Panasonic Holdings Corporation (TYO:6752)
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Apr 28, 2026, 3:30 PM JST
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Earnings Call: Q4 2024

May 9, 2024

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

like to now present the fiscal 2024 financial results as well as fiscal 2025 financial forecast. This is a summary. Regarding the accounting treatment of the US Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, the amount was recorded on P/L as before. In fiscal 2024, both sales and profit increased year-on-year, the same level as the revised forecast announced on April 24, 2024. Overall sales increased on higher sales of Automotive and Connect as well as currency translation despite the decreased sales in Lifestyle, Industry, and Energy. Adjusted operating profit, or AOP, increased overall with higher profit in Lifestyle, Automotive, and Connect as well as IRA tax credit despite the lower profit in Industry. However, AOP excluding IRA tax credit decreased. Net profit increased due mainly to one-time gains with the liquidation of Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display in Q1 of fiscal 2024.

Operating cash flow significantly increased year-on-year due mainly to reduced inventories. Annual dividend is determined at JPY 35, up JPY 5 per share year-on-year. For the fiscal 2025 full-year forecast, overall sales and AOP are expected to increase year-on-year. Net profit is expected to decrease due to the impact of one-time gains recorded in fiscal 2024. Furthermore, a loss of JPY 50 billion is factored into other income and loss resulting from the share transfer of Panasonic Automotive Systems, or PAS. After this transaction, PAS will become a company under the equity method. By segment, lower sales and higher profit are expected in Automotive and Energy. Both sales and profit are expected to increase in Lifestyle, Connect, and Industry. Now let me explain the impact of the U.S. IRA tax credit on our financial results and forecast.

The accounting treatment and items remain unchanged from Q1. The amount recorded for fiscal 2024 results and fiscal 2025 forecast are shown in the middle. Next is the details of consolidated financial results for fiscal 2024. For the consolidated financial results, as mentioned, both sales and profit increased. On the right, a comparison with the forecast announced on February 2nd is shown. Each multi-step profit, EPS, ROE, and EBITDA were below this forecast. This is the results by segment along with the comparison with the forecast announced on February 2nd. Adjusted OP was below February 2nd forecast due to the recording of the expenses related to the past manufacturing process issues in Energy segments In-vehicle business. Operating profit was also below the February 2nd forecast. This is due to recording such factors as an impairment loss of goodwill related to a part of Automotive segments businesses.

In other elimination and adjustments, we'll explain the analysis of year-on-year comparison for sales and operating profit now. Now, starting with the sales analysis by segment, overall sales increased due to higher sales in Automotive and Connect as well as currency translation despite the lower sales in Lifestyle, Industry, and Energy. Detailed factors by segment are shown at the bottom. Adjusted Operating Profit analysis by segment is shown. Overall AOP increased on higher profit in Lifestyle, Automotive, and Connect and IRA tax credit despite lower profit in Industry. Detailed factors by segment are shown at the bottom. In Energy, adjusted OP excluding IRA tax credit decreased. This is due to the decreased production in Japan factory, higher fixed costs for future growth, and recording of expenses related to past manufacturing process issues, as explained earlier. This shows the results of the Lifestyle by divisional company.

Next is operating profit analysis by factor. From the left, lower profit from decreased sales in real terms was the negative factor of JPY 13 billion. The increase in fixed costs was the negative factor of JPY 73.4 billion. This is due mainly to investments in Energy for business growth and the impact of inflation. The impact of the raw materials and logistic prices were also a negative factor of JPY 29.6 billion. The effect of the price revisions and rationalization was a positive factor of JPY 88.6 billion. Looking at the other divisional factors, the impact of IRA was a positive factor of JPY 86.8 billion. Lower profit of Blue Yonder was a negative factor of JPY 4.5 billion. The breakdown is shown at the bottom. Forex effect was a positive factor of JPY 21 billion, mainly seen in Industry and Energy.

As a result, AOP increased by JPY 75.9 billion. Operating profit increased by JPY 72.4 billion. This shows the cash flows and cash positions. On the left, operating cash flows amounted to JPY 866.9 billion with a significant increase year-on-year due mainly to reduced inventories. Going forward, we aim to steadily generate operating cash flows through improving profitability and reducing inventories. On the right, net cash was a negative of JPY 445.7 billion, significantly improved from the end of fiscal 2023. Next is shareholder return. The board of directors resolved today that the fiscal 2024 annual dividend of JPY 35 per share, up JPY 5 year-on-year. This is the same amount as the forecast announced on February 29th, 2024. We will distribute stable and continuous dividends based on our medium-term strategy.

