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

(Mark One)

  ¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(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, 2009

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

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                                 

Commission file number: 1-8320

KABUSHIKI KAISHA HITACHI SEISAKUSHO

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Hitachi, Ltd.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Japan

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

6-6, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku,

Tokyo 100-8280, Japan

(Address of principal executive offices)

Legal Division; +81-3-3258-1111; +81-3-4564-2148; 6-6, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8280, Japan

(Name, Telephone, Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

American depositary shares, or ADSs, each of which represents ten shares of common stock

  New York Stock Exchange

Common stock without par value

    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.

As of March 31, 2009, the number of outstanding shares of common stock was 3,324,152,092**.

* Not for trading, but only for technical purposes in connection with the listing of the ADSs.

** The number of outstanding shares of common stock excludes the number of shares of common stock held by Hitachi, Ltd. and its subsidiary.

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

x Yes                   ¨ No

If this report is an annual or transition 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                   x No

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.

 

x Yes                   ¨ 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 files).

 

¨ Yes                   ¨ 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:

 

  x U.S. GAAP

 

  ¨ 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                   x No

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Certain statements found in this annual report may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such “forward-looking statements” reflect management’s current views with respect to certain future events and financial performance and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and similar expressions which indicate future events and trends may identify “forward-looking statements.” Such statements are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in the “forward-looking statements” and from historical trends. Certain “forward-looking statements” are based upon current assumptions of future events which may not prove to be accurate. Undue reliance should not be placed on “forward-looking statements,” as such statements speak only as of the date of this annual report.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any “forward-looking statement” and from historical trends include, but are not limited to:

 

 

economic conditions, including consumer spending and plant and equipment investments in Hitachi’s major markets, particularly Japan, Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as levels of demand in the major industrial sectors which Hitachi serves, including, without limitation, the information, electronics, automotive, construction and financial sectors;

 

 

fluctuations in product demand and industry capacity, particularly in the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment, the Electronic Devices segment and the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment;

 

 

increased commoditization of information technology products and digital media related products and intensifying price competition for such products, particularly in the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment, the Electronic Devices segment and the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment;

 

 

uncertainty as to Hitachi’s ability to continue to develop and market products that incorporate new technology on a timely and cost-effective basis and to achieve market acceptance for such products;

 

 

rapid technological innovation, particularly in the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment, the Electronic Devices segment and the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment;

 

 

exchange rate fluctuation for the yen and other currencies in which Hitachi makes significant sales or in which Hitachi’s assets and liabilities are denominated, particularly against the U.S. dollar and the euro;

 

 

fluctuations in the price of raw materials including, without limitation, petroleum and other materials, such as copper, steel, aluminum and synthetic resins;

 

 

uncertainty as to Hitachi’s ability to implement measures to reduce the potential negative impact of fluctuations in product demand, exchange rate and/or price of raw materials;

 

 

general socio-economic and political conditions and the regulatory and trade environment of Hitachi’s major markets, particularly Japan, Asia, the United States and Europe, including, without limitation, direct or indirect restrictions by other nations on imports, or differences in commercial and business customs including, without limitation, contract terms and conditions and labor relations;

 

 

uncertainty as to Hitachi’s access to, or ability to protect, certain intellectual property rights, particularly those related to electronics and data processing technologies;

 

 

uncertainty as to the outcome of litigation, regulatory investigations and other legal proceedings of which the Company, its subsidiaries or its equity method affiliates have become or may become parties;

 

 

the possibility of incurring expenses resulting from any defects in products or services of Hitachi;

 

 

uncertainty as to the success of restructuring efforts to improve management efficiency and to strengthen competitiveness;

 

 

uncertainty as to the success of alliances upon which Hitachi depends, some of which Hitachi may not control, with other corporations in the design and development of certain key products;

 

 

uncertainty as to Hitachi’s ability to access, or access on favorable terms, liquidity or long-term financing; and

 

 

uncertainty as to general market price levels for equity securities in Japan, declines in which may require Hitachi to write down equity securities it holds.

The factors listed above are not all-inclusive and are in addition to other factors contained elsewhere in this annual report and in other materials published by Hitachi.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS, CONVENTIONS AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   ii

PART I

   1

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

   1

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

   1

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

   1

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

   8

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

   21

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

   21

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

   47

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   58

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   60

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

   62

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   64

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   72

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

   78

PART II

   79

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

   79

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   79

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   79

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

   80

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

   80

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

   81

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

   81

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

   82

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

   82

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

   82

PART III

   84

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   84

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   84

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

   84

SIGNATURES

   85

EXHIBIT INDEX

   86

 

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CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS, CONVENTIONS AND

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “Company” refers to Hitachi, Ltd. and the term “Hitachi” refers to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on March 31. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 is sometimes referred to in this annual report as “fiscal 2008,” and other fiscal years may be referred to in a corresponding manner. References to years not specified as fiscal years are to calendar years.

