Strengthening and expanding sales capabilities

「In the semiconductor-related field, investment in data center expansion accompanying the spread of generative AI remained robust, and demand for high-performance semiconductors (AI semiconductors) expanded. As a result, sales to customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment and to customers involved in equipment within data centers remained strong.」

「Under these economic conditions, our Group’s domestic sales to customers related to automobiles and automotive components stagnated as automotive companies took a cautious approach to capital investment due to the impact of U.S. tariff policies and other factors. Meanwhile, in the semiconductor sector, investment in data center expansion associated with the adoption of generative AI remained robust, driving growth in demand for high-performance semiconductors (AI semiconductors). As a result, sales to customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment and equipment installed in data centers remained strong. Overseas sales of industrial robots to customers involved in electronic components for various devices fell below the previous fiscal year against the backdrop of growing deflationary concerns and weak personal consumption in China. However, consolidated net sales remained at approximately the same level as the same period of the previous fiscal year due to the effect of the weaker yen on foreign currency translation.」

「当社グループの国内販売は、ＡＩ関連需要の急速な拡大に伴うデータセンターへの設備投資が旺盛に推移し、半導体製造装置関連の得意先や半導体以外の周辺設備に関連する得意先への販売が好調に推移いたしました。」

「Under these economic conditions, demand for high-performance semiconductors (AI semiconductors) remained steady, supported by the adoption of generative AI and expanding data center investment. However, demand for general-purpose memory for various devices recovered slowly, and sales related to semiconductors stagnated, affected by inventory adjustments throughout the supply chain for automotive power semiconductors. In addition, capital investment by automotive companies remained weak amid uncertainty over the outlook due to slower growth in the global EV (electric vehicle) market and U.S. tariff policies, resulting in a severe decline in sales to customers related to automobiles and automotive components, which fell significantly below the same period of the previous fiscal year. Overseas sales of industrial robots to customers involved in electronic components for various devices remained steady, despite continued concerns over a slowdown in China’s economy.」

「世界的なＥＶ（電気自動車）市場の成長鈍化や米国の関税政策等を巡る先行き不透明感から自動車関連企業の設備投資は低迷し、自動車・車載部品関連の得意先への売上は前年同期を大きく下回る厳しい結果となりました。」

「Under these economic conditions, our Group’s domestic sales to customers related to automobiles and automotive components fell below the same period of the previous fiscal year, as companies, particularly in the automotive sector, restrained capital investment in response to the impact of U.S. tariff policies and the global slowdown in the EV market. In the semiconductor sector, although the inventory adjustment phase for memory semiconductors continued, data center expansion associated with the adoption of generative AI remained robust, and demand for high-performance semiconductors (AI semiconductors) continued to expand. As a result, sales to customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment remained steady. Overseas sales of industrial robots to customers involved in electronic components for various devices remained strong, despite the continued weakness of China’s economy.」

「Under these economic conditions, our Group’s domestic sales saw semiconductor-related capital investment begin to recover, driven by the adoption of generative AI and increased investment in DX and data centers. Sales to customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment, our main business partners, remained on a recovery trend from the second half of the fiscal year. In the automotive industry, orders from customers related to automobiles and automotive components remained strong, supported by the adoption of hybrid vehicles and ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems). In addition, sales of FA equipment, including robots and automation systems, remained strong amid the shift toward automation and labor saving in response to rising labor costs and labor shortages. Overseas sales of FA equipment to customers involved in electronic components for various devices significantly exceeded the previous fiscal year, despite the continued slowdown in China’s economic growth.」

「The Group expected active medium- to long-term capital investment across the semiconductor market, including data center expansion accompanying the growth of information and communications technology and advances in generative AI. However, the recovery in demand for memory semiconductors remained delayed, and sales to some customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment were sluggish. Meanwhile, vehicle production was recovering, and orders from customers related to automobiles and automotive parts remained strong as domestic hybrid vehicles became more widespread and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) became increasingly standard equipment. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for various devices exceeded the previous fiscal year despite the continued weakness of the Chinese economy.」

