Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. (4204) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

Thank you very much for taking the time to join us today despite your busy schedule. My name is Shimizu, and I assumed the position of President and CEO in March this year. Let me express my sincere appreciation for your continued support. On Page 1, I will begin by outlining today's main points, focusing in particular on the messages we would like to emphasize. First, the results for FY 2025. In FY '25, net sales increased by JPY 11.5 billion, reaching JPY 1,309.3 billion. Operating profit was significantly impacted by weak market conditions, both in Japan and overseas, resulting in JPY 106.5 billion. However, we continued our efforts to shift toward high value-added products and made steady progress. Ordinary profit increased to JPY 117.2 billion, supported largely by FX gains and net profit was JPY 75.2 billion, primarily due to impairment losses. ROE marked 9.1%. Regarding our Perovskite Solar Cell business, which I will explain in more detail later, preparations for future growth are progressing steadily. For FY 2026, we are projecting growth for both net sales and operating profit. While the market environment remains challenging, we set the OP target at JPY 115 billion, striving to achieve this goal 1 year behind the original timeline in the midterm plan. We will continue to shift toward high value-added products and accelerate growth. We forecast net profit of JPY 76 billion and ROE of 9%. The impact of the Middle East situation has not been factored into our plan, and we will explain our approach later. Turning to shareholder returns. As announced in January, we set the year-end dividend at JPY 40 per share, delivering an annual dividend of JPY 80 per share. For FY '26, we plan to increase the annual dividend by JPY 1 to JPY 81 per share, marking the 17th consecutive year of dividend hikes. On share buybacks, we conducted an additional buyback in the second half of FY '25, repurchasing 14 million shares. As a result, the total return ratio reached 92%. For FY '26, we have set a buyback program of 4 million shares or up to JPY 12 billion. Page 2 illustrates our track record of shareholder returns as well as our plan for FY '26. So, please have a closer look at your convenient time. As we define our shareholder return policy for each midterm plan, we will explain the new policy in May together with the announcement of the new midterm management plan. In FY '26, we will remain committed to both profit growth and dividend hikes, and we aim to achieve 17th consecutive year of dividend growth. We will continue our proactive shareholder returns. Turning to Page 3. I would also like to mention our Perovskite Solar Cell business, which is positioned as a key growth opportunity. We recently announced the launch of this business, having established the manufacturing technology for 1-meter wide panels using existing production equipment as well as the installation specifications tailored for metal rooftops. We have begun concrete discussions with municipalities and business operators listed here regarding product supply. While production will be limited this fiscal year due to existing capacity, we will prioritize expanding supply capacity through the launch of a 100 megawatts production line in FY 2027. That concludes my presentation. Thank you very much.

My name is Nishida. I will now explain the results for FY '25 and the plan for FY '26. The actual foreign exchange rates were as shown on Page 4. Page 5 shows an overview of FY '25 results. As Mr. Shimizu explained earlier, both net sales and ordinary profit reached record highs. Operating profit was JPY 106.5 billion, slightly below both the previous year and our January forecast. Ordinary profit increased due largely to FX gains, while net income declined due to the impairment losses. Both profit items exceeded the forecast, mainly due to higher FX gains. Page 6 shows net sales and operating profit by segment. Housing and UIEP recorded profit growth, but this was not sufficient to offset declines in HPP and Medical, resulting in growth in net sales, but a decline in profit on a consolidated basis. Compared with our January forecast, the impact of sluggish market hit hard, particularly on the industrial field of HPP, resulting in shortfall vis-a-vis the guidance on a group-wide basis. I'll explain the details of each segment later. In other segment, as shown in the breakdown, we continue to invest in next-generation businesses such as Perovskite Solar Cells. Page 7 shows the first half and the second half results by segment. In the second half, all segments achieved OP growth compared to the first half. On a year-on-year basis, the Housing segment made a significant contribution to profit growth with record high profit. Next, Page 8 shows the FY '25 results analysis. On the left, net sales increased by JPY 11.5 billion year-on-year. On the right, OP was significantly impacted by volume and mix falling well below the forecast, which could not be fully offset by fixed cost reductions, resulting in a decrease of JPY 1.5 billion year-on-year. In the second half, we secured profit growth owing to improved spreads between selling prices and raw material costs. Page 9 shows the plan for FY '26. The FX assumptions are as stated. The FY '26 plan does not reflect the impact of the worsening Middle East situation, and I will explain