The consolidated financial statements of Hitachi, except for segment information, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, all amounts in such financial statements are expressed in Japanese yen.

References in this annual report to “yen” or “¥” are to Japanese yen, references to “US$,” “$” or “U.S. dollars” are to United States dollars and references to ST£ are to United Kingdom sterling pounds.

References in this annual report to the “Financial Instruments and Exchange Law” or the “Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan” are to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan which became effective as of September 30, 2007 and other laws and regulations amending and/or supplementing the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan.

References in this annual report to the “Securities and Exchange Law” or the “Securities and Exchange Law of Japan” are to the former Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and other laws and regulations amending and/or supplementing the former Securities and Exchange Law of Japan which have been revised or abolished when the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law took effect.

References in this annual report to the “Companies Act” or the “Japanese Companies Act” are to the Japanese Companies Act and other laws and regulations amending and/or supplementing the Japanese Companies Act.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

A. Selected Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial information has been derived from Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements as of each of the dates and for each of the periods indicated below. This information should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in this annual report. Translation of dividend amounts into U.S. dollars is based on the noon buying rates for Japanese yen in New York City for cable transfers as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at each respective payment date.

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009  
     (Millions of yen, except per share amounts and number of shares issued)  

Total revenues

   9,027,043      9,464,801      10,247,903      11,226,735      10,000,369   

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests

   264,506      274,864      202,338      324,782      (289,871

Net income (loss)

   51,496      37,320      (32,799   (58,125   (787,337

Per common share:

          

Net income (loss)

          

Basic

   15.53      11.20      (9.84   (17.48   (236.86

Diluted

   15.15      10.84      (9.87   (17.77   (236.87

Cash dividends declared

   11.00      11.00      6.00      6.00      3.00   
   ($0.105   ($0.094   ($0.051   ($0.057   ($0.031

Cash and cash equivalents

   708,715      658,255      617,866      560,960      807,926   

Short-term investments

   146,568      162,756      33,986      61,289      8,654   

Total assets

   9,736,247      10,021,195      10,644,259      10,530,847      9,403,709   

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

   1,183,474      1,000,555      1,197,607      1,109,899      1,530,457   

Long-term debt

   1,319,032      1,418,489      1,489,843      1,421,607      1,289,652   

Minority interests

   921,052      1,036,807      1,073,749      1,142,508      1,129,401   

Stockholders’ equity

   2,307,831      2,507,773      2,442,797      2,170,612      1,049,951   

Common stock

   282,033      282,033      282,033      282,033      282,033   

Number of shares issued (thousand shares)

   3,368,126      3,368,126      3,368,126      3,368,126      3,368,126   

Number of shares outstanding (thousand shares)

   3,331,577      3,330,845      3,325,160      3,324,398      3,324,152   

Note: See note 2(i) to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements for information regarding accounting change.

 

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The following table provides the noon buying rates for Japanese yen in New York City for cable transfers as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The average rate means the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during a fiscal year.

 

     Yen exchange rates per U.S. dollar

Year ended March 31, except month data

   Average    High    Low

2005

   ¥ 107.28    114.30    102.26

2006

     113.67    120.93    104.41

2007

     116.55    121.81    110.07

2008

     113.61    124.09    96.88

2009

     100.85    110.48    87.80

January 2009

     —      94.20    87.80

February 2009

     —      98.55    89.09

March 2009

     —      99.34    93.85

April 2009

     —      100.71    96.49

May 2009

     —      99.24    94.45

June 2009

     —      98.56    95.19

July 2009 (through July 17)

     —      96.41    92.33

On July 17, 2009, the yen exchange rate per U.S. dollar was 94.08 yen per $1.

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

Hitachi operates in a broad range of business fields, conducts business on a global scale, and utilizes sophisticated specialized technologies to carry on its operations. It is therefore exposed to risks attributable to the economic environment, risks inherent in individual industrial sectors and business lines, and risks related to operations. Investments in Hitachi’s securities also involve risks.

