Mitsui Chemicals Inc

TSE:4183

Earnings Call Analysis

Mitsui Chemicals Reports Strong Q1 with Positive Outlook for H1 2024

Mitsui Chemicals experienced a robust Q1 FY2024, with sales revenue reaching JPY 449.5 billion, up JPY 41.6 billion year-on-year. The operating income before special items rose to JPY 30.2 billion, an increase of JPY 9.3 billion, and net income attributable to owners improved by JPY 8.3 billion to JPY 17.9 billion. The company revised its sales revenue forecast for H1 2024 upwards to JPY 910.0 billion, projecting an operating income of JPY 52.0 billion. Despite some operational challenges at its Osaka Works, Mitsui maintains a steady growth outlook across various segments, driven by yen depreciation and strategic business restructuring.

Strong Quarterly Performance with Revenue Growth

Mitsui Chemicals has reported strong financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. The company achieved sales revenue of JPY 449.5 billion, marking an increase of JPY 41.6 billion year-on-year. Operating income before special items rose to JPY 30.2 billion, up by JPY 9.3 billion from the previous year. This positive performance was largely driven by an increase in sales volume across several segments, as well as favorable trade terms aided by yen depreciation and rising raw material prices.

Segment Performance Highlights

Each of Mitsui Chemicals' main segments reported improvements. Life & Healthcare Solutions saw an increase in operating income to JPY 5.8 billion, driven by the elimination of inventory adjustments and strong overseas agrochemical sales. Mobility Solutions reported an uplift to JPY 15.7 billion due to a recovery in elastomer demand for automotive applications. ICT Solutions experienced a slight rise to JPY 6.0 billion, benefiting from the rebound in semiconductor and smartphone markets. Basic & Green Materials also showed a strong performance with operating income hitting JPY 4.0 billion, thanks to inventory valuation gains and effective sales price revisions.

Outlook and Forecasts

Looking ahead, Mitsui Chemicals has updated its forecast for the first half of fiscal year 2024. The company expects sales revenue to reach JPY 910.0 billion, up JPY 86.3 billion year-on-year. Operating income before special items is projected at JPY 52.0 billion, reflecting a JPY 10.0 billion increase. Despite these positive expectations, some challenges remain, including a delayed recovery in specific markets and ongoing repair and maintenance costs.

Impact of External Factors

A significant factor affecting the company's performance is yen depreciation, which has improved trade terms and boosted inventory valuations. Additionally, fluctuations in domestic naphtha prices and foreign exchange rates have been incorporated into the financial outlook. However, a notable concern is the failure of the steam supply system at the Osaka ethylene plant, which is expected to impact production for the next 2-3 months. The financial impact of this issue has not yet been quantified.

Cash Flow and Financial Health

Mitsui Chemicals reported positive cash flow from operating activities amounting to JPY 39.8 billion during the first quarter. Despite a negative cash flow from investing activities (JPY 23.9 billion) and financing activities (JPY 11.1 billion), the company achieved a positive free cash flow of JPY 15.9 billion. Total assets stood at JPY 2,217.8 billion, with a notable increase due to yen depreciation.

Dividend Outlook and Investor Returns

The company maintained its dividend outlook for fiscal year 2024, with an interim dividend of JPY 75 per share and a full-year dividend of JPY 150 per share. This stability provides assurance to investors about the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders amidst external challenges and internal restructuring efforts.

Earnings Call Transcript 2025-Q1

[中島 一, executive]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Nakajima, CFO of Mitsui Chemicals. Thank you very much for joining in our earnings announcement today.

Today, we announced our financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 and our financial forecast for the first half of fiscal year 2024. In the first quarter, sales revenue increased year-on-year. In addition, operating income before special items; operating income, income before taxes; and net income attributable to owners of the parent also increased year-on-year. In the growth domains, operating income before special items increased driven by a recovery in sales volume and an improvement in terms of trade mainly from foreign exchange impact. And Basic & Green Materials, operating income before special items increased driven by steady progress in sales price revision and business restructuring as well as by inventory valuation gains. As a result, company-wide operating income before special items was JPY 30.2 billion.

In terms of the financial outlook, we have revised our sales revenue forecast for the first half of the year upwards from the previous announcement to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, domestic standard naphtha price and other factors. On the other hand, we have left the forecast for operating income before special items unchanged as we expect an increase from foreign exchange impact, but have also factored in delayed recovery in some markets.

Regarding our financial outlook, we have discovered a failure in the steam supply system of an ethylene plant in our Osaka Works, which has been undergoing scheduled maintenance since June 2024 and are working to resolve the problem. We currently expect that it will take approximately 2 or 3 months for production operations to resume. We have not incorporated the impact of the loss at this point in our financial outlook due to the difficulty in estimating such impact. In the event that the impact on our financial results is predicted to be significant, we will promptly disclose the information.

