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 OCTOBER 2005

 

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 offices)

 

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  x    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 October 4, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Honda has agreed to purchase all shares in BARH Ltd. Honda currently owns 45% of the equity in BARH Ltd., and will complete the purchase of the remaining shares by the end of 2005. (Ref. #C087)

 

Exhibit 2:

 

On October 5, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the lineup of vehicles to be displayed at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show (sponsored by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) that was held from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, November 6, 2005, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba in Japan. (Ref. #C05-088)

 

Exhibit 3:

 

On October 17, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced plans to establish Honda Auto Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd., an automobile powertrain components production company in China. Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned Honda subsidiary, is the sole investor in the new company, which is capitalized at $ 90 million. The company will build a new plant in Nanhai District of Foshan City, Guangdong Province and manufacture automobile transmissions as well as other powertrain components including drive shafts and engine parts which will be supplied to Honda’s automobile production joint ventures in China. The new company plans to begin production in spring 2007, with initial production capacity of 240,000 units per year. (Ref. #C05-091)

 

Exhibit 4:

 

On October 19, 2005, at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced a large-size sports motorcycle concept model, DN-01*, equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a water-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, V-type, 2-cylinder, 680cc engine. Honda will continue the development of DN-01 with the goal of introducing it to the market in the near future. (Ref. #M05-030)

 

*DN-01 stands for the first(01) vehicle developed under Honda’s Dream New (DN) concept.

 

Exhibit 5:

 

On October 19, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has acquired its outstanding company shares of 4,110,818,000 yen at aggregate amount for 632,000 shares during the period from October 3, 2005 to October 14, 2005 pursuant to the provisions of Article 211-3, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Commercial Code.

 

Exhibit 6:

 

On October 24, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a summary of production, domestic sales, and export results for the month of September and the first half of fiscal year 2006 (April to September 2005). (Ref. #M05-030)

 

Exhibit 7:

 

On October 27, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced its intention to implement acquisition of its outstanding company shares of 26,000,000,000 yen at maximum amount for 4,700,000 shares at maximum number during the period from November 2, 2005 to January 16, 2006 pursuant to the provisions of Article 211-3, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Commercial Code.

 

Exhibit 8:

 

On October 27, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005.

 

Exhibit 9:

 

On October 31, 2005, Honda R&D Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda responsible for research & development activities, announced that it had obtained permission to establish an automobile R&D company in the Kingdom of Thailand to strengthen Honda’s ability to quickly respond to the ever diversifying needs of customers in rapidly growing Asian automobile markets.


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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
Executive Vice President and
Representative Director

 

Date: November 17, 2005


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LOGO

 

October 4, 2005

C-087

 

Honda acquires all shares in BARH Ltd.

 

Tokyo, Japan. October 4, 2005 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that Honda has agreed to purchase all shares in BARH Ltd. Honda currently owns 45% of the equity in BARH Ltd., and will complete the purchase of the remaining shares by the end of 2005.

 

From the 2006 season, Honda will therefore participate in the Formula One World Championship Series with its own team, with the aim of winning the World Championship.

 

The F1 team will continue to be based in Brackley, Northamptonshire, UK, and work in cooperation with Honda Racing Development Ltd., located in Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.

 

In 2000, Honda signed an engine supply and joint chassis development contract with B.A.R, marking the start of Honda’s third participation in the Formula One World Championship. In December 2001, the agreement was extended for 3 years, with provisions for the strengthening of the joint chassis development programme. Further strengthening of the structure for development came with another extension of the contract (through the end of the 2007 season) in July 2004, and Honda’s purchase in January 2005 of 45% of the shares of BARH Ltd.

 

Editor’s note: BARH Ltd. is the holding company of B.A.R Honda GP Ltd, which operates the BAR Honda F1 team. Its shares are currently owned jointly by British American Tobacco (55%) and Honda (45%).

 

n  Comment from Hiroshi Oshima, Operating Officer, Corporate Communications and Motor Sports, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:

 

After discussing Honda’s future F1 participation, we have decided that Honda should own 100% of the team. We greatly appreciate the partnership of BAT, which has managed the team with us until now, and we wish BAT the best of luck in its future endeavors. From next season, we will be even more energetic in our F1 activities, working hard as a team in order to improve our technology, develop our young engineers and achieve our goal of winning the World Championship. We look forward to your continued support.


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LOGO

 

ref. # C05-088

 

Honda Announces Automobiles and Motorcycles to be

Displayed at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show

 

October 5, 2005—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the lineup of vehicles to be displayed at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show (sponsored by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), to be held from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, November 6, 2005, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

 

The theme for Honda’s automotive exhibition at this year’s Motor Show is “feel FINE!”, which expresses our commitment to creating new value and offering customers exciting new automobiles that exceed all expectations and deliver a unique sense of exhilaration. The theme for the company’s motorcycle exhibition is ‘Dream Wings’, which captures Honda’s vision of a motorcycling lifestyle based on a new set of values, and a desire to help people pursue their dreams. Honda’s automobile and motorcycle displays will feature intriguing concept vehicles, advanced technologies and environmental initiatives in a manner that is clear and easy to understand.

 

LOGO   LOGO
E4-01                           SPORTS4 CONCEPT                    
LOGO   LOGO
FCX CONCEPT                           NP6-D                      

 

-1-


Table of Contents

Passenger Car Display: 23 vehicle types, 25 vehicles

 

Honda proudly presents “FINE!” automobiles. Honda’s automobile display is dedicated to Honda free thinking, intelligent, advanced technology and exciting new designs. It features concept vehicles full of individuality and fresh ideas; the new Civic and new Civic Hybrid; and a range of other Honda vehicles, all of which express the company’s commitment to “FINE TECHNOLOGY” and “FINE TIMES”—superior automobiles that anyone can enjoy driving. In addition, the display will highlight Honda’s unique advanced safety technologies and power trains that combine environmental-friendliness with superior driving performance.

 

The Concept Vehicle Zone will showcase some “FINE!” Honda cars of the future, including concept vehicles like the next-generation, 4-door Sports 4 Concept, designed to make sure everyone in the vehicle shares the exhilaration of the drive; the W.O.W Concept, which offers a more enjoyable, dog-friendly mobile lifestyle; and the FCX Concept, a next-generation premium fuel-cell sedan featuring advanced intelligent technologies, a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform and a full-sized cabin.

 

The Civic Zone will present the all-new eighth generation Civic and new Civic Hybrid, accompanied by a technology display that provides a compelling, close-up look at Honda’s newly-developed, next-generation intelligent power trains.

 

The Advanced Technology Zone will feature an easy-to-understand presentation of Honda’s unique SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive) System for the Legend, including video and an actual vehicle display. Also featured are advanced safety technologies such as Intelligent Night Vision System, and the innovative CMS (Collision Mitigation Brake System).

 

The Motor Sports Zone will provide a rare close-up look at Honda’s Fl and IndyCar® Series racers, and also features the soon-to-be-released new S2000 production vehicle, equipped with even more advanced features than ever before.

 

The Special Needs Vehicle Zone will feature the STEP WGN side lift-up seat vehicle, the Fit equipped with Honda’s Franz System, and a vehicle equipped with Honda’s Techmatic driving assistance system, among other customized Honda vehicles.

 

-2-


Table of Contents

Motorcycle Display : 38 vehicle types, 52 vehicles

 

Honda’s ‘Dream Wings’ motorcycle exhibit will express the company’s desire to create new value and provide enhanced riding pleasure, sharing its dreams with people everywhere, and helping everyone spread their wings and pursue their dreams. The exhibit will feature four stages designed to showcase Honda’s unique vision, spirit of challenge, and advanced creativity.

 

The Main Stage will express Honda’s desire to create new value and provide enhanced riding pleasure. Honda’s vision of the future begins with the E4-01 concept vehicle which offers customers a new take on motorcycling lifestyles. Also on display will be planned production bikes such as the CBR1000RR and CBR600RR, and special import concept vehicles like the CBF1000ABS and Deauville ABS.

 

On Center Stage, Honda’s line up will include planned production scooters like the FORZA Z ABS and Fusion SE, in addition to concept vehicles like the NP6-S and NP6-D created by the N Project, a team of imaginative young engineers at Honda R&D’s Asaka R&D Center.

 

The Honda Racing Stage will showcase Honda’s advanced technology and spirit of challenge, featuring racing machines from the CBR1000RRW, winner of the 2005 Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Race, to the RC211V, Honda’s super-performance MotoGP machine.

 

Honda’s Safety and Environment Stage will present Honda’s advanced safety and environment technologies, featuring the GOLD WING, equipped with the world’s first production motorcycle airbag, which can help mitigate injuries caused by frontal collisions. As examples of Honda’s work in traffic safety education, the Riding Simulator and newly released Riding Trainer will also be on display. As an example of Honda’s environmental technologies, the display will feature a video presentation of a motorcycle equipped with the ultimate in clean next-generation power plants, the unique Honda Fuel Cell Stack.

 

-3-


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n  Vehicles on Display    (l  Concept Vehicle    O Production Vehicle)

[Passenger Car Display]

 

LOGO

 

<«> World Premiere (three vehicles)

 

Concept Vehicle Zone    l
l
l
 

Sports 4 Concept <«>

W.O.W Concept <«>

FCX Concept <«>

Civic Zone    O   New Civic    O New Civic Hybrid
Advanced Technology Zone    O   Legend
Motor Sports Zone    l   Fl    l IndyCar® Series    l New S2000
Special Needs Vehicle Zone    O  

STEP WGN with side lift-up seat

(also equipped with Honda Techmatic System)

     O   Fit with Honda Franz System

Production Vehicle Zone

   O
O
 

Odyssey    O STEP WGN    O Edix

New Civic    O New Civic Hybrid    and other models

[Motorcycle Display Zone]

        

 

LOGO   <«> World Premiere (four vehicles)   LOGO   <> Japan Premiere (four vehicles)

 

Main Stage    l
l
l
l
l
l
l
 

E4-01 <«>

CBR1000RR <>

CBR600RR l CBR600RR Special <>

CB400 SUPER BOL D’OR

CBF1000ABS <>

Deauville ABS <>

GOLD WING

Center Stage    l
l
 

FORZA Z ABS <«>    l NP6-S <«>    lNP6-D <«>

Fusion SE    l Inline 4-cylinder engine

Honda Racing Stage    l  

RC211V    l CBR1000RRW    l CRF450R

                                                           and other models

Safety, Environment, and Security Stage
     l
l
l
 

GOLD WING (airbag-equipped)

Riding Trainer

Riding Simulator

Production Vehicles    O
O
O
O
 

Hornet    O CB400SS    O XR400 Motard

XR100 Motard    O XR230

CRF250R    O CRF70F    O CRF50F

SILVER WING 600ABS accessory-equipped vehicle

                                                             and other models

 

Publicity materials relating to Honda’s exhibit at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show are available at the following URL: http://www.honda.co.jp/PR/

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

 

-4-


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LOGO

 

Ref.# C05-091

 

Honda to Build New Powertrain Plant in China

 

October 17, 2005 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to establish Honda Auto Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd., an automobile powertrain components production company in China. Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned Honda subsidiary, is the sole investor in the new company, which is capitalized at $ 90 million. The company will build a new plant in Nanhai District of Foshan City, Guangdong Province and manufacture automobile transmissions as well as other powertrain components including drive shafts and engine parts which will be supplied to Honda’s automobile production joint ventures in China. The new company plans to begin production in spring 2007, with initial production capacity of 240,000 units per year.

 

The new plant will initially accommodate machining and assembly of transmissions and drive shafts as well as machining of crank shafts and connecting rods for engines. The company is planning later to add the machining of gears as well as production of control parts, both key high value transmission components currently supplied from Japan. Local production of these components enables Honda to secure an adequate supply to support expansion of Honda’s automobile production in China, and also to further increase local content of powertrain components, which will help facilitate cost reduction and strengthen Honda’s competitiveness in the market.

 

In China, two Honda joint venture companies, Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. and Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., are manufacturing automobile products for the domestic market, while Honda Automobile (China) Co., Ltd. manufactures automobiles for export. In order to continue to meet growing demand in China, both Guangzhou Honda and Dongfeng Honda are currently undertaking further expansion of production capacity. Overall annual production capacity of Honda’s three joint venture automobile plants will reach 530,000 units by the latter half of 2006 — 360,000 units at Guangzhou Honda; 120,000 units at Dongfeng Honda; and 50,000 units at Honda Automobile (China).

 

Currently, transmissions, drive shafts, and other engine components (crank shafts and connecting rods) supplied to these automobile production plants are being locally manufactured by Honda’s existing engine and parts production joint venture companies. The new company will share roles and work in a complementary way with the existing parts production companies in order to expand local production of powertrain components.

 

The new plant will be Honda’s fourth major automatic transmission plant in the world after Ohio in the U.S., Indonesia, and Georgia in the U.S. (currently under construction). By adding this new plant, Honda will strengthen its transmission supply capability to support worldwide automobile production.