「The recovery in demand for memory semiconductors remained delayed, and sales to customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment were sluggish. Meanwhile, sales of products for automotive production equipment were strong, supported by a recovery in vehicle sales and increased battery demand related to EVs and hybrid vehicles. In response to rising personnel expenses and labor shortages, sales of FA equipment, including robots and automation-system equipment, remained strong.」

「Although active medium- to long-term capital investment was expected across the semiconductor market as information and communications technology such as generative AI, 5G and IoT grew and data center capacity expanded, sales to customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment were sluggish due to the delayed recovery in demand for memory semiconductors. Meanwhile, sales of products for automotive production equipment remained resilient, supported by a recovery in vehicle sales and increased battery demand related to EVs and hybrid vehicles. In addition, the shift toward factory automation accelerated due to labor shortages, and sales of FA equipment, including collaborative robots, remained firm.」

「The Group expected active medium- to long-term capital investment across the semiconductor market, including data center construction and expansion accompanying the growth of information and communications technology. However, sales to customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment were sluggish due to the prolonged decline in demand for memory semiconductors and other products. Meanwhile, capital investment by automotive customers was strong, supported by the easing of the automotive semiconductor shortage and increased battery demand related to EVs and hybrid vehicles, and sales of related FA equipment remained resilient. Overseas, the slowdown in the Chinese economy depressed demand for devices such as smartphones, resulting in lower sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components.」

「The Group expected active medium- to long-term capital investment across the semiconductor market, including the construction and expansion of data centers accompanying the growth of information and communications technology. However, sales to customers producing semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment were sluggish due to the prolonged decline in demand for memory semiconductors and other products. Meanwhile, sales to automotive customers of industrial robots and mounters (surface-mount machines) remained firm, supported by the easing of the shortage of automotive semiconductors and continued capital investment related to electric vehicles.」

「Sales of industrial robots and automation systems in Japan remained firm, while automotive sales declined. Overseas, sales of industrial robots were sluggish and fell below the previous fiscal year due to lockdowns and a resurgence of infections in China and US-China friction.」

「In the Group's domestic sales, demand for semiconductors for smartphones and PCs stagnated, but demand for other semiconductors remained persistently high, and sales to customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment remained strong. Sales of industrial robots and automation systems also remained firm due to increased demand for automation equipment amid labor shortages and strengthened sales capabilities. Sales to automotive customers declined due in part to the semiconductor shortage and higher raw material prices, although capital investment related to electric vehicles continued to expand. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for smartphones and sales to customers involved in automobile production were sluggish and fell below the previous year due to lockdowns and the subsequent resurgence of infections in China, as well as US-China friction over semiconductors.」

「Sales to customers producing semiconductor manufacturing equipment remained strong due to the continuing global semiconductor shortage. Sales of industrial robots and related FA equipment also remained firm, supported by capital investment in the high-speed 5G communications standard and increased demand for automation equipment amid labor shortages. Sales to automotive customers had been sluggish due to the semiconductor shortage and higher raw material prices, but have gradually begun to recover. Overseas sales to customers related to electronic components for smartphones and to customers involved in automobile production were sluggish due to lockdowns in China.」

「The Group's domestic sales to customers producing semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment remained strong due to the continuing global semiconductor shortage. Sales to customers related to smartphones also remained firm as capital investment in the high-speed 5G communications standard continued. Meanwhile, recovery in sales to automotive customers slowed due to the impact of the semiconductor shortage, although capital investment related to electric vehicles continued to expand. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for smartphones fell below the previous year's level but remained high. Profit declined slightly due to higher personnel expenses.」

「The Group's domestic sales to customers producing semiconductors, semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment, and electronic components remained strong throughout the year due to heightened semiconductor demand. In addition, capital investment in automation equipment and systems to improve productivity expanded across all industries, and sales to customers in the electrical and machinery equipment manufacturing industries were substantially above the previous fiscal year. However, the supply-demand balance for some products became tight due to the semiconductor shortage and difficulty procuring parts caused by supply-chain disruptions, resulting in longer delivery times to customers. The recovery in vehicle production was also delayed, and sales to customers related to automobiles and automotive parts remained below the previous year. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for smartphones remained strong, as in the previous fiscal year.」

