20-F 1 d20f.htm ANNUAL REPORT Annual Report
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report            

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 1-7628

 

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

JAPAN

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

No. 1-1, Minami-Aoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8556, Japan

(Address of principal executive offices)

Mitsuhiro Okayama, Honda North America, Inc.,

ir@hna.honda.com, (212)707-9920, 156 West 56th Street, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10019, U.S.A.

(Name, Telephone, E-mail, and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock*   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

(Title of class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

(Title of class)

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

Title of each class

 

Outstanding as of March 31, 2011

Common Stock   1,802,301,714**

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act,    Yes  x    No  ¨

If this report is an annual or transmission report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such file).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or, a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer “in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x             Accelerated filer  ¨            Non-accelerated filer  ¨            

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S.GAAP  x    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨    Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

* Not for trading purposes, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares, each representing one share of Common Stock.
** Shares of Common Stock include 74,902,286 shares represented by American Depositary Shares.

 

 


Table of Contents

PART I

  

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors

     1   

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     1   

Item 3. Key Information

     1   

A. Selected Financial Data

     1   

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

     3   

C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

     3   

D. Risk Factors

     3   

Item 4. Information on the Company

     8   

A. History and Development of the Company

     8   

B. Business Overview

     9   

C. Organizational Structure

     27   

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

     28   

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

     30   

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     30   

A. Operating Results

     30   

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

     57   

C. Research and Development

     58   

D. Trend Information

     60   

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     61   

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

     62   

G. Safe Harbor

     63   

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     63   

A. Directors and Senior Management

     63   

B. Compensation

     75   

C. Board Practices

     75   

D. Employees

     75   

E. Share Ownership

     76   

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     77   

A. Major Shareholders

     77   

B. Related Party Transactions

     77   

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

     77   

Item 8. Financial Information

     78   

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

     78   

B. Significant Changes

     79   

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

     79   

A. Offer and Listing Details

     79   

B. Plan of Distribution

     80   

C. Markets

     80   

D. Selling Shareholders

     80   

E. Dilution

     80   

F. Expenses of the Issue

     80   

Item 10. Additional Information

     80   

A. Share Capital

     80   

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

     81   

C. Material Contracts

     88   

D. Exchange Controls

     88   

E. Taxation

     88   


Table of Contents

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

     92   

G. Statement by Experts

     92   

H. Documents on Display

     92   

I. Subsidiary Information

     93   

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

     93   

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

     96   

PART II

  

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     97   

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use Proceeds

     97   

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

     97   

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

     98   

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

     98   

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     98   

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     99   

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     100   

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     101   

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

     101   

PART III

  

Item 17. Financial Statements

     103   

Item 18. Financial Statements

     103   

Item 19. Exhibits

     104   


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Registrant”, “Company” and “Honda” as used in this Annual Report each refer to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Key Information

 

A. Selected Financial Data:

 

The selected consolidated financial data set out below for each of the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 have been derived from our consolidated financial statements that were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).

 

You should read the U.S. GAAP selected consolidated financial data set out below together with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report.

 

    Fiscal years ended March 31,  
    Yen
(millions)
    U.S.  dollars
(millions)
 
    2007     2008     2009     2010     2011             2011          

Income statement data:

           

Net sales and other operating revenue

  ¥ 11,087,140      ¥ 12,002,834      ¥ 10,011,241      ¥ 8,579,174      ¥ 8,936,867      $ 107,479   

Research and development

    551,847        587,959        563,197        463,354        487,591        5,864   

Operating income

    851,879        953,109        189,643        363,775        569,775        6,852   

Income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates

    792,868        895,841        161,734        336,198        630,548        7,583   

Equity in income of affiliates

    103,417        118,942        99,034        93,282        139,756        1,681   

Net income

    612,439        627,347        150,933        282,611        563,477        6,777   

Net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

    592,322        600,039        137,005        268,400        534,088        6,423   

Balance sheet data:

           

Total assets

  ¥ 12,036,500      ¥ 12,615,543      ¥ 11,818,917      ¥ 11,629,115      ¥ 11,570,874      $ 139,157   

Long-term debt

    1,905,743        1,836,652        1,932,637        2,313,035        2,043,240        24,573   

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. shareholders’ equity

    4,488,825        4,550,479        4,007,288        4,328,640        4,449,975        53,517   

Total equity

    4,611,732        4,692,285        4,130,344        4,456,430        4,582,912        55,116   

Common stock

    86,067        86,067        86,067        86,067        86,067        1,035   

Cash flow data:

           

Depreciation excluding property on operating leases

  ¥ 361,747      ¥ 417,393      ¥ 441,868      ¥ 401,743      ¥ 351,496      $ 4,227   

Depreciation of property on operating leases

    9,741        101,032        195,776        227,931        212,143        2,551   

Total depreciation

    371,488        518,425        637,644        629,674        563,639        6,779   

Capital expenditures

    597,958        668,228        635,190        392,062        318,543        3,831   

Purchase of operating lease assets

    366,795        839,261        668,128        544,027        798,420        9,602   

Total capital expenditures

    964,753        1,507,489        1,303,318        936,089        1,116,963        13,433   

 

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Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

     (Thousands of shares)  
         2007              2008              2009              2010              2011      

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     1,824,675         1,815,356         1,814,560         1,814,605         1,806,360   

 

Net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. per common share

 

     (Yen)      (US$)  
         2007              2008              2009              2010              2011              2011      

Basic

   ¥ 324.62       ¥ 330.54       ¥ 75.50       ¥ 147.91       ¥ 295.67       $ 3.56   

Diluted

     324.62         330.54         75.50         147.91         295.67         3.56   

 

Net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. per common share has been computed by dividing net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year.

 

Dividends declared during the period per common share

 

     (Yen)      (US$)  
         2007              2008              2009              2010              2011              2011      

Dividends declared during the period per
common share

   ¥ 77.00       ¥ 84.00       ¥ 77.00       ¥ 34.00       ¥ 51.00       $ 0.61   

 

Additionally, a year-end dividend of ¥15 ($0.18) per common share aggregating ¥27.0 billion ($325 million) relating to fiscal 2011 was determined by our board of directors in April 2011 and approved by our shareholders in June 2011. This dividend will be paid in June 2011.

 

Transfers of Financial Assets, and Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

 

Honda adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16 “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”, and ASU 2009-17 “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, effective April 1, 2010. Upon the adoption of these standards, ten former QSPEs that were not consolidated as of March 31, 2010 were consolidated by the Company as of April 1, 2010. See note 1(c) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Exchange Rates

 

In this Annual Report, yen amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars for the convenience of readers. Unless otherwise noted, the rate used for these translations was ¥83.15 =$1.00, which represents the approximate exchange rate quoted on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2011. No representation is made that yen amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at that rate or any other rate on this or any other data or at all.

 

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The following table sets out information regarding the noon buying rates for yen in New York City as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York expressed in yen per $1.00 during the periods shown. On May 31, 2011, the noon buying rate was ¥81.29 =$1.00. The average exchange rate for the period shown is the average of the month-end rates during the period.

 

     (Yen)  

Years ended March 31,

   Average      Period end      High      Low  

2007

     116.55         117.56         121.81         110.07   

2008

     113.61         99.85         124.09         96.88   

2009

     100.85         99.15         110.48         87.80   

2010

     92.49         93.40         100.71         86.12   

2011

     85.00         82.76         94.68         78.74   

2012 (through May 31, 2011)

     81.30         81.29         85.26         80.12   

Dec-2010

           84.23         81.67   

Jan-2011

           83.36         81.56   

Feb-2011

           83.79         81.48   

Mar-2011

           82.98         78.74   

Apr-2011

           85.26         81.31   

May-2011

           82.12         80.12   

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. If any of the risks described below actually occurs, Honda’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. In that event, the trading prices of Honda’s common stock and American Depositary Shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks not currently known to Honda or that Honda now deems immaterial may also harm Honda and affect your investment.

 

Risks Relating to the Great East Japan Earthquake and its Aftermath

 

The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011 and the Fukushima’s nuclear power plant disaster have caused and will continue to cause significant damage to the Japanese economy. After March 11, 2011, Honda temporarily suspended or reduced production at Honda’s automobile plants in and outside of Japan. However, the production in Japan has in general returned to normal levels since late June, and production outside of Japan is expected to be generally normalized from around August to September. In addition, although Honda’s business sites, such as Honda’s R&D subsidiaries located in Tochigi Prefecture, were heavily damaged, currently we expect them to be restored. Although prospects for restoration of business activities have become clear, as mentioned above, Honda’s production activities may be affected depending on the status of the future supply of certain parts for which supply is currently restricted, and on the status of infrastructure, such as the supply of electricity and logistics services. Furthermore, sales in domestic and international markets may decline. Depending on the magnitude of these effects, Honda’s results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

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Risks Relating to Honda’s Industry

 

Honda may be adversely affected by market conditions

 

Honda conducts its operations in Japan and throughout the world, including North America, Europe and Asia. A sustained loss of consumer confidence in these markets, which may be caused by continued economic slowdown, recession, changes in consumer preferences, rising fuel prices, financial crisis or other factors could trigger a decline in demand for automobiles, motorcycles and power products that may adversely affect Honda’s results of operations.

 

Prices for automobiles, motorcycles and power products can be volatile

 

Prices for automobiles, motorcycles and power products in certain markets may experience 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 instability in underlying economic conditions, changes in tariffs, import regulations and other taxes, shortages of certain materials and components, high material prices 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.

 

Risks Relating to Honda’s Business Generally

 

Currency and Interest Rate Risks

 

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 components and sells its products and components 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 operations and financial condition, as well as Honda’s competitiveness, which will over time affect its results.

 

Since Honda exports many products and components, particularly from Japan, and generates a substantial portion of its revenues in currencies other than the Japanese yen, Honda’s results of operations would be adversely affected by an appreciation of the Japanese yen against other currencies, in particular the U.S. dollar.

 

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

 

Although it is impossible to hedge against all currency or interest rate 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 is also exposed to the risk that its counterparties to hedging contracts will default on their obligations. Honda manages exposure to counterparty

 

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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.

 

Legal and Regulatory Risks

 

The automobile, motorcycle and power product industries are subject to extensive environmental and other governmental regulations, including with respect to global climate changes

 

Regulations regarding vehicle emission levels, fuel economy, noise and safety and noxious substances, 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, particularly in recent years, due to an increasing concern with respect to possible global climate changes. The costs to comply with these regulations can be significant to Honda’s operations.

 

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 infringement of some or a large group of Honda’s intellectual property rights, would have an adverse effect on Honda’s operations.

 

Honda is subject to legal proceedings

 

Honda is and could be subject to suits, investigations and proceedings under relevant laws and regulations of various jurisdictions. A negative outcome in any of the legal proceedings pending against Honda could adversely affect Honda’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Risks Relating to Honda’s Operations

 

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

 

Honda’s financial services business offers various financing plans to its customers 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 credit risk as well as risks relating to lease residual values, cost of capital and access to funding. Competition for customers and/or these risks may affect Honda’s results of operations in the future.

 

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.

 

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

 

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are subject to various regulations, including the legal and other requirements of each country. If these regulations or the business conditions or policies of these local entities change, it may have an adverse affect on Honda’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Honda may be adversely affected by wars, use of force by foreign countries, terrorism, multinational conflicts, political uncertainty, 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, political uncertainty, 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 purchase 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.

 

Honda may be adversely affected by inadvertent disclosure of confidential information

 

Although Honda maintains internal controls through established procedures to keep confidential information including personal information of its customers and relating parties, such information may be inadvertently disclosed. If this occurs, Honda may be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, claims for damages from the customers or parties affected. Also, inadvertent disclosure of confidential business or technical information to third parties may result in a loss of Honda’s competitiveness.

 

Risks Relating to Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Honda has pension plans and provides other post-retirement benefits. The amounts of pension benefits, lump-sum payments and other post-retirement benefits are primarily based on the combination of years of service and compensation. The funding policy is to make periodic contributions as required by applicable regulations. Benefit obligations and pension costs are based on assumptions of many factors, including the discount rate, the rate of salary increase and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Differences in actual expenses and costs or changes in assumptions could affect Honda’s pension costs and benefit obligations, including Honda’s cash requirements to fund such obligations, which could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

A holder of ADSs will have fewer rights than a shareholder has and such holder will have to act through the depositary to exercise those rights

 

The rights of shareholders under Japanese law to take various actions, including exercising voting rights inherent in their shares, receiving dividends and distributions, bringing derivative actions, examining a company’s accounting books and records, and exercising appraisal rights, are available only to holders of record. Because the depositary, through its custodian agents, is the record holder of the Shares underlying the ADSs, only the depositary can exercise those rights in connection with the deposited Shares. The depositary will make efforts to exercise votes regarding the Shares underlying the ADSs as instructed by the holders and will pay to the holders the dividends and distributions collected from the Company. However, in the capacity as an ADS holder, such holder will not be able to bring a derivative action, examine our accounting books or records or exercise appraisal rights through the depositary.

 

Rights of shareholders under Japanese law may be more limited than under the laws of other jurisdictions

 

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation, Regulations of the Board of Directors, Regulations of the Board of Corporate Auditors and the Company Law of Japan (the “Company Law”) govern corporate affairs of the Company. Legal principles relating to such matters as the validity of corporate procedures, directors’ and

 

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officers’ fiduciary duties, and shareholders’ rights may be different from those that would apply if the Company were a U.S. company. Shareholders’ rights under Japanese law may not be as extensive as shareholders’ rights under the laws of the United States. A ADS holder may have more difficulty in asserting his/her rights as a shareholder than such ADS holder would as a shareholder of a U.S. corporation. In addition, Japanese courts may not be willing to enforce liabilities against the Company in actions brought in Japan that are based upon the securities laws of the United States or any U.S. state.

 

Because of daily price range limitations under Japanese stock exchange rules, a holder of ADSs may not be able to sell his/her shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a particular price on any particular trading day, or at all

 

Stock prices on Japanese stock exchanges are determined on a real-time basis by the equilibrium between bids and offers. These exchanges are order-driven markets without specialists or market makers to guide price formation. To prevent excessive volatility, these exchanges set daily upward and downward price fluctuation limits for each stock, based on the previous day’s closing price. Although transactions may continue at the upward or downward limit price if the limit price is reached on a particular trading day, no transactions may take place outside these limits. Consequently, an investor wishing to sell at a price above or below the relevant daily limit may not be able to sell his or her shares at such price on a particular trading day, or at all.

 

U.S. investors may have difficulty in serving process or enforcing a judgment against the Company or its directors, executive officers or corporate auditors

 

The Company is a limited liability, joint stock corporation incorporated under the laws of Japan. Most of its directors, executive officers and corporate auditors reside in Japan. All or substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of these persons are located in Japan and elsewhere outside the United States. It may not be possible, therefore, for U.S. investors to effect service of process within the United States upon the Company or these persons or to enforce against the Company or these persons judgments obtained in U.S. Courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the Federal securities laws of the United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Japan, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgment of U.S. courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States.

 

The Company’s shareholders of record on a record date may not receive the dividend they anticipate

 

The customary dividend payout practice and relevant regulatory regime of publicly listed companies in Japan may differ from that followed in foreign markets. The Company’s dividend payout practice is no exception. While the Company may announce forecasts of year-end and quarterly dividends prior to the record date, these forecasts are not legally binding. The actual payment of year-end dividends requires a resolution of the Company’s shareholders. If the shareholders adopt such a resolution, the year-end dividend payment is made to shareholders as of the applicable record date, which is currently specified as March 31 by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. However, such a resolution of the shareholders is usually made at an ordinary general meeting of shareholders held in June. The payment of quarterly dividends requires a resolution of the Company’s board of directors. If the board adopts such a resolution, the dividend payment is made to shareholders as of the applicable record dates, which are currently specified as June 30, September 30 and December 31 by the Articles of Incorporation. However, the board usually does not adopt a resolution with respect to a quarterly dividend until after the respective record dates.

 

Shareholders of record as of an applicable record date may sell shares after the record date in anticipation of receiving a certain dividend payment based on the previously announced forecasts. However, since these forecasts are not legally binding and resolutions to pay dividends are usually not adopted until after the record date, our shareholders of record on record dates for year-end and quarterly dividends may not receive the dividend they anticipate.

 

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Cautionary statement with respect to forward looking statements in this Annual Report

 

This Annual Report includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report are based on the current assumptions and beliefs of Honda in light of the information currently available to it, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause Honda’s actual results, performance, achievements or financial position to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or financial position expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors are generally set forth in Item 3.D “Risk Factors” and include, without limitation:

 

   

the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011 and Fukushima’s nuclear power plant disaster;

 

   

the political, economic and social conditions in Japan and throughout the world including North America, Europe and Asia, including economic slowdowns, recessions, changes in consumer preferences, rising fuel prices, financial crises and other factors, as well as the relevant governments’ specific policies with respect to economic growth, inflation, taxation, currency conversion, imports and sources of supplies and the availability of credit, particularly to the extent such current or future conditions and policies affect the automobile, motorcycle and power product industries and markets in Japan and other markets throughout the world in which Honda conducts its business, and the demand, sales volume and sales prices for Honda’s automobiles, motorcycles and power products;

 

   

the effects of competition in the automobile, motorcycle and power product markets on the demand, sales volume and sales prices for Honda’s automobiles, motorcycles and power products;

 

   

Honda’s ability to finance its working capital and capital expenditure requirements, including obtaining any required external debt or other financing;

 

   

the effects of economic stagnation or recession in Honda’s principal markets and of exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations on Honda’s results of operations; and

 

   

the effects of environmental and other governmental regulations and legal proceedings.

 

Honda undertakes no obligation and has no intention to publicly update any forward-looking statement after the date of this Annual Report. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by Honda in its subsequent filings pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Item 4. Information on the Company

 

A. History and Development of the Company

 

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a limited liability, joint stock corporation incorporated on September 24, 1948 under the Commercial Code of Japan as Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. It was formed to succeed to the business of an unincorporated enterprise established in 1946 by the late Soichiro Honda to manufacture motors for motorized bicycles.

 

Honda develops, produces, and manufactures a variety of motor products, ranging from small general-purpose engines and scooters to specialty sports cars that incorporate Honda’s highly efficient internal combustion engine technology.

 

Honda’s principal executive office is located at 1-1, Minami-Aoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8556, Japan. Its telephone number is 81-3-3423-1111.

 

Principal Capital Investments

 

In the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, Honda’s capital expenditures were ¥1,302.0 billion, ¥893.0 billion, and ¥1,125.0 billion, respectively, on an accrual basis. Also, capital expenditures

 

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excluding those with respect to property on operating leases were ¥633.9 billion, ¥348.9 billion, and ¥326.6 billion, respectively, on an accrual basis. For further details of Honda’s capital expenditures during fiscal 2011, see “Property, Plants and Equipment” included as “Item 4.D” of this Annual Report.

 

B. Business Overview

 

General

 

Honda’s business segments are the motorcycle business, automobile business, financial services business, and power product and other businesses.

 

The following tables show the breakdown of Honda’s revenues from external customers by category of activity and by geographical markets based on the location of the customer during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
         2009              2010              2011      
     Yen (billions)  

Motorcycle Business

   ¥ 1,411.5       ¥ 1,140.2       ¥ 1,288.1   

Automobile Business

     7,674.4         6,554.8         6,794.0   

Financial Services Business

     582.2         606.3         561.8   

Power Product and Other Businesses

     343.0         277.6         292.6   
                          

Total

   ¥ 10,011.2       ¥ 8,579.1       ¥ 8,936.8   
                          

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
         2009              2010              2011      
     Yen (billions)  

Japan

   ¥ 1,446.5       ¥ 1,577.3       ¥ 1,503.8   

North America

     4,514.1         3,736.4         3,921.3   

Europe

     1,186.0         764.7         610.1   

Asia

     1,595.4         1,543.3         1,852.4   

Other Regions

     1,269.0         957.2         1,049.0   
                          

Total

   ¥ 10,011.2       ¥ 8,579.1       ¥ 8,936.8   
                          

 

Motorcycle Business

 

In 1949, Honda began mass production of motorcycles with the Dream D-Type, followed by other models such as the Benly and the Cub F-Type. By 1957, Honda became the top domestic manufacturer in terms of motorcycle production volume. Honda expanded its business overseas by establishing American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in the United States in 1959. Honda’s first overseas production started in Belgium in 1963.

 

Honda produces a wide range of motorcycles, ranging from the 50cc class to the 1800cc class in cylinder displacement. Honda’s motorcycles use internal combustion engines developed by Honda that are air- or water-cooled, four-cycle, and single, two, four or six-cylinder. Honda’s motorcycle line consists of sports (including trial and moto-cross racing), business and commuter models. Honda has also produced all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) since 1984 and multi utility vehicles (MUVs) since 2008.

 

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The following table sets out unit sales for Honda’s motorcycle business, including motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and revenue from Motorcycle Business, and the breakdown by geographical markets based on the location of the customer during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2009     2010     2011  
     Units      Revenue     Units
     Revenue
    Units
     Revenue
 
     (thousands)      (billions)     (thousands)      (billions)     (thousands)      (billions)  

Japan

     232       ¥ 81.8        190       ¥ 70.4        190       ¥ 70.2   

North America

     320         182.2        189         103.9        185         96.6   

Europe

     276         178.6        199         124.6        202         103.8   

Asia

     7,523         460.4        7,628         461.0        9,178         577.6   

Other Regions

     1,763         508.3        1,433         380.1        1,690         439.7   
                                                   

Total

     10,114       ¥ 1,411.5        9,639       ¥ 1,140.2        11,445       ¥ 1,288.1   
                                                   

Motorcycle revenue as a percentage of total sales revenue

        14        13        15

 

Motorcycles are produced by Honda in Japan at the Kumamoto factory. Honda’s motorcycles are also produced by subsidiaries in countries around the world including Italy, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Brazil and Argentina.

 

For further information on recent operations and a financial review of the motorcycle business, see “Operating Results” in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

 

Automobile Business

 

Honda started the automobile business in 1963 with the T360 mini-truck and the S500 small sports car, and subsequently launched a series of mass-produced models including the Civic in 1972, the Accord in 1976, which established a base for its automobile business. In 1969, production of the mini-vehicles N600 and TN600 began in Taiwan using component parts sets. In 1982, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to begin local automobile production in the United States (with the Accord).

 

Honda’s automobiles use gasoline engines of three, four or six-cylinder, diesel engines and gasoline-electric hybrid systems. Honda also offers alternative fuel-powered vehicles such as natural gas, ethanol, and fuel cell vehicles.

 

Honda’s principal automobile products include the following vehicle models:

 

Passenger cars:

 

Legend, Accord, Inspire, Civic, Insight, City, Acura RL, Acura TL, Acura TSX, Acura CSX, CR-Z

 

Minivans, Multi-wagons, Sport Utility Vehicle:

 

Elysion, Odyssey, Step Wagon, Stream, FREED, Airwave, Fit/Jazz, Fit/Jazz Hybrid, Partner, Pilot, Ridgeline, CR-V, Element, Acura RDX, Acura MDX, Acura ZDX Accord Crosstour

 

Mini cars:

 

Life, Zest, Vamos, Acty

 

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The following table sets out Honda’s unit sales of automobiles and revenue from Automobile Business and the breakdown by geographical markets based on the location of the customer during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2009     2010     2011  
     Units      Revenue     Units      Revenue     Units      Revenue  
     (thousands)      (billions)     (thousands)      (billions)     (thousands)      (billions)  

Japan

     556       ¥ 1,225.3        646       ¥ 1,383.8        582       ¥ 1,310.7   

North America

     1,496         3,723.8        1,297         3,013.4        1,458         3,252.8   

Europe

     350         923.5        249         575.3        198         441.6   

Asia

     793         1,079.5        950         1,041.2        1,008         1,221.7   

Other Regions

     322         721.9        250         540.9        266         567.1   
                                                   

Total

     3,517       ¥ 7,674.4        3,392       ¥ 6,554.8        3,512       ¥ 6,794.0   
                                                   

Automobile revenue as a percentage of total sales revenue

        77        77        76

 

* Certain sales of automobiles that are financed with residual value type auto loans by our domestic finance subsidiaries are accounted for as operating leases in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As a result, they are not included in total sales of our automobile segment or in our measure of unit sales.

 

Automobiles are produced by Honda at two sites in Japan: the Saitama factory and the Suzuka factory. Our major production sites overseas include those located in Ohio (U.S.A.), Alabama (U.S.A.), Indiana (U.S.A.), Ontario (Canada), Swindon (U.K.), Ayutthaya (Thailand), Uttar Pradesh (India) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd., one of our consolidated subsidiaries, assembles Mini cars for the Japanese domestic market.

 

For further information on recent operations and a financial review of the automobile business, see “Operating Results” in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”

 

Financial Services Business

 

We offer a variety of financial services to our customers and dealers through finance subsidiaries in countries including Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil and Thailand, with the aim of providing sales support for our products. The services of these subsidiaries include retail lending, leasing to customers and other financial services, such as wholesale financing to dealers.

 

The following table sets out Honda’s revenue from Financial Services Business and the breakdown by geographical markets based on the location of the customer during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
           2009                 2010                 2011        
     Revenue     Revenue     Revenue  
     (billions)     (billions)     (billions)  

Japan

   ¥ 24.0      ¥ 24.6      ¥ 26.3   

North America

     527.9        553.1        503.9   

Europe

     12.6        10.4        9.2   

Asia

     4.7        4.3        3.7   

Other Regions

     12.8        13.8        18.5   
                        

Total

   ¥ 582.2      ¥ 606.3      ¥ 561.8   
                        

Financial Service revenue as a percentage of total sales revenue

     6     7     6

 

For further information on recent operations and a financial review of the financial services business, see “Operating Results” in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

 

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Power Product and Other Businesses

 

Honda’s power product business began in 1953 with the introduction of the model the H, its first general purpose engine. Since then, Honda has manufactured a variety of power products including tillers, portable generators, general-purpose engines, grass cutters, outboard marine engines, water pumps, snow throwers, power carriers, power sprayers, lawn mowers and lawn tractors (riding lawn mowers). In 2003, Honda introduced a compact home-use cogeneration* unit. In addition, Honda began sales of thin film solar cells made of crystalline silicon for home use in 2007 and for public and industrial use in 2008.

 

* 

Cogeneration: Cogeneration refers to the multiple applications of energy derived from a single source, such as using the heat supplied during the combustion process that drives an engine for other heating or cooling purposes.

 

The following table sets out Honda’s revenue from Power Product and Other Businesses and the breakdown by geographical markets based on the location of the customer during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2009     2010     2011  
     Units      Revenue     Units      Revenue     Units      Revenue  
     (thousands)      (billions)     (thousands)      (billions)     (thousands)      (billions)  

Japan

     516       ¥ 115.2        322       ¥ 98.3        388       ¥ 96.5   

North America

     1,893         80.1        1,818         65.8        2,085         67.9   

Europe

     1,306         71.1        1,066         54.3        1,174         55.2   

Asia

     970         50.7        1,069         36.7        1,325         49.3   

Other Regions

     502         25.8        469         22.3        537         23.6   
                                                   

Total

     5,187       ¥ 343.0        4,744       ¥ 277.6        5,509       ¥ 292.6   
                                                   

Power Product and other revenue as a percentage of total sales revenue

        3        3        3

 

* 

Unit sales of Power product and other business include all trilateral trade transactions from the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The change in the presentation for unit sales of Power product and other business resulted in an increase of 54 thousand units and 91 thousand units in fiscal year 2010 and 2011, respectively, as compared to the presentation used in the prior periods. Trilateral trade transactions represent the transaction in which the Company purchases products from the vendors overseas and sells them to third countries.

 

For further information on recent operations and a financial review of the power product and other businesses, see “Operating Results” in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

 

Marketing and Distribution

 

Most of Honda’s products are distributed under the Honda trademarks in Japan and/or in overseas markets.

 

Sales in Japan

 

Sales of Honda motorcycles, automobiles, and power products in Japan are made through different distribution networks. Honda’s products are sold to consumers primarily by independent retail dealers throughout Japan.

 

Motorcycles are distributed through approximately 7,600 outlets, including approximately 660 “PRO’S” shops and approximately 100 Honda Dream authorized dealerships.

 

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As for the automobile distribution network, at present, approximately 770 retail dealers operate approximately 2,180 shops and sell models including the Legend, Inspire, Accord, Accord Tourer, Civic-R EU, Insight, Elysion, Odyssey, Step Wagon, Stream, FREED, FREED SPIKE, Fit, Fit Hybrid, CR-V, CR-Z, Life, Zest, Vamos, and Acty.

 

Power products are distributed in Japan to approximately 1,280 retail dealers throughout Japan, including affiliates of Honda. A number of small engines are also sold to other manufacturers for use in their products.

 

Service and Parts Related Operations in Japan

 

Sales of spare parts and after sales services are mainly provided through retail dealers. Training programs on automobile service technicians are provided for dealers regularly by Honda’s Automobile Sales Operations (Japan).

 

Overseas Sales

 

In fiscal 2011, approximately 96% of Honda’s overseas sales were made through its principal foreign sales subsidiaries, which distribute Honda’s products to local wholesalers and retail dealers.

 

In the United States, Honda markets its products through a sales network of approximately 1,100 independent local dealers for motorcycles, approximately 1,300 for automobiles and approximately 7,200 for power products. Many of the motorcycle dealers and some of the automobile dealers also sell Honda’s power products. In 1986, Honda opened the first Acura automobile dealerships in the United States. The Acura network in the United States totaled 270 dealerships at the end of fiscal 2011. The Acura network offers RL, TL, TSX, TSX Sport Wagon, RDX, MDX, ZDX models, and CSX in Canada.

 

With regard to exports from North America, Honda is currently exporting such North American-built models as the Accord, Civic, Pilot, MDX, Odyssey, TL, Ridgeline, RDX, Element and ZDX to other markets. In fiscal 2011, Honda exported approximately 42,000 units from North America to 41 countries throughout the world.

 

In Europe, Honda’s products are distributed through approximately 1,650 independent local dealers for motorcycles, approximately 1,600 for automobiles and approximately 2,600* for power products.

 

* 

Total number represents dealers in 10 countries where Honda has foreign sales subsidiaries.

 

In Asia, Honda’s products are distributed through approximately 16,200 independent local dealers for motorcycles, approximately 1,370 for automobiles and approximately 1,610* for power products.

 

* 

Total number represents dealers in six countries where Honda has foreign sales subsidiaries.

 

The Company exports motorcycle components to 15 countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Brazil, where motorcycles are manufactured by its subsidiaries, joint venture firms and licensees. Some of the components used in the production of these vehicles are supplied locally.

 

The Company exports automobile components to 15 countries, including the United States, Canada, China, Thailand and Brazil, where automobiles are manufactured by its subsidiaries, joint venture firms and licensees. Some of the components used in the production of these vehicles are supplied locally.

 

The Company also exports power product components to seven countries, including Thailand and China, where power products are manufactured by its subsidiaries, joint venture firms and licensees. Some of the components used in the production of these products are supplied locally.

 

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Service and Parts Related Operations Overseas

 

Honda provides its overseas operations, joint venture firms, independent distributors and licensees with spare parts and necessary technical information, which they in turn supply to wholesale or retail dealers, either directly or through one or more spare parts distributors.

 

Components and Parts, Raw Materials and Sources of Supply

 

Honda manufactures the major components and parts used in its products, including engines, frames and transmissions. Other components and parts, such as shock absorbers, electrical equipment and tires, are purchased from numerous suppliers. The principal raw materials used by Honda are steel plate, aluminum, special steels, steel tubes, paints, plastics and zinc, which are purchased from several suppliers. The most important raw material purchased is steel plate, accounting for approximately 44% of Honda’s total purchases of raw materials.

 

No single supplier accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s purchases of major components and parts and principal raw materials during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

 

Ordinarily, Honda does not have and does not anticipate having any difficulty in obtaining its required materials from suppliers and considers its contracts and business relations with the suppliers to be satisfactory. Due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, Honda has a shortage of certain parts supplies, but Honda considers this shortage is temporarily. The Company does not believe any of its domestic suppliers are substantially more dependent on foreign suppliers than are Japanese suppliers generally. It should be noted that Japanese industry in general is heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for substantially all of its raw materials.

 

Seasonality

 

Honda’s motorcycle and power product businesses have historically experienced some seasonality. However, this seasonality has not generally been material to our financial results.

 

Environmental and Safety Regulation

 

Outline of Environmental and Safety Regulation for Automobiles

 

1. Emissions

 

Japan

 

In 2005, to limit emissions into the environment and the impact on global climate changes, the Central Environment Council in the Ministry of Environment created new long-term targets and comprehensive requirements for gasoline and diesel vehicles which have become effective starting from 2008. New long term targets for gasoline vehicles remain unchanged except for direct injection gasoline vehicles which will be required to meet the particulate matter (PM) standard. New long-term emissions targets for diesel vehicles have been lowered by more than 50% from the current level of NOx and PM standards.

 

Furthermore, in March 2008, to strengthen the enforcement of laws, the 2009 Exhaust Emission Standards were created after the passage of new long-term regulation. Long-term targets for gasoline vehicles remain unchanged except those for direct injection gasoline vehicles, which will also be required to meet the PM standard. New long term emissions targets for diesel vehicles have been lowered by more than 60% from the current level of NOx and PM standards.

 

In 2010, the Central Environment Council of the Ministry of Environment reviewed the current JC08 mode concerning the exhaust emission test mode and commenced a study for the introduction of WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure).

 

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The United States

 

Increasingly stringent emission regulations under the Clean Air Act have been enacted since the 1990s by the U.S. federal government. Under the Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in February 2000 adopted more stringent vehicle emissions regulations applicable to passenger cars and light-duty trucks produced from model year 2004. Moreover, the new standard provides for gradual decreases in sulfur levels contained in fuel in the U.S. market.

 

Under the Clean Air Act, the State of California is permitted to establish its own emission control standards to the extent they are more stringent than federal standards. Pursuant to this authority, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted the “California Low Emission Vehicle Program” in 1990, aiming to establish the strictest emission regulation in the world. In late 1998, the CARB strengthened its regulatory standards through the introduction of new standards, known as the “California Low Emission Vehicle Program II” (LEV II). These new standards treat most light trucks the same as passenger cars and require both types of vehicles to meet the new emissions standards of LEV II. In January 2001, the CARB approved modifications to the “Zero- Emission Vehicles” (ZEV) requirement under LEV II, permitting gasoline Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV), hybrid vehicles (powered by gasoline engine and/or electric motor) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to partially meet zero-emission requirements by satisfying certain additional requirements. The modified requirements also provide incentives for continued technology development.

 

In April 2004, the CARB finalized its “ZEV” requirements. Under these requirements, beginning with 2005 model cars, 6% of vehicles sold in California by a car manufacturer must be Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV), which includes SULEV with warranties coverage up to the earlier of 15 years or 150,000 driven miles, 2% must be advanced technology PZEV and 2% must be ZEV. Required percentages have been gradually increased under the ZEV standards from the 2008 model cars.

 

In March 2009, the CARB amended “ZEV regulation”. The CARB requires 7,500 fuel cell vehicles (FCV) in the entire industry from 2009 to 2011 instead of current requirement of 2,500 FCV. In addition, the manufacturer should sell the significant number of Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (Enhanced AT-PZEV) in the market after the 2012 model year.

 

In 2010, the CARB began to discuss with the automobile industry, the next phase exhaust emission standard, “California Low Emission Vehicle Program III” (LEV III), which is expected to have more stringent standards.

 

Currently, many other states have also adopted or proposed to adopt the California ZEV regulation.

 

Europe

 

In each EU country, standards, such as those providing for preferential automobile tax treatment, have been established in respect of diesel vehicles that comply with the requirements prescribed in Euro4 for which the PM emission does not exceed 5mg/km.

 

In 2005, the European Union created new emission standards (Euro5 and Euro6) and comprehensive requirements for gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles. Euro5 was implemented in September 2009. Emission limits for gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles were further lowered compared to the Euro4 level of HC, NOx and PM. PM mass standards apply only to vehicles with direct injection engine.

 

Additionally, beginning September 2011, Euro5 is expected to require limits on particle number from diesel vehicles and to implement new test measurement for PM mass from gasoline vehicles with direct injection engine and from diesel vehicles.

 

Euro6 will be implemented in 2014. Emission limits for diesel vehicles will be lowered even more than the Euro5 level HC and NOx. Additionally, Euro6 will require limits on Particle number from gasoline vehicles.

 

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Russia

 

The Euro4 regulation has been in effect from January 2010. Additionally, the Euro5 regulation will be implemented in January 2014.

 

China

 

China adopted Step3 and Step4 emission regulations for light-duty vehicles in 2005. These regulations are similar to European regulations (such as Euro3 and Euro4). Step3 was implemented in 2007 and Step4 was implemented in July 2010. In addition, China proposed to implement Step5 emission regulations in 2016, which is based on Euro5.

 

In the city of Beijing, Step3 was implemented in December 2005 and Step4 was implemented in March 2008. In addition, the city of Beijing is studying introduction of Step5 emission regulations in the second half of 2012.

 

Other Regions

 

South Korea adopted the enforcement regulation of the Special Act on Capital Region Air Quality Improvement. Accordingly, some manufacturers were required to sell low emission vehicles which meet a more stringent emission standard than those meeting the national standard from January 2005. In January 2009, an enhanced national emission standard was implemented.

 

Several other Asian countries have adopted regulations which are similar to the European regulations (such as Euro2 and Euro3). Some of these countries are studying introduction of Euro4 and Euro5.

 

Australia implemented Euro4-equivalent regulations in July 2008. In addition, Australia is studying introduction of Euro5 in 2013.

 

2. Fuel Economy / CO2

 

Japan

 

In 1998, an amendment was made to the Law Concerning Rationalization of Energy Usage that established a fuel efficiency standard based on weight class in Japan. This standard was tightened in 2005 for diesel-fueled automobiles. For gasoline automobiles, tighter standards were implemented during 2010.

 

In light of the CO2 reduction targets promulgated under the Kyoto Protocol in respect to concerns related to possible global climate changes, the Japanese government issued a fuel regulation for an interim ethanol blending limit (less than 3%) which became effective in 2003. The Japanese government intends to further increase this limit until the final target of 10% is achieved within a decade from 2003.

 

In 2005, discussions about the “POST-2010” standard took place among the applicable ministries and industries. In February 2007, the final “POST-2010” target, or the “2015 standard”, was announced. Fuel consumption will be reduced by 29.2% compared to the 2010 target for passenger cars.

 

In June 2010, the MLIT and METI set out a committee respectively and jointly to commence a study to formulate the new fuel efficiency standard for passenger motor vehicles etc. toward 2020.

 

Ethanol blended fuel is a “biomass fuel”. Biomass fuel is regarded as an effective countermeasure for CO2 reduction. CO2 emissions after burning ethanol fuel produced with biomass resources (such as plants or wood) are not counted as CO2 emissions under the Kyoto Protocol.

 

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The United States

 

The Federal Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act requires automobile manufacturers to comply with the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Under the CAFE standards, manufacturers are subject to substantial penalties if automobiles produced by them in any model year do not meet the average standards for each category. The CAFE standard for passenger cars has been set at 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) starting from the 1990 model year and for light trucks at 20.7 miles per gallon standard was established for the 1996-2004 model years. The standard for light trucks increased from the 2005 model year (21.0 miles per gallon) to the 2007 model year (22.2 miles per gallon).

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reformed the CAFE standard for light trucks in 2006. The new size-based CAFE standard for light trucks would have been implemented in the 2008 model year. However, on November 15, 2007, the United Stated Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decided to revoke the CAFE regulation concerning light-duty trucks that the NHTSA had adopted. The court held that the NHTSA failed to (1) implement the cost conversion of CO2 emission when establishing the CAFE limit values concerning the 2008-2009 model year light-duty trucks, (2) establish the Backstop Requirements, (3) the requirements concerning classification of passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks and (4) prescribe the fuel economy limit values for all vehicles with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating class of 8,500 to 10,000 pounds. The court held that the CAFE regulation was arbitrary and capricious and that, furthermore, it violated the U.S. Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

 

In addition, in 2007, former U.S. President Bush directed relevant U.S. federal agencies to take the first steps toward regulations that would reduce gasoline consumption and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from vehicles by 20 percent over 10 years. Therefore, the NHTSA has to promptly establish new limit values conforming to the pertinent policy and to apply it in the earliest possible model year.

 

The NHTSA issued a new CAFE regulation draft which applies to passenger cars and light trucks from the 2011 model year to the 2015 model year on May 2, 2008. The proposal requires 31.6 miles per gallon for the combined CAFE standard in the 2015 model year. However, on January 26, 2009, President Obama announced that he has directed the NHTSA to issue the CAFE standard of the 2011 model year initially, and issue the standard for the 2012 model year and subsequent model years after reconsidering the details of this standard.

 

In March 2009, the NHTSA issued the CAFE regulation standard for passenger cars and light trucks for the 2011 model year. The CAFE standard calculation of passenger cars and light trucks for the 2011 model year use a footprint prescribed in the CAFE regulation issued in 2006. Industry-wide combined average for the 2011 model year is estimated to be 27.3 mpg.

 

The EPA and the NHTSA jointly finalized the U.S. federal GHG regulation from the 2012 model year in accordance with President Obama’s announcement, and the EPA restricts carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, and the NHTSA restricts fuel economy (mile per gallon). The standard for the 2016 model year is 250 g-CO2/mile or 35.5 mpg over the industry average. In addition, a manufacturer is also deemed to comply with CARB GHG regulation if the manufacturer complies with EPA-GHG, based on an agreement among the White House, the CARB and the industry.

 

In August 2005, the CARB finalized its GHG regulation in response to concerns related to possible global climate changes. Under the GHG regulation, which became effective for the 2009 model year, automobile manufacturers have to improve fuel economy from the 2002 levels by more than 30% by the 2016 model year. Many other states have adopted the GHG regulations.

 

In April 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has the authority to regulate GHG emissions. However, the EPA decided not to grant enforcement of the GHG regulation by the State of California on December 19, 2007. The EPA concluded that the Federal unified standard can contribute to a significant reduction of GHG emitted in all states and will be more effective than California’s approach.

 

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In March 2008, the EPA denied California’s GHG regulation waiver request against the CARB. On January 26, 2009, U.S. President Obama announced that he had directed the EPA to review California’s waiver request. The EPA approved the waiver on July 8th, 2009 because the CARB promised that a manufacturer was also deemed to comply with CARB GHG regulation if the manufacturer complied with EPA-GHG from the 2012 through 2016 model years.

 

On May 21, 2010, President Obama ordered NHTSA and EPA to extend the National Program for cars and light-duty trucks to the model years 2017 and beyond with the support of CARB. On October 1, 2010, NHTSA, EPA and CARB announced the notice of intent to conduct a joint rulemaking with respect to fuel economy and GHG standards for the model years 2017 and beyond. The numerous standards are expected to be issued on September 1, 2011.

 

Europe

 

In 2006, discussions about establishing targets for 2008 began among the European Commission, Member States and the automobile industry. In 2008, the European parliament adopted CO2 regulations in response to concerns related to possible global climate changes. The adopted CO2 regulations were published by Official Journal in June 2009.

 

Pursuant to those CO2 regulations, the European Commission set a more stringent target of 130 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer for new passenger cars offered for sale in the EU from 2012. In addition, the CO2 regulations provided manufacturers with the necessary incentive to reduce the CO2 emissions of their vehicles by imposing an excess emissions premium if their average emission levels are above the limit value curve. This premium will be based on the number of grams per kilometer (g/km) that an average vehicle sold by the manufacturer exceeds the limit imposed by the curve, multiplied by the number of vehicles sold by the manufacturer.

 

China

 

China adopted a fuel consumption regulation for passenger vehicles in 2004. Step 1 of this regulation was implemented in 2005 and Step 2 was implemented in 2008. In addition, the Chinese Government proposed Step3 regulations to be implemented in 2012. It will be a Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulation from Step3.

 

Other Regions

 

South Korea adopted the regulation of Corporate Average Fuel Economy for passenger vehicles in 2005. Domestic vehicles have been required to adhere to these regulations starting from 2006 and imported vehicles have been required to meet the requirement from 2010. In addition, South Korea adopted a more stringent regulation in 2008 that will be implemented in 2012. However, as South Korea is reconsidering the implementation of these regulations, only selective regulation (Fuel Economy or CO2) are expected to be implemented in 2012.

 

3. Recycling / End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) / REACH

 

Japan

 

Japan enacted the Automobile Recycling Law in July 2002, which required manufacturers to take back air bags, fluorocarbon and shredder residue derived from end-of-life vehicles (ELV), which became effective on January 1, 2005. ELV processing costs are collected from owners of cars currently in use and purchasers of new cars.

 

Europe

 

In September 2000, the European Union approved a directive requiring its member states to promulgate regulations implementing the following by April 21, 2002.

 

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Manufacturers must be financially responsible for taking back end-of-life vehicles offered for sale after July 1, 2002 and dismantle and recycle the vehicles. Beginning on January 1, 2007, the requirement has also been applied to all vehicles offered for sale in the European Union before July 1, 2002.

 

Manufacturers must not use specified hazardous materials in vehicles offered for sale in the European Union after July 2003, and 95% of vehicle parts in new vehicle types sold in the European Union after December 15, 2008, must be designed to be re-usable and recoverable.

 

On December 30, 2006, the European Union adopted the Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), which became effective on June 1, 2007. From June 1, 2008, any manufacturer or importer of chemical substances is required to submit a registration to the Agency, based on annual production or import quantity levels. Submitting a pre-registration between June 1, and December 1, 2008 will allow the manufacturer or importer to extend the deadline for submitting the registration for existing chemical substances. The list of Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) is amended periodically by adding substances. Currently, 46 substances are in the SVHC list. Upon a request by a consumer, a supplier of a product containing SVHC must provide the consumer with sufficient information, with at least the name of the substance, within 45 days.

 

On February 18, 2011, the first set of substances which require the authorization for use after certain specified dates was announced. Manufacturers using these substances in Europe must either be authorized for the use after submitting the application, or substitute the substances. Substances which require the authorization are expected to be added periodically.

 

Other Regions

 

Taiwan and Korea implemented automobile recycling laws from January 1, 2008 following the regulations established by the European Union and Japan. In addition, China has a plan to implement automobile recycling laws in the near future.