Furthermore, we aim to enhance corporate value achieved by business growth and higher profit through investments mainly in our growth areas. At the bottom, we again show our approach to using IRA tax credit as explained before. Dividends are determined based on the amount of net profit excluding the impact of the IRA tax credit. As a result, the payout ratio for fiscal 2024 is about 25%. Next, the consolidated financial forecast for fiscal 2025. This shows the consolidated financial forecast for fiscal 2025. Overall sales is expected to increase 3% year-on-year to JPY 8.6 trillion excluding the forex effect. Adjusted OP is expected to increase to JPY 450 billion, and operating profit is expected to increase to JPY 380 billion.

Net profit is expected to decrease to JPY 310 billion due to the impact of one-time gains with the liquidation of Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display in fiscal 2024. EPS forecast is JPY 126.31. ROE is expected at 7% and EBITDA forecast JPY 860 billion. This shows the fiscal 2025 outlook of changes in demand by segment. Regarding our growth Air-to-Water in Europe, we expect the demand to be at the same level year-on-year for the full-year. Considering European economic trends and policy situation, we anticipate it will take a few years to see a full-fledged recovery to growth trajectory. For demand related to supply chain management software, we assume it will further expand with companies having experienced disruptions during the pandemic. For Automotive batteries, we expect EV market expansion to continue in North America where we mainly focus.

However, the pace of expansion is expected to slow down.

This slide shows our analysis for the FY 2025 operating profit forecast by factor. From left, profit generated from sales expansion is expected to become an increased factor of JPY 100 billion. Fixed costs are expected to become a decreased factor of JPY 80 billion. This is due mainly to investment for future growth in Energy as well as inflation. The impact of raw materials on logistics prices is expected to become an increased factor of JPY 20 billion. Such effects as price revisions, rationalization are expected to become an increased factor of JPY 19.2 billion. Other individual factors, the impact of IRA is expected to become an increased factor of JPY 2.6 billion. Increased profit of Blue Yonder is expected to become an increased factor of JPY 8.2 billion. Breakdown is shown in the bottom right box.

The effect of exchange rates is expected to become a decreased factor of JPY 10 billion, mainly in Industry and Energy. As a result, adjusted operating profit is expected to increase by JPY 60 billion. In other income loss, a loss of JPY 50 billion is factored in resulting from the share transfer of Panasonic Automotive Systems. Operating profit is expected to increase by JPY 19 billion. This slide shows the full-year forecast by segment. Major factors are explained on the next slide. This slide shows our analysis on the FY 2025 sales forecast by segment. In Lifestyle, sales is expected to increase due mainly to increased sales in electrical construction materials for overseas and room air conditioners in Air-to-Water in Europe and increasing slightly year on year. Automotive sales is expected to decrease due to the effect of exchange rates.

However, sales is expected to increase in real terms. Increased sales of Automotive electronic systems to offset the decreased sales of Automotive cockpit systems related to discontinuation of certain product models. Connect sales is expected to increase due to sales growth of Avionics and Blue Yonder as well as sales recovery of Process Automation Industry. Sales is expected to increase. This is due mainly to demand growth of capacitors for green vehicles and capacitors, multi-layer circuit board materials for generative AI service. In Energy, sales In-vehicle is expected to decrease due to price revision reflecting such factors as lower raw material prices despite a slight increase in sales volume. Sales expected to increase in North American factory but expected to decrease in Japan factory.

Shown in the upper right of the graph, decreased sales of JPY 82 billion includes impact of price revisions at approximately JPY 60 billion and effect of exchange rates at approximately JPY 20 billion. Sales in Industrial Consumer is expected to increase. This is due to expanding sales of Energy storage systems for data centers driven by generative AI market and also anticipating recovery of batteries for power equipment and mainly in second half. Within other eliminations and adjustments, sales of both Entertainment & Communication and housings are expected to increase. This slide shows our analysis for the FY 2025 adjusted operating profit forecast by segment. Lifestyle profit is expected to increase due mainly to increased sales of electrical construction materials for overseas and room air conditioners as well as improvement in consumer electronics.

