)

    

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2004


  

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


MOTORCYCLES

         

Japan

   72,625    79,696

Export

   344,990    369,998
    
  

Total

   417,616    449,695

AUTOMOBILES

         

Japan

   1,048,253    1,173,907

Export

   1,727,610    1,581,244
    
  

Total

   2,775,864    2,755,152

POWER PRODUCTS

         

Japan

   23,286    23,028

Export

   103,026    94,842
    
  

Total

   126,312    117,871

TOTAL

         

Japan

   1,144,165    1,276,633

Export

   2,175,628    2,046,086
    
  

Total

   3,319,793    3,322,719

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. The summary unconsolidated financial information set forth above is derived from the complete unconsolidated financial information of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the Company’s Form 6-K for the month of May 2004.

 

2. Unconsolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles in Japan in accordance with the Japanese Commercial Code.

 

3. The unit sales and yen amounts described above are rounded down to the nearest one thousand units and one million yen, respectively.

 

4. An accounting standard relating to royalty profit has been changed from the first half results.

 

28


Table of Contents

[3] Unconsolidated Statements of Income

 

(Parent company only)

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
    

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2004


   

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


 

Net sales

   3,319,793     3,322,719  

Cost of sales

   2,216,909     2,247,487  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   918,109     930,393  
    

 

Operating profit

   184,773     144,838  

Non-operating profit

   143,476     117,732  

Non-operating expenses

   17,005     19,891  

Ordinary Profit

   311,244     242,680  

Extraordinary profit

   5,505     4,197  

Extraordinary loss

   8,476     14,859  
    

 

Income before income taxes

   308,273     232,018  

Income taxes

            

Current

   102,125     92,888  

Deferred

   (20,346 )   (30,905 )
    

 

Net income

   226,494     170,035  
    

 

 

Explanatory note:

 

Research and development expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 amounted 446,960 millions of yen.

 

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Table of Contents

[4] Unconsolidated Balance Sheets

 

(Parent company only)

 

     (In millions of Yen)

 
     Mar. 31, 2004

    Mar. 31, 2003

 

Current assets

   964,590     829,444  

Fixed assets

   1,312,176     1,231,887  
    

 

Total assets

   2,276,766     2,061,331  
    

 

Current liabilities

   586,800     525,315  

Fixed liabilities

   148,865     114,761  
    

 

Total liabilities

   735,666     640,077  

Common stock

   86,067     86,067  

Capital surplus

   170,504     168,912  

Legal reserve

   21,516     21,516  

Retained surplus

   1,372,289     1,179,816  

Unrealized gains on securities available for sale

   42,387     21,707  

Treasury stock

   (151,665 )   (56,766 )
    

 

Stockholders’ equity

   1,541,100     1,421,254  
    

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   2,276,766     2,061,331  
    

 

 

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Management Policy

 

Honda’s business activities are based on fundamental corporate philosophies known as “Respect for the Individual” and “The Three Joys.”

 

“Respect for the Individual” defines Honda’s relationship with its associates, business partners and society. It is based on sharing a commitment to initiative, equality and mutual trust among people.

 

It is Honda’s belief that everyone who comes into contact with Honda’s activities will gain a sense of satisfaction through the experience of buying, selling or creating Honda’s products and services. This philosophy is expressed as “The Three Joys.”

 

With these corporate philosophies as the foundation, Honda’s business is guided by the following Company Principle:

 

“Maintaining a global viewpoint,

we are dedicated to supplying products of the highest quality

at a reasonable price for worldwide customer satisfaction”

 

Honda actively works to share a sense of satisfaction with all of its customers as well as its shareholders, and to continue improving its corporate value.

 

Profit Redistribution Policy

 

The Company considers redistribution of profits to our shareholders as one of the most important management issues. Accordingly, the Company attempts to increase its corporate value while carrying out its operations from a global standpoint.

 

The Company intends to redistribute profits to our shareholders, taking its projected comprehensive cash needs/requirements into account, and to make distribution payments, while, taking the Company’s long-term consolidated earnings performance into consideration.

 

In consideration of shareholder expectations, retained earnings will be applied toward financing R&D activities that are essential for the future growth of the Company and capital expenditures and investment programs that will expand its operations for the purpose of improving business results and strengthening the Company’s financial condition. Acquisition of the Company’s common stock will also be implemented at the optimal timing with the aim of improving efficiency in its capital structure.