Although certain risks that may affect Hitachi’s businesses are listed in this section, the list is not exhaustive. Hitachi’s businesses may in the future also be affected by other risks that are currently unknown or that are not currently considered as significant as those described in this section. The items set forth in this section contain forward-looking statements as described in the “Cautionary Statement” in this annual report.

Certain of the risk factors that may affect Hitachi are set out below.

Risks Related to Economic Environment

Economic recession

During fiscal 2008, the global economy saw the U.S. sub-prime loan problem escalate into a worldwide financial crisis, triggered by the collapse of a major U.S. investment bank in September 2008. The turmoil in the financial markets then spread to the world economy as a whole, causing rapid economic downturns in most industrialized countries. Japan, in particular, witnessed a rapid economic downturn due to a decline in exports and a corresponding decline in private-sector investment, as well as a fall in consumer demand. The Japanese economy shrank by 3.8 percent, or an annualized 14.2 percent, in the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 

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Hitachi’s revenues declined in all segments over fiscal 2008, but especially in the Power & Industrial Systems segment, the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment and the High Functional Materials & Components segment, in tandem with rapidly falling demand for automobiles, semiconductors, industrial equipment and other products. The deteriorating market and economic conditions which led to this fall in demand, including declines in real estate and equity values, rising worldwide unemployment, tightened credit markets, depressed consumer confidence and weak housing markets, are not likely to improve significantly during fiscal 2009 and may continue past fiscal 2009 and may get worse. On a segment-by-segment basis, Hitachi expects the following impact:

 

   

Information & Telecommunication Systems. Domestic businesses and financial institutions that purchase computer systems and systems integration services from Hitachi have been affected by the economic downturn, and may seek to control costs in part by canceling or deferring investment in information technology systems, with consequent adverse impact on sales of Hitachi’s products and services. The economic conditions have already affected Hitachi’s hard disk drive (“HDD”) volumes, and may continue. Industry consolidation may also, in the near term, lead to more robust competition from other HDD makers.

 

   

Electronic Devices. Sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment have been adversely affected by reduced capital spending by manufacturers in the semiconductor industry. Semiconductor manufacturers may continue to restrain capital spending in fiscal 2009, with adverse impact on sales of Hitachi’s products.

 

   

Power & Industrial Systems. Sales of automotive equipment have been severely affected by the worldwide collapse in demand for automobiles. Sales of construction machinery have also been severely affected by the worldwide decline in demand for residential and private-sector investment. These trends may not improve or may even worsen in fiscal 2009, with adverse impact on sales of Hitachi’s automotive equipment and construction machinery.

 

   

Digital Media & Consumer Products. Sales are depressed due to restrained consumer spending in most markets. High-end TV models, which Hitachi focuses on, are experiencing declines in both volume and price due to restrained consumer spending and product commoditization. The restrained consumer spending may continue or even worsen, with adverse impact on sales of Hitachi’s consumer products such as flat-panel TVs. Sales of optical disk drives have been adversely affected by the worldwide economic downturn. The reduced demand for optical disk drives may continue in fiscal 2009, with adverse impact on sales of Hitachi’s products.

 

   

High Functional Materials & Components. Sales, particularly of semiconductor-related materials and automotive-related components, have been depressed due to reduced production volume by manufacturers in the semiconductor and automotive industries, and such production volume may be lower yet in fiscal 2009, with adverse impact on sales of Hitachi’s products.

 

   

Logistics, Services & Others. Sales, particularly in overseas sales subsidiaries, have been depressed due to an overall reduced level of economic activity. Such economic downturn may continue in fiscal 2009, with adverse impact on sales by overseas sales subsidiaries and on sales in the logistics business.

 

   

Financial Services. Revenues, particularly in the leasing business for industrial equipment have been depressed due to reduced levels of capital spending for these services, and the reduced capital spending may continue in fiscal 2009, with adverse impact on sales in the leasing business.

These downturns have been characterized by reduced product demand, manufacturing overcapacity and resulting impairment losses on long-lived assets, and lower average selling prices. If adverse economic conditions continue, Hitachi’s revenues may decrease as mentioned above, with adverse impact on its profitability. In addition, Hitachi may in the current and future periods be required to record additional impairment losses on its long-lived assets, including facilities and equipment, as well as intangible assets, which would increase its expenses. Hitachi could be required to write off inventory, which would have a negative impact on its gross margin. Factory-planning decisions may shorten the useful lives of long-lived assets, including facilities and equipment, and cause Hitachi to accelerate depreciation. In addition, Hitachi may take restructuring measures in addition to those taken in recent periods, including reorganizing production bases and reducing its workforce, to reduce fixed costs to respond to reduced demand levels, which would involve associated expenses.