Regarding the outlook for the first half of fiscal year 2024, we have reflected fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, domestic standard naphtha price and other factors in our assumptions. With regard to operating income before special items for the growth domains, we expect an increase from foreign exchange impact, but have also factored in delayed recovery in some markets. For Basic & Green Materials, we have not revised the outlook figures announced on May 15 in light of the failure in the ethylene plant as mentioned above. We will revise the full year outlook for fiscal year 2024 at the time of the earnings announcement of the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 as appropriate. The fiscal year 2024 dividend outlook remains unchanged at JPY 75 per share for the interim and JPY 150 per share for the full year.

I would now like to explain outline of our performance, business overview and financial statements based on the materials provided. This is today's agenda. First, I will provide an overview of the results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, followed by an overview of the outlook for the first half of fiscal year 2024. In accordance with the organizational reform implemented on April 1, 2024, we have revised the segments to which Honshu Chemical Industry Company, Limited, and certain other consolidated subsidiaries and equity method affiliates and ICT solutions and Basic & Green Materials belong. Additionally, the segments for fiscal year 2023 are disclosed based on the reportable segment classifications after the revisions.

Please see Page 1. This section describes the trends in the major related markets of our business and these financial results. First, here is the outlook for the eyeglass lens market in relation to Life & Healthcare Solutions. Although there were some inventory adjustments until the first half of fiscal year 2023, we expect the demand to remain firm in fiscal year 2024 as inventory adjustments are resolved. In relation to agrochemicals market, although there still remains the effects of inventory adjustments in some regions, we expect firm demand to continue.

Next is the outlook for global automobile production volume related to Mobility Solutions. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, automobile production volume decreased in Japan and ASEAN countries, but there were no major changes globally and production remain steady, especially in North America. We expect automobile production volume to increase in Japan in the second quarter. And although there will be increases and decreases by region, we do not expect major changes globally compared to the first quarter.

In relation to ICT Solutions, demands in the semiconductor and smartphone markets have been recovering slowly in the first half of fiscal year 2024. In relation to Basic & Green Materials, there have been no major changes in the market conditions for polyurethane, with TDI remaining low and MDI remaining stable. Cracker utilization rates continue to remain low. A significant recovery in demand is not expected from fiscal year 2023 and operating rates are expected to remain low.

Please see Page 2. This is about the status of our major investment projects. The items in yellow are projects that start commercial operation in fiscal year 2024. Those in blue are projects for which decisions were made in fiscal year 2024. In addition to investing in growth domains, we will also be active in restructuring and optimization.

Please see Page 3. This is the summary of our financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Sales revenue for the April-June period of fiscal year 2024 was JPY 449.5 billion, an increase of JPY 41.6 billion year-on-year. Operating income before special items was JPY 30.2 billion, an increase of JPY 9.3 billion year-on-year. Net income attributable to owners of the parent was JPY 17.9 billion, an increase of JPY 8.3 billion year-on-year. The exchange rate was JPY 156 to the dollar, representing a depreciation of JPY 19 year-on-year. Domestic naphtha price per kiloliter was JPY 79,000, an increase of JPY 11,500 year-on-year.

Please see Page 4. This is the summary of a year-on-year comparison about operating income before special items in the first quarter. In terms of volume, sales of Vision Care increased as the effects of inventory adjustments in fiscal year 2023 were resolved. Sales of agrochemical also increased overseas, sales of elastomer increased mainly for automotive applications. And sales of semiconductor applications increased due to a recovery in demand in the semiconductor and smartphone markets.

Terms of trade improved due to sales price revision and yen depreciation and inventory valuation gains were recorded due to rising raw material prices. As for costs, et cetera, repair and maintenance costs increased due to soaring labor and material costs and logistics and storage costs also increased. On the other hand, although the effect of business restructuring is not significant, it is steadily contributing to profits. Looking at the results by a factor within the JPY 9.3 billion increase in operating income before special items year-on-year, the volume difference was plus JPY 6.6 billion. Terms of trade was plus JPY 8.8 billion and costs, et cetera, were minus JPY 6.1 billion.

Please see Page 5. This is sales revenue and operating income before special items of the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 by segment. The following pages provide a detailed explanation of the increased or decreased factors for each segment.

Please see Page 6. Life & Healthcare Solutions reported operating income before special items of JPY 5.8 billion in the first quarter, an increase of JPY 1.3 billion year-on-year. The volume difference was plus JPY 2.6 billion, mainly due to the elimination of inventory adjustments in Vision Care business in fiscal year 2023 and strong overseas sales of agrochemicals. Terms of trade improved by JPY 1.2 billion due in part to the effect of yen depreciation in agrochemicals.