 

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Preparing for the Future

 

The economy of the U.S. is showing its recovery, while consumer spending for later fiscal 2005 may be expected to slowdown. On the other hand, Asian and other regions are expected to show stable. However, management environment is still under difficult conditions attributable to global political and economic uncertainty and currency movements. Competition in the Japanese market is expected to intensify amid continuing weak consumer spending.

 

In such circumstances, Honda will strength its corporate structure quickly and flexibly to meet the requirement of our customers and society and changes in business environment. Honda recognizes the further enhancing of the following specific areas is essential to its success:

 

R&D

Production efficiency

Sales efficiency

Product quality

Safety technologies

The environment

 

R&D

 

Along with efforts to develop more effective safety and environmental technologies, Honda will create and swiftly introduce new value-added products that meet specific needs in various regional markets.

 

Honda will also continue efforts in the research of future technologies, including the advancement of a bi-pedal humanoid robot and business jet.

 

Production Efficiency

 

Honda will establish efficient and flexible production systems and expand production capacity with aims to increase the capability of supplying high quality products that meet market needs. In addition to the ongoing expansion of these systems, Honda also intends to expand on a global scale the supply network of its competitive products and component parts.

 

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Table of Contents

Sales Efficiency

 

Honda will expand its product lines and upgrade its sales structure. Through the innovative use of IT, Honda will also promote its efforts in customer communication. To give our customers further satisfaction, Honda will continue to make our effort to offer high quality service promptly all over the world.

 

Product Quality

 

Responding to increasing consumer demand, Honda will upgrade its quality control through enhancing coordination among the development purchasing, production, sales and service departments.

 

Safety Technologies

 

Honda will develop the technologies for reducing aggresivity, as well as the technologies for accident prediction and prevention and for reduction of passengers’ and pedestrians’ injury. Honda intends to enhance its contribution to traffic safety in motorized societies, including Asian countries. Honda also intends to remain active in a variety of traffic safety programs, including advanced driving and motorcycling training schemes provided by local dealerships.

 

The Environment

 

Honda will step up the introduction of clean, fuel-efficient engine technologies and recyclability throughout its product lines. Honda will also advance alternative fuel technologies, including fuel cells. In addition, Honda will continue its efforts to minimize the environmental impact, as measured by the *Life Cycle Assessment, in all of its business fields including logistics and sales. In its production activities, Honda promotes environmental preservation issues under its Green Factory concept.

 

*Life Cycle Assessment:

A comprehensive system for quantifying the environmental impacts of Honda’s products throughout their life cycles, from the material procurement and energy consumption to waste disposal.

 

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Corporate Governance

 

Based on the fundamental corporate philosophies, the Company is working to improve its corporate governance as one of the most important management issues with the aim of ensuring that Honda will be a company that our shareholders, customers and society want to exist.

 

Honda’s organization reflects its fundamental corporate philosophies. Each regional operation carries out its businesses so as to quickly and efficiently respond to customer needs around the world, while each business operation makes arrangements for each product, establishing a system of high effectiveness and efficiency.

 

In addition, the Audit Office intends to carry out more effective audits of the performance of each division’s business, and each division aims to enhance compliance and risk management, while advancing the self-reliance of each organization.

 

To ensure an objective control on the Company’s management, outside directors and corporate auditors are appointed to be members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Corporate Auditors, which are responsible for supervision and auditing of the Company. With regard to the directors, the term of their office is limited to one year and the amount of remuneration payable to them is determined according to a standard that reflects their contributions to the Company. The goal is to heighten maneuverability so as to cope with any changes in the management environment.

 

For shareholders and investors, Honda’s basic policy emphasizes the disclosure of financial results on a quarterly basis, as well as the timely and accurate disclosure of its management strategies. Honda will remain committed to such disclosures in the future.

 

1. Management Organization

 

(1) Management Organization

 

The Company supervises and audits its business activities through its Board of Directors and Board of Corporate Auditors.

 

The Board of Directors consists of 36 directors, including one outside director, and makes decisions on the statutory matters including important business executions. The Board of Directors also supervises the execution of the Company’s businesses. In order to ensure proactive decision-making, the Board of Directors set up an Assets and Loan Management Committee, which is responsible for making decisions related to the disposal of the Company’s important assets.

 

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The Board of Corporate Auditors is composed of four corporate auditors, including two outside corporate auditors. In accordance with the rules of auditing policy and the apportionment of responsibilities as determined by the Board of Corporate Auditors, each corporate auditor audits the directors’ execution of duties. This is accomplished through various means, including attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors and inspections regarding the status of Company assets and liabilities. For further strengthening of auditing structure, one outside corporate auditor will be elected at the Company’s Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders to be held in June, 2004 and will have five auditors in total. In addition to this, to provide direct support to the Board of Corporate Auditors, a Corporate Auditors’ Office was established.