 

l  About Honda Auto Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

 

Established:   October 2005
Capital Investment:   US$ 90 million — 100% Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
Total Investment:   US$ 98 million
Location:   Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province
    (30km west of Guangzhou)
Employment:   Approximately 500 associates (when new plant becomes operational)
Start of Production:   Spring 2007
Production:   Transmissions (AT/MT), drive shafts, crank shafts, connecting rods
Annual Capacity:   240,000 units (transmission)


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LOGO

 

ref. #M05-030

 

Honda Introduces “DN-01” Concept Motorcycle at Tokyo Motor Show,

A Large-size Sports Bike with an Automatic Transmission

 

October 19, 2005 — At the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today introduced a large-size sports motorcycle concept model, DN-01*, equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a water-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, V-type, 2-cylinder, 680cc engine. Honda will continue the development of DN-01 with the goal of introducing it to the market in the near future.

 

DN-01 is being developed in the concept of a comfortable sports cruiser, with the goal of creating new value for the customer by proposing a new level of riding pleasure. The newly adopted hydraulic mechanical continuously variable HFT (Human Fitting Transmission) system features two types of full automatic modes as well as a 6-speed manual mode which the rider operates through buttons located on the handle. Moreover, this is the first hydraulic mechanical continuously variable transmission system in the world to be equipped with a lock-up mechanism, which enables the rider to enjoy a smooth ride without feeling the shock normally associated with gear shifts, even when cornering. With the HFT, the DN-01 achieves more easy-to-operate and comfortable riding than currently available sports model motorcycles.

 

The 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005 will open its doors to the general public beginning Saturday, October 22, in Makuhari, Chiba. Honda will present a motorcycle display booth with the theme of “Dream Wings.” The theme represents Honda’s effort to make people-motorcycle relationships more dream-inspiring and to propose a new level of riding pleasure with new values Honda will create.

 

*DN-01 stands for the first (01) vehicle developed under Honda’s Dream New (DN) concept.

 

LOGO
                                                                            DN-01

 

Publicity information relevant to the DN-01 is available at the following URL:

http://www.honda.co.jp/PR/

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


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October 19, 2005

 

Notice Regarding the Results of Purchase of Company Shares

 

Tokyo, October 19, 2005 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has acquired its outstanding company shares pursuant to the provisions of Article 211-3, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Commercial Code as follows.

 

As a result of this acquisition, all the acquisition of the company shares that was authorized under the resolution adopted at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on July 27, 2005 have been completed.

 

(1) Type of shares acquired

 

Common stock of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

(2) Period of acquisition

 

From October 3, 2005 to October 14, 2005

 

(3) Aggregate number of shares acquired

 

632,000 shares

 

(4) Aggregate amount of acquisition

 

4,110,818,000 yen

 

(5) Method of acquisition

 

Purchase on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

 

Reference:

 

Resolution at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on July 27, 2005.

 

(1) Type of shares to be acquired

 

Common stock of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

(2) Maximum number of shares to be acquired

 

4,700,000 shares

 

(3) Maximum amount of acquisition

 

21 billion yen

 

(4) Period of acquisition

 

From August 2, 2005 to October 14, 2005


Table of Contents

Aggregate number and amount of company shares acquired as of October 14, 2005, since the date of the resolution at the meeting of the Board of Directors (July 27, 2005).

 

(1) Aggregate number of shares acquired

 

3,511,000 shares

 

(2) Aggregate amount of acquisition

 

20,999,430,000 yen


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LOGO

 

(NOTE: This release is embargoed until 11:30 a.m., October 24 - Japan time)

 

Ref.#C05-092

 

Honda Sets All-Time Records for Overseas and Worldwide Production for the

First Half of Fiscal Year

 

October 24, 2005 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a summary of production, domestic sales, and export results for the month of September and the first half of fiscal year 2006 (April to September 2005).

 

<Production>

 

September 2005

 

Domestic production for the month of September decreased 0.7% compared to the same month a year ago due to a decline in export shipments. Beginning with July 2005, this is the third consecutive month for domestic production to decrease compared to the same month a year ago.

 

Overseas production in September increased 9.0% due to production increases in North America on the second line of the Alabama plant with the addition of a second shift this year. Increased production in China and other Asian markets, where sales are experiencing steady growth, also contributed to the overall increase. It is the second consecutive month since August 2005 for an increase in overseas production compared to the same month a year ago.

 

Worldwide production in September increased 5.1% due to the increased overseas production. It is the second consecutive month for an increase over the same month a year ago.

 

First Half of FY2006 (April - September 2005)

 

Domestic production for the first half of FY2006 increased 0.4% due to increased production of both domestic and export vehicles. This is the second consecutive year for production in the first half of the fiscal year to exceed the same period a year ago.

 

Overseas production increased 12.7% due to increased production on the second line of the Alabama plant, with the addition of a second shift in 2005. The new export plant in China started operations in April 2005, which also contributed to the overall increase. It is the ninth consecutive year, since FY1998, for an increase in overseas production compared to the same period of the previous year. Honda set an all-time record for overseas production for the first half of the fiscal year.

 

Worldwide production during the first half of FY2006 increased 8.0% due to increases in domestic and overseas production. It is second consecutive year since FY2005 for worldwide sales to increase over the same period of the previous year. Honda set an all-time record for worldwide production for the first half of the fiscal year.


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<Domestic Sales>

 

September 2005

 

Total domestic sales, including imported cars, reached 75,199 units in September, up 3.7% compared to the same month a year ago, due to strong sales of passenger cars and light trucks. It is the first time in three months (since June 2005) for sales to exceed the same month a year ago. Models contributing to the increase in overall sales are the all-new StepWGN (11,814 units, the third best selling car in the market), which underwent a full model change in May, and the new Airwave (6,771 units, the 16th best selling car in the market), which was introduced in April.

 

Passenger car and light truck sales (including imports) increased over the same month a year ago for the first time in three months (since June 2005); while the sales of mini vehicles declined for the first time in the last two months (since July 2005) as sales of Life stabilized.

 

First Half of FY2006 (April - September 2005)

 

Due to increased sales in both categories (passenger cars & light trucks and mini vehicles), total domestic sales including imported cars increased in the first half of FY2006 over the same period a year ago, reaching 361,797 units – up 3.1%. New models contributing to the sales increase include Airwave (introduced in April) and Step WGN (received full model change in May). It is the second consecutive year that sales increased over the first half of the previous year.

 

For the second consecutive year, sales of passenger cars and light trucks (including imports) as well as mini vehicles increased for the first half of FY2006 compared to the same period a year ago.

 

<Exports>

 

September 2005

 

Total exports in September of 38,861 units, were down 17.4% compared to the same month a year ago, due mainly to a decrease in exports to North America and Europe. It is the second consecutive month for exports to decrease compared to the same month a year ago.

 

Exports to North America declined due to a shipping adjustment for the full model change of the Civic Hybrid, and exports to Europe declined due to the start-up of Jazz exports from a new Honda plant in China in addition to exports from Japan (Jazz is known as Fit in Japan).

 

First Half of FY2006 (April - September 2005)

 

Total exports for the first half of FY2006 reached 253,954 units, up 3.7%, exceeding the total for the same period a year ago for the second consecutive year. For North America, strong sales of Accord Hybrid introduced at the end of 2004, and the all-new Acura RL, which underwent a model change in fall 2004, contributed to the increase.


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PRODUCTION, SALES, EXPORTS (September 2005)

 

 

PRODUCTION

 

     September

    Year-to-Date Total
(Jan - Sep 2005)


    *1st Half
Fiscal Year 2006


 
     Units

   vs.9/04

    Units

   vs.2003

    Units

   vs.2005

 

Domestic (CBU+CKD)

   116,324    -0.7 %   951,222    +3.3 %   603,013    +0.4 %

Overseas (CBU only)

   187,548    +9.0 %   1,616,682    +11.8 %   1,092,219    +12.7 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Worldwide Total

   303,872    +5.1 %   2,567,904    +8.5 %   1,695,232    +8.0 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

 

* (April/01/2005~September/30/2005)

 

OVERSEAS PRODUCTION

 

     September

    Year-to-Date Total
(Jan - Sep 2005)


    *1st Half
Fiscal Year 2006


 
     Units

   vs.9/04

    Units

   vs.2004

    Units

   vs.2005

 

North America

   110,944    +7.5 %   1,013,438    +10.2 %   671,151    +11.5 %

(USA only)

   79,303    +16.8 %   704,421    +16.4 %   469,047    +18.8 %

Europe

   17,857    +0.9 %   142,321    -1.3 %   93,411    +2.1 %

Asia

   52,217    +18.4 %   402,785    +23.0 %   287,637    +20.8 %

Others

   6,530    -7.1 %   58,138    +6.8 %   40,020    +5.6 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Overseas Total

   187,548    +9.0 %   1,616,682    +11.8 %   1,092,219    +12.7 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

 

* (April/01/2005~September/30/2005)

 

SALES (JAPAN)

 

Vehicle type


   September

   

Year-to-Date Total

(Jan - Sep 2005)


    *1st Half
Fiscal Year 2006


 
     Units

   vs.9/04

    Units

   vs.2004

    Units

   vs.2005

 

Passenger Cars & Light Trucks

   51,602    +9.2 %   359,737    -2.6 %   238,569    +3.2 %

Mini Vehicles

   23,597    -6.6 %   190,620    -3.0 %   123,228    +2.8 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Honda Brand Total

   75,199    +3.7 %   550,357    -2.7 %   361,797    +3.1 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

 

* (April/01/2005~September/30/2005)

 

EXPORTS

 

     September

   

Year-to-Date Total

(Jan - Sep 2005)


    *1st Half
Fiscal Year 2006


 
     Units

   vs.9/04

    Units

   vs.2004

    Units

   vs.2005

 

North America

   18,224    -21.7 %   194,803    +10.9 %   121,094    +6.2 %

(USA only)

   16,063    -20.1 %   173,208    +9.0 %   107,785    +4.0 %

Europe

   8,119    -40.6 %   104,948    -2.0 %   68,547    -3.4 %

Asia

   1,602    +25.0 %   12,857    -1.2 %   8,193    -17.6 %

Others

   10,916    +23.9 %   81,037    +13.0 %   56,120    +12.3 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Total

   38,861    -17.4 %   393,645    +7.1 %   253,954    +3.7 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

 

* (April/01/2005~September/30/2005)

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Shigeki Endo

Takayuki Fujii

Yu Kimoto

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Corporate Communications Division

Telephone: 03-5412-1512

Facsimile: 03-5412-1545


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October 27, 2005

 

Notice Regarding the Buyback of Company Shares

 

Tokyo, October 27, 2005— Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its intention to implement acquisition of its outstanding company shares, the resolution for which was resolved as follows at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on October 27, 2005 in accordance with Article 211-3, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Commercial Code:

 

1. Reason for the Acquisition of Company Shares:

 

Mainly to improve capital efficiency.

 

2. Details of the Acquisition:

 

(1) Type of shares to be acquired

 

Common stock of Honda Motor Co., Ltd

 

(2) Maximum number of shares to be acquired

 

4,700,000 shares

 

(Ratio to total number of shares of common stock in issue: 0.51%)

 

(3) Maximum amount of acquisition

 

26,000,000,000 yen

 

(4) Period of acquisition

 

From November 2, 2005 to January 16, 2006


Table of Contents

October 27, 2005

 

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. REPORTS

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS

FOR THE FISCAL SECOND QUARTER AND

THE FIRST HALF ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

 

Tokyo, October 27, 2005— Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal second quarter and the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005.

 

Second Quarter Results

 

Honda’s consolidated net income for the fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2005 totaled JPY 133.7 billion (USD 1,181million), an increase of 5.2% from the corresponding period in 2004. Basic net income per Common Share for the quarter amounted to JPY 144.89 (USD 1.28), compared to JPY 135.70 for the corresponding period in 2004. Two of Honda’s American Depository Shares represent one Common Share.

 

Consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (herein referred to as “revenue”) for the quarter amounted to JPY 2,337.6 billion (USD 20,653 million), an increase of 11.7% over the corresponding period in 2004. Revenue was positively affected by currency translations, which were translations 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 2004, revenue for the quarter would have increased by approximately 9.6%.

 

Consolidated operating income for the fiscal second quarter totaled JPY 162.6 billion (USD 1,437 million), a decrease of 5.9% compared to the corresponding period in 2004. This decrease in operating income was primarily due to the negative impacts of increased selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and research and development (R&D) expenses, which offset the positive currency effects caused by the depreciation of the yen, increased profits from higher revenues and continuing cost reduction effects.

 

Consolidated income before income taxes for the quarter totaled JPY 169.3 billion (USD 1,497 million), an increase of 2.3% from the corresponding period in 2004.

 

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Equity in income of affiliates, which is mainly attributable to Asian affiliates accounted for under the equity method, for the quarter amounted to JPY 26.0 billion (USD 230 million), a decrease of 7.9% from the corresponding period in 2004.

 

Business Segment

 

With respect to Honda’s sales in the fiscal second quarter by business category, motorcycle unit sales totaled 2,489 thousand units, a decrease of 7.8% from the corresponding period in 2004. Motorcycle unit sales in Japan decreased 5.5% to 104 thousand units, and overseas unit sales were 2,385 thousand units, which was a decrease of 8.0% from the corresponding period in 2004, mainly caused by a decrease in unit sales of parts for local production at affiliates in India*, which offset an increase in unit sales of parts for local production at the Indonesian affiliate. Despite a drop in unit sales, revenue from sales to unaffiliated customers increased 12.4%, to JPY 287.7 billion (USD 2,542 million), due mainly to positive currency translation effects. Operating income increased by 48.1 % to JPY 29.6 billion (USD 262 million), due mainly to increased profits from higher revenues, an increase in royalty income and the positive currency effects caused by the depreciation of the yen, offsetting the negative impacts of the change in model mix in North America and Europe, and an increase in sales incentive in North America.