Please see Page 7. Mobility Solutions reported operating income before special items of JPY 15.7 billion in the first quarter, an increase of JPY 3.4 billion year-on-year. The volume difference was plus JPY 2.5 billion, mainly due to an increase in quantity accompanying the recovery of elastomers for automotive applications. Terms of trade were plus JPY 2.1 billion. Terms of trade for elastomers worsened compared to last year due to a temporary easing of supply and demand, but overall terms of trade improved due to the impact of exchange rate differences and gains from time-lag in PP compounds.

Please see Page 8. ICT Solutions reported operating income before special items of JPY 6.0 billion in the first quarter, an increase of JPY 0.2 billion year-on-year. The volume difference was plus JPY 1.0 billion with sales volume increasing due to the recovery of the semiconductor and smartphone markets. Terms of trade were plus JPY 1.1 billion, mainly due to the foreign exchange impact. Costs, et cetera, were minus JPY 1.9 billion due to an increase in development costs for sales expansion as well as restructuring of the packaging film business.

Please see Page 9. Basic & Green Materials reported operating income before special items of JPY 4.0 billion in the first quarter, an increase of JPY 5.0 billion year-on-year. We have not seen a significant improvement in the volume difference due to continued sluggish demand. Terms of trade improved by JPY 4.4 billion due to inventory valuation gains resulting from fluctuations in raw material prices as well as steady progress in sales price revision. Regarding costs, et cetera, repair and maintenance costs have increased due to rising labor and material costs, but they also include a contribution to profits from business restructuring.

Please see Page 10. This is Non-recurring Items. Non-recurring Items totaled minus JPY 3.0 billion, an improvement of JPY 4.0 billion year-on-year. The breakdown for fiscal year 2023 includes the impairment losses as a result of separation of the packaging film business and partial transfer of Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello Incorporated shares and ICT Solutions. The breakdown for fiscal year 2024 includes the impairment losses associated with business restructuring.

Please see Page 11. This is Statement of Financial Position. Total assets were JPY 2,217.8 billion. There was an increase mainly due to yen depreciation compared to the end of March 2024. But overall, there was no significant increase or decrease.

Please see Page 12. This is Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow. Cash flow from operating activities was positive JPY 39.8 billion. Compared to the previous year, we saw improvements mainly in working capital in addition to improved profit levels. Cash flow from investing activities was negative JPY 23.9 billion. As a result, free cash flows were positive JPY 15.9 billion. Cash flow from financing activities was negative JPY 11.1 billion.

Next, I will explain the outlook for the first half of fiscal year 2024. Please see Page 13. This is highlights of consolidated financial outlook. Regarding the outlook for the first half of the year, we expect sales revenue to be JPY 910.0 billion, an increase of JPY 86.3 billion year-on-year. We expect an increase in sales revenue of JPY 20.0 billion from the last outlook figure announced on May 15. Operating income before special items is expected to be JPY 52.0 billion, an increase of JPY 10.0 billion year-on-year. Net income attributable to owners of the parent is expected to be JPY 29.0 billion, an increase of JPY 8.3 billion year-on-year.

We have not changed the outlook figures for the operating income before special items; operating income, income before taxes; and net income attributable to owners of the parent from those announced on May 15. The exchange rate for the year is assumed to be JPY 156 to the dollar, a depreciation of JPY 15 from the previous year. The domestic naphtha price is projected to be JPY 79,000 per kilo liter, an increase of JPY 13,450 from the previous year.

Please see Page 14. These are the main changes in the outlook of the operating income before special items for the first half of the year from the figures announced on May 15. As I mentioned at the beginning, we have reflected changes in the environment in addition to foreign exchange rates and other factors in our assumptions. As a result, there will be no change in our outlook of the operating income before special items for each growth domain from the previous forecast. We have not revised Basic & Green Materials outlook as we have not been able to factor in the impact of the failure in the ethylene plant in Osaka Works. In growth domains, the terms of trade are improving, mainly due to yen depreciation.

As for sales volume in Life & Healthcare Solutions, there are impacts of a part of agrochemical sales shifting from the first half to the second half of fiscal year 2024. But overall, there have been no major changes from the original forecast. In Mobility Solutions, sales of automotive applications are expected to remain firm, but those of solar cell encapsulant applications are expected to decrease due to the impact of inventory adjustments. In ICT solutions, the recovery of semiconductor-related products is slower than expected, and we expect a decrease in sales volume.

Please see Page 15. This is our overview of the outlook of the operating income before special items in the first half of the year. Compared to the previous year, we expect operating income before special items to increase due to an increase in sales volume and growth domains and the impact of yen depreciation as well as improved terms of trade due to sales price revision and Basic & Green Materials and inventory valuation gains. However, costs, et cetera, are expected to be negative even with the potential benefits of business restructuring due to anticipated increases in repair and maintenance costs resulting from rising material prices and increases in R&D and other costs.