 

4. Safety

 

Japan

 

In November 2007, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) issued safety standards which are applicable from July 1, 2012, for vehicles which use high voltage electric power such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles, to avoid electric shocks during normal operations and crashing. And further, in 2011, they are expected to adopt ECE R100 which was amended to incorporate the Japanese electrical safety standard.

 

In March 2008, the MLIT issued the technical standards for Event Data Recorders (EDRs). Installation of EDRs in vehicles and, if an EDRs is installed, compliance with MLIT’s technical standards, are both voluntary.

 

Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC), which is organized by the MLIT and JAMA, among others, has started to review a proposal for the unification of Safety/Environment Standards, vehicle categories and certification in order to promote further internationalization of standards and certifications. JASIC is planning to make the proposal to other contracting parties of the 58 / 98 Agreement by 2009 and aim at reaching an agreement among the contracting parties by 2015.

 

In January 2010, MLIT started preparing a guideline for some measures against the silent characteristic of hybrid vehicles and also started studying how to regulate this.

 

In March 2010, in the session of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Japan proposed the establishment of “a mutual certification system of international vehicle type certifications”, which was agreed upon.

 

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In March 2010, triggered by a hit-and-run accident in the United States, the MLIT began research on introducing “brake-override-systems”. During 2011, the MLIT plans to introduce regulations and standards of bumpers’ impact absorption to protect legs of pedestrians.

 

The United States

 

In August 2006, the NHTSA issued a final rule revising performance requirements for advanced airbag systems. The rule upgrades the maximum speed for frontal barrier crash tests using a belted small adult female dummy. Manufacturer must comply with the upgraded requirements for 35% of all vehicles produced by 2009, 65% by 2010, and 100% by 2011.

 

In April 2007, the NHTSA issued a final rule regarding an electronic stability control system standard for light vehicles to reduce rollover crashes. The new standard requires installation of electronic stability control system. Manufacturers have had to comply with the standard for 55% of all vehicles produced by 2008, 75% by 2009, 95% by 2010, and 100% by 2011.

 

In May 2007, the NHTSA issued a final rule to revise some performance requirements for head restraints, to delay the effective date, and to set a phase-in compliance schedule. For front seat requirements, manufacturers have to comply with the revised requirements for 80% of all vehicles produced by 2009, and 100% by 2010. For voluntarily installed rear head restraints, manufacturers also must be in compliance for 80% of all vehicles by 2010, and 100% by 2011.

 

In January 2008, the NHTSA issued a final rule to revise some performance requirements for event data recorders and to delay the effective date. Manufacturers offering passenger cars and/or other light vehicles equipped with event data recorders must comply with the revised requirements on or after September 2012.

 

In February 2008, the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act was established, and the NHTSA issued some regulations to prevent accidents involving children based on the Act. In March 2009, the NHTSA issued a proposed rule to address backover accidents. In December 2010, the NHTSA issued a proposal rule to require the vehicles with GVWR of 4,536kg or less to display a rear view image (i.e. requiring rearward camera system and screen system to display rear view image by camera system) for the purpose of taking countermeasures on backover accidents. Manufacturers must comply with the new requirements in accordance with proposed phase-in compliance schedule.

 

In June 2008, the NHTSA issued a final rule to revise some performance requirements and phase-in compliance schedules in upgraded side impact occupant protection standards. For both the moving deformable barrier test and the oblique side pole impact test, manufacturers must comply with the revised requirements for 20% of all vehicles produced by 2010, 40% by 2011, 60% by 2012, 80% by 2013 and 100% by 2014.

 

In October 2008, the NHTSA issued a final rule to revise the definition of Designated Seating Position (DSP) and to newly introduce the procedure for determining the number of DSPs. These are not Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), but manufacturers must comply with all requirements related to DSPs, such as the equipment requirement for 3-points safety belts, on and after September 1, 2011.

 

In May 2009, the NHTSA issued a final rule to upgrade vehicle roof crush standard. The rule newly introduces the “Two-sided Roof Test,” which imposes the strength tests for both sides of the vehicle roof, and increases the maximum applied load. For vehicles with GVWR of 2,722kg or less, manufacturers must comply with the upgraded requirements for 25% of all vehicles produced by 2012, 50% by 2013, 75% by 2014, and 100% by 2015. For heavier vehicles, manufacturers must comply with the standards on and after September 2016.

 

In December 2009, the NHTSA issued a proposed rule to prevent the ejection of occupants in rollover accidents. The rule requires “ejection mitigation countermeasure” (e.g. advanced glazing or head protection side

 

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airbag) equipment which meets with performance requirements. Manufacturers must comply with the new requirements from the first September which occurs after six years have elapsed since the issuance of the final rule.

 

Europe

 

The European Commission issued a new regulation for pedestrian protection, which includes installation requirements of the Brake Assist System. It required M1 (Passenger vehicles up to nine passengers) and N1 (Light commercial vehicles with gross vehicle weight up to 3.5 tons) vehicles to meet standards for the protection of pedestrians in the event of a collision with the front of a motor vehicle. The new regulation will be effective November 24, 2011 for new types of vehicles.

 

Additionally, the European Commission issued a new regulation for GSR (type approval requirements for the General Safety of vehicles). It includes an installation requirement for the advanced safety system (Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)) and a tire performance requirement in order to improve the safety and environmental performance of vehicles.

 

In September 2008, United Nation issued a revised Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) regulation relating to installation of lighting devices to require the installation of dedicated daytime running lamps (DRL). For M1 and N1 vehicles, manufacturers must equip DRL and comply with related requirements on and after February 2011, if certified as new type vehicle.

 

5. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

 

Programs that provide customers with assessments of car safety functions and promote the development of car safety by automobile manufacturers are conducted in countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, the EU, Korea and China. The principal items assessed in these programs are passenger protection and braking power, which are typically assessed with stricter standards or criteria than those required by statute.

 

In July 2008, the NHTSA issued a final decision to upgrade NCAP testing and safety rating criteria with the revision of frontal and side impact tests, the introduction of an overall rating program, and the addition of ratings for crash avoidance technologies. These new tests and rating criteria are being used for vehicles tested as part of the NCAP beginning with model year 2011 vehicles.

 

Outline of Environmental and Safety Regulation for Motorcycles

 

1. Emissions

 

Japan

 

Japan has emissions regulations for motorcycles applicable to all classes of engine displacement. Some aspects of these requirements, such as standards for hydro-carbon levels and durability, are stricter than the current European regulations, namely the Euro3 regulations. MLIT introduced WMTC test method and its applicable standards in 2010. In addition, MLIT introduced the Worldwide Harmonized Motorcycle Emissions Certification Procedure (WMTC) and its applicable standards in 2010.

 

The United States

 

Emissions regulations regarding off-road motorcycles and ATVs were introduced in 2006. In addition, the EPA adopted the current California emissions standards regarding on-road motorcycles on a national basis two years behind the schedule of California. The new regulations include fuel permeation requirements rather than traditional evaporative emission standards.

 

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Canada

 

The Canadian federal government has introduced emissions regulations generally equivalent to the U.S. EPA regulations for on-road motorcycles from the 2006 model year, and for off-road motorcycles from April 2011.

 

Europe

 

The EU maintains emissions regulations (Euro3) for motorcycles, as well as the “Motor Cycle (& Moped)—Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA)”, a uniform certification system for two and three-wheeled motor vehicles. The Euro3 regulations are the most stringent class standard for motorcycles. Euro3 regulations have been in effect from January 2006. EU Commission has introduced a recast proposal of WVTA which contains Euro4, 5 and 6 stage regulations.

 

Other Regions

 

Other countries, mainly in Asia, have implemented tighter emissions regulations based on European regulations.

 

In Thailand, a sixth stage of emissions control, which is generally equivalent to or stricter than Euro3, has been implemented.

 

In Indonesia, Euro2-equivalent regulations have been in effect from January 2006.

 

In China, the National third stage of emissions control, which is generally equivalent to or stricter than Euro3 regulations, was introduced in 2008.

 

In Korea, Euro3-equivalent regulations were implemented in 2008.

 

In Brazil, Euro3-equivalent regulations have been in effect from the beginning of 2009.

 

In India, second stage regulations based on the Indian authorities’ own test method are in effect and enhanced regulations were enacted in 2005. The third stage of emission control was implemented from 2010.

 

2. Safety

 

Japan

 

Japan introduced ECE R78—Braking system based on GTR (Global Technical Regulation). It has applied the requirement to new type models from June 18, 2009, and applied it to all models from June 18, 2011.

 

The United States

 

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 was signed into law by former President Bush on August 14, 2008. In accordance with this, children’s products including ATVs and off-road motorcycles for children have had to comply with hazardous substance and other requirements (e.g. certificate, third party testing, tracking label requirements) after November 11, 2008, and ATVs products have had to comply with the ANSI standard from April 13, 2009.

 

Three wheeled all terrain vehicles, or ATVs (formerly referred to as “ATC”s) were a problem due to the youth- involved accidents in the 80s’, and ATVs regulations established at that time. However, it turned out that a voluntary standard, which was agreed to between the industry and regulators, was established. Although the number of accidents did not increase in the 90s’, the ATVs market in the US experienced a rapid development from 2000 and the problem of youth-involved accidents increasing continued to be a focal point.

 

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ATVs industry updated the voluntary standard in 2007. That standard has been introduced in the regulation.

 

Europe

 

The number of ATVs designed to travel on four low pressure tires on non-paved surfaces has recently increased in the EU market. Because travel on public roads is necessary in Europe, manufacturers in China, Taiwan and U.S. have been receiving approval for their ATVs by the Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) Quadricycle category, and the vehicles are used in mixed traffic without safety measures. For that reason, the EU Commission is continuing discussions with each industry organization, recognizing the need for a review of the definition and the requirements of these vehicles.

 

The driving licenses directive was updated, and established on new category for mopeds, and changed the contents of each category. The new directive will be effective from January 19, 2013.

 

EU Commission has been issued a recast proposal of WVTA which contains mandatory of advanced brake system.

 

Other regions

 

The Brazil government issued a new regulation regarding anti-theft devices and has required installing an immobilizer and a vehicle tracking system on vehicles and motorcycles sold or registered from August 1, 2009. However, this regulation has not been implemented yet, because the Prosecutors Office had claimed it as unconstitutional and had asked the court to overturn it. The contents and the effective date of this regulation have been under consultation between the government and the industry. It was planned to be implemented from May 1, 2011, but has been postponed because infrastructures will not be prepared in time.

 

Many Asian countries, including India, Thailand, and Vietnam, are introducing several regulations, such as lighting, braking, and anti-theft, based on ECE regulations.

 

The Canadian government revised the controls and display regulation in order to harmonize with U.S. –  motor vehicle safety standards. It has applied to all motorcycle manufactured from February 22, 2008.

 

Outline of Environmental and Safety Regulation for Power Products

 

1. Emissions

 

The United States

 

The EPA introduced more stringent exhaust standards and new evaporative emission standards for fuel tanks and fuel lines used in the small non-road engines. The new regulation will apply starting in the 2011 model year for Class II engines (above 225 cc) and in the 2012 model year for Class I engines (less than 225 cc, used in non-handheld applications) and generally start in 2010 for handheld products. EPA also adopted a more stringent level of emission standards for outboard and personal watercraft engines starting with the 2010 model year. This new regulation includes new standards to control evaporative emissions for all vessels using marine spark-ignition engines.

 

Canada

 

The Canadian federal government has introduced emissions regulations generally equivalent to the U.S. EPA regulations for outboard and personal watercraft engines from the 2012 model year. This new regulation includes to control evaporative emissions from the 2015 model year.

 

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China

 

An exhaust emission standard was introduced in China on March 1, 2011. Its requirements are based on the European exhaust emission regulation, and are applicable to small spark ignition engines for non-road mobile machinery with 19 kW or less.

 

2. Safety

 

Japan

 

“The institute of Agricultural Machinery” amended the safety standard of backward speed requirement for walk-behind equipment from 3.6 km/h to 1.8 km/h, and the interpretation of splash protection guard requirements for brush cutters. New models have had to comply with the standard from April 2010, and all models will need to comply with it from April 2015.

 

The United States

 

Based on the “Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008”, walk-behind lawn mowers have had to comply with the certificate requirements from November 11, 2008. The CPSC has enhanced the recall system by this Act.

 

Europe

 

The Machinery Directive was changed on May 16, 2006, and a new directive has been effective from December 29, 2009. The main changes were to clarify the scope of the directive (e.g. partly completed machinery such as engine unit) and to add the concrete description of market survey and obligation to establish a penalty description for member states.

 

China

 

The Chinese State Council has published the “Agricultural Machinery Safety Supervision and Management Regulations.” This regulation requires that defective agricultural machinery producers should conduct recalls in a timely manner. The producers should establish the quality assurance system for their products. In addition, agricultural machinery is required to comply with the applicable new technical standards. The new regulation was implemented on November 1, 2009.

 

Medium- and long-term management strategy and Management target: Preparing for the Next Leap Forward

 

Honda aims to achieve global growth by further encouraging and strengthening innovation and creativity and creating quality products that please the customers and exceed their expectations.

 

Therefore, in order to improve the competitiveness of its products, Honda will endeavor to enhance its R&D, production and sales capabilities. Furthermore, Honda will continue to enhance its social reputation in the community through companywide activities. Honda recognizes that further enhancing the following specific areas is essential to its success:

 

1. Research and Development

 

In connection with its efforts to develop the most effective safety and environmental technologies, Honda will continue to be innovative in advanced technology and products. Honda aims to create and introduce new value-added products to quickly respond to specific needs in various markets around the world. Honda will also continue its efforts to conduct research on experimental technologies for the future.

 

2. Production Efficiency

 

Honda will establish and enhance efficient and flexible production systems at its global production bases and supply high quality products, with the aim of meeting the needs of its customers in each region.

 

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3. Sales Efficiency

 

Honda will remain proactive in its efforts to expand product lines through the innovative use of IT and will show its continued commitment to different customers throughout the world by upgrading its sales and service structure.

 

4. Product Quality

 

In response to increasing customer demand, Honda will upgrade its quality control by enhancing the functions of and coordination among the development, purchasing, production, sales and service departments.

 

5. Safety Technologies

 

Honda is working to develop safety technologies that enhance accident prediction and prevention, technologies to help reduce the risk of injuries to passengers and pedestrians from car accidents, and technologies that enhance compatibility between large and small vehicles, as well as expand its lineup of products incorporating such technologies. Honda will reinforce and continue to advance its contribution to traffic safety in motorized societies in Japan and abroad. Honda also intends to remain active in a variety of traffic safety programs, including advanced driving and motorcycling training programs provided by local dealerships.

 

6. The Environment

 

Honda will step up its efforts to create better, cleaner and more fuel-efficient engine technologies and to further improve recyclables throughout its product lines. Honda will also work to advance fuel cell technology and steadily promote its new solar cell business. In addition, Honda will further its efforts to minimize its environmental impact. To this end, Honda sets global targets to reduce the environmental burden as measured by the Life Cycle Assessment*, in all areas of business, spanning 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.

 

7. Continuing to Enhance Honda’s Social Reputation and Communication with the Community

 

In addition to continuing to provide products incorporating Honda’s advanced safety and environmental technologies, Honda will continue striving to enhance its social reputation by, among other things, strengthening its corporate governance, compliance, and risk management as well as participating in community activities and making philanthropic contributions.

 

To achieve these targets, Honda will make all possible efforts in pursuit of its vision for the Company as it moves towards 2020: “To provide good products in a timely fashion, at affordable prices, and with low CO2 emissions”

 

Preparing for the Future

 

The Company temporarily suspended production at its sites located in Japan due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011, which included a shortage of parts supplies. In addition, some of Honda’s business sites, such as Honda’s R&D subsidiaries located in Tochigi Prefecture, were heavily damaged. By April 11, 2011, the Company had resumed production activities at all of its production sites; however, production of completed automobiles at plants within Japan and production of components and parts for Honda’s overseas sites had been operating at approximately half the normal rate. Production in Japan has been nearly normalized in late June. Production at Honda’s automobile plants overseas has been reduced as well

 

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and is expected to be nearly normalized around August to September. In such circumstances, Honda will endeavor to normalize the supply chain continuously and aims to return to normal production as soon as possible. Honda will work on sales pickup by the recovery of production and bring about the recovery of its operations as soon as possible. Taking into account this experience, Honda will strive to minimize risks that have surfaced due to the earthquake disaster, including risks related to supply chain disruption.

 

In response to the occurrence of inappropriate activities at Honda Trading Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the Company, and based on the investigation report and suggestion for preventive countermeasures that was submitted to the Company’s board of directors by the investigation committee established with external experts, the Company will build a system to make appropriate business judgments in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations and will further enhance corporate governance, increasing compliance awareness, and strengthening the risk management systems, including through the reexamination of personnel management systems.

 

Through these company-wide activities, Honda will strive to be a company that its shareholders, investors, customers and society want to exist.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

 

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had 99 Japanese subsidiaries and 284 overseas subsidiaries. The following table sets out for each of the Company’s principal subsidiaries, the country of incorporation, function and percentage ownership and voting interest held by Honda.

 

Company

   Country of
Incorporation
  

Function

   Percentage
Ownership
and
Voting Interest
 

Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

   Japan    Research & Development      100.0   

Honda Engineering Co., Ltd.

   Japan    Manufacturing and Sales of machine tools, equipment and production techniques      100.0   

Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.

   Japan    Manufacturing      50.5   

Honda Finance Co., Ltd.

   Japan    Finance      100.0   

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

   U.S.A.    Sales      100.0   

Honda North America, Inc.

   U.S.A.    Coordination of Subsidiaries Operation      100.0   

Honda of America Mfg., Inc.

   U.S.A.    Manufacturing      100.0   

American Honda Finance Corporation

   U.S.A.    Finance      100.0   

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC

   U.S.A.    Manufacturing      100.0   

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC

   U.S.A.    Manufacturing      100.0   

Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc.

   U.S.A.    Manufacturing      100.0   

Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

   U.S.A.    Research & Development      100.0   

Honda Canada Inc.

   Canada    Manufacturing and Sales      100.0   

Honda Canada Finance Inc.

   Canada    Finance      100.0   

Honda de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    Manufacturing and Sales      100.0   

Honda Motor Europe Limited

   U.K.    Coordination of Subsidiaries Operation and Sales      100.0   

Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.

   U.K.    Manufacturing      100.0   

Honda Finance Europe plc

   U.K.    Finance      100.0   

Honda France S.A.S.*1

   France    Sales      100.0   

Honda Bank GmbH

   Germany    Finance      100.0   

Honda Deutschland GmbH*2

   Germany    Sales      100.0   

Honda Italia Industriale S.p.A.

   Italy    Manufacturing and Sales      100.0   

Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

   China    Coordination of Subsidiaries Operation and Sales      100.0   

Honda Auto Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

   China    Manufacturing      100.0   

Honda Automobile (China) Co., Ltd.

   China    Manufacturing      65.0   

Honda Siel Cars India Limited

   India    Manufacturing and Sales      97.4   

Honda Taiwan Co., Ltd.

   Taiwan    Sales      100.0   

Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

   Thailand    Coordination of Subsidiaries Operation and Sales      100.0   

Honda Leasing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

   Thailand    Finance      100.0   

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

   Thailand    Manufacturing and Sales      89.0   

Thai Honda Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

   Thailand    Manufacturing      60.0   

Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd.

   Vietnam    Manufacturing and Sales      70.0   

Honda Motor de Argentina S.A.

   Argentina    Manufacturing and Sales      100.0   

Honda South America Ltda.

   Brazil    Coordination of Subsidiaries Operation      100.0   

Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda.

   Brazil    Manufacturing and Sales      100.0   

Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda.

   Brazil    Manufacturing and Sales      100.0   

Honda Turkiye A.S.

   Turkey    Manufacturing and Sales      100.0   

Honda Australia Pty. Ltd.

   Australia    Sales      100.0   

 

*1 

Honda France S.A.S. changed its name from Honda Motor Europe (South) S.A.S. effective April 1, 2010.

 

*2 

Honda Deutschland GmbH changed its name from Honda Motor Europe (North) GmbH effective April 1, 2010.

 

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D. Property, Plants and Equipment

 

The following table sets out information, as of March 31, 2011, with respect to Honda’s principal manufacturing facilities, all of which are owned by Honda:

 

Location

   Number of
Employees
    

Principal Products Manufactured

Sayama, Saitama, Japan

     5,290       Automobiles

Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan

     2,506       Power products and transmissions

Suzuka, Mie, Japan

     6,706       Automobiles

Ohzu-machi, Kikuchi-gun Kumamoto, Japan

     3,188       Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, power products and engines

Marysville, Ohio, U.S.A.

     4,993       Automobiles

Anna, Ohio, U.S.A.

     2,592       Engines

East Liberty, Ohio, U.S.A.

     2,644       Automobiles

Lincoln, Alabama, U.S.A.

     4,032       Automobiles and engines

Greensburg, Indiana, U.S.A.

     1,141       Automobiles

Alliston, Ontario, Canada

     4,065       Automobiles and engines

El Salto, Mexico

     2,169       Motorcycles and automobiles

Swindon, Wiltshire, U.K.

     3,127       Automobiles and engines

Atessa, Italy

     747       Motorcycles, power products and engines

Guangzhou, China

     800       Automobiles

Greater Noida, India

     2,172       Automobiles

Ayutthaya, Thailand

     3,517       Automobiles

Bangkok, Thailand

     3,051       Motorcycles and power products

Vinhphuc, Vietnam

     2,680       Motorcycles and automobiles

Buenos Aires, Argentina

     544       Motorcycles and automobiles

Sumare, Brazil

     3,400       Automobiles

Manaus, Brazil

     8,374       Motorcycles and power products

Gebze, Turkey

     826       Automobiles

 

In addition to its manufacturing facilities, the Company’s properties in Japan include sales offices and other sales facilities in major cities, repair service facilities, and research and development facilities.

 

As of March 31, 2011, the Company’s property, with a net book value of approximately ¥24.5 billion, was subject to specific mortgages securing indebtedness.

 

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Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures in fiscal 2011 were applied to the introduction of new models, as well as the improvement, streamlining and modernization of production facilities, and improvement of sales and R&D facilities.

 

Total capital expenditures for the year amounted to ¥1,109.7 billion, up ¥236.0 billion from the previous year. Also, total capital expenditures, excluding property on operating leases, for the year amounted to ¥311.3 billion, down ¥18.3 billion from the previous year. Spending by business segment is shown below.

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2010      2011      Increase
(Decrease)
 
     Yen (millions)  

Motorcycle Business

   ¥ 38,332       ¥ 37,084       ¥ (1,248

Automobile Business

     267,257         260,149         (7,108

Financial Services Business

     544,425         798,584         254,159   

Financial Services Business (Excluding Property on Operating Leases)

     398         164         (234

Power Product and Other Businesses

     23,748         13,963         (9,785

Total

   ¥ 873,762       ¥ 1,109,780       ¥ 236,018   

Total (Excluding Property on Operating Leases)

   ¥ 329,735       ¥ 311,360       ¥ (18,375

 

Intangible assets are not included in the table above.

 

In the motorcycle business, we made capital expenditures of ¥37,084 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Funds were allocated to the introduction of new models, as well as the improvement, streamlining and modernization of production facilities, and improvement of sales and R&D facilities.

 

In the automobile business, we made capital expenditures of ¥260,149 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Funds were allocated to the introduction of new models, as well as the improvement, streamlining and modernization of production facilities, and improvement of sales and R&D facilities. A new auto plant of Honda Motor De Argentina S.A., which is one of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries completed construction of its facilities in March 2011.

 

In the financial services business segment, capital expenditures excluding property on operating leases amounted to ¥164 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, while capital expenditures for property on operating leases were ¥798,420 million. Capital expenditures in power products and other businesses in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, totaling ¥13,963 million, were deployed to upgrade, streamline, and modernize manufacturing facilities for power products, and to improve R&D facilities for power products.

 

Plans after fiscal 2011

 

We set out our original capital expenditure plans for the period from the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 during the preceding fiscal year. We have subsequently modified these plans as follows:

 

The new auto plant in Yorii-machi Osato-gun, Saitama, Japan plans to start operation in 2013.

 

Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd., which is one of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, had stopped building a new auto plant in Yokkaichi City, Mie, Japan.

 

Managements mainly consider economic trends of each region, demand trends, situation of competitors and our business strategy such as introduction plans of new models in determining the future of projects.

 

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The estimated amounts of capital expenditures for fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 are shown below.

 

     Fiscal year ending
March 31, 2012
 
     Yen (millions)  

Motorcycle Business

   ¥ 65,300   

Automobile Business

     350,000   

Financial Services Business

     300   

Power Product and Other Businesses

     14,400   
        

Total

   ¥ 430,000   
        

 

The estimated amount of capital expenditures for Financial Services Business in the above table does not include property on operating leases.

 

Intangible assets are not included in the table above.

 

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

We do not have any unresolved written comments provided by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding our periodic reports under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

A. Operating Result

 

Overview

 

Business Environment

 

With respect to the economic environment surrounding Honda, economic conditions in the United States remained on a moderate recovery trend, as evidenced by improvement in consumer spending and private capital investment, despite concerns about the continuation of the credit contraction and high unemployment rate. The economies of Europe in general continued to improve, as seen in the increase in consumer spending, however, high unemployment persisted and concerns about the financial system remained. Also, in Asia, the economies of China and India expanded, and other countries of the region generally reported economic recovery. In Japan, the economy was at a standstill. Although private capital investment showed improvement, conditions remain challenging as consumer spending was somewhat weak and high unemployment continued. As a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011 (the “Earthquake”), the economy is expected to remain in a weakened state for the time being.

 

Overview of Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Performance

 

Honda’s consolidated net sales and operating revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, increased from the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, due mainly to increased net sales in automobile business and motorcycle business, which was partially offset by a decrease in net sales attributable to negative foreign currency translation effects. Operating income increased from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales and model mix, a decrease in fixed costs per unit as a result of production increase, and continuing cost reduction, which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses, negative foreign currency effects and the impact of the Earthquake.

 

Information about the impact of the Earthquake is described in Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects D. “Trend Information”.

 

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Motorcycle Business

 

Honda’s motorcycle unit sales increased on a consolidated basis from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to increased unit sales in Asia and Other regions including South America.

 

In Asia, expansion in demand was robust, supported by strong economic performance. In particular, sales in Thailand of Honda’s new Wave 110i and the Scoopy i as well as sales in India of CB Twister and the Activa served as a driving force in bringing a major gain in sales.

 

On the other hand, in North America, where demand has yet to recover, despite a moderate recovery mainly in utility model ATVs, the overall market for sports-type ATVs mainly for leisure use, motorcycles for recreation and other areas were weak.

 

Sales in other regions, including South America, became favorable from mid-year because of stimulated demand due to easier availability of credit and improvement in personal income. Sales of the CG150, NXR150, CG125 and other models were strong, mainly in Brazil.

 

Automobile Business

 

Honda’s automobile unit sales increased on a consolidated basis from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to increased unit sales in North America and Asia, despite decreased unit sales in Japan and Europe.

 

In Japan, operating conditions continued to be challenging because of the adverse impact to demand in the latter half of the fiscal year, following the termination of government subsidies. Although new models such as the Fit Hybrid were introduced, overall demand decreased, and unit sales decreased.

 

In Europe, overall sales were stagnant, due to the termination of subsidies in some countries of the region, weak consumption trends and more-intense competition, despite the launching of the new CR-Z.

 

On the other hand, in North America, along with the moderate economic recovery in the United States, sales of the new model Odyssey and other light trucks increased.

 

In Asia, demand in China was on a growth trend, and sales of the CR-V, in particular, showed a major increase. Sales also grew in Thailand, Indonesia and elsewhere, amid favorable economic trends.

 

Power Product and Other Businesses

 

Honda’s power products unit sales increased on a consolidated basis from the previous fiscal year, due primarily to an increase in unit sales in all the regions.

 

Unit sales of engines, mainly for OEM* use, increased in North America, Europe, Japan and other regions, including South America, along with increasing demand for construction equipment accompanying the recovery in economic conditions.

 

In Asia, unit sales grew due to market expansion, agricultural subsidies provided by the Thai government, the effects of weather conditions and other factors.

 

* 

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing): OEM refers to manufacturers of products and components sold under a third-party brand.

 

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Fiscal Year 2011 Compared with Fiscal Year 2010

 

Net Sales and Other Operating Revenue

 

Honda’s consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (hereafter, “net sales”) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, increased ¥357.6 billion, or 4.2%, to ¥8,936.8 billion from the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, due mainly to increased net sales in automobile business and motorcycle business, which was partially offset by a decrease in net sales attributable to negative foreign currency translation effects. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, net sales for the year would have increased by approximately ¥743.3 billion, or 8.7%, compared to the increase as reported of ¥357.6 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects.

 

Operating Costs and Expenses

 

Operating costs and expenses increased ¥151.6 billion, or 1.8%, to ¥8,367.0 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales increased ¥82.1 billion, or 1.3%, to ¥6,496.8 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in costs attributable to increased net sales and the effect of raw material fluctuations, which was partially offset by continuing cost reduction and positive foreign currency effects. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased ¥45.3 billion, or 3.4%, to ¥1,382.6 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in selling expenses attributable to increased net sales, the impact of the Earthquake, which was partially offset by a decrease in provisions for credit losses in financial services business, and positive foreign currency effects. R&D expenses increased by ¥24.2 billion, or 5.2%, to ¥487.5 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to improving safety and environmental technologies and enhancing of the attractiveness of the products.

 

Operating Income

 

Operating income increased ¥206.0 billion, or 56.6%, to ¥569.7 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales, and continuing cost reduction, which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses, negative foreign currency effects and the impact of the Earthquake. Excluding negative foreign currency effects of ¥137.6 billion, Honda estimates operating income increased ¥343.6 billion.

 

With respect to the discussion above of the changes, management identified the factors and used what it believes to be a reasonable method to analyze the respective changes in such factors. Management analyzed changes in these factors at the levels of the Company and its material consolidated subsidiaries. “Foreign currency effects” consist of “translation adjustments”, which come from the translation of the currency of foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into Japanese yen, and “foreign currency adjustments”, which result from foreign-currency-denominated sales. With respect to “foreign currency adjustments”, management analyzed foreign currency adjustments primarily related to the following currencies: U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, Euro, British pound, Brazilian real and Japanese yen, at the level of the Company and its material consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Income before Income Taxes and Equity in Income of Affiliates

 

Income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates increased ¥294.3 billion, or 87.6%, to ¥630.5 billion. Main factors of this increase except factors relating operating income are as follows;

 

Unrealized gains and losses related to derivative instruments had a negative impact of ¥30.4 billion. Other income(expenses) excluding unrealized gains and losses related to derivative instruments had a positive impact of ¥118.8 billion, due mainly to gain on sales of investments in affiliates related to the dissolution of the joint venture and an increase in foreign currency transaction gains.

 

* 

Information about the dissolution of the joint venture is described in note(6) Investments in and Advances to affiliates to the accompanying consolidated financial statement.

 

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Income Tax Expense

 

Income tax expense increased ¥59.9 billion, or 40.8%, to ¥206.8 billion from the previous fiscal year. The effective tax rate decreased 10.9 percentage points to 32.8% from the previous fiscal year. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due mainly to a decrease in a portion of unrecognized tax benefits related to transfer pricing matters of overseas transactions between the Company and foreign affiliates.

 

Equity in Income of Affiliates

 

Equity in income of affiliates increased ¥46.4 billion, or 49.8%, to ¥139.7 billion, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales and continuing cost reduction at affiliates in Japan and Asia.

 

Net Income

 

Net income increased ¥280.8 billion, or 99.4%, to ¥563.4 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Net Income attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased ¥15.1 billion, or 106.8%, to ¥29.3 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Net Income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

Net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. increased ¥265.6 billion, or 99.0%, to ¥534.0 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Business Segments

 

Motorcycle Business

 

Honda’s unit sales of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) totaled 11,445 thousand units, increased by 18.7% from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in unit sales in Asia and Other Regions, including South America.

 

Revenue from external customers increased ¥147.9 billion, or 13.0%, to ¥1,288.1 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to increased unit sales and revenue related to licensing agreements. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, net sales for the year would have increased by approximately ¥171.3 billion, or 15.0%, compared to the increase as reported of ¥147.9 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects.

 

Operating costs and expenses increased ¥68.1 billion, or 6.3%, to ¥1,149.6 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales increased by ¥61.2 billion, or 7.4%, to ¥887.9 billion, due mainly to an increase in costs attributable to increased net sales, which was partially offset by the positive foreign currency effects. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by ¥3.8 billion, or 2.0%, to ¥193.8 billion. R&D expenses increased by ¥3.0 billion, or 4.7%, to ¥67.8 billion.

 

Operating income increased ¥79.7 billion, or 135.6%, to ¥138.5 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales and income related to licensing agreements.

 

* 

Information about licensing agreements is described in note (6) Investments in and Advances to affiliates to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Japan

 

Total industry demand for motorcycles in Japan in fiscal 2011 was approximately 420 thousand units*, approximately 3% higher than in the previous fiscal year. Although the percentage of younger people in the total population continued to decline and there were changes in consumer preferences, unit sales grew primarily due to the introduction of new models.

 

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Total unit sales on a consolidated basis were 190 thousand units, and about the same level as in the previous fiscal year, as sales of the scooters PCX and Giorno expanded.

 

In addition, the brand-new electric-powered EV-neo, a commercial use scooter that emits zero CO2 emissions in use, was made available on lease.

 

* 

Source: JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association )

 

North America

 

Total demand for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the United States during calendar 2010 declined approximately 17% from the previous year, to about 700 thousand* units. Although there were signs of recovery, mainly in sales of utility ATVs, this did not lead to a full-scale recovery in demand.

 

Honda’s consolidated unit sales in North America declined 2.1%, to 185 thousand units. Unit sales of touring models, such as Goldwing, as well as cruiser models including Shadow, were favorable, however, unit sales of sports models such as CBR1000R and CRF230M motocross models decreased. As a result, unit sales of motorcycles were down 8.2% from the previous fiscal year, to approximately 90 thousand units. However, unit sales of ATVs rose 4.4%, to approximately 95 thousand units, because of strong demand for utility ATVs, including the Four Trax Rancher and other models.

 

* 

Source: MIC (Motorcycle Industry Council)

 

Europe

 

Total demand for motorcycles in Europe* during calendar 2010 declined about 13%, to approximately 920 thousand units. This major drop in demand was due to a number of factors, including a reactionary decline following the end of subsidies for motorcycle purchases in Italy and the impact of an increase in the value-added tax (VAT) in Spain.

 

Honda’s consolidated unit sales in Europe increased 1.5% compared with the previous fiscal year, to 202 thousand units. Despite the effects of a decline in the market for 125cc scooters, units sales of PCX motorcycles were favorable and sales of the naked type CBF1000, the new VFR1200F sports tourer, and other models rose.

 

* 

Based on Honda research, the motorcycle registration market for Europe includes 10 countries: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria.

 

Asia

 

Demand for motorcycles continued to expand in Asia, despite price increases, including the price of gasoline, tighter credit, and other factors in certain countries. In calendar 2010, total demand for motorcycles*1 rose about 10%, to approximately 43.8 million units.

 

Unit sales in India rose about 29%, to approximately 11.3 million units, while sales in Indonesia increased about 26%, to approximately 7.36 million units, and sales in Thailand expanded approximately 12%, to approximately 1.85 million units.

 

Honda’s unit sales on a consolidated basis in Asia*2 for the fiscal year increased 20.3%, to 9,178 thousand units. This increase was due to an expansion in sales of the CB Twister motorcycle and the Activa scooter in India, unit sales of a new Wave 110i Cub-style 110cc motorcycle and Scoopy i scooter in Thailand, as well as other factors.

 

With respect to production activities, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Private Limited, Honda’s consolidated subsidiary in India, announced it would further expand the production capacity of a second plant that is already under construction, and also build a third plant, to meet the rapidly expanding demand in the Indian market. Combined with expansion in capacity at the existing plant, when the second plant goes into

 

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operation in the first half of calendar 2012, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is scheduled to have annual production capacity of approximately 2.8 million units. Additionally, when the third plant goes into operation in the first half of calendar 2013, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is scheduled to have annual production capacity of approximately 4.0 million units.

 

Also, Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd., Honda’s consolidated subsidiary in Vietnam, announced it would expand the capacity of its second plant to meet the favorable increase in demand. By the latter half of calendar 2011, this expansion in facilities is scheduled to bring total annual capacity to approximately 2.0 million units.

 

In Indonesia, P.T. Astra Honda Motor, which is an affiliate accounted for under the equity method, made the decision to build a new plant to respond to continued robust growth in demand. When this new facility goes into operation in the latter half of calendar 2011, the annual production capacity of Astra Honda Motor is scheduled to increase to approximately 4.0 million units.

 

Honda resolved at a meeting of the Board of Directors on December 16, 2010 to sell to its joint venture partners all the shares held by Honda in Hero Honda Motors Limited, an affiliate of Honda accounted for under the equity method, for the dissolution of the joint venture. Accordingly, Honda executed the share transfer agreement and new license agreements on January 22, 2011. In accordance with the terms of the share transfer agreement, Honda sold all the shares it held in the joint venture partners as of March 22, 2011.

 

*1:

Based on Honda research, the motorcycle registration market includes eight countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Pakistan and China.

 

*2:

This total includes sales of completed products of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and unit sales of parts for use in local production to Honda’s affiliates accounted for under the equity method.

 

Other Regions

 

In Brazil, the principal market within Other Regions, total demand in calendar 2010 increased approximately 12%, to about 1.8 million* units. This was due to improved consumer confidence accompanying an increase in the employment rate and personal income as well as easier availability of credit starting from mid-year onward.

 

In Other Regions (including South America, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania and other areas), unit sales rose 17.9% over the previous fiscal year, to 1.69 million units. This was the result of increased sales of mainstay models, including the CG150FAN and NXR150 motorcycles in Brazil.

 

* 

Source: ABRACICLO (the Brazilian association of motorcycle, moped, and bicycle manufacturers)

 

Automobile Business

 

Honda’s unit sales of automobiles totaled 3,512 thousand units, increased by 3.5% from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in unit sales in North America and Asia, which was partially offset by a decrease in unit sales in Japan and Europe.

 

Revenue from external customers increased ¥239.2 billion, or 3.6%, to ¥6,794.0 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to increased unit sales, which was partially offset by the negative foreign currency translation effects. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, net sales for the year would have increased by approximately ¥545.7 billion, or 8.3%, compared to the increase as reported of ¥239.2 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects. Revenue including intersegment sales increased ¥247.4 billion, or 3.8%, to ¥6,802.3 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Operating costs and expenses increased ¥109.6 billion, or 1.7%, to ¥6,537.7 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales increased by ¥39.2 billion, or 0.8%, to ¥5,105.7 billion, due mainly to an increase in costs

 

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attributable to increased net sales and the effect of raw material fluctuations, which was partially offset by continuing cost reduction and the positive foreign currency effects. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by ¥49.9 billion, or 5.0%, to ¥1,042.1 billion. R&D expenses increased by ¥20.4 billion, or 5.5%, to ¥389.8 billion, due mainly to improving safety and environmental technologies and enhancing of the attractiveness of the products.

 

Operating income increased ¥137.7 billion, or 108.7%, to ¥264.5 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales and continuing cost reduction, which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses, negative foreign currency effects and the impact of the Earthquake.

 

Japan

 

Total industry automobile sales in Japan* for the fiscal year 2011 decreased about 6%, to approximately 4.6 million units. In the first half of the fiscal year, automobile sales held firm because of the positive effects of government policies that provided tax breaks and subsidies for purchasing eco-cars and other factors. However, these subsidies terminated in the latter half of the fiscal year, resulting in a reactionary decline in sales.

 

Honda’s unit sales in Japan decreased 9.9% from the previous fiscal year, to 582 thousand units. Although sales of the new model the Freed Spike, the CR-Z, the StepWGN, which earned the top spot in accumulated sales through 2010 in the minivan category, and the Fit Hybrid were quite favorable, overall sales experienced a reactionary decline after the termination of subsidies for eco-cars.

 

Among production activities, unit output for the domestic market decreased following the termination of eco-car subsidies, but exports increased, with particularly strong unit sales of CR-V models in North America. During the fiscal year under review, Honda’s domestic unit production of automobiles was approximately 912 thousand units, about the same level as in the previous fiscal year.

 

Please note that Honda suspended production following the Earthquake, and, as a result, unit output was about 39 thousand units lower than the original plan.

 

*1:

Source: JAMA (as measured by the number of regular vehicle registrations (661cc or higher) and mini-vehicles (660cc or lower))

 

*2:

Certain sales of automobiles that are financed with residual value type auto loans by our domestic finance subsidiaries are accounted for as operating leases in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As a result, they are not included in total sales of our automobile segment or in our measure of unit sales.

 

North America

 

In calendar 2010, total industry sales in the United States* increased about 11% over the previous year, to approximately 11.77 million units. Sales of light trucks were especially strong and rose approximately 18% over the level in 2009.

 

Honda’s consolidated automobile unit sales in North America rose 12.4%, to 1,458 thousand units. Sales of the CR-V, Pilot, MDX, the all-new Odyssey that was launched in September 2010, and light trucks were favorable. In addition, sales of the Accord Crosstour and the launching of new models of the TSX Sports Wagon and TL contributed to growth.

 

In production activities, Honda manufactured approximately 1,292 thousand units in North America, 12.1% higher than in the previous fiscal year. This increase was led by higher production of the popular CR-V and Pilot, models and the all-new Odyssey.

 

* 

Source: Ward’s Auto

 

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Europe

 

During calendar 2010, total demand in Europe*1 decreased approximately 5% from the previous year, to approximately 13.79 million units. During the first half of the year, the market was supported by government subsidies in some countries, but in the second half consumer confidence declined significantly due to the impact of stringent credit policies in the principal countries of the region, and a marked decline was reported, especially in markets targeting individual retail customers. On the other hand, in Russia*2, sales increased about 30%, to approximately 1.91 million units.

 

Honda’s consolidated unit sales in Europe decreased 20.5%, to 198 thousand units due to the effects of the slump in the retail sales market, increased competition and other factors.

 

In the area of production, unit output at Honda’s U.K. plant rose 40.0% over the prior fiscal year, to approximately 139 thousand units, in part because of temporarily suspended production in the prior year.

 

*1:

Source: ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobiles (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) (New passenger car registrations cover EU27 and EFTA3.))

 

*2:

Source: AEB (The Association of European Businesses)

 

Asia

 

In Asia, total demand continued to increase due to robust economic growth and the positive effects of new car model launches. Unit sales in China rose about 32% over the previous year to approximately 18.06 million units.*1 In Asia, excluding China, units sales climbed 27%, to about 7.48 million units.*2

 

Honda’s unit sales in Asia outside Japan rose 6.1%, to 1,008 thousand units, supported by solid economic expansion in the region. Sales of the CR-V in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and elsewhere in Asia, as well as sales of the City in Thailand, continued to be favorable. Together with sales growth in China, Honda’s overall sales in Asia expanded.

 

In the production area, in response to continued expansion in demand in China’s automobile market, Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., an affiliate accounted for under the equity method, is scheduled to increase its annual production capacity from the current 360 thousand to 480 thousand units by the latter half of calendar 2011. In addition, Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., an affiliate accounted for under the equity method, started construction of a second plant in response to continued expansion in demand in China’s automobile market. Within the latter half of calendar 2012, that company’s total annual production capacity is scheduled to increase to 340 thousand units.

 

*1:

Source: China Association of Automobile Manufacturers

 

*2:

The total is based on Honda research and includes the following 10 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, India and Pakistan.

 

Other Regions

 

Total industry demand for automobiles in Brazil, one of the principal markets among the Other Regions, increased about 11%, to approximately 3.33 million*1 units in calendar 2010. This was the result of rising consumer confidence due to a surge in employment and income as well as an improvement in the purchasing environment for new automobiles due to lower interest rates and easier availability of credit in Brazil.

 

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In Australia, total demand for automobiles expanded about 11% over the previous year, to approximately 1.04 million units, supported by continued favorable economic conditions.*2

 

Honda’s total sales in Other regions expanded 6.4%, to 266 thousand units, due primarily to increased sales of the City in Brazil, despite intensified competition in Australia and decreased sales in the Middle East.

 

*1:

Source: ANFAVEA (Associaçao Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veiculos Automotores (the Brazilian automobile association, includes passenger cars and light commercial vehicles))

 

*2:

Source: FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (the Australian automobile association))

 

Power Product and Other Businesses

 

Honda’s unit sales of power products totaled 5,509 thousand units, increased by 16.1% from the previous fiscal year, due to increased unit sales in all the regions.

 

Revenue from external customers increased ¥14.9 billion, or 5.4%, to ¥292.6 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to the increased unit sales of power products, which was partially offset by negative foreign currency translation effects. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, net sales for the year would have increased by approximately ¥27.5 billion, or 9.9%, compared to the increase as reported of ¥14.9 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects. Revenue including intersegment sales increased ¥13.6 billion, or 4.5%, to ¥318.2 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Operating costs and expenses increased ¥2.4 billion, or 0.8%, to ¥323.8 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales decreased by ¥0.7 billion, or 0.3%, to ¥238.6 billion, due mainly to continuing cost reduction, which was partially offset by an increase in costs attributable to increased net sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by ¥2.4 billion, or 4.6%, to ¥55.2 billion. R&D expenses increased by ¥0.7 billion, or 2.5%, to ¥29.9 billion.

 

Operating loss including that of other business was ¥5.5 billion, an improvement of ¥11.1 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales of power products, which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses and negative foreign currency effects.

 

Japan

 

In the power products field, during the fiscal year under review, Honda’s sales increased 20.5%, to 388 thousand units. This was due to an increase in sales of general-purpose engines for OEM use to manufacturers of construction machinery in the United States and in the Middle East and Africa as well as an increase in Japan in sales of electric power generators, tillers, snow blowers and other types of machinery. In May 2010, Honda newly launched the ENEPO EU9iGB, a gas-powered electric power generation unit that runs on household butane gas canisters.

 

North America

 

Honda’s consolidated unit sales in North America increased 14.7%, to 2,085 thousand units. This increase was due to higher sales of general-purpose engines for OEM use to manufacturers of lawn mowers, construction machinery, pressure washers and other machinery as well as increased sales of generators accompanying the recovery in the economies of the region.

 

Europe

 

In Europe, consolidated unit sales increased 10.1% over the previous fiscal year, to 1,174 thousand units, because of strong demand for general-purpose engines for OEM use in construction machinery, and generators as well as sales of snow blowers, despite intensified competition in the lawn mower market.