 

* Net sales of Honda-brand motorcycle products that are procured locally 100%, manufactured and sold by overseas affiliates accounted for under the equity method are not included in net sales and other operating revenue, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, these unit sales are not included in the financial results and forecasts.

 

For the fiscal second quarter, the number of products 100% locally procured, manufactured and sold by affiliates in India and China increased to approximately 550 thousands units.

 

Honda’s unit sales of automobiles increased by 5.0% from the corresponding period in 2004 to 834 thousand units. In Japan, unit sales of automobiles decreased 3.7% to 183 thousand units. Overseas unit sales increased 7.8% to 651 thousand units, due mainly to continued strong sales in the U.S. as a result of a lineup of attractive models, such as the Odyssey, the Civic and the Ridgeline. Revenue from sales to unaffiliated customers increased 11.7%, to JPY 1,892.6 billion (USD 16,721 million) during the quarter, due to the positive currency translation impact and an increase in unit sales. Operating income decreased 15.9% to JPY 101.0 billion (USD 893 million), due mainly to the negative impacts of the increased SG&A, including the expenses for model change and expansion of the production capacity, change in model mix and an increase in sales incentives in North America and Europe, which offset the positive impacts of the increased profits from higher revenues and depreciation of the yen.

 

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Revenue from sales to unaffiliated customers in financial services increased 15.7% to JPY 75.0 billion (USD 663 million), due to the growth of the automobile business in North America. Operating income decreased 3.1% to JPY 24.7 billion (USD 219 million), due primarily to increased funding costs.

 

Unit sales of power products in Japan totaled 118 thousand units, an increase of 15.7%. Overseas unit sales were 1,023 thousand units, increased by 4.1% and total unit sales of power products were 1,141 thousand units, up by 5.2 % from the corresponding period in 2004. Increased unit sales of general-purpose engines in Europe, Asia and Middle and Near East regions were the major contributing factors to this increase. Revenue from sales to unaffiliated customers in power product and other businesses increased by 4.3% to JPY 82.2 billion (USD 727 million), due mainly to the increase in unit sales of power products. Operating income was JPY 7.2 billion (USD 64 million), which was almost the same level as the corresponding period in 2004, due mainly to the negative impact of the increase in SG&A expenses, which offset increased profits from higher revenues in power product business.

 

Geographical Segment

 

With respect to Honda’s sales for the second quarter by geographical segment, in Japan, revenue for exports and domestic sales was JPY 1,078.6 billion (USD 9,530 million), up by 5.7% compared to the corresponding period in 2004, due primarily to increased unit sales for exports sales in the automobile business. Operating income in Japan was JPY 62.9 billion (USD 556 million), up by 17.0%, due primarily to the positive impacts of increased royalty income, increased profits from higher revenues in the automobile exports business, ongoing cost reduction efforts and positive currency impact from the depreciation of the yen, which offset the negative impacts of the increases in SG&A and R&D expenses.

 

In North America, revenue increased by 15.0% from the corresponding period in 2004 to JPY 1,263.4 billion (USD 11,163 million), due mainly to the positive currency translation effects and increased unit sales in the automobile business. Operating income in North America decreased by 19.5% to JPY 68.5 billion (USD 605 million) from the corresponding period in 2004, due primarily to the negative impacts of the increase in SG&A, funding costs in the financial services business, sales incentives and prices for raw materials, which offset the positive impacts of the increased profits from higher revenues in the automobile business and the currency effects caused by the appreciation of the U.S. dollar.

 

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In Europe, revenue for the quarter increased by 11.2% to JPY 266.9 billion (USD 2,358 million) compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, due primarily to the increase in unit sales of the motorcycle and automobile businesses. Operating income in Europe decreased by 91.0% to JPY 0.8 billion (USD 7 million), due mainly to the changes in the model mix, increased SG&A expenses, which include expenses for model change and the increase in sales incentives, offsetting the positive impact of the increase in profits from higher revenues in the automobile business.

 

In Asia, revenue increased by 8.8% to JPY 231.2 billion (USD 2,043 million) from the corresponding period of the previous year, due mainly to an increase in unit sales in the motorcycle and automobile businesses caused by the change in model mix, and an increase in unit sales in the power product business. Operating income decreased by 10.0% to JPY 15.8 billion (USD 140 million) from the corresponding period of the previous year, due mainly to an increase in SG&A expenses, including expenses for the expansion of the production capacity, rising prices for raw materials and the negative currency effects, offsetting the positive impact of the increased profits from higher revenues and change in the sales prices. In Asia, in addition to subsidiaries, many affiliates accounted for under the equity method manufacture and sell Honda-brand products. Operating income does not include income from these affiliates. Income from these affiliates is recorded as equity in income of affiliates and reflected in net income.

 

In Other regions, revenue for the second quarter increased by 25.9% to JPY 146.7 billion (USD 1,297 million) compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The positive currency translation effects and the increased unit sales in all business segments, namely motorcycle, automobile and power product businesses were the major contributing factors to the increase in revenues. Operating income increased by 43.2% from the corresponding period of the previous year to JPY 15.1 billion (USD 134 million), due mainly to the positive impact of the depreciation of the yen, increased profits from higher revenues and change in the sales prices, offsetting the negative impacts of the increase in SG&A expenses and prices for raw materials.

 

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First Half-Year Results

 

Honda’s consolidated net income for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005 totaled JPY 244.3 billion (USD 2,159 million), an increase of 1.2% from the corresponding period in 2004. Income taxes in the fiscal first half in 2004 included JPY 11.7 billion payments for a transfer pricing assessment, relating to the motorcycle business in Brazil. Basic net income per Common Share for the fiscal first half amounted to JPY 264.64 (USD 2.34), compared to JPY 257.35 for the corresponding period in 2004. Two of Honda’s American Depositary Shares represent one Common Share.

 

Consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (herein referred to as “revenue”) for the period amounted to JPY 4,602.2 billion (USD 40,660 million), an increase of 10.5% over the corresponding period in 2004. Revenue was positively affected by currency translations, which were translations 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 2004, revenue for the fiscal first half would have increased by approximately 9.6%.

 

Consolidated operating income for the fiscal first half totaled JPY 333.0 billion (USD 2,943 million), which was almost the same level as the corresponding period in 2004. This was primarily due to currency effects from the depreciation of the yen, increased profits from higher revenues and continuing cost reduction efforts, which offset the negative impact of increased SG&A and R&D expenses.

 

Consolidated income before income taxes for the fiscal first half totaled JPY 313.7 billion (USD 2,771 million), a decrease of 7.6% from the corresponding period in 2004.

 

Equity in income of affiliates, which is mainly attributable to Asian affiliates accounted for under the equity method for the fiscal first half amounted to JPY 47.2 billion (USD 417 million), which was almost the same level of the corresponding period in 2004.

 

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Business Segment

 

With respect to Honda’s sales in the fiscal first half year by business category, motorcycle unit sales totaled 5,070 thousand units, which decreased by 4.0% from the corresponding period in 2004. Motorcycle unit sales in Japan decreased 3.9% to 199 thousand units, and overseas unit sales were 4,871 thousand units, which was a decrease of 4.0% from the corresponding period in 2004, mainly caused by a decrease in unit sales of parts for local production at affiliates in India*, which offset an increase in unit sales of parts for local production at Indonesian affiliate. Revenue from sales to unaffiliated customers increased 3.9%, to JPY 550.9 billion (USD 4,867 million), due mainly to the positive currency translation impacts, offsetting the decrease in unit sales. Operating income increased by 7.4% to JPY 39.9 billion (USD 353 million), due mainly to the positive impacts of the depreciation of the yen, increased profits from the higher revenues and ongoing cost reduction efforts, offsetting the negative impact of the increase in R&D expenses.

 

* Net sales of Honda-brand motorcycle products that are procured locally 100%, manufactured and sold by overseas affiliates accounted for under the equity method are not included in net sales and other operating revenue, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, these unit sales are not included in the financial results and forecasts.

 

For the fiscal first half, the number of products 100% locally procured, manufactured and sold by affiliates in India and China increased to approximately 930 thousands units.

 

Honda’s unit sales of automobiles increased by 6.9% from the corresponding period in 2004 to 1,674 thousand units. In Japan, unit sales of automobiles increased 1.7% to 350 thousand units. Overseas unit sales increased 8.3% to 1,324 thousand units, due mainly to increased sales in North America. Revenue from sales to unaffiliated customers increased 11.6%, to JPY 3,738.6 billion (USD 33,030 million) during the period, due to the positive currency translation effects and increased unit sales. Operating income was JPY 234.2 billion (USD 2,069 million), which was almost the same level as the corresponding period in 2004, due mainly to the negative impacts in increase in SG&A and R&D expenses, which offset the positive currency effects caused by the depreciation of the yen, increased profits from higher revenues and ongoing cost reduction efforts.

 

Revenue from sales to unaffiliated customers in financial services increased 16.5% to JPY 143.7 billion (USD 1,270 million), due to the growth of the automobile business in North America. Operating income decreased 6.7% to JPY 44.6 billion (USD 394 million), due primarily to increased funding costs.

 

Unit sales of power products in Japan totaled 239 thousand units, an increase of 8.6%. Overseas unit sales were 2,384 thousand units, an increase of 5.9%, due primarily to increased unit sales in Asia, and total unit sales of power products were 2,623 thousand units, up by 6.1 % from the corresponding period in 2004. Revenue from sales to unaffiliated customers in power product and other businesses increased by 2.9% to JPY 168.9 billion (USD 1,492 million), due mainly to increased unit sales of power products. Operating income increased 18.0% to JPY 14.3 billion (USD 127 million), due mainly to increased profits from higher revenues, offsetting the negative impact of the increase in SG&A expenses.

 

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Geographical Segment

 

With respect to Honda’s sales for the first half by geographical segment, in Japan, revenue for exports and domestic sales was JPY 2,139.1 billion (USD 18,898 million), up by 8.1% compared to the corresponding period in 2004, due primarily to increased unit sales for both domestic and exports sales in the automobile business. Operating income in Japan was JPY 110.1 billion (USD 974 million), up by 27.0%, due primarily to the positive currency effects caused by the depreciation of the yen, increased profits from higher revenues and ongoing cost reductions, which offset the negative impact of the increase in SG&A and R&D expenses.

 

In North America, revenue increased by 12.5% from the corresponding period of the previous year to JPY 2,512.0 billion (USD 22,193 million), due mainly to the increased unit sales in automobile and power product businesses. Operating income in North America decreased by 14.8% to JPY 141.2 billion (USD1,248 million) from the corresponding period of the previous year, due primarily to the negative impact of the increase in SG&A, which offset the positive currency effects caused by the depreciation of the JPY and impact of increased profits from higher revenues.

 

In Europe, revenue for the period increased by 9.7% to JPY 564.2 billion (USD 4,985 million) compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, due primarily to the increased unit sales in all business segments, namely motorcycle, automobile and power product businesses. Operating income in Europe decreased by 43.5% to JPY 13.5 billion (USD 120 million), due mainly to increased SG&A expenses, offsetting the positive impacts of the increased profits from higher revenues and ongoing cost reduction efforts.

 

In Asia, revenue increased by 11.3% to JPY 462.8 billion (USD 4,089 million) from the corresponding period of the previous year, due mainly to the increases in unit sales in the automobile and power product businesses. Operating income decreased by 6.5% to JPY 34.9 billion (USD 309 million) from the corresponding period of the previous year, due mainly to the negative impacts of an increase in SG&A expenses, offsetting the positive impacts of the depreciation of the yen and increased profits from higher revenues. In Asia, in addition to subsidiaries, many affiliates accounted for under the equity method manufacture and sell Honda-brand products. Operating income does not include income from these affiliates. Income from these affiliates is recorded as equity in income of affiliates and reflected in net income.

 

In Other regions, revenue for the first half increased by 20.4% to JPY 263.7 billion (USD 2,330 million) compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The increase in unit sales in the motorcycle, automobile and power product business were the major contributing factors to the increase in revenue. Operating income increased by 49.3% from the corresponding period of the previous year to JPY 28.7 billion (USD 254 million), due mainly to the positive currency effects caused by the depreciation of the yen and increased profits from higher revenues, offsetting the negative impact of the increase in SG&A expenses.

 

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal First Half

 

Cash and cash equivalents for the period from April 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005, decreased by JPY 42.3 billion (USD 374 million) from March 31, 2005 to JPY 731.1 billion (USD 6,460 million) as of September 30, 2005.