Automotive profit is expected to increase due to profitability improvement initiatives despite decreased sales of Automotive cockpit systems. Connect profit is expected to increase due to increased sales of Avionics, Blue Yonder, and Process Automations as well as improved profitability of Gemba Solutions. Industry profit is expected to increase due to increased sales, price revisions, and rationalization despite price hikes in raw materials. Energy profit of In-vehicle is expected to increase due mainly to improved profitability of existing factories and rebound increase from expenses related to past manufacturing process issues recorded in FY 2024 despite increased upfront costs for ramp-up of Kansas factory in North America. Details are on the next slide. Profit of Industrial Consumer is expected to increase due mainly to increased sales. This slide shows details of the year-on-year increase-decrease factors of adjusted operating profit for In-vehicle.

Indicated in the graph at the bottom, adjusted operating profit of FY 2024 excluding the IRA tax credit was a loss of JPY 18.7 billion, which is down from the profit of JPY 10.7 billion in FY 2023. This is due largely to decreased sales in Japan factory and recording of expenses related to manufacturing process issues in the past. For FY 2025, the situation is expected to improve overall due mainly to improved profitability at existing factories. However, given anticipated upfront costs of JPY 30 billion for ramping up the new factories in Wakayama and Kansas, the improvement in adjusted operating profit will be limited to JPY 1.7 billion. Adjusted operating profit is expected to continue to be a loss at JPY 17 billion.

We will continue working to improve profitability at an early stage, enhancing productivity and minimizing operational-related losses in North America, reducing fixed costs in Japan, and ensuring the smooth ramp-up of new factories. This slide shows the forecast for the Lifestyle segment by divisional company. It shows updates of the progress in our initiatives for the three businesses we identified as growth areas. Changes from the previous announcement are underlined in blue. In the Automotive battery business, we have made progress in establishing supply chain in the U.S. free trade agreement countries as well as expanding sales channel. In the supply chain management software business, we announced two acquisitions. In the air quality and air conditioning business, hydraulic system business showed progress as shown in this slide. We will respond flexibly to the change in business environment and always continue to enhance our business competitiveness toward future growth.

Finally, let me explain the outlook of our medium-term management indicators or KGIs. There are three KGIs presented at the group strategy briefing in April 2022. The progress is shown on the right side. For cumulative operating cash flows, if we subtract the two-year results from the goal of JPY 2 trillion, the remainder is slightly above JPY 600 billion. We are within range of achieving our target. We believe management emphasizing cash flows is taking root. For ROE, we reached our goal of 10% in FY 2024. However, the forecast for FY 2025 is 7.0%, which is below target. As for cumulative operating profit, the estimated three-year total with the FY 2025 forecast announced today is approximately JPY 1 trillion, also below target. Looking at each business, there were external factors such as unexpected market deteriorations.

Nevertheless, being unable to reach the KGIs showed that our effort to enhance competitiveness is still only at the halfway mark. From our review of the situation, we still need to build speed and capability in responding to changes in the business environment. A review of these summaries and future initiatives will be given by Group CEO Kusumi at the group strategy briefing to be held on May 17th, 2024. Thank you very much for your kind attention.

Operator

From Nikkei, we have Naganawa-san.

Yuki Naganawa
Reporter, Nikkei

Thank you. This is Naganawa of Nikkei. Thank you very much. I have two questions, please. First, about in the growth areas that you mentioned, EV batteries and heat pump. This has been struggling. The EV itself, the market is struggling, and the heat pump, the subsidy in Europe has been changed. And because of this, you are faced with difficulties. You expect some tax credit in relation to IRA, and it seems that maybe your view is too optimistic. So could you elaborate on that? And the second question, for the SMEs or small-medium-sized companies, how to focus more on the downstream, I think, is very important. So, for example, your suppliers and the companies probably are saying that they cannot really increase their prices.

So as Panasonic vis-à-vis the partners and suppliers, how do you deal with supporting the management of those small-medium-sized companies?

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you for your questions. You mentioned that our growth area, Air-to-Water for each business area. I would like to respond. First of all, from the beginning about the speed of the growth, as you said, that it's slowing down. But in the medium to long term, it is clear that those are the areas that will grow. Four or five years ago, people did not really accept the EV, and then we had the kind of a boom. And now it's going back to the realistic speed. That's what we see Air-to-Water also faces a similar situation. So that's the overall picture.