this impact separately later. Page 10 illustrates the earnings guidance and shareholder returns for FY '26. As mentioned earlier, the plan calls for growth in net sales and OP. Ordinary profit is expected to decline due to the absence of FX gains recorded in the previous year. We plan to raise the annual dividend by JPY 1 to JPY 81 per share, marking the 17th consecutive year of dividend hike. We have also set a share buyback program of 4 million shares and will cancel 25 million shares of treasury stocks to minimize the holding of treasury stocks. Page 11 explains the impact of deteriorating situation in the Middle East. In terms of challenges for procuring raw materials and components, we expect the impact in the first quarter to be minimal. Regarding rising prices of raw materials and components, we estimate an impact of approximately JPY 14 billion in the first half. But in principle, we will fully pass on these costs through pricing. The status of selling price pass-through initiatives is shown on the right. In sum, the business plan we present today does not reflect the impact of the worsening Middle East situation, and we will update our outlook on the impact on a quarterly basis going forward. Page 12 shows the outlook for market conditions. The global automobile production volume in the upper left trended slightly below our expectations in the fourth quarter of FY '25. For FY '26, we expect the volume to be at the same level as the previous year. The smartphone shipments at the bottom left was slightly below the previous year's level in the Q4 of FY '25. As expected, we believe this continues through FY '26. Regarding the number of visitors hold a housing at the top right, in the second half of FY '25, it fell below the previous year. For the full year of FY '26, we assume it will be flat to the previous year. Below that is new housing starts. We expect a slight recovery in FY '26 Y-o-Y, but the long-term gradual downward trend is unlikely to change. For the domestic naphtha price at the bottom right, our plan assumes JPY 65,000 without factoring in the impact of the projected rise due to the worsening condition in the Middle East. We will pass through cost if raw material procurement prices rise. Page 13 shows the FY '26 plan by segment. The OP is set at JPY 115 billion, with all 4 segments expected to achieve higher sales and profit, aiming for record high profits at the company-wide level as well as in the HPP and UIEP segments. We will launch the Perovskite Solar Cells Business and will focus on development for further growth. Page 14 shows FY '26 plan by segment, first half and second half. We aim to achieve higher sales and profit across all segments and company-wide in both first half and second half with all segments to reach record high profit in the second half. Page 15 shows FY '26 plan analysis. Net sales are planned at JPY 1,408.4 billion, up by JPY 91.1 billion (sic) [ JPY 99.1 billion ]. The right is OP. We aim to secure profit growth through sales volume and product mix, mainly in HPP and housing. While we anticipate increase in fixed costs such as labor, we plan for an JPY 8.5 billion increase in OP by securing spread cost reduction and favorable ForEx. Page 16 shows trend in consolidated performance. In FY '26, we returned to an OP growth trend and reached record high. For EBITDA, we expect to reach a record high in FY '26 following the record set in FY '25. ROE for FY '26, we expect it to remain flat due to the worsening of nonoperating income and expenses such as ForEx gains and losses, but we will continue to work on improving capital efficiency. Next, I will explain FY '25 financial results. Page 18 shows the changes in consolidated subsidiaries and their impact on financial figures. Regarding the consolidated P&L on Page 19, I will explain items from ordinary profit downwards. Ordinary profit was JPY 117.2 billion, up by JPY 6.3 billion. The result was stronger year-on-year than operating profit, mainly due to improvements in equity earnings and ForEx gains from the weaker yen. The year-on-year difference in FX gains and losses was due to the yen weakening by about JPY 10 against the U.S. dollar from the beginning to the end of FY '25. In both fiscal years, we recorded over JPY 14 billion in gain on sale of investment securities as extraordinary income following the reduction of strategic shareholders. Major extraordinary losses in FY '25 included JPY 14.9 billion related to the completion of the demonstration and withdrawal of Sekisui Biorefinery and JPY 6.3 billion due to the revision of future plans for the Diagnostics business in the U.S. and pharmaceutical enzyme business in the U.K. And net income decreased by JPY 6.8 billion to JPY 75.2 billion. Next is the balance sheet on Page 20. Total assets grew by JPY 97.1 billion, but excluding impacts from ForEx and new consolidations, the increase was JPY 35.7 billion. Inventories increased by JPY 40.1 billion with a JPY 30.5 billion increase in the Housing segment. On an actual basis, excluding new consolidations, the increase was JPY 19.3 billion due to the expansion of land inventory for sale and the progress of the Town and Community Development business. Inventories other than housing remained almost flat, excluding FX impact. The breakdown of JPY 58.7 billion increase in Property, plant and equipment is as shown, including a JPY 34.2 billion increase at Sekisui Solar Film, where the Sakai plant is