 

The reason for the increase or decrease for each cash flow activity is as follows;

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to JPY 296.6 billion (USD 2,621 million), which included net income and depreciation for the six months ended September 30, 2005. Cash flows from operating activities decreased by JPY 92.2 billion (USD 815 million) compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to JPY 428.4 billion (USD 3,785 million), which was mainly due to the capital expenditures and an acquisition of finance subsidiaries-receivables. Cash outflows from investing activities decreased by JPY 59.1 billion (USD 522 million) compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to JPY 66.7 billion (USD 589 million), which arose due to proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt. Cash flows from financing activities increased by JPY 8.0 billion (USD 71 million) compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

 

Supplemental information for cash flows

 

    

FY04

Year-end


  

FY05

1st half


  

FY05

Year-end


  

FY06

1st half


Shareholders’ equity ratio (%)

   34.5    35.1    35.3    36.7

Shareholders’ equity market price ratio (%)

   56.2    56.3    53.5    60.3

Repayment period (years)

   3.9    4.3    3.8    5.2

Non-financial services businesses (years)

   0.4    0.4    0.4    0.4

Finance subsidiaries (years)

   22.0    42.7    29.5    37.2

Interest coverage ratio

   9.8    8.0    9.9    7.3

Non-financial services businesses

   53.7    50.5    53.8    37.5

Finance subsidiaries

   2.7    1.9    2.4    2.0

 

  Shareholders’ equity ratio: shareholders’ equity / total assets
  Shareholders’ equity market price ratio: issued common stock stated at market price / total assets
  Repayment period: interest bearing debt / cash flows from operating activities
  Interest coverage ratio: (cash flows from operating activities + interest paid) / interest paid

 

Explanatory notes:

 

  1. All figures are calculated based on the information included in the consolidated financial statements.

 

  2. Cash flows from operating activities are obtained from the consolidated statement of cash flows. Interest bearing debt represents Honda’s outstanding debt with interest payments, which are included on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest bearing debt and cash flow from operating activities for the non-financial services businesses are obtained from the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows which are separated by non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries.

 

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Presentation of Finance Subsidiaries-Receivables in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and the Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

In prior periods, Honda reported the effects of all finance subsidiaries-receivables as investing activities for purposes of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows. This policy, when applied to wholesale receivables related to sales of inventory to outside dealers, had the effect of presenting an investing cash outflow and an operating cash inflow even though there was no cash flow on a consolidated basis.

 

In the previous fiscal forth quarters, based on concerns raised by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), management has decided to report the cash flow related effects of those finance subsidiaries-receivables which relate to sales of inventory as “operating activities” in the consolidated statements of cash flows and also reclassify related finance subsidiaries-receivables to trade receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. This presentation results in the elimination of the intercompany activities and proper classification of cash receipts from the settlement of wholesale receivables related to the sale of inventory as “operating activities.”

 

Certain finance subsidiaries provide retail finance to customers who purchased inventory from the consolidated dealers. The cash flows generated from this retail finance were reported as investing cash flows in prior periods. In the current year, based on concerns raised by the staff of the SEC, management has decided to report the cash flow related effects of those finance subsidiaries-receivables which relate to sales of inventory as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows and also reclassify related finance subsidiaries- receivables to trade receivables, including those of non-current portion to other assets, in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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The cash flow related effects of finance subsidiaries-receivable from retail, direct finance leases, wholesale and term loans to dealer which are unrelated to the sales of inventory continue to be reported as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

The impacts of the reclassification of the affected line items in the consolidated statement of cash flows with respect to the year ended March 31, 2004 and in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

 

     Six months ended
September 30, 2004


 
     Yen (millions)  

Cash provided by operating activities, as previously reported

   332,687  

Amounts reclassified from investing activities;

      

Provision for credit and lease residual losses on finance subsidiaries-receivables

   (43 )
    

Increase in trade accounts and notes receivable

   65,810  
    

Increase in other assets

   (9,655 )
    

Other, net

   43  
    

Cash provided by operating activities, after reclassification

   388,842  
    

Cash used in investing activities, as previously reported

   (431,367 )
    

Amount reclassified to operating activities;

      

Acquisitions of finance subsidiaries-receivables

   525,479  
    

Collections of finance subsidiaries-receivables

   (581,634 )
    

Cash used in investing activities, after reclassification

   (487,522 )
    

 

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Consolidated balance sheet

 

     At September 30, 2004

 
     Yen (millions)  

Trade accounts and notes receivables, as previously reported

   357,780  

Amount reclassified from finance subsidiaries-receivables, net - current

   272,779  
    

Trade accounts and notes receivables, after reclassification

   630,559  
    

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net-current, as previously reported

   1,364,474  
    

Amount reclassified to trade accounts and notes receivables

   (272,779 )
    

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net - current, after reclassification

   1,091,695  
    

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net, as previously reported

   2,688,984  
    

Amount reclassified to other assets

   (121,108 )
    

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net, after reclassification

   2,567,876  
    

Other assets, as previously reported

   321,432  
    

Amount reclassified from finance subsidiaries-receivables, net

   121,108  
    

Other assets, after reclassification

   442,540  
    

 

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Forecasts for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2006

 

In regard to the forecasts of the financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006, Honda projects consolidated and unconsolidated results to be as shown below:

 

As stipulated in the Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance Law, the “Honda Employees’ Pension Fund” (a confederated welfare pension fund, the “Fund”), of which the Company is a member, has obtained approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for exemption from benefits obligations related to past employee services with respect to the substitutional portion of the Fund on July 1, 2005.

 

With respect to the forecast of the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations for the year ending March 31, 2006, the effect of the transfer of the benefit obligation of the substitutional portion of the Employees’ Pension Fund to the Japanese government is not reflected in accordance with the applicable U.S. regulations. According to the regulations, the difference between the fair value of the obligation and the assets to be transferred to the government, which should be disclosed as a subsidy, will be determined upon completion of the transfer to the government of the substitutional portion of the benefit obligation and related plan assets. At this moment, the date of such transfer and its effect has not yet been determined.

 

With respect to the forecast of the Company’s unconsolidated financial position and results of operation for the year ending March 31, 2006, the Company recognized the gain on the transfer of the benefit obligation of the substitutional portion of the Fund to the Japanese government as an extraordinary gain in accordance with the Japanese accounting standards.

 

FY2006 Forecasts for Consolidated Results

 

     Yen (billions)

   Changes from FY2005

 

Net sales and other operating revenue

   9,600    +11.0 %

Operating income

   675    +7.0 %

Income before income taxes

   655    –0.3 %

Net income

   490    +0.8 %

 

FY2006 Forecasts for Unconsolidated Results

 

     Yen (billions)

   Changes from FY2005

 

Net sales

   3,720    +6.6 %

Operating income

   215    +45.7 %

Ordinary income

   308    +45.8 %

Net income

   290    +100.7 %

 

These forecasts are based on the assumption that the average exchange rates for the yen to the U.S. dollar and the Euro for the second half of the year ending March 31, 2006 will be JPY 110 and JPY 135, respectively, and for the full year ending March 31, 2006, JPY 110 and JPY 135, respectively.

 

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Dividend per Share of Common Stock for Fiscal Year 2006

 

Honda has decided to increase the interim cash dividend by 12 yen, to JPY 40 per share of common stock, and projects that year-end cash dividend will be JPY 40, an increase of 3 yen. As a result, total cash dividends for the year ending March 31, 2006 will be JPY 80, an increase of 15 yen.

 

 

 

 

 

This announcement contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs taking into account information currently available to it. Therefore, please be advised that Honda’s actual results could materially differ from those described in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including general economic conditions in Honda’s principal markets and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar, the Euro and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time.

 

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Risk Factors

 

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

 

1.Honda may be adversely affected by market conditions

 

Honda conducts its operation in Japan and throughout the world, including North America, Europe and Asia.

 

A continued economic slowdown, recession or sustained loss of consumer confidence in these markets which may be caused by rising fuel prices or other factors, could trigger a decline in demand for automobiles, motorcycles and power products that may adversely affect the results of Honda’s operations.

 

2.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 fierce competition, which is increasing, short-term fluctuations in demand from underlying economic conditions, changes in import regulations, shortages of certain supplies and sales incentives by Honda or other manufacturers or dealers. There can be no assurance that such price volatility will not continue or intensify 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.

 

3.Honda’s operations are subject to currency fluctuations

 

Honda has manufacturing operations throughout the world including Japan and exports products and components to various countries.

 

Honda purchases materials and sells its products in foreign currencies, therefore currency fluctuations may affect Honda’s pricing of products sold and materials purchased. Accordingly currency fluctuations have an effect on Honda’s results of operation, balance sheet and cash flow, as well as Honda’s competitiveness, which will over time affect its results. Since Honda exports many products and components from Japan and generates a substantial portion of its revenues in currencies other than the Yen, Honda’s results of operations would be adversely affected by an appreciation of the Yen against other currencies, in particular the U.S. dollar.

 

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4.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 derivative financial instruments in order to reduce the substantial effects of currency fluctuations and interest rate exposure on our cash flow and financial condition. These instruments include foreign currency forward contracts, currency swap agreements and currency option contracts, as well as interest rate swap agreements. Honda has entered into, and expects to continue to enter into, such hedging arrangements. As with all hedging instruments, there are risks associated with the use of such instruments. While limiting to some degree our risk 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 also is exposed to the risk that its counterparties to hedging contracts will default on their obligations. 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.

 

5.The automobile, motorcycle and power product 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, motorcycle and power product 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.

 

6.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.

 

7.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.

 

- 15 -


Table of Contents

8.Honda relies on various 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.

 

9.Honda conducts its operations in various regions of the world

 

Honda conducts its businesses worldwide, and 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 observe various regulations, including the legal and other requirements of each country. If these regulations or the business condition or policy of these local entities change, it may have an adverse affect on Honda’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

10.Honda may be adversely affected by wars, use of force by foreign countries, terrorism, multinational conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics and labor strikes

 

Honda conducts its businesses worldwide, and its operations may variously be subject to wars, use of force by foreign countries, terrorism, multinational conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics, labor strikes and other events beyond our control 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. Delays or disruptions in one region may in turn affect our global operations. 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.

 

- 16 -


Table of Contents

[1] Unit Sales Breakdown

 

     Unit (thousands)

 
    

Three months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   

Three months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


   

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   

Six months

ended

Sep. 30, 2005


 

MOTORCYCLES

                        

Japan

   110     104     207     199  
     (110 )   (104 )   (207 )   (199 )

North America

   152     159     278     244  
     (79 )   (80 )   (142 )   (128 )

Europe

   67     78     176     194  
     (63 )   (74 )   (169 )   (188 )

Asia

   2,124     1,833     4,162     3,932  
     (2,124 )   (1,833 )   (4,162 )   (3,932 )

Other Regions

   248     315     460     501  
     (246 )   (312 )   (454 )   (493 )
    

 

 

 

Total

   2,701     2,489     5,283     5,070  
     (2,622 )   (2,403 )   (5,134 )   (4,940 )

AUTOMOBILES

                        

Japan

   190     183     344     350  

North America

   366     394     757     814  

Europe

   63     73     129     145  

Asia

   134     134     256     267  

Other Regions

   41     50     80     98  
    

 

 

 

Total

   794     834     1,566     1,674  

POWER PRODUCTS

                        

Japan

   102     118     220     239  

North America

   530     464     1,232     1,254  

Europe

   208     266     493     524  

Asia

   169     197     373     441  

Other Regions

   76     96     154     165  
    

 

 

 

Total

   1,085     1,141     2,472     2,623  

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. The geographical breakdown of unit sales is based on the location of unaffiliated customers.

 

2. Figures in brackets represent unit sales of motorcycles only.

 

- 18 -


Table of Contents

[2] Net Sales Breakdown

 

(A) For the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

Three months

ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   

Three months

ended

Sep. 30, 2005


 

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   26,732    (10.4 )%   27,052    (9.4 )%

North America

   75,456    (29.5 )%   78,123    (27.1 )%

Europe

   37,219    (14.5 )%   42,099    (14.6 )%

Asia

   68,843    (26.9 )%   74,980    (26.1 )%

Other Regions

   47,826    (18.7 )%   65,501    (22.8 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   256,076    (100.0 )%   287,755    (100.0 )%

AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   396,519    (23.4 )%   383,840    (20.3 )%

North America

   906,103    (53.5 )%   1,056,463    (55.8 )%

Europe

   146,991    (8.7 )%   175,166    (9.3 )%

Asia

   172,071    (10.2 )%   185,528    (9.8 )%

Other Regions

   72,132    (4.2 )%   91,662    (4.8 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   1,693,816    (100.0 )%   1,892,659    (100.0 )%

FINANCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   4,763    (7.3 )%   5,415    (7.2 )%

North America

   56,839    (87.7 )%   65,674    (87.6 )%

Europe

   2,232    (3.5 )%   2,070    (2.8 )%

Asia

   346    (0.5 )%   470    (0.6 )%

Other Regions

   667    (1.0 )%   1,377    (1.8 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   64,847    (100.0 )%   75,006    (100.0 )%

POWER PRODUCT & OTHER BUSINESSES

                      

Japan

   28,262    (35.9 )%   29,957    (36.4 )%

North America

   28,966    (36.7 )%   29,715    (36.1 )%

Europe

   12,824    (16.3 )%   12,251    (14.9 )%

Asia

   4,582    (5.8 )%   6,060    (7.4 )%

Other Regions

   4,205    (5.3 )%   4,267    (5.2 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   78,839    (100.0 )%   82,250    (100.0 )%

TOTAL

                      

Japan

   456,276    (21.8 )%   446,264    (19.1 )%

North America

   1,067,364    (51.0 )%   1,229,975    (52.6 )%

Europe

   199,266    (9.5 )%   231,586    (9.9 )%

Asia

   245,842    (11.7 )%   267,038    (11.4 )%

Other Regions

   124,830    (6.0 )%   162,807    (7.0 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   2,093,578    (100.0 )%   2,337,670    (100.0 )%