Marketable securities risks

Hitachi owns marketable securities that are exposed to stock market risks. Declines in stock market prices may require Hitachi to write down equity securities that it holds, which may have an adverse effect on Hitachi’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Access to liquidity and long-term financing

Hitachi’s primary sources of funds are cash flows from operations, borrowings from banks and other institutional lenders, and funding from the capital markets, such as offerings of commercial paper and other debt securities. Hitachi needs liquid funds to pay operating expenses, interest on its debt and dividends on its capital stock. Hitachi believes its cash flows from operations, borrowings from banks and other institutional lenders, and funding from the capital markets can provide sufficient funding for its operations and other liquidity needs.

However, the global economic recession is adversely affecting Hitachi’s cash flows from operations, business results and financial condition, which has had an adverse effect on Hitachi’s credit ratings. Moody’s downgraded Hitachi’s long-term credit rating from A1 to A2 in February 2009, and downgraded Hitachi’s long-term and short-term credit ratings from A2 to A3 and from P-1 to P-2, respectively, in May 2009. In June 2009, S&P downgraded Hitachi’s long-term credit rating from A- to BBB+, and R&I downgraded Hitachi’s long-term and short-term credit ratings from AA- to A+ and from a-1+ to a-1, respectively. Past and potential future rating downgrades, in conjunction with uncertainty as to the stability of the financial markets, may adversely affect Hitachi’s ability to obtain additional financing on favorable terms. Hitachi may need to increase its reliance on external sources of funding. An increased reliance on debt instruments may further adversely affect Hitachi’s credit ratings, which might further affect Hitachi’s ability to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms.

Furthermore, failure of one or more of Hitachi’s major lenders, a decision by one or more of them to stop lending to Hitachi or instability in the capital markets could have an adverse impact on Hitachi’s access to funding.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations

Since Hitachi conducts business in many foreign countries, the portion of its assets and liabilities that are denominated in various currencies is exposed to risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, Hitachi exports products and imports raw materials in local currencies, principally the U.S. dollar and the euro. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affect Hitachi’s financial results, which are reported in Japanese yen. A strong yen, for example, reduces the price competitiveness of products exported to foreign markets and diminishes profit by decreasing revenues. While Hitachi takes measures to reduce the risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, there can be no assurance that such measures will succeed.

Risks Related to Industrial Sectors and Business Lines

Intense competition

The industrial sectors and business lines in which Hitachi is engaged are experiencing increasingly intense competition. Hitachi competes with diverse competitors ranging from huge global corporations to specialized companies. Competitors are increasingly manufacturing products, including sophisticated electronic products, in low-cost jurisdictions. Low cost manufacturing and the globalization of the world markets have accelerated the commoditization of certain products, which has resulted in increasingly intense price competition for many of Hitachi’s products. Products which are facing intense price competition or decreases in prices include computer-related products, such as HDDs, disk array subsystems and optical disk drives, semiconductors, liquid crystal displays (“LCDs”), digital media products such as flat-panel TVs and home appliances. To succeed in this competitive environment, Hitachi believes that its products and services must be competitive in terms of price, engineering sophistication, quality and brand value and that such products and services must be introduced to the markets in a timely manner. Hitachi cannot be certain that the products or services that it offers will be competitive, and should such products or services fail to be competitive, Hitachi’s business results may be negatively affected.

Rapid technological innovation

New technologies are rapidly emerging in the segments in which Hitachi does business, with the pace of technological innovation being especially notable in the fields of information systems, electronics and digital media. The development of new and advanced technologies; the continuous, timely and cost-effective incorporation of such technologies into products and services; and the effective marketing of such products and services are indispensable to remaining competitive. While introducing such products and services requires a significant commitment to research and development, there can be no assurance that Hitachi’s research and development will be successful. Should Hitachi fail in its endeavors to develop and incorporate such advanced technologies into products and services, or achieve market acceptance for such products and services, the results of operations of related Hitachi businesses may be negatively affected.