under construction. Now moving on to Page 21. Net interest-bearing liability grew by JPY 79.3 billion to JPY 47.6 billion. The combined increase in retained earnings and treasury shares was a slight JPY 4.8 billion, but net asset increased by JPY 45.8 billion due to other factors. The JPY 29.9 billion increase in ForEx translation adjustment was due to the increase in the yen-based net asset of overseas subsidiary as yen weakened. The JPY 12.7 billion increase in remeasurement of the defined benefit plans was due to an improvement in the net defined benefit asset liability driven by a higher discount rate following the rising interest rates as well as improved pension investment yields. ROIC, ROE, equity-to-asset ratio and D/E ratio are shown here. ROE dropped by 1.2 points (sic) [ percent ] to due the decline in profit and increase in net sales mentioned earlier. Page 22 shows the consolidated cash flow. Cash flows from operating activities was JPY 78.3 billion, down by JPY 40.9 billion year-on-year. While cash-in from profit increased slightly, there was an increase in working capital due to the rise in inventory in the Housing business, a decrease in advances received and shorter payment terms. In investing activities, CapEx payments were JPY 112.9 billion, while there was JPY 17.1 billion in proceeds from sale of investment securities and JPY 21.6 billion in proceeds from subsidies for capital expenditures. Free cash flow, including dividend payment was a cash outflow of JPY 26.4 billion. This combined with a JPY 36.4 billion outflow for share buybacks led to an increase in net interest-bearing debt. Page 23 shows depreciation, CapEx and EBITDA by segment. We are taking an active approach to capital expenditures, which in FY '25 reached about 1.6x the amount of depreciation. EBITDA, the source of funds increased by JPY 2.9 billion to reach a record high. Page 24 shows plans for depreciation, capital expenditures, R&D expenses. We plan for CapEx of JPY 110 billion in FY '26, up by nearly 20%, including a continued investment in the solar film Sakai plant. That's all from me.

Yes. My name is Asano from High Performance Plastics Company. This page illustrates the performance trends of our company since FY 2016. For the mobility field in FY '25, despite the slowdown in the auto market impacted by the weak EV growth, net sales increased year-on-year, driven by steady growth in high-performance interlayer films and securing business on the back of strong semiconductor-related demand. However, profit was down due to the one-off costs related to raw materials. In FY '26, while considerable uncertainty will remain in the global market, we will continue to focus on expanding sales of high-performance products in each strategic field, aiming for growth in net sales and profit and renew the previous record highs. Next, on Page 27, the analysis of the FY '25 results. Although EV growth slowed in the automotive market, interlayer films for head-up display applications remained firm. And together with strong demand growth in aircraft and semiconductor-related applications, volume and mix in mobility and electronics increased year-on-year. On the other hand, for general purpose products, both in Japan and overseas, weak global market conditions led to volume decline, particularly for consumer-related products. Furthermore, despite the greater fixed cost reduction against the January forecast, company posted sales growth but profit declined year-on-year. As such as the initiatives weighed on, resulting in higher net sales but lower profit Y-o-Y. However, excluding the one-off costs related to raw materials in practice, we achieved year-on-year profit growth, which leads us to believe that the underlying business is growing steadily. Next, on Page 28 and the plan for FY '26. Global market conditions are expected to remain highly uncertain this year. That said, we will continue to focus on expanding sales of high-performance and strategic products across each strategic field to improve volume and mix across all segments, while offsetting higher fixed costs through CRO initiatives and FX gains, thereby aiming for higher net sales and profit year-on-year and achieving new record highs. Lastly, I will explain the status of the 3 strategic fields using Page 29. In Electronics, the smartphone production unit is expected to decline year-on-year due to the shortage of memory. But for the display market, given the shift to larger screen sizes, we expect the market to be firm. And for the ship market, we expect the market to expand further driven particularly by strong demand for AI servers. We will accelerate our efforts to acquire new customers and expand the applications in this field. In mobility, although the auto market is expected to remain sluggish, the number of vehicles adopting head-up displays continues to increase, and we will strive to simply capture the associated demand growth while also expanding into new areas such as recovering aircraft demand and growing drone markets. In the Industrial segment, while demand for consumer-related products is expected to recover from the second half onward, we will particularly focus on expanding strategic products such as sensor businesses addressing labor shortages and care materials with antibacterial and anti-allergy functions as well as further promote labor saving and environmentally friendly products. This concludes my part on HPP. Thank you very much.