「Against this economic backdrop, the Group's sales to customers producing electronic components, semiconductors, and semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment remained strong due to rising semiconductor demand. In addition, demand for automation equipment and systems increased across all industries to improve productivity amid labor shortages, and sales to customers in the electrical and machinery manufacturing industries were substantially above the same period of the previous year. Meanwhile, sales to customers related to automobiles and automotive parts remained sluggish as the recovery in vehicle production was delayed by the semiconductor shortage and difficulty procuring parts.」

「The Group's domestic sales to customers producing semiconductors and semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment remained strong. Sales to customers related to electronic components such as smartphones also increased as companies continued to promote digital transformation and invest in 5G. However, capital investment by customers related to automobiles and automotive parts slowed due to the semiconductor shortage and parts shortages resulting from suspended overseas production during the COVID-19 pandemic, and sales remained below the previous year's level. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for smartphones in China remained strong.」

「The Group's domestic sales to customers producing semiconductors and semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment remained strong against a backdrop of the global semiconductor shortage. Investment in the next-generation 5G communications standard also continued, increasing sales to customers related to smartphones. However, capital investment by customers related to automobiles and automotive parts slowed from the previous year due to the semiconductor shortage, and sales to those customers remained below the previous year's level. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for smartphones in China remained strong.」

「The Group's domestic sales were supported by accelerated investment in data centers as telework and web conferencing spread as measures against COVID-19, while investment in 5G, a high-speed communications standard, also began. As a result, orders from customers related to semiconductors and semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment recovered. Although large equipment orders from some customers related to automobiles and automotive parts continued, domestic sales overall remained below the previous year due to the impact of COVID-19. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for smartphones in China remained strong.」

「The Group's domestic sales were supported by expansion in the semiconductor market resulting from investment in digitalization associated with the spread of telework and investment in 5G, and orders from customers related to semiconductors and semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment were recovering. Sales of equipment to some customers related to automobiles and automotive parts continued, but overall sales remained slightly below the previous year due to the impact of COVID-19. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for smartphones in China stalled in the third quarter, although orders and inquiries remained strong.」

「The Group's domestic sales were supported by increased investment in digitalization associated with the spread of telework, and orders from customers related to semiconductors and semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment gradually recovered. Although customers related to automobiles and automotive parts were affected overall by COVID-19, sales of equipment to some customers continued and remained above the previous year's pace. Overseas, sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components for smartphones in China remained strong.」

「Against this economic backdrop, the Group's domestic sales to customers related to semiconductors and semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment recovered as the semiconductor market began to revive, supported by the recovery in investment in data centers. However, orders from customers related to automobiles and automotive parts declined significantly due to the major impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overseas, demand for smartphones in China remained strong, and sales of industrial robots to customers related to electronic components remained firm.」

「Against this economic backdrop, the Group's domestic sales were affected by an environment in which vehicle shipments were below the previous year. However, sales to some customers related to automobiles and automotive parts remained strong, supported by the introduction of next-generation automotive technologies (CASE). Sales to customers related to semiconductors, semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment, and electronic components declined due to restrained capital investment by semiconductor-related companies and weaker smartphone demand.」

「Against this economic backdrop, sales to customers related to automobiles and automotive parts remained strong, supported by the introduction of next-generation automotive technologies (CASE). However, capital investment continued to decline, particularly among customers related to semiconductors, semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment, and electronic components, due to the slowdown in the semiconductor market and weak smartphone sales, resulting in Group-wide performance below the previous fiscal year.」