 

- 19 -


Table of Contents

[2] Net Sales Breakdown - continued

 

(B) For the six months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

 
     Six months ended
Sep. 30, 2004


    Six months ended
Sep. 30, 2005


 

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   52,486    (9.9 )%   53,584    (9.7 )%

North America

   147,852    (27.9 )%   129,212    (23.5 )%

Europe

   104,919    (19.8 )%   108,477    (19.7 )%

Asia

   135,167    (25.5 )%   150,275    (27.3 )%

Other Regions

   89,738    (16.9 )%   109,394    (19.8 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   530,162    (100.0 )%   550,942    (100.0 )%

AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   720,627    (21.5 )%   728,142    (19.5 )%

North America

   1,859,723    (55.6 )%   2,127,720    (56.9 )%

Europe

   292,388    (8.7 )%   343,209    (9.2 )%

Asia

   332,693    (9.9 )%   360,274    (9.6 )%

Other Regions

   143,575    (4.3 )%   179,285    (4.8 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   3,349,006    (100.0 )%   3,738,630    (100.0 )%

FINANCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS

                      

Japan

   10,011    (8.1 )%   10,529    (7.3 )%

North America

   107,175    (86.8 )%   125,315    (87.2 )%

Europe

   4,345    (3.5 )%   4,541    (3.2 )%

Asia

   680    (0.6 )%   905    (0.6 )%

Other Regions

   1,223    (1.0 )%   2,469    (1.7 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   123,434    (100.0 )%   143,759    (100.0 )%

POWER PRODUCT & OTHER BUSINESSES

                      

Japan

   57,002    (34.7 )%   58,126    (34.4 )%

North America

   57,629    (35.1 )%   60,642    (35.9 )%

Europe

   30,693    (18.7 )%   30,345    (18.0 )%

Asia

   10,866    (6.6 )%   11,820    (7.0 )%

Other Regions

   7,939    (4.9 )%   7,985    (4.7 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   164,129    (100.0 )%   168,918    (100.0 )%

TOTAL

                      

Japan

   840,126    (20.2 )%   850,381    (18.5 )%

North America

   2,172,379    (52.1 )%   2,442,889    (53.1 )%

Europe

   432,345    (10.4 )%   486,572    (10.6 )%

Asia

   479,406    (11.5 )%   523,274    (11.4 )%

Other Regions

   242,475    (5.8 )%   299,133    (6.4 )%
    
  

 
  

Total

   4,166,731    (100.0 )%   4,602,249    (100.0 )%

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. The geographical breakdown of net sales is based on the location of unaffiliated customers.

 

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

 

- 19 -


Table of Contents

[3] Consolidated Financial Summary

 

For the three months and six months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005

 

Financial Highlights

 

     Yen (millions)

    

Three months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   %
Change


   

Three months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


  

Six months

ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   %
Change


   

Six months

ended

Sep. 30, 2005


Net sales and other operating revenue

   2,093,578    11.7 %   2,337,670    4,166,731    10.5 %   4,602,249

Operating income

   172,932    -5.9 %   162,694    332,925    0.0 %   333,087

Income before income taxes

   165,587    2.3 %   169,392    339,667    -7.6 %   313,700

Net income

   127,122    5.2 %   133,708    241,384    1.2 %   244,374
     Yen

Basic net income per Common share

   135.70          144.89    257.35          264.64

American depositary share

   67.85          72.44    128.67          132.32
     U.S. Dollar (millions)

               

Three months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


             

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


Net sales and other operating revenue

              20,653               40,660

Operating income

              1,437               2,943

Income before income taxes

              1,497               2,771

Net income

              1,181               2,159
     U.S. Dollar

Basic net income per Common share

              1.28               2.34

American depositary share

              0.64               1.17

 

- 20 -


Table of Contents

[4] Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings

 

(A) For the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

Three months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   

Three months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


 

Net sales and other operating revenue

   2,093,578     2,337,670  

Operating costs and expenses:

            

Cost of sales

   1,444,313     1,644,719  

Selling, general and administrative

   360,331     405,797  

Research and development

   116,002     124,460  
    

 

Operating income

   172,932     162,694  

Other income:

            

Interest

   2,386     4,565  

Other

   9,754     18,580  

Other expenses:

            

Interest

   2,851     3,003  

Other

   16,634     13,444  
    

 

Income before income taxes

   165,587     169,392  

Income taxes:

            

Current

   20,507     88,310  

Deferred

   46,262     (26,562 )
    

 

Income before equity in income of affiliates

   98,818     107,644  

Equity in income of affiliates

   28,304     26,064  
    

 

Net income

   127,122     133,708  

Retained earnings:

            

Balance at beginning of period

   3,679,876     3,885,001  

Retirement of treasury stocks

   (158,570 )   —    

Cash dividends paid

   —       —    

Transfer to legal reserves

   —       —    
    

 

Balance at end of period

   3,648,428     4,018,709  
    

 

     Yen

 

Basic net income per

            

Common share

   135.70     144.89  

American depositary share

   67.85     72.44  

 

- 21 -


Table of Contents

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

 

(B) For the six months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


 

Net sales and other operating revenue

   4,166,731     4,602,249  

Operating costs and expenses:

            

Cost of sales

   2,886,223     3,235,849  

Selling, general and administrative

   723,386     786,273  

Research and development

   224,197     247,040  
    

 

Operating income

   332,925     333,087  

Other income:

            

Interest

   4,891     9,926  

Other

   35,998     4,516  

Other expenses:

            

Interest

   5,900     6,737  

Other

   28,247     27,092  
    

 

Income before income taxes

   339,667     313,700  

Income taxes:

            

Current

   63,562     149,531  

Deferred

   81,854     (32,998 )
    

 

Income before equity in income of affiliates

   194,251     197,167  

Equity in income of affiliates

   47,133     47,207  
    

 

Net income

   241,384     244,374  

Retained earnings:

            

Balance at beginning of period

   3,589,434     3,809,383  

Retirement of treasury stocks

   (158,570 )   —    

Cash dividends paid

   (21,641 )   (34,220 )

Transfer to legal reserves

   (2,179 )   (828 )
    

 

Balance at end of period

   3,648,428     4,018,709  
    

 

     Yen

 

Basic net income per

            

Common share

   257.35     264.64  

American depositary share

   128.67     132.32  

 

- 22 -


Table of Contents

[5] Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     Yen (millions)

    Yen (millions)

     Mar. 31, 2005

   Sep. 30, 2005

   Change

    Sep. 30, 2004

   Change

Assets

                         

Current assets:

                         

Cash and cash equivalents

   773,538    731,199    (42,339 )   695,790    35,409

Trade accounts and notes receivable

   791,195    672,160    (119,035 )   630,559    41,601

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net

   1,021,116    1,214,243    193,127     1,091,695    122,548

Inventories

   862,370    941,161    78,791     818,265    122,896

Deferred income taxes

   214,059    225,255    11,196     195,979    29,276

Other current assets

   346,464    372,583    26,119     339,846    32,737
    
  
  

 
  

Total current assets

   4,008,742    4,156,601    147,859     3,772,134    384,467
    
  
  

 
  

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net

   2,623,909    2,909,017    285,108     2,567,876    341,141

Investments and advances:

                         

Investments in and advances to affiliates

   349,664    377,682    28,018     322,367    55,315

Other

   264,926    298,814    33,888     274,390    24,424
    
  
  

 
  

Total investments and advances

   614,590    676,496    61,906     596,757    79,739
    
  
  

 
  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

                         

Land

   365,217    370,472    5,255     357,349    13,123

Buildings

   1,030,998    1,062,707    31,709     1,008,575    54,132

Machinery and equipment

   2,260,826    2,341,808    80,982     2,192,685    149,123

Construction in progress

   96,047    153,614    57,567     88,161    65,453
    
  
  

 
  
     3,753,088    3,928,601    175,513     3,646,770    281,831

Less accumulated depreciation

   2,168,836    2,270,024    101,188     2,108,734    161,290
    
  
  

 
  

Net property, plant and equipment

   1,584,252    1,658,577    74,325     1,538,036    120,541
    
  
  

 
  

Other assets

   485,477    481,988    (3,489 )   442,540    39,448
    
  
  

 
  

Total assets

   9,316,970    9,882,679    565,709     8,917,343    965,336
    
  
  

 
  

 

- 23 -


Table of Contents

[5] Consolidated Balance Sheets – continued

 

     Yen (millions)

    Yen (millions)

 
     Mar. 31, 2005

    Sep. 30, 2005

    Change

    Sep. 30, 2004

    Change

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                              

Current liabilities:

                              

Short-term debt

   769,314     725,771     (43,543 )   646,323     79,448  

Current portion of long-term debt

   535,105     567,250     32,145     627,015     (59,765 )

Trade payables:

                              

Notes

   26,727     24,684     (2,043 )   18,486     6,198  

Accounts

   987,045     931,950     (55,095 )   860,832     71,118  

Accrued expenses

   913,721     947,571     33,850     846,608     100,963  

Income taxes payable

   65,029     80,505     15,476     34,670     45,835  

Other current liabilities

   451,623     435,155     (16,468 )   410,402     24,753  
    

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   3,748,564     3,712,886     (35,678 )   3,444,336     268,550  
    

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   1,559,500     1,800,814     241,314     1,587,620     213,194  

Other liabilities

   719,612     742,313     22,701     750,989     (8,676 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   6,027,676     6,256,013     228,337     5,782,945     473,068  
    

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

                              

Common stock

   86,067     86,067     —       86,067     —    

Capital surplus

   172,531     172,531     —       172,529     2  

Legal reserves

   34,688     35,516     828     34,597     919  

Retained earnings

   3,809,383     4,018,709     209,326     3,648,428     370,281  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

                              

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

   (624,937 )   (489,898 )   135,039     (586,000 )   96,102  

Net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

   33,744     48,142     14,398     31,735     16,407  

Minimum pension liabilities adjustments

   (202,741 )   (202,708 )   33     (225,489 )   22,781  
    

 

 

 

 

Total Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (793,934 )   (644,464 )   149,470     (779,754 )   135,290  

Treasury Stock

   (19,441 )   (41,693 )   (22,252 )   (27,469 )   (14,224 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   3,289,294     3,626,666     337,372     3,134,398     492,268  
    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   9,316,970     9,882,679     565,709     8,917,343     965,336  
    

 

 

 

 

 

- 24 -


Table of Contents

[6] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

Six months

ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   

Six months

ended

Sep. 30, 2005


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net income

   241,384     244,374  

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

            

Depreciation

   105,775     112,970  

Deferred income taxes

   81,854     (32,998 )

Equity in income of affiliates

   (47,133 )   (47,207 )

Provision for credit and lease residual losses on finance subsidiaries-receivables

   25,152     19,147  

Gain on fair value adjustment of derivative instrument

   31,778     12,034  

Decrease (increase) in assets:

            

Trade accounts and notes receivable

   96,127     141,577  

Inventories

   (29,256 )   (49,627 )

Other current assets

   13,680     (233 )

Other assets

   (16,261 )   (37,861 )

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

            

Trade accounts and notes payable

   (65,013 )   (92,307 )

Accrued expenses

   14,704     5,227  

Income taxes payable

   5,035     12,615  

Other current liabilities

   6,597     (14,054 )

Other liabilities

   (15,344 )   (2,629 )

Other, net

   3,319     49,679  
    

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   388,842     296,639  
    

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

            

Decrease (increase) in investments and advances

   19,310     18,824  

Payment for purchase of available-for-sale securities

   (955 )   (800 )

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

   1,522     5,446  

Payment for purchase of held-to-maturity securities

   (13,371 )   (24,034 )

Proceeds from redemption of held-to-maturity securities

   —       136  

Capital Expenditures

   (170,146 )   (169,726 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

   6,358     6,288  

Acquisition of finance subsidiaries-receivables

   (1,431,460 )   (1,589,949 )

Collection of finance subsidiaries-receivables

   721,973     898,705  

Proceeds from sales of finance subsidiaries-receivables

   379,247     426,688  
    

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (487,522 )   (428,422 )
    

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

            

Increase (decrease) in short-term debt

   (151,955 )   (71,194 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

   461,080     503,428  

Repayment of long-term debt

   (194,298 )   (308,990 )

Cash dividends paid

   (21,641 )   (34,220 )

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

   26     (59 )

Payment for purchase of treasury stock, net

   (34,564 )   (22,252 )
    

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   58,648     66,713  
    

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   11,401     22,731  
    

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (28,631 )   (42,339 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   724,421     773,538  
    

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   695,790     731,199  
    

 

 

- 25 -


Table of Contents

[7] Segment Information

 

1. Business Segment Information

 

(A) For the three months ended September 30, 2004

 

     Yen (millions)

     Motorcycle
Business


   Automobile
Business


   Financial
Services
Business


   Power Product
& Other
Businesses


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   256,076    1,693,816    64,847    78,839    2,093,578    —       2,093,578

Intersegment sales

   0    0    853    2,556    3,409    (3,409 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   256,076    1,693,816    65,700    81,395    2,096,987    (3,409 )   2,093,578

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

   236,067    1,573,714    40,172    74,102    1,924,055    (3,409 )   1,920,646
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   20,009    120,102    25,528    7,293    172,932    0     172,932
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