 

In addition, the total amount of remuneration and bonuses of directors and corporate auditors is determined according to a standard that reflects their contributions to the Company.

 

The total amount of remuneration paid to directors and corporate auditors during the year ended March 31, 2004 (hereafter ‘fiscal 2004’) was 1,475 million yen: 1,388 million yen to the 39 directors (which includes the three directors who retired during fiscal 2004) and 87 million yen to the 6 corporate auditors (which includes the two corporate auditors who retired during fiscal 2004). The remuneration paid to directors includes the amount of employee wages paid to directors who also had a status as employee and the remuneration paid by the subsidiaries of the Company to directors who also assumed their responsibility in execution of business for the relevant subsidiaries.

 

The total amount of executive bonuses that was paid during fiscal 2004 was 480 million yen: 441 million yen to the 36 directors as at the end of fiscal 2003 and 39 million yen to the four corporate auditors as at the end of fiscal 2003.

 

The total amount of retirement allowances for directors and corporate auditors that was paid in accordance with a resolution of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held in June 2003 was 1,021 million yen: 881 million yen to the three retired directors and 140 million yen to the two retired corporate auditors.

 

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Table of Contents

In order to ensure a proper auditing of the Company’s accounts, the Board of Corporate Auditors and the Board of Directors receive auditing reports based on the Commercial Code’s Audit Special Exceptions Law, the Securities and Exchange Law, and the Securities Exchange Acts of the U.S.A. In addition, they supervise the election of independent auditors, their remuneration and non-audit services.

 

For fiscal 2004, the Company elected Shin Nihon & Co. as its independent auditor under the Commercial Code’s Audit Special Exceptions Law and the Securities and Exchange Law and elected AZSA & Co. as its independent auditor under the Securities Exchange Act of the U.S.A.

 

The fees paid to Shin Nihon & Co. for its auditing and preparing audit report for the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries under the Commercial Code’s Audit Special Exceptions Law and the Securities and Exchange Law for fiscal 2004 were 249 million yen. In addition, the fees amounted to one million yen were paid to Shin Nihon & Co. for fiscal 2004 for its non-auditing services rendered to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

The fees paid to AZSA & Co. and KPMG, with which AZSA is affiliated, for their auditing and preparing audit reports for the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries under the Securities Exchange Act of the U.S.A for fiscal 2004 was 581 million yen. In addition, for fiscal 2004, the fees amounted to 707 million yen were paid to AZSA and KPMG for their non-auditing services, such as tax-related services and support services related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act, provided to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

(2) Business Execution System

 

The Company has established the Management Council, which is composed of eight representative directors and three managing directors. Along with discussing in advance the items to be resolved at meetings of the Board of Directors, the Management Council discusses important management issues as directed by the Board of Directors.

 

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Table of Contents

As for execution of business, the Company has six Regional Operations in the world to promote its business based on the fundamental corporate philosophies with long-term vision and rooted in the local society. Regional executive officers are assigned to be in charge of the Business Operations in each region, with the aim of enhancing localized business development and ensuring speedy decision-making. Each regional executive council located at each Regional Operations discusses important management issues in the region within the scope of the authority conferred upon them by the Management Council.

 

The Company’s four Business Operations—motorcycles, automobiles, power products, and spare parts— formulate the medium and long-term plans for their business development, and each Operations aim to maximize its business performance on a global basis. The Company’s Production Operations and Purchasing Operations support production related departments so that they can implement the most efficient allocation of production and procurement in the world. These efforts are aimed at increasing company-wide efficiencies.

 

In April 2004, the Company established a Customer Service Operations aiming at obtaining satisfaction of higher level of our global customers.

 

At the Company’s major production facilities in Japan and overseas, operational executive officers are assigned and are responsible for rapid decision-making. In addition, the Business Management Operations and the Business Support Operations make adjustments on a company-wide basis with the aim of ensuring the optimal allocation of resources.

 

Research and development activities are conducted principally at the independent subsidiaries of the Company. Honda R&D Co., Ltd. is responsible for research and development on products, while Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. is responsible for research and development in the area of production technology. The Company actively carries out research and development with advanced technologies with the aim of creating products that are distinct and internationally competitive.