 

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Asia

 

In Asia outside of Japan, consolidated unit sales increased 23.9%, to 1,325 thousand units. This increase was due to favorable sales of engines for agricultural equipment and pumps, generators and brush cutters supported by economic expansion in the region, and continuation of government subsidies for farm households. Weather conditions also contributed to increased sales.

 

Other Regions

 

Unit sales in Other Regions increased 14.5% over the previous fiscal year, to 537 thousand units. Factors accounting for this increase were favorable sales of general-purpose engines for OEM use for installation in construction machinery and pumps to the Middle East and South America, due mainly to economic recovery.

 

Financial Services Business

 

To support the sale of its products, Honda provides retail lending and leasing to customers and wholesale financing to dealers through our finance subsidiaries in Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Thailand and other countries.

 

Total amount of finance subsidiaries-receivables and property on operating leases of finance subsidiaries increased by ¥67.9 billion, or 1.4%, to ¥4,837.6 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase of finance subsidiaries-receivables attributable to the adoption of new accounting standards, which was partially offset by negative foreign currency translation effects. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, total amount of finance subsidiaries-receivables and property on operating leases of finance subsidiaries as of the end of the year would have increased by approximately ¥595.9 billion, or 12.5%, compared to the increase as reported of ¥67.9 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects.

 

Revenue from external customers in a financial services business decreased ¥44.4 billion, or 7.3%, to ¥561.8 billion from the previous fiscal year. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, revenue for the year would have decreased by approximately ¥1.2 billion, or 0.2%, compared to the decrease as reported of ¥44.4 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects. Revenue including intersegment sales decreased ¥45.3 billion, or 7.3%, to ¥573.4 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Operating costs and expenses decreased ¥36.7 billion, or 8.7%, to ¥387.1 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales decreased ¥11.6 billion, or 3.6%, to ¥309.8 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in costs related to lease residual values. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased ¥25.0 billion, or 24.5%, to ¥77.3 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in provisions for credit losses.

 

Operating income decreased ¥8.6 billion, or 4.4%, to ¥186.2 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to negative foreign currency effects, which was partially offset by a decrease in provisions for credit losses and losses on lease residual values.

 

Our finance subsidiaries in North America have historically accounted for all leases as direct financing leases. However, starting in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, some of the leases which do not qualify for direct financing leases accounting treatment are accounted for as operating leases. Generally, direct financing lease revenues and interest income consist of the recognition of finance lease revenue at inception of the lease arrangement and subsequent recognition of the interest income component of total lease payments using the effective interest method. In comparison, operating lease revenues include the recognition of the gross lease

 

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payment amounts on a straight line basis over the term of the lease arrangement, and operating lease vehicles are depreciated to their estimated residual value on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. It is not anticipated that the differences in accounting for operating leases and direct financing leases will have a material net impact on Honda’s results of operations overall, however, operating lease revenues and associated depreciation of leased assets do result in differing presentation and timing compared to those of direct financing leases.

 

Honda consolidated former qualifying special purpose entities (QSPEs) that were not consolidated as of March 31, 2010. As a result, previously derecognized finance subsidiaries receivables held by former QSPEs increased in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of April 1, 2010. In addition, Honda doesn’t recognize certain gains or losses related to securitization transactions such as gains or losses attributable to the change in the fair value of retained interests since the year ended March 31, 2011.

 

Information about credit losses and losses on lease residual values is provided at Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects A. “Operating Results, Application of Critical Accounting Policies”. Information about consolidation of former QSPEs, finance subsidiaries-receivables and securitizations is described in notes 1(c), (3) and (4) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Geographical Information

 

Japan

 

In Japan, revenue from domestic and export sales increased ¥305.4 billion, or 9.2%, to ¥3,611.2 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in revenue in automobile business and revenue related to licensing agreements. Operating income was ¥66.1 billion, an increase of ¥95.2 billion of operating income from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales and model mix, continuing cost reductions and income related to licensing agreements, which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses, negative foreign currency effects and the impact of the Earthquake.

 

North America

 

In North America, which mainly consists of the United States, revenue increased ¥239.6 billion, or 6.1%, to ¥4,147.8 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in revenue in automobile business, which was partially offset by negative foreign currency translation effects. Operating income increased ¥64.5 billion, or 27.3%, to ¥300.9 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales and model mix, and a decrease in fixed costs per unit as a result of increased production, which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses and negative foreign currency effects.

 

Europe

 

In Europe, revenue decreased ¥126.1 billion, or 15.3%, to ¥699.2 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in revenue in the automobile business and negative foreign currency translation effects. Operating loss was ¥10.2 billion, an improvement of ¥0.6 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to decreased selling, general and administrative expenses, which was partially offset by a decrease in income attributable to decreased net sales and model mix, negative foreign currency effects.

 

Asia

 

In Asia, revenue increased ¥322.5 billion, or 21.2%, to ¥1,841.1 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in revenue in automobile and motorcycle businesses, which was partially offset by negative foreign currency translation effects. Operating income increased ¥37.6 billion, or 33.3%, to ¥150.6 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales and model mix, which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses and negative foreign currency effects.

 

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Other Regions

 

In Other Regions, revenue increased ¥85.5 billion, or 9.5%, to ¥982.0 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in revenue in motorcycle and automobile businesses and positive foreign currency translation effects. Operating income increased ¥23.7 billion, or 51.8%, to ¥69.5 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in income attributable to increased net sales and model mix, positive foreign currency effects, which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Fiscal Year 2010 Compared with Fiscal Year 2009

 

Net Sales and Other Operating Revenue

 

Honda’s consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (hereafter, “net sales”) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, decreased ¥1,432.0 billion, or 14.3%, to ¥8,579.1 billion from the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, due mainly to negative foreign currency translation effects and decreased net sales in automobile business. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, net sales for the year would have decreased by approximately ¥746.7 billion, or 7.5%, compared to the decrease as reported of ¥1,432.0 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects.

 

Net sales in Japan increased ¥130.7 billion, or 9.0%, to ¥1,577.3 billion from the previous fiscal year and overseas net sales decreased ¥1,562.8 billion, or 18.2%, to ¥7,001.8 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Operating Costs and Expenses

 

Operating costs and expenses decreased ¥1,606.1 billion, or 16.4%, to ¥8,215.3 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales decreased ¥1,004.8 billion, or 13.5%, to ¥6,414.7 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in costs attributable to the decreased net sales, positive foreign currency effects and continuing cost reduction. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased ¥501.4 billion, or 27.3%, to ¥1,337.3 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to positive foreign currency effects, a decrease in provisions for credit losses and losses on lease residual values in financial services business and the impact of expenses in the previous year which related to withdrawal from some racing activities and cancellations of development new models. R&D expenses decreased by ¥99.8 billion, or 17.7%, to ¥463.3 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to improving development efficiency, while improving safety and environmental technologies and enhancing of the attractiveness of the products.

 

Operating Income

 

Operating income increased ¥174.1 billion, or 91.8%, to ¥363.7 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to decreased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses and continuing cost reduction, which was partially offset by a decrease in income attributable to the decreased net sales, negative foreign currency effects and an increase in fixed costs per unit as a result of reduced production. Excluding negative foreign currency effects of ¥167.5 billion, Honda estimates operating income increased ¥341.7 billion.

 

With respect to the discussion above of the changes, management identified the factors and used what it believes to be a reasonable method to analyze the respective changes in such factors. Management analyzed changes in these factors at the levels of the Company and its material consolidated subsidiaries. “Foreign currency effects” consist of “translation adjustments”, which come from the translation of the currency of foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into Japanese yen, and “foreign currency adjustments”, which result from foreign-currency-denominated sales. With respect to “foreign currency adjustments”, management analyzed foreign currency adjustments primarily related to the following currencies: U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, Euro, British pound, Brazilian real and Japanese yen, at the level of the Company and its material consolidated subsidiaries.

 

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Income before Income Taxes and Equity in Income of Affiliates

 

Income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates increased ¥174.4 billion, or 107.9%, to ¥336.1 billion. Main factors of this increase except factors relating operating income are as follows;

 

Unrealized gains and losses related to derivative instruments had a positive impact of ¥22.2 billion. Other income (expenses) excluding unrealized gains and losses related to derivative instruments had a negative impact of ¥21.9 billion, due mainly to a decrease in foreign currency transaction gains, which was partially offset by a decrease of impairment losses on investment securities.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Income tax expense increased ¥37.0 billion, or 33.7%, to ¥146.8 billion from the previous fiscal year. The effective tax rate decreased 24.2 percentage points to 43.7% from the previous fiscal year. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to (1) a decrease in tax expenses of ¥21.2 billion related to the dividend and royalty income from foreign subsidiaries and affiliates, net of foreign tax credit, because the Company did not utilize indirect foreign tax credit in the prior fiscal year due to lower taxable income and (2) a decrease in the valuation allowance of ¥7.0 billion recorded during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

 

Equity in Income of Affiliates

 

Equity in income of affiliates decreased ¥5.7 billion, or 5.8%, to ¥93.2 billion, due mainly to an increase in expenses and tax expense at affiliates in certain countries in Asia, which was partially offset by a decrease in expenses at certain affiliates in Japan.

 

Net Income

 

Net income increased ¥131.6 billion, or 87.2%, to ¥282.6 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Net Income attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased ¥0.2 billion, or 2.0%, to ¥14.2 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Net Income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

 

Net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. increased ¥131.3 billion, or 95.9%, to ¥268.4 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Business Segments

 

Motorcycle Business

 

Honda’s unit sales of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal watercraft (PWC) totaled 9,639 thousand units, decreased by 4.7% from the previous fiscal year. Unit sales in Japan totaled 190 thousand units, decreased by 18.1%. Overseas unit sales totaled 9,449 thousand units, decreased by 4.4%, due mainly to a decrease in unit sales in Other Regions, including South America, and North America, which was partially offset by an increase in unit sales in Asia.

 

Revenue from external customers decreased ¥271.2 billion, or 19.2%, to ¥1,140.2 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to decreased unit sales and the negative foreign currency translation effects. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, net sales for the year would have decreased by approximately ¥141.2 billion, or 10.0%, compared to the decrease as reported of ¥271.2 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects.

 

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Operating costs and expenses decreased ¥230.1 billion, or 17.5%, to ¥1,081.4 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales decreased by ¥149.1 billion, or 15.3%, to ¥826.7 billion, due mainly to a decrease in costs attributable to the decreased net sales, the positive foreign currency effects. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by ¥60.2 billion, or 24.1%, to ¥189.9 billion. R&D expenses decreased by ¥20.7 billion, or 24.3%, to ¥64.7 billion.

 

Operating income decreased ¥41.0 billion, or 41.1%, to ¥58.8 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in income attributable to the decreased net sales and negative foreign currency effects, which was partially offset by decreased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses.

 

Japan

 

Total industry demand for motorcycles in Japan in fiscal 2010 was approximately 410 thousand units*, about 25% lower than in the previous fiscal year. This decline was due mainly to the effects of the economic downturn, measures taken to respond to emission regulations and structural factors, such as the decrease in the percentage of younger people in the total population, decline in the number of persons obtaining new driver’s licenses and the shortage of parking places in urban areas.

 

Amid these operating conditions, Honda launched its Super-Cub110 business model, which is both economical and practically useful. In addition, Honda introduced its CB1100 Type I large sports bike, an easy-to-ride with a beautiful design that is equipped with a newly developed air-cooled, four-stroke engine.

 

Unit sales in Japan were down 18.1% compared with the previous fiscal year, to 190 thousand units. Despite the contribution to sales of the new Super-Cub110 business model and new CB1100 sports bike, this overall decline in unit sales was due mainly to intensifying competition.

 

* 

Source: JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association)

 

North America

 

Total demand for motorcycles and ATVs in the United States* during calendar 2009 declined approximately 37% from the previous year, to approximately 840 thousand units. This decline was due to the continuing credit contraction, deterioration in employment conditions, and shrinkage in leisure-related expenditures.

 

Amid this business environment, Honda launched the Fury large cruiser model, which features improved stable driving performance, through the incorporation of Honda’s original floating final gear.

 

Unit sales in North America declined 40.9% compared with the previous fiscal year, to 189 thousand units. Sales of the new Fury large cruiser model were strong, but in reaction to the decline in gasoline prices, sales of mid-size models including 750cc motorcycles and scooters decreased. As a result, Honda’s motorcycle sales in this market fell 47.9%, to 98 thousand units. Moreover, unit sales of ATVs and others dropped 31.1%, to 91 thousand units, despite steady demand for utility ATVs.

 

* 

Source: MIC (Motorcycle Industry Council)

 

Europe

 

Total demand for motorcycles in Europe* during calendar 2009 declined approximately 16% from the previous year, to about 1.05 million units. Although demand in some countries rose because of government incentives to support the purchase of new motorcycles and changes in the driver’s license system, overall demand fell because of the impact of the economic downturn throughout Europe.

 

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Amid this business environment, Honda introduced its VFR1200F sports tourer with a V4-stroke engine, which combines sporty performance with high-quality riding comfort.

 

In fiscal 2010, although the CB125, 125cc motorcycle that launched in previous fiscal year, the naked type CBF1000 leisure motorcycle and the new VFR1200F sports tourer had a positive effect, this was not enough to compensate a decrease in unit sales of large scooters and other bikes. As a result, unit sales in Europe were down 27.9% from the previous fiscal year, to 199 thousand units.

 

* 

Based on Honda research, the motorcycle registration market includes 10 countries: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria.

 

Asia

 

Demand for motorcycles is continuing to expand in Asia, where they are an essential means of transportation. In calendar 2009, despite the unfavorable impact of the global economic downturn in the first half of the year, during the second half, demand recovered, and total demand for motorcycles*1 rose about 6% over the previous year, to approximately 40.2 million units. By country, sales in India rose about 19%, to approximately 8.8 million units; sales in Indonesia decreased about 8%, to approximately 6.0 million units; and sales in Thailand dropped about 10%, to approximately 1.5 million units.

 

Amid these business conditions, in India, Honda made a full model change in its Activa 110cc scooter and launched its CB Twister motorcycle, which incorporates low-friction technology and is equipped with a fuel efficient 110cc engine. In Thailand, Honda introduced the Wave110iAT, outfitted with a new type CV-matic automatic transmission that provides both practical and convenient performance. In addition, Honda began to manufacture and market its new type PCX 125cc scooter. A strategic global model, PCX is a 125cc-class scooter featuring a global standard design for major components, which enhances cost competitiveness and production efficiency.

 

Unit sales in Asia*2 for fiscal 2010 rose 1.4% compared with the previous fiscal year, to 7,628 thousand units. This increase was due to expansion in sales of the Activa scooters in India and new types, including the CBTwister motorcycles in India, as well as to growth in sales in Thailand of the Cub-type Wave110iAT and the PCX scooters.

 

With respect to production activities, in India, our consolidated subsidiary Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Private) Ltd. decided to build a second production plant to respond to sharply rising demand in that country. Along with the expansion in capacity of its existing plant, the second plant is scheduled to go into operation in the latter half of 2011, and this is expected to bring this company’s total annual production capacity to 2.2 million units.

 

*1:

Based on Honda research, the motorcycle registration market includes eight countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Pakistan and China.

 

*2:

This total includes sales of completed products of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and unit sales of parts for use in local production to Honda’s affiliates accounted for under the equity method.

 

Other Regions

 

In Brazil, the principal market within Other Regions, total demand in calendar 2009 decreased about 16%, to approximately 1.61 million units* because of the tightening of loan conditions for motorcycles triggered by the financial crisis.

 

Amid these conditions, in Brazil, Honda made a full model change on its CB300R motorcycle.

 

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In Other Regions (including South America, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania), unit sales decreased 18.7% compared with the previous fiscal year, to 1,433 thousand units, despite the contribution to sales of Brazilian CB300R and CG150Fan motorcycles within Other Regions.

 

* 

Source:ABRACICLO (the Brazilian association of motorcycle, moped, and bicycle manufacturers)

 

Automobile Business

 

Honda’s unit sales of automobiles totaled 3,392 thousand units, decreased by 3.6% from the previous fiscal year. Unit sales in Japan totaled 646 thousand units, increased by 16.2%. Overseas unit sales totaled 2,746 thousand units, decreased by 7.3%, due mainly to a decrease in unit sales in North America and Europe, which was partially offset by an increase in unit sales in Asia.

 

Revenue from external customers decreased ¥1,119.5 billion, or 14.6%, to ¥6,554.8 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to decreased unit sales and the negative foreign currency translation effects. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, net sales for the year would have decreased by approximately ¥625.1 billion, or 8.1%, compared to the decrease as reported of ¥1,119.5 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects.

 

Operating costs and expenses decreased ¥1,221.7 billion, or 16.0%, to ¥6,428.0 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales decreased by ¥790.4 billion, or 13.5%, to ¥5,066.5 billion, due mainly to a decrease in costs attributable to the decreased net sales, the positive foreign currency effects and continuing cost reduction. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by ¥354.9 billion, or 26.3%, to ¥992.1 billion, due mainly to the impact of expenses in the previous year which related to withdrawal from some racing activities and cancellations of development of new models and the positive foreign currency effects. R&D expenses decreased by ¥76.3 billion, or 17.1%, to ¥369.3 billion, due mainly to improving development efficiency, while improving safety and environmental technologies and enhancing of the attractiveness of the products.

 

Operating income increased ¥102.2 billion, or 416.5%, to ¥126.7 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to decreased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses and continuing cost reduction, which was partially offset by a decrease in income attributable to the decreased net sales and negative foreign currency effects.

 

Japan

 

Total automobile demand in Japan* for the fiscal year 2010 rose approximately 4% over the previous fiscal year, to 4.88 million units. In the first half of the fiscal year, operating conditions were difficult because of weakness in company’s business activities as a result of the global economic downturn and stagnant consumer spending. During the latter half of the fiscal year, however, the positive effects of government incentives to provide tax breaks and subsidies for purchasing eco-cars emerged, and automobile sales began to recover.

 

Amid these business operating conditions, Honda made full model changes to its STEPWGN, which features a low floor and a low center of gravity as well as excellent fuel economy, and the ACTY truck, which now offers a wider cabin and an improved minimum turning radius. In addition, Honda launched its all-new CR-Z hybrid vehicle, which combines a nimble and exhilarating ride with excellent fuel economy.

 

Unit sales in Japan rose 16.2% over the previous fiscal year, to 646 thousand units, driven especially by robust sales of the Insight, Fit, STEPWGN and FREED.

 

With respect to production, the number of units manufactured in Japan during the fiscal year 2010 decreased 21.5%, to 902 thousand units, mainly because of the decline in the number of cars exported.

 

* 

Source: JAMA (as measured by the number of regular vehicle registrations (661cc or higher) and mini-vehicles (660cc or lower))

 

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North America

 

In calendar 2009, total demand in the United States* fell approximately 21% from the previous year, to about 10.4 million units, the second major consecutive year-to-year contraction in the market. This was because of lackluster consumer spending caused by the continuing credit contraction and the deterioration in employment conditions.

 

Under these circumstances, Honda introduced its new Accord Crosstour, which is a high-performance sedan, powered by a Honda V6 engine, and boasts strong utility car features, including more storage capacity in the rear section. Honda also launched its Acura ZDX, which comes with a newly-developed six-speed automatic transmission and combines a powerful ride with excellent fuel economy.

 

Although in the fiscal year 2010 unit sales of the CR-V and the new Accord Crosstour and ZDX models expanded, unit sales in North America decreased 13.3%, to 1,297 thousand units, because of the overall shrinkage in market demand.

 

With respect to production, Honda automobiles manufactured in North America declined 7.9%, to 1,152 thousand units.

 

* 

Source: Ward’s Auto

 

Europe

 

During calendar 2009, total demand in Europe*1 fell approximately 2%, to about 14.48 million units. Demand in major European markets, including Germany and France, expanded as the governments of these countries adopted measures to encourage purchases of new cars. On the other hand, demand in the United Kingdom and Spain, where such incentive measures were adopted in the middle of the year, failed to recover from the slump in the first half of the year, and remained below the prior year. Moreover, unit demand in Russia*2 dropped about 50%, to approximately 1.47 million units.

 

Amid this business environment, Honda began production and marketing of its Jazz in Europe, which offers excellent fuel economy, a superior ride, and high-level safety features.

 

Unit sales in Europe during the fiscal year 2010 decreased 28.9% from the previous fiscal year, to 249 thousand units because of the combined effects of shrinkage in demand and more intense competition.

 

With respect to production, Honda manufactured 99 thousand units at its U.K. plant during the fiscal year 2010, 43.1% fewer than in the previous year.

 

*1:

Source: ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobiles (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) (New passenger car registrations cover EU27 and EFTA3.))

 

*2:

Source: AEB (The Association of European Businesses)

 

Asia

 

In Asia, total demand in the principal countries*1 in calendar 2009 increased to approximately 19.48 million units. This gain was due mainly to expansion in demand, principally in China and the adoption of measures to encourage new vehicle purchases by governments in the regions.

 

Amid this business environment, Honda began production in Indonesia of its FREED compact mini-van, which offers a spacious interior, and commenced the marketing of these units not only in Indonesia but also in Singapore and Thailand. Also, in China, manufacturing and sales of the Spirior, a premium sporty sedan featuring a nimble and pleasant ride, began at a Honda affiliate accounted for under the equity method.

 

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During fiscal 2010, unit sales in Asia rose 19.8%, to 950 thousand units. Sales of the City in Thailand and India, and sales of the new FREED in Indonesia held strong. In China, the City, CR-V and the new Spirior recorded robust sales performances.

 

With respect to production, to meet rapidly rising demand for automobiles in China, Honda decided to build a second plant through Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.*2. This will bring total production capacity at Dongfeng Honda Automobile to 300 thousand units a year in the latter half of calendar 2012. In addition, Honda decided to expand production capacity at Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.*2,3. This will bring total production capacity at Guangqi Honda Automobile to 480 thousand units from the current 360 thousands units a year by the latter half of 2011.

 

*1:

The total is based on Honda research and includes the following 11 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, and China.

 

*2:

Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. and Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. are the manufacturing and marketing joint ventures accounted for under the equity method.

 

*3:

Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. changed its name from Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. effective June, 2009.

 

Other Regions

 

Total demand for automobiles in Brazil, one of the principal markets among the Other Regions, increased about 13% in calendar 2009, to approximately 3.01 million units*1. On the other hand, demand in Australia decreased approximately 7%, to 940 thousand units*2.

 

Amid this operating environment, in Brazil, Honda introduced its new City, a small sedan incorporating flexible fuel technology, that allows drivers to select any ratio of bioethanol and gasoline that meets their needs.

 

Unit sales in Other Regions decreased 22.4%, to 250 thousand units. Although unit sales were lifted by the new City in Brazil, this was offset by declines in unit sales in Australia and the Middle East.

 

*1:

Source: ANFAVEA (Associaçao Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veiculos Automotores (the Brazilian automobile association, includes passenger cars and light commercial vehicles))

 

*2:

Source: FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (the Australian automobile association))

 

Power Product and Other Businesses

 

Honda’s unit sales of power products totaled 4,744 thousand units, decreased by 8.5% from the previous fiscal year. Unit sales in Japan totaled 322 thousand units, decreased by 37.6%. Overseas unit sales totaled 4,422 thousand units, decreased by 5.3%, due mainly to decreased unit sales in Europe and North America, which was partially offset by increased unit sales in Asia.

 

Revenue from external customers decreased ¥65.3 billion, or 19.1%, to ¥277.6 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to the decreased unit sales of power products and negative foreign currency translation effects. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, net sales for the year would have decreased by approximately ¥52.2 billion, or 15.2%, compared to the decrease as reported of ¥65.3 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects. Revenue including intersegment sales decreased ¥64.2 billion, or 17.4%, to ¥304.6 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Operating costs and expenses decreased ¥63.0 billion, or 16.4%, to ¥321.3 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales decreased by ¥46.1 billion, or 16.2%, to ¥239.3 billion, due mainly to a decrease in costs attributable to the decreased net sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by ¥14.1 billion, or 21.2%, to ¥52.7 billion. R&D expenses decreased by ¥2.7 billion, or 8.6%, to ¥29.2 billion.

 

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Operating loss increased ¥1.2 billion to ¥16.7 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in income attributable to the decreased net sales, which was partially offset by decreased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses.

 

Japan

 

In the power products field, in Japan Honda produces the BF60, a medium-sized, four-stroke outboard boat motor offering good acceleration and fuel economy, and has now launched this product in markets around the world. In addition, Honda manufactures the EU26i handy electric power generator, which is light in weight, compact and quiet, in Japan and has now launched this product globally. Marketed under the name EU3000iHandy in North America and EU30i in other markets around the world, this generator incorporates Honda’s original sine-wave inverter technology and supplies electricity comparable in quality to commercially generated power. Also, Honda made full model changes to its V-Twin general-purpose engines GX630, GX660 and GX690, which are manufactured in Japan and offer good fuel economy with low emissions. Honda has now launched these engines globally, and they are marketed as the GX630R, GX660R and GX690R in North America, Europe and Australia.

 

During the fiscal year 2010, unit sales in Japan decreased 37.6% from the previous fiscal year, to 322 thousand units. Although sales of tillers and snow removal equipments rose, these increases were offset by lower sales of engines for OEM use.

 

North America

 

Unit sales in North America declined 4.0% from the previous fiscal year, to 1,818 thousand units. Despite increases in sales of lawn mowers and sales of engines for OEM use in lawn mowers, these increases were not enough to compensate a decrease in sales of engines for OEM use in construction machinery.

 

Europe

 

In Europe, unit sales fell 18.4% from the previous fiscal year, to 1,066 thousand units, as a result of a decrease in sales of engines for OEM use in construction machinery and electric power generators.

 

Asia

 

In Asia, unit sales rose 10.2%, to 1,069 thousand units, as sales of engines for use in agricultural machinery, pumps and brush cutters rose. This increase was due in part to the introduction of measures to support the agricultural sector in certain countries and to weather conditions.

 

Other Regions

 

Unit sales in Other Regions decreased 6.6% compared with the previous fiscal year, to 469 thousand units. This decline was due mainly to lower sales of pumps and general-purpose engines to the Middle East.

 

Financial Services Business

 

To support the sale of its products, Honda provides retail lending and leasing to customers and wholesale financing to dealers through our finance subsidiaries in Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Thailand and other countries.

 

Total amount of finance subsidiaries-receivables and property on operating leases of finance subsidiaries decreased by ¥90.4 billion, or 1.9%, to ¥4,769.6 billion from the previous fiscal year. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, total amount of

 

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finance subsidiaries-receivables and property on operating leases of finance subsidiaries as of the end of the year would have increased by approximately ¥5.9 billion, or 0.1%, compared to the decrease as reported of ¥90.4 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects.

 

Revenue from external customers in a financial services business increased ¥24.0 billion, or 4.1%, to ¥606.3 billion from the previous fiscal year. Honda estimates that by applying Japanese yen exchange rates of the previous fiscal year to the current fiscal year, revenue for the year would have increased by approximately ¥71.9 billion, or 12.4%, compared to the increase as reported of ¥24.0 billion, which includes negative foreign currency translation effects. Revenue including intersegment sales increased ¥22.2 billion, or 3.7%, to ¥618.8 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

Operating costs and expenses decreased ¥91.9 billion, or 17.8%, to ¥423.9 billion from the previous fiscal year. Cost of sales decreased ¥19.7 billion, or 5.8%, to ¥321.4 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in funding costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased ¥72.1 billion, or 41.3%, to ¥102.4 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in provisions for credit losses and losses on lease residual values.

 

Operating income increased ¥114.2 billion, or 141.6%, to ¥194.9 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in provisions for credit losses and losses on lease residual values and a decrease in funding costs.

 

Our finance subsidiaries in North America have historically accounted for all leases as direct financing leases. However, starting in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, some of the leases which do not qualify for direct financing leases accounting treatment are accounted for as operating leases. Generally, direct financing lease revenues and interest income consist of the recognition of finance lease revenue at inception of the lease arrangement and subsequent recognition of the interest income component of total lease payments using the effective interest method. In comparison, operating lease revenues include the recognition of the gross lease payment amounts on a straight line basis over the term of the lease arrangement, and operating lease vehicles are depreciated to their estimated residual value on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. It is not anticipated that the differences in accounting for operating leases and direct financing leases will have a material net impact on Honda’s results of operations overall, however, operating lease revenues and associated depreciation of leased assets do result in differing presentation and timing compared to those of direct financing leases.

 

Information about credit losses and losses on lease residual values is provided at Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects A. Operating Results, Application of Critical Accounting Policies. Information about finance subsidiaries-receivables and securitizations is described in note (2) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Geographical Information

 

Japan

 

In Japan, revenue from domestic and export sales decreased ¥856.8 billion, or 20.6%, to ¥3,305.7 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in export sales in automobile business. Operating loss decreased ¥132.4 billion, to ¥29.1 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to decreased selling, general and administrative expenses and R&D expenses and continuing cost reductions, which was partially offset by a decrease in income attributable to the decreased revenue and negative foreign currency effects.

 

North America

 

In North America, which mainly consists of the United States, revenue decreased ¥870.9 billion, or 18.2%, to ¥3,908.2 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in revenue in automobile business and

 

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negative foreign currency translation effects. Operating income increased ¥156.6 billion, or 196.6%, to ¥236.3 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to decreased selling, general and administrative expenses, including a decrease in provisions for credit losses and losses on lease residual values and continuing cost reductions, which was partially offset by a decrease in income attributable to the decreased revenue and an increase in fixed costs per unit as a result of reduced production.

 

Europe

 

In Europe, revenue decreased ¥453.4 billion, or 35.5%, to ¥825.4 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in revenue in the automobile business and negative foreign currency translation effects. Operating loss was ¥10.8 billion, a decrease of ¥21.0 billion of operating income from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in income attributable to the decreased revenue and negative foreign currency effects, which was partially offset by decreased selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Asia

 

In Asia, revenue decreased ¥89.6 billion, or 5.6%, to ¥1,518.5 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to negative foreign currency translation effects, which was partially offset by an increase in revenue in motorcycle business. Operating income increased ¥9.4 billion, or 9.1%, to ¥113.0 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to decreased selling, general and administrative expenses and an increase in income attributable to the increased revenue, which was partially offset by negative foreign currency effects.

 

Other Regions

 

In Other Regions, revenue decreased ¥247.7 billion, or 21.7%, to ¥896.4 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in negative foreign currency translation effects and a decrease in revenue in motorcycle and automobile businesses. Operating income decreased ¥89.2 billion, or 66.1%, to ¥45.8 billion from the previous fiscal year, due mainly to a decrease in income attributable to a decrease in revenue and negative foreign currency effects, which was partially offset by decreased selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

 

Critical accounting policies are those which require us to apply the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often requiring us to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and which may change in subsequent periods, or for which the use of different estimates that could have reasonably been used in the current period would have had a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. A sustained loss of consumer confidence which may be caused by changes in consumer preferences and rising fuel prices, effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake or other factors have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions.

 

The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in note (1) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

We have identified the following critical accounting policies with respect to our financial presentation.

 

Product Warranty

 

We warrant our products for specific periods of time.

 

Product warranties vary depending upon the nature of the product, the geographic location of their sales and other factors.

 

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We recognize costs for general warranties on products we sell and product recalls. We provide for estimated warranty costs at the time products are sold to customers or the time new warranty programs are initiated. Estimated warranty costs are provided based on historical warranty claim experience with consideration given to the expected level of future warranty costs, including current sales trends, the expected number of units to be affected and the estimated average repair cost per unit for warranty claims. Our products contain certain parts manufactured by third party suppliers. Since suppliers typically warrant these parts, the expected receivables from warranties of these suppliers are deducted from our estimates of accrued warranty obligations.

 

We believe our accrued warranty liability is a “critical accounting estimate” because changes in the calculation can materially affect net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and require us to estimate the frequency and amounts of future claims, which are inherently uncertain.

 

Our policy is to continuously monitor warranty cost accruals to determine the adequacy of the accrual. Therefore, warranty expense accruals are maintained at an amount we deem adequate to cover estimated warranty expenses.

 

Actual claims incurred in the future may differ from the original estimates, which may result in material revisions to the warranty expense accruals.

 

The changes in provisions for those product warranties and net sales and other operating revenue for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2010     2011  

Provisions for product warranties

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 293,760      ¥ 233,979      ¥ 226,038   

Warranty claims paid during the period

     (123,509     (86,886     (82,080

Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period

     79,576        79,520        84,920   

Changes in liabilities for pre-existing warranties during the period

     2,233        (3,571     (3,550

Foreign currency translation

     (18,081     2,996        (11,385
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 233,979      ¥ 226,038      ¥ 213,943   
                        

Net sales and other operating revenue

   ¥ 10,011,241      ¥ 8,579,174      ¥ 8,936,867   

 

Credit Losses

 

Our finance subsidiaries provide retail lending and leasing to customers and wholesale financing to dealers primarily to support sales of our products. Honda classifies retail and direct financing lease receivables derived from those services as finance subsidiaries-receivables. Operating leases are classified as property on operating leases. Certain finance receivables related to sales of inventory are included in trade accounts and notes receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Receivables on past due operating lease rental payments are included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

The majority of the credit risk is with consumer financing and to a lesser extent with dealer financing. Credit risk is affected by general economic conditions such as a rise in unemployment rates or declines in used vehicle prices. Our finance subsidiaries estimate losses incurred on retail and direct financing lease receivables (consumer finance receivables) and recognize them in the allowance for credit losses. Estimated losses on past due operating lease rental payments are also recognized in the allowance for credit losses. In the case of property on operating leases, estimated losses due to customer defaults are not recognized in the allowance for credit losses because a loss is realized on the disposition of the property. Therefore we present these losses as impairment losses on property on operating leases. Consumer finance receivables consist of a large number of

 

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smaller-balance homogenous loans and leases. Our finance subsidiaries segment these receivables into groups with common characteristics, and estimate collectively the allowance for credit losses on consumer finance receivables by the group. Our finance subsidiaries take into consideration various methodologies when estimating the allowance including vintage loss rate analysis and delinquency roll rate analysis. When performing the vintage loss rate analysis, consumer finance receivables are segregated between retail and direct financing lease, and further segmented into groups with common risk characteristics including collateral type, credit grades, and original terms. Loss rates are projected for these pools based on historical rates and adjusted for considerations of emerging trends and changing economic conditions. The roll rate analysis is used primarily by our finance subsidiaries in North America. This analysis tracks the migration of finance receivables through various stages of delinquency and ultimately to charge-offs. Roll rates are projected based on historical results while also taking into consideration trends and changing economic conditions. Similar to our portfolio of consumer finance receivables, our portfolio of receivables on past due operating lease rental payments is collectively evaluated for the allowance for credit losses. Property on operating leases are also collectively evaluated for impairment losses to be realized upon early disposition.

 

Wholesale receivables are considered to be impaired and recognized in the allowance for credit losses when it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the contract. Our finance subsidiaries recognize estimated losses on them in allowance for credit losses. Credit risk on wholesale receivables is affected primarily by the financial strength of the dealers within the portfolio. Wholesale receivables are evaluated for impairment on an individual dealer basis. Ongoing evaluations of dealerships are performed to determine whether there is evidence of impairment. Factors can include payment performance, overall dealership financial performance, or known difficulties experienced by the dealership.

 

We believe our allowance for credit losses and impairment losses on operating leases is a “critical accounting estimate” because it requires significant judgment about inherently uncertain items. We regularly review the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and impairment losses on operating leases. The estimates are based on information available as of each reporting date. However actual losses may differ from the original estimates as a result of actual results varying from those assumed in our estimates.

 

As an example of the sensitivity of the allowance calculation, the following scenario demonstrates the impact that a deviation in one of the primary factors estimated as a part of our allowance calculation would have on the provision and allowance for credit losses. If we had experienced a 10% increase in net credit losses during fiscal 2011, the provision for fiscal 2011 and the allowance balance at the end of fiscal 2011 would have increased by approximately ¥4.6 billion and ¥2.8 billion, respectively. Note that this sensitivity analysis may be asymmetric, and are specific to the base conditions in fiscal 2011.

 

Additional Narrative of the Change in Credit Loss

 

The following tables summarize our allowance for credit losses on finance receivables:

 

     Yen (billions)  

For the year ended March 31, 2009

   Retail     Direct
financing
lease
    Wholesale     Total  

Provisions for credit losses

        

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 31.4      ¥ 2.5      ¥ 0.7      ¥ 34.8   

Provision

     49.1        3.2        1.9        54.4   

Charge-offs

     (57.3     (6.0     (0.5     (63.9

Recoveries

     14.7        2.1        0.0        16.9   

Change due to securitization activity

     (1.4     —          —          (1.4

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

     (2.2     (0.1     (0.2     (2.7
                                

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 34.3      ¥ 1.8      ¥ 1.8      ¥ 38.0   
                                

Ending receivable balance

   ¥ 3,138.8      ¥ 699.3      ¥ 377.6      ¥ 4,215.7   

Average receivable balance, net

   ¥ 3,431.6      ¥ 878.3      ¥ 383.4      ¥ 4,693.4   

Net Charge-offs as a % of average receivable balance

     1.24     0.44     0.15     1.00

Allowance as a % of ending receivable balance

     1.09     0.27     0.50     0.90

 

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     Yen (billions)  

For the year ended March 31, 2010

   Retail     Direct
financing
lease
    Wholesale     Total  

Provisions for credit losses

        

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 34.3      ¥ 1.8      ¥ 1.8      ¥ 38.0   

Provision

     30.0        1.9        0.3        32.3   

Charge-offs

     (43.7     (3.2     (0.6     (47.6

Recoveries

     13.9        1.1        0.0        15.1   

Change due to securitization activity

     —          —          —          —     

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

     (0.6     0.1        (0.0     (0.5
                                

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 33.9      ¥ 1.7      ¥ 1.6      ¥ 37.3   
                                

Ending receivable balance

   ¥ 3,246.4      ¥ 449.4      ¥ 331.7      ¥ 4,027.6   

Average receivable balance, net

   ¥ 3,181.0      ¥ 497.8      ¥ 325.5      ¥ 4,004.5   

Net Charge-offs as a % of average receivable balance

     0.94     0.42     0.18     0.81

Allowance as a % of ending receivable balance

     1.05     0.40     0.49     0.93
     Yen (billions)  

For the year ended March 31, 2011

   Retail     Direct
financing
lease
    Wholesale     Total  

Provisions for credit losses

        

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 33.9      ¥ 1.7      ¥ 1.6      ¥ 37.3   

Adjustment resulting from the adoption of new accounting standards on variable interest entities (note 1(c))

     0.8        —          —          0.8   

Adjusted balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 34.8      ¥ 1.7      ¥ 1.6      ¥ 38.2   

Provision

     10.3        0.7        0.3        11.3   

Charge-offs

     (27.6     (1.5     (0.5     (29.7

Recoveries

     11.1        0.5        0.0        11.7   

Change due to securitization activity

     —          —          —          —     

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

     (3.0     (0.0     (0.0     (3.2
                                

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 25.5      ¥ 1.4      ¥ 1.4      ¥ 28.4   
                                

Ending receivable balance

   ¥ 3,368.0      ¥ 362.1      ¥ 301.6      ¥ 4,031.7   

Average receivable balance, net

   ¥ 3,346.5      ¥ 374.9      ¥ 309.5      ¥ 4,031.0   

Net Charge-offs as a % of average receivable balance

     0.49     0.26     0.15     0.45

Allowance as a % of ending receivable balance

     0.76     0.40     0.47     0.71

 

The following table provides information related to losses on operating leases due to customer defaults:

 

      Yen (billions)  
         2009              2010              2011      

Provision for credit losses on past due rental payments

   ¥ 2.0       ¥ 1.9       ¥ 1.6   

Impairment losses on operating leases due to early termination

   ¥ 8.7       ¥ 3.3       ¥ 0.8   

 

Fiscal Year 2011 Compared with Fiscal Year 2010

 

The provision for credit losses on finance receivables decreased by ¥20.9 billion, or 65%, and net charge-offs decreased by ¥14.5 billion, or 45%. Impairment losses on operating leases due to early termination decreased by ¥2.4 billion, or 75%. These declines in losses are due mainly to the improvement in the overall credit quality of our North American portfolio and economic conditions and strength in used vehicle prices.

 

Fiscal Year 2010 Compared with Fiscal Year 2009

 

The provision for credit losses on finance receivables decreased by ¥22.0 billion, or 40%, and net charge-offs decreased by ¥14.5 billion, or 31%. Impairment losses on operating leases due to early termination

 

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decreased by ¥5.4 billion, or 62%. The declines in losses and delinquencies reflect the improvement in the overall credit quality, focused collection efforts, stabilization of the economy, and improvements in used vehicle prices, principally in North America.

 

Losses on Lease Residual Values

 

Our finance subsidiaries in North America establish contract residual values of lease vehicles at lease inception based on expectations of future used vehicle values, taking into consideration external industry data. End-customers of leased vehicles typically have an option to buy the leased vehicle for the contractual residual value of the vehicle or to return the vehicle to our finance subsidiaries through the dealer at the end of the lease term. Likewise, dealers have the option to buy the vehicle returned by the customer or to return the vehicle to our finance subsidiaries. The likelihood that the leased vehicle will be purchased varies depending on the difference between the contractual residual value and the actual market value of the vehicle at the end of the lease term. We are exposed to risk of loss on the disposition of returned lease vehicles when the proceeds from the sale of the vehicles are less than the contractual residual values at the end of the lease term. For direct financing leases, our finance subsidiaries in North America purchase insurance to cover a portion of the estimated residual value.

 

We periodically review the estimate of residual values. For vehicle leases accounted for as operating leases, the adjustments to estimated residual values result in changes to the remaining depreciation expense to be recognized prospectively on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease.

 

For vehicle leases accounted for as direct financing leases, downward adjustments are made for declines in estimated residual values that are deemed to be other-than-temporary. The adjustments on the uninsured portion of the vehicle’s residual value are recognized as a loss in the period in which the estimate changed.

 

The primary components in estimating losses on lease residual values are the expected frequency of returns, or the percentage of leased vehicles we expect to be returned by customers at the end of the lease term, and the expected loss severity, or the expected difference between the residual value and the amount we receive through sales of returned vehicles plus proceeds from insurance, if any. We estimate losses on lease residual values by evaluating several different factors, including trends in historical and projected used vehicle values and general economic measures.

 

We also test our operating leases for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable.

 

Recoverability of operating leases to be held is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of operating leases to future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) expected to be generated by the operating leases. If such operating leases are considered to be impaired, impairment losses to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the operating leases exceeds the estimated fair value of the operating leases.

 

We believe that our estimated losses on lease residual values and impairment losses is a “critical accounting estimate” because it is highly susceptible to market volatility and requires us to make assumptions about future economic trends and lease residual values, which are inherently uncertain. We believe that the assumptions used are appropriate. However actual losses incurred may differ from original estimates as a result of actual results varing from those assumed in our estimates.

 

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If future auction values for all Honda and Acura vehicles in our North American operating lease portfolio as of March 31, 2011, were to decrease by approximately ¥10,000 per unit from our present estimates, holding all other assumption constant, the total impact would be an increase in depreciation expense by approximately ¥2.0 billion, which would be recognized over the remaining lease terms. Similarly, if future return rates for our existing portfolio of all Honda and Acura vehicles were to increase by one percentage point from our present estimates, the total impact would be an increase in depreciation expense by approximately ¥0.2 billion, which would be recognized over the remaining lease terms. With the same prerequisites shown above, if future auction values in our North American direct financing lease portfolio were to decrease by approximately ¥10,000 per unit from our present estimates, the total impact would be an increase in losses on lease residual values by approximately ¥0.2 billion. And if future return rates were to increase by one percentage point from our present estimates, the total impact would be slight. Note that this sensitivity analysis may be asymmetric, and are specific to the base conditions in fiscal 2011. Also, declines in auction values are likely to have a negative effect on return rates which could affect the sensitivities.

 

Fiscal Year 2011 Compared with Fiscal Year 2010

 

Used vehicle prices continued to improve during fiscal year 2011 due in part to the low supply of used vehicles. Losses related to lease residual value of our finance subsidiaries in North America declined for higher estimates of lease residual values. No impairment losses as a result of declines in estimated residual values were recognized during fiscal year 2011.

 

Incremental deprecation on operating leases declined by ¥11.4 billion, or 81%. Losses on lease residual values on direct financing leases declined by ¥3.9 billion, or 56%.

 

Fiscal Year 2010 Compared with Fiscal Year 2009

 

During fiscal year 2010, used vehicle prices recovered from the severe declines that were experienced in prior years. The improvement in prices was attributable in part to lower used vehicle supplies and stabilization in the economy during the year. No impairment losses as a result of declines in estimated residual values were recognized during fiscal year 2010.

 

Incremental depreciation on operating leases due to the declines in estimated residual values increased by ¥0.6 billion, or 5%. Losses on lease residual values declined by ¥15.8 billion, or 69%, primarily due to the decline direct financing leases.

 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

We have various pension plans covering substantially all of our employees in Japan and certain employees in foreign countries. Benefit obligations and pension costs are based on assumptions of many factors, including the discount rate, the rate of salary increase and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The discount rate is determined mainly based on the rates of high quality corporate bonds currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the defined benefit pension plans. The salary increase assumptions reflect our actual experience as well as near-term outlook. Honda determines the expected long-term rate of return based on the investment policies. Honda considers the eligible investment assets under investment policies, historical experience, expected long-term rate of return under the investing environment, and the long-term target allocations of the various asset categories. Our assumed discount rate and rate of salary increase as of March 31, 2011 were 2.0% and 2.2%, respectively, and our assumed expected long-term rate of return for the year ended March 31, 2011 was 3.0% for Japanese plans. Our assumed discount rate and rate of salary increase as of March 31, 2011 were 5.5~6.0% and 1.5~4.6%, respectively, and our assumed expected long-term rate of return for fiscal 2011 was 6.5~8.0% for foreign plans.

 

We believe that the accounting estimates related to our pension plans is “critical accounting estimate” because changes in these estimates can materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Actual results may differ from our assumptions, and the difference is accumulated and amortized over future periods. Therefore, the difference generally will be reflected as our recognized expenses in future periods. We believe that the assumptions currently used are appropriate, however, differences in actual expenses or changes in assumptions could affect our pension costs and obligations, including our cash requirements to fund such obligations.