And if I may go deeper on EV, so the overall demand fluctuation of the EV, probably that is not the only element that we look into. In each region, the situation is different. So EV demand, I think that we have to really look at each region. So more specifically, with the IRA tax credit and the critical mineral and the materials, there are some limitations or restrictions. So in our case, we have focused on the US market. So in that market, we have PENA, only the Gigafactory operating. So for fiscal 2025, the demand is something that we have, and we need to supply for that. So 45X and 30D, that is on the part of the customers, $7,500, that is the tax credit. And the conditions for that, from January this year and the next year, they would be applied.

We have some additional information supplied through the supplementary information. For all of them, we have already cleared all of those conditions. So in the United States, in that sense, I think that we are very strong. In terms of the production capacity about the United States, I think that we will be able to supply to meet the demand. That's my answer to your first question. In Kansas, in the medium term, we will be starting up. At the end of fiscal 2025, we will start the mass production. In fiscal 2026, we will increase the capacity. From 2027, 30 gigawatt level will be the operation. So we'd like to make sure that we agree with our customers. The Tesla, this is not specifically only for Tesla. So we'd like to improve our cost competitiveness for EV.

Air-to-Water, demand itself this year, maybe 40%, it went down by 40% in fiscal 2024. From that level, we do not expect a major growth of sales. Slight increase is what we expect. Geopolitical risks in relation to gas and in the Middle East, the prices going up, there are so many different factors. The major increase of the sales or profit are not expected Air-to-Water. slight increase is what we expect. Like in FY 2024, we do not expect a major decline. That's the answer to your first question. The second is for the small-medium-sized companies, the kind of a return to them or negotiation with them. In FY 2024, 2025, when you look at the factors behind the fluctuation, the rationalization, I think we are seeing some differences from the past.

Of course, we have a social mission, and we understand the direction that Japan is moving toward. We would like to make sure that we keep that in our mind, and we are having the internal discussion to accommodate that. I hope that answers your question. Thank you.

Operator

Next, from Toyo Keizai, Umigaki-san, please.

Taku Umegaki
Reporter, Toyo Keizai

This is Umigaki from Toyo Keizai. I have two questions as well. First, about the IRA tax credit. For the whole group companies, excluding IRA, you say that profit was decreased. And I would like to also ask the CEO as well about this question. But what is your view on this? And for FY 2025, the IRA is 38 GWh for the assumption. And for yearly basis, increasing 1 GWh, is it assumed? Or are you rather conservative within your view? I would like your answer on that. And another question is a detailed one. I would like to ask you about the consumer electronics in page 18. It says about the reconstruction of the business. I would like to know the details about it, please.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you for the question. So the profit decreased, excluding the IRA.

When we are focusing on IRA, then our profit is decreased. Which businesses decrease profit is difficult to understand because it is difficult to graph in totality. But thinking from the Energy, JPY 21 billion was about the expenses that we have been using for the past manufacturing process. It was that the capability of our product has been deteriorating when the users will be using for a longer time. We have already made counteractions on this. However, the impact of to our profit was rather Air-to-Water also had suffered the decrease of profit, which was impactful. For FY 2024, Industry also had some difficulties. The Connect and Automotive, which was having difficulties in the past, has now turned upwards. However, the overall total business has been decreasing profit. That was unfortunate.

That was what I view regarding the IRA tax credit. Regarding the second question, the increase of 1 GWh, so the mass production of Kansas is also included. The Gigafactory, which we call PENA, the productivity should be increased. We are continuously working on this. Therefore, the 1 GWh increase is about those things that we are talking about. That was about the first question. The second question was about the cooking appliances. Actually, in FY 2024, we did have some challenges for this business. I will not say which location, but then for the cooking appliances, factory has been closed, or else we had to restructure the factories. This in other income and loss is included. But we have so FY 2025, I think this is going to be a year that these actions that we have taken are going to be bearing fruit.

Thank you very much for your questions. Are you okay?

Operator

So we'd like to move on. Next, from Nikkei Asia, we have Sato-san.

Speaker 12

Thank you. My name is Sato of Nikkei Asia. My first question about the KGI, cumulative operating profit, in relation to that. So in order to achieve the original target, what would be the drivers in terms of segments? So how do you try to achieve the cumulative OP target? Second question is about Automotive batteries. So prices are increasing, and the yen has been weak, and costs are rising, especially in the United States, I think. So you said that you are trying to realize the growth in so focusing on North America. Are there any changes to that? Because you have been focused very much on North America. If there are any changes from it, I'd like to know.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you. Of course, the KGI.