 

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Material and component procurement

Hitachi’s manufacturing operations rely on third parties for supplies of materials, parts, components and services of adequate quality and quantity and delivered in a timely manner. External suppliers may have other customers and may not have sufficient capacity to meet all of the needs of such customers during periods of excess demand. Shortages of materials, parts, components and services may cause a sharp rise in their prices. Prices of certain raw materials, parts and components that Hitachi purchases, such as petroleum products, copper, aluminum and semiconductor memory chips, are extremely volatile. Increases in the price of petroleum and other materials, such as copper, steel and synthetic resins, can increase Hitachi’s production costs and may adversely affect its results of operations. Conversely, decreases in commodity prices can result in write-downs of inventory. Although, in general, Hitachi maintains multiple sources of supply and works closely with its suppliers to avoid supply-related problems, such problems including shortages and delays may occur, which could materially harm Hitachi’s business.

Supply and demand balance

Oversupply in the markets in which Hitachi competes may lead to declines in sales prices and revenues and adversely affect Hitachi’s performance. In addition, Hitachi may be forced to dispose of excess supply or obsolete equipment or reduce production to adjust to demand, which can cause Hitachi losses. For example, market demand for HDDs has been volatile, and unexpected decline in demand and oversupply could result in a sharp decline in unit prices of HDDs. The semiconductor industry and the LCD industry, in particular, are highly cyclical, and cyclical downturns are characterized by sharp declines in prices and overcapacity. These businesses conducted primarily by subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company may be negatively affected by oversupply in the global markets.

Risks Related to Operations

Dependence on specially skilled personnel

Hitachi believes it can continue to remain competitive only if it can maintain and secure additional people who are highly skilled in the fields of management and technology. However, the number of skilled personnel is limited and the competition for attracting and maintaining such personnel is intense, particularly in the information technology industry. Hitachi cannot ensure that it will be able to successfully attract new or maintain its current skilled personnel.

Acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances

In every operating sector, Hitachi depends to some degree on acquisitions of other companies, joint ventures and strategic alliances with outside partners to design and develop key new technologies and products and to strengthen competitiveness. Such transactions are inherently risky, including because of the difficulties in integrating operations, technologies, products and personnel. Integration issues are complex, time-consuming and expensive and, without proper planning and implementation, could adversely affect Hitachi’s business. The success of alliances may also be adversely affected by decisions or performance of alliance partners that Hitachi cannot control or by adverse business trends. Hitachi may incur significant acquisition, administrative and other costs in connection with these transactions, including costs related to integration or restructuring of acquired businesses. There can be no assurance that these transactions will be beneficial to Hitachi’s business or financial condition. Even assuming these transactions are beneficial, there can be no assurance that Hitachi will be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses or achieve all or any of the initial objectives of these transactions.

Restructuring of business

Hitachi is continuing to restructure its business to improve management efficiency and strengthen competitiveness by increasing its focus on targeted businesses investment, research and development; closing unprofitable operations; divesting its subsidiaries and affiliated companies; reorganizing production bases and sales networks; and reducing its workforce. There can be no assurance that Hitachi’s efforts will be successful. In addition, significant costs have been and may continue to be incurred in connection with these efforts, including costs related to the restructuring of businesses, impairment losses, losses on the disposal of fixed assets and losses related to the sale of securities, that may adversely affect Hitachi’s financial results and condition. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Restructuring” for additional information. Restructuring measures may be constrained or plans may not be implemented in a timely manner due to governmental regulations, employment issues and a lack of demand in the M&A market for businesses Hitachi may seek to sell. Moreover, Hitachi may not achieve all of the objectives of these actions.

 

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Business activities in overseas markets

Hitachi seeks to expand its business in overseas markets as part of its business strategy. Through such overseas expansion, Hitachi aims to increase its revenues, reduce its costs and improve its profitability. Hitachi’s overseas business activities may be adversely affected by various factors in foreign countries where it operates, including changes in regulations relating to investments, export, tariffs, antitrust, anti-bribery, consumer and business taxation, intellectual property, foreign trade and exchange controls, and environmental and recycling requirements; differences in commercial and business customs such as contract terms and conditions; labor relations; public sentiment against Japan; and other political and social factors as well as economic trends and currency exchange rate fluctuations. There can be no assurance that Hitachi will be able to achieve all or any of the initial aims of its strategy.

Intellectual property

Hitachi depends in part on intellectual property rights covering its products, product design and manufacturing processes. Hitachi owns or licenses a large number of intellectual property rights and, when Hitachi believes it is necessary or desirable, obtains additional licenses for the use of other parties’ intellectual property rights. If Hitachi fails to protect, maintain or obtain such rights, its performance and ability to compete may be adversely affected. In addition, since intellectual property litigation is costly and unpredictable, Hitachi’s efforts to protect its intellectual property rights or to defend itself against claims relating to intellectual property rights made by others, including employee-inventors, could impose considerable or unexpected expenses on Hitachi.