Consequently, the projected increase in operating income before special items of JPY 10.0 billion over the previous year is attributable to a number of factors, including a positive volume difference of JPY 13.5 billion, a positive terms of trade impact of JPY 11.5 billion and a negative impact of costs, et cetera, of JPY 15.0 billion. The explanation is not significantly different from the first quarter financial results, so I will omit the details.

Please see Page 16. This is our outlook for sales revenue and operating income before special items by segment. The following pages will provide an explanation of the factors behind the increase or decrease in each segment.

Please see Page 17. Life & Healthcare Solutions operating income before special items for the first half of the year is expected to be JPY 16.0 billion, an increase of JPY 4.8 billion from the previous year. Volume difference is expected to be JPY 5.5 billion positive. This is mainly due to the elimination of fiscal year 2023 inventory adjustments in Vision Care and a steady increase in agrochemical sales volume. Terms of trade are expected to be positive JPY 2.5 billion. This is mainly due to yen depreciation. Costs, et cetera, are expected to be negative JPY 3.2 billion due to an increase in fixed costs associated with the operation of a new plant at Vision Care and an increase in SG&A and R&D expenses, mainly registration and maintenance expenses associated with the expansion of agrochemicals.

Please see Page 18. Mobility Solutions operating income before special items for the first half of the year is expected to be JPY 28.0 billion, an increase of JPY 1.1 billion from the previous year. Volume difference is expected to be positive JPY 5.5 billion due to expanded sales of elastomers for automotive applications. Terms of trade are expected to be minus JPY 3.5 billion due to the impact of a temporary easing of supply and demand in elastomers, although there will be a positive impact of gains from time-lag in PP compounds and yen depreciation. Costs, et cetera, are expected to be minus JPY 0.9 billion.

Please see Page 19. ICT Solutions operating income before special items for the first half of the year is expected to be JPY 13.0 billion, an increase of JPY 0.1 billion from the previous year. Volume difference is expected to be positive JPY 2.0 billion. Sales volume is increasing in line with the recovery of demand in the semiconductor and smartphone markets. As for EUV pellicles, we expect sales to remain strong as initially expected. Terms of trade are expected to be positive JPY 2.0 billion due to yen depreciation. Costs, et cetera, are expected to be negative JPY 3.9 billion due to an increase in fixed costs associated with the operation of a new plant at ICROS Tape, costs for business expansion and fixed costs and others associated with the restructuring of the packaging film business.

Please see Page 20. Basic & Green Materials operating income before special items for the first half of the year is expected to be minus JPY 3.0 billion, but there is an improvement of JPY 5.7 billion compared to the previous year. These forecast figures are projections based on currently available information. Volume difference is expected to be JPY 0.5 billion positive. Demand continues to be sluggish, and we do not expect a major recovery. Terms of trade are positive JPY 10.5 billion due to the elimination of inventory valuation losses incurred in fiscal year 2023 as a result of raw material price fluctuations and inventory valuation gains in fiscal year 2024 in addition to sales price revision due to higher utilities and logistics costs. Costs, et cetera, are expected to be minus JPY 5.3 billion due to an increase in repair and maintenance costs, resulting from higher labor and material costs despite the positive effect of business restructuring improvements.

Please see Page 21. Next, I will explain the changes from the first quarter results to the second quarter forecast by segment. The first quarter result was JPY 30.2 billion, and the second quarter outlook is JPY 21.8 billion, which means that we expect a JPY 8.4 billion decrease in operating income before special items quarter-on-quarter.

In Life & Healthcare Solutions, we expect an increase in profits due to an increase in overseas sales volume of agrochemicals as they are moving into high demand season. In Mobility Solutions, we expect a decrease in profits due to a worsening terms of trade with the removal of gains from the time-lag in PP compounds and an increase in repair and maintenance costs from scheduled maintenance. In ICT Solutions, we expect an increase in profits as the sales volume is projected to increase with the market recovery. And Basic & Green Materials, we expect a decrease in profits due to the elimination of inventory valuation gains and an increase in repair and maintenance costs.

Please see Page 22. This is the cash flow forecast for the first half of the year. Cash flow from operating activities is to be positive JPY 56.0 billion. Cash flow from investing activities is expected to be negative JPY 70.0 billion. As a result, free cash flow is expected to be negative JPY 14.0 billion.

That's all for the explanation about our financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 and our outlook for the first half of fiscal year 2024. We are working to fix the problem at the ethylene plant in Osaka to resume its operations. We will promptly disclose the impact on our performance as soon as it becomes clear.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.