I did talk about the summary of the KGI on one of the pages. So JPY 500 billion currently, it's going to be lower than the original plan by JPY 500 billion. So fiscal 2025, in which area are we going to offset this? I cannot really talk about that, but I think we have an appropriate view. But there are some conservatism included. So, for example, in terms of the currency, JPY 140 to the dollar, JPY 150 to the euro, they are our assumptions. The Chinese yuan, about JPY 20 or JPY 21 . So in Lifestyle, there is a reversed or opposite risk. So based on those factors or risks, excluding IRA, JPY 60 billion higher profit is expected. So first, we'd like to make sure that we achieve those numbers. And of course, that we want to exceed from those numbers and accumulate.

Enhancement of the competitiveness and the improvement of the return on investment and others, we'll try to improve. As for the Automotive battery, focusing on North America, from the beginning, so there has been a question that why doesn't Panasonic go into the battery business in China? Or I think this is a strategic decision because our battery, when you look at the performance, we want to go to the United States where our battery performance is evaluated. So that's why we built the Gigafactory. So we will continue. For example, in North America, we have different players from the global players. And within North America, we will be working hard. And in addition, as we announced already, Japan would be another region for the Automotive batteries. And that would be our strategic area. So with Subaru and Mazda, we have a specific partnership and supply agreement.

We have already made various announcements. So, in Japan, we have a shipment, 18650, has been struggling. We want to work on the old lines so that we can improve the new ones. The new battery business starting up in Japan and this Automotive battery strategy will be U.S. first and then Japan in addition to the U.S. So that's what we are thinking. That's the answer to your questions. I hope that those answers answer your questions. Thank you.

Hiroiki Ariyoshi
Reporter, Yomiuri TV

This is Ariyoshi from Yomiuri TV. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to question you. In the financial business result, the operating profit and the net profit and other, I would like to know which is the historical high. If possible, when was the last historical high? And again, I would like to ask you about the view of all these profits.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you for the question. In the past, the historical high value is for the net profit. It was JPY 440 billion net profit this time recorded. And in the past, it was in 2018, it was JPY 284.1 billion. Other than that, the historical high profit is to be achieved for the net profit. We have achieved the highest profit in net profit ever since 2018. And about my view for this, we did have tax credit from IRA.

For FY 2024, the LCD, JPY 110 billion, to support the net profit. So regarding JPY 440 billion profit, although we did renew our high, the LCD panel and Japan's tax asset, within the profit and loss statement, within a certain time frame, this profit has been shown. However, this is going to be coming back as an operating cash flow in the future. And then at that time, profit loss is not going to be generated. And then the cash flow will be increased. But this time, it has been all recorded at one time. This is treated based on accounting treatment. And because of that, a JPY 440 billion historical high for that net profit has been generated. This is a positive thing for us. And this is coming back to the cash flow in the future. And we would like to be waiting for that.

Hiroiki Ariyoshi
Reporter, Yomiuri TV

That is all from my side. Thank you very much.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you.

Operator

So last question from journalist, Tsuge-san from Nikkei. Tsuge from Nikkei.

Speaker 13

Thank you. About the consolidated business results, it's not related to that. But today, the non-consolidated financial results, and you announced some recognition of the extraordinary income and losses. So I have a question on that. So about the inflation too, well, JPY 71.2 billion of allowance for the debt for receivable from the subsidiaries and affiliates were recognized. So could you explain on this? So you lent the money to the subsidiary, and it is now possible to recover that. Is that why? And why did this happen? And how did you make a decision on this debt for receivables from the subsidiaries and affiliates?

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Okay. Thank you very much concerning this. As you can see in the press release, it will not have an impact on the consolidated financial results.

As you know, two years ago in Japan, we have started up several entities. The management needs to be looked at from the global perspective. There's no impact on the consolidated financial results. Between or among the legal entities, for example, in Japan, dividend payment to Panasonic Holdings, I cannot mention the name, but the operating company say that this dividend will be recovered outside of Japan. If that is the case in Japan, it cannot be recovered outside of Japan. We need to pay the dividend. On the non-consolidated basis, the borrowing will increase. When you look at the transaction between the legal entities, if there are no major changes happening, it is possible that those receivables would become non-recoverable. It is really specific to the non-consolidated results. I think if it was one company, it was handled internally.