Litigation and regulatory investigations

Hitachi faces risks of litigation and regulatory investigation and actions in connection with its operations. Lawsuits, including regulatory actions, may seek recovery of very large, indeterminate amounts or limit Hitachi’s operations, and their existence and magnitude may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. A substantial legal liability or regulatory action could have a material adverse effect on Hitachi’s business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, reputation and credibility. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal Proceedings” for additional information.

Product quality and liability

Hitachi increasingly provides products and services utilizing sophisticated and complicated technologies, including but not limited to components of nuclear power stations. Reliance on external suppliers reduces Hitachi’s control over quality assurance. There is a risk that defects may occur in Hitachi’s products and services. The occurrence of such defects could negatively affect Hitachi’s reputation for quality products, expose Hitachi to liability for damages caused by such defects and negatively affect Hitachi’s ability to sell certain products. Even a single significant product defect could materially and adversely affect Hitachi’s results of operations, financial condition and future business prospects. In September 2008, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the Company seeking compensation for the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in the amount of ¥41.8 billion plus interest. In May 2009, Hokuriku Electric Power Company filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the Company seeking compensation for the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Shika Nuclear Power Station in the amount of ¥20.2 billion plus interest. Although the Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these lawsuits, there can be no assurance that Hitachi will not be liable for any amount claimed. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Description of Industry Segments — Power & Industrial Systems,” “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — D. Trend Information” and “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal Proceedings.”

 

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Risks of natural disasters and similar events

Portions of Hitachi’s facilities, including its research and development facilities, manufacturing facilities and the Company’s headquarters, are located in Japan, where seismic activity is frequent. Large earthquakes or other significant natural disasters could have a negative impact on Hitachi’s operating activities, results of operations and financial condition.

Information security

With the increased importance of information systems to Hitachi’s operating activities, disruptions in such information systems, due to computer viruses and other factors, could have a negative impact on Hitachi’s operating activities, results of operations and financial condition. Hitachi holds personal information, confidential information and information relating to the technology, R&D, production, marketing and business operations of Hitachi and its customers and clients in various forms such as information systems, digital storage media or papers. Although Hitachi seeks to protect the confidentiality of such information, any leakage of such information could have a negative impact on Hitachi’s operating activities, results of operations, financial condition, reputation and credibility.

Governmental regulations

Hitachi’s business activities are subject to various governmental regulations in countries where it operates, which include investment approvals, export regulations, tariffs, antitrust, anti-bribery, intellectual property, consumer and business taxation, foreign trade and exchange controls, and environmental and recycling requirements. Significant changes in such regulations may limit Hitachi’s business activities or increase operating costs. In addition, the enforcement of such regulations, including the imposition of fines or surcharges for violation of such regulations, may adversely affect Hitachi’s results of operations, financial conditions, cash flows, reputation and credibility. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal Proceedings” for additional information.

Retirement benefits

Hitachi has a significant amount of employee retirement benefit costs which are derived from actuarial valuations based on a number of assumptions. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions used in estimating pension costs including mortality, withdrawal, retirement, changes in compensation, discount rate and expected return on plan assets. Hitachi is required to make judgments regarding the key assumptions by taking into account various factors including personnel demographics, market conditions and expected trends in interest rates. Although management believes that its key assumptions are reasonable in light of the various underlying factors, there can be no assurance that the key assumptions will correspond to actual results. If the Company’s key assumptions differ from actual results, the consequent deviation of actual pension costs from estimated costs may have a material adverse effect on Hitachi’s financial condition and results of operations. A decrease in the discount rate results in an increase in actuarial pension benefit obligations. Increases and decreases in the pension benefit obligations affect the amount of the actuarial gain or loss which is amortized into income over the service lives of employees. In addition, the Company may change these key assumptions, such as the discount rate or the expected return on plan assets. Changes in key assumptions may also have a material adverse effect on Hitachi’s financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Hitachi’s American Depositary Shares