     Motorcycle
Business


   Automobile
Business


   Financial
Services
Business


   Power Product
& Other
Businesses


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   287,755    1,892,659    75,006    82,250    2,337,670    —       2,337,670

Intersegment sales

   0    0    1,267    3,069    4,336    (4,336 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   287,755    1,892,659    76,273    85,319    2,342,006    (4,336 )   2,337,670

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

   258,131    1,791,633    51,526    78,022    2,179,312    (4,336 )   2,174,976
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   29,624    101,026    24,747    7,297    162,694    0     162,694
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

- 26 -


Table of Contents

(B) For the six months ended September 30, 2004

 

     Yen (millions)

     Motorcycle
Business


   Automobile
Business


   Financial
Services
Business


   Power Product
& Other
Businesses


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   530,162    3,349,006    123,434    164,129    4,166,731    —       4,166,731

Intersegment sales

   0    0    1,690    5,815    7,505    (7,505 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   530,162    3,349,006    125,124    169,944    4,174,236    (7,505 )   4,166,731

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

   492,961    3,113,223    77,329    157,798    3,841,311    (7,505 )   3,833,806
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   37,201    235,783    47,795    12,146    332,925    0     332,925
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Assets

   790,184    3,863,598    4,287,790    240,760    9,182,332    (264,989 )   8,917,343

Depreciation and amortization

   13,592    88,258    200    3,725    105,775    —       105,775

Capital expenditures

   23,420    141,983    282    4,461    170,146    —       170,146

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

     Motorcycle
Business


   Automobile
Business


   Financial
Services
Business


   Power Product
& Other
Businesses


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   550,942    3,738,630    143,759    168,918    4,602,249    —       4,602,249

Intersegment sales

   0    0    2,046    7,039    9,085    (9,085 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   550,942    3,738,630    145,805    175,957    4,611,334    (9,085 )   4,602,249

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

   511,002    3,504,415    101,205    161,625    4,278,247    (9,085 )   4,269,162
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   39,940    234,215    44,600    14,332    333,087    0     333,087
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Assets

   889,720    4,340,272    4,742,454    250,282    10,222,728    (340,049 )   9,882,679

Depreciation and amortization

   13,902    94,780    318    3,970    112,970    —       112,970

Capital expenditures

   19,901    142,930    703    6,192    169,726    —       169,726

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. 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


      

Principal products


Motorcycle business        Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), personal watercrafts and relevant parts
Automobile business        Automobiles and relevant parts
Financial services business        Financial and insurance services
Power product & other businesses        Power products and relevant parts, and others

 

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Table of Contents

2. Geographical Segment Information

 

(A) For the three months ended September 30, 2004

 

     Yen (millions)

     Japan

   North
America


   Europe

   Asia

  

Other

Regions


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                        

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   528,267    1,069,045    195,544    190,713    110,009    2,093,578    —       2,093,578

Transfers between geographical segments

   492,533    29,541    44,553    21,824    6,591    595,042    (595,042 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   1,020,800    1,098,586    240,097    212,537    116,600    2,688,620    (595,042 )   2,093,578

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

   966,961    1,013,440    231,029    194,961    106,010    2,512,401    (591,755 )   1,920,646
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   53,839    85,146    9,068    17,576    10,590    176,219    (3,287 )   172,932
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

     Japan

   North
America


   Europe

   Asia

  

Other

Regions


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                        

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   531,318    1,231,572    229,499    204,687    140,594    2,337,670    —       2,337,670

Transfers between geographical segments

   547,375    31,919    37,446    26,532    6,192    649,464    (649,464 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   1,078,693    1,263,491    266,945    231,219    146,786    2,987,134    (649,464 )   2,337,670

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

   1,015,720    1,194,961    266,127    215,395    131,623    2,823,826    (648,850 )   2,174,976
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   62,973    68,530    818    15,824    15,163    163,308    (614 )   162,694
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

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Table of Contents

(B) For the six months ended September 30, 2004

 

     Yen (millions)

     Japan

   North
America


   Europe

   Asia

  

Other

Regions


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                        

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   981,635    2,176,453    425,020    372,987    210,636    4,166,731    —       4,166,731

Transfers between geographical segments

   997,120    56,793    89,548    42,687    8,490    1,194,638    (1,194,638 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   1,978,755    2,233,246    514,568    415,674    219,126    5,361,369    (1,194,638 )   4,166,731

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

   1,891,963    2,067,446    490,520    378,264    199,835    5,028,028    (1,194,222 )   3,833,806
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   86,792    165,800    24,048    37,410    19,291    333,341    (416 )   332,925
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Assets

   2,379,701    5,063,206    552,077    480,737    161,325    8,637,046    280,297     8,917,343

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

     Japan

   North
America


   Europe

   Asia

  

Other

Regions


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                        

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   1,010,185    2,447,402    482,707    408,499    253,456    4,602,249    —       4,602,249

Transfers between geographical segments

   1,128,932    64,608    81,575    54,302    10,285    1,339,702    (1,339,702 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   2,139,117    2,512,010    564,282    462,801    263,741    5,941,951    (1,339,702 )   4,602,249

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

   2,028,924    2,370,726    550,700    427,806    234,945    5,613,101    (1,343,939 )   4,269,162
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Operating income

   110,193    141,284    13,582    34,995    28,796    328,850    4,237     333,087
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Assets

   2,571,296    5,675,749    621,501    578,383    258,079    9,705,008    177,671     9,882,679

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. The geographical segments are based on the location where sales are originated.

 

2. Major countries or regions in each geographic segment;
    North America        United States, Canada, Mexico
    Europe        United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium
    Asia        Thailand, Indonesia, China, India
    Other Regions        Brazil, Australia

 

- 29 -


Table of Contents

3. Overseas Sales

 

(A) For the three months ended September 30, 2004

 

     Yen (millions)

 
     North
America


    Europe

    Asia

   

Other

Regions


    Total

 

Overseas sales

   1,067,364     199,266     245,842     124,830     1,637,302  

Consolidated sales

                           2,093,578  

Overseas sales ratio to consolidated sales

   51.0 %   9.5 %   11.7 %   6.0 %   78.2 %

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

North

America


    Europe

    Asia

    Other
Regions


    Total

 

Overseas sales

   1,229,975     231,586     267,038     162,807     1,891,406  

Consolidated sales

                           2,337,670  

Overseas sales ratio to consolidated sales

   52.6 %   9.9 %   11.4 %   7.0 %   80.9 %

 

(B) For the six months ended September 30, 2004

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

North

America


    Europe

    Asia

   

Other

Regions


    Total

 

Overseas sales

   2,172,379     432,345     479,406     242,475     3,326,605  

Consolidated sales

                           4,166,731  

Overseas sales ratio to consolidated sales

   52.1 %   10.4 %   11.5 %   5.8 %   79.8 %

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

North

America


    Europe

    Asia

    Other
Regions


    Total

 

Overseas sales

   2,442,889     486,572     523,274     299,133     3,751,868  

Consolidated sales

                           4,602,249  

Overseas sales ratio to consolidated sales

   53.1 %   10.6 %   11.4 %   6.4 %   81.5 %

 

Explanatory notes:

1. The geographical segments are based on the location where sales are originated.

 

2. Major countries or regions in each geographic segment;
    North America    United States, Canada, Mexico
    Europe    United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium
    Asia    Thailand, Indonesia, China, India
    Other Regions    Brazil, Australia

 

- 30 -


Table of Contents

[8] (A) Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Divided into non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries

 

     Yen (millions)

    Yen (millions)

 
     Mar. 31, 2005

    Sep. 30, 2005

    Change

    Sep. 30, 2004

    Change

 

Assets

                              

<Non-financial services businesses>

                              

Current Assets:

   3,376,411     3,424,259     47,848     3,038,283     385,976  

Cash and cash equivalents

   757,894     716,423     (41,471 )   678,762     37,661  

Trade accounts and notes receivable

   422,673     354,691     (67,982 )   361,691     (7,000 )

Inventories

   862,370     941,161     78,791     818,265     122,896  

Other current assets

   1,333,474     1,411,984     78,510     1,179,565     232,419  

Investments and advances

   830,698     906,978     76,280     812,547     94,431  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   1,564,762     1,638,776     74,014     1,520,808     117,968  

Other assets

   274,958     280,918     5,960     270,600     10,318  
    

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   6,046,829     6,250,931     204,102     5,642,238     608,693  

<Finance Subsidiaries>

                              

Cash and cash equivalents

   15,644     14,776     (868 )   17,028     (2,252 )

Finance subsidiaries-short-term receivables, net

   1,028,488     1,224,132     195,644     1,103,760     120,372  

Finance subsidiaries-long-term receivables, net

   2,625,078     2,909,368     284,290     2,568,355     341,013  

Other assets

   692,886     594,178     (98,708 )   598,647     (4,469 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   4,362,096     4,742,454     380,358     4,287,790     454,664  

Eliminations among subsidiaries

   (1,091,955 )   (1,110,706 )   (18,751 )   (1,012,685 )   (98,021 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   9,316,970     9,882,679     565,709     8,917,343     965,336  
    

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                              

<Non-financial services businesses>

                              

Current liabilities:

   2,281,768     2,159,864     (121,904 )   1,954,299     205,565  

Short-term debt

   228,558     170,778     (57,780 )   173,352     (2,574 )

Current portion of long-term debt

   6,385     4,860     (1,525 )   6,318     (1,458 )

Trade payables

   1,022,394     965,548     (56,846 )   887,882     77,666  

Accrued expenses

   770,887     797,122     26,235     717,039     80,083  

Other current liabilities

   253,544     221,556     (31,988 )   169,708     51,848  

Long-term debt

   19,570     20,720     1,150     28,289     (7,569 )

Other liabilities

   717,636     736,352     18,716     750,564     (14,212 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   3,018,974     2,916,936     (102,038 )   2,733,152     183,784  

<Finance Subsidiaries>

                              

Short-term debt

   1,310,678     1,350,383     39,705     1,193,308     157,075  

Current portion of long-term debt

   535,825     562,470     26,645     629,917     (67,447 )

Accrued expenses

   151,867     160,779     8,912     135,454     25,325  

Long-term debt

   1,546,953     1,796,945     249,992     1,564,051     232,894  

Other liabilities

   352,317     364,740     12,423     335,942     28,798  
    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   3,897,640     4,235,317     337,677     3,858,672     376,645  

Eliminations among subsidiaries

   (888,938 )   (896,240 )   (7,302 )   (808,879 )   (87,361 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   6,027,676     6,256,013     228,337     5,782,945     473,068  

Common stock

   86,067     86,067     —       86,067     —    

Capital surplus

   172,531     172,531     —       172,529     2  

Legal reserves

   34,688     35,516     828     34,597     919  

Retained earnings

   3,809,383     4,018,709     209,326     3,648,428     370,281  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (793,934 )   (644,464 )   149,470     (779,754 )   135,290  

Treasury stock

   (19,441 )   (41,693 )   (22,252 )   (27,469 )   (14,224 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   3,289,294     3,626,666     337,372     3,134,398     492,268  
    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   9,316,970     9,882,679     565,709     8,917,343     965,336  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Explanatory note:

 

In the previous fiscal fourth quarter, Honda reclassified certain finance subsidiaries-receivables to trade receivables, including those of non-current portion to other assets, in the consolidated balance sheets divided into non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries (unaudited). Reclassifications have been made to consolidated financial statements in prior year’s fiscal first half and fiscal year to conform to the presentation used for the year ended March 31, 2005.

 

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Table of Contents

[8] (B) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Divided into non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2004

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

Non-financial

services
businesses


    Finance
subsidiaries


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net Income

   207,392     34,001  

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

            

Depreciation

   105,575     200  

Deferred income taxes

   33,139     48,715  

Equity in income of affiliates

   (48,230 )   —    

Gain on fair value adjustment of derivative instrument

   (4,402 )   (27,376 )

Decrease in trade accounts and notes receivable

   30,039     65,810  

(Increase) in inventories

   (29,256 )   —    

Increase (decrease) in trade payables

   (58,861 )   —    

Other, net

   57,815     (25,576 )
    

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   293,211     95,774  
    

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

            

*  (Increase) in investments and advances

   (74,924 )   —    

Capital expenditures

   (169,864 )   (282 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

   6,195     163  

(Increase) in finance subsidiaries-receivables

   —       (335,163 )
    

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (238,593 )   (335,282 )
    

 

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

   54,618     (239,508 )
    

 

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

   132,359     —    

Cash flows from financing activities:

            

*  (Decrease) in short-term debt

   (39,127 )   (29,542 )

*  Proceeds from long-term debt

   5,955     456,147  

*  Repayment of long-term debt

   (5,139 )   (189,159 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

   —       1,911  

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (34,564 )   —    

Cash dividends paid

   (21,650 )   —    

Increase in commercial paper classified as long-term debt

   —       26  
    

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (94,525 )   239,383  
    

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   10,752     649  
    

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (29,155 )   524  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   707,917     16,504  
    

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   678,762     17,028  
    

 

 

- 32 -


Table of Contents

[8] (B) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – continued

 

Divided into non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2005

 

     Yen (millions)

 
    

Non-financial

services
businesses


    Finance
subsidiaries


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net Income

   217,766     26,622  

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

            

Depreciation

   112,652     318  

Deferred income taxes

   (3,809 )   (29,189 )

Equity in income of affiliates

   (48,644 )   —    

Gain on derivative instruments

   (7,558 )   (4,476 )

Decrease in trade accounts and notes receivable

   79,345     61,838  

(Increase) in inventories

   (49,627 )   —    

(Decrease) in trade payables

   (92,015 )   —    

Other, net

   40,732     (5,207 )
    

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   248,842     49,906  
    

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

            

*  (Increase) in investments and advances

   (30,642 )   —    

Capital expenditures

   (169,023 )   (703 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

   6,141     147  

(Increase) in finance subsidiaries-receivables

   —       (264,614 )
    

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (193,524 )   (265,170 )
    

 

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

   55,318     (215,264 )
    

 

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

   82,828     —    

Cash flows from financing activities:

            

*  Increase (decrease) in short-term debt

   (62,889 )   17,163  

*  Proceeds from long-term debt

   7,620     507,819  

*  Repayment of long-term debt

   (7,221 )   (311,071 )

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (22,252 )   —    

Cash dividends paid

   (34,234 )   —    

(Decrease) in commercial paper classified as long-term debt

   —       (59 )
    

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (118,976 )   213,852  
    

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   22,187     544  
    

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (41,471 )   (868 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   757,894     15,644  
    

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   716,423     14,776  
    

 

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. The cash flows derived from non-financial services businesses loans to finance subsidiaries were included in the items of “Decrease (increase) in investments and advances” of Non financial services businesses, and “Increase (decrease) in short-term debt”, “Proceeds from long-term debt” and “Repayment of long-term debt” of Finance subsidiaries (marked by *). Free cash flow of Non financial services businesses excluding the decrease in loans to finance subsidiaries are stated for the readers’ information.