 

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Table of Contents

(3) Internal Control

 

The Audit Office is an independent supervisory department under the direct control of the president. This office audits the performance of each department.

 

In addition to the “Honda Conduct Guideline” to be shared within the entire Honda group, the Company also sets up a systematic framework for compliance and risk management in which each division of Honda group works to ensure compliance and prevent management risks, and to verify the status on a regular basis under the supervision by the director in charge. In addition to the appointment of a director in charge of compliance and risk management, the Company also established organizations such as a “Business Ethics Committee” to deliberate matters related to corporate ethics and compliance and a “Business Ethics Improvement Proposal Line” to receive suggestions related to corporate ethics issues.

 

2. Particular Relationship (such as Human Relations, Capital Relations and Transactional Relations and Other Relations with Conflict if Interest) between the Company and its Outside Directors and Corporate Auditors

 

There is no particular relationship between the Company and its outside director Satoru Kishi.

 

There is no particular relationship between the Company and its outside corporate auditor Koukei Higuchi. Koukei Higuchi had served as President of The Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Company, Limited until June 2003. The Company carried out business transactions regarding non life insurance with Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Company during fiscal 2004.

 

There is no particular relationship between the Company and its outside corporate auditor Kuniyasu Yamada. Kuniyasu Yamada serves as President and Director of MTB Apple Planning, Ltd. There is no particular relationship between MTB Apple Planning, Ltd. and the Company.

 

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3. The Company’s Efforts to Enhance its Corporate Governance

 

During fiscal 2004, eight meetings of the Board of Directors and 28 meetings of the Management Council were held and execution of important businesses were thereby determined and important matters of management were deliberated.

 

During the same year, 10 meetings of the Board of Corporate Auditors were held and auditing policy, the apportionment of responsibilities and other matters were thereby determined. The Board of Corporate Auditors and the Business Audit Office provided, jointly or individually, business audit for the Company and a total of 131 subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company in Japan and overseas.

 

In order to ensure proactive decision-making, an Assets and Loan Management Committee was set up to decide on the disposal of the Company’s important assets and related matters, and a Business Ethics Committee was set up to deliberate matters related to corporate ethics and compliance.

 

For the purpose of enhancing corporate disclosure, the Company held meetings to outline results in each quarter, focusing on consolidated financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company has also been proactively engaged in such activities as holding meetings explaining corporate performance for investors, publishing various kinds of corporate information on the Company’s website, and disclosing quick and accurate information on management policies through a variety of media including mass communications.

 

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April 27, 2004

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

 

(Billions of Yen)

 

     Results for the
fiscal year
ended
Mar. 31, 2003


   

Results for the

fiscal year ended

Mar. 31, 2004

[change/%]


   

Forecasts for the

fiscal year ending

Mar. 31, 2005

[change/%]


 

Net sales and
other operating revenue

   7,971.4     8,162.6     [191.1/2.4 %]   8,500.0     [337.4/4.1 %]

- Japan

   1,748.7     1,628.4     [-120.2/-6.9 %]   1,810.0     [181.5/11.1 %]

- Overseas

   6,222.7     6,534.1     [311.3/5.0 %]   6,690.0     [155.8/2.4 %]

Operating income

   724.5     600.1     [-124.3/-17.2 %]   560.0     [-40.1/-6.7 %]

<as a percentage of net sales>

   <9.1 %>   < 7.4 %>         <6.6 %>      

Income before income taxes

   609.7     641.9     [32.1/5.3 %]   500.0     [-141.9/-22.1 %]

<as a percentage of net sales>

   <7.6 %>   < 7.9 %>         <5.9 %>      

Net income

   426.6     464.3     [37.6/8.8 %]   390.0     [-74.3/-16.0 %]

<as a percentage of net sales>

   <5.4 %>   < 5.7 %>         <4.6 %>      

Factors of change in Operating income

         (Increase Factors)           (Increase Factors)  
         -Change in revenue, model mix, etc.     -Change in revenue, model mix, etc.  
               23.1           55.0  
         -Cost reduction     58.8     -Cost reduction     42.0  
         (Decrease Factors)           -Change in SG&A     23.0  
         -Currency effects     -101.0     (Decrease Factors)        
           Change in average rates     (-74.9 )   -Currency effects     -139.0  
           Translation effects     (-26.1 )     Change in average
  rates
 
 
  (-116.0 )
         -Change in SG&A     -93.2       Translation effects     (-23.0 )
         -Change in R&D     -12.1     -Change in R&D     -21.0  

Average rates for the period USD=

   JPY 122     JPY 113           JPY 105        

Average rates for the period EUR=

   JPY 122     JPY 133           JPY 125        

Capital expenditures

   286.8     258.3           290.0        

Depreciation

   205.5     199.0           200.0        

Research and development

   436.8     448.9           470.0        

Interest bearing debt

   2,322.4     2,616.0                    

Remarks

         ·   Net sales set record high for four
consecutive years.
     