Unit shares

The Japanese Companies Act allows companies to establish a “unit” of shares for the purpose of exercising voting rights at the general meetings of shareholders. Under the articles of incorporation of the Company, one unit of the Company’s shares is comprised of 1,000 shares, equivalent to 100 American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”). Each unit of the Company’s shares has one vote. A holder who owns shares or ADSs in other than multiples of 1,000 or 100, respectively, will own less than a whole unit (i.e., for the portion constituting fewer than 1,000 shares, or fewer than 100 ADSs). The articles of incorporation of the Company, in accordance with the Japanese Companies Act, imposes significant restrictions on the rights of holders of shares constituting less than a whole unit, which include restrictions on the right to vote, to attend a shareholders meeting and to bring derivative actions. In addition, less than whole unit shares cannot be traded on Japanese stock markets. Under the unit share system, holders of the Company’s shares constituting less than one unit have the right to require the Company to purchase their shares and the right to require the Company to sell them additional shares to create a whole unit of 1,000 shares. However, holders of the Company’s ADSs are unable to withdraw underlying shares representing less than one unit and, as a practical matter, are unable to require the Company to purchase those underlying shares. The unit share system, however, does not affect the transferability of ADSs, which may be transferred in lots of any number of whole ADSs.

 

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Foreign exchange fluctuations

Market prices for the ADSs may fall if the value of the yen declines against the dollar. In addition, the amount of cash dividends or other cash payments made to holders of ADSs will decline if the value of the yen declines against the dollar.

Rights of ADS holders

The rights of shareholders under Japanese law to take actions, including voting their shares, receiving dividends and distributions, bringing derivative actions, examining the Company’s accounting books and records and exercising appraisal rights are available only to shareholders 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 vote the shares underlying ADSs in accordance with the instructions of ADS holders and will pay dividends and distributions collected from the Company as and to the extent provided in the deposit agreement. However, ADS holders will not be able to bring derivative actions, examine the Company’s accounting books and records, or exercise appraisal rights through the depositary.

The Company is incorporated in Japan with limited liability. A significant portion of the assets of the Company is located outside the United States. As a result, it may be more difficult for investors to enforce against the Company judgments obtained in U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or judgments obtained in other courts outside Japan. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Japanese courts, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of civil liabilities predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A. History and Development of the Company

The Company was founded in 1910 as a small electric repair shop and was incorporated as Hitachi, Ltd. (Kabushiki Kaisha Hitachi Seisakusho), a joint stock corporation, in 1920 under the laws of Japan. Its registered office is located at 6-6, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8280, Japan. The telephone number of the Company’s principal executive office is +81-3-3258-1111.

Over the years, Hitachi has broadened the horizon of its research as well as its business activities to develop a highly diversified product mix ranging from electricity generation systems to consumer products and electronic devices. Hitachi has grown into one of Japan’s largest diversified manufacturers of electronic and electrical products. With its diverse product lines, Hitachi maintains a significant presence in each of the major markets it serves, which together make Hitachi one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electronic products. With its emphasis on research and development and its ability to combine a wide range of technologies, Hitachi continues to strive to provide the world with products that meet the changing needs of its customers.

In order to establish a stable and profitable business structure, Hitachi is making an effort to realign its business portfolio, which may be implemented by exiting certain businesses that share fewer synergies with targeted businesses or have poor prospects for higher efficiency, by increasing its focus on targeted businesses and by creating new businesses to achieve increased profitability. Hitachi has been allocating its business resources to strong businesses and has also been implementing a variety of projects to enhance efficiency and restructure unprofitable operations, including a project aimed at reducing materials purchasing costs and a project aimed at improving turnover of assets. Hitachi also expects to continue to improve cash-flow management by increasing the efficiency of working capital use, by making selective investments and by further reducing procurement costs.

 

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Through the implementation of this strategy, Hitachi is striving to enhance its corporate governance structure in order to maximize its medium and long-term corporate value, reorganize its internal control system on a consolidated basis, implement multidisciplinary risk management, promote prompt information sharing systems and optimize share capital relationships among Hitachi group companies.

In November 2006, the Company entered into a letter of intent with General Electric Company, or GE, expressing both party’s intent to create a global alliance for their nuclear businesses to improve and expand their boiling water reactor technology offerings, aiming at synergy in the area of design, manufacture, construction, maintenance and engineering services. Based on this alliance, in June 2007, the Company and GE established companies in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the Company transferred its nuclear power systems operations to a newly created Japanese company in July 2007 by way of corporate split under the Companies Act and GE invested in the Japanese company. The Company owns 40% of the U.S. and Canadian companies, with GE owning the remaining 60%, and the Company owns 80.01% of the Japanese company, which is a consolidated subsidiary, with GE owning the remaining 19.99%. See “B. Business Overview — Description of Industry Segments — Power & Industrial Systems” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Business Reorganization” for more information.