 

The following table shows the effect of a 0.5% change in the assumed discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on our funded status, equity, and pension expense.

 

Japanese Plans

 

      Yen (billions)  

Assumptions

   Percentage
point

change  (%)
     Funded
status
     Equity      Pension
expense
 

Discount rate

     +0.5/-0.5         -84.8/+95.5         +34.3/-45.3         -3.1/+4.0   

Expected long-term rate of return

     +0.5/-0.5         —           —           -3.8/+3.8   

 

Foreign Plans

 

      Yen (billions)  

Assumptions

   Percentage
point

change  (%)
     Funded
status
     Equity      Pension
expense
 

Discount rate

     +0.5/-0.5         -39.9/+45.7         +16.9/-19.9         -4.1/+4.1   

Expected long-term rate of return

     +0.5/-0.5         —           —           -1.8/+1.8   

 

(*1) 

Note that this sensitivity analysis may be asymmetric, and are specific to the base conditions at March 31, 2011.

 

(*2) 

Funded status for fiscal 2011 is affected by March 31, 2011 assumptions.

     Pension expense for fiscal 2011 is affected by March 31, 2010 assumptions.

 

Income Taxes

 

Honda is subject to income tax examinations in many tax jurisdictions because Honda conducts its operations in various regions of the world. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position based on the technical merits of the position when the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Benefits from tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. We performed a comprehensive review of any uncertain tax positions.

 

We believe our accounting for tax uncertainties is a “critical accounting estimate” because it requires us to evaluate and assess the probability of the outcome that could be realized upon ultimate resolution. Our estimates may change in the future due to new developments.

 

We believe that our estimates and assumptions of unrecognized tax benefits are reasonable, however, if our estimates of unrecognized tax benefits and potential tax benefits are not representative of actual outcomes, our consolidated financial statements could be materially affected in the period of settlement or when the statutes of limitations expire, as we treat these events as discrete items in the period of resolution.

 

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B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview of Capital Requirements, Sources and Uses

 

The policy of Honda is to support its business activities by maintaining sufficient capital resources, a sufficient level of liquidity and a sound balance sheet.

 

Honda’s main business is the manufacturing and sale of motorcycles, automobiles and power products. To support this business, it also provides retail financing and automobile leasing services for customers, as well as wholesale financing services for dealers.

 

Honda requires operating capital mainly to purchase parts and raw materials required for production, as well as to maintain inventory of finished products and cover receivables from dealers and for providing financial services. Honda also requires funds for capital expenditures, mainly to introduce new models, upgrade, rationalize and renew production facilities, as well as to expand and reinforce sales and R&D facilities.

 

Honda meets its operating capital requirements primarily through cash generated by operations, bank loans and the issuance of corporate bonds. The year-end balance of liabilities associated with the Company and its subsidiaries’ funding for non-financial services businesses was ¥399.8 billion as of March 31, 2011. In addition, the Company’s finance subsidiaries fund financial programs for customers and dealers primarily from medium-term notes, commercial paper, corporate bonds, bank loans, securitization of finance receivables and intercompany loans. The year-end balance of liabilities associated with these finance subsidiaries’ funding for financial services business was ¥4,207.9 billion as of March 31, 2011.

 

Cash Flows

 

Consolidated cash and cash equivalents for the year ended March 31, 2011 increased by ¥159.1 billion from March 31, 2010, to ¥1,279.0 billion. The reasons for the increases or decreases for each cash flow activity are as follows:

 

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to ¥1,070.8 billion of cash inflows. Cash inflows from operating activities decreased by ¥473.3 billion compared with the previous fiscal year, due mainly to increased payments for parts and raw materials primarily due to an increase in automobile production, which was partially offset by an increase in cash received from customers, primarily due to increased unit sales in the automobile business.

 

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to ¥731.3 billion of cash outflows. Cash outflows from investing activities increased by ¥135.6 billion compared with the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in acquisitions of finance subsidiaries-receivables and an increase in purchase of operating lease assets, which was partially offset by an increase in collections of finance subsidiaries-receivables and an increase in proceeds from sales of operating lease assets.

 

Net cash used in financing activities amounted to ¥100.4 billion of cash outflows. Cash outflows from financing activities decreased by ¥458.8 billion, compared with the previous fiscal year, due mainly to an increase in debts which decreased in the previous fiscal year, which was partially offset by purchases of treasury stock and an increase in dividends paid.

 

Liquidity

 

The ¥1,279.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fiscal year 2011 corresponds to approximately 1.7 months of net sales, and Honda believes it has sufficient liquidity for its business operations.

 

At the same time, Honda is aware of the possibility that various factors, such as recession-induced market contraction and financial and foreign exchange market volatility, may adversely affect liquidity. For this reason,

 

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finance subsidiaries that carry total short-term borrowings of ¥1,369.4 billion have committed lines of credit equivalent to ¥788.3 billion that serve as alternative liquidity for the commercial paper issued regularly to replace debt. Honda believes it currently has sufficient credit limits, extended by prominent international banks, as of the date of the filing of Honda’s Form 20-F.

 

Honda’s short- and long-term debt securities are rated by credit rating agencies, such as Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, and Rating and Investment Information, Inc. The following table shows the ratings of Honda’s unsecured debt securities by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Rating and Investment Information as of March 31, 2011.

 

     Credit ratings for  
     Short-term
unsecured debt  securities
     Long-term
unsecured debt  securities
 

Moody’s Investors Service

     P-1         A1   

Standard & Poor’s Rating Services

     A-1         A+   

Rating and Investment Information

     a-1+         AA   

 

The above ratings are based on information provided by Honda and other information deemed credible by the rating agencies. They are also based on the agencies’ assessment of credit risk associated with designated securities issued by Honda. Each rating agency may use different standards for calculating Honda’s credit rating, and also makes its own assessment. Ratings can be revised or nullified by agencies at any time. These ratings are not meant to serve as a recommendation for trading in or holding Honda’s unsecured debt securities.

 

C. Research and Development

 

Honda and its consolidated subsidiaries use the most-advanced technologies to conduct R&D activities with the goal of creating distinctive products that are internationally competitive. To attain this goal, the Group’s main R&D divisions operate independently as subsidiaries, allowing technicians to pursue their tasks with significant freedom. Product-related R&D is spearheaded by Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Japan; Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in the United States; and Honda R&D Europe (U.K.) Ltd. in the United Kingdom. R&D on production technologies centers around Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. in Japan and Honda Engineering North America, Inc. in the United States. All of these entities work in close association with our other entities and businesses in their respective regions.

 

Total consolidated R&D expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 amounted to ¥487.5 billion.

 

Motorcycle Business

 

In the Motorcycle Business, Honda is committed to developing products with value-added features that meet the needs of customers around the world and to implementing the timely local development of products suited to specific regions at its overseas locations. Along with these activities, we are focusing on developing technologies that address safety and environmental issues.

 

Major developments in fiscal 2011 included the launching of motorcycles in Japan, Thailand, India, Indonesia and Malaysia powered by a newly developed double overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine, which is outfitted with the world’s first roller rocker arm and other innovations that give non-slip, powerful performance from low rotation to high rotation speeds, combined with good fuel economy. We also introduced a globally strategic motorcycle, the CBR250R, which is a light-weight super sports bike that incorporates a newly designed frame with a truss structure that offers ease of handling and maneuvering stability.

 

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In Japan, we began to offer the EV-neo with lease financing. The EV-neo is an electric-powered bike that responds to the needs of today’s new era by contributing to realizing a low-carbon society as it provides transportation for people and cargo. Equipped with a motor featuring good torque performance even at low speeds, the EV-neo offers strong starting performance, even when carrying cargo, and has a specially developed battery that can be fully recharged in about 30 minutes (at an ambient temperature of 25°C) as well as greater ease of recharging. In addition, in Japan, we introduced the Giorno, a motor scooter with “round and cute” design to appeal mainly to the fashion-conscious younger generation but also to suit the tastes of a broad range of other customers. Also, in Thailand, we introduced the WAVE 110i, a new model Cub-style bike which is the first Cub style equipped with the PGM-FI electronically controlled fuel injection system that is more compact than those equipped in previous models. WAVE 110i has a more-secure, refined appearance as well as considerably more cargo space, which can store a half helmet. In Indonesia, we relaunched the MegaPro, a sports model with wide, practical applicability, after a full model change. The new MegaPro offers a new design and equipment that give it a more-luxurious and powerful appearance. Also, it is equipped with a new type engine that aims for improved fuel economy through the application of friction reducing and cooling technologies.

 

R&D expenses in this segment in fiscal 2011 were ¥67.8 billion.

 

Automobile Business

 

In the Automobile Business segment, we are working to develop innovative technologies and create products with new value added to respond to customer needs. We are also actively developing technologies that provide advanced safety performance and address environment issues.

 

Among major achievements in Japan during fiscal 2011, we launched the Freed Spike, which features ease of driving and a spacious interior in a compact body. In addition, we made minor model changes on the LEGEND to upgrade its drivetrain and improve fuel performance, and it became the first Honda automobile to be outfitted with a newly developed six-speed automatic transmission. The LEGEND is also now the first car in the world equipped with a noise suppressor device, which is installed on the 18-inch noise limiting aluminum wheels and reduces the noise emitted from inside the tire. In addition, in Japan and Europe, we launched the Fit Hybrid (sold in Europe as the Jazz Hybrid), a new type in the Fit series, which has its hybrid battery installed underneath the baggage compartment and thus retains the interior comfort and seat arrangement of the previous Fit models (sold in Europe as the Jazz models) while adding top-notch fuel economy and driving performance. In Asia outside Japan, we launched the new, low-priced BRIO in Thailand, which succeeds in offering a compact body with a spacious interior. The BRIO also delivers good environmental performance, as evidenced by its certification as an eco-car by Thai government standards because of its fuel economy and satisfaction of the Euro 4 gas emission standards.

 

Other R&D-related news included the announcement of the Fit EV Concept. This new electric vehicle (EV) concept model offers driving mode options and delivers a lively response with a strong sense of acceleration, similar to that of a 2.0 liter class engine, by drawing on the features of having the motor on the same axle as the gearbox. At the same time, it also offers a more-efficient ride and conserves electric power. We also announced a new hybrid concept car that harnesses a specially developed 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine, which delivers high efficiency and high fuel performance, together with two high-power electric motors. This hybrid has three driving modes: electric power, hybrid operation and gasoline engine and, as a “plug-in hybrid,” can be recharged by plugging into a household electric outlet. In addition, to verify results and support the realization of a low-carbon mobility society in the years to come, we have begun testing in real driving situations of the performance of EVs and plug-in hybrids in Japan and the United States.

 

R&D expenses in this segment in fiscal 2011 were ¥389.8 billion.

 

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Power Product and Other Businesses

 

In the Power Product and Other Businesses, we are working to develop products that contribute to customers’ lifestyles, while strengthening our lineup of offerings that address environmental issues.

 

Principal developments in this segment included the re-launching of the BF115 outboard motor with full model changes in markets around the world. This upgraded model incorporates the boosted low-speed torque (BLAST) system, which is an air/fuel ratio and injection-timing technology and lean-burn control mechanism, which makes possible strong torque performance and acceleration over a wide range of rotation speeds. Also, through lean-burn control, fuel economy has been improved by 20% over previous types. In addition, in North America, Europe, and Asia, we implemented a full model change in our cylindrical electric power generators, EG4000, EG5000 and EG6500 (sold as EG3600, EG4500, and EG5500 in Europe) by boosting their continuous operating time by equipping them with fuel-efficient, eco-friendly engines and enhancing their power generating capacity. We also launched our UMK 425 and UMK 435 series of four-stroke lawn mowers in Europe, which feature a large-sized deflector (antiscattering cover) with a redesigned shape that substantially reduces jamming due to ingested grass and other vegetable matter. In Japan, we announced new thin-film solar cells, which are more compact than models already on the market and can be laid out and installed efficiently on roofs of widely varying shapes. In addition, the tested prototypes of these solar cells attain a module conversion ratio of 13.0%, which is the highest in the world among similar thin-film solar cells currently on the market. Looking to launch these units, we are working to further increase their module conversion ratio.

 

In other businesses in this segment, Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., our U.S. subsidiary in the jet aircraft business, reported that the mass production model of HondaJet, a light business jet that has been designed for obtaining approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), successfully completed its maiden flight.

 

R&D expenses in this segment in fiscal 2011 were ¥29.9 billion.

 

Fundamental Research

 

During fiscal 2011, Honda continued its research activities to develop technologies in a diverse range of fields that will support the products of the future.

 

Please note that expenses incurred in fundamental research are allocated among Honda’s business segments.

 

Patents and Licenses

 

At March 31, 2011, Honda owned more than 16,400 patents in Japan and more than 24,600 patents abroad. Honda also had applications pending for more than 14,800 patents in Japan and for more than 17,500 patents abroad. While Honda considers that, in the aggregate, Honda’s patents are important, it does not consider any one of such patents, or any related group of them, to be of such importance that the expiration or termination thereof would materially affect Honda’s business.

 

D. Trend Information

 

The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011 and the nuclear power plant disaster have caused and will continue to cause significant damage to the Japanese economy. Honda’s business sites, such as Honda’s R&D subsidiaries located in Tochigi Prefecture, were heavily damaged. As a result, certain property, plant and equipment and inventories were damaged. On March 11, 2011, Honda temporarily suspended production and R&D activities at its sites located in Japan due to the effects of this disaster, which includes a shortage of parts supplies and damage on property, plant and equipment.

 

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As a result, Honda recognized ¥45.7 billion of costs and expenses, of which ¥17.4 billion is included in cost of sales and ¥28.2 billion is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2011. These costs and expenses mainly consist of unallocated fixed production overhead of ¥15.0 billion caused by temporary suspension of production which is included in cost of sales, and loss on damaged property, plant and equipment of ¥15.6 billion which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Fixed costs of ¥7.7 billion pertaining to certain R&D activities incurred during the period such activities were suspended are not included in research and development, but selling, general and administrative expenses. Substantially all of these costs and expenses resulting from the disaster are included in operating expenses of automobile business segment. Honda will recognize the costs of future restoration activities as they are incurred. The effect of this disaster on Honda’s sales activities for the year ended March 31, 2011 was immaterial.

 

By April 11, 2011, Honda had resumed production activities at all of its production sites; however, production at Honda’s automobile plants both in and outside of Japan has been temporarily reduced. As of the date of the filing of this Form 20-F, recovery from shortage of certain parts supplies is in sight. Honda expects its domestic production has been nearly normalized in late June and its overseas production will be nearly normalized in the August /September timeframe except certain type or model of automobile products which will have continuous restricted parts supplies.

 

Concerning the impact on profit in the next year consolidated financial statements, Honda estimates factors which weigh on profit mainly in automobile business segment such as decreased net sales of automobile business attributable to shortage of inventories, unallocated fixed production overhead as a result of temporary reduced production, and the costs of restoration activities can occur. On the other hand, net sales of automobile business is expected to recover after normalization of production. Honda believes the impact of the Earthquake will not be severe on Honda’s consolidated financial position or results of operations and will not continue over a long period.

 

Honda’s R&D subsidiaries located in Tochigi Prefecture set up satellite offices within the plants and other offices as it would take some time to restore its building and facility, and resumed R&D operations on March 28. As a result, Honda has been able to minimize the impact of the Earthquake on R&D activities. Satellite offices were dissolved in early June.

 

See Item 5.A “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” for information required by this item except the impact of the Earthquake described above.

 

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

(Securitization)

 

For the purpose of liquidity and funding, our finance subsidiaries periodically securitize finance receivables. In these securitizations, our finance subsidiaries transfer a portfolio of finance receivables to a special purpose entity, which is established for the limited purpose of buying and re-transfer finance receivables. Our finance subsidiaries remain as a servicer of the finance receivables and are paid a servicing fee for our services. The special purpose entity transfers the receivables to a trust which is newly structured for each securitization or bank conduit, which issues asset-backed securities or commercial paper, respectively, to investors. Our finance subsidiaries retain certain subordinated interests in the transferred receivables in the form of subordinated certificates, servicing assets and residual interests in certain cash reserves provided as credit enhancements for investors. Our finance subsidiaries apply significant assumptions regarding prepayments, credit losses and average interest rates in estimating expected cash flows from the trust or bank conduit, which affect the recoverability of our retained interests in the transferred finance receivables. We periodically evaluate these assumptions and adjust them, if appropriate, to reflect the performance of the finance receivables.

 

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We have not consolidated certain trusts since these trusts meet the definitions of a former qualifying special purpose entity before the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. We adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16 “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”, and ASU 2009-17 “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, effective April 1, 2010. Upon the adoption of these standards, we consolidated all trusts as of April 1, 2010. As a result, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Information about ASU 2009-16 and 2009-17 is described in note (1)(c) and information about variable interest entities and securitizations is described in note (4) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

(Guarantee)

 

At March 31, 2011, we guaranteed ¥30.3 billion of employee bank loans for their housing costs. If an employee defaults on his/her loan payments, we are required to perform under the guarantee. The undiscounted maximum amount of our obligation to make future payments in the event of defaults is ¥30.3 billion. As of March 31, 2011, no amount was accrued for any estimated losses under the obligations, as it was probable that the employees would be able to make all scheduled payments.

 

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

The following table shows our contractual obligations at March 31, 2011:

 

Contractual Obligations

 

     At March 31, 2011  
     Yen (millions)  
     Payments due by period  
     Total      Less than
1 year
     1-3
years
     3-5
years
     After
5  years
 

Long-term debt

     3,005,695         962,455         1,369,943         555,551         117,746   

Operating leases

     102,783         19,100         24,370         15,115         44,198   

Purchase commitments*1

     28,466         28,466         —           —           —     

Interest payments*2

     218,226         92,907         97,696         25,112         2,511   

Contributions to defined benefit pension plans*3

     92,815         92,815         —           —           —     
                                            

Total

     3,447,985         1,195,743         1,492,009         595,778         164,455   
                                            

 

*1 

Honda had commitments for purchases of property, plant and equipment at March 31, 2011.

 

*2 

To estimate the schedule of interest payments, the company utilized the balances and average interest rates of borrowings and debts and derivative instruments as of March 31, 2011.

 

*3 

Since contributions beyond the next fiscal year are not currently determinable, contributions to defined benefit pension plans reflect only contributions expected for the next fiscal year.

 

If our estimates of unrecognized tax benefits and potential tax benefits are not representative of actual outcomes, our consolidated financial statements could be materially affected in the period of settlement or when the statutes of limitations expire, as we treat these events as discrete items in the period of resolution. Since it is difficult to estimate actual payment in the future related to our uncertain tax positions, unrecognized tax benefit totaled ¥46,265 million is not represented in the table above.

 

At March 31, 2011, we had no material capital lease obligations or long-term liabilities reflected on our balance sheet under U.S. GAAP other than those set forth in the table above.

 

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G. Safe Harbor

 

All information disclosed under Item 5. E and F 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 differ materially 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.

 

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

Honda’s articles of incorporation provide for a Board of Directors of not more than 15 Directors and for a Board of Corporate Auditors of not more than seven Corporate Auditors. Directors and Corporate Auditors are elected by resolutions of the general meetings of shareholders. The Corporate Auditors are nominated by the Board of Directors as candidates for election with approval by the Board of Corporate Auditors. The normal term of office of a Director is one year and that of a Corporate Auditor is four years. Directors and Corporate Auditors may serve any number of consecutive terms.

 

The Board of Directors appoints one President and Director and may appoint one Chairman of the Board of Directors and several Executive Vice Presidents and Directors, Senior Managing Directors and Managing Directors from among its members. The President represents the Company. In addition, the Board of Directors may appoint, pursuant to its resolutions, Directors who shall each represent the Company. Under the Company Law, a representative director individually has authority to represent the Company generally in the conduct of its affairs. The Board of Directors has the ultimate responsibility for the administration of the affairs of the Company.

 

Under the Company Law, the Corporate Auditors of the Company have the duty to audit the Director’s execution of their duties. Corporate Auditors are not required to be, and the Corporate Auditors of the Company are not, certified public accountants, and may not at the same time be Directors or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. They are entitled to participate in meetings of the Board of Directors but are not entitled to vote. Corporate Auditors of the Company form the Board of Corporate Auditors, which must consist of at least three Corporate Auditors. Not less than half of the members of the Board of Corporate Auditors must be outside Corporate Auditors, each of whom has never served as a director, accounting councilor, operating officer, manager or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Corporate Auditors are required to elect from among themselves at least one Standing Corporate Auditor. Corporate Auditors also have a statutory duty to provide their report to the Board of Corporate Auditors, which must submit its audit report to the Representative Director each year. A Corporate Auditor may note his or her opinion in the audit report if his or her opinion is different from the opinion expressed in the audit report. The Board of Corporate Auditors is empowered to establish audit principles, methods of investigation by Corporate Auditors of the status of the corporate affairs, and assets of the Company and other matters concerning the performance of the Corporate Auditors’ duties. In addition, the Company is required to appoint independent certified public accountants as accounting auditor. Such independent certified public accountants have as their primary statutory duties to audit the consolidated and non-consolidated financial statements of the Company prepared in accordance with the Company Law to be submitted by the Representative Director to general meetings of shareholders and to prepare an accounting audit report thereon and to notify the contents of such report to the specified Corporate Auditor and the specified Director in charge.

 

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The following table provides the names of all Directors and Corporate Auditors of the Company and the current positions held by such persons.

 

Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term      Number of
Shares Owned
 

Representative Directors

        

Koichi Kondo

(February 13, 1947)

  

Director of the Company from June 1997

 

Chairman and Representative Director of the Company,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Compliance Officer,

appointed in April 2010 (presently held)

 

Responsible for Government & Industrial Affairs,

appointed in April 2010

 

Executive Vice President and Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2007

 

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan),

appointed in April 2007

 

Chairman and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,

appointed in April 2007

 

Senior Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2005

 

President and Director of Honda North America, Inc.,

appointed in April 2005

 

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (North America),

appointed in April 2004

 

President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,

appointed in June 2003

 

Executive Vice President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,

appointed in April 2003

 

Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2002

 

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Latin America),

appointed in April 2000

     *3         21,200   
  

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 1997

 

President and Director of Honda Motor do Brasil Ltda. (presently Honda South America Ltda.),

appointed in June 1996

 

President and Director of Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda.,

appointed in June 1996

     

 

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Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term    Number of
Shares Owned
  

President and Director of Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda.,

appointed in June 1996

 

Joined Honda in April 1970

     

Takanobu Ito

(August 29, 1953)

  

Director of the Company from June 2000

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and

Representative Director of the Company,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Chief Operating Officer for Automobile Operations

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

President and Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2009

 

President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in April 2009

 

Senior Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2007

 

Chief Operating Officer for Automobile Operations,

appointed in April 2007

 

Managing Officer of the Company,

appointed in June 2005

 

General Manager of Suzuka Factory of Production Operations,

appointed in April 2005

 

General Supervisor, Motor Sports,

appointed in April 2004

 

Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2003

 

Responsible for Motor Sports,

appointed in June 2003

 

President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 2003

 

Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 2001

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2000

 

Executive Vice President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc.,

appointed in April 1998

 

Joined Honda in April 1978

   *3    17,200

Akio Hamada

(December 2, 1948)

  

Director of the Company from June 1999

 

Executive Vice President,

Executive Officer and Representative Director of the Company,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

   *3    16,500

 

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Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term    Number of
Shares Owned
  

General Supervisor, Quality,

appointed in April 2009

 

Senior Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2008

 

Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations,

appointed in April 2008 (presently held)

 

Risk Management Officer,

appointed in April 2008

 

General Supervisor, Information Systems,

appointed in April 2008

 

Managing Officer of the Company,

appointed in June 2005

 

President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.,

appointed in April 2005

 

President and Director of Honda Engineering Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 2001

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 1999

 

Stationed at Honda Canada Inc. in June 1998

 

Joined Honda in April 1971

     

Directors

        

Tatsuhiro Oyama

(July 9, 1950)

  

Director of the Company from June 2001

 

Senior Managing Officer and Director of the Company,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Senior Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2010

 

Chief Officer of Driving Safety Promotion Center,

appointed in April 2010 (presently held)

 

Chief Operating Officer for Motorcycle Operations,

appointed in April 2008 (presently held)

 

Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2006

 

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations

(Asia & Oceania),

appointed in April 2006

 

President and Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.,

appointed in April 2006

 

Chief Operating Officer for Parts Operations,

appointed in April 2003

   *3    20,200

 

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Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term    Number of
Shares Owned
  

President and Director of Honda Motorcycle Japan Co., Ltd.,

appointed in August 2001

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2001

 

General Manager of Motorcycle Sales Division for

Regional Sales Operations (Japan),

appointed in April 2001

 

Joined Honda in April 1969

     

Fumihiko Ike

(May 26, 1952)

  

Director of the Company from June 2003

 

Senior Managing Officer and Director of the Company,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Chief Operating Officer for

Business Management Operations,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Risk Management Officer,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

General Supervisor, Information Systems

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations

(Asia & Oceania),

appointed in April 2008

 

President and Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.,

appointed in April 2008

 

Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2007

 

Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations,

appointed in April 2006

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2003

 

Chief Operating Officer for Power Product Operations,

appointed in April 2003

 

Joined Honda in February 1982

   *3    19,000

Tomohiko Kawanabe

(May 17, 1952)

  

Director of the Company from June 2010

 

Senior Managing Officer and Director of the Company

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Responsible for Quality, Certification and Regulation Compliance

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

   *3    11,300

 

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Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term    Number of
Shares Owned
  

Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2010

 

President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in April 2010

 

Joined Honda in April 1977

     

Yoshiharu Yamamoto

(March 19, 1953)

  

Director of the Company from June 2011

 

Managing Officer and Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2011 (presently held)

 

Managing Officer of the Company,

appointed in April 2011

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of

Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Executive Vice President and Director of

Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 2010

 

Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 2007

 

Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 2005

 

Joined Honda in April 1973

   *3    10,000

Kensaku Hogen

(August 2, 1941)

  

Director of the Company from June 2005

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2005 (presently held)

 

Ambassador to Canada,

appointed in April 2001

   *3    1,400

Nobuo Kuroyanagi

(December 18, 1941)

  

Director of the Company from June 2009

 

Director of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG),

appointed in April 2010

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2009 (presently held)

 

Chairman of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (BTMU),

appointed in April 2008 (presently held)

 

President and CEO of MUFG,

appointed in October 2005

   *3    800

Takeo Fukui

(November 28, 1944)

  

Director of the Company from June 1988

 

Director and Advisor of the Company,

appointed in June 2009 (presently held)

 

President and Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2003

   *3    36,200

 

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Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term    Number of
Shares Owned
  

Responsible for Motor Sports,

appointed in June 1999

 

Senior Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 1999

 

President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 1998

 

Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 1996

 

President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.,

appointed in June 1996

 

Executive Vice President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.,
appointed in June 1994

 

Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 1990

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 1988

 

President and Director of Honda Racing Corporation,

appointed in May 1987

 

Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.,

appointed in May 1987

 

Joined Honda in April 1969

     

Takuji Yamada

(September 28, 1956)

  

Director of the Company from June 2008

 

Operating Officer and Director of the Company,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2008

 

Chief Operating Officer for Power Product Operations,

appointed in April 2008 (presently held)

 

President and Director of Honda Motor Europe (North) GmbH

(presently, Honda Deutschland GmbH),

appointed in April 2006

 

Operating Officer of the Company,

appointed in June 2005

 

Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,

appointed in December 2004

 

Joined Honda in April 1980

   *3    16,500

Masahiro Yoshida

(March 5, 1957)

  

Director of the Company from June 2010

 

Operating Officer and Director of the Company,

appointed in April 2011 (presently held)

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2010

   *3    13,700

 

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Table of Contents

Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term    Number of
Shares Owned
  

Chief Operating Officer for Business Support Operations,

appointed in April 2010 (presently held)

 

General Manager of Hamamatsu Factory of Production Operations,

appointed in April 2008

 

Operating Officer of the Company,

appointed in June 2007

 

Responsible for Human Resources and Associate Relations for Business Support Operations,

appointed in April 2007

 

Joined Honda in April 1979

     

Corporate Auditors

        

Toru Onda

(March 18, 1949)

  

Corporate Auditor of the Company (full-time),

appointed in June 2008 (presently held)

 

Managing Director of the Company,

appointed in June 2002

 

Chief Operating Officer for Purchasing Operations,

appointed in April 2000

 

Director of the Company,

appointed in June 1999

 

General Manager of Automobile Purchasing Division 1 in Purchasing Operations,

appointed in June 1998

 

Joined Honda in January 1977

   *4    18,500

Hideki Okada

(June 1, 1953)

  

Corporate Auditor of the Company (full-time),

appointed in June 2009 (presently held)

 

General Manager of Regional Operation Planning Office (North America),

appointed in April 2007

 

Executive Vice President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,

appointed in April 2007

 

Operating Officer of the Company,

appointed in June 2006

 

General Manager of Accounting Division for Business Management Operation,

appointed in June 2004

 

Joined Honda in April 1977

   *5    16,400

Fumihiko Saito

(June 9, 1945)

  

Representative of the Saito Law Office in February 2006 (presently held)

 

Corporate Auditor of the Company,

appointed in June 2004 (presently held)

   *4    1,400

 

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Table of Contents

Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term    Number of
Shares Owned
  

Partner of Haarmann Hemmelrath Saito Law Office in June 2003

 

Registered as a lawyer in April 1973

     

Hirotake Abe

(November 13, 1944)

  

Corporate Auditor of the Company,

appointed in June 2011 (presently held)

 

Established the Certified Public Accountant

Hirotake Abe Office in January 2010 (presently held)

 

Senior Adviser of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (presently, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC) in June 2007

 

Executive Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited in June 2004

 

CEO of Tohmatsu & Co. (presently, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC) in June 2001

 

Executive Officer for Operations in the Tokyo Office of

Tohmatsu & Co. (presently, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC) in June 1999

 

Managing Partner of Tohmatsu & Co. (presently, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC) in June 1995

 

Partner of Tohmatsu & Co.

(presently, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC) in July 1990

 

Registered as certified public accountant in March 1974

 

Joined Tohmatsu Awoki & Co.

(presently, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC)

in January 1970

   *6    None

Tomochika Iwashita

(November 14, 1946)

  

Corporate Auditor of the Company,

appointed in June 2011 (presently held)

 

President and Director of

Tokio Marine & Nichido Life Insurance Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 2006

 

Vice President and Director of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.,

appointed in June 2005

 

Director of Millea Holdings, Inc.

(presently, Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.),

appointed in June 2005

 

Senior Managing Director of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.,

appointed in October 2004

 

Senior Managing Director of Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

(presently, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.),

appointed in June 2003

   *6    None

 

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Table of Contents

Name

(Date of birth)

  

Current Positions and Biographies with Registrant

   Term    Number of
Shares Owned
  

Managing Director of Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

(presently, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.),

appointed in June 2002

 

Senior Managing Director of The Nippon Credit Bank, Ltd. (presently, Aozora Bank, Ltd.),

appointed in December 2000

 

Director of Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

(presently, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.),

appointed in September 2000

 

Senior Managing Executive Officer of The Nippon Credit Bank, Ltd. (presently, Aozora Bank, Ltd.),

appointed in September 2000

 

Managing Director and General Manager of the Corporate Planning Department of Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (presently, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.),

appointed in April 2000

 

Director and General Manager of the Corporate Planning Department of Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

(presently, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.),

appointed in June 1999

 

Director and Manager of the Second Automobile Insurance Marketing Department of Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (presently, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.),

appointed in June 1998

 

Joined Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

(presently, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.) in July 1969

     

 

*1. Mr. Kensaku Hogen and Mr. Nobuo Kuroyanagi satisfy the required conditions for the outside director provided for in Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 15 of the Company Law.

 

*2. Corporate Auditors Mr. Fumihiko Saito, Mr. Hirotake Abe and Mr. Tomochika Iwashita are outside corporate auditors as provided for in Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 16 of the Company Law.

 

*3. The term of office of a Director is one year after his/her election to office at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders on June 23, 2011.

 

*4. The term of office of a Corporate Auditor is four years after his/her election to office at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders on June 24, 2008.

 

*5. The term of office of a Corporate Auditor is four years after his/her election to office at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders on June 23, 2009.

 

*6. The term of office of a Corporate Auditor is four years after his/her election to office at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders on June 23, 2011.

 

*7.

The Company has introduced an operating officer system to strengthen operations in regions and local workplaces, and implement quick and appropriate decisions. Executive Officers, Senior Managing

 

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Officers, Managing Officers and Operating Officers under the operating officer system are not statutory positions under the Company Law and do not conform to the definition of “Directors and Senior Management” as defined in Form 20-F. The Company’s Executive Officers, Senior Managing Officers, Managing Officers and Operating Officers, as voluntarily disclosed in Japan, are listed below.

 

Executive Officers

Takanobu Ito

    

President, Chief Executive Officer;

    

Chief Operating Officer for Automobile Operations

Akio Hamada

    

Executive Vice President;

    

Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations

Senior Managing Officers

Tetsuo Iwamura

    

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations

    

(North America)

    

President and Director of Honda North America, Inc.

    

President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Tatsuhiro Oyama

     Chief Operating Officer for Motorcycle Operations
    

Chief Officer of Driving Safety Promotion Center

Fumihiko Ike

    

Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations

    

Risk Management Officer

    

General Supervisor, Information Systems

Tomohiko Kawanabe

    

Responsible for Quality, Certification and Regulation Compliance

Managing Officers

Takashi Yamamoto

    

General Manager of Automobile Production Office, Production Operations

Masaya Yamashita

    

Chief Operating Officer for Purchasing Operations

Hidenobu Iwata

    

President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.

Manabu Nishimae

    

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations

    

(Europe, the Middle &Near East and Africa)

    

President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd.

Koichi Fukuo

    

Executive in Charge of Business Unit No. 1, Automobile Operations

Hiroshi Kobayashi

    

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations

    

(Asia & Oceania)

    

President and Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Sho Minekawa

    

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan)

Yoshiharu Yamamoto

    

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

Toshihiko Nonaka

    

Responsible for Products, Automobile Operations

    

Senior Managing Officer and Director, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

 

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Operating Officers

  

Takuji Yamada

  

Chief Operating Officer for Power Product Operations

Masahiro Takedagawa

  

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations

  

(Latin America)

  

President and Director of Honda South America Ltda.

  

President and Director of Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda.

  

President and Director of Honda Automoveis do Brazil Ltda.

Yoshiyuki Matsumoto

  

Executive in Charge of Business Unit No. 3, Automobile Operations

Ko Katayama

  

General Manager of Saitama Factory of Production Operations

Masahiro Yoshida

  

Chief Operating Officer for Business Support Operations

Seiji Kuraishi

  

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (China)

  

President of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

Takashi Nagai

  

President and Director of Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.

  

President and Director of Honda Motor India Private Ltd.

Katsushi Watanabe

  

General Manager of Kumamoto Factory of Production Operations

Toshiaki Mikoshiba

  

President of Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.

Yoshi Yamane

  

Executive Vice President of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

Takashi Sekiguchi

  

President and Director of Honda Canada Inc.

Takahiro Hachigo

  

General Manager of Suzuka Factory of Production Operations

Hiroshi Sasamoto

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Honda Engineering Co., Ltd.

Hiroyuki Yamada

   Chief Operating Officer for Customer Service Operations

Chitoshi Yokota

  

Executive in Charge of Business Unit No. 2, Automobile Operations

Michimasa Fujino

  

President and Director of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

Soichiro Takizawa

  

Executive Vice President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd.

  

President and Director of Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.

Yuji Shiga

   Responsible for CIS countries, the Middle & Near East and Africa for Regional Operations

Kohei Takeuchi

  

General Manager of Accounting Division for Business Management Operation

 

There is no family relationship between any director or executive officer and any other director or executive officer.

 

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Table of Contents

B. Compensation

 

Directors and Corporate Auditors receive remuneration, the aggregate maximum amount of which is approved at the annual general meeting of shareholders. The amounts of the remuneration approved to pay to Directors and Corporate Auditors are allocated among them at meeting of the Board of Directors and Corporate Auditors. Also, Directors and Corporate Auditors receive bonuses, the aggregate amount of which is approved at the annual general meeting of shareholders. From fiscal year 2012, the amounts of bonuses pay to Directors will be allocated among them at meeting of the Board of Directors within the aggregate amount approved at the annual general meeting of shareholders. It is based on the Company’s performance for each fiscal year, Director’s bonus in the past and other factors. The bonus for Corporate Auditors was abolished and will be merged into remuneration from fiscal year 2012 as consideration for their duties. All the directors and corporate auditors contribute a portion of their remuneration to the officer shareholders’ association, purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock and keep holding those shares during their services.

 

The total amount of remuneration paid to the Company’s directors and corporate auditors during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was ¥1,106 million. This amount includes remuneration paid to four directors who retired during the fiscal year. The amount of remuneration paid to the directors includes amount of wages paid to those directors who were also directors of subsidiaries of the Company.

 

The total amount of bonuses paid to the Company’s directors and corporate auditors during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was ¥351 million.

 

The amounts of remuneration and bonuses that were paid during the year ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Directors excluding
outside directors
     Corporate auditors
excluding outside
corporate auditors
     Outside officers      Total  
     number      amount      number      amount      number      amount      number      amount  

Remuneration

     22         965         2         87         5         53         29         1,106   

Bonuses

     19         311         2         26         5         14         26         351   
                                               

Total

        1,276            114            67            1,458   
                                               

 

The amount of remuneration paid to Takanobu Ito during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was ¥91 million. The amount of bonuses for Takanobu Ito accrued for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was ¥38 million.

 

C. Board Practices

 

See Item 6.A “Directors and Senior Management” for information concerning the Company’s Directors and Corporate Auditors required by this item.

 

D. Employees

 

The following tables list the number of Honda full-time employees as of March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

 

As of March 31, 2011

 

Total

   Motorcycle
Business
     Automobile
Business
     Financial Services
Business
     Power Product and
Other Businesses
 

179,060

     35,454         130,900         2,145         10,561   
                                     

 

At March 31, 2011, Honda had 179,060 full-time employees, including 109,400 local nationals employed in its overseas operations.

 

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Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2010

 

Total

   Motorcycle
Business
     Automobile
Business
     Financial Services
Business
     Power Product and
Other Businesses
 

176,815

     34,808         129,663         2,145         10,199   
                                     

 

At March 31, 2010, Honda had 176,815 full-time employees, including 106,230 local nationals employed in its overseas operations.

 

As of March 31, 2009

 

Total

   Motorcycle
Business
     Automobile
Business
     Financial Services
Business
     Power Product and
Other Businesses
 

181,876

     35,908         133,114         2,071         10,783   
                                     

 

At March 31, 2009, Honda had 181,876 full-time employees, including 111,581 local nationals employed in its overseas operations.

 

Most of the Company’s regular employees in Japan, except management personnel, are required by the terms of the Company’s collective bargaining agreement with its labor union to become members of the Federation of All Honda Workers’ Union (AHWU), which is affiliated with the Japan Council of the International Metalworkers’ Federation. Approximately 85% of the employees of the Company and its Japanese subsidiaries were members of AHWU at March 31, 2011.

 

In Japan, basic wages are negotiated annually and the average increases in wages of the Company’s employees in fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 were 1.9%, 1.9% and 1.8%, respectively. In addition, in accordance with Japanese custom, each employee is paid a semi-annual bonus. Bonuses are negotiated during wage negotiations and are based on the overall performance of the Company or the applicable subsidiary in the previous year, the outlook for the current year and other factors.

 

The Company has had labor contracts with its labor union in Japan since 1970. These contracts are renegotiated with respect to basic wages and other working conditions. The regular employees of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries are covered by similar contracts. Since 1957, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has experienced any strikes or other labor disputes that materially affected its business activities. The Company considers labor relations with its employees to be very good.

 

E. Share Ownership

 

The total amount of the Company’s voting securities owned by its officers, directors and corporate auditors as a group as of June 23, 2011 is as follows.

 

Title of Class   Amount Owned     % of Class  
Common Stock     220,300 shares        0.012

 

The Company’s full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Honda Employee Shareholders’ Association, whereby participating employees contribute a portion of their salaries to the Association and the Association purchases shares of the Company’s Common Stock on their behalf. As of March 31, 2011, the Association owned 5,212,739 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

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Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

A. Major Shareholders

 

As of March 31, 2011, 1,811,428,430 shares of Honda’s Common Stock were issued and 1,802,301,714 shares were outstanding.

 

The following table shows the shareholders that owned of record 5% or more of the issued shares of Honda’s Common Stock as of March 31, 2011:

 

Name

   Shares owned
(thousands)
     Ownership
(%)
 

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account)

     136,341         7.53

 

According to a statement on Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 6) filed by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8, 2011, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. directly and indirectly held, as of December 31, 2010, 113,253,776 shares, or 6.3% of the then issued shares, of Honda’s Common Stock.

 

None of the above shareholders has voting rights that are different from those of our other shareholders.

 

ADSs representing American Depositary Shares are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Depositary. The normal trading unit is 100 American Depositary Shares. Total issued shares of Honda as of the close of business on March 31, 2011 were 1,811,428,430 shares of Common Stock, of which 74,902,286 shares represented by ADSs and 279,200,942 shares not represented by ADSs were owned by residents of the United States. The number of holders of record of the Company’s shares of Common Stock in the United States was 285 at March 31, 2011.

 

To the knowledge of Honda, it is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other corporation, by any government, or by any other natural or legal person or persons severally or jointly. As far as is known to the Company, there are no arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of the Company.

 

B. Related Party Transactions

 

Honda purchases materials, supplies and services from numerous suppliers throughout the world in the ordinary course of business, including firms with which Honda is affiliated.

 

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Honda had sales of ¥590.0 billion and purchases of ¥789.7 billion with equity affiliates accounted under the equity method. As of March 31, 2011, Honda had receivables of ¥131.9 billion from affiliated companies, and had payables of ¥94.8 billion to affiliated companies.

 

Honda does not consider the amounts involved in such transactions to be material to its business.

 

Honda sold its investment in Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML), which represented 26.0% of HHML’s total outstanding shares, to its joint venture partner. In conjunction with the sale, the joint venture agreement with the partner was dissolved. In addition, Honda and HHML entered into a new licensing agreement that enables HHML to continue producing, selling and servicing its current products. Consideration for the licensing agreement was ¥45,000 million, and will be paid by installments due through 2014.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 8. Financial Information

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

1 – 3. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Honda’s audited consolidated financial statements are included under “Item 18—Financial Statements”.

 

4. Not applicable.

 

5. Not applicable.

 

6. Export Sales.

 

See “Information on the Company—Marketing and Distribution—Overseas Sales”.

 

7. Legal Proceedings.

 

Various legal proceedings are pending against us. We believe that such proceedings constitute ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. With respect to product liability, personal injury claims or lawsuits, we believe that any judgment that may be recovered by any plaintiff for general and special damages and court costs will be adequately covered by our insurance and accrued liabilities. Punitive damages are claimed in certain of these lawsuits. We are also subject to potential liability under other various lawsuits and claims including 6 purported class actions in the United States.

 

Honda recognizes an accrued liability for loss contingencies when it is probable that an obligation has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Honda reviews these pending lawsuits and claims periodically and adjusts the amounts recorded for these contingent liabilities, if necessary, by considering the nature of lawsuits and claims, the progress of the case and the opinions of legal counsel. After consultation with legal counsel, and taking into account all known factors pertaining to existing lawsuits and claims, Honda believes that the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits and pending claims including 6 purported class actions in the United States should not result in liability to Honda that would be likely to have an adverse material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

8. Profit Redistribution Policy

 

The Company strives to carry out its operations from a global perspective and to increase its corporate value. With respect to the redistribution of profits to its shareholders, which it considers to be one of the most important management issues, its basic policy for dividends is to make distributions after taking into account its long-term consolidated earnings performance.

 

In addition, the Company’s basic policy for dividends is to make quarterly distributions. The Company may determine dividends from surplus by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Annual dividends for the fiscal year ended March 31 of each year require a resolution at the general meeting of shareholders.

 

The Company may also acquire its own shares at a timing that it deems optimal, with the goal of improving efficiency of the Company’s capital structure. The present goal is to maintain a shareholders’ return ratio (i.e. the ratio of the total of the dividend payment and the repurchase of the Company’s own shares to consolidated net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd.) of approximately 30%. Retained earnings will be allocated 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.

 

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The Company determined year-end dividends of ¥15 per share for the year ended March 31, 2011. As a result, total dividends for the year ended March 31, 2011, together with the first quarter dividends of ¥12, the second quarter dividends of ¥12 and the third quarter dividends of ¥15, were ¥54 per share, an increase of ¥16 from the annual dividends paid for the year ended March 31, 2010.

 

Details of Distribution of Surplus (Record dates of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011)

 

    Resolution of
the Board of
Directors
    Resolution of
the Board of
Directors
    Resolution of
the Board of
Directors
    Resolution at
General Meeting of
Shareholders
 
    July 30, 2010     October 29, 2010     January 31, 2011     June 23, 2011  

Dividend per Share of Common Stock (yen)

    12.00        12.00        15.00        15.00   

Total Amount of Dividends Yen (millions)

    21,733        21,627        27,034        27,034   

 

B. Significant Changes

 

Except otherwise disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, no significant change has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements.

 

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

 

A. Offer and Listing Details

 

Honda’s shares have been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) since 1957 and as of March 31, 2011, Honda’s shares were traded on two stock exchanges in Japan.

 

Since February 11, 1977, American Depositary Shares (each representing one share of Common Stock and evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)) have been listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE), having been traded on the over-the-counter markets in the United States since 1962. In addition, European Shares (each representing ten shares of Common Stock and evidenced by European Depositary Receipts (EDRs)) have been traded in bearer form on the over-the-counter markets in several European countries since 1963. In June 1981, the shares of Common Stock were admitted to the official list of The Stock Exchange of London. In May 1983, the Company listed its shares on the stock exchanges in Zurich, Geneva and Basel in the form of Swiss Bearer Depositary Receipts. In June 1985, the shares of Common Stock were admitted to trading on the Paris Stock Exchange. As for the stock exchanges in Switzerland, the floor exchanges in Zurich, Basel and Geneva were consolidated to form a single national bourse—the Swiss Exchange, in 1995. The Paris Stock Exchange was merged with the exchanges in Amsterdam and Brussels and created Euronext in September 2000. The Company delisted itself from Euronext Paris and SWX Swiss Exchange and terminated European Depositary Receipts during fiscal year 2008.

 

The monthly average turnover of Honda’s shares of Common Stock and American Depositary Shares for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was approximately 134,577,000 shares of Common Stock on the TSE and approximately 13,052,356 American Depositary Shares on the NYSE.