 
     
         ·   Income before income taxes and net
income set record high for three
consecutive years.
     
 
 
  ·   Net sales to set record high.      
                             (Thousands of unit )

Unit sales of motorcycles

   8,080     9,206     [1,126/13.9 %]   9,290     [84/0.9 %]

(motorcycles only)

   (7,774 )   (8,891 )   [1,117/14.4 %]   (8,939 )   [48/0.5 %]

Japan

   432     403     [-29/-6.7 %]   370     [-33/-8.2 %]

(motorcycles only)

   (432 )   (403 )   [-29/-6.7 %]   (370 )   [-33/-8.2 %]

Overseas

   7,648     8,803     [1,155/15.1 %]   8,920     [117/1.3 %]

(motorcycles only)

   (7,342 )   (8,488 )   [1,146/15.6 %]   (8,569 )   [81/1.0 %]

North America

   610     656     [46/7.5 %]   715     [59/9.0 %]

(motorcycles only)

   (324 )   (360 )   [36/11.1 %]   (380 )   [20/5.6 %]

Europe

   305     299     [-6/-2.0 %]   295     [-4/-1.3 %]

(motorcycles only)

   (296 )   (289 )   [-7/-2.4 %]   (285 )   [-4/-1.4 %]

Asia

   5,948     7,017     [1,069/18.0 %]   6,980     [-37/-0.5 %]

(motorcycles only)

   (5,948 )   (7,017 )   [1,069/18.0 %]   (6,980 )   [-37/-0.5 %]

Others

   785     831     [46/5.9 %]   930     [99/11.9 %]

(motorcycles only)

   (774 )   (822 )   [48/6.2 %]   (924 )   [102/12.4 %]

Unit sales of automobiles

   2,888     2,983     [95/3.3 %]   3,255     [272/9.1 %]

Japan

   849     716     [-133/-15.7 %]   770     [54/7.5 %]

Overseas

   2,039     2,267     [228/11.2 %]   2,485     [218/9.6 %]

North America

   1,522     1,558     [36/2.4 %]   1,565     [7/0.4 %]

Europe

   207     231     [24/11.6 %]   255     [24/10.4 %]

Asia

   205     341     [136/66.3 %]   510     [169/49.6 %]

Others

   105     137     [32/30.5 %]   155     [18/13.1 %]

Unit sales of power products

   4,584     5,047     [463/10.1 %]   5,600     [553/11.0 %]

Japan

   472     477     [5/1.1 %]   420     [-57/-11.9 %]

Overseas

   4,112     4,570     [458/11.1 %]   5,180     [610/13.3 %]

North America

   1,872     2,363     [491/26.2 %]   2,840     [477/20.2 %]

Europe

   1,290     1,261     [-29/-2.2 %]   1,300     [39/3.1 %]

Asia

   657     619     [-38/-5.8 %]   790     [171/27.6 %]

Others

   293     327     [34/11.6 %]   250     [-77/-23.5 %]

 

Notes :

  

1. Capital expenditures and Depreciation are the figures of ‘Property, plant and equipment (excluding company cars)’.

    

2. Unit sales and net sales of Honda-brand motorcycle products with 100% locally procured and manufactured by overseas affiliates are not included in unit sales and net sales and other operating revenue.

 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Honda’s actual results could materially differ from those contained in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors outside of Honda’s control, including general economic conditions in Honda’s principal markets and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time in Honda’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


Table of Contents

April 27, 2004

Honda Motor Co., Ltd

 

UNCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

(Parent company only)

 

    Results for the
fiscal year
ended
March 31, 2003


    Results for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2004 (change / %
change)


    (Billions of Yen)

 
        Forecasts for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2005 (change / %
change)


 

Net sales and
other operating revenue

  3,322.7     3,319.7     (-2.9/-0.1 %)   3,390.0     (70.2/2.1 %)

- Domestic

  1,276.6     1,144.1     (-132.4/-10.4 %)   1,270.0     (125.8/11.0 %)

- Export

  2,046.0     2,175.6     (129.5/6.3 %)   2,120.0     (-55.6/-2.6 %)