When we have the real separate companies, these things happen. But again, there will be no impact on the consolidated financial results of the company. I hope that answers your question, Tsuge-san. Thank you very much. So that concludes our Q&A session for journalists. Thank you very much.

Operator

Here, we would like to receive questions from the institutional investors and securities analysts. So if you do have any questions, please press the raise your hand button. Please note that questions are not accepted on the English line. Please limit your questions to per each because of the limitation of time. Yasui-san from UBS Securities, please.

Kenji Yasui
Analyst, UBS

This is Yasui from UBS Securities. So I would like to have two questions. First is about batteries. So regarding Kansas factory, you're going to be making the investment, but then in which quarter and in which size? And regarding MarkLines, some news media was reporting that Kansas, half of them is going to be switched to 4680. So 88 GWh, and in simple calculation, is what I think.

So for the work line, if it's going to be following the disclosed news, then as far as you can explain, I would like you to detail upon the change of your plan to switch half of your production as 4680. And another one is about the Air-to-Water is not increased for the profit. However, you have an assumption that the number of product is going to sell higher. Therefore, if you have any prospect, B2C and others, I would like to know about the reasons why the sales number are going to for Air-to-Water, please.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Regarding the In-vehicle or Automotive batteries in Kansas, the IRA giga increasing 1 gigawatt-hours, this is a consistent part of this business and work. And we are going to be setting up the production launch.

So the contribution is not assumed largely in FY 2025. So if we are able to collect the mass production, then we will have a larger profit coming back. And then for 4680 and its switching, 4680 right now, Wakayama factory is setting up and ramping up for FY 2025 first half for the mass production. Therefore, in Kansas factory, along with discussion with Tesla, we have been focusing on 2170. And that was determined. Therefore, whether or not Kansas is already going to be creating manufacturing 4680 or not, first of all, we must do whatever that has been already determined. Therefore, for about the news that you mentioned, we are not aware of that. That is about the first question. And the second question Air-to-Water. for the market forecast, market forecast is showing some uplift. So overall market is going to be slightly increasing.

Poland and other areas are our main Air-to-Water. demand in those markets has declined: France, Italy, Germany. Those areas are the geography that we have been expanding our Air-to-Water. right now, currently, we are now seeing some result concerning from the past efforts. Currently, the residents, the detached housing are our focus currently. That is the only area that we have been Air-to-Water going forward, not in a large way. But then maybe we can focus more on offices or else small shops. So I don't know if this is called B2B. However, we would like to start working, selling to B2B too. Therefore, that is why we are counting for increasing of the sales. That is all from my side. Are you okay with the question?

Kenji Yasui
Analyst, UBS

Thank you very much.

Operator

Next, Okazaki-san from Nomura Securities.

Yu Okazaki
Analyst, Nomura Securities

Thank you very much. About the Lifestyle, I have a question. By divisional companies, the profits are expected to grow. But as a segment as a whole, it's flat. So could you explain the background? On page 18, other factors are included, for example, weak yen and so forth. So could you explain that? Second question is about the Automotive batteries. On page 14, when the cars for the mass increases, it is expected that the demand is going to grow. But could you explain the details on this?

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you. About Lifestyle. So about the JPY 30 billion difference, about that in Lifestyle. Other segments' products existed in fiscal 2024. When you look at the Lifestyle, they do not belong to the divisional companies. It's possible that the sales will decline. So that is something that we expect.

As for the divisional companies, Panasonic Corporation, the new businesses and DX, digital transformation, in order to realize them, the IT investments are going to be accelerated. New businesses, what are they specifically? I think in Kusatsu, maybe you have seen a photo, the hydrogen business in Japan, the Recycle Energy 100. And we are investing for the development. And as I said, in China, the yuan assumption is CNY 20 . And currently, it's 21. So with 1 yuan difference, JPY 4.7 billion, not very precise, but the JPY 4.7 billion level impact because we import, that is a negative impact for the Chinese yuan, renminbi. So that's something that is included. So about JPY 30 billion is in others or other segment. So those are the reasons. About Energy, the Automotive, the type of the cars for the mass market. Yes.