I am Yoshida from Housing Company. Now please refer to Page 31. Let me start with the review of our business performance. In FY '25, although the slump in new housing market continued due to rising prices and interest rates, urban areas remained relatively steady, leading to growth in apartment buildings and high-end detached houses. Orders in the renovation business expanded, resulting in net sales of JPY 536.2 billion and OP of JPY 37.2 billion for the entire company, achieving an increase in net sales and a substantial increase in OP. We believe profitability has improved, allowing us to return to a stable growth trajectory. For FY '26, while we do not expect a recovery in new housing market conditions, we aim for OP of JPY 40 billion, marking the third consecutive year of profit growth by strengthening our product strategy to increase sales volume and through growth in the renovation and residential businesses. Next, please see Page 32 for the FY '25 result analysis. Regarding the net sales in the graph on the left, we achieved sales growth in the housing, renovation and residential segments, resulting in a total increase of JPY 12.2 billion for the Housing Company. Next on the right is the analysis of OP. In the Housing business, although the number of units sold decreased by 265 units Y-o-Y, OP increased by JPY 2.2 billion as unit prices rose through expanded sales of high value-added products. In the renovation business, marginal profit increased due to strengthened sales capabilities, leading to a JPY 2.6 billion profit increase. Overall, the housing company's OP increased by JPY 5.7 billion, slightly above the forecast announced in January. Next, let's look at the FY '26 plan on Page 33. Regarding net sales to the left, we are planning a JPY 45.8 billion increase for the entire Housing Company with continued sales growth across all segments, housing, renovation and residential. In the Housing business, we expect to see contributions from architect planning, which will be consolidated starting this fiscal year. Next on the right is OP. In the Housing business, despite anticipated impacts from rising components prices and higher fixed costs for strengthening our structure, we plan for JPY 1.7 billion profit increase, offset by higher sales volume and an improved product mix, particularly in the second half alongside the effect of new consolidation. The renovation and residential businesses are also planned to achieve profit increase by offsetting fixed cost growth with marginal profit. The other decrease of JPY 0.5 billion is due to the impact of establishing a new company in Canada. For the entire housing company, we plan an OP of JPY 40 billion, an increase of JPY 2.8 billion. Finally, Page 34 for the status of each business. To the left top-hand side is new housing orders. In FY '25, both order value and number of units slightly exceeded the January forecast with the order value growing to 104% in the second half. As shown in the type of construction breakdown in the middle, apartment buildings remained steady in both units and value, contributing to the increase in unit prices. In FY '26, while we do not anticipate a market recovery, we plan to increase order value by targeting a recovery in detached houses, particularly in rural areas. One of the measures for this is the product strategy described on the right. To meet the needs of each area, we'll strengthen our product lineup across a wide range of price points. Following the launch of the high-end ELVIA last October, we launched Grand To You FR this month, our lowest-priced 2-story product. We aim to increase the number of orders by expanding sales, particularly for subdivision lots in rural area. Next, regarding the renovation business at the bottom left, orders expanded in FY '25 due to growth in the large-scale renovation projects. In FY '26, we'll continue to aim for further growth by expanding internal sales renovation based on periodic inspections and strengthening the structure for external sales renovation. To the right is the residential business. In the real estate business, the number of rental units under management increased steadily and the purchase and resale business also grew. The effect of consolidating Benhouse since January are emerging and will accelerate growth in FY '26. Lastly, in the Town and Community Development business. Although net sales decreased in FY '25 due to a gap between condominium completions, we expect a substantial increase in FY '26 as the number of completed projects rises. We'll also proactively continue to prepare for new projects. That concludes my presentation for the housing company.