Operating income

  144.8     184.7     (39.9/27.6 %)   90.0     (-94.7/-51.3 %)

<as a percentage of net sales>

  <4.4 %>   <5.6 %>         <2.7 %>      

Ordinary profit

  242.6     311.2     (68.5/28.3 %)   165.0     (-146.2/-47.0 %)

<as a percentage of net sales>

  <7.3 %>   <9.4 %>         <4.9 %>      

Net income

  170.0     226.4     (56.4/33.2 %)   125.0     (-101.4/-44.8 %)

<as a percentage of net sales>

  <5.1 %>   <6.8 %>         <3.7 %>      

Factors of change in operating income

        (Increase factors)
Impact from change of
accounting standard for
royalty
 
 
 
 
  28.5     (Increase factors)
Change in
revenue, model
mix, etc
 
 
 
 
  22.0  
        Change in revenue,
model mix, etc
 
 
  8.1     Cost reduction     29.0  
        Cost reduction     19.0     (Decrease factors)        
        Change in SG&A     44.6     Impact from
change of
accounting
standard for
royalty
 
 
 
 
 
  -28.5  
        (Decrease factors)           Currency effects     -68.0  
        Currency effects     -28.0     Change in
SG&A
 
 
  -31.2  
          Change in R&D
expenses
 
 
  -32.3     Change in R&D
expenses
 
 
  -18.1  

Honda’s average rates USD=

  JPY 122           JPY 113           JPY 105  

Honda’s average rates EUR=

  JPY 122           JPY 133           JPY 125  

Capital expenditures

  78.1           85.0           100.0  

M/C production-related

  2.4           2.7           3.0  

A/M production-related

  31.2           31.5           34.0  

P/P production-related

  0.8           0.9           2.0  

Others

  43.5           49.7           61.0  

Depreciation

  57.1           55.0           56.0  

Research and development

  414.6           446.9           465.0  

Interest bearing debt

  4.2           3.8           —    

Remarks

        ·   Ordinary profit set record high.            
        ·   Net income set record high for two
consecutive years.
     
 
  ·   Net sales to set record high      
                            (Thousands of unit )

Unit sales of motorcycle business

  1,205     1,133     (-72/-6.0 %)   1,170     (36/3.2 %)

(motorcycles only)

  (875 )   (815 )   (-59/-6.8 %)   (830 )   (14/1.7 %)

Domestic sales

  429     403     (-26/-6.1 %)   370     (-33/-8.3 %)

(motorcycles only)

  429     (403 )   (-26/-6.1 %)   (370 )   (-33/-8.3 %)

Export sales

  776     730     (-46/-5.9 %)   800     (69/9.5 %)

(motorcycles only)

  446     (412 )   (-33/-7.5 %)   (460 )   (47/11.5 %)

Unit sales of automobile business

  1,357     1,204     (-152/-11.3 %)   1,280     (75/6.3 %)

Domestic sales

  871     725     (-146/-16.8 %)   780     (54/7.6 %)

Registration vehicles

  605     455     (-150/-24.9 %)   500     (44/9.9 %)

Mini vehicles

  265     270     (4/1.7 %)   280     (9/3.7 %)

Export sales

  485     479     (-6/-1.4 %)   500     (20/4.3 %)

Unit sales of power product business

  4,548     5,142     (593/13.1 %)   5,550     (407/7.9 %)

Domestic sales

  473     467     (-6/-1.3 %)   420     (-47/-10.1 %)

Export sales

  4,075     4,674     (599/14.7 %)   5,130     (455/9.7 %)

Automobile production

  2,962     2,991     (29/1.0 %)   3,220     (228/7.6 %)

Domestic

  1,351     1,182     (-169/-12.6 %)   1,260     (77/6.6 %)

Overseas

  1,610     1,809     (199/12.4 %)   1,960     (150/8.3 %)

 

Note : Capital expenditures and Depreciation are the figures of ‘Property, plant and equipment (excluding company cars)’.