 

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The following table sets out, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low sales prices of Honda’s shares on the TSE in yen and its American Depositary Shares on the NYSE in the U.S. dollars.

 

     Yen per share of
Common Stock on
the TSE*
     U.S. dollars per
American
Depositary Share on
the NYSE
 

Fiscal year

       High              Low              High              Low      

2007

     4,940         3,270         40.82         29.13   

2008

     4,600         2,610         37.80         27.01   

2009

     3,910         1,643         36.40         17.35   

2010

           

1st quarter

   ¥ 3,070       ¥ 2,390       $ 31.00       $ 24.83   

2nd quarter

     3,230         2,300         32.99         25.00   

3rd quarter

     3,170         2,590         34.52         28.82   

4th quarter

     3,410         2,951         37.23         33.27   

2011

           

1st quarter

   ¥ 3,405       ¥ 2,570       $ 36.16       $ 28.33   

2nd quarter

     3,065         2,470         35.89         28.43   

3rd quarter

     3,315         2,713         39.69         33.82   

4th quarter

     3,745         2,820         44.54         36.51   

CY 2011

           

Jan

   ¥ 3,555       ¥ 3,195       $ 43.61       $ 38.67   

Feb

     3,745         3,465         44.54         42.20   

Mar

     3,620         2,820         44.01         36.51   

Apr

     3,190         2,843         38.90         33.76   

May

     3,255         2,992         39.58         36.63   

 

* The Company executed a two-for-one stock split for the Company’s common stock effective July 1, 2006. The reported high and low sales prices of Honda’s shares on the TSE in yen have been adjusted based on the shares after stock split.

 

B. Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Markets

 

See Item 9.A, “Offer and Listing Details”.

 

D. Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable.

 

E. Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

F. Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Additional Information

 

A. Share Capital

 

Not applicable.

 

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B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Set forth below is information relating to Honda’s common stock, including brief summaries of the relevant provisions of Honda’s articles of incorporation and share handling regulations as currently in effect, and of the Company Law of Japan and related legislation.

 

General

 

Honda’s authorized share capital as of the date of the filing of this Form 20-F is 7,086,000,000 shares of common stock, of which 1,811,428,430 shares were issued.

 

On January 5, 2009, a new central clearing system for shares of Japanese listed companies was established pursuant to the Law Concerning Book-Entry Transfer of Corporate Bonds, Shares, Etc. of Japan (including the cabinet order and ministerial ordinances promulgated thereunder; the “Book-Entry Law”), and since then the shares of all Japanese companies listed on any Japanese financial instruments exchange, including Honda’s shares, have become subject to this new system. On the same day, all existing shares were dematerialized and all existing share certificates for such shares became null and void. At present, the Japan Securities Depository Center, Inc. (“JASDEC”) is the sole institution that is designated by the relevant authorities as a book-entry transfer institution which is permitted to engage in the clearing operations of shares of Japanese listed companies under the Book-Entry Law. Under the new clearing system, in order for any person to hold, sell or otherwise dispose of shares of Japanese listed companies, such person must have an account at an account management institution unless such person has an account directly at JASDEC. “Account management institutions” are, in general, financial instruments firms engaged in type 1 financial instruments business (i.e., securities brokers/dealers), banks, trust companies and certain other financial institutions which meet the requirements prescribed by the Book-Entry Law.

 

Under the Book-Entry Law, any transfer of shares of Japanese listed companies is effected through book entry, and title to the shares passes to the transferee at the time when the transferred number of the shares is by an application for book entry recorded in the transferee’s account at an account management institution. The holder of an account at an account management institution is presumed to be the legal owner of the shares recorded in such account.

 

Under the Company Law and the Book-Entry Law, in order to assert shareholders’ rights against Honda, a shareholder must have its name and address registered in the register of shareholders, except in limited circumstances. Although, in general, holders of an account with shares recorded are to be registered in the register of shareholders on the basis of an all shareholders notice from JASDEC to Honda at certain prescribed times, in order to exercise minority shareholders’ rights (other than those the record dates for which are fixed) against Honda, a holder of an account with shares needs to make an application through an account management institution to JASDEC, which will then give a notice of the name and address of such holder, the number of shares held by such holder and other requisite information to Honda, and to exercise rights within four weeks from such notice.

 

Non-resident shareholders are required to appoint a standing proxy in Japan or provide a mailing address in Japan. Each such shareholder must give notice of such standing proxy or mailing address to the relevant account management institution. Such notice will be forwarded to Honda through JASDEC. Japanese financial instruments firms and commercial banks customarily act as standing proxies and provide related services for standard fees. Notices from Honda to non-resident shareholders are delivered to such standing proxies or mailing addresses.

 

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Objects and Purposes

 

Article 2 of the articles of incorporation of Honda states that its purpose is to engage in the following businesses:

 

   

Manufacture, sale, lease and repair of motor vehicles, ships and vessels, aircrafts and other transportation machinery and equipment.

 

   

Manufacture, sale, lease and repair of prime movers, agricultural machinery and appliances, generators, processing machinery and other general machinery and apparatus, electric machinery and apparatus and precision machinery and apparatus.

 

   

Manufacture and sale of fiber products, paper products, leather products, lumber products, rubber products, chemical industry products, ceramic products, metal products and other products.

 

   

Overland transportation business, marine transportation business, air transportation business, warehousing business, travel business and other transport business and communication business.

 

   

Sale of sporting goods, articles of clothing, stationary, daily sundries, pharmaceuticals, drink and foodstuffs and other goods.

 

   

Financial business, nonlife insurance agency business, life insurance agency business, construction business including building construction work and real estate business including real estate brokerage.

 

   

Publishing business, advertising business, translation business, interpretation business, management consultancy business, information services including information processing, information and communication and information provision, industrial planning and design, comprehensive security business and labor dispatch services.

 

   

Management of parking garages, driving schools, training and education facilities, racecourses, recreation grounds, sporting facilities, marina facilities, hotels, restaurants and other facilities.

 

   

Manufacture, sale and licensing of equipment, parts and supplies and all other relevant business activities and investments relating to each of the foregoing items.

 

Dividends

 

Under its articles of incorporation, Honda’s financial accounts will be closed on March 31 of each year. The record dates for dividends are June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31 of each year. In addition, Honda may distribute dividends from surplus by determining any record date.

 

Under the Company Law, a company is permitted to make distributions of surplus to the shareholders any number of times per fiscal year pursuant to resolutions of a general meeting of shareholders, subject to certain limitations provided by the Company Law and the Ordinances of the Ministry of Justice thereunder. Distributions of surplus are required, in principle, to be authorized by a resolution of a general meeting of shareholders. However, if the articles of incorporation so provide and certain other requirements under the Company Law are met, distributions of surplus may be made pursuant to a board resolution. Pursuant to the provisions of the Company Law and its articles of incorporation, the board of directors of Honda may determine distributions of its surplus.

 

Distributions of surplus may be made in cash or in-kind in proportion to the number of shares held by each shareholder. If a distribution of surplus is to be made in-kind, a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders is required, except in the case that a right to receive cash distribution instead of distribution in-kind is granted to shareholders. If such right is granted, distributions in-kind may be made pursuant to an ordinary resolution of a general meeting of shareholders or, as the case may be, a board resolution.

 

Under the Company Law, Honda is permitted to prepare non-consolidated extraordinary financial statements consisting of a balance sheet as of any date subsequent to the end of the previous fiscal year and an

 

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income statement for the period from the first day of the current fiscal year to the date of such balance sheet. If such extraordinary financial statements are prepared and approved in accordance with the provisions of the Company Law and the Ordinances of the Ministry of Justice thereunder, the results of such extraordinary financial statements may be considered in the calculation of distributable amount.

 

Under its articles of incorporation, Honda is not obligated to pay any dividends which are left unclaimed for a period of three full years after the date on which they first became payable.

 

Capital and Reserves

 

The entire amount of the issue price of the shares to be issued in the future will generally be required to be accounted for as stated capital. However, Honda may account for an amount not exceeding one-half of such issue price as additional paid-in capital by resolution of the board of directors in accordance with the Company Law. Honda may at any time reduce the whole or any part of its additional paid-in capital or transfer them to stated capital by resolution of a general meeting of shareholders. The whole or any part of surplus may also be transferred to stated capital, additional paid-in capital or legal reserve by resolution of a general meeting of shareholders.

 

Stock Splits

 

Honda may at any time split its shares into greater number of shares by resolution of the board of directors. When the board of directors approves a stock split, it may also amend the articles of incorporation of Honda without approval of shareholders to increase the number of its authorized shares in proportion to the stock split, so long as Honda does not issue more than one class of shares.

 

Under the Book-Entry Law, Honda must give notice to JASDEC regarding a stock split at least two weeks prior to the relevant record date. On the effective date of the stock split, the numbers of shares recorded in all accounts held by its shareholders at account management institutions or at JASDEC will be increased in accordance with the applicable ratio.

 

Consolidation of Shares

 

Honda may at any time consolidate the shares into a smaller number of shares by a special resolution of the general meeting of shareholders. A representative director of Honda must disclose the reason for the consolidation of the shares at the general meeting of shareholders.

 

Under the Book-Entry Law, Honda must give notice to JASDEC regarding a consolidation of shares at least two weeks prior to the relevant record date. On the effective date of the consolidation of shares, the number of shares recorded in all accounts held by its shareholders at account management institutions or at JASDEC will be decreased in accordance with the applicable ratio.

 

Japanese Unit Share System

 

Consistent with the requirements of the Company Law, the articles of incorporation of Honda adopts unit share system called as “tan-gen-kabu”, under which 100 shares constitute one voting unit of shares. The board of directors of Honda by itself may reduce, but not increase, the number of shares that constitute one voting unit or abolish the unit share system entirely by amendments to the articles of incorporation by a board resolution without approval of shareholders. An increase in the number of shares that constitute one voting unit requires an amendment to the articles of incorporation by a special resolution of a general shareholders’ meeting. In any case, the number of shares constituting one voting unit may not exceed 1,000 shares or 0.5% of the total issued shares.

 

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Under the Book-Entry Law, shares constituting less than one voting unit are transferable. Under the rules of the Japanese financial instruments exchanges, however, shares constituting less than one voting unit do not comprise a trading unit, except in limited circumstances, and accordingly may not be sold on the Japanese financial instruments exchanges.

 

The holder of shares constituting less than one voting unit may at any time require Honda to purchase or sell such shares to constitute one voting unit at the market price in accordance with Honda’s share handling regulations (see below). Because the transfer of ADRs does not require changes in the ownership of the underlying shares, holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs that constitute less than one voting unit of shares are not affected by these restrictions in their ability to transfer the ADRs. However, because transfers of less than one voting unit of the underlying shares are normally prohibited under the unit share system, under the deposit agreement, the right of ADR holders to surrender their ADRs and withdraw the underlying shares for sale in Japan may only be exercised as to whole voting units.

 

Right of a Holder of Shares Representing Less Than One Voting Unit to Require Honda to Purchase or Sell Its Shares

 

A holder of Honda’s shares representing less than one voting unit may at any time require Honda to purchase its shares. These shares will be purchased at (a) the closing price of the shares reported by the Tokyo Stock Exchange on the day when the request for purchase reaches the share handling agent, or (b) if no sale takes place on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on that day, then the price at which the first sale of shares is effected on the Tokyo Stock Exchange thereafter. In each case, Honda will request the payment of an amount determined by Honda as an amount equal to the brokerage commission required for the sale and purchase of the shares. A holder of shares representing less than one voting unit may, in accordance with the provisions of Honda’s share handling regulations, also make a request to the effect that such number of shares should be sold to it that will, when added to the shares less than one voting unit already held by that shareholder, constitute one voting unit. However, because holders of ADSs representing less than one unit are not able to withdraw the underlying shares from deposit, these holders will not be able to exercise many shareholder rights as a practical matter.

 

Other Rights of a Holder of Shares Representing Less Than One Voting Unit

 

In addition to the right described in the preceding paragraph, a holder of shares representing less than one voting unit also has the rights including the followings and these rights may not be restricted by the articles of incorporation:

 

   

rights to receive any consideration for acquisition by a corporation of special shares all of which may be acquired by such corporation (zembu shutoku joukou tsuki shurui kabushiki) as provided by Article 171, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Company Law,

 

   

rights to receive any cash or other consideration for acquisition by a corporation of shares which may be acquired by such corporation on occurrence of certain event (shutoku joukou tsuki shurui kabushiki) as provided by Article 107, paragraph 1, item 3 of the Company Law,

 

   

rights to be allocated any shares without consideration as provided by Article 185 of the Company Law,

 

   

rights to receive distribution of any residual assets of a corporation, and

 

   

any other rights provided in the relevant Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, including rights to receive cash or other distribution derived from consolidation of shares, stock split, allocation of stock acquisition rights without consideration, distribution of surplus or reorganization of a corporation.

 

Other rights of a holder of shares constituting less than one voting unit may be restricted if the articles of incorporation so provide.

 

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Voting rights under the unit share system

 

Under the unit share system, the shareholders shall have one voting right for each voting unit of shares that they hold. A shareholder who owns shares representing less than one voting unit will not be able to exercise voting rights and any other rights relating thereto.

 

Voting Rights

 

Honda holds its ordinary general meeting of shareholders in June of each year. In addition, Honda may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders whenever necessary by giving at least two weeks’ advance notice. Under the Company Law, notice of any shareholders’ meeting must be given to each shareholder having voting rights or, in the case of a non-resident shareholder, to his resident proxy or mailing address in Japan in accordance with Honda’s share handling regulations, at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting. The record date for an ordinary shareholders’ meeting is March 31 of each year.

 

A shareholder of Honda is generally entitled to one vote per voting unit of shares as described in this paragraph and under “Japanese Unit Share System” above. In general, under the Company Law and the articles of incorporation of Honda, a resolution may be adopted at a meeting of shareholders by a majority of the shares having voting rights represented at the meeting. The Company Law and Honda’s articles of incorporation require a quorum for the election of directors and corporate auditors of not less than one-third of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders and the resolution shall be adopted by majority voting. Honda’s shareholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors. A corporate shareholder whose voting rights are in turn more than one-quarter directly or indirectly owned by Honda does not have voting rights. Also, Honda does not have voting rights with respect to its own shares.

 

Shareholders may exercise their voting rights through proxies, provided that those proxies are also shareholders who have voting rights. Shareholders who intend to be absent from a general meeting of shareholders may exercise their voting rights in writing. In addition, they may exercise their voting rights by electronic means if the board of directors decides to accept such means.

 

Under the Company Law, in order to approve certain significant matters of a corporation, more strict requirement for the quorum or the number of voting rights to approve is provided. The articles of incorporation of Honda provide that such resolution may be adopted at a meeting of shareholders by two thirds of the voting rights of the shareholders present at the meeting representing at least one third of all the shareholders having voting rights. Such significant matters include, but not limited to:

 

   

acquisition of its own shares by Honda from a specific shareholder other than its subsidiary,

 

   

acquisition of special shares all of which may be acquired by Honda (zembu shutoku joukou tsuki shurui kabushiki),

 

   

consolidation of the shares,

 

   

reduction of stated capital (with certain exceptions),

 

   

issuance or transfer of new shares or existing shares held by Honda as treasury stock to persons other than the shareholders at a “specially favorable” price,

 

   

issuance of stock acquisition rights (including those incorporated in bonds with stock acquisition rights) to persons other than the shareholders under “specially favorable” conditions,

 

   

discharge of a part of responsibilities of directors, corporate auditors or accounting auditors,

 

   

distribution of surplus by property other than cash (only in the case that no cash distribution is allowed to shareholders),

 

   

amendments to the articles of incorporation,

 

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transfer of whole or important part of business,

 

   

dissolution of a corporation,

 

   

reorganization of a corporation.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Common Stock of the Registrant, the Depositary will mail to the record holders of ADRs and publish a notice which will contain the information in the notice of the meeting. The record holders of ADRs at the close of business on a date specified by the Depositary will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Common Stock of the Registrant represented by their respective Depositary Receipts. The Depositary will endeavor, in so far as practicable, to vote the amount of Common Stock of the Registrant represented by such Depositary Receipts in accordance with such instructions, and the Registrant has agreed to take all action which may at any time be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to so vote such Common Stock. In the absence of such instructions, the Depositary has agreed to use its best efforts to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Registrant. However, such proxy may not be given with respect to any proposition of which the Depositary has knowledge regarding any contest related to the action to be taken at the meeting, or the purpose of which is to authorize a merger, consolidation or any other matter which may substantially affect the rights or privileges of the Common Stock of the Registrant or other securities, property or cash received by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect thereof.

 

Subscription Rights and Stock Acquisition Rights

 

Holders of Honda’s shares have no preemptive rights under Honda’s articles of incorporation. Under the Company Law, the board of directors may, however, determine that shareholders be given subscription rights in connection with a particular issue of new shares. In this case, such rights must be given to all shareholders as of a specified record date by at least two weeks’ prior public notice to shareholders of the record date. In addition, individual notice must be given to each of these shareholders at least two weeks prior to the date of expiration of the subscription rights.

 

Honda also may decide to grant the stock acquisition rights (shinkabu-yoyakuken), with or without bonds, to any person including its shareholders, by resolution of its board of directors unless issued under specially favorable conditions. The holder of such rights may exercise its rights within the exercise period by paying subscription moneys all as prescribed in the terms of such rights.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

In the event of a liquidation of Honda, the assets remaining after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes will be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to the number of shares they own.

 

Liability to Further Calls or Assessments

 

All of Honda’s currently issued shares, including shares represented by the ADSs, are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

Shareholders’ Register Manager

 

The Chuo Mitsui Trust and Banking Company, Limited is the Shareholders’ Register Manager for the shares. Chuo Mitsui’s office is located at 33-1, Shiba 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8574, Japan. Chuo Mitsui maintains Honda’s register of shareholders and records the names and addresses of its shareholders and other relevant information in its register of shareholders upon notice thereof from JASDEC, as described in “Record Date” below.

 

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Record Date

 

As mentioned above, the record dates for Honda’s dividends are June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31, if paid. A holder of shares constituting one or more whole voting units who is registered as a holder on Honda’s register of shareholders at the close of business as of March 31 is entitled to exercise its voting rights at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders with respect to the fiscal year ended on March 31. In addition, Honda may set a record date for determining the shareholders entitled to other rights and for other purposes by giving at least two weeks’ prior public notice.

 

Under the Book-Entry Law, Honda is required to give notice of each record date to JASDEC at least two weeks prior to such record date. JASDEC is required to promptly give notice to Honda of the names and addresses of all of its shareholders of record, the numbers of shares held by them and other relevant information as of such record date.

 

The shares generally trade ex-dividend or ex-rights on the Japanese financial instruments exchanges on the second business day prior to a record date (or if the record date is not a business day, the third business day prior thereto), for the purpose of dividends or rights offerings with respect to record dates on or after November 19, 2009.

 

Acquisition by Honda of Shares

 

Under the Company Law, Honda is generally required to obtain authorization for any acquisition of its own shares by means of:

 

(i) a resolution at a general meeting of shareholders, which may be effective for one year at the most from the date thereof;

 

(ii) a resolution of the board of directors if the acquisition is in accordance with its articles of incorporation; or

 

(iii) a resolution of the board of directors if the acquisition is to purchase its shares from a subsidiary.

 

Honda may only dispose of shares so acquired in accordance with the procedures applicable to a new share issuance under the Company Law.

 

Upon due authorization, Honda may acquire its own shares:

 

   

in the case of (i) and (ii) above, from stock markets or by way of tender offer;

 

   

in the case of (i) above, from a specific person, but only if its shareholders approve such acquisition by special resolution; and

 

   

in the case of (iii) above, from such subsidiary.

 

In the event Honda is to acquire its own shares from a specific person other than its subsidiary at a price which is higher than the higher of (i) the final market price on the market trading such shares as of the date of such request or (ii) in the event that such shares are subject to a tender offer, etc., the price set in the contract regarding such tender offer, any shareholder may request that Honda includes such shareholder’s shares in the proposed purchase.

 

Acquisitions described in (i) through (iii) above must satisfy certain other requirements, including the restriction of the source of consideration in which the total amount of the purchase price of such own shares may not exceed the distributable amount of the corporation.

 

Reports to Shareholders

 

Honda currently furnishes shareholders with notices of shareholders’ meetings, business reports, including financial statements, and notices of resolutions adopted at the shareholders’ meetings, all of which are in

 

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Japanese. Such notices as described above may be furnished by electronic means to those shareholders who have approved such way of furnishing notices. Pursuant to its articles of incorporation amended as of June 23, 2011, upon convening a general meeting of shareholders, Honda may deem that the information required to be described or indicated in the reference documents for the general meeting of shareholders, business reports, financial statements and consolidated financial statements shall have been provided to the shareholders when such information is disclosed, pursuant to laws or regulations, through a method that uses the Internet. Further, pursuant to its articles of incorporation, Honda’s public notices to shareholders shall be given in Japanese by way of electronic public notice; provided, however, that if any public notice is unable to be given by electronic method due to any accident or for any other unavoidable reason, such public notice shall be given by publication in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper of general circulation.

 

Report of Substantial Shareholdings

 

The Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan and regulations under such law require any person who has become a holder (together with its related persons) of more than 5% of the total issued shares of a corporation listed on any Japanese financial instruments exchange or whose shares are traded on the over-the-counter market (including ADSs representing such shares) to file with the Director of a competent Local Finance Bureau, within five business days, in general, a report concerning those shareholdings. A similar report must also be filed to reflect any change of 1% or more in any shareholding or any change in material matters set out in reports previously filed. Copies of any report must also be furnished to the corporation and to all Japanese financial instruments exchanges on which the corporation’s shares are listed or in the case of shares traded on the over-the-counter market, the Japan Securities Dealers Association. For this purpose, shares issuable or transferable to such person upon exercise of exchangeable securities, conversion of convertible securities or exercise of warrants or stock acquisition rights are taken into account in determining both the number of shares held by that holder and the corporation’s total issued share capital.

 

Daily Price Limits under Japanese Financial Instruments Exchange Rules

 

Share prices on Japanese financial instruments exchanges are determined on a real-time basis by the equilibrium between bids and offers. These exchanges set daily price limits, which limit the maximum range of fluctuation within a single trading day. Daily price limits are set in absolute yen according to the previous day’s closing price or special quote. Although transactions may continue at the upward or downward limit price if the limit price is reached on a particular trading day, no transactions may take place outside these limits. Consequently, an investor wishing to sell at a price above or below the relevant daily limit may not be able to sell its shares at such price on a particular trading day, or at all.

 

C. Material Contracts

 

All contracts concluded by Honda during the two years preceding this filing were entered into in the ordinary course of business.

 

D. Exchange Controls

 

There are no laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation which materially affect our ability to import or export capital for our use or our ability to pay dividends to nonresident holders of our shares.

 

E. Taxation

 

Japanese Taxes

 

The following is a summary of the principal Japanese tax consequences as of the date of filing of this Form 20-F to owners of Honda’s shares or ADSs who are non-resident individuals or non-Japanese corporations without a permanent establishment in Japan to which income from Honda’s shares is attributable. The tax

 

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treatment is subject to possible changes in the applicable Japanese laws or double taxation conventions occurring after that date. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations that may apply to a particular investor. Potential investors should consult their own tax advisers as to:

 

   

the overall tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares or ADSs, including specifically the tax consequences under Japanese law;

 

   

the laws of the jurisdiction of which they are resident; and

 

   

any tax treaty between Japan and their country of residence.

 

Generally, a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation is subject to Japanese withholding tax on dividends paid by Japanese corporations.

 

In the absence of any applicable tax treaty, convention or agreement reducing the maximum rate of withholding tax, the rate of Japanese withholding tax applicable to dividends paid by Japanese corporations to a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation is 20%. With respect to dividends paid on listed shares issued by Japanese corporations (such as Honda’s shares) to a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation, the aforementioned 20% withholding tax rate is reduced to (i) 7% for dividends to be paid until December 31, 2013, and (ii) 15% for dividends to be paid thereafter, except for dividends paid to any individual shareholder who holds 5% or more of the issued shares of that corporation. Japan has entered into income tax treaties, conventions or agreements, whereby the maximum withholding tax rate is generally set at 15% for portfolio investors with, among others, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

 

Pursuant to the Convention Between the United States of America and Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (the “U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty”), a portfolio investor that is a U.S. holder is generally subject to Japanese withholding tax on dividends on shares at a rate of 10%. A similar withholding tax treatment applies under the renewed tax treaties between the United Kingdom and Japan and between France and Japan. In addition, the tax treaty between Australia and Japan has also been renewed, effective from December 3, 2008, under which the standard treaty withholding rate on dividends taxed on or after January 1, 2009 will be reduced in general from 15% to 10%. Under Japanese tax law, the maximum rate applicable under the tax treaties, conventions or agreements shall be applicable except when such maximum rate is more than the Japanese statutory rate.

 

Gains derived from the sale outside Japan of common stock or Depositary Receipts by a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation, or from the sale of common stock within Japan by a non-resident of Japan or by a non-Japanese corporation not having a permanent establishment in Japan, are in general not subject to Japanese income or corporation taxes. Japanese inheritance and gift taxes at progressive rates may be payable by an individual who has acquired common stock or Depositary Receipt as a legatee, heir or donee, even if the individual is not a Japanese resident.

 

United States Taxes

 

This section describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership of shares or ADSs by U.S. holders, as defined below. It applies only to persons who hold shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes.

 

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect, as well as on the U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this section is based in part upon the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

 

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For purposes of the U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty and the Code, U.S. holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs will be treated as the owners of the Shares represented by those ADRs. Exchanges of shares for ADRs and ADRs for shares generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of shares or ADSs that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident individual of the United States, (ii) a domestic corporation, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust; and that, for purposes of the U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty, (i) holds the shares and ADSs that do not form part of the business property of a permanent establishment through which the beneficial owner carries on or has carried on business and (ii) is not otherwise ineligible for benefits under the U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty, as the case may be, with respect to income and gain from the shares or ADSs.

 

This section does not apply to a person who is a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including a dealer in securities, a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for its securities holdings, a tax-exempt organization, a life insurance company, a person liable for alternative minimum tax, a person that actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the voting stock of Honda, a person that holds shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction, or a person whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.

 

This summary is not a comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant with respect to a U.S. holder’s shares or ADSs. Each beneficial owner of shares or ADSs should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state and local and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares and ADSs in its particular circumstances.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

Under the U.S. federal income tax laws and subject to the passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, rules discussed below, the gross amount of any dividend paid by Honda out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is subject to U.S. federal income taxation. A U.S. holder must include any Japanese tax withheld from the dividend payment in this gross amount even though it does not in fact receive it.

 

Dividends paid to a noncorporate U.S. holder in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013 that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to such holder at a maximum tax rate of 15% provided that the noncorporate U.S. holder holds the shares or ADSs with respect to which the dividends are paid for more than 60 days during the 121 day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and meets other holding period requirements. Dividends that Honda pays with respect to the shares or ADSs generally will be qualified dividend income. A U.S. holder must include the dividend in its taxable income when the holder, in the case of shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, receives the dividend, actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations. The amount of the dividend distribution that a U.S. holder must include in its income will be the U.S. dollar value of the Japanese yen payments made, determined at the spot Japanese yen/U.S. dollar rate on the date of the dividend distribution, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the U.S. holder includes the dividend payment in income to the date it converts the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. The gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the U.S. for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of U.S. holder’s basis in the shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain.

 

Subject to certain limitations, the Japanese tax withheld in accordance with the U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty and paid over to Japan will be creditable against a U.S. holder’s United States federal income tax liability. Special

 

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rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to the maximum 15% tax rate. To the extent a refund of the tax withheld is available to a U.S. holder under Japanese law or under the U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty, the amount of tax withheld that is refundable will not be eligible for credit against the U.S. holder’s United States federal income tax liability.

 

Dividends will be income from sources outside the United States. Dividends will, depending on your circumstances, be either “passive” or “general” income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a U.S. holder.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, if a U.S. holder sells or otherwise disposes of its shares or ADSs, it will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount that it realizes and its tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in its shares or ADSs. Capital gain of a noncorporate U.S. holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the property is held for more than one year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the U.S. for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) Rules

 

Honda believes its shares and ADSs should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. This conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change.

 

In general, Honda will be a PFIC with respect to a U.S. holder if for any taxable year in which such holder held shares or ADSs of Honda:

 

   

at least 75% of Honda’s gross income for the taxable year is passive income; or

 

   

at least 50% of the value, determined on the basis of a quarterly average, of Honda’s assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income.

 

Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents (other than certain rents and royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or business), annuities and gains from assets that produce passive income. If a foreign corporation owns at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, the foreign corporation is treated for purposes of the PFIC tests as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation, and as receiving directly its proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.

 

If Honda is treated as a PFIC, and a U.S. holder does not make a mark-to-market election, as described below, that U.S. holder will be subject to special rules with respect to:

 

   

any gain it realizes on the sale or other disposition of its shares or ADSs; and

 

   

any excess distribution that Honda makes to the U.S holder (generally, any distributions to it during a single taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by it in respect of the shares or ADSs during the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, its holding period for the shares or ADSs).

 

Under these rules:

 

   

the gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over the U.S. holder’s holding period for the shares or ADSs,

 

   

the amount allocated to the taxable year in which it realized the gain or excess distribution will be taxed as ordinary income,

 

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the amount allocated to each prior year, with certain exceptions, will be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for that year, and

 

   

the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each such year.

 

Special rules apply for calculating the amount of the foreign tax credit with respect to excess distributions by a PFIC.

 

If a U.S. holder owns shares or ADSs in a PFIC that are treated as marketable stock, such holder may make a mark-to-market election. If a U.S. holder makes this election, it will not be subject to the PFIC rules described above. Instead, in general, a U.S. holder will include as ordinary income each year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of its shares or ADSs at the end of the taxable year over its adjusted basis in its shares or ADSs. These amounts of ordinary income will not be eligible for the favorable tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains. A U.S. holder will also be allowed to take an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of its shares or ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). The U.S. holder’s basis in the shares or ADSs will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount.

 

In addition, notwithstanding any election that a U.S. holder makes with regard to the shares or ADSs, dividends that a U.S. holder receives from Honda will not constitute qualified dividend income to such holder if Honda is a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year. Moreover, shares or ADSs held by a U.S. holder will be treated as stock in a PFIC if Honda was a PFIC at any time during the U.S. holder’s holding period in its shares or ADSs, even if Honda is not currently a PFIC. For purposes of this rule, if a U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market election with respect to its shares or ADSs, the U.S. holder will be treated as having a new holding period in its shares or ADSs beginning on the first day of the first taxable year beginning after the last taxable year for which the mark-to-market election applies. Dividends that a U.S. holder receives that do not constitute qualified dividend income are not eligible for taxation at the 15% maximum rate applicable to qualified dividend income. Instead, the U.S. holder must include the gross amount of any such dividend paid by Honda out of Honda’s accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) in the U.S. holder’s gross income, and it will be subject to tax at rates applicable to ordinary income.

 

If a U.S. holder owns shares or ADSs during any year that Honda is a PFIC with respect to such U.S. holder, it must file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules and potential filing and other requirements. In addition, pursuant to recently enacted legislation, if you are a U.S. person that is a shareholder in a PFIC, you will generally be required to file an annual report with the Internal Revenue Service. The content of this required statement and potential exemptions to this requirement are under development by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

H. Documents on Display

 

Honda is subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, in accordance therewith, it will file annual reports on Form 20-F within six months of its fiscal year-end and furnish other reports and information on Form 6-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports and other

 

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information can be inspected without charge at the public reference room at the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also obtain copies of such material by mail from the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission at prescribed fees. You may obtain information on the operation of the Securities and Exchange public reference room by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Also, as a foreign private issuer, Honda is exempt from the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

Honda is exposed to market risks, which are changes in foreign currency exchanges rates, in interest rates and in prices of marketable equity securities. Honda is a party to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business in order to manage risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and in interest rates. Honda does not hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts and purchased option contracts are used to hedge currency risk of sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars).

 

Foreign currency written option contracts are entered into in combination with purchased option contracts to offset premium amounts to be paid for purchased option contracts.

 

The tables below provide information about our derivatives related to foreign currency exchange rate risk as of March 31, 2010 and 2011. For forward exchange contracts and currency options, the table presents the contract amounts and fair value. All forward exchange contracts and currency contracts to which we are a party have original maturities of less than one year.

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

     2010      2011  
     Yen (millions)     Average
contractual
rate
     Yen (millions)     Average
contractual
rate
 

Forward Exchange Contracts

   Contract
amount
     Fair value        Contract
amount
     Fair value    

To sell US$

   ¥ 257,822         (6,076     90.80       ¥ 285,212         (1,229     82.77   

To sell EUR

     32,188         456        126.70         34,183         (1,701     111.63   

To sell CA$

     24         57        88.58         19         (1     83.44   

To sell GBP

     29,931         (108     139.69         13,857         (253     131.40   

To sell other foreign currencies

     20,761         (829     various         58,330         (3,660     various   

To buy US$

     3,207         102        90.02         8,175         41        82.73   

To buy other foreign currencies

     3,537         34        various         3,046         65        various   

Cross-currencies

     231,657         (1,134     various         223,587         (1,212     various   
                                       

Total

   ¥ 579,127         (7,498      ¥ 626,409         (7,950  
                                       

 

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     Yen (millions)     Average
contractual
rate
     Yen (millions)     Average
contractual
rate
 

Currency Option Contracts

   Contract
amount
     Fair value        Contract
amount
     Fair value    

Option purchased to sell US$

   ¥ 27,865         78        various       ¥ 14,746         144        various   

Option written to sell US$

     55,731         (829     various         29,491         (108     various   

Option purchased to sell other currencies

     3,123         (50     various         —           —          —     

Option written to sell other currencies

     6,246         (26     various         —           —          —     
                                       

Total

   ¥ 92,965         (827      ¥ 44,237         36     
                                       

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Honda is exposed to market risk for changes in interest rates related primarily to its debt obligations and finance receivables. In addition to short-term financing such as commercial paper, Honda has long-term debt with both fixed and floating rates. Our finance receivables are primarily fixed rate. Interest rate swap agreements are mainly used to manage interest rate risk exposure and to convert floating rate financing (normally three-five years) to fixed rate financing in order to match financing costs with income from finance receivables. Foreign currency and interest rate swap agreements used among different currencies, also serve to hedge foreign currency exchange risk as well as interest rate risk.

 

The following tables provide information about Honda’s financial instruments that were sensitive to changes in interest rates at March 31, 2010 and 2011. For finance receivables and long-term debt, these tables present principal cash flows, fair value and related weighted average interest rates. For interest rate swaps and currency and interest rate swaps, the table presents notional amounts, fair value and weighted average interest rates. Variable interest rates are determined using formulas such as LIBOR+a and an index.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Finance Subsidiaries-Receivables

 

    2010     2011  
    Yen (millions)           Yen (millions)              
                      Expected maturity date           Average
interest
rate
 
    Total     Fair
value
    Total     Within
1 year
    1-2
year
    2-3
year
    3-4
year
    4-5
year
    There-
after
    Fair
value
   

Direct financing leases

                     

JP¥

  ¥ 29,401        *      ¥ 31,329        14,512        8,591        4,819        2,344        1,063        —          *        4.39

US$

    7,349        *        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          *        —     

Other

    412,709        *        330,807        116,559        99,741        63,982        48,781        1,744        —          *        2.83
                                                                                 

Total—Direct financing leases

  ¥ 449,459        *      ¥ 362,136        131,071        108,332        68,801        51,125        2,807        —          *     
                                                                                 

Other finance subsidiaries-receivables

                     

JP¥

  ¥ 456,525        449,776      ¥ 500,213        160,317        123,363        93,468        61,286        39,444        22,335        505,615        4.39

US$

    2,504,187        2,536,110        2,554,404        926,042        626,043        476,240        323,853        160,972        41,254        2,588,307        4.81

Other

    617,507        625,523        615,039        283,393        151,909        99,213        55,871        19,209        5,444        607,296        6.50
                                                                                 

Total—Other finance subsidiairies- receivables

  ¥ 3,578,219        3,611,409      ¥ 3,669,656        1,369,752        901,315        668,921        441,010        219,625        69,033        3,701,218     
                                                                                 

Retained interests in securitizations**

    27,555        27,555        —                      —       
                                             

Total***

  ¥ 4,055,233        ¥ 4,031,792                   
                                 

 

* :

Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, disclosure of fair values of direct financing leases is not required.

 

** :

The retained interests in securitizations was accounted for as “trading” securities and is reported at fair value.

 

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*** :

The finance subsidiaries-receivables include finance subsidiaries-receivables included in trade accounts and notes receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Additional detailed information is described in note (3) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Long-Term Debt (including current portion)  
    2010     2011  
    Yen (millions)     Yen (millions)        
                      Expected maturity date           Average
interest

rate
 
    Total     Fair
value
    Total     Within
1  year
    1-2
year
    2-3
year
    3-4
year
    4-5
year
    Thereafter     Fair
value
   

Japanese yen bonds

  ¥ 320,000        323,852      ¥ 320,000        70,000        120,000        40,000        30,000        60,000        —          322,270        1.01

Japanese yen medium-term notes (Fixed rate)

    151,998        153,250        102,226        33,909        25,306        6,502        6,001        27,507        3,001        102,896        1.35

Japanese yen medium-term notes (Floating rate)

    114,676        114,599        80,619        16,504        58,614        3,501        —          2,000        —          80,770        0.49

U.S. dollar medium-term notes (Fixed rate)

    391,272        420,970        451,891        28,967        41,381        141,526        45,521        82,764        111,732        477,827        4.38

U.S. dollar medium-term notes (Floating rate)

    211,685        213,695        297,285        146,160        89,963        10,014        8,276        42,872        —          299,014        0.98

Asset backed notes

    311,222        316,596        453,802        239,339        148,699        60,403        5,361        —          —          458,794        1.94

Loans and others—primarily fixed rate

    1,534,478        1,582,083        1,299,872        427,576        310,459        313,575        160,431        84,818        3,013        1,322,989        3.31
                                                                                 

Total

  ¥ 3,035,331        3,125,045      ¥ 3,005,695        962,455        794,422        575,521        255,590        299,961        117,746        3,064,560     
                                                                                 

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

        2010     2011  
        Yen (millions)     Yen (millions)     Average
receive
rate
    Average
pay rate
 
                           Expected maturity date            

Notional principal currency

  Receive/Pay   Contract
amount
    Fair
value
    Contract
amount
    Within
1 year
    1-2
year
    2-3
year
    3-4
year
    4-5
year
    Thereafter     Fair
value
     

JP¥

  Float/Fix   ¥ 770        (24   ¥ 420        —          —          180        240        —          —          (14     1.34     3.16

US$

  Float/Fix     2,476,108        (47,762     2,357,658        305,929        594,618        940,725        427,415        88,971        —          (20,292     0.37     1.84
  Fix/Float     525,362        24,473        519,895        29,103        61,336        183,762        50,291        83,150        112,253        16,611        4.40     1.75
  Float/Float     —          —          12,473        —          12,473        —          —          —          —          16        0.74     0.60

CA$

  Float/Fix     525,099        (10,905     458,092        71,298        97,491        141,507        94,553        47,966        5,277        (4,218     1.30     2.87
  Fix/Float     233,677        10,036        179,904        51,401        51,401        77,102        —          —          —          5,373        5.29     2.68

GBP

  Float/Fix     45,075        (528     32,134        21,422        10,712        —          —          —          —          (136     1.78     1.95

EUR

  Float/Fix     —          —          6,029        2,681        2,118        1,230        —          —          —          (17     0.88     2.24
                                                                                     

Total

  ¥ 3,806,091        (24,710   ¥ 3,566,605        481,834        830,149        1,344,506        572,499        220,087        117,530        (2,677    
                                                                                     

 

Currency & Interest Rate Swaps

 

    2010     2011  

Receiving side currency

 

Paying side
currency

  Receive/Pay   Yen (millions)     Yen (millions)     Average
receive
rate
    Average
pay rate
 
                        Expected maturity date     Fair
value
     
      Contract
amount
    Fair
value
    Contract
amount
    Within
1 year
    1-2
year
    2-3
year
    3-4
year
    4-5
year
    Thereafter        

JP¥

  US$   Fix/Float   ¥ 124,721        29,735        82,078        23,820        17,563        5,087        5,537        27,734        2,337        21,523        1.35     0.73
    Float/Float     137,850        17,403        105,671        58,564        42,348        2,877        —          1,882        —          25,179        0.76     1.09

Other

  Other   Fix/Float     405,289        12,613        313,576        —          88,093        100,068        125,415        —          —          6,444        5.03     1.74
    Float/Float     51,104        (3,953     47,774        27,962        —          —          19,812        —          —          (3,064     1.29     2.81
                                                                                       

Total

  ¥ 718,964        55,798        549,099        110,346        148,004        108,032        150,764        29,616        2,337        50,082       
                                                                                       

 

Equity Price Risk

 

Honda is exposed to equity price risk as a result of its holdings of marketable equity securities. Marketable equity securities included in Honda’s investment portfolio are held for purposes other than trading, and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses, net of deferred taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2010 and 2011, the estimated fair values of marketable equity securities were ¥94.5 billion and ¥92.4 billion, respectively.

 

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Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

 

A. Debt Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

B. Warrants and Rights

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Other Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

D. American Depositary Shares

 

1.2.3. Fees and charges.

 

JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as ADR depositary, collects fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors, or from intermediaries acting for them, depositing ordinary shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal. The ADR depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of the distributable property to pay the fees.

 

The charges of the ADR depositary payable by investors are as follows:

 

Category

(as defined by SEC)

 

Depositary Actions

 

Associated Fee

(a) Depositing or substituting the underlying shares  

Each person to whom ADRs are issued against deposits of Shares, including deposits and issuances in respect of:

 

•    Share distributions, stock split, rights, merger

 

•    Exchange of securities or any other transaction or event or other distribution affecting the ADSs or the Deposited Securities

  USD 5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the new ADRs delivered
(b) Receiving or distributing dividends   Not applicable.  
(c) Selling or exercising rights   Distribution or sale of securities, the fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities   USD 5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)
(d) Withdrawing an underlying security   Acceptance of ADRs surrendered for withdrawal of deposited securities   USD 5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADRs surrendered
(e) Transferring, splitting or grouping receipts;  

Transfers, combining or grouping of depositary receipts

  USD 2.50 per ADS certificate
(f) General depositary services, particularly those charged on an annual basis   Not applicable.  

 

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Category

(as defined by SEC)

 

Depositary Actions

 

Associated Fee

(g) Expenses of the depositary  

Expenses incurred on behalf of Holders in connection with

 

•     Compliance with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating to foreign investment

 

•     The depositary’s or its custodian’s compliance with applicable law, rule or regulation

 

•     Stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges

 

•     Cable, telex, facsimile transmission/delivery

 

•     Expenses of the depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars (which are paid out of such foreign currency)

 

•     Any other charge payable by depositary or its agents

  Expenses payable at the sole discretion of the depositary by billing Holders or by deducting charges from one or more dividends or other cash distributions.

 

4. Direct / Indirect Payment Disclosure

 

Honda does not receive any reimbursement from the depositary bank. JPMorgan agreed to waive an out-of-pocket expense of $50,000 associated with the administration of the ADR program. The out-of-pocket expenses relate to depositary service administration, including but not limited to, dividend disbursement and proxy process.

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

None.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations (who is our Chief financial officer), we performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2011. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

The management of Honda is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that

 

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(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or because the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2011 based on the criteria established in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on that assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2011.

 

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG AZSA LLC has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

No significant changes were made in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Honda’s Board of Auditors has determined that Mr. Hideki Okada and Mr. Hirotake Abe are qualified as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the SEC. Mr. Okada and Mr. Abe were elected as one of Honda’s corporate auditors at the general meeting of shareholders held on June 23, 2009 and June 23, 2011, respectively. See Item 6.A. for additional information regarding them. They meet the independence requirements imposed on corporate auditors under the Company Law of Japan. See Item 6.C. for an explanation of such independence requirements.

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

 

Honda has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of Honda’s code of ethics is attached as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Principal Accountant, who conducted audits of our consolidated financial statements under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or its affiliates, is independent auditor under applicable SEC rules and billed the following fees to us for professional services:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2010      2011  

Audit Fees

     2,573         2,421   

Audit-Related Fees

     114         79   

Total

     2,687         2,500   

 

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“Audit fees” means fees for audit services, which are professional services provided by independent auditors for the audit of our annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by independent auditors with respect to any submissions required under applicable laws and regulations.

 

“Audit-related fees” means fees for audit-related services, which are assurance services provided by independent auditors that are reasonably related to the carrying out of auditing or reviewing of our financial reports and other related services. This category includes fees for agreed-upon or expanded audit procedures related to accounting and/or other records.

 

Pre-approval policies and procedures of the Board of Auditors

 

Under applicable SEC rules, our Board of Corporate Auditors must pre-approve audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services to be provided by principal accountant to ensure that the independence of principal accountant under such rules is not impaired as a result of the provision of any of these services.

 

While, as a general rule, specific pre-approval must be obtained for these services to be provided, our Board of Corporate Auditors has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures which list particular audit and non-audit services that may be provided without specific pre-approval. Our Board of Corporate Auditors reviews this list of services on an annual basis, and is informed of each such service that is actually provided.

 

All services to be provided to us by principal accountant and its affiliates those are not specifically set forth in this list must be specifically pre-approved by our Board of Corporate Auditors.

 

None of the services described above in this Item 16C. were waived from the pre-approval requirements pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.

 

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 

With respect to the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to listed company audit committees, which apply to us through Section 303A.06 of the New York Stock Exchange’s Listed Company Manual, we rely on an exemption provided by paragraph (c)(3) of that Rule available to foreign private issuers with boards of corporate auditors meeting certain requirements. For a New York Stock Exchange-listed Japanese company with a board of corporate auditors, the requirements for relying on paragraph (c)(3) of Rule 10A-3 are as follows:

 

 

The Board of Corporate Auditors must be established, and its members must be selected, pursuant to Japanese law expressly requiring such a board for Japanese companies that elect to have a corporate governance system with corporate auditors.

 

 

Japanese law must and does require the board of corporate auditors to be separate from the Board of Directors.