 

Loans from non-financial services businesses to finance subsidiaries increased by 77,741 million yen for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2004, and increased by 27,510 millions yen for the corresponding period in 2005.

 

2. In the current fiscal year, Honda reclassified and restated its cash flow related to the finance subsidiaries-receivables which relate to sales of inventory as cash flows from operating activities instead of cash flows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows divided into non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries (unaudited). Due to this reclassification, the figures for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2004 have been also reclassified and restated to conform to the presentation of the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005.

 

3. Decrease (increase) in trade accounts and notes receivable for finance subsidiaries is due to the reclassification of finance subsidiaries-receivables which relate to sales of inventory in the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows presented above.

 

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Explanatory notes:

 

1. Consolidated subsidiaries

Number of consolidated subsidiaries: 324

 

2. Affiliated companies

Number of affiliated companies: 117

 

3. Changes of consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies

Consolidated subsidiaries:

Newly formed consolidated subsidiaries: 8

Reduced through reorganization: 3

Affiliated companies:

Newly formed affiliated companies: 2

Reduced through reorganization: 3

 

4. The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, since the Company has listed its shares as on American Depositary Receipts 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 the Ministerial Ordinance under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan.

 

5. The average exchange rates for the fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2005 were ¥111.28=U.S.$1 and ¥135.72=1 euro. The average exchange rates for the corresponding period last year were ¥109.96=U.S.$1 and ¥134.37=1 euro. The average exchange rates for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005 were ¥109.48=U.S.$1 and ¥135.65=euro1, as compared with ¥109.86=U.S.$1 and ¥133.32=1 euro for the corresponding period last year.

 

6. United States dollar amounts have been translated from yen solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of ¥113.19=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 September 30, 2005.

 

7. 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.

 

8. Minority interests in net assets and income are not significant and, accordingly, are not presented separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of income.

 

9. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined principally by the first-in, first-out method, or market.

 

10. Honda classifies its debt and equity securities in one of three categories: available-for-sale, trading, or held-to-maturity. Debt securities that are classified as “held-to-maturity” securities are reported at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities classified as “trading” securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Other debt and equity securities are classified as “available-for-sale” securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses, net of deferred taxes included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets.

 

11. Honda does not amortize goodwill but instead is tested for impairment at least annually.

 

12. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated principally by the declining-balance method based on estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

 

13. Honda does not apply hedge accounting for foreign exchange agreements and interest rate agreements.

 

14. The allowance for credit losses for finance-subsidiaries receivables is maintained at an amount management deems adequate to cover estimated losses on finance receivables. The allowance is based on management’s evaluation of many factors, including current economic trends, industry experience, inherent risks in the portfolio and the borrower’s ability to pay.

 

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15. The allowance for losses on lease residual values is maintained at an amount management deems adequate to cover estimated losses on the uninsured portion of the vehicles’ lease residual values. The allowance is also based on management’s evaluation of many factors, including current economic conditions, industry experience and the finance subsidiaries’ historical experience with residual value losses.

 

16. Provisions for retirement benefits are provided based on the fair value of both projected benefit obligations and plan assets at the end of the fiscal year to cover for employees’ retirement benefits. If the provisions for retirement benefits are less than the unfunded accumulated benefit obligations, accrued pension cost is adjusted as an additional minimum pension liability that is at least equal to the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation. Unrecognized net transition obligation has been amortized over approximately 19 years since the fiscal year ended March 31, 1990. Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit) is amortized by using the straight-line method and the estimated average remaining service years of employees.

 

Unrecognized actuarial loss is amortized if unrecognized net gain or loss exceeds ten percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets by using the straight-line method and the estimated average remaining service years of employees.

 

17. Our warranty expense accruals are costs for general warranties on product we sell, products recalls and service actions outside the general warranties. Estimated warranty expenses are provided based on historical warranty claim experience with consideration given to the expected level of future warranty costs as well as current information on repair costs.

 

Additional Information

 

As stipulated in the Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance Law, the “Honda Employees’ Pension Fund (a confederated welfare pension fund, the “Fund”), of which the Company is a member, has obtained approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for exemption from benefits obligations related to past employee services with respect to the substitutional portion of the Fund on July 1, 2005. Previously on April 1, 2004, the Company received approval of exemption from the obligation for benefits related to future employee services with respect to the Fund. The difference between the fair value of the obligation and the assets to be transferred to the government, which should be disclosed as a subsidy, will be determined upon completion of the transfer to the government of the substitutional portion of the benefit obligation and related plan assets. The date of such transfer and its effect has not yet been determined.

 

Notes to Consolidated balance sheets

 

1. The allowance for doubtful trade accounts and notes receivable, and the allowance for credit losses for finance-subsidiaries receivable are as follows:

 

     Yen(millions)

     Mar. 31, 2005

   Sep. 30, 2005

   Sep. 30, 2004

The allowance for doubtful trade accounts and notes receivables

   9,710    10,554    9,935

The allowance for credit losses for financial-subsidiaries receivables

   30,926    32,516    30,843

 

2. Net book value of property, plant and equipment which were subject to specific mortgages securing indebtedness are as follows;

 

     Yen(millions)

     Mar. 31, 2005

   Sep. 30, 2005

   Sep. 30, 2004

Property, plant and equipment

   12,881    6,657    11,754

A finance subsidiary pledged as collateral finance subsidiaries-receivables

   22,597    15,153    20,577

 

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3. Honda has entered into various guarantee and indemnification agreements which are primarily for employee bank/loans to costs for their housing costs are as follows:

 

     Yen(millions)

     Mar. 31, 2005

   Sep. 30, 2005

   Sep. 30, 2004

Bank loan of employees for their housing costs    69,574    50,689    73,312

 

If an employee defaults on his/her loan payments, Honda is required to perform its obligation under the guarantee. The undiscounted maximum amount of Honda’s obligation to make future payments in the event of defaults were shown as above. As of September 30, 2005, no amount has been accrued for any possible estimated losses under the guarantee obligations, as it is probable that the employees will be able to make all scheduled payments.

 

Reclassification

 

From the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2005, Honda reclassified and restated cash flow relating to finance subsidiaries-receivables which relate to sales of inventory in the cash flows from investing activities to cash flow from operating activities in the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows. In addition, in the consolidated balance sheets, corresponding finance subsidiaries-receivables were reclassified to trade receivables, including non-current portion of other assets. Due to this reclassification, the figures for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2004 and as of September 30, 2004 have been also reclassified and restated to conform to the presentation of the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005 and as of September 30, 2005. For further information, please see the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005.

 

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Unconsolidated Financial Summary

 

(Parent company only)

 

(For the six months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005)

 

1. The Board of Directors’ Meeting for Interim Financial Results

 

(Parent company only)

 

  (1) Date on which the meeting was held: October 27, 2005 (Thursday)

 

  (2) The matters resolved:

 

  (A) Unconsolidated (parent company) financial results for the first half (six months ended September 30, 2005) of the 82nd fiscal period as specified hereunder.

 

  (B) Interim cash dividend:

 

  (a) JPY 40.00 per share of Common Stock

 

  (b) Payment plans to commence on November 25, 2005 (Friday)

 

2. Financial Highlights

 

(Parent company only)

 

     Yen(millions)

   Yen(millions)

    

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


  

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


  

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2005


Net sales    1,656,864    1,803,782    3,489,106
Operating income    66,050    121,194    147,554
Ordinary income    83,570    157,211    211,249
Net income    51,137    173,526    144,489
     Yen

   Yen

Net income per share    54.52    187.92    154.74
Interim dividend per share    28.00    40.00     

 

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3. Financial forecast for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2006

 

    (Parent company only)

 

     Yen(millions)

    

Fiscal year
ending

Mar. 31, 2006


Net sales

   3,720,000

Operating income

   215,000

Ordinary income

   308,000

Net income

   290,000
     Yen

Year-end cash dividend

   40.00

Net income per share

   314.87

 

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[1] Unit Sales Breakdown

 

    (Parent company only)

 

     Unit(thousands)

    Unit (thousands)

 
    

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


   

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2005


 

MOTORCYCLES

                  

Japan

   205     199     378  

(motorcycles only)

   (205 )   (199 )   (378 )

Export

   358     365     736  

(motorcycles only)

   (183 )   (211 )   (393 )
    

 

 

Total

   564     564     1,115  

(motorcycles only)

   (389 )   (410 )   (772 )

AUTOMOBILES

                  

Japan

   341     357     725  

(Mini vehicles included above)

   (114 )   (117 )   (259 )

Export

   249     260     538  
    

 

 

Total

   591     617     1,264  

POWER PRODUCTS

                  

Japan

   219     236     432  

Export

   2,502     2,542     4,986  
    

 

 

Total

   2,722     2,779     5,418  

 

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[2] Net Sales Breakdown

 

      (Parent company only)

 

     Yen(millions)

   Yen(millions)

    

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


  

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


  

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2005


MOTORCYCLES

              

Japan

   40,427    40,655    74,599

Export

   165,884    190,107    372,023
    
  
  

Total

   206,312    230,762    446,622

AUTOMOBILES

              

Japan

   539,269    553,036    1,106,203

Export

   849,721    953,991    1,812,547
    
  
  

Total

   1,388,991    1,507,028    2,918,750

POWER PRODUCTS

              

Japan

   11,243    11,803    24,197

Export

   50,316    54,189    99,535
    
  
  

Total

   61,560    65,992    123,733

TOTAL

              

Japan

   590,941    605,494    1,205,000

Export

   1,065,923    1,198,288    2,284,106
    
  
  

Total

   1,656,864    1,803,782    3,489,106

 

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 December 2005.

 

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.

 

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[3] Unconsolidated Statements of Income

 

     (Parent company only)

 

     Yen(millions)

   Yen(millions)

 
    

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


  

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


  

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2005


 

Net sales

   1,656,864    1,803,782    3,489,106  

Cost of sales

   1,127,184    1,203,733    2,385,073  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   463,628    478,854    956,478  
    
  
  

Operating income

   66,050    121,194    147,554  

Non-operating income

   46,658    65,546    105,323  

Non-operating expenses

   29,139    29,529    41,629  

Ordinary income

   83,570    157,211    211,249  

Extraordinary income

   2,010    92,372    1,528  

Extraordinary loss

   4,128    3,869    8,304  
    
  
  

Income before income taxes

   81,451    245,714    204,473  

Income taxes

                

Current

   16,590    41,159    62,026  

Prior year

   11,786    —      11,786  

Deferred

   1,937    31,027    (13,829 )
    
  
  

Net income

   51,137    173,526    144,489  
    
  
  

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. Research and development expenses for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005 amounted to 225,266 millions of yen.

 

2. Extraordinary profit in this fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005 was mainly from a JPY 91.5 billion gain on the transfer of the benefit obligation of the substitutional portion of the Fund to the Japanese government.

 

3. The prior year’s fiscal half income taxes are due to reassessment by the Japanese tax authorities of the transfer price relating to the Company’s motorcycle business in Brazil.

 

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[4] Unconsolidated Balance Sheets

 

    (Parent company only)

 

     Yen(millions)

    Yen(millions)

 
    

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2004


   

Six months
ended

Sep. 30, 2005


   

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2005


 

Current assets

   909,722     1,026,505     1,011,979  

Fixed assets

   1,325,667     1,330,579     1,343,114  
    

 

 

Total assets

   2,235,390     2,357,085     2,355,093  
    

 

 

Current liabilities

   545,908     584,542     634,227  

Fixed liabilities

   157,498     89,659     169,327  
    

 

 

Total liabilities

   703,407     674,202     803,554  

Common stock

   86,067     86,067     86,067  

Capital surplus

   170,313     170,316     170,316  

Retained surplus

   1,264,732     1,413,625     1,274,318  

Unrealized gains on securities available for sale

   38,338     54,567     40,278  

Treasury stock

   (27,469 )   (41,693 )   (19,441 )
    

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

   1,531,982     1,682,882     1,551,538  
    

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   2,235,390     2,357,085     2,355,093  
    

 

 

 

Additional Information

 

As stipulated in the Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance Law, the “Honda Employees’ Pension Fund” (a confederated welfare pension fund, the “Fund”), of which the Company is a member, has obtained an approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for exemption from benefits obligations related to past employee services with respect to the substitutional portion of the Fund on July 1, 2005.