What we mean by that is that Section 30D, that is the customers benefiting $7,500, that tax credit. That is above for the cars above $80,000, it's not going to be applied. So when we say the mass market, it's below $80,000, and batteries will be utilized. And our batteries, as I said, IRA compliance and others, there are several regulations. And we have already qualified for all of them. So our own batteries will be IRA compliant. So I'd like to make sure that when the numbers of the EVs are increased, that will be the tailwind for us. So that's what we mean by this. So Tesla, new type, the cheaper ones, you are positive about that. Is that right? Concerning that, we have not yet had the specific discussions. And we have not yet confirmed this clearly. So nothing I can comment on that point. Thank you.

Operator

Thank you very much. From JP Morgan Securities, Ayada-san, please.

Junya Ayada
Analyst, J.P. Morgan

This is Ayada from J.P. Morgan Securities. Thank you. So I have one big question for Energy. And inside, I have two questions. And for the first question, this is about the update of Suminoe factory. May I ask you the update? Ever since summer, the utilization of the Suminoe factory has been lowered. So for this fiscal year and for the full year, I would like to listen to your forecast. And when I think capacity utilization is going to take several years in order to reach the full. And you've mentioned about Mazda Corporation and Subaru Corporation as well. But if you do have anything that you can share with us, please. That was the first one. And the second point is about Kansas factory.

Umeda-san, you mentioned on the previous question regarding the best estimate, the 30 GWh full production, when is it going to be coming at peak? And it was said about JPY 50 million-JPY 60 million investment in the initial point. However, at this fiscal year 2025, how much investment are you expecting? And about the new factory launch, this is probably increasing the Kansas and Wakayama factory, which is JPY 30 billion in total. And when I follow you, maybe this expense for investment for the new factories could be increasing. Therefore, I would like you to factor and elaborate on this, please.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Regarding Japan's Energy, in effect, the 18650 production line, which is an old line, is also in production. Regarding the decrease of demand, those will be eliminated. And thinking about Energy, cost, and other expenses will be lowered with lowering effects.

Regarding personnel's working, we will be distributing, allocating them for the growth area where we can garner much more profit. For instance, maybe the Gigafactory Nevada factory or else 2170 Kansas factory, those could be the destination where we can channel people for FY 2024 to 2025. The margin of the losses will be smaller. Until the first quarter, Japan's production was there to some extent. And the second quarter, there was a very strong break, therefore slowing down. So in FY 2025, it seems that Japan seems to be weak in the first quarter. However, the demand increase, we will not expect much on that. And we are now continuously taking the next step forward to be ready. And the utilization in Japan, this is really depending on the judgment of our clients, the car manufacturers. In FY 2025, it is not included.

It is not included in FY 2026 either. Further on, this is all related to our customer. Therefore, the full production, whether it be in FY 2031 or 2030, we are not sure. However, we are thinking of the production for the Energy in that span of time. That was about Energy. Regarding the Kansas factory, the investment for the Kansas factory is what you are questioning. JPY 430 billion for Energy, we have been making investment. That was announced by the forecast. Most of this investment is channeled to Kansas factory. Therefore, in scale, I would like you to think that this is mostly for Kansas. This is about the investment of. At the same time, JPY 30 billion is an expense, which is related to profit and loss statement. Therefore, this is regarded to R&D and the ramp-up expenses. 4680.

In the final end, where are we going to be producing this 4680? This is yet to be determined. But the ramp-up, startup of Kansas and the cost in Japan for 2170 in relation to the ramp-up of Kansas, it was something that we must think too. But then anyhow, we are focused on the investment for Kansas factory. That is all from my side. Are you okay?

Junya Ayada
Analyst, J.P. Morgan

Thank you. And about the 30 GW, and when are you going to be reaching that?

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

For FY 2025 end, we would like to start the mass production. And then we would like to ramp up and start the lines steadily. And going forward, FY 2027 or for FY 2028, I think we will be reaching full. And that is our assumption as of today.

Junya Ayada
Analyst, J.P. Morgan

That is all. Thank you.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Operator

We are running out of time. So we would take questions from three more people, one question each. BofA, we have Hirakawa-san.

Mikio Hirakawa
Analyst, BofA Securities

Thank you, Hirakawa from BofA Securities, Japan. Your plan, adjusted OP and operating profit, difference is JPY 70 billion. And out of the JPY 50 billion is the share transfer loss. So it's not the cash out. And JPY 20 billion, what is the other item?