 

 

None of the members of the board of corporate auditors may be elected by management, and none of the listed company’s executive officers may be a member of the board of corporate auditors.

 

 

Japanese law must and does set forth standards for the independence of the members of the board of corporate auditors from the listed company or its management.

 

 

The board of corporate auditors, in accordance with Japanese law or the listed company’s governing documents, must be responsible, to the extent permitted by Japanese law, for the appointment, retention and oversight of the work of any registered public accounting firm engaged (including, to the extent permitted by Japanese law, the resolution of disagreements between our management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the listed company, including its principal accountant which audits its consolidated financial statements included in its annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

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To the extent permitted by Japanese law:

 

  the board of corporate auditors must establish procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters, and (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;

 

  the board of corporate auditors must have the authority to engage independent counsel and other advisers, as it determines necessary to carry out its duties; and

 

  the listed company must provide for appropriate funding, as determined by its board of corporate auditors, for payment of (i) compensation to any registered public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for us, (ii) compensation to any advisers employed by the board of corporate auditors, and (iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the board of corporate auditors that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties.

 

In our assessment, our Board of Corporate Auditors, which meets the requirements for reliance on the exemption in paragraph (c)(3) of Rule 10A-3 as described above, is not materially less effective than an audit committee meeting all the requirements of paragraph (b) of Rule 10A-3 (without relying on any exemption provided at acting independently of management and performing the functions of an audit committee as contemplated therein).

 

Item16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to purchases by Honda of its own shares during the year ended March 31, 2011. There were no purchases of Honda’s shares by its affiliated purchasers during that year.

 

Period

   (a)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
     (b)
Average
Price Paid
per Share
     (c)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
     (d)
Maximum Yen
Amount of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs(2)
 

April 1 to April 30, 2010

     456       ¥ 3,260         0         0   

May 1 to May 31, 2010

     1,755,614       ¥ 2,832         1,755,500       ¥ 5,028,330,300   

June 1 to June 30, 2010

     1,744,740       ¥ 2,772         1,744,500         0   

July 1 to July 31, 2010

     743       ¥ 2,592         0         0   

August 1 to August 31, 2010

     8,795,962       ¥ 2,839         8,795,500       ¥ 25,981,000   

September 1 to September 30, 2010

     181       ¥ 2,877         0         0   

October 1 to October 31, 2010

     163       ¥ 2,999         0         0   

November 1 to November 30, 2010

     816       ¥ 2,984         0         0   

December 1 to December 31, 2010

     1,766       ¥ 3,197         0         0   

January 1, to January 31, 2011

     721       ¥ 3,282         0         0   

February 1, to February 28, 2011

     378       ¥ 3,583         0         0   

March 1 to March 31, 2011

     336       ¥ 3,281         0         0   
                             

Total

     12,301,876       ¥ 2,829         12,295,500      
                             

 

*1 

For each month, the number of shares shown in column (a) in excess of the number of shares shown in column (c) represents the aggregate number of shares representing less than one unit that Honda purchased from the holders thereof upon their request. For an explanation of the right of such holders, see “Japanese

 

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Unit Share System—Right of a Holder of Shares Representing Less Than One Voting Unit to Require Honda to Purchase or Sell Its Shares” under Item 10.B of this Annual Report.

 

*2 

During the year ended March 31, 2011, the following share repurchase programs were in effect:

 

Share repurchase approved by the board of directors pursuant to the articles of incorporation

Date of announcement:    May 14, 2010

Maximum number of shares authorized to be repurchased:    3,500,000

Maximum yen amount authorized to be used for repurchase:    ¥10,000,000,000

Repurchased period:    from May 19, 2010 to June 4, 2010

(This program expired on the last day of the repurchase period referred to above.)

 

Share repurchase approved by the board of directors pursuant to the articles of incorporation

Date of announcement:    July 30, 2010

Maximum number of shares authorized to be repurchased:    12,000,000

Maximum yen amount authorized to be used for repurchase:    ¥25,000,000,000

Repurchased period:    from August 3, 2010 to September 15, 2010

(This program expired on the last day of the repurchase period referred to above.)

 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

 

Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) must comply with certain standards regarding corporate governance under Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

 

However, listed companies that are foreign private issuers, such as Honda, are permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of certain provisions of Section 303A.

 

The following table shows the significant differences between the corporate governance practices followed by U.S. listed companies under Section 303A of the NYSE listed Company Manual and those followed by Honda.

 

Corporate Governance Practices Followed by

NYSE-listed U.S. Companies

 

Corporate Governance Practices Followed by Honda

A NYSE-listed U.S. company must have a majority of directors meeting the independence requirements under Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.   For Japanese companies, which employ a corporate governance system based on a board of corporate auditors (the “board of corporate auditors system”), including Honda, Japan’s Company Law has no independence requirement with respect to directors. The task of overseeing management and, together with the accounting audit firm, accounting is assigned to the corporate auditors, who are separate from the company’s management and meet certain independence requirements under Japan’s Company Law.

 

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Corporate Governance Practices Followed by

NYSE-listed U.S. Companies

 

Corporate Governance Practices Followed by Honda

 

In the case of Japanese companies which employ the board of corporate auditors system, including Honda, at least half of the corporate auditors must be “outside” corporate auditors who must meet additional independence requirements under Japan’s Company Law. An outside corporate auditor is defined as a corporate auditor who has not served as a director, accounting councilor, executive officer, manager or any other employee of the company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

Currently, Honda has three outside corporate auditors which constitute 60% of Honda’s five corporate auditors.

A NYSE-listed U.S. company must have an audit committee composed entirely of independent directors, and the audit committee must have at least three members.  

Like a majority of Japanese companies, Honda employs the board of corporate auditors system as described above. Under this system, the board of corporate auditors is a legally separate and independent body from the board of directors. The main function of the board of corporate auditors is similar to that of independent directors, including those who are members of the audit committee, of a U.S. company: to monitor the performance of the directors, and review and express opinion on the method of auditing by the company’s accounting audit firm and on such accounting audit firm’s audit reports, for the protection of the company’s shareholders.

 

Japanese companies which employ the board of corporate auditors system, including Honda, are required to have at least three corporate auditors. Currently, Honda has five corporate auditors. Each corporate auditor has a four-year term. In contrast, the term of each director of Honda is one year.

 

With respect to the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to listed company audit committees, Honda relies on an exemption under that rule which is available to foreign private issuers with boards of corporate auditors meeting certain criteria.

 

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Corporate Governance Practices Followed by

NYSE-listed U.S. Companies

 

Corporate Governance Practices Followed by Honda

A NYSE-listed U.S. company must have a nominating/corporate governance committee entirely of independent directors.  

Honda’s directors are elected at a meeting of shareholders. Its Board of Directors does not have the power to fill vacancies thereon.

 

Honda’s corporate auditors are also elected at a meeting of shareholders. A proposal by Honda’s Board of Directors to elect a corporate auditor must be approved by a resolution of its Board of Corporate Auditors. The Board of Corporate Auditors is empowered to request that Honda’s directors submit a proposal for election of a corporate auditor to a meeting of shareholders. The corporate auditors have the right to state their opinion concerning election of a corporate auditor at the meeting of shareholders.

A NYSE-listed U.S. company must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors.   Maximum total amounts of compensation for Honda’s directors and corporate auditors are proposed to, and voted on, by a meeting of shareholders. Once the proposals for such maximum total amounts of compensation are approved at the meeting of shareholders, each of the Board of Directors and Board of Corporate Auditors determines the compensation amount for each member within the respective maximum total amounts.
A NYSE-listed U.S. company must generally obtain shareholder approval with respect to any equity compensation plan.   Currently, Honda does not adopt stock option compensation plans. If Honda were to adopt such a plan, Honda must obtain shareholder approval for stock options only if the stock options are issued with specifically favorable conditions or price concerning the issuance and exercise of the stock options.

 

Item 17. Financial Statements

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 18. Financial Statements

 

See Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto.

 

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Item 19. Exhibits

 

  1.1       Articles of Incorporation of the registrant (English translation)
  1.2       Share Handling Regulations of the registrant (English translation)
  1.3       Regulations of Board of Directors of the registrant (English translation)
  1.4       Regulations of the Board of Corporate Auditors of the registrant (English translation)
  2.1       Specimen common stock certificates of the registrant (English translation) (1)
  2.2       Deposit Agreement dated as of December 19, 1962, as amended and restated as of October 1, 1982 (including changes from Amendment to Deposit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1989) among the registrant, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (now JP Morgan Chase Bank), as Depositary, and all owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt (2)
  2.3       Form of Amendment No. 2 to Deposit Agreement dated as of April, 1995, among the parties referred to in Exhibit 2.2 above (2)
  2.4       Form of Amendment No. 3 to Deposit Agreement dated as of January, 2002, among the parties referred to in Exhibit 2.2 above (3)
  2.5       Form of Amendment No. 4 to Deposit Agreement dated as of June, 2006, among the parties referred to in Exhibit 2.2 above (4)
  2.6       Form of Amendment No. 5 to Deposit Agreement dated as of June, 2007, among the parties referred to in Exhibit 2.2 above (5)
  8.1       List of Significant Subsidiaries (See “Organizational Structure” in Item 4.C of this Form 20-F)
  11.1       Code of Ethics (6)
  12.1       Certification of the principal executive officer required by 17 C.F.R. 240. 13a-14(a)
  12.2       Certification of the principal financial officer required by 17 C.F.R. 240. 13a-14(a)
  13.1       Certification of the chief executive officer required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
  13.2       Certification of the chief financial officer required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
  101.INS       XBRL Instance Document
  101.SCH       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  101.CAL       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  101.DEF       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
  101.LAB       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  101.PRE       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s annual report on Form 20-F filed on September 27, 2001.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 33-91842) filed on May 1, 1995.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-14228) filed on December 20, 2001.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-114874) filed on June 28, 2006.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-143589) filed on June 8, 2007.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s annual report on Form 20-F filed on July 9, 2004.

 

The Company has not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to its long-term debt, the amount of debt authorized under each of which does not exceed 10% of its total assets, and it agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

(Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha)

(A Japanese Company)

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

and

Reports of Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

 

March 31, 2011

 

 

 

To be Included in

The Annual Report

Form 20-F

Filed with

The Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C., U.S.A.


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    F-3   

Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2010 and 2011

    F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Income – Years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

    F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity – Years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

    F-7   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

    F-9   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-10   

 

Financial statements of affiliates are omitted because such affiliates are not individually significant.

 

F-2


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (“Honda”) as of March 31, 2010 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Honda’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2010 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

As further described in Note 1(c) to the consolidated financial statements, Honda adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16 “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”, and ASU 2009-17 “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, effective April 1, 2010.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated June 23, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/S/ KPMG AZSA LLC

 

Tokyo, Japan

June 23, 2011

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:

 

We have audited Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s internal controls over financial reporting as of March 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011, and our report dated June 23, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

/S/ KPMG AZSA LLC

 

Tokyo, Japan

June 23, 2011

 

F-4


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

March 31, 2010 and 2011

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2010     2011  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   ¥ 1,119,902      ¥ 1,279,024   

Trade accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of ¥8,555 million in 2010
and ¥7,904 million in 2011 (notes 3, 9 and 20)

     883,476        787,691   

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net (notes 3, 4, 9 and 20)

     1,100,158        1,131,068   

Inventories (notes 5 and 9)

     935,629        899,813   

Deferred income taxes (note 11)

     176,604        202,291   

Other current assets (notes 7, 9 and 17)

     397,955        390,160   
                

Total current assets

     4,613,724        4,690,047   
                

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net (notes 3, 4, 9 and 20)

     2,361,335        2,348,913   

Investments and advances:

    

Investments in and advances to affiliates (note 6)

     457,834        440,026   

Other, including marketable equity securities (notes 4 and 7)

     184,847        199,906   
                

Total investments and advances

     642,681        639,932   
                

Property on operating leases (note 8):

    

Vehicles

     1,651,672        1,645,517   

Less accumulated depreciation

     343,525        287,885   
                

Net property on operating leases

     1,308,147        1,357,632   
                

Property, plant and equipment, at cost (note 9):

    

Land

     489,769        483,654   

Buildings

     1,509,821        1,473,067   

Machinery and equipment

     3,257,455        3,166,353   

Construction in progress

     143,862        202,186   
                
     5,400,907        5,325,260   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     3,314,244        3,385,904   
                

Net property, plant and equipment

     2,086,663        1,939,356   
                

Other assets, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of ¥9,319 million in 2010 and ¥23,275 million in 2011
(notes 3, 4, 9, 11, 13, 17 and 20)

     616,565        594,994   
                

Total assets

   ¥ 11,629,115      ¥ 11,570,874   
                

Liabilities and Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term debt (notes 4 and 9)

   ¥ 1,066,344      ¥ 1,094,740   

Current portion of long-term debt (notes 4 and 9)

     722,296        962,455   

Trade payables:

    

Notes

     24,704        25,216   

Accounts

     802,464        691,520   

Accrued expenses (note 13)

     542,521        525,540   

Income taxes payable (note 11)

     23,947        31,960   

Other current liabilities (notes 9, 11 and 17)

     236,854        236,761   
                

Total current liabilities

     3,419,130        3,568,192   
                

Long-term debt, excluding current portion (notes 4 and 9)

     2,313,035        2,043,240   

Other liabilities (notes 4, 10, 11 and 13)

     1,440,520        1,376,530   
                

Total liabilities

     7,172,685        6,987,962   
                

Equity:

    

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, authorized 7,086,000,000 shares in 2010 and 2011; issued 1,834,828,430 shares in 2010
and 1,811,428,430 shares in 2011

     86,067        86,067   

Capital surplus

     172,529        172,529   

Legal reserves (note 12)

     45,463        46,330   

Retained earnings (note 12)

     5,304,473        5,666,539   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net (notes 7, 11, 13, 15 and 17)

     (1,208,162     (1,495,380

Treasury stock, at cost 20,225,694 shares in 2010 and 9,126,716 shares in 2011

     (71,730     (26,110
                

Total Honda Motor Co., Ltd. shareholders’ equity

     4,328,640        4,449,975   
                

Noncontrolling interests

     127,790        132,937   
                

Total equity

     4,456,430        4,582,912   
                

Commitments and contingent liabilities (notes 18 and 19)

    

Total liabilities and equity

   ¥ 11,629,115      ¥ 11,570,874   
                

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

 

    Yen (millions)  
    2009     2010     2011  

Net sales and other operating revenue (notes 2 and 6)

  ¥ 10,011,241      ¥ 8,579,174      ¥ 8,936,867   

Operating costs and expenses:

     

Cost of sales (notes 1(u) and 2)

    7,419,582        6,414,721        6,496,841   

Selling, general and administrative (note 1(u))

    1,838,819        1,337,324        1,382,660   

Research and development

    563,197        463,354        487,591   
                       
    9,821,598        8,215,399        8,367,092   
                       

Operating income

    189,643        363,775        569,775   

Other income (expenses):

     

Interest income

    41,235        18,232        23,577   

Interest expense

    (22,543     (12,552     (8,474

Other, net (notes 1(p), 6, 7 and 17)

    (46,601     (33,257     45,670   
                       
    (27,909     (27,577     60,773   
                       

Income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates

    161,734        336,198        630,548   

Income tax expense (note 11):

     

Current

    68,062        90,263        76,647   

Deferred

    41,773        56,606        130,180   
                       
    109,835        146,869        206,827   
                       

Income before equity in income of affiliates

    51,899        189,329        423,721   

Equity in income of affiliates (note 6)

    99,034        93,282        139,756   

Net income

    150,933        282,611        563,477   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    13,928        14,211        29,389   
                       

Net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

  ¥ 137,005      ¥ 268,400      ¥ 534,088   
                       
    Yen  
    2009     2010     2011  

Basic net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. per common share (note 1(o))

  ¥ 75.50      ¥ 147.91      ¥ 295.67   
                       

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

 

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Common
stock
    Capital
surplus
    Legal
reserves
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss), net
    Treasury
stock
    Total Honda
Motor Co.,

Ltd.
shareholders’
equity
    Noncontrolling
interests
    Total
equity
 

Balance at March 31, 2008

  ¥ 86,067      ¥ 172,529      ¥ 39,811      ¥ 5,106,197      ¥ (782,198   ¥ (71,927   ¥ 4,550,479      ¥ 141,806      ¥ 4,692,285   
                                                                       

Transfer to legal reserves

        4,154        (4,154         —            —     

Dividends paid to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. shareholders

          (139,724         (139,724       (139,724

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

                  (10,841     (10,841

Capital transactions and others

                  (172     (172

Comprehensive income (loss):

                 

Net income

          137,005            137,005        13,928        150,933   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (note 15)

                 

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

            (477,316       (477,316     (19,865     (497,181

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net

            (25,063       (25,063     (60     (25,123

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net

            (460       (460       (460

Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments

            (37,791       (37,791     (1,740     (39,531
                                   

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                (403,625     (7,737     (411,362
                                   

Purchase of treasury stock

              (62     (62       (62

Reissuance of treasury stock

          (57       277        220          220   

Retirement of treasury stock

                    —     
                                                                       

Balance at March 31, 2009

  ¥ 86,067      ¥ 172,529      ¥ 43,965      ¥ 5,099,267      ¥ (1,322,828   ¥ (71,712   ¥ 4,007,288      ¥ 123,056      ¥ 4,130,344   
                                                                       

Transfer to legal reserves

        1,498        (1,498         —            —     

Dividends paid to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. shareholders

          (61,696         (61,696       (61,696

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

                  (16,278     (16,278

Capital transactions and others

                  127        127   

Comprehensive income (loss):

                 

Net income

          268,400            268,400        14,211        282,611   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (note 15)

                 

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

            91,097          91,097        5,750        96,847   

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net

            23,107          23,107        111        23,218   

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net

            (324       (324       (324

Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments

            786          786        813        1,599   
                                   

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                383,066        20,885        403,951   
                                   

Purchase of treasury stock

              (20     (20       (20

Reissuance of treasury stock

              2        2          2   

Retirement of treasury stock

                    —     
                                                                       

Balance at March 31, 2010

  ¥ 86,067      ¥ 172,529      ¥ 45,463      ¥ 5,304,473      ¥ (1,208,162   ¥ (71,730   ¥ 4,328,640      ¥ 127,790      ¥ 4,456,430   
                                                                       

 

F-7


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity—(Continued)

 

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Common
stock
    Capital
surplus
    Legal
reserves
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss), net
    Treasury
stock
    Total Honda
Motor Co.,

Ltd.
shareholders’
equity
    Noncontrolling
interests
    Total
equity
 

Cumulative effect of adjustments resulting from the adoption of new accounting standards on variable interest entities, net of tax
(note 1(c))

          1,432            1,432          1,432   
                                                                       

Adjusted balance at March 31, 2010

  ¥ 86,067      ¥ 172,529      ¥ 45,463      ¥ 5,305,905      ¥ (1,208,162   ¥ (71,730   ¥ 4,330,072      ¥ 127,790      ¥ 4,457,862   
                                                                       

Transfer to legal reserves

        867        (867         —            —     

Dividends paid to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. shareholders

          (92,170         (92,170       (92,170

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

                  (16,232     (16,232

Capital transactions and others

                  (946     (946

Comprehensive income (loss):

                 

Net income

          534,088            534,088        29,389        563,477   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (note 15)

                 

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

            (290,745       (290,745     (6,796     (297,541

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net

            575          575        (27     548   

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net

            168          168          168   

Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments

            2,784          2,784        (241     2,543   
                                   

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                246,870        22,325        269,195   
                                   

Purchase of treasury stock

              (34,800     (34,800       (34,800

Reissuance of treasury stock

              3        3          3   

Retirement of treasury stock

          (80,417       80,417        —            —     
                                                                       

Balance at March 31, 2011

  ¥ 86,067      ¥ 172,529      ¥ 46,330      ¥ 5,666,539      ¥ (1,495,380   ¥ (26,110   ¥ 4,449,975      ¥ 132,937      ¥ 4,582,912   
                                                                       

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2010     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities (note 14):

      

Net income

   ¥ 150,933      ¥ 282,611      ¥ 563,477   

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

      

Depreciation excluding property on operating leases

     441,868        401,743        351,496   

Depreciation of property on operating leases

     195,776        227,931        212,143   

Deferred income taxes

     41,773        56,606        130,180   

Equity in income of affiliates

     (99,034     (93,282     (139,756

Dividends from affiliates

     65,140        140,901        98,182   

Gain on sales of investments in affiliates (note 6)

     —          —          (46,756

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

     77,016        40,062        13,305   

Impairment loss on investments in securities

     26,001        603        2,133   

Damaged and impairment loss on long-lived assets and goodwill excluding property on operating leases (note 1(u))

     21,597        548        16,833   

Impairment loss on property on operating leases

     18,528        3,312        835   

Loss (gain) on derivative instruments, net

     (15,506     (37,753     (7,788

Decrease (increase) in assets:

      

Trade accounts and notes receivable

     (30,025     (6,910     38,700   

Inventories

     (262,782     352,994        (33,676

Other current assets

     (82,838     103,071        266   

Other assets

     8,640        24,150        (40,729

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

      

Trade accounts and notes payable

     (133,662     151,345        (55,331

Accrued expenses

     (102,711     (20,457     39,103   

Income taxes payable

     (12,861     (14,524     9,461   

Other current liabilities

     10,630        5,662        32,209   

Other liabilities

     74,872        (30,146     (83,115

Other, net

     (9,714     (44,255     (30,335
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     383,641        1,544,212        1,070,837   

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Increase in investments and advances

     (4,879     (19,419     (11,412

Decrease in investments and advances

     1,921        14,078        13,995   

Payments for purchases of available-for-sale securities

     (31,936     (5,871     (262

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

     26,896        4,945        2,739   

Payments for purchases of held-to-maturity securities

     (17,348     (21,181     (179,951

Proceeds from redemptions of held-to-maturity securities

     32,667        6,283        154,977   

Proceeds from sales of investments in affiliates (note 6)

     —          —          71,073   

Capital expenditures

     (635,190     (392,062     (318,543

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

     18,843        24,472        24,725   

Acquisitions of finance subsidiaries-receivables

     (2,303,930     (1,448,146     (2,208,480

Collections of finance subsidiaries-receivables

     2,023,031        1,595,235        2,109,904   

Sales (repurchases) of finance subsidiaries-receivables, net

     324,672        (55,168     —     

Purchases of operating lease assets

     (668,128     (544,027     (798,420

Proceeds from sales of operating lease assets

     100,017        245,110        408,265   
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,133,364     (595,751     (731,390

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Increase (decrease) in short-term debt, net

     270,795        (649,641     113,669   

Proceeds from long-term debt

     1,299,984        1,132,222        799,520   

Repayments of long-term debt

     (889,483     (963,833     (870,406

Dividends paid (note 12)

     (139,724     (61,696     (92,170

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

     (10,841     (16,278     (16,232

Sales (purchases) of treasury stock, net

     131        (18     (34,797
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     530,862        (559,244     (100,416

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (141,672     40,316        (79,909
                        

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (360,533     429,533        159,122   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     1,050,902        690,369        1,119,902   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   ¥ 690,369      ¥ 1,119,902      ¥ 1,279,024   
                        

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(1) General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a) Description of Business

 

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively “Honda”) mainly develop, manufacture and distribute motorcycles, automobiles, power products, and also provide financing for the sale of those products. Principal manufacturing facilities are located in Japan, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Brazil and Turkey.

 

(b) Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries maintain their books of account in conformity with financial accounting standards of Japan, and its foreign subsidiaries generally maintain their books of account in conformity with those of the countries of their domicile.

 

The consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared in a manner and reflect the adjustments which are necessary to conform them with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

(c) Consolidation Policy

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries and those variable interest entities where Honda is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Noncontrolling Interests in the net assets of subsidiary are reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions. Noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary’s earnings or losses are reported as a component of net income in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Honda adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16 “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”, and ASU 2009-17 “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, effective April 1, 2010. These standards amend the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 860 “Transfers and Servicing”, and ASC 810 “Consolidation”. ASU 2009-16 removes the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE) and removes the exception from applying consolidation accounting standards to QSPEs. ASU 2009-17 requires reporting entities to evaluate former QSPEs for consolidation, changes the approach to determining a variable interest entity’s primary beneficiary from a mainly quantitative assessment to an exclusively qualitative assessment designed to identify a controlling financial interest, and increases the frequency of required reassessments to determine whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. Upon the adoption of these standards, ten former QSPEs that were not consolidated as of March 31, 2010 were consolidated by the Company as of April 1, 2010. As a result, previously derecognized assets held by former QSPEs including finance subsidiaries receivables of ¥282,353 million and their related secured debt of ¥274,329 million were included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of April 1, 2010. The assets and liabilities associated with former legacy off-balance sheet securitizations including retained interests in securitizations and servicing assets were removed from the Company’s consolidated balance sheet from April 1, 2010. The cumulative effect adjustment upon the adoption of these standards increased the Company’s beginning retained earnings for the year ended March 31, 2011 by ¥1,432 million, net of tax effect.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Investments in affiliates in which Honda has the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies, but where Honda does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for using the equity method.

 

There are some subsidiaries and affiliates of which the fiscal year-end is December 31.

 

(d) Use of Estimates

 

Management of Honda has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare its consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, allowance for credit losses, losses on lease residual values, retained interests in securitizations, realizable values of inventories, realization of deferred tax assets, damaged and impairment loss on long-lived assets, unrecognized tax benefits, product warranty obligations, the fair values of assets and obligations related to employee benefits, and the fair value of derivative financial instruments. A sustained loss of consumer confidence which may be caused by changes in consumer preferences and rising fuel prices, effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake or other factors have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(e) Revenue Recognition

 

Sales of manufactured products are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title and risk of loss have passed to the customers, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is probable.

 

Honda provides dealer incentives passed on to the end customers generally in the form of below-market interest rate loans or lease programs. The amount of interest or lease subsidies paid is the difference between the amount offered to retail customers and the amount stemmed from a market-based interest or lease rate. Honda also provides dealer incentives retained by the dealer, which generally represent discounts provided from Honda to the dealers. These incentives are classified as a reduction of sales revenue as the consideration is paid in cash, because Honda does not receive an identifiable benefit in exchange for this consideration. The incentives are estimated and accrued at the time the product is sold to the dealer.

 

Honda adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-13 “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force”, which amends the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-25 “Revenue Recognition – Multiple-Element Arrangements”, effective April 1, 2010. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Operating lease revenues are recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

 

Interest income from finance receivables is recognized using the interest method. Finance receivable origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is amortized using the interest method over the contractual life of the finance receivables.

 

The finance subsidiaries of the Company periodically securitize and transfer finance receivables to the trust which is newly established to issue asset-backed securities. Gain or loss is recognized equal to the difference between the cash proceeds received and the carrying value of the transferred receivables and is recorded in the

 

F-11


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

period in which the transfer occurs. Honda allocates the recorded investment in finance receivables between the portion(s) of the transferred receivables and portion(s) retained, based on the relative fair values of those portions on the date the receivables are transferred. Honda recognizes gains or losses attributable to the change in the fair value of the retained interests, which are recorded at estimated fair value and accounted for as “trading” securities. Honda determines the fair value of the retained interests by discounting the future cash flows. Those cash flows are estimated based on prepayments, credit losses and other information as available and are discounted at a rate which Honda believes is commensurate with the risk free rate plus a risk premium. Finance subsidiaries of the Company have applied the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 860 “Transfers and Servicing” which requires the finance subsidiaries of the Company to measure servicing assets or servicing liabilities at fair value at each reporting date and report changes in fair value in earnings in the period in which the changes occur. Servicing assets and servicing liabilities at March 31, 2010 were not significant.

 

Honda adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16 “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”, and ASU 2009-17 “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, effective April 1, 2010. Upon the adoption of these standards, all of trusts for securitization were consolidated to the Company. As a result, gains or losses attributable to the transfer of receivable and the change in the fair value of retained interests in securitizations and servicing assets or liabilities were not recognized from April 1, 2010. Information about the impact of the adoption of these standards is described in Note 1(c).

 

Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on revenue-producing transactions are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenues in consolidated statements of income.

 

(f) Cash Equivalents

 

Honda considers all highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents mainly consist of money market funds and certificates of deposit.

 

(g) Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally on a first-in, first-out basis.

 

(h) Investments in Securities

 

Investments in securities consist of investment to affiliates and debt and equity securities. Investments in affiliates in which Honda has the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies, but where Honda does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for using the equity method. Differences between the cost of investments in affiliates and the amount of underlying equity of the affiliates principally represent investor level goodwill.

 

Honda considers whether the fair value of any of its equity method investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If Honda considers any such decline to be other-than-temporary based on various factors, then a write-down will be recorded to estimated fair value.

 

Honda classifies its debt and marketable equity securities into the following categories: available-for-sale, trading, or held-to-maturity. Debt securities classified as “held-to-maturity” securities are reported at amortized cost. Debt and marketable equity securities classified as “trading” securities are reported at fair value, with

 

F-12


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Other debt and marketable 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 equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. The costs of available-for-sale securities sold are accounted for using the moving-average method. Honda did not hold any “trading” securities at March 31, 2010 and 2011, except for retained interests in securitizations of finance receivables, which are accounted for as “trading” securities and included in finance subsidiaries-receivables.

 

Honda periodically compares the fair value of debt and marketable equity securities with their cost basis. If the fair value of the securities has declined below the cost basis and such decline is judged to be other-than-temporary, Honda recognizes the impairment of the securities through a charge to income. The determination of other-than-temporary impairment is based upon an assessment of the facts and circumstances related to each investment security. In assessing impairment of securities, Honda considers the factors such as degree and period of the decline in fair value, financial position and results of operations of investees and forecast earnings based on market and economic trend in which the investees operate. For the years ended March 31, 2009, Honda recognized ¥26,001 million impairment loss on investments in securities. The impairment loss on investments in securities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was principally related to the securities which our consolidated subsidiary holds in the United States market. Honda recognized impairment loss because of significant declines in the fair value of the securities caused by stock market slump and we considered the decline in fair value below our cost basis was other-than-temporary based on the factors such as financial position and results of operations of the investee and the industry which the investee operates. The impairment loss on securities is included in other income (expenses)-other, net in the consolidated statements of income. Honda did not recognize significant impairment loss on investments in securities for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

Non-marketable equity securities are carried at cost, and are examined the possibility of impairment periodically.

 

(i) Goodwill

 

Goodwill, all of which is allocated to Honda’s reporting units, is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. Honda performs its annual impairment review of goodwill at March 31, and when a triggering event occurs between annual impairment dates. Honda recognized ¥8,006 million impairment loss on goodwill reported by a reporting unit in its automobile segment for the year ended March 31, 2009, because of a decision principally to withdraw from certain racing activities and estimated that it will not generate future cash flows. The impairment loss on goodwill is included in selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statements of income. For the year ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, Honda did not recognize impairment loss on goodwill.

 

The carrying amount of goodwill at March 31, 2010 and 2011 was ¥12,062 million and ¥12,008 million, respectively and is included in other assets of the consolidated balance sheets.

 

(j) Property on Operating Leases

 

Property on operating leases is reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of the vehicles is generally provided on a straight-line basis to an estimated residual value over the lease term. The residual values of the vehicles related to the operating leases are estimated by using the estimate of future used vehicle values, taking into consideration data obtained from third parties.

 

(k) Depreciation and Amortization

 

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

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The estimated useful lives used in computing depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 

Asset

   Life  

Buildings

     3 to 50 years   

Machinery and equipment

     2 to 20 years   

 

(l) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to Be Held and Used and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

 

Honda’s long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill having finite useful lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. For the year ended March 31, 2009, Honda recognized ¥13,591 million impairment loss on long-lived assets excluding property on operating leases. Honda recognized impairment loss on long-lived assets included mainly in the automobile business asset group for the year ended March 31, 2009, because of the decision principally to withdraw from certain racing activities and estimated that it will not generate future cash flows. The impairment loss on long-lived assets is included in selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statements of income. Honda did not recognize any significant impairment losses on long-lived assets excluding property on operating leases for the years ended March 31, 2010. Also, Honda did not recognize any significant impairment losses on long-lived assets excluding property on operating leases for the year ended March 31, 2011, including the impairment evaluation triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake (see note 1(u)).

 

Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell.

 

(m) Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

Honda recognizes in the consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if any, based on the technical merits of the position, when that position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Benefits from tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. Honda accounts for interest and penalties related to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense in the consolidated statement of income.

 

(n) Product-Related Expenses

 

Advertising and sales promotion costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses were ¥301,285 million, ¥196,713 million and ¥210,803 million, for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011,

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

respectively. Provisions for estimated costs related to product warranty are made at the time the products are sold to customers or new warranty programs are initiated. 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. Included in warranty expenses accruals are costs for general warranties on vehicles Honda sells and product recalls.

 

(o) Basic Net Income Attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. per Common Share

 

Basic net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. per common share has been computed by dividing net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 was 1,814,560,728 shares, 1,814,605,803 shares and 1,806,360,505 shares, respectively. There were no potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 or 2011.

 

(p) Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

 

Foreign currency financial statement amounts are translated into Japanese yen on the basis of the year-end exchange rate for all assets and liabilities and the weighted average rate for the year for all income and expense amounts. The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets.

 

All revenues and expenses associated with foreign currencies are converted at the rates of exchange prevailing when such transactions occur and foreign currency receivables and payables are re-measured at the applicable exchange rates on the balance sheet date. Foreign currency translation and transaction gains or losses are included in other income (expenses)-other, net and these net gains or losses for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Yen

(millions)

2009

  

2010

  

2011

¥  3,148

   ¥  (37,417)    ¥  (60,514)

 

The gains or losses on translation of receivables and payables dominated in foreign currencies intended to be hedged are presented on a net basis with derivative financial instruments. (see note 17)

 

(q) Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Honda has entered into foreign exchange agreements and interest rate agreements to manage currency and interest rate exposures. These instruments include foreign currency forward contracts, currency swap agreements, currency option contracts and interest rate swap agreements. (see notes 16 and 17)

 

Honda recognizes all derivative financial instruments at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets. Derivative asset and liability positions are presented net by counterparty on the consolidated balance sheets when valid master netting agreement exists and the other conditions set out in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 210-20 “Balance Sheet-Offsetting” are met.

 

The Company applies hedge accounting for certain foreign currency forward contracts related to forecasted foreign currency transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries. These are designated as cash flow hedges on the date derivative contracts are entered into. The Company has a documented currency rate risk management policy. In addition, it documents all relationships between derivative financial instruments

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

designated as cash flow hedges and the relevant hedged items to identify the relationship between them. The Company assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedge are highly effective to offset changes in cash flows of hedged items.

 

When it is determined that a derivative financial instrument is not highly effective as a cash flow hedge, when the hedged item matures, is sold or is terminated, or when it is identified that the forecasted transaction is no longer probable, the Company discontinues hedge accounting. To the extent derivative financial instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and have been assessed as being highly effective, changes in their fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The amounts are reclassified into earnings in the period when forecasted hedged transactions affect earnings. When these cash flow hedges prove to be ineffective, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are immediately recognized in earnings.

 

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments not designated as accounting hedges are recognized in earnings in the period of the change.

 

Honda does not hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

(r) Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Shipping and handling costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Yen

(millions)

2009

  

2010

  

2011

¥224,262

   ¥151,197    ¥160,773

 

(s) Asset Retirement Liability

 

Honda recognizes an asset retirement liability if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. Asset retirement obligations include those for which an entity has a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity, however, the timing and (or) method of settling the obligation are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity.

 

(t) Out-of-period adjustments

 

Certain overstatements were found in trade accounts and notes receivable, inventories, net sales and other operating revenue, and cost of sales in previously issued consolidated financial statements, pertaining to the Company’s inventory management trading activities at a domestic subsidiary. This domestic subsidiary temporarily purchases sea food products from seafood companies with the promise that they will buy back such products after a certain period, in order to bridge the gap between the purchasing period (the fishing season) and the sales period for sea food products. The Company recognized the related cumulative loss of ¥14,123 million, which pertained to prior fiscal years, in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2011, not by retrospectively adjusting prior year’s consolidated financial statements. Honda believes that these out-of-period adjustments are immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations as of and for the year ended March 31, 2011 as well as prior fiscal years.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(u) Impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011

 

On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced a large earthquake commonly referred to as the Great East Japan Earthquake, which caused damage to certain property, plant and equipment and inventories, and the temporary suspension of production of the Company’s plants and research and development activities of the Company and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries.

 

As a result, the Company and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries recognized ¥45,720 million of costs and expenses, of which ¥17,450 million is included in cost of sales and ¥28,270 million is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2011. These costs and expenses mainly consist of unallocated fixed production overhead of ¥15,062 million caused by temporary suspension of production which is included in cost of sales, and loss on damaged property, plant and equipment of ¥15,647 million which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Fixed costs of ¥7,723 million pertaining to certain R&D activities incurred during the period such activities were suspended are not included in research and development, but selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

The Company and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries will recognize the costs of future restoration activities as they are incurred.

 

(2) Finance Income and Related Cost of Finance Subsidiaries

 

Net sales and other operating revenue and cost of sales include finance income and related cost of finance subsidiaries for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2009      2010      2011  

Finance income

   ¥ 596,525       ¥ 618,811       ¥ 573,458   

Finance cost

     341,282         321,491         309,850   

 

(3) Finance Receivables

 

The finance subsidiaries of the Company provide retail lending and leasing to customers and wholesale financing to dealers primarily to support sales of our products. Honda classifies retail and direct financing lease receivables derived from those services as finance subsidiaries-receivables. Operating leases are classified as property on operating leases. Certain finance receivables related to sales of inventory are included in trade accounts and notes receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Receivables on past due operating lease rental payments are included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net, consisted of the following at March 31, 2010 and 2011 (see note 1(c))

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Retail

   ¥ 3,246,493       ¥ 3,368,014   

Direct financing lease

     449,459         362,136   

Wholesale flooring

     301,418         267,526   

Commercial loans

     30,308         34,116   
                 

Total finance receivables

     4,027,678         4,031,792   

Retained interests in securitizations

     27,555         —     
                 
     4,055,233         4,031,792   

Less:

     

Allowance for credit losses

     37,320         28,437   

Allowance for losses on lease residual values

     9,253         7,225   

Unearned interest income and fees

     27,672         19,916   
                 
     3,980,988         3,976,214   

Less:

     

Finance receivables included in trade receivables, net

     361,882         332,195   

Finance receivables included in other assets, net

     157,613         164,038   
                 

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net

     3,461,493         3,479,981   

Less current portion

     1,100,158         1,131,068   
                 

Noncurrent finance subsidiaries-receivables, net

   ¥ 2,361,335       ¥ 2,348,913   
                 

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

 

The majority of the credit risk is with consumer financing and to a lesser extent with dealer financing. Credit risk is affected by general economic conditions such as a rise in unemployment rates or declines in used vehicle prices. The finance subsidiaries of the Company estimate losses incurred on retail and direct financing lease receivables and recognize them in the allowance for credit losses. Consumer finance receivables consist of a large number of smaller-balance homogenous loans and leases. The finance subsidiaries of the Company segment these receivables into groups with common characteristics, and estimate collectively the allowance for credit losses on consumer finance receivables by the group. The finance subsidiaries of the Company take into consideration various methodologies when estimating the allowance including vintage loss rate analysis and delinquency roll rate analysis. When performing the vintage loss rate analysis, consumer finance receivables are segregated between retail and direct financing lease, and further segmented into groups with common risk characteristics including collateral type, credit grades and original terms. Loss rates are projected for these pools based on historical rates and adjusted for considerations of emerging trends and changing economic conditions. The roll rate analysis is used primarily by the finance subsidiaries of the Company in North America. This analysis tracks the migration of finance receivables through various stages of delinquency and ultimately to charge-offs. Roll rates are projected based on historical results while also taking into consideration trends and changing economic conditions.

 

Wholesale receivables are considered to be impaired when it is probable that they will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the contract. The finance subsidiaries of the Company recognize estimated losses on them in the allowance for credit losses. Credit risk on wholesale receivables is

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

affected primarily by the financial strength of the dealers within the portfolio. Wholesale receivables are evaluated for impairment on an individual dealer basis. Ongoing evaluations of dealerships are performed to determine whether there is evidence of impairment. Factors can include payment performance, overall dealership financial performance, or known difficulties experienced by the dealership.

 

Honda regularly reviews the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. The estimates are based on information available as of each reporting date. However, actual losses may differ from the original estimates as a result of actual results varying from those assumed in our estimates with inherently uncertain items.

 

The following table presents the balances of the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables at March 31, 2011.

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Retail      Direct
financing lease
     Wholesale      Total  

Allowance for credit losses on finance receivables

   ¥ 25,578       ¥ 1,455       ¥ 1,404       ¥ 28,437   
                                   

 

In the finance subsidiaries of the Company in North America, retail and direct financing lease receivables are charged off when they become 120 days past due or earlier if they have been specifically identified as uncollectible. Wholesale receivables are charged off when they have been individually identified as uncollectible. In the finance subsidiaries of the Company in other areas except for North America, finance receivables are charged off when they have been identified as substantially uncollectible according to the internal standards of each subsidiary.

 

Allowance for Losses on Lease Residual Values

 

Finance subsidiaries of the Company purchase insurance to cover a substantial amount of the estimated residual value of vehicles leased as direct financing leases to customers. 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.

 

Delinquencies

 

In the finance subsidiaries of the Company in North America, retail and direct financing lease receivables are considered delinquent if more than 10% of a monthly scheduled payment is contractually past due on a cumulative basis. Wholesale receivables are considered delinquent when any principal payments are past due. In the finance subsidiaries of the Company in other areas except for North America, finance receivables are considered delinquent when any principal payments are past due.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The following table presents an age analysis of past due finance receivables at March 31, 2011.

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     30-59 days
past due
     60-89 days
past due
     90 days and
greater

past due
     Total past
due
     Current *      Total finance
receivables
 

Retail

                 

New auto

   ¥ 14,127       ¥ 1,625       ¥ 3,191       ¥ 18,943       ¥ 2,762,373       ¥ 2,781,316   

Used & certified auto

     5,325         591         474         6,390         421,605         427,995   

Others

     1,666         468         895         3,029         155,674         158,703   
                                                     

Total retail

     21,118         2,684         4,560         28,362         3,339,652         3,368,014   

Direct financing lease

     1,375         179         584         2,138         359,998         362,136   

Wholesale

                 

Wholesale flooring

     125         38         273         436         267,090         267,526   

Commercial loans

     —           —           —           —           34,116         34,116   
                                                     

Total wholesale

     125         38         273         436         301,206         301,642   
                                                     

Total finance receivables

   ¥ 22,618       ¥ 2,901       ¥ 5,417       ¥ 30,936       ¥ 4,000,856       ¥ 4,031,792   
                                                     

 

* Includes recorded investment of finance receivables that are less than 30 days past due.

 

Credit Quality Indicators

 

The collection experience of consumer finance receivables provides an indication of the credit quality of consumer finance receivables. The likelihood of accounts charging off becomes significantly higher once an account becomes 60 days delinquent. The table below segments the Company’s portfolio of consumer finance receivables between groups the Company considers to be performing and nonperforming. Accounts that are delinquent for 60 days or greater are included in the nonperforming group and all other accounts are considered to be performing.

 

The following table presents the balances of consumer finance receivables by the credit quality indicator at March 31, 2011.

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     Performing      Nonperforming      Total consumer
finance
receivables
 

Retail

        

New auto

   ¥ 2,776,500       ¥ 4,816       ¥ 2,781,316   

Used & certified auto

     426,930         1,065         427,995   

Others

     157,340         1,363         158,703   
                          

Total retail

     3,360,770         7,244         3,368,014   

Direct financing lease

     361,373         763         362,136   
                          

Total

   ¥ 3,722,143       ¥ 8,007       ¥ 3,730,150   
                          

 

A credit quality indicator for wholesale receivables is the internal risk ratings for the dealerships. Dealerships are assigned an internal risk rating based primarily on their financial condition. At a minimum, risk

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

ratings for dealerships are updated annually and more frequently for dealerships with weaker risk ratings. The table below presents outstanding wholesale receivables balances by the internal risk rating group. Group A includes the loans of dealerships with the highest credit quality characteristics in the strongest risk rating tier. Group B includes the loans of all remaining dealers and are considered to have weaker credit quality characteristics. Although the likelihood of losses can be higher for dealerships in Group B, the overall risk of losses is not considered to be significant.

 

The following table presents the balance of wholesale receivables by credit quality indicators at March 31, 2011.

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     Group A      Group B      Total  

Wholesale

        

Wholesale flooring

   ¥ 144,118       ¥ 123,408       ¥ 267,526   

Commercial loans

     14,024         20,092         34,116   
                          

Total

   ¥ 158,142       ¥ 143,500       ¥ 301,642   
                          

 

Contractual maturities

 

The following schedule shows the contractual maturities of finance receivables for each of the five years following March 31, 2011 and thereafter:

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen
(millions)
 

2012

   ¥ 1,500,823   
        

2013

     1,009,647   

2014

     737,722   

2015

     492,135   

2016

     222,432   

After five years

     69,033   
        
     2,530,969   

Total

   ¥ 4,031,792   
        

 

Other Finance Receivables

 

Except for the finance subsidiaries-receivables, the other finance receivables about which credit quality information and the allowance for credit losses are required to be disclosed by the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 310 “Receivables” of ¥59,520 million were included in other current assets, investments and advances – other and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2011. Honda estimates individually the collectibility of the other finance receivables based on the financial condition of the debtor. The impaired finance receivables amounted to ¥19,574 million at March 31, 2011, for which the allowance for credit losses was recorded in the same amount.

 

Regarding the other finance receivables which are not impaired, there are no past due receivables.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(4) Variable Interest Entities and Securitizations

 

Honda considers its involvement with a variable interest entity (VIE) under the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810 “Consolidation”. This standard prescribes that the reporting entity shall consolidate a VIE as its primary beneficiary when it deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VIE, meeting both of the following characteristics:

 

  (a) The power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance.

 

  (b) The obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

 

Honda adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16 “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”, and ASU 2009-17 “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, effective April 1, 2010. Information about the impact of the adoption of these standards is described in note 1(c).