 

Previously on April 1, 2004, the Fund received an approval of exemption from the obligation for benefits related to future employee services with respect to the Fund.

 

Accordingly, the “Honda Employees’ Pension Fund” was newly changed to the “Honda Corporate Pension Fund”.

 

Also, the Company assessed pension costs, pension liabilities and related gains or losses based on “Implementation guidance on accounting standards for post-employment benefits” issued by Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountant”. The Company recognized a JPY 91.5 billion gain on the transfer of the benefit obligation of the substitutional portion of the Fund to the Japanese government as an “extraordinary gain” in the unconsolidated financial statements for the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005 in accordance with the Japanese accounting standards.

 

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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 strives to carry out its operations from a global perspective and increase its corporate value. With respect to redistribution, the Company considers redistribution of profits to its shareholders to be one of the most important management issues, and its basic policy for dividends is to make distributions after taking into account its long-term consolidated earnings performance. The Company will also acquire its own shares at the optimal timing with the aim of improving efficiency in capital structure. The present goal, however, is to increase the shareholders return ratio (i.e. the ratio of the total of the dividend payment and the repurchase of company shares to consolidated net income) to approximately 30%. 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. The Company will continue to work hard to earn and keep the support of its shareholders.

 

Future Policies for Reduction of the Number of Shares Constituting One Investment Unit

 

On August 1, 2001, the Company changed the number of shares that constitute one investment unit from 1,000 shares to 100 shares, aiming at further liquidity of the Company’s shares on the stock market and encouraging more investors to hold such shares.

 

The Company will continuously investigate the possibility of a further reduction of the number of shares constituting one investment unit, taking into consideration the future share price and trading volume of the Company’s shares on the stock market.

 

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Preparing for the Future

 

The economies in the U.S. and Asia are expected to grow steadily, although the pace of growth is anticipated to slowdown. Also, in Japan and Europe, moderate economic recovery is expected to continue. However, due to the lacks of transparency, such as global political and economic uncertainty, fluctuations in oil and raw material prices, and currency movements, the management environment surrounding Honda is expected to remain severe.

 

It is under these circumstances that Honda will strengthen its corporate structure quickly and flexibly to meet the requirements of our customers and society and the changes in its business environment. Also, in order to improve the competitiveness of its products, Honda will endeavor to enhance its R&D structure and its production and sales ability. Furthermore, Honda will continue striving to earn even more trust and understanding from society through Company-wide activities. Honda recognizes that further enhancing the following specific areas is essential to its success:

 

R&D

Production efficiency

Sales efficiency

Product quality

Safety technologies

The environment

Continuing to Increase Society’s Trust in and Understanding toward Honda

 

R&D

 

Along with efforts to develop even more effective safety and environmental technologies, Honda will enhance the creativity in its advanced technology and products, and it will create and swiftly introduce new value-added products that meet specific needs in various markets around the world.

 

Honda will also continue efforts in the research of future technologies, including the advancement of advanced humanoid robots and compact business jets and their engines.

 

Production Efficiency

 

Honda will establish efficient and flexible production systems and expand production capacity at its global production bases, with the aim of increasing its capability of supplying high quality products.

 

Sales Efficiency

 

Honda will continue to make efforts to expand its product lines through the innovative use of IT and to upgrade its sales and service structure, in order to further satisfy our customers.

 

Product Quality

 

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

 

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Safety Technologies

 

Honda will develop safety technologies for accident prediction and prevention, technologies to reduce injuries to passengers and pedestrians from car accidents, and technologies for reducing aggressivity, as well as expand its line-up of products incorporating such technologies. 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 its efforts to create better clean, fuel-efficient engine technologies and to improve further the recyclability throughout its product lines. Honda will also advance alternative fuel technologies, including fuel cells. In addition, Honda will continue its efforts to minimize environmental impact, as measured by the *Life Cycle Assessment, in all of its business fields, including production, logistics and sales.

 

* Life Cycle Assessment: A comprehensive system for quantifying the impact Honda’s products have on the environment at the                                            different stages in their life cycles, from material procurement and energy consumption to waste disposal.

 

Continuing to Increase Society’s Trust in and Understanding toward Honda

 

In addition to continuing to provide products incorporating Honda’s advanced safety and environmental technologies, Honda will continue striving to earn even more trust and understanding from society by, among other things, undertaking activities for corporate governance, compliance, and risk management and contributing to society.

 

Through these Company-wide activities, we will strive to materialize Honda’s visions of “value creation,” “globalization,” and “commitment to the future,” with the aim of sharing the joy with Honda’s customers, thus becoming a company that society wants to exist.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Basic Stance

 

Based on its fundamental corporate philosophy, the Company is working to improve corporate governance as one of its most important management issues. Our aim is to ensure that Honda is a company whose existence is appreciated by shareholders, customers and society.

 

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, and each business operation is responsible for its own specific products. The result is a system that functions very effectively and efficiently.

 

The task of the Audit Office is to carry out more effective audits of the performance of each division’s business. Each division aims to enhance compliance and risk management, while advancing its own self-reliance.

 

To ensure objective control of the Company’s management, outside directors and corporate auditors are appointed to the Board of Directors and the Board of Corporate Auditors, which are responsible for the supervision and auditing of the Company. Honda has also introduced an operating officer system, to reinforce both the Company’s execution system in each region and operations, and the supervision of the Board of Directors. The term of office of each director 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. Our goal is to maximize flexibility in response to changes in the operating environment.

 

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

 

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The Company’s Corporate Governance Activities

 

1. Management Organization

 

(1) 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 21 directors, including two outside directors, and makes decisions on statutory matters, including the execution of important business. The Board of Directors also supervises the execution of the Company’s businesses. As from June 2005, the Company introduced an operating officer system aiming at strengthening its business execution and improving flexibility in decision –making at the Board of Directors. The Company also increased the number of its outside directors to strengthen functions of the Board of Directors for supervising.

 

The Board of Corporate Auditors is composed of six corporate auditors, increased by one auditor as from June 2005, including three outside corporate auditors. In accordance with the rules of the Company’s auditing policies 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 attending meetings of the Board of Directors and inspecting the state of Company assets and liabilities. In addition, a Corporate Auditors’ Office was established to provide direct support to the Board of Corporate Auditors.

 

At its meeting on June 23, 2005, the Board of Corporate Auditors certified Shinichi Sakamoto, a corporate auditor of the Company, as an “audit committee financial expert,” as set out in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 407 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Sakamoto was elected as a corporate auditor on the same day at the general meeting of shareholders, held prior to the meeting of the Board of Corporate Auditors.

 

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.

 

In order to ensure 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 their non-audit services.

 

For fiscal 2005, the Company elected AZSA & Co. as its independent auditor under the Commercial Code’s Audit Special Exceptions Law, the Securities and Exchange Law and the Securities Exchange Act of the U.S.A.

 

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- Policy and Procedures for Obtaining Board of Corporate Auditors’ Prior Consent -

 

To ensure that the independent auditor and its affiliate under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act act in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and maintain complete independence from the Company, they must obtain the prior consent of the Company’s Board of Corporate Auditors before they carry out auditing services, auditing-related services, tax services and other services for Honda.

 

The Company’s initial policy required that each contractual agreement have a separate prior consent from the Board of Corporate Auditors. In order to make the decision making process more efficient, however, we are enhancing procedural efficiency by establishing categories of matters requiring comprehensive prior consent. These categories are reviewed regularly by the Board of Corporate Auditors.

 

Any matter that does not fall under one of these categories still requires the separate consent of the Board of Corporate Auditors.

 

Divisions and subsidiaries of Honda that receive auditing services, audit-related services, tax services and other services must all report to the Board of Corporate Auditors on the details of services received, as well as fees paid for those services, during the relevant business year. The Board of Corporate Auditors takes these reports into consideration when it reviews the categories of matters requiring comprehensive prior consent.

 

(2) Business Execution System

 

The Company has established a Management Council, which consists of 10 representative 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.

 

As for execution of business, the Company has six regional operations around the world to develop business based on its fundamental corporate philosophy. These operations adopt long-term perspectives and maintain close ties with local communities. To enhance the independence of each regional operation and ensure swift decision-making, each regional operating council discusses important management issues in the region within the scope of authority conferred upon it 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 aims to maximize its business performance on a global basis. Each functional operations, such as Customer Service Operations, Production Operations, Purchasing Operations, Business Management Operations and Business Support Operations, supports the other functional operations, the aim of which is to increase Honda’s efficiencies.

 

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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 in advanced technologies with the aim of creating products that are distinct and internationally competitive.

 

In June 2005, the Company introduced an operating officer system, whereby execution of business is handled primarily by executive directors who are the heads of regional operations and business operations, as well as by operating officers. Together with regional operating officers, whose system was integrated with that for functional operating officers in April 2005, the Company aims to reinforce its business execution system in each region and operation.

 

(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 and works to improve the internal auditing of subsidiaries and affiliates in each region.

 

In addition to establishing the “Honda Conduct Guidelines,” which will be shared throughout the entire Honda group, the Company has also set up a systematic framework for compliance and risk management in which each division of the Honda group works to ensure compliance with laws and ordinances and prevent management risks, and to verify the status of the Company’s compliance on a regular basis under the supervision of the director in charge.

 

Honda has appointed a director in charge of compliance and risk management. The Company has also established entities, such as the “Business Ethics Committee,” to deliberate matters related to corporate ethics and compliance, and the “Business Ethics Improvement Proposal Line,” to receive suggestions related to corporate ethics issues.

 

The Company has also established a “Code of Ethics” as set forth in the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

2. Vested Interests

 

There are no personal, capital or transactional relationships between the Company and its outside directors or its outside 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 director Kosaku Hogen.

 

There is no particular relationship between the Company and its outside corporate auditor Koukei Higuchi.

 

There is no particular relationship between the Company and its outside corporate auditor Kuniyasu Yamada.

 

Kuniyasu Yamada serves as President and Director of M • U • TRUST Apple Planning, Co., Ltd. There is no particular relationship between M • U • TRUST Apple Planning Co., Ltd. and the Company.

 

There is no particular relationship between the Company and its outside corporate auditor Fumihiko Saito. Fumihiko Saito serves as partner of Haamann Hemmerlrath Saito Law Office. There is no particular relationship between Haamann Hemmerlrath Saito Law Office and the Company.

 

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3. Enhancing Corporate Governance

 

During the fiscal first half ended September 30, 2005, four meetings of the Board of Directors and 11 meetings of the Management Council were held, and matters concerning the execution of important businesses were thereby determined and important matters of management were deliberated.

 

During the same period, the Board of Corporate Auditors held 8 meetings and determined auditing policy, the apportionment of responsibilities, and other matters. The Board of Corporate Auditors and the Business Audit Office provided, jointly or individually, business audits for the Company and a total of 59 subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company in Japan and overseas.

 

The Business Ethics Committee held three meetings and deliberated matters related to corporate ethics and compliance.

 

The Company pushed ahead with its systematic improvements in the field of compliance and risk management for each department, subsidiary and affiliate.

 

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 the mass media.

 

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C05–096

 

Honda Strengthens R&D Capability in Asia Oceania Region

By Establishing of Automobile R&D Center in Thailand

 

Bangkok, October 31, 2005 — Honda R&D Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda responsible for research & development activities, today announced that it had obtained permission to establish an automobile R&D company in the Kingdom of Thailand to strengthen Honda’s ability to quickly respond to the ever diversifying needs of customers in rapidly growing Asian automobile markets.

 

A new Honda subsidiary, Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., will be established on December 1 and the new R&D center to become operational in 2007. The new company also plans to build a new test course in the future. The total investment is estimated to be approximately 2.4 billion baht (approximately 7 billion yen).

 

In addition to the development of locally-produced parts, the new subsidiary will conduct a wide range of product development activities locally, including product planning, styling research, and testing of complete cars. Through the establishment of a local R&D center in Thailand as a base, Honda is committed to strengthening product development capabilities throughout the Asia Oceania region, including ASEAN countries, Southwest Asia, East Asia, and Oceania, and to conduct R&D activities that take root in each local market.

 

Previously in Thailand, Honda opened a motorcycle R&D center, Honda R&D Southeast Asia Co., Ltd., in December, 2004. With the establishment of its new auto R&D center, Honda will accelerate regional research and development functions and technology transfer in that country.

 

Company Information

 

Name:    Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Establishment:    December 1, 2005
Location:    Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand (plan)
Capital Investment:    200 million baht (approximately 580 million yen)
Capitalization Ratio:    100% Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
Total Investment:    Approximately 2.4 billion baht (approximately 7 billion yen).
Employment:    Approximately 120 associates (2007)
Business:    Research & development for automobiles for Asia Oceania markets including: development of locally-produced parts, product planning, styling research, testing of complete cars, etc.