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you. As we communicated before in other income and loss, about the JPY 20 billion is quality and other lawsuits, expenses. And those are something that we expect. Of course, it probably will not. But about the JPY 20 billion is what we assume for that. And about the JPY 50 billion, it is not a cash out. Mainly, this is the goodwill impairment loss or in the future, something that can be collected.

So this deal, if you only look at this deal, about the JPY 50 billion loss is expected. So that's what we mean. So it's not the cash out.

Mikio Hirakawa
Analyst, BofA Securities

Thank you.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Thank you very much.

Operator

Next, from Citibank Securities, Ezawa-san, please.

Kota Ezawa
Analyst, Citigroup Securities

Citigroup Securities, Ezawa, thank you very much. I have a question. So the priority growth area, you have mentioned all the three are weak. So now it seems to be weaker for the overall growth. And the medium-term plan has been already two years past. So as a company, you have been announcing the structural reform. And internal effort does not seem to be bearing fruit.

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

So within the three years, the cumulative operating profit and ROI could be unachieved, which probably is not good. So for structural reform, revising over the business portfolio, about the progress of your effort, I would like you to share what you are doing internally, please. As you say, within the past year or two, the Air-to-Water, the business environment has been changing drastically.

We are challenged by the changing business environment regarding Blue Yonder. The importance of supply chain is ever yet focused. Therefore, currently, this Blue Yonder business is trending steadily. Just looking at a single year, the EV is a low-profile first. And then there's a high-profile time for EV. And then now EV is converged to come to a specific level. This business is looking at a span of 5-10 years. Therefore, the adjustment speed of the immediate work, these are something that we would like to adjust and respond accordingly. However, for the two businesses, when we started mentioning about the growth area, it is becoming weak. So even when we are explaining, we feel that we have to do more. But then within this midterm plan, we would like to work more rigorously.

For air-to-water, we only have been focusing to sell into the detached housing. We were unable to access France market. Therefore, now it is time that we are going to be having the next work, next action within the area in order to grow for the three growth area. For the midterm KGI, the operating profit and ROE part, it is unachieved. We will be accumulating our efforts and thinking this as a trough.

Kota Ezawa
Analyst, Citigroup Securities

When you are revising over the business portfolio, are there any progress?

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Regarding the business portfolio management, there's various types of management. For instance, Pro AV, so AV for the professionals, and for digital still camera, this is related to entertainment part of our businesses. That could be coordinated together. That could be a portfolio management which is done currently by ourselves.

Other than that, various portfolios management are underway, on progress. However, because of the nature of the issues, we have customers, we have clients and partners, and we have people working for us. Therefore, when appropriate timing comes, then we will share the news with you as we have always been doing. And by that, portfolio management is underway. Please understand as such.

Kota Ezawa
Analyst, Citigroup Securities

That is all from my side. Thank you very much.

Operator

So the last question from Mizuho Securities, we have Nakane-san.

Yoshihiko Nakane
Analyst, Mizuho Securities

Thank you. I am Nakane. Just one question. In comparison to the previous fiscal year and this fiscal year in relation to AI servers, on page 36 this time, the generative AI server is going to grow. But the base station server probably is not going to grow that much. But in a narrow sense, AI server, capacitor, condenser, and MEGTRON, and the server as a whole, and also the ESS, the source server, data center-related, your sales size in the previous year, how big was it, and how big is it in this fiscal year? So I think there are some customers who are really looking into this. So could you talk about that? So I think you mentioned that tens of billions. Could you give us more digital numbers?

Hirokazu Umeda
CFO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Well, yes.

To give you the specific numbers is not something I can do. But the related ones, you mentioned already that the Industry businesses and the Energy, the industrial businesses, ICT, and for Industry. So for AI servers, the components, a huge amount of data need to be processed. And in comparison to the general server, higher performance is required. So it is easier for us to get approval for the value. So our products, the MEGTRON you mentioned, SP-Cap, it is the condenser or capacitor. And we have good functions and performances. So the growth of those, there's a big range when we say double digit, but more than 10% growth or double digit growth is expected for fiscal 2024. And hundreds of sorry, the tens of billions JPY, I think we believe that it will grow in teens.

In our forecast or expectation, the recovery of the Industry is expected. The orders or the demand is growing steadily. As for others, the recovery is difficult to forecast. Those are the areas that we can expect some recovery. Sorry to only give you the analog answers. I think you get my meaning that way. I hope that answers your questions.

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