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

The finance subsidiaries of the Company periodically securitize for liquidity and funding purposes and transfer finance receivables to the trust which is newly established to issue asset-backed securities. The finance subsidiaries of the Company deemed to have the power to direct the activities of these trusts that most significantly impact the trusts’ economic performance, as they retain servicing rights in all securitizations, and manage delinquencies and defaults of the underlying receivables. Furthermore, the finance subsidiaries of the Company deemed to have the obligation to absorb losses of these trusts that could potentially be significant to these trusts, as they would absorb the majority of the expected losses of these trusts by retaining certain subordinated interests of these trusts. Therefore, the Company has consolidated these trusts, as it deemed to have controlling financial interests in these trusts.

 

The following table presents the balances of the assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs at March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Finance subsidiaries-receivables, net

   ¥ 351,386       ¥ 500,208   

Restricted cash *1

     5,653         7,931   

Other assets

     1,232         1,688   
                 

Total assets

   ¥ 358,271       ¥ 509,827   
                 

Secured debt *2

   ¥ 348,684       ¥ 495,695   

Other liabilities

     257         532   
                 

Total liabilities

   ¥ 348,941       ¥ 496,227   
                 

 

*1 

Restricted cash as collateral for the payment of the related secured debt obligation was included in investment and advances-other on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

*2 

Secured debt was included in short-term and long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

The creditors of these trusts do not have recourse to the finance subsidiaries’ general credit with the exception of representations and warranties customary in the industry provided by the finance subsidiaries to these trusts.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

There is no VIE in which Honda holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary as of March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

Securitizations

 

The finance subsidiaries of the Company periodically securitized finance receivables subject to limited recourse provisions. The amounts of securitization transactions entered into during fiscal year 2009 and 2010 qualified for sale accounting treatment are approximately ¥428,642 million and ¥13,346 million, respectively. Pre-tax net gains or losses on such sales resulted in a loss of ¥8,371 million in fiscal years 2009, which are included in loss on sale of receivables. There is no gain or loss recognized on such sales in fiscal year 2010. Securitization transactions entered into during fiscal year 2011 did not qualify for sale accounting treatment.

 

Honda adopted ASU2009-16 and 17, effective April 1, 2010. As a result, all securitizations including those entered into during prior years were accounted for as secured financing transactions during the fiscal year 2011.

 

The following disclosures are related to securitization transactions which previously qualified for sale accounting treatment.

 

Retained interests in securitizations were comprised of the following at March 31, 2010 and 2011:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Subordinated certificates

   ¥ 19,556       ¥ —     

Residual interests

     7,999         —     
                 

Total

   ¥ 27,555       ¥ —     
                 

 

Key economic assumptions used in initially estimating the fair values at the date of the securitizations during each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

     2009    2010      2011  

Weighted average life (years)

   1.22 to 1.53      —           —     

Prepayment speed

   1.30%      —           —     

Expected credit losses

   0.27% to 1.32%      —           —     

Residual cash flows discount rate

   6.53% to 40.13%      —           —     

 

At March 31, 2010 and 2011, the significant assumptions used in estimating the retained interest in securitizations are as follows:

 

      Weighted average
assumption
 
     2010     2011  

Prepayment speed

     1.31     —     

Expected credit losses

     0.44     —     

Residual cash flows discount rate

     6.53     —     

 

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Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The following table presents quantitative information about balances of outstanding securitized portfolios as of March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

      Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Securitized receivables

     

Retail

   ¥ 263,222       ¥ —     

 

(5) Inventories

 

Inventories at March 31, 2010 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Finished goods

   ¥ 559,569       ¥ 531,071   

Work in process

     35,558         49,606   

Raw materials

     340,502         319,136   
                 
   ¥ 935,629       ¥ 899,813   
                 

 

(6) Investments in and Advances to affiliates

 

The difference between the carrying amount of investment in affiliates and the amount of underlying equity is mainly investor level goodwill. The amounts are not material as of March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

Investments in affiliates include equity securities which have quoted market values at March 31, 2010 and 2011 compared with related carrying amounts as follows:

 

      Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Carrying amount

   ¥ 177,766       ¥ 171,198   

Market value

     405,596         177,293   

 

Certain combined financial information in respect of affiliates accounted for under the equity method at March 31, 2010 and 2011, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 is shown below (see note 21):

 

     Yen (millions)  

As of March 31, 2010

   Motorcycle
Business
     Automobile
Business
     Power Product
and Other
Businesses
     Total  

Current assets

   ¥ 235,197       ¥ 1,229,286       ¥ 16,554       ¥ 1,481,037   

Other assets, principally property, plant and equipment

     232,885         1,033,739         31,049         1,297,673   
                                   

Total assets

     468,082         2,263,025         47,603         2,778,710   
                                   

Current liabilities

     187,567         973,603         7,501         1,168,671   

Other liabilities

     13,085         254,773         5,166         273,024   
                                   

Total liabilities

     200,652         1,228,376         12,667         1,441,695   
                                   

Equity

   ¥ 267,430       ¥ 1,034,649       ¥ 34,936       ¥ 1,337,015   
                                   

 

F-24


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

     Yen (millions)  

As of March 31, 2011

   Motorcycle
Business
     Automobile
Business
     Power Product
and Other
Businesses
     Total  

Current assets

   ¥ 225,393       ¥ 1,276,877       ¥ 20,362       ¥ 1,522,632   

Other assets, principally property, plant and equipment

     100,796         974,543         26,452         1,101,791   
                                   

Total assets

     326,189         2,251,420         46,814         2,624,423   
                                   

Current liabilities

     127,984         912,678         8,247         1,048,909   

Other liabilities

     7,392         213,215         5,635         226,242   
                                   

Total liabilities

     135,376         1,125,893         13,882         1,275,151   
                                   

Equity

   ¥ 190,813       ¥ 1,125,527       ¥ 32,932       ¥ 1,349,272   
                                   

 

 

     Yen (millions)  

For the year ended March 31, 2009

   Motorcycle
Business
     Automobile
Business
     Power Product
and Other
Businesses
     Total  

Net sales

   ¥ 1,064,366       ¥ 3,988,672       ¥ 28,823       ¥ 5,081,861   

Net income attributable to Honda’s affiliates

     73,945         126,994         2,611         203,550   

 

     Yen (millions)  

For the year ended March 31, 2010

   Motorcycle
Business
     Automobile
Business
     Power Product
and Other
Businesses
     Total  

Net sales

   ¥ 992,264       ¥ 3,512,551       ¥ 24,933       ¥ 4,529,748   

Net income attributable to Honda’s affiliates

     83,467         137,471         2,684         223,622   

 

     Yen (millions)  

For the year ended March 31, 2011

   Motorcycle
Business
     Automobile
Business
     Power Product
and Other
Businesses
    Total  

Net sales

   ¥ 1,189,024       ¥ 3,857,890       ¥ 24,572      ¥ 5,071,486   

Net income attributable to Honda’s affiliates

     104,790         253,468         (1,436     356,822   

 

Significant investments in affiliates accounted for under the equity method at March 31, 2010 and 2011 are shown below:

 

As of March 31, 2010

           

Business

  

Company

   Percentage ownership  

Motorcycle

   P.T. Astra Honda Motor      50.0
   Hero Honda Motors Ltd.      26.0

Automobile

   Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.      50.0
   Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.      50.0
   Dongfeng Honda Engine Co., Ltd.      50.0

 

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Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

As of March 31, 2011

           

Business

  

Company

   Percentage ownership  

Motorcycle

   P.T. Astra Honda Motor      50.0

Automobile

   Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.      50.0
   Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.      50.0
   Dongfeng Honda Engine Co., Ltd.      50.0

 

On March 22, 2011, Honda sold its investment in Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML) with a book value of ¥34,275 million, which represented 26.0% of HHML’s total outstanding shares, to its joint venture partner for ¥71,073 million cash consideration. In conjunction with the sale, the joint venture agreement with the partner was dissolved. In addition, Honda and HHML entered into a new licensing agreement that enables HHML to continue producing, selling and servicing its current products. Consideration for the licensing agreement was ¥45,000 million, and will be paid by installments due through 2014. Total consideration received less interest, including the fair value attributable to the termination of certain obligations under the joint venture agreement, was allocated to each element using the relative selling price method in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification 605 “Revenue Recognition”. As a result, the Company recognized revenue of ¥32,015 million related to the new licensing agreement in Net sales and other operating revenue, and a gain on sale of the investment of ¥46,756 million in Other income (expense) – Other, net.

 

There are no equity method affiliates that are in the financial services business.

 

Sales to affiliates by the Company and its subsidiaries and sales among such affiliates are made on the same basis as sales to unaffiliated parties.

 

Honda’s equity in undistributed income of affiliates at March 31, 2010 and 2011 included in retained earnings was ¥366,592 million and ¥379,179 million, respectively.

 

Trade receivables and trade payables include the following balances with affiliates at March 31, 2010 and 2011, and purchases and sales include the following transactions with affiliates for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011. Honda mainly purchases materials, supplies and services from affiliates, and sells finished goods, parts used in its products, equipment and services to affiliates.

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Trade receivables from

   ¥ 152,215       ¥ 131,974   

Trade payables to

     133,250         94,821   

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2009      2010      2011  

Purchases from

   ¥ 948,442       ¥ 771,349       ¥ 789,701   

Sales to

     515,590         510,630         590,077   

 

F-26


Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(7) Investments and Advances-Other

 

Investments and advances at March 31, 2010 and 2011 consist of the following:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Current

     

Corporate debt securities

   ¥ 31       ¥ 331   

U.S. government and agency debt securities

     1,861         —     

Advances

     1,350         790   

Certificates of deposit

     —           1,366   

Other

     472         —     
                 
   ¥ 3,714       ¥ 2,487   
                 

 

Investments and advances due within one year are included in other current assets.

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Noncurrent

     

Auction rate securities (non-marketable)

   ¥ 10,041       ¥ 6,948   

Marketable equity securities

     94,560         92,421   

Government bonds

     1,999         1,999   

U.S. government and agency debt securities

     14,875         37,029   

Non-marketable equity securities accounted for under the cost method

     

Non-marketable preferred stocks

     2,000         969   

Other

     9,888         12,178   

Guaranty deposits

     25,452         23,735   

Advances

     1,517         1,159   

Other

     24,515         23,468   
                 
   ¥ 184,847       ¥ 199,906   
                 

 

Certain information with respect to available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities at March 31, 2010 and 2011 is summarized below:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Available-for-sale

     

Cost

   ¥ 51,045       ¥ 46,017   

Fair value

     104,601         99,369   

Gross unrealized gains

     55,242         56,019   

Gross unrealized losses

     1,686         2,667   

Held-to-maturity

     

Amortized cost

   ¥ 18,766       ¥ 40,725   

Fair value

     18,862         40,649   

Gross unrealized gains

     98         91   

Gross unrealized losses

     2         167   

 

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Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Maturities of debt securities classified as held-to-maturity at March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 

Due within one year

   ¥ 1,697   

Due after one year through five years

     39,028   

Due after five years through ten years

     —     
        

Total

   ¥ 40,725   
        

 

Realized gains and losses from available-for-sale securities, included in other income (expense)-other, were ¥4,308 million net losses, ¥3 million net losses and ¥96 million net losses, for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

 

Gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities, and fair value of the related securities, aggregated by length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     Fair
value
     Unrealized
losses
 

Available-for-sale

     

Less than 12 months

   ¥ 9,054       ¥ (1,516

12 months or longer

     7,759         (1,151
                 
   ¥ 16,813       ¥ (2,667
                 

Held-to-maturity

     

Less than 12 months

   ¥ 31,042       ¥ (167

12 months or longer

     —           —     
                 
   ¥ 31,042       ¥ (167
                 

 

Honda does not believe the decline in fair value of any of its investment securities to be other than temporary, which is based on factors such as financial and operating conditions of the issuer, the industry in which the issuer operates, degree and period of the decline in fair value and other relevant factors.

 

(8) Property on Operating Leases

 

Future minimum lease rentals expected to be received from property on operating leases at March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen
(millions)
 

2012

   ¥ 241,097   

2013

     163,046   

2014

     60,470   

2015

     3,234   

2016

     505   
        

Total future minimum lease rentals

   ¥ 468,352   
        

 

F-28


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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Future minimum rentals as shown above should not necessarily be considered indicative of future cash collections.

 

(9) Short-term and Long-term Debt

 

Short-term debt at March 31, 2010 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Short-term bank loans

   ¥ 260,648       ¥ 268,600   

Asset backed notes

     37,719         35,908   

Medium-term notes

     129,903         184,437   

Commercial paper

     638,074         605,795   
                 
   ¥ 1,066,344       ¥ 1,094,740   
                 

 

The weighted average interest rates on short-term debt outstanding at March 31, 2010 and 2011 were 0.81% and 0.67%, respectively.

 

F-29


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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Long-term debt at March 31, 2010 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:

     

Loans, maturing through 2031:

     

Unsecured, principally from banks

   ¥ 298       ¥ 240   

0.76% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2012

     70,000         70,000   
                 
     70,298         70,240   

Subsidiaries:

     

Loans, maturing through 2029:

     

Secured, principally from banks

     17,336         19,827   

Unsecured, principally from banks

     881,872         804,396   

Asset backed notes, maturing through 2015

     311,222         453,802   

0.66% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2010

     30,000         —     

0.94% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2010

     30,000         —     

1.30% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2011

     40,000         40,000   

1.51% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2011

     30,000         30,000   

1.48% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2012

     30,000         30,000   

0.49% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2012

     20,000         20,000   

1.31% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2013

     40,000         40,000   

1.05% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2014

     30,000         30,000   

0.56% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2015

     —           30,000   

0.59% Japanese yen unsecured bond due 2015

     —           30,000   

4.20% Thai baht unsecured bond due 2010

     8,610         —     

4.72% Thai baht unsecured bond due 2011

     3,731         3,575   

Medium-term notes, maturing through 2023

     1,498,379         1,408,960   

Less unamortized discount, net

     6,117         5,105   
                 
     2,965,033         2,935,455   
                 

Total long-term debt

     3,035,331         3,005,695   

Less current portion

     722,296         962,455   
                 
   ¥ 2,313,035       ¥ 2,043,240   
                 

 

Pledged assets at March 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Trade accounts and notes receivable

   ¥ 8,655       ¥ 13,808   

Inventories

     3,777         11,691   

Other current assets

     —           5,337   

Property, plant and equipment

     20,492         24,548   

Finance subsidiaries-receivables(see note 1(c))

     352,618         504,587   

 

Certain loans are secured by trade accounts and notes receivable, inventories, other current assets and property, plant and equipment presented above and subject to collateralization upon request, and their interest

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

rates range from 0.59% to 15.13% per annum at March 31, 2011 and weighted average interest rates on total outstanding long-term debt at March 31, 2010 and 2011 were 3.73% and 2.29%, respectively. Asset backed notes are secured by finance subsidiaries-receivables, and their weighted average interest rates at March 31, 2010 and 2011 were 2.15% and 1.94% respectively. Medium-term notes are unsecured, and their interest rates range from 0.61% to 5.42% at March 31, 2010 and from 0.49% to 5.29% at March 31, 2011.

 

The following schedule shows the maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years following March 31, 2011 and thereafter:

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen
(millions)
 

2012

   ¥ 962,455   
        

2013

     794,422   

2014

     575,521   

2015

     255,590   

2016

     299,961   

After five years

     117,746   
        
     2,043,240   
        

Total

   ¥ 3,005,695   
        

 

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have entered into currency swap and interest rate swap agreements for hedging currency and interest rate exposures resulting from the issuance of long-term debt. Fair value of contracts related to currency swaps and interest rate swaps is included in other assets and other current assets and/or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, as appropriate (see notes 16 and 17).

 

At March 31, 2011, Honda had unused line of credit facilities amounting to ¥2,212,949 million, of which ¥598,472 million related to commercial paper programs and ¥1,614,477 million related to medium-term notes programs. Honda is authorized to obtain financing at prevailing interest rates under these programs.

 

At March 31, 2011, the Company and its finance subsidiaries also had committed lines of credit amounting to ¥788,312 million, none of which was in use. The committed lines are used to back up the commercial paper programs. Borrowings under those committed lines of credit generally are available at the prime interest rate.

 

As is customary in Japan, both short-term and long-term bank loans are made under general agreements which provide that security and guarantees for present and future indebtedness will be given upon request of the bank, and that the bank shall have the right to offset cash deposits against obligations that have become due or, in the event of default, against all obligations due to the bank. Certain debenture trust agreements provide that Honda must give additional security upon request of the trustee.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(10) Other Liabilities

 

Other liabilities at March 31, 2010 and 2011 consist of the following:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010      2011  

Accrued liabilities for product warranty, excluding current portion

   ¥ 118,498       ¥ 98,042   

Pension and other postretirement benefits

     581,418         542,917   

Deferred income taxes

     403,889         472,378   

Other

     336,715         263,193   
                 
   ¥ 1,440,520       ¥ 1,376,530   
                 

 

(11) Income Taxes

 

Total income tax expense (benefit) for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 are allocated as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2009     2010      2011  

Income from continuing operations

   ¥ 109,835      ¥ 146,869       ¥ 206,827   

Other comprehensive income (loss) (note 15)

     (58,302     27,708         (4,708
                         
   ¥ 51,533      ¥ 174,577       ¥ 202,119   
                         

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates by domestic and foreign source for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 consisted of the following:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2009     2010     2011  

Income (loss) before income taxes

      

Japanese

   ¥ (132,652   ¥ (24,723   ¥ 115,740   

Foreign

     294,386        360,921        514,808   
                        
   ¥ 161,734      ¥ 336,198      ¥ 630,548   
                        

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Income tax expense (benefit) for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 consisted of the following:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2009      2010     2011  

Income taxes

       

Current

       

Japanese

   ¥ 2,829       ¥ 9,209      ¥ (52,701

Foreign

     65,233         81,054        129,348   
                         
   ¥ 68,062       ¥ 90,263      ¥ 76,647   
                         

Deferred

       

Japanese

   ¥ 7,654       ¥ (7,018   ¥ 22,324   

Foreign

     34,119         63,624        107,856   
                         
   ¥ 41,773       ¥ 56,606      ¥ 130,180   
                         

Total

       

Japanese

   ¥ 10,483       ¥ 2,191      ¥ (30,377

Foreign

     99,352         144,678        237,204   
                         
   ¥ 109,835       ¥ 146,869      ¥ 206,827   
                         

 

Withholding taxes for dividends and royalties paid to foreign tax jurisdictions of ¥27,656 million and ¥27,424 million during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2010, which were previously reported as Japanese current income taxes, have been corrected and included in Foreign current income taxes.

 

The statutory income tax rate in Japan was approximately 40% for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011. The foreign subsidiaries are subject to taxes based on income at rates ranging from 16% to 40%.

 

The effective income tax rate for Honda for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 differs from the Japanese statutory income tax rate for the following reasons:

 

         2009             2010             2011      

Statutory income tax rate

     40.0     40.0     40.0

Recognition of valuation allowance *1

     17.3        6.2        2.3   

Difference in statutory tax rates of foreign subsidiaries *2

     (25.8     (6.3     (6.2

Reversal of valuation allowance

     (0.4     (0.9     (0.7

Research and development credit

     (1.7     (0.3     (0.3

Dividend and royalty income from subsidiaries and affiliates, net of foreign tax credit *3

     21.7        4.1        6.1   

Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and affiliates

     11.6        3.7        2.8   

Other adjustments relating to prior years

     (5.9     (1.6     —     

Adjustments for unrecognized tax benefits

     11.5        0.6        (10.3

Other

     (0.4     (1.8     (0.9
                        

Effective tax rate

     67.9     43.7     32.8
                        

 

*1 

Due to the decrease in the amount of foreign tax credit carryforwards expected to be utilized in the future years, the Company had recorded a valuation allowance for the related deferred tax asset as of March 31, 2009.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

*2 

Income before income taxes of foreign subsidiaries whose statutory income tax rate is lower than the statutory income tax rate of 40% in Japan accounted for a larger portion of Honda’s consolidated income before income taxes for the year ended March 31, 2009, which contributed to the lower effective tax rate.

 

*3 

The Company did not utilize indirect foreign tax credit against dividend income from foreign subsidiaries and affiliates because of the decrease in taxable income for the year ended March 31, 2009, which resulted in the higher effective tax rate.

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at March 31, 2010 and 2011 are presented below:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010     2011  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Inventories

   ¥ 28,641      ¥ 27,461   

Allowance for dealers and customers

     102,128        98,479   

Accrued bonus

     30,938        33,531   

Property, plant and equipment

     67,879        68,417   

Foreign tax credit carryforwards

     1,367        719   

Operating loss carryforwards

     112,675        69,441   

Pension and other postretirement benefits

     239,087        225,590   

Other

     136,275        156,636   
                

Total gross deferred tax assets

     718,990        680,274   

Less valuation allowance

     53,410        65,479   
                

Net deferred tax assets

     665,580        614,795   
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Inventories

     (8,713     (9,351

Prepaid pension expenses

     (26,971     (19,948

Property, plant and equipment, excluding lease transactions

     (50,134     (50,691

Direct financing lease transactions

     (27,768     (16,181

Operating lease transactions

     (405,062     (468,914

Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and affiliates

     (108,933     (100,389

Net unrealized gains on available–for-sale securities

     (20,057     (19,737

Other

     (38,944     (40,454
                

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

     (686,582     (725,665
                

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   ¥ (21,002   ¥ (110,870
                

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at March 31, 2010 and 2011 are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets under the following captions:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010     2011  

Current assets-Deferred income taxes

   ¥ 176,604      ¥ 202,291   

Other assets

     208,376        160,379   

Other current liabilities

     (2,093     (1,162

Other liabilities

     (403,889     (472,378
                

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   ¥ (21,002   ¥ (110,870
                

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income over the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible and operating loss carryforwards utilized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods for which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that Honda will realize the benefits of these deductible differences and operating loss carryforwards, net of the existing valuation allowances at March 31, 2010 and 2011. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be significantly reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced due to further decreases in consumer spending brought about by changes in consumer preferences and rising fuel prices, effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake or other factors. For the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, the net change in the total valuation allowance was an increase of ¥14,104 million, ¥4,872 million, and ¥12,069 million, respectively. The valuation allowance primarily relates to deferred tax assets associated with net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

 

At March 31, 2011, Honda has operating loss and tax credit carryforwards for income tax purposes of ¥209,470 million and ¥3,822 million, respectively, which are available to offset future taxable income and income taxes, if any. Periods available to offset future taxable income and income taxes vary in each tax jurisdiction and range from one year to an indefinite period as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 

Operating loss carryforwards:

  

Within 1 year

   ¥ 850   

1 to 5 years

     4,835   

5 to 20 years

     116,871   

Indefinite periods

     86,914   
        
   ¥ 209,470   
        

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

     Yen
(millions)
 

Tax credit carryforwards:

  

Within 1 year

   ¥ 560   

1 to 5 years

     903   

5 to 20 years

     1,770   

Indefinite periods

     589   
        
   ¥ 3,822   
        

 

At March 31, 2010 and 2011, Honda did not recognize deferred tax liabilities of ¥104,239 million and ¥114,260 million, respectively, for certain portions of the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures because such portions were considered indefinitely reinvested. At March 31, 2010 and 2011, the undistributed earnings not subject to deferred tax liabilities were ¥3,497,656 million and ¥3,718,929 million, respectively.

 

Honda’s unrecognized tax benefits totaled ¥125,771 million, ¥109,473 million and ¥46,265 million at March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Of these amounts, the amounts that would impact Honda’s effective income tax rate, if recognized, are ¥103,982 million, ¥105,318 million and ¥41,264 million in fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

 

Recognized interest and penalties included in income tax expense for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 were ¥3,604 million expense, ¥335 million benefit and ¥6,050 million benefit, respectively. Honda had recorded approximately ¥9,007 million and ¥2,685 million for accrued interest and accrued penalties at March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Reconciliations of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended March 31 are as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2009     2010     2011  

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 99,527      ¥ 125,771      ¥ 109,473   

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

     6,515        4,207        12,338   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     22,137        2,422        7,280   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years *

     (1,948     (20,225     (71,519

Settlements *

     (7     (716     (9,191

Reductions for statute of limitations

     —          —          (8

Effect of exchange rate changes

     (453     (1,986     (2,108
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 125,771      ¥ 109,473      ¥ 46,265   
                        

 

 

* Due to mutual negotiated agreement regarding transfer pricing matters of overseas transaction between the Company and foreign affiliates, the Company has decreased a portion of unrecognized tax benefits during the year ended March 31, 2011.

 

Tax liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions are primarily classified as other noncurrent liabilities, as Honda does not expect to pay cash or settle on these positions within the next twelve months.

 

Honda has open tax years from primarily 2001 to 2011 with various significant taxing jurisdictions including the United States (fiscal years 2001-2011), Japan (fiscal years 2005-2011), Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Thailand, India, Brazil, and Australia.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Honda is subject to income tax examinations in many tax jurisdictions. Tax examinations can involve complex issues and the resolution of issues may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. Although Honda believes its estimates of the total unrecognized tax benefits are reasonable, uncertainties regarding the final determination of income tax audit settlements and any related litigation could affect the amount of total unrecognized tax benefits in the future periods.

 

It is difficult to estimate the timing and range of possible change related to the uncertain tax positions, as finalizing audits with the relevant income tax authorities may involve formal administrative and legal proceedings. Accordingly, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the expected changes to the total unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve months, although any settlements or statute expirations may result in a significant increase or decrease in the total unrecognized tax benefits, including those positions related to tax examinations being currently conducted.

 

(12) Dividends and Legal Reserves

 

The Company Law of Japan provides that earnings in an amount equal to 10% of dividends of retained earnings shall be appropriated as a capital surplus or a legal reserve on the date of distribution of retained earnings until an aggregated amount of capital surplus and a legal reserve equals 25% of stated capital. Certain foreign subsidiaries are also required to appropriate their earnings to legal reserves under the laws of their respective countries.

 

Dividends and appropriations to the legal reserves charged to retained earnings during the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 represent dividends paid out during those years and the related appropriations to the legal reserves. Dividends per share were ¥77, ¥34 and ¥51 for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any provision for the dividend of ¥15 per share aggregating ¥27,034 million proposed and resolved in the general shareholders’ meeting held in June 2011.

 

(13) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

The Company and its subsidiaries have various pension plans covering substantially all of their employees in Japan and certain employees in foreign countries. Benefits under the plans are primarily based on the combination of years of service and compensation. The funding policy is to make periodic contributions as required by applicable regulations. Plan assets consist primarily of domestic and foreign equity and debt securities.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Obligations and funded status

 

Reconciliations of beginning and ending balances of the pension benefit obligations and the fair value of the plan assets are as follows:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     Japanese plans     Foreign plans  
     2010     2011     2010     2011  

Change in benefit obligations:

        

Benefit obligations at beginning of year

   ¥ (1,129,636   ¥ (1,157,951   ¥ (296,305   ¥ (430,683

Service cost

     (37,215     (35,209     (15,210     (18,113

Interest cost

     (22,593     (23,159     (23,135     (24,165

Plan participants’ contributions

     —          —          (129     (199

Actuarial gain (loss)

     (12,484     (2,936     (99,498     (20,033

Benefits paid

     43,977        45,229        9,352        7,672   

Amendment

     —          —          (1,325     —     

Other

     —          —          (7,162     742   

Foreign currency translation

     —          —          2,729        38,620   
                                

Benefit obligations at end of year

     (1,157,951     (1,174,026     (430,683     (446,159
                                

Change in plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

     578,832        694,738        285,214        379,648   

Actual return on plan assets

     89,610        26,760        94,507        37,866   

Employer contributions

     70,273        72,076        11,405        20,617   

Plan participants’ contributions

     —          —          129        199   

Benefits paid

     (43,977     (45,229     (9,352     (7,672

Foreign currency translation

     —          —          (2,255     (35,093
                                

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

     694,738        748,345        379,648        395,565   
                                

Funded status

     (463,213     (425,681     (51,035     (50,594
                                

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

        

Noncurrent assets

   ¥ 1,259      ¥ 1,171      ¥ 9,479      ¥ 4,735   

Current liabilities

     (360     (403     (21     (86

Noncurrent liabilities

     (464,112     (426,449     (60,493     (55,243
                                

Total

     (463,213     (425,681     (51,035     (50,594
                                

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:

        

Actuarial loss (gain)

   ¥ 458,609      ¥ 436,688      ¥ 132,730      ¥ 135,868   

Net transition obligation

     —          —          171        140   

Prior service cost (benefit)

     (170,583     (154,279     537        532   
                                

Total

     288,026        282,409        133,438        136,540   
                                

Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

        

Projected benefit obligations

   ¥ (1,147,349   ¥ (1,156,330   ¥ (368,470   ¥ (298,015

Accumulated benefit obligations

     (1,070,640     (1,086,774     (317,593     (273,168

Fair value of plan assets

     683,298        731,018        307,988        263,553   

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The accumulated benefit obligations for all Japanese defined benefit plans at March 31, 2010 and 2011 were ¥1,079,634 million and ¥1,101,299 million, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligations for all foreign defined benefit plans at March 31, 2010 and 2011 were ¥369,595 million and ¥386,686 million, respectively.

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

Pension expense and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 include the following:

 

    Yen
(millions)
 
    2009     2010     2011  

Japanese plans:

     

Pension Cost

     

Service cost-benefits earned during the year

  ¥ 41,175      ¥ 37,215      ¥ 35,209   

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

    24,201        22,593        23,159   

Expected return on plan assets

    (30,213     (22,080     (22,972

Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)

    21,316        27,288        21,871   

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

    (9,543     (16,304     (16,304
                       
  ¥ 46,936      ¥ 48,712      ¥ 40,963   
                       

Other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

     

Actuarial loss (gain)

    157,347        (56,262     (50

Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)

    (21,316     (27,288     (21,871

Prior service cost (benefit)

    (135,212     —          —     

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

    9,543        16,304        16,304   
                       
  ¥ 10,362      ¥ (67,246   ¥ (5,617
                       

Total recognized in Pension cost and Other comprehensive income (loss)

  ¥ 57,298      ¥ (18,534   ¥ 35,346   
                       

Foreign plans:

     

Pension Cost

     

Service cost-benefits earned during the year

  ¥ 27,198      ¥ 15,210      ¥ 18,113   

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

    26,558        23,135        24,165   

Expected return on plan assets

    (38,297     (27,675     (27,332

Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)

    433        1,403        5,422   

Amortization of net transition Obligation

    32        31        31   

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

    808        (44     5   

Other

    4,582        7,162        382   
                       
  ¥ 21,314      ¥ 19,222      ¥ 20,786   
                       

Other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

     

Actuarial loss (gain)

    83,040        32,479        8,560   

Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)

    (433     (1,403     (5,422

Amortization of net transition obligation

    (32     (31     (31

Prior service cost (benefit)

    (6,932     989        —     

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

    (808     44        (5

Other

    (808     —          —     
                       
  ¥ 74,027      ¥ 32,078      ¥ 3,102   
                       

Total recognized in Pension cost and Other comprehensive income (loss)

  ¥ 95,341      ¥ 51,300      ¥ 23,888   
                       

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The estimated actuarial loss and prior service benefit for all Japanese defined pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are ¥20,367 million and ¥16,304 million, respectively. And the estimated actuarial loss, net transition obligation and prior service cost for all foreign defined pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are ¥6,135 million, ¥33 million and ¥7 million, respectively.

 

Assumptions

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at March 31, 2010 and 2011 were as follows:

 

     2010     2011  

Japanese plans:

    

Discount rate

     2.0     2.0

Rate of salary increase

     2.3     2.2

Foreign plans:

    

Discount rate

     5.6 ~ 6.5     5.5 ~ 6.0

Rate of salary increase

     1.5 ~ 5.3     1.5 ~ 4.6

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

     2009     2010     2011  

Japanese plans:

      

Discount rate

     2.0     2.0     2.0

Rate of salary increase

     2.3     2.3     2.3

Expected long-term rate of return

     4.0     3.0     3.0

Foreign plans:

      

Discount rate

     5.5 ~ 6.8     6.9 ~ 8.0     5.6 ~ 6.5

Rate of salary increase

     2.9 ~ 6.4     1.5 ~ 6.4     1.5 ~ 5.3

Expected long-term rate of return

     6.5 ~ 8.0     6.5 ~ 8.0     6.5 ~ 8.0

 

Honda determines the expected long-term rate of return based on its investment policies. Honda considers the eligible investment assets under its investment policies, historical experience, expected long-term rate of return under the investing environment, and the long-term target allocations of the various asset categories.

 

Measurement date

 

Honda uses the balance sheet date as the measurement date for its plans. Beginning in the year ended March 31, 2009, certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company changed their measurement date from December 31 to March 31 under the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 715-30-35 “Compensation — Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans — Pension-Subsequent Measurement”. The effect of the change, which was immaterial, was included in pension cost and other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Plan amendment

 

In December 2008, the board of directors of the Company approved an amendment to the Honda Pension Fund, of which the Company and a part of its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates accounted for under the equity method were members. This plan amendment, effective from April 1, 2009, mainly revises pension benefits for those employees who retire on or after April 1, 2009, to be calculated using annuity pension conversion rates which are linked to market interest rates and contain a ceiling and a floor. Subsequent to the approval of the plan amendment, the Company remeasured and decreased its projected benefit obligation. The resulting prior service benefit has been amortized over the average remaining service period since January 1, 2009. The Company also remeasured the fair value of related plan assets as of December 31, 2008. The remeasurements of the projected benefit obligation and the related plan assets have resulted in the reduction in the liabilities for pension in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Plan assets

 

Honda investment policies for the Japanese and foreign pension benefit are designed to maximize total medium-to-long term returns that are available to provide future payments of pension benefits to eligible participants under accepted risks. Plan assets are invested in well-diversified Japanese and foreign individual equity and debt securities using the target asset allocations, consistent with accepted tolerance for risks. Honda sets target asset allocations for each asset categories with future anticipated performance over medium-to-long term periods based on the expected returns, long-term risks and historical returns. Target asset allocations are adjusted as necessary when there are significant changes in the expected long-term returns of plan assets or the investment environment.

 

The following tables present the fair value of the Japanese pension plan assets by asset category as of March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

     Yen (millions)  

As of March 31, 2010

   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   ¥ 12,222      ¥ —        ¥ —         ¥ 12,222   

Short-term investments

     —          763        —           763   

Equity securities

     221,048        —          139         221,187   

Corporate bonds

     3,086        3,205        229         6,520   

Government, agency and local bonds

     170,302        82,542        274         253,118   

Group annuity insurance:

         

General accounts

     —          9,257        —           9,257   

Separate accounts

     —          13,069        —           13,069   

Pooled funds:

         

Hedge funds

     —          —          28,444         28,444   

Commingled and other mutual funds

     316        160,669        —           160,985   

Derivative instruments

     (49     (10,778     —           (10,827
                                 

Total

   ¥ 406,925      ¥ 258,727      ¥ 29,086       ¥ 694,738   
                                 

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

     Yen (millions)  

As of March 31, 2011

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   ¥ 24,458       ¥ —        ¥ —         ¥ 24,458   

Equity securities

     222,184         4        260         222,448   

Corporate bonds

     4,766         2,173        1,022         7,961   

Government, agency and local bonds

     180,841         76,329        —           257,170   

Group annuity insurance:

          

General accounts

     —           14,029        —           14,029   

Separate accounts

     —           12,906        —           12,906   

Pooled funds:

          

Hedge funds

     —           —          55,464         55,464   

Commingled and other mutual funds

     415         158,754        686         159,855   

Derivative instruments

     255         (6,201     —           (5,946
                                  

Total

   ¥ 432,919       ¥ 257,994      ¥ 57,432       ¥ 748,345   
                                  

 

* Information about three hierarchy levels is described in note 16.

 

The following tables present a reconciliation during the year ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 for Level 3 Japanese pension plan assets.

 

     Yen (millions)  
                       Pooled funds     Total  

For the year ended March 31, 2010

   Equity
securities
    Corporate
bonds
    Government,
agency and
local bonds
    Hedge funds    

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 114      ¥ 332      ¥ 1,304      ¥ 72,660      ¥ 74,410   

Actual return on plan assets:

          

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     15        69        7        1,805        1,896   

Relating to assets sold during the period

     16        25        359        285        685   

Purchases, sales and settlements, net

     (6     (402     (1,396     (46,306     (48,110

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —          205        —          —          205   
                                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 139      ¥ 229      ¥ 274      ¥ 28,444      ¥ 29,086   
                                        

 

For the year ended March 31, 2011

   Yen (millions)  
   Equity
securities
    Corporate
bonds
    Government,
agency and
local bonds
    Pooled funds      Total  
         Hedge funds     Commingled
and other
mutual
funds
    

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 139      ¥ 229      ¥ 274      ¥ 28,444      ¥ —         ¥ 29,086   

Actual return on plan assets:

             

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     (56     —          —          (276     —           (332

Relating to assets sold during the period

     (7     19        —          (133     —           (121

Purchases, sales and settlements, net

     290        931        —          27,429        686         29,336   

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     (106     (157     (274     —          —           (537
                                                 

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 260      ¥ 1,022      ¥ —        ¥ 55,464      ¥ 686       ¥ 57,432   
                                                 

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The major valuation methodologies for Japanese pension plan assets are as follows:

 

Equity securities are mainly marketable securities and their fair value is estimated using quoted market prices. Fair value measurement for equity securities is mainly classified as Level 1. At March 31, 2010 and 2011, this class includes approximately 13% and 11% of Japanese equity securities, 43% and 41% of United States equity securities and 44% and 48% of other foreign equity securities, respectively.

 

Fair value measurement for corporate, government, agency and local bonds of which fair value is estimated using quoted market prices is classified as Level 1. Fair value measurement for the assets of which fair value is estimated based on market observable inputs such as market interest rates and conditions of issuances is classified as Level 2. At March 31, 2010 and 2011, this class includes approximately 26% and 27% of Japanese bonds, 23% and 22% of United States bonds and 51% and 51% of other foreign bonds, respectively.

 

General accounts of group annuity insurance are assets invested by life insurance companies to meet fixed guaranteed rates of return for policyholders, and that life insurance companies bear the investment risk on such assets. Fair value of general accounts is estimated based on inputs such as contractual interest rates. Fair value measurement for general accounts is classified as Level 2. Separate accounts of group annuity insurance mainly consist of marketable equity securities and corporate, government, agency and local bonds traded in active markets. Honda estimates the fair value of the separate accounts based on their net asset values and Honda’s ownership percentage. Fair value measurement for separate accounts is classified as Level 2.

 

Hedge funds invest in various assets at the discretion of fund managers and their fair value is estimated based on prices reported by the fund managers which include unobservable inputs in valuation. Fair value measurement for hedge funds is classified as Level 3. Hedge funds are diversely invested in various funds in order to avoid excessive concentration on investment portfolio. Commingled and other mutual funds are pooled funds which have the underlying assets mainly consist of marketable equity securities and corporate, government, agency and local bonds traded in active markets. Honda estimates the fair value of commingled and other mutual funds based on their net asset values and Honda’s ownership percentage. Fair value measurement for commingled and other mutual funds is mainly classified as Level 2.

 

Derivative instruments mainly consist of foreign exchange instruments and fair value of derivative instruments is estimated based on market observable inputs such as foreign exchange rates. Fair value measurement for derivative instruments is mainly classified as Level 2. At March 31, 2010 and 2011, on a gross basis, asset position is ¥1,525 million and ¥2,813 million and liability position is ¥12,352 million and ¥8,759 million, respectively.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The following tables present the fair value of the foreign pension plan assets by asset category as of March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

As of March 31, 2010

   Yen (millions)  
   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   ¥ 2,083      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 2,083   

Short-term investments

     —          15,962        —          15,962   

Equity securities

     161,462        1        208        161,671   

Corporate bonds

     6        37,254        278        37,538   

Government, agency and local bonds

     2,651        35,470        3,966        42,087   

Pooled funds:

        

Real estate funds

     —          —          5,366        5,366   

Private equity funds

     —          —          5,228        5,228   

Commingled and other mutual funds

     —          104,360        27        104,387   

Derivative instruments

     (3     (31     (1     (35

Asset backed securities

     —          4,955        406        5,361   
                                

Total

   ¥ 166,199      ¥ 197,971      ¥ 15,478      ¥ 379,648   
                                

 

As of March 31, 2011

   Yen (millions)  
   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   ¥ 4,266      ¥ —        ¥ —         ¥ 4,266   

Short-term investments

     235        5,684        —           5,919   

Equity securities

     140,404        57        —           140,461   

Corporate bonds

     —          44,838        47         44,885   

Government, agency and local bonds

     2,597        41,995        100         44,692   

Pooled funds:

         

Real estate funds

     —          —          11,698         11,698   

Private equity funds

     —          —          7,952         7,952   

Hedge funds

     —          —          7,148         7,148   

Commingled and other mutual funds

     —          118,579        1,354         119,933   

Derivative instruments

     (7     (169     1         (175

Asset backed securities

     —          8,692        94         8,786   
                                 

Total

   ¥ 147,495      ¥ 219,676      ¥ 28,394       ¥ 395,565   
                                 

 

* Information about three hierarchy levels is described in note 16.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The following tables present a reconciliation during the year ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 for Level 3 foreign pension plan assets.

 

    Yen (millions)  
                      Pooled funds                    

For the year ended
March 31, 2010

  Equity
securities
    Corporate
bonds
    Government,
agency and
local bonds
    Real
estate
funds
    Private
equity
funds
    Commingled
and other
mutual
funds
    Derivative
instruments
    Asset
backed
securities
    Total  

Balance at beginning of year

  ¥ 8      ¥ 586      ¥ 2,979      ¥ 3,514      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 1      ¥ —        ¥ 7,088   

Actual return on plan assets:

                 

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

    8        32        152        (233     233        10        —          5        207   

Relating to assets sold during the period

    (1     52        93        —          —          —          3        —          147   

Purchases, sales and settlements, net

    193        (136     982        94        5,114        14        (5     399        6,655   

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

    —          (225     (86     1,996        —          2        —          —          1,687   

Foreign currency translation

    —          (31     (154     (5     (119     1        —          2        (306
                                                                       

Balance at end of year

  ¥ 208      ¥ 278      ¥ 3,966      ¥ 5,366      ¥ 5,228      ¥ 27      ¥ (1   ¥ 406      ¥ 15,478   
                                                                       

 

     Yen (millions)  
                    Pooled funds                    

For the year ended
March 31, 2011

  Equity
securities
    Corporate
bonds
    Government,
agency and
local bonds
    Real
estate
funds
    Private
equity
funds
    Hedge
funds
    Commingled
and other
mutual
funds
    Derivative
instruments
    Asset
backed
securities
    Total  

Balance at beginning of year

  ¥ 208      ¥ 278      ¥ 3,966      ¥ 5,366      ¥ 5,228      ¥ —        ¥ 27      ¥ (1   ¥ 406      ¥ 15,478   

Actual return on plan assets:

                   

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

    —          —          7        634        913        225        —          —          9        1,788   

Relating to assets sold during the period

    (3     (34     268        —          —          —          (2     1        5        235   

Purchases, sales and settlements, net

    (190     (175     (3,840     6,165        4,690        7,143        737        2        (267     14,265   

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

    1        1        14        6        (2,425     —          586        —          (24     (1,841

Foreign currency translation

    (16     (23     (315     (473     (454     (220     6        (1     (35     (1,531
                                                                               

Balance at end of year

  ¥ —        ¥ 47      ¥ 100      ¥ 11,698      ¥ 7,952      ¥ 7,148      ¥ 1,354      ¥ 1      ¥ 94      ¥ 28,394   
                                                                               

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The major valuation methodologies for foreign pension plan assets are as follows:

 

Fair value of short-term investments is mainly estimated based on market observable inputs. Fair value measurement for short-term investments is mainly classified as Level 2.

 

Equity securities are mainly marketable securities and their fair value is estimated using quoted market prices. Fair value measurement for equity securities is mainly classified as Level 1. At March 31, 2010 and 2011, this class includes approximately 8% and 7% of Japanese equity securities, 48% and 44% of United States equity securities and 44% and 49% of other foreign equity securities, respectively.

 

Fair value measurement for corporate, government, agency and local bonds of which fair value is estimated using quoted market prices is classified as Level 1. Fair value measurement for the assets of which fair value is estimated based on market observable inputs such as market interest rates and conditions of issuances is classified as Level 2. Fair value measurement for the assets of which fair value is estimated based on unobservable inputs provided by third parties is classified as Level 3.

 

Real estate funds invest in real estate in the United Kingdom and the United States and their fair value is estimated based on the prices reported by the investment managers which include unobservable inputs in valuation. Fair value measurement for real estate funds is classified as Level 3. Fair value of private equity funds is estimated based on unobservable inputs such as proprietary models and uncorroborated data from the limited partnerships. Fair value measurement for private equity funds is classified as Level 3. Hedge funds invest in various assets at the discretion of fund managers and their fair value is estimated based on prices reported by the fund managers which include unobservable inputs in valuation. Fair value measurement for hedge funds is classified as Level 3. Hedge funds are diversely invested in various funds in order to avoid excessive concentration on investment portfolio. Commingled and other mutual funds are pooled funds which have the underlying assets mainly consist of marketable equity securities and corporate, government, agency and local bonds traded in active markets. Honda estimates the fair value of commingled and other mutual funds based on their net asset values and Honda’s ownership percentage. Fair value measurement for commingled and other mutual funds is mainly classified as Level 2.

 

Fair value of asset-backed securities is mainly estimated based on market observable inputs provided by independent vendors. Fair value measurement for asset-backed securities is mainly classified as Level 2.

 

Cash flows

 

Contributions

 

Honda expects to contribute ¥71,288 million to its Japanese pension plans and ¥21,527 million to its foreign pension plans in the year ending March 31, 2012.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Estimated future benefit payment

 

The following table presents estimated future gross benefit payments:

 

Years ending March 31:

   Yen
(millions)
 
   Japanese
plans
     Foreign
plans
 

2012

     41,519         8,102   

2013

     41,562         8,783   

2014

     43,307         9,857   

2015

     43,899         11,241   

2016

     46,024         12,663   

2017-2021

     265,113         103,045   

 

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in North America provide health care and life insurance benefits to retired employees. Such benefits have no material effect on Honda’s financial position and results of operations.