「Against this economic backdrop, orders from customers related to automobiles and automotive parts remained firm, supported by the introduction of next-generation automotive technologies. However, capital investment declined, particularly among customers related to semiconductors, semiconductor and LCD manufacturing equipment, and electronic components, due to the prolonged US-China trade friction and slower growth in the semiconductor market, resulting in Group-wide performance below the previous fiscal year. As a result, net sales were ¥12,169 million, down 15.3% year on year, operating profit was ¥614 million, down 36.6%, ordinary profit was ¥677 million, down 34.1%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥462 million, down 34.8%.」

「Against this economic backdrop, orders from customers related to automobiles and automotive parts remained strong, supported by the introduction of next-generation automotive technologies and the spread of EVs and hybrid vehicles. However, sales to customers related to semiconductors, LCD manufacturing equipment and smartphones declined significantly due to the impact of US-China trade friction and slower growth in the semiconductor market, resulting in Group-wide performance below the previous fiscal year.」

「Domestic sales were affected by slower growth in the semiconductor market, but capital investment by customers related to automobiles and automotive parts, electronic components and batteries remained strong, and the Group actively expanded sales of control equipment, FA equipment and industrial equipment to those customers.」

「Against this economic backdrop, the Group actively expanded sales of control equipment, FA equipment and industrial equipment for capital investment by customers in its key markets: electronic components, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, precision equipment, and automobiles and automotive parts.」

「Against this economic backdrop, the Group actively promoted sales of control equipment, FA equipment and industrial equipment, focusing on customers in industries related to electronic components and precision equipment, where capital investment for higher-performance smartphones continued; automobiles and automotive parts, where development for electrification and safety-driving functions was progressing; and semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, where demand continued to grow with the advance of IoT (the Internet of Things).」

「Against this economic backdrop, the Group actively expanded sales of control equipment, FA equipment and industrial equipment for capital investment by customers in its key markets: electronic components, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, precision equipment, and automobiles and automotive parts.」

「Under these economic conditions, the Group actively expanded sales, focusing on customers related to smartphones and tablet devices, whose adoption continued to grow in Japan and overseas, customers related to semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, where demand for promoting the shift to IoT (the Internet of Things) was strong, and customers related to automobiles and automotive parts, where technological development to promote the adoption of ASVs (Advanced Safety Vehicles) was progressing.」

「Under these circumstances, the Group actively pursued sales across the board, focusing on customers related to semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, where demand driven by the shift to IoT (the Internet of Things) was strong across all industries, and customers related to automobiles and automotive parts, where energy-saving and ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) technology development continued.」

「Against this economic backdrop, the Group actively expanded sales across the board of control equipment, FA equipment and industrial equipment, focusing on customers related to domestic and overseas smartphones and tablet devices, where demand for capital investment in automation and labor saving continued, customers related to automobiles and automotive parts, and customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment, where capital investment driven by IoT (the Internet of Things) demand for labor saving and automation in Japan had begun to recover for the first time in some time.」

「Against this economic backdrop, despite the sluggish domestic manufacturing sector, the Group actively promoted sales across the board of FA equipment, control equipment and industrial equipment, focusing not only on domestic customers related to automobiles and automotive parts and domestic and overseas customers related to smartphones and tablet devices, but also on customers related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment, where signs of a recovery had emerged, and organic EL displays, where practical applications had begun, based on firm demand for capital investment in automation and labor saving.」

「Against this economic backdrop, the Group expanded sales primarily to customers related to smartphones and tablet devices, for which demand remained relatively firm in Japan, as well as to customers related to organic EL displays, which were moving from development toward practical application, and to customers related to automobiles and automotive parts, for which exports remained firm. The Group also actively promoted sales of control equipment and industrial equipment, centered on FA equipment required for automation and labor saving at manufacturing sites in all industries, both in Japan and overseas.」

「The Group promoted sales of FA equipment and other products required for capital investment by customers in the automotive and automotive-parts industries, where exports remained firm, to support the increased use of electronic vehicle equipment for improved safety-system functionality. At the same time, as technological innovation for IoT progressed across domestic and overseas industries, the Group expanded sales of the latest FA equipment, control equipment and industrial equipment, which are essential for automation and labor saving at production sites across all industries.」

「(1) Strengthening and expanding sales capabilities」