 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Honda’s actual results could materially differ from those contained in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors outside of Honda’s control, including general economic conditions in Honda’s principal markets and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time in Honda’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


Table of Contents

April 27, 2004

 

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

(Thousands of units, Millions of Yen)

 

Consolidated Financial Summary ( Supplemental version )

 

     Fourth Quarter Results

    Fiscal Year Results

    Forecasts

 
    

3M ended

Mar. 2004


   

3M ended

Mar. 2003


   

%

change


   

Year ended

Mar. 2004


   

Year ended

Mar. 2003


   

%

change


   

FY ending

Mar. 2005


   

%

change


 

Unit sales of motorcycles

                                                

Japan

   103     123     -16.3  %   403     432     -6.7  %   370     -8.2  %

(motorcycles only)

   (103 )   (123 )   -16.3  %   (403 )   (432 )   -6.7  %   (370 )   -8.2  %

North America

   227     170     33.5  %   656     610     7.5  %   715     9.0  %

(motorcycles only)

   (129 )   (101 )   27.7  %   (360 )   (324 )   11.1  %   (380 )   5.6  %

Europe

   91     92     -1.1  %   299     305     -2.0  %   295     -1.3  %

(motorcycles only)

   (89 )   (89 )   0.0  %   (289 )   (296 )   -2.4  %   (285 )   -1.4  %

Asia

   1,996     1,486     34.3  %   7,017     5,948     18.0  %   6,980     -0.5  %

(motorcycles only)

   (1,996 )   (1,486 )   34.3  %   (7,017 )   (5,948 )   18.0  %   (6,980 )   -0.5  %

Others

   203     197     3.0  %   831     785     5.9  %   930     11.9  %

(motorcycles only)

   (201 )   (195 )   3.1  %   (822 )   (774 )   6.2  %   (924 )   12.4  %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

   2,620     2,068     26.7  %   9,206     8,080     13.9  %   9,290     0.9  %

(motorcycles only)

   (2,518 )   (1,994 )   26.3  %   (8,891 )   (7,774 )   14.4  %   (8,939 )   0.5  %

Unit sales of automobiles

                                                

Japan

   210     221     -5.0  %   716     849     -15.7  %   770     7.5  %

North America

   369     402     -8.2  %   1,558     1,522     2.4  %   1,565     0.4  %

Europe

   74     64     15.6  %   231     207     11.6  %   255     10.4  %

Asia

   102     66     54.5  %   341     205     66.3  %   510     49.6  %

Others

   38     27     40.7  %   137     105     30.5  %   155     13.1  %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

   793     780     1.7  %   2,983     2,888     3.3  %   3,255     9.1  %

Unit sales of power products

                                                

Japan

   123     119     3.4  %   477     472     1.1  %   420     -11.9  %

North America

   895     712     25.7  %   2,363     1,872     26.2  %   2,840     20.2  %

Europe

   538     592     -9.1  %   1,261     1,290     -2.2  %   1,300     3.1  %

Asia

   149     200     -25.5  %   619     657     -5.8  %   790     27.6  %

Others

   83     93     -10.8  %   327     293     11.6  %   250     -23.5  %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

   1,788     1,716     4.2  %   5,047     4,584     10.1  %   5,600     11.0  %

Exchange rates to USD (Note)

                                                

Average rates for the period

   107.27     118.94     -10.9  %   113.07     121.95     -7.9  %   105.00     -7.7  %

Rates for the period-end

                     105.69     120.20     -13.7  %            

Exchange rates to EUR (Note)

                                                

Average rates for the period

   134.07     127.74     4.7  %   132.61     121.04     8.7  %   125.00     -6.1  %

Rates for the period-end

                     128.88     129.83     -0.7  %            

Key items

                                                

Net sales and other operating revenue

   2,144,924     2,128,649     0.8  %   8,162,600     7,971,499     2.4  %   8,500,000     4.1  %

Japan

   470,492     432,954     8.7  %   1,628,493     1,748,706     -6.9  %   1,810,000     11.1  %

Overseas

   1,674,432     1,695,695     -1.3  %   6,534,107     6,222,793     5.0  %   6,690,000     2.4  %

Operating income

   137,143     241,680     -43.3  %   600,144     724,527     -17.2  %   560,000     -6.7  %

Income before income taxes

   106,465     177,345     -40.0  %   641,927     609,755     5.3  %   500,000     -22.1  %

Net income

   74,110     116,716     -36.5  %   464,338     426,662     8.8  %   390,000     -16.0  %

Capital expenditures

   85,544     100,999     -15.3  %   258,316     286,883     -10.0  %   290,000     12.3  %

Depreciation

   54,414     55,424     -1.8  %   199,042     205,512     -3.1  %   200,000     0.5  %

Research and development

   117,955     117,382     0.5  %   448,967     436,863     2.8  %   470,000     4.7  %

Stockholders’ equity

                     2,874,400     2,629,720     9.3  %            

Total assets

                     8,328,768     7,681,291     8.4  %            

Interest bearing debt

                     2,616,008     2,322,478     12.6  %            

 

Remarks

  

·    Net sales set record high through every quarter.