 

(14) Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009      2010     2011  

Cash paid (provided), net during the year for:

       

Interest

   ¥ 211,298       ¥ 154,814      ¥ 128,401   

Income taxes

     160,631         (229     174,092   

 

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, the Company retired 23,400 thousand shares of its treasury stock at a cost of ¥80,417 million by offsetting with unappropriated retained earnings of ¥80,417 million based on the resolution of board of directors.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(15) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The components and related changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

    Yen
(millions)
 
  2009     2010     2011  

Adjustments from foreign currency translation:

     

Balance at beginning of year

  ¥ (591,269   ¥ (1,068,585   ¥ (977,488

Adjustments for the year

    (477,316     91,097        (290,745
                       

Balance at end of year

    (1,068,585     (977,488     (1,268,233
                       

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:

     

Balance at beginning of year

    31,680        6,617        29,724   

Reclassification adjustments for realized (gain) loss on available-for-sale securities

    17,372        353        70   

Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

    (42,435     22,754        505   
                       

Balance at end of year

    6,617        29,724        30,299   
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments:

     

Balance at beginning of year

    460        —          (324

Reclassification adjustments for realized (gain) loss on derivative instruments

    (412     194        (646

Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains on derivative instruments

    (48     (518     814   
                       

Balance at end of year

    —          (324     (156
                       

Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment*

     

Balance at beginning of year

    (223,069     (260,860     (260,074

Amortization of unrealized (gain) loss on pension and other postretirement benefits

    8,958        7,581        7,739   

(Increase) decrease in net unrealized losses on pension and other postretirement benefits

    (46,749     (6,795     (4,955
                       

Balance at end of year

    (260,860     (260,074     (257,290
                       

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

     

Balance at beginning of year

    (782,198     (1,322,828     (1,208,162

Adjustments for the year

    (540,630     114,666        (287,218
                       

Balance at end of year

  ¥ (1,322,828   ¥ (1,208,162   ¥ (1,495,380
                       

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassification adjustments are as follows:

 

    Yen
(millions)
 
    Before-tax
amount
    Tax
(expense)

or  benefit
(note 11)
    Net-of-tax
amount
 

2009:

     

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

  ¥ (491,509   ¥ 14,193      ¥ (477,316

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:

     

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year

    (70,280     27,845        (42,435

Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) realized in net income

    28,311        (10,939     17,372   
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    (41,969     16,906        (25,063
                       

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

     

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year

    (80     32        (48

Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) realized in net income

    (688     276        (412
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    (768     308        (460
                       

Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment*

     

(Increase) decrease in net unrealized losses on pension and other postretirement benefits

    (79,119     32,370        (46,749

Amortization of unrealized (gain) loss on pension and other postretirement benefits

    14,433        (5,475     8,958   
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    (64,686     26,895        (37,791
                       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  ¥ (598,932   ¥ 58,302      ¥ (540,630
                       

2010:

     

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

  ¥ 87,644      ¥ 3,453      ¥ 91,097   

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:

     

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year

    35,581        (12,827     22,754   

Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) realized in net income

    588        (235     353   
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    36,169        (13,062     23,107   
                       

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

     

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year

    (865     347        (518

Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) realized in net income

    324        (130     194   
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    (541     217        (324
                       

Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment*

     

(Increase) decrease in net unrealized losses on pension and other postretirement benefits

    6,773        (13,568     (6,795

Amortization of unrealized (gain) loss on pension and other postretirement benefits

    12,329        (4,748     7,581   
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    19,102        (18,316     786   
                       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  ¥ 142,374      ¥ (27,708   ¥ 114,666   
                       

2011:

     

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

  ¥ (292,106   ¥ 1,361      ¥ (290,745

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:

     

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year

    193        312        505   

Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) realized in net income

    116        (46     70   
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    309        266        575   
                       

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

     

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year

    1,359        (545     814   

Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) realized in net income

    (1,077     431        (646
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    282        (114     168   
                       

Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment*

     

(Increase) decrease in net unrealized losses on pension and other postretirement benefits

    (12,220     7,265        (4,955

Amortization of unrealized (gain) loss on pension and other postretirement benefits

    11,809        (4,070     7,739   
                       

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    (411     3,195        2,784   
                       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  ¥ (291,926   ¥ 4,708      ¥ (287,218
                       

 

* The primary components of other comprehensive income (loss) for Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment are actuarial gains or losses and prior service benefits or costs (see note 13).

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(16) Fair Value Measurements

 

Honda applies the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”. This standard defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction, and emphasizes that a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

This standard establishes a three-level hierarchy to be used when measuring fair value. The following is a description of the three hierarchy levels:

 

  Level 1 Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date

 

  Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly

 

  Level 3 Unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities

 

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

The following tables present the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

      Yen (millions)  

As of March 31, 2010

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Gross
fair value
    Netting
adjustment
    Net
amount
 

Assets:

              

Retained interests in securitizations

   ¥ —         ¥ —        ¥ 27,555       ¥ 27,555      ¥ —        ¥ 27,555   

Derivative instruments

              

Foreign exchange instruments
(notes 1(q) and 17)

     —           70,905        —           70,905        —          —     

Interest rate instruments
(notes 1(q) and 17)

     —           35,352        1,025         36,377        —          —     
                                                  

Total derivative instruments

     —           106,257        1,025         107,282        (44,417     62,865   
                                                  

Available-for-sale securities

              

Marketable equity securities

     94,560         —          —           94,560        —          94,560   

Auction rate securities

     —           —          10,041         10,041        —          10,041   
                                                  

Total available-for-sale securities

     94,560         —          10,041         104,601        —          104,601   
                                                  

Total

   ¥ 94,560       ¥ 106,257      ¥ 38,621       ¥ 239,438      ¥ (44,417   ¥ 195,021   
                                                  

Liabilities:

              

Derivative instruments

              

Foreign exchange instruments
(notes 1(q) and 17)

   ¥ —         ¥ (23,432   ¥ —         ¥ (23,432   ¥ —        ¥ —     

Interest rate instruments
(notes 1(q) and 17)

     —           (61,087     —           (61,087     —          —     
                                                  

Total derivative instruments

     —           (84,519     —           (84,519     44,417       (40,102
                                                  

Total

   ¥ —         ¥ (84,519   ¥ —         ¥ (84,519   ¥ 44,417     ¥ (40,102
                                                  

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

     Yen (millions)  

As of March 31, 2011

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3     Gross
fair value
    Netting
adjustment
    Net
amount
 

Assets:

             

Retained interests in securitizations

   ¥ —         ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ —     

Derivative instruments

             

Foreign exchange instruments
(notes 1(q) and 17)

     —           57,880        —          57,880        —          —     

Interest rate instruments
(notes 1(q) and 17)

     —           29,759        154        29,913        —          —     
                                                 

Total derivative instruments

     —           87,639        154        87,793        (26,641     61,152   
                                                 

Available-for-sale securities

             

Marketable equity securities

     92,421         —          —          92,421        —          92,421   

Auction rate securities

     —           —          6,948        6,948        —          6,948   
                                                 

Total available-for-sale securities

     92,421         —          6,948        99,369        —          99,369   
                                                 

Total

   ¥ 92,421       ¥ 87,639      ¥ 7,102      ¥ 187,162      ¥ (26,641   ¥ 160,521   
                                                 

Liabilities:

             

Derivative instruments

             

Foreign exchange instruments
(notes 1(q) and 17)

   ¥ —         ¥ (15,712   ¥ —        ¥ (15,712   ¥ —        ¥ —     

Interest rate instruments
(notes 1(q) and 17)

     —           (32,435     (155     (32,590     —          —     
                                                 

Total derivative instruments

     —           (48,147     (155     (48,302     26,641        (21,661
                                                 

Total

   ¥ —         ¥ (48,147   ¥ (155   ¥ (48,302   ¥ 26,641      ¥ (21,661
                                                 

 

Derivative asset and liability positions are presented net by counterparty on the consolidated balance sheets when valid master netting agreement exists and the other conditions set out in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 210-20 “Balance Sheet-Offsetting” are met.

 

The following tables present a reconciliation during the year ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 for all Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

      Yen (millions)  

For the year ended March 31, 2010

   Retained
interests in
securitizations
    Interest rate
instruments
(notes 1(q)
and 17)
    Auction rate
securities
    Total  

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 45,648      ¥ 2,294      ¥ 9,906      ¥ 57,848   

Total realized/unrealized gains or losses

        

Included in earnings

     8,990        1,164        —          10,154   

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —          1,746        1,746   

Purchases, issuances, and settlements, net

     (25,706     (2,341     (1,155     (29,202

Foreign currency translation

     (1,377     (92     (456     (1,925
                                

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 27,555      ¥ 1,025      ¥ 10,041      ¥ 38,621   
                                

The amounts of total gains or losses for the period attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date

        

Included in earnings

   ¥ 4,834      ¥ 625      ¥ —        ¥ 5,459   

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —          1,746        1,746   

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

     Yen (millions)  

For the year ended March 31, 2011

   Retained
interests in
securitizations
    Interest rate
instruments
(notes 1(q)
and 17)
    Auction rate
securities
    Total  

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 27,555      ¥ 1,025      ¥ 10,041      ¥ 38,621   

Adjustment resulting from the adoption of new accounting standards on variable interest entities (notes 1(c) and 4)

     (27,555     (1,027     —          (28,582

Total realized/unrealized gains or losses

        

Included in earnings

     —          2        (96     (94

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —          349        349   

Purchases, issuances, and settlements, net

     —          —          (2,329     (2,329

Foreign currency translation

     —          (1     (1,017     (1,018
                                

Balance at end of year

   ¥ —        ¥ (1   ¥ 6,948      ¥ 6,947   
                                

The amounts of total gains or losses for the period attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date

        

Included in earnings

   ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ —     

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —          67        67   

 

Total realized/unrealized gains or losses related to retained interests in securitizations, including those held at the reporting date, were included in net sales and other operating revenue in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended March 31, 2010.

 

Total realized/unrealized gains or losses related to interest rate instruments, including those held at the reporting date, are included in other income (expenses) – other, net, in the consolidated statements of income.

 

The valuation methodologies the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

 

Retained interests in securitizations

 

The fair values of the retained interests in securitizations are estimated by calculating the present value of the future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved. In order to estimate cash flows, Honda utilizes various significant assumptions including market observable inputs such as forward interest rates, as well as internally developed inputs, such as prepayment speeds, delinquency levels and credit losses. Fair value measurement for retained interests in securitization is classified as Level 3.

 

Foreign exchange and interest rate instruments (see notes 1(q) and 17)

 

The fair values of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts are estimated using market observable inputs such as spot exchange rates, discount rates and implied volatility. Fair value measurement for foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts are classified as Level 2. The fair values of currency swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are estimated by discounting future cash flows using market observable inputs such as LIBOR rates, swap rates, and foreign exchange rates. Fair value measurement for these currency swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are classified as Level 2.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The fair values of a limited number of interest rate swap agreements related to certain off –balance sheet securitizations are estimated using significant assumptions including market observable inputs, as well as internally developed prepayment assumptions as an input into the model, in order to forecast future notional amounts on these structured derivative contracts. Accordingly, fair value measurement for these derivative contracts is classified as Level 3.

 

The credit risk of Honda and its counterparties are considered on the valuation of foreign exchange and interest rate instruments.

 

Marketable equity securities

 

The fair value of marketable equity securities is estimated using quoted market prices. Fair value measurement for marketable equity securities is classified as Level 1.

 

Auction rate securities

 

The subsidiary’s auction rate securities (ARS) holdings were AAA rated and are insured by qualified guarantee agencies, and reinsured by the Secretary of Education and United States Government, and are guaranteed about 95% by the United States Government. The ARS market had been illiquid as of March 31, 2010 and 2011, and no readily observable prices exist, Honda measured the fair value of the ARS based on the discounted future cash flows. In order to assess various kinds of risks, such as liquidity risk, Honda used third-party developed valuation model which obtains a wide array of market observable inputs, as well as unobservable inputs including probability of passing or failing auction at each auction. Fair value measurement for auction rate securities is classified as Level 3.

 

Honda does not have significant financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of and for the year ended March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

Honda also adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which is now codified in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis effective April 1, 2009. Honda does not have significant nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of and for the year ended March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

Honda has not elected the fair value option for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

The estimated fair values of significant financial instruments at March 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2010     2011  
     Carrying
amount
    Estimated
fair value
    Carrying
amount
    Estimated
fair value
 

Finance subsidiaries-receivables *

   ¥ 3,569,760      ¥ 3,638,964      ¥ 3,642,235      ¥ 3,701,218   

Held-to-maturity securities

     18,766        18,862        40,725        40,649   

Debt

     (4,101,675     (4,191,389     (4,100,435     (4,159,300

 

* The carrying amounts of finance subsidiaries-receivables at March 31, 2010 and 2011 in the table exclude ¥411,228 million and ¥333,979 million, respectively, of direct financing leases, net, classified as finance subsidiaries-receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amounts of finance subsidiaries-receivables at March 31, 2010 and 2011 in the table also include ¥519,495 million and ¥496,233 million of finance receivables classified as trade accounts and notes receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, respectively.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The estimated fair values have been determined using relevant market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, these estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. The effect of using different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may be significant to the estimated fair values.

 

The methodologies and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

 

Cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables

 

The carrying amounts approximate fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

Finance subsidiaries-receivables

 

The fair values of retail receivables and commercial loans were estimated by discounting future cash flows using the current rates for these instruments of similar remaining maturities. Given the short maturities of wholesale flooring receivables, the carrying amount of those receivables approximates fair value.

 

Held-to-maturity securities

 

The fair values of Government bonds and U.S. government and agency debt securities were estimated by using quoted market prices. The carrying amount of certificates of deposit approximates fair value because of the short maturity of the instrument.

 

Debt

 

The fair values of bonds and notes were estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. The fair value of long-term loans was estimated by discounting future cash flows using rates currently available for loans of similar terms and remaining maturities. The carrying amounts of short-term bank loans and commercial paper approximate fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

(17) Risk Management Activities and Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Honda uses derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business to reduce their exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. (see notes 1(q) and 16) Currency swap agreements are used to manage currency risk exposure on foreign currency denominated debt. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts and purchased option contracts are used to hedge currency risk of sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars). Foreign currency written option contracts are entered into in combination with purchased option contracts to offset premium amounts to be paid for purchased option contracts. Interest rate swap agreements are mainly used to manage interest rate risk exposure and to convert floating rate financing, such as commercial paper, to (normally three-five years) fixed rate financing in order to match financing costs with income from finance receivables. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, exchange rate and interest rate risks in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

The aforementioned instruments contain an element of risk in the event the counterparties are unable to meet the terms of the agreements. However, Honda minimizes the risk exposure by limiting the counterparties to major international banks and financial institutions meeting established credit guidelines. Management of Honda does not expect any counterparty to default on its obligations and, therefore, does not expect to incur any losses due to counterparty default. Honda currently does not require or place collateral for these financial instruments with any counterparties.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Contract amounts outstanding for foreign currency forward exchange contracts, foreign currency option contracts and currency swap agreements and the notional principal amounts of interest rate swap agreements at March 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2010      2011  

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

   ¥ 26,542       ¥ 15,050   
                 

Foreign exchange instruments

   ¥ 26,542       ¥ 15,050   
                 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2010      2011  

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

   ¥ 552,585       ¥ 611,359   

Foreign currency option contracts

     92,965         44,237   

Currency swap agreements

     718,964         549,099   
                 

Foreign exchange instruments

   ¥ 1,364,514       ¥ 1,204,695   
                 

Interest rate swap agreements

   ¥ 3,806,091       ¥ 3,566,605   
                 

Interest rate instruments

   ¥ 3,806,091       ¥ 3,566,605   
                 

 

Cash flow hedge

 

The Company applies hedge accounting for certain foreign currency forward exchange contracts related to forecasted foreign currency transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The amounts are reclassified into earnings in the same period when forecasted hedged transactions affect earnings. The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 2010 and 2011 were ¥324 million loss and ¥156 million loss, respectively. All amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at year end are expected to be recognized in earnings within the next twelve months.

 

The period that hedges the changes in cash flows related to the risk of foreign currency rate is at most around two months. There are no derivative financial instruments where hedge accounting has been discontinued due to the forecasted transaction no longer being probable. The Company excludes financial instruments’ time value component from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. There is no portion of hedging instruments that has been assessed as hedge ineffectiveness.

 

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Table of Contents

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments not designated as accounting hedges

 

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments not designated as accounting hedges are recognized in earnings in the period of the change.

 

The estimated fair values of derivative instruments at March 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows.

 

As of March 31, 2010

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Gross fair value     Balance sheet location  
   Asset
derivatives
     Liability
derivatives
    Other
current
assets
     Other
assets
     Other
current
liabilities
 

Foreign exchange instruments

   ¥ 33       ¥ (646   ¥ 33       ¥ —         ¥ (646

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Gross fair value     Balance sheet location  
     Asset
derivatives
    Liability
derivatives
    Other
current
assets
     Other
assets
     Other
current
liabilities
 

Foreign exchange instruments

   ¥ 70,872      ¥ (22,786   ¥ 29,105       ¥ 29,608       ¥ (10,627

Interest rate instruments

     36,377        (61,087     594         3,525         (28,829
                                          

Total

   ¥ 107,249      ¥ (83,873   ¥ 29,699       ¥ 33,133       ¥ (39,456
                                          

Netting adjustment

     (44,417     44,417           
                        

Net amount

   ¥ 62,832      ¥ (39,456        
                        

 

As of March 31, 2011

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Gross fair value     Balance sheet location  
   Asset
derivatives
     Liability
derivatives
    Other
current
assets
     Other
assets
     Other
current
liabilities
 

Foreign exchange instruments

   ¥ —         ¥ (114   ¥ —         ¥ —         ¥ (114

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Gross fair value     Balance sheet location  
   Asset
derivatives
    Liability
derivatives
    Other
current
assets
    Other
assets
     Other
current
liabilities
 

Foreign exchange instruments

   ¥ 57,880      ¥ (15,598   ¥ 20,174      ¥ 31,702       ¥ (9,594

Interest rate instruments

     29,913        (32,590     (2,082     11,358         (11,953
                                         

Total

   ¥ 87,793      ¥ (48,188   ¥ 18,092      ¥ 43,060       ¥ (21,547
                                         

Netting adjustment

     (26,641     26,641          
                       

Net amount

   ¥ 61,152      ¥ (21,547       
                       

 

Derivative asset and liability positions are presented net by counterparty on the consolidated balance sheets when valid master netting agreement exists and the other conditions set out in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 210-20 “Balance Sheet-Offsetting” are met.

 

The pre-tax effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s results of operations each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

For the year ended March 31, 2009

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

Cash flow hedge:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Gain (Loss)
recognized in other
comprehensive
income (loss)
(effective portion)
    Gain (Loss) reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive
income  (loss) into earnings
(effective portion)
    Gain (Loss) recognized in
earnings (financial
instruments’ time  value
component excluded from
the assessment of hedge effectiveness)
 
     Amount     Location    Amount     Location   Amount  

Foreign exchange instruments:

   ¥ (80   Other income
(expenses) –  Other, net
   ¥ 688      Other income
(expenses) –  Other, net
  ¥ (435)   

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

    

Yen (millions)

 
    

Gain (Loss) recognized in earnings

 
    

Location

   Amount  

Foreign exchange instruments

   Other income (expenses) – Other, net    ¥ 12,310   

Interest rate instruments

   Other income (expenses) – Other, net      (33,131
           

Total

      ¥ (20,821
           

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

For the year ended March 31, 2010

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

Cash flow hedge:

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Gain (Loss)
recognized in other
comprehensive
income (loss)
(effective portion)
    Gain (Loss) reclassified
from accumulated
other comprehensive
income (loss) into earnings
(effective portion)
    Gain (Loss) recognized in
earnings (financial
instruments’ time value
component excluded from
the assessment of hedge effectiveness)
 
    Amount     Location   Amount     Location    Amount  

Foreign exchange instruments:

  ¥ (865   Other income
(expenses) – Other, net
  ¥ (324   Other income
(expenses) – Other, net
   ¥ 686   

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

    

Yen (millions)

 
    

Gain (Loss) recognized in earnings

 
    

Location

   Amount  

Foreign exchange instruments

   Other income (expenses) – Other, net    ¥ 39,593   

Interest rate instruments

   Other income (expenses) – Other, net      (35,907
           

Total

      ¥ 3,686   
           

 

For the year ended March 31, 2011

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

Cash flow hedge:

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Gain (Loss)
recognized in other
comprehensive
income (loss)
(effective portion)
    Gain (Loss) reclassified
from accumulated
other comprehensive
income (loss) into earnings
(effective portion)
    Gain (Loss) recognized in
earnings (financial
instruments’ time value
component excluded from
the assessment of hedge effectiveness)
 
    Amount     Location   Amount     Location    Amount  

Foreign exchange instruments:

  ¥ 1,359      Other income
(expenses) – Other, net
  ¥ 1,077      Other income
(expenses) – Other, net
   ¥ 128   

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

    

Yen (millions)

 
    

Gain (Loss) recognized in earnings

 
    

Location

   Amount  

Foreign exchange instruments

   Other income (expenses) – Other, net    ¥ 75,591   

Interest rate instruments

   Other income (expenses) – Other, net      (15,938
           

Total

      ¥ 59,653   
           

 

The gains and losses are included in other income (expenses) – other, net on a net basis with related items, such as foreign currency translation. (see note 1(p))

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(18) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

At March 31, 2011, Honda had commitments for purchases of property, plant and equipment of approximately ¥28,466 million.

 

Honda has entered into various guarantee and indemnification agreements. At March 31, 2010 and 2011, Honda has guaranteed ¥31,772 million and ¥30,393 million of bank loans of employees for their housing costs, respectively. If an employee defaults on his/her loan payments, Honda is required to perform under the guarantee. The undiscounted maximum amount of Honda’s obligation to make future payments in the event of defaults is ¥31,772 million and ¥30,393 million, respectively, at March 31, 2010 and 2011. At March 31, 2011, no amount has been accrued for any estimated losses under the obligations, as it is probable that the employees will be able to make all scheduled payments.

 

Honda warrants its products for specific periods of time. Product warranties vary depending upon the nature of the product, the geographic location of its sale and other factors.

 

The changes in provisions for those product warranties for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31, 2011 are as follow:

 

     Yen
(millions)
 
     2010     2011  

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 233,979      ¥ 226,038   

Warranty claims paid during the period

     (86,886     (82,080

Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period

     79,520        84,920   

Changes in liabilities for pre-existing warranties during the period

     (3,571     (3,550

Foreign currency translation

     2,996        (11,385
                

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 226,038      ¥ 213,943   
                

 

With respect to product liability, personal injury claims or lawsuits, Honda believes that any judgment that may be recovered by any plaintiff for general and special damages and court costs will be adequately covered by Honda’s insurance and accrued liabilities. Punitive damages are claimed in certain of these lawsuits. Honda is also subject to potential liability under other various lawsuits and claims including 6 purported class actions in the United States. Honda recognizes an accrued liability for loss contingencies when it is probable that an obligation has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Honda reviews these pending lawsuits and claims periodically and adjusts the amounts recorded for these contingent liabilities, if necessary, by considering the nature of lawsuits and claims, the progress of the case and the opinions of legal counsel. After consultation with legal counsel, and taking into account all known factors pertaining to existing lawsuits and claims, Honda believes that the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits and pending claims including 6 purported class actions in the United States should not result in liability to Honda that would be likely to have an adverse material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(19) Leases

 

Honda is the lessee under several operating leases, primarily for office and other facilities, and certain office equipment.

 

Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year at March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen
(millions)
 

2012

   ¥ 19,100   

2013

     13,498   

2014

     10,872   

2015

     8,205   

2016

     6,910   

After five years

     44,198   
        

Total minimum lease payments

   ¥ 102,783   
        

 

Rental expenses under operating leases were ¥47,921 million, ¥42,435 million and ¥38,641 million, for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(20) Allowances for Trade Receivable, Finance Subsidiaries-receivables and Other Assets

 

The allowances for trade receivable, finance subsidiaries-receivables and other assets for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 are set forth in the following table:

 

     Yen (millions)  
            Additions      Deductions               
     Balance at
beginning
of period
     Charged to
costs and
expenses
     Bad debts
written
off
     Foreign
currency
translation
    Balance at
end of
period
 

March 31, 2009:

             

Trade accounts and notes receivable

             

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 8,181       ¥ 3,700       ¥ 2,625       ¥ (1,801   ¥ 7,455   
                                           

Finance subsidiaries-receivables

             

Allowance for credit losses

   ¥ 33,354       ¥ 53,981       ¥ 49,609       ¥ (2,109   ¥ 35,617   

Allowance for losses on lease residual values

     24,887         23,035         26,390         (1,139     20,393   
                                           
   ¥ 58,241       ¥ 77,016       ¥ 75,999       ¥ (3,248   ¥ 56,010   
                                           

Other assets

             

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 3,386       ¥ 7,367       ¥ 1,177       ¥ (436   ¥ 9,140   
                                           

March 31, 2010:

             

Trade accounts and notes receivable

             

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 7,455       ¥ 4,039       ¥ 3,268       ¥ 329      ¥ 8,555   
                                           

Finance subsidiaries-receivables

             

Allowance for credit losses

   ¥ 35,617       ¥ 32,913       ¥ 32,053       ¥ (1,550   ¥ 34,927   

Allowance for losses on lease residual values

     20,393         7,149         18,716         427        9,253   
                                           
   ¥ 56,010       ¥ 40,062       ¥ 50,769       ¥ (1,123   ¥ 44,180   
                                           

Other assets

             

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 9,140       ¥ 1,294       ¥ 1,395       ¥ 280      ¥ 9,319   
                                           

March 31, 2011:

             

Trade accounts and notes receivable

             

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 8,555       ¥ 3,625       ¥ 3,849       ¥ (427   ¥ 7,904   
                                           

Finance subsidiaries-receivables

             

Allowance for credit losses(*)

   ¥ 35,823       ¥ 10,146       ¥ 18,302       ¥ (2,777   ¥ 24,890   

Allowance for losses on lease residual values

     9,253         3,159         4,611         (576     7,225   
                                           
   ¥ 45,076       ¥ 13,305       ¥ 22,913       ¥ (3,353   ¥ 32,115   
                                           

Other assets

             

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 9,319       ¥ 15,839       ¥ 1,734       ¥ (149   ¥ 23,275   
                                           

 

* Honda adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16 “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”, and ASU 2009-17 “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, effective April 1,2010. Upon the adoption of these standards, ten former QSPEs that were not consolidated as of March 31, 2010 were consolidated by the Company as of April 1, 2010. Allowance for credit losses at beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 includes the impact of the adoption of these standards. Therefore, the amount does not correspond to the balance at end of the fiscal year ended March 31,2010. (see note 1(c))

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(21) Segment Information

 

Honda has four reportable segments: the Motorcycle business, the Automobile business, the Financial services business and the Power product and other businesses, which are based on Honda’s organizational structure and characteristics of products and services. Operating segments are defined as components of Honda’s about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The accounting policies used for these reportable segments are consistent with the accounting policies used in Honda’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Principal products and services, and functions of each segment are as follows:

 

Segment   Principal products and services   Functions

Motorcycle business

  Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and relevant parts  

Research & Development

Manufacturing

Sales and related services

Automobile business

  Automobiles and relevant parts  

Research & Development

Manufacturing

Sales and related services

Financial services business

  Financial, insurance services  

Retail loan and lease related to Honda products

Others

Power product and other businesses

  Power products and relevant parts, and others  

Research & Development

Manufacturing

Sales and related services

Others

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Segment Information

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2009

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Motorcycle
Business
    Automobile
Business
    Financial
Services
Business
    Power
Product
and Other
Businesses
    Segment
Total
    Reconciling
Items
    Other
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Net sales and other operating revenue:

               

External customers

  ¥ 1,411,511      ¥ 7,674,404      ¥ 582,261      ¥ 343,065      ¥ 10,011,241      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 10,011,241   

Intersegment

    —          —          14,264        25,840        40,104        (40,104     —          —     
                                                               

Total

  ¥ 1,411,511      ¥ 7,674,404      ¥ 596,525      ¥ 368,905      ¥ 10,051,345      ¥ (40,104   ¥ —        ¥ 10,011,241   

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

    1,311,598        7,649,861        515,854        384,389        9,861,702        (40,104     —          9,821,598   
                                                               

Segment income (loss)

  ¥ 99,913      ¥ 24,543      ¥ 80,671      ¥ (15,484   ¥ 189,643      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 189,643   
                                                               

Equity in income of affiliates

  ¥ 26,105      ¥ 71,709      ¥ —        ¥ 1,220      ¥ 99,034      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 99,034   

Assets

  ¥ 1,047,112      ¥ 5,219,408      ¥ 5,735,716      ¥ 275,607      ¥ 12,277,843      ¥ (458,926   ¥ —        ¥ 11,818,917   

Investments in affiliates

  ¥ 107,431      ¥ 379,068      ¥ —        ¥ 16,247      ¥ 502,746      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 502,746   

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 51,200      ¥ 373,295      ¥ 199,324      ¥ 13,825      ¥ 637,644      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 637,644   

Capital expenditures

  ¥ 90,401      ¥ 523,593      ¥ 671,127      ¥ 16,920      ¥ 1,302,041      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 1,302,041   

Damaged and impairment losses on long-lived assets and goodwill

  ¥ 413      ¥ 18,874      ¥ 18,528      ¥ 2,310      ¥ 40,125      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 40,125   

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

  ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 77,016      ¥ —        ¥ 77,016      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 77,016   

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2010

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Motorcycle
Business
    Automobile
Business
    Financial
Services
Business
    Power
Product
and Other
Businesses
    Segment
Total
    Reconciling
Items
    Other
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Net sales and other operating revenue:

               

External customers

  ¥ 1,140,292      ¥ 6,554,848      ¥ 606,352      ¥ 277,682      ¥ 8,579,174      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 8,579,174   

Intersegment

    —          —          12,459        26,936        39,395        (39,395     —          —     
                                                               

Total

  ¥ 1,140,292      ¥ 6,554,848      ¥ 618,811      ¥ 304,618      ¥ 8,618,569      ¥ (39,395   ¥ —        ¥ 8,579,174   

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

    1,081,455        6,428,090        423,910        321,339        8,254,794        (39,395     —          8,215,399   
                                                               

Segment income (loss)

  ¥ 58,837      ¥ 126,758      ¥ 194,901      ¥ (16,721   ¥ 363,775      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 363,775   
                                                               

Equity in income of affiliates

  ¥ 23,131      ¥ 69,082      ¥ —        ¥ 1,069      ¥ 93,282      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 93,282   

Assets

  ¥ 1,025,665      ¥ 5,044,247      ¥ 5,541,788      ¥ 281,966      ¥ 11,893,666      ¥ (264,551   ¥ —        ¥ 11,629,115   

Investments in affiliates

  ¥ 103,032      ¥ 334,875      ¥ —        ¥ 16,821      ¥ 454,728      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 454,728   

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 48,683      ¥ 337,787      ¥ 230,453      ¥ 12,751      ¥ 629,674      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 629,674   

Capital expenditures

  ¥ 38,332      ¥ 284,586      ¥ 546,342      ¥ 23,748      ¥ 893,008      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 893,008   

Damaged and impairment losses on long-lived assets and goodwill

  ¥ —        ¥ 548      ¥ 3,312      ¥ —        ¥ 3,860      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 3,860   

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

  ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 40,062      ¥ —        ¥ 40,062      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 40,062   

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2011

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Motorcycle
Business
    Automobile
Business
    Financial
Services
Business
    Power
Product
and Other
Businesses
    Segment
Total
    Reconciling
Items
    Other
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Net sales and other operating revenue:

               

External customers

  ¥ 1,288,194      ¥ 6,794,098      ¥ 561,896      ¥ 292,679      ¥ 8,936,867      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 8,936,867   

Intersegment

    —          8,218        11,562        25,600        45,380        (45,380     —          —     
                                                               

Total

  ¥ 1,288,194      ¥ 6,802,316      ¥ 573,458      ¥ 318,279      ¥ 8,982,247      ¥ (45,380   ¥ —        ¥ 8,936,867   

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

    1,149,600        6,537,766        387,179        323,804        8,398,349        (45,380     14,123        8,367,092   
                                                               

Segment income (loss)

  ¥ 138,594      ¥ 264,550      ¥ 186,279      ¥ (5,525   ¥ 583,898      ¥ —        ¥ (14,123   ¥ 569,775   
                                                               

Equity in income of affiliates

  ¥ 40,471      ¥ 100,018      ¥ —        ¥ (733   ¥ 139,756      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 139,756   

Assets

  ¥ 933,671      ¥ 4,883,029      ¥ 5,572,152      ¥ 290,730      ¥ 11,679,582      ¥ (108,708   ¥ —        ¥ 11,570,874   

Investments in affiliates

  ¥ 76,280      ¥ 341,955      ¥ —        ¥ 16,756      ¥ 434,991      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 434,991   

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 40,324      ¥ 296,364      ¥ 213,805      ¥ 13,146      ¥ 563,639      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 563,639   

Capital expenditures

  ¥ 37,084      ¥ 273,502      ¥ 800,491      ¥ 13,963      ¥ 1,125,040      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 1,125,040   

Damaged and impairment losses on long-lived assets and goodwill

  ¥ 59      ¥ 16,774      ¥ 835      ¥ —        ¥ 17,668      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 17,668   

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

  ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 13,305      ¥ —        ¥ 13,305      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 13,305   

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1.

Segment income (loss) of each segment is measured in a consistent manner with consolidated operating income, which is income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates before other income (expenses), except Other Adjustments,

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

which is out-of-period adjustments. Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most reasonable measures applicable. The amount of out-of-period adjustments are not reported to or used by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing the Company’s operating performance. Therefore, the adjustments are not included in the Power product and other businesses but as Other Adjustments for the year ended March 31, 2011. For further information on Other Adjustments, see note 1(t).

2. Assets of each segment are defined as total assets, including derivative financial instruments, investments in affiliates, and deferred tax assets. Segment assets are based on those directly associated with each segment and those not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most reasonable measures applicable except for the corporate assets described below.
3. Intersegment sales and revenues are generally made at values that approximate arm’s-length prices.
4. Unallocated corporate assets, included in reconciling items, amounted to ¥257,291 million as of March 31, 2009, ¥338,135 million as of March 31, 2010, and ¥453,116 million as of March 31, 2011, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities held by the Company. Reconciling items also include elimination of intersegment transactions.
5. Depreciation and amortization of the Financial Services Business include ¥ 195,776 million for the year ended March 31, 2009, ¥ 227,931 million for the year ended March 31, 2010 and ¥212,143 million for the year ended March 31, 2011, respectively, of depreciation of property on operating leases.
6. Capital expenditures of the Financial Services Business includes ¥668,128 million for the year ended March 31, 2009, ¥544,027 million for the year ended March 31, 2010 and ¥798,420 million for the year ended March 31, 2011, respectively, purchases of operating lease assets.
7. For the year ended March 31, 2011, substantially all of the ¥45,720 million of the costs and expenses resulting from the Great East Japan Earthquake are included in Cost of sales, SG&A and R&D expenses of the Automobile business.

 

External Sales and Other Operating Revenue by Product or Service Groups

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009      2010      2011  

Motorcycles and relevant parts

   ¥ 1,323,259       ¥ 1,079,165       ¥ 1,225,098   

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and relevant parts

     88,252         61,127         63,096   

Automobiles and relevant parts

     7,674,404         6,554,848         6,794,098   

Financial, insurance services

     582,261         606,352         561,896   

Power products and relevant parts

     224,648         188,014         202,838   

Others

     118,417         89,668         89,841   
                          

Total

   ¥ 10,011,241       ¥ 8,579,174       ¥ 8,936,867   
                          

 

Geographical Information

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2009

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Japan      United
States
     Others
Countries
     Total  

Sales to external customers

   ¥ 1,871,962       ¥ 3,990,729       ¥ 4,148,550       ¥ 10,011,241   

Long-lived assets

   ¥ 1,140,316       ¥ 1,835,163       ¥ 566,445       ¥ 3,541,924   

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2010

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Japan      United
States
     Others
Countries
     Total  

Sales to external customers

   ¥ 1,864,513       ¥ 3,294,758       ¥ 3,419,903       ¥ 8,579,174   

Long-lived assets

   ¥ 1,113,386       ¥ 1,767,879       ¥ 603,881       ¥ 3,485,146   

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2011

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Japan      United
States
     Others
Countries
     Total  

Sales to external customers

   ¥ 1,834,003       ¥ 3,504,765       ¥ 3,598,099       ¥ 8,936,867   

Long-lived assets

   ¥ 1,053,168       ¥ 1,766,814       ¥ 571,591       ¥ 3,391,573   

 

The above information is based on the location of the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

Supplemental Geographical Information

 

In addition to the disclosure required by U.S.GAAP, Honda provides the following supplemental information in order to provide financial statements users with useful information:

 

Supplemental geographical information based on the location of the Company and its subsidiaries

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2009

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Japan     North
America
    Europe     Asia     Other
Regions
    Total     Reconciling
Items
    Other
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                 

External customers

  ¥ 1,871,962      ¥ 4,534,684      ¥ 1,191,540      ¥ 1,335,091      ¥ 1,077,964      ¥ 10,011,241      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 10,011,241   

Transfers between geographic areas

    2,290,625        244,440        87,362        273,140        66,256        2,961,823        (2,961,823     —          —     
                                                                       

Total

  ¥ 4,162,587      ¥ 4,779,124      ¥ 1,278,902      ¥ 1,608,231      ¥ 1,144,220      ¥ 12,973,064      ¥ (2,961,823   ¥ —        ¥ 10,011,241   

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

    4,324,203        4,699,422        1,268,701        1,504,628        1,009,158        12,806,112        (2,984,514     —          9,821,598   
                                                                       

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ (161,616   ¥ 79,702      ¥ 10,201      ¥ 103,603      ¥ 135,062      ¥ 166,952      ¥ 22,691      ¥ —        ¥ 189,643   
                                                                       

Assets

  ¥ 3,078,478      ¥ 6,547,880      ¥ 766,594      ¥ 1,016,059      ¥ 450,081      ¥ 11,859,092      ¥ (40,175   ¥ —        ¥ 11,818,917   

Long-lived assets

  ¥ 1,140,316      ¥ 1,918,579      ¥ 110,543      ¥ 253,113      ¥ 119,373      ¥ 3,541,924      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 3,541,924   

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2010

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Japan     North
America
    Europe     Asia     Other
Regions
    Total     Reconciling
Items
    Other
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                 

External customers

  ¥ 1,864,513      ¥ 3,752,417      ¥ 769,857      ¥ 1,320,047      ¥ 872,340      ¥ 8,579,174      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 8,579,174   

Transfers between geographic areas

    1,441,264        155,799        55,615        198,533        24,151        1,875,362        (1,875,362     —          —     
                                                                       

Total

  ¥ 3,305,777      ¥ 3,908,216      ¥ 825,472      ¥ 1,518,580      ¥ 896,491      ¥ 10,454,536      ¥ (1,875,362   ¥ —        ¥ 8,579,174   

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

    3,334,912        3,671,837        836,344        1,405,574        850,683        10,099,350        (1,883,951     —          8,215,399   
                                                                       

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ (29,135   ¥ 236,379      ¥ (10,872   ¥ 113,006      ¥ 45,808      ¥ 355,186      ¥ 8,589      ¥ —        ¥ 363,775   
                                                                       

Assets

  ¥ 2,947,764      ¥ 6,319,896      ¥ 591,423      ¥ 1,050,727      ¥ 619,345      ¥ 11,529,155      ¥ 99,960      ¥ —        ¥ 11,629,115   

Long-lived assets

  ¥ 1,113,386      ¥ 1,861,596      ¥ 107,262      ¥ 240,704      ¥ 162,198      ¥ 3,485,146      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 3,485,146   

 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2011

 

    Yen (millions)  
    Japan     North
America
    Europe     Asia     Other
Regions
    Total     Reconciling
Items
    Other
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                 

External customers

  ¥ 1,834,003      ¥ 3,941,505      ¥ 618,426      ¥ 1,594,058      ¥ 948,875      ¥ 8,936,867      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 8,936,867   

Transfers between geographic areas

    1,777,204        206,392        80,872        247,109        33,208        2,344,785        (2,344,785     —          —     
                                                                       

Total

  ¥ 3,611,207      ¥ 4,147,897      ¥ 699,298      ¥ 1,841,167      ¥ 982,083      ¥ 11,281,652      ¥ (2,344,785   ¥ —        ¥ 8,936,867   

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

  ¥ 3,545,089      ¥ 3,846,975      ¥ 709,501      ¥ 1,690,530      ¥ 912,534      ¥ 10,704,629      ¥ (2,351,660   ¥ 14,123      ¥ 8,367,092   
                                                                       

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ 66,118      ¥ 300,922      ¥ (10,203   ¥ 150,637      ¥ 69,549      ¥ 577,023      ¥ 6,875      ¥ (14,123   ¥ 569,775   
                                                                       

Assets

  ¥ 2,875,630      ¥ 6,209,145      ¥ 564,678      ¥ 1,049,113      ¥ 658,636      ¥ 11,357,202      ¥ 213,672      ¥ —        ¥ 11,570,874   

Long-lived assets

  ¥ 1,053,168      ¥ 1,852,542      ¥ 106,633      ¥ 231,867      ¥ 147,363      ¥ 3,391,573      ¥ —        ¥ —        ¥ 3,391,573   

 

Explanatory notes:

 

1. Major countries or regions in each geographic area:

 

North America

   United States, Canada, Mexico

Europe

   United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium

Asia

   Thailand, Indonesia, China, India, Vietnam

Other Regions

   Brazil, Australia

 

2. Operating income (loss) of each geographical region is measured in a consistent manner with consolidated operating income, which is income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates before other income (expenses), except Other Adjustments, which is out-of-period adjustments. For further information on Other Adjustments, see note 1(t). The adjustments are not included in Japan but as Other Adjustments for the year ended March 31, 2011.
3. Assets of each geographical region are defined as total assets, including derivative financial instruments, investments in affiliates, and deferred tax assets.
4. Sales and revenues between geographic areas are generally made at values that approximate arm’s-length prices.
5. Unallocated corporate assets, included in reconciling items, amounted to ¥257,291 million as of March 31, 2009, ¥338,135 million as of March 31, 2010, and ¥453,116 million as of March 31, 2011, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities, and held-to-maturity securities held by the Company. Reconciling items also include elimination of transactions between geographic areas.
6. Cost of sales, SG&A and R&D expenses of Japan includes ¥45,720 million for the year ended March 31, 2011 related to loss of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

 

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HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

(22) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) *

 

Quarterly financial data for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 are set forth in the following table:

 

     Yen (millions)     Yen  
     Net sales and other
operating revenue
     Operating
Income  (loss)
    Net income (loss)
attributable to

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Basic net income (loss)
attributable to
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

per common share
 

Year ended March 31, 2009:

         

First quarter

   ¥ 2,867,221       ¥ 210,476      ¥ 173,397      ¥ 95.56   

Second quarter

     2,826,865         148,851        123,316        67.96   

Third quarter

     2,533,257         102,452        20,242        11.16   

Fourth quarter

     1,783,898         (272,136     (179,950     (99.17
                                 
   ¥ 10,011,241       ¥ 189,643      ¥ 137,005      ¥ 75.50   
                                 

Year ended March 31, 2010:

         

First quarter

   ¥ 2,002,212       ¥ 25,164      ¥ 7,560      ¥ 4.17   

Second quarter

     2,056,655         65,543        54,037        29.78   

Third quarter

     2,240,740         176,971        134,627        74.19   

Fourth quarter

     2,279,567         96,097        72,176        39.78   
                                 
   ¥ 8,579,174       ¥ 363,775      ¥ 268,400      ¥ 147.91   
                                 

Year ended March 31, 2011:

         

First quarter

   ¥ 2,361,463       ¥ 234,443      ¥ 272,487      ¥ 150.27   

Second quarter

     2,251,911         163,473        135,929        75.24   

Third quarter

     2,110,414         125,653        81,118        45.01   

Fourth quarter
(see note 1(u))

     2,213,079         46,206        44,554        24.72   
                                 
   ¥ 8,936,867       ¥ 569,775      ¥ 534,088      ¥ 295.67   
                                 

 

* All quarterly financial data is unaudited and also has not been reviewed by the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

F-68


Table of Contents

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for the filing of Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO

KABUSHIKI KAISHA

(HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.)

By:

 

/s/    Takanobu Ito        

 

Takanobu Ito

President, Chief Executive Officer and

Representative Director

 

Date:     June 23, 2011

Tokyo, Japan


Table of Contents

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

  1.1       Articles of Incorporation of the registrant (English translation)
  1.2       Share Handling Regulations of the registrant (English translation)
  1.3       Regulations of Board of Directors of the registrant (English translation)
  1.4       Regulations of the Board of Corporate Auditors of the registrant (English translation)
  2.1       Specimen common stock certificates of the registrant (English translation) (1)
  2.2       Deposit Agreement dated as of December 19, 1962, as amended and restated as of October 1, 1982 (including changes from Amendment to Deposit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1989) among the registrant, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (now JP Morgan Chase Bank), as Depositary, and all owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt (2)
  2.3       Form of Amendment No. 2 to Deposit Agreement dated as of April, 1995, among the parties referred to in Exhibit 2.2 above (2)
  2.4       Form of Amendment No. 3 to Deposit Agreement dated as of January, 2002, among the parties referred to in Exhibit 2.2 above (3)
  2.5       Form of Amendment No. 4 to Deposit Agreement dated as of June, 2006, among the parties referred to in Exhibit 2.2 above (4)
  2.6       Form of Amendment No. 5 to Deposit Agreement dated as of June, 2007, among the parties referred to in Exhibit 2.2 above (5)
  8.1       List of Significant Subsidiaries (See “Organizational Structure” in Item 4.C of this Form 20-F)
  11.1       Code of Ethics (6)
  12.1       Certification of the principal executive officer required by 17 C.F.R. 240. 13a-14(a)
  12.2       Certification of the principal financial officer required by 17 C.F.R. 240. 13a-14(a)
  13.1       Certification of the chief executive officer required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
  13.2       Certification of the chief financial officer required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
  101.INS       XBRL Instance Document
  101.SCH       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  101.CAL       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  101.DEF       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
  101.LAB       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  101.PRE       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s annual report on Form 20-F filed on September 27, 2001.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 33-91842) filed on May 1, 1995.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-14228) filed on December 20, 2001.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-114874) filed on June 28, 2006.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-143589) filed on June 8, 2007.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s annual report on Form 20-F filed on July 9, 2004.

 

The Company has not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to its long-term debt, the amount of debt authorized under each of which does not exceed 10% of its total assets, and it agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.