Yes. My name is Hirai from UIEP. I will start my presentation. Page 36 shows the performance trends. In FY '25, net sales were JPY 240.4 billion with OP of JPY 23.2 billion and operating margin of 9.7%. While weak market conditions persisted, net sales remained flat over last year, and we secured profit growth by maintaining spreads, achieving a fourth consecutive year of record high OP. For FY '26, we are projecting net sales of JPY 255.4 billion and operating profit of JPY 25 billion, driven by growth in overseas sales, expansion of prioritized products and continuous spread management. Page 37 shows the analysis of performance in FY '25. Net sales were in line with the previous year and OP increased by JPY 0.3 billion. Looking closely at the analysis of OP on the right, volume and mix factor had significant negative impact compared to the previous year. While positive growth derived from pipeline renewal and Performance Material, shortages of labor and strict overtime regulations in the construction industry extended project timelines and declines in CPVC in India impacted negatively. However, this was offset by spread expansion mainly in domestic operations. On the other hand, the expected recovery in the Indian market did not materialize in Q4 and results unfortunately fell below the January forecast. Page 38 shows the FY '26 plan. We are guiding for net sales growth of JPY 15 billion and OP growth of JPY 1.8 billion. Referring to the OP analysis on the right, the expected fixed cost increase due to investments in human capital and capacity expansion will be offset by significant increases in volume and mix, mainly in pipeline renewal and performance materials as well as by securing margins focusing on piping materials. We aim to achieve fifth consecutive year of record high profit. Currently, due to the worsening situation in the Middle East, we are hearing supply concerns and price hike requests from suppliers. Regarding supply, we are evaluating alternative raw materials in case procurement of existing materials becomes unstable. To deal with price hikes, we will pass them on promptly without delay. Page 39 outlines the status of the three strategic fields. First, the Pipe Systems at the upper left. The plan calls for growth in net sales in both the first and the second half. Market conditions for pipe products are expected to remain intact, and we'll focus on expanding prioritized products and securing margins. For CPVC, we'll focus on expanding new compound products and broadening sales areas. Next, the Building and Infrastructure composite materials at upper right. We also project sales growth in both the first and the second half. For fire-resistant and nonflammable materials, we will accelerate sales growth by expanding applications. And for FFU, we will strive to expand adoption not only in Europe, but also in the U.S. The lower left shows infrastructure renovation, where we also plan for growth in both halves. And Aqua Systems sales decline will be covered by pipe renewal. For pipe renewal business in Japan, we will capture renewal demand based on the nationwide base. And overseas, we will focus on acquiring new orders through strengthening marketing. For Aqua Systems, although sales is expected to decline due to delay in large plant CapEx, we will step up the effort to grow the sales of water storage panel tanks and capture renewable demand. In the growth areas indicated at lower right, we will expand sales of prioritized products, particularly fire resistant materials and pipe renewal. For overseas sales by region, we will drive solid growth in each area, focusing on CPVC, pipeline renewal and FFU. Sales in growth-driving businesses were somewhat sluggish in FY '25, but will return to a growth trajectory in FY '26. This concludes my presentation. Thank you very much.

I am Yamashita. I will now explain the Medical business. I will begin with the review of business performance on Page 41. In FY '25, due to a decrease in the demand for infectious disease testing kits in the U.S. and the impacts of the market slump in China, net sales were JPY 93.7 billion and OP was JPY 11.1 billion, resulting in a decrease in both sales and profit. For FY '26, while we anticipate the difficult market condition for overseas diagnostics to continue, we plan to increase net sales to JPY 97.3 billion and OP to JPY 12 billion by strengthening new customer acquisition in domestic Diagnostics and the Pharmaceutical Science businesses as well as improving profitability. Next is Page 42 for FY '25 result analysis. As shown in the bar chart on the left, net sales were JPY 93.7 billion, a decrease of JPY 5.5 billion year-on-year. Furthermore, as indicated in parentheses, net sales, excluding infectious disease kit decreased by JPY 1.7 billion. OP on the right was JPY 11.1 billion, a decrease of JPY 1.7 billion from the previous year. In the overseas diagnostics business in the U.S., the early end of the infectious disease outbreak led to a significant drop in demand for testing kits, while the market slump in China caused by medical cost containment measures also continued. Despite substantial and earlier-than-planned fixed cost reductions, including the consolidation of operations in the U.S. and China, results fell short of the January forecast, ending in a drop in both sales and profit. Next, I'll explain the overview of the FY '26 plan on Page 43. As shown in the bar chart on the left, we are planning for net sales of JPY 97.3 billion, including ForEx impact, which is an increase of JPY 3.6 billion from the previous year. OP on the right is planned at JPY 12 billion, up by JPY 0.9 billion from the previous year. While difficult market condition will persist in overseas diagnostics, especially in China, we aim to increase both sales and profit by expanding our market share through new product sales in domestic diagnostics, securing new projects in the Pharmaceutical Sciences business and continuing to drive profitability improvement. Finally, Page 44 shows the status of each business. First, for the domestic diagnostic business at the top left, we successfully captured immunology testing demand in FY '25 and work to increase our market share. FY '26, we will expand our market share by promoting the sales of new product. For overseas diagnostic on the right, net sales decreased significantly in FY '25 due to the drop in infectious disease demand in the U.S. and ongoing impact of China's medical cost containment measures. Although difficult market conditions will continue in FY '26, we will promote sales of Chinese blood coagulation devices launched in China in the second half of '25. Regarding the Pharmaceutical Science business at the bottom left, the Drug Development Solutions business performed steadily in FY '25. We'll continue to focus on securing orders for new projects in FY '26. Lastly, at the bottom right is the sales trend for infectious disease testing kit. In FY '25, demand decreased significantly due to the early end of the infectious disease outbreak. We expect demand to remain difficult in FY '26 to be flat with FY '25, but we plan to increase sales through the sales of new genetic testing kits. That's all from me. [Statements in English on this transcript were spoken by an interpreter present on the live call.]