  

·    Net sales set record high for four consecutive years.

·    Income before income taxes and net income set record high for three consecutive years.

  

·    Net sales to set record high.

 

Notes

 

1)      Honda’s average rates

   : rates to be used for translating the Company’s subsidiaries’ foreign currency-denominated   statements of income into yen.

         Rates for the period-end

   : rates to be used for translating the Company’s subsidiaries’ foreign currency-denominated assets   and liabilities into yen.

2)      Capital expenditures and Depreciation are the figures of ‘Property, plant and equipment (excluding company cars)’.

3)      Unit sales and net sales of Honda-brand motorcycle products with 100% locally procured and manufactured by overseas affiliates are not included in unit sales and net sales and other operating revenues.

 

    

Fourth

Quarter


   

Fiscal
Year

Results


   

Forecasts

FY 2005


 

Factors of changes in operating income

                  

Changes in revenue, model mix, etc.

   -22,700     +23,100     +55,000  

Currency effects

   -40,000     -101,000     -139,000  

(Change in average rates)

   -31,400     -74,900     -116,000  

U. S. Dollar vs. Yen

   (-33,600 )   (-97,600 )   (-70,000 )

Euro vs. Yen

   (+3,800 )   (+17,800 )   (-10,000 )

Others vs. Yen

   (+3,500 )   (+17,700 )   (-16,000 )

Between other currencies

   (-5,100 )   (-12,800 )   (-20,000 )

(Translation effects)

   -8,600     -26,100     -23,000  

Gross profit

   (-25,400 )   (-61,600 )   (-71,000 )

SG&A

   (+16,800 )   (+35,500 )   (+48,000 )

Cost reduction

   +18,800     +58,800     +42,000  

Materials and others

   +21,900     +70,900     +56,000  

Labor expenses

   -3,100     -12,100     -14,000  

Changes in SG&A

   -60,000     -93,200     +23,000  

Changes in R&D

   -500     -12,100     -21,000  
    

 

 

Changes in operating income

   -104,500     -124,300     -40,100  
    

 

 

 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Honda’s actual results could materially differ from those contained in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors outside of Honda’s control, including general economic conditions in Honda’s principal markets and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time in Honda’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


Table of Contents

April 9, 2004

Proxy Department

The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

20 Broad Street

New York, N.Y. 10005

U.S.A.

 

Attn: Mr.Richard Ginivan
     Department of Stock List
     Ms.Cecilia Chueng
     Operation Representative

 

Re: Notice of board of director’s meeting

 

Dear Sirs or Mesdames,

 

We would hereby like to inform you that the board of director’s meeting of the Company is scheduled to be held on 27th April, 2004 at which the proposed payment of year-end dividend subject to approval at the shareholder’s meeting which is planned to be held in June 2004 and the announcement of consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended 31st March, 2004 are expected to be approved.

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

Yuetsu Sato

Manager Finance Department

Honda Motor CO., LTD.

 

c.c. Mr. Tetsuo Oshima
     Honda North America, Inc
     New York Office

 


Table of Contents

April 27, 2004

Proxy Department

The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

20 Broad Street

New York, N.Y. 10005

U.S.A.

 

Attn: Mr.Richard Ginivan
     Department of Stock List
     Ms.Cecilia Chueng
     Operation Representative

 

Re: Resolution approved at the meeting of board of directors of the company

 

We are pleased to advise that board of directors in its meeting held on April 27, 2004 discussed and resolved to convene the 80th stockholders meeting on June 23, 2004 which contain following proposals.

1. Approval of proposal for appropriation of retained earnings for the 80th fiscal year.
2. Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation
3. Election of Thirty-Six Directors
4. Election of Three Corporate Auditors
5. Revision of Amount of Remuneration Payable to Directors
6. Payment of Bonus to Directors and Corporate Auditors for the 80th Fiscal Year
7. Presentation of retirement allowance to retiring directors and corporate auditor for their respective services.

 

The details are outlined below.

Net sales

3,319.7 billion yen

Net income

226.4 billion yen

Year end dividend

23.0 yen per common share

The above figures related solely to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and are not consolidated with those of its subsidiaries.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

Yuetsu Sato

Manager Finance Department

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

c.c. Mr. Tetsuo Oshima
     Honda North America, Inc.
     New York Office