In January 2009, the Company conducted a cash tender offer at ¥780 per share for shares of Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. (“Hitachi Kokusai Electric”), an equity method affiliate that manufactures and sells wireless communications systems, broadcasting and video systems and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Upon the completion of the tender offer in March 2009, Hitachi Kokusai Electric became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. The Company plans to use Hitachi Kokusai Electric’s expertise in order to strengthen the Company’s businesses, such as its information network business, its transportation systems business, and its urban development systems business. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Business Reorganization” for more information.

In January 2009, the Company conducted a cash tender offer at ¥1,300 per share for shares of Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. (“Hitachi Koki”), an equity method affiliate that manufactures and sells power tools. Upon the completion of the tender offer in March 2009, Hitachi Koki became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. The conversion of Hitachi Koki into a consolidated subsidiary is intended to promote business expansion on a global scale and to foster collaboration in such areas as research and development for lithium-ion battery-operated products, a strategic product for Hitachi Koki. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Business Reorganization” for more information.

Hitachi’s capital expenditures for fixed assets on a completion basis were ¥788,466 million, ¥969,087 million and ¥1,048,572 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006. While Hitachi has maintained a selective attitude toward investment decisions, it has placed an emphasis on capital expenditures for strategically important products. Excluding the purchase of assets to be leased, a significant portion of capital expenditures have been directed toward information-related products and construction machinery and other products in power and industrial systems sector, including large capital investments in manufacturing facilities to maintain or enhance competitiveness in those product sectors. The decrease in fiscal 2008 was primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures in the HDDs, plasma display panels and operating lease assets in the financial services sector. The decrease in fiscal 2007 was primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures in the HDDs and operating lease assets in financial services sector. In fiscal 2009, Hitachi expects to decrease its capital expenditures to approximately ¥620.0 billion due primarily to decreases in the areas of automotive products, construction machinery and high functional materials and components. Hitachi expects capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 to be funded primarily through internal sources of financing and to be made primarily in Japan.

 

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B. Business Overview

Main Categories of Products and Services

Hitachi’s business is highly diversified. Hitachi classifies its operations into seven industry segments based primarily along related assets and operations management lines, as well as on the similarity of products and services by type, use, production method and marketing method, as required by a ministerial ordinance under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. The industry segments and major categories of products and services offered in each segment as of March 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

   

Information & Telecommunication Systems. Systems integration, outsourcing services, software, HDDs, disk array subsystems, servers, mainframes, telecommunications equipment and ATMs;

 

   

Electronic Devices. LCDs, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, test and measurement equipment, medical electronics equipment and semiconductors;

 

   

Power & Industrial Systems. Nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, industrial machinery and plants, automotive products, construction machinery, elevators, escalators, railway vehicles and power tools;

 

   

Digital Media & Consumer Products. Optical disk drives, plasma TVs, LCD TVs, LCD projectors, mobile phones, room air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, information storage media, batteries and air-conditioning equipment for enterprises;

 

   

High Functional Materials & Components. Wires and cables, copper products, semiconductor materials, circuit boards and materials, organic and inorganic chemical products, synthetic resin products, display related materials, specialty steels, magnetic materials and components and high grade casting components;

 

   

Logistics, Services & Others. General trading, logistics and property management; and

 

   

Financial Services. Leasing, loan guarantees and insurance services.

Sales and Distribution

Hitachi distributes its products in Japan primarily through its own sales network. Hitachi also distributes some of its products through independent dealers. In most field sales offices, Hitachi’s sales personnel specialize in the marketing of particular types of products.

International marketing is conducted through overseas sales subsidiaries, joint-venture companies and unaffiliated distributors. Also, certain types of equipment are sold to industrial companies in foreign markets on an original equipment manufacturing, or OEM, basis and marketed under the brand names of such industrial companies.

Overseas revenues amounted to ¥4,138.9 billion in fiscal 2008, accounting for 41% of total revenues. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations influence Hitachi’s operating environment. A strong yen reduces the price competitiveness of products exported to foreign markets and diminishes profit by decreasing revenue when foreign currency income from overseas product sales is converted to yen. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results.”

Hitachi’s widespread customer base in domestic and overseas markets encompasses leading industrial companies, financial institutions, utilities, governments and individual customers. No material part of its business is dependent upon one or a few customers.

Segment Information

Hitachi does not present segment information in accordance with the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” Foreign issuers are presently exempted from these disclosure requirements for filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. However, Hitachi is required to disclose the segment information presented below in accordance with a ministerial ordinance under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. Hitachi believes that this presentation may be useful in understanding Hitachi’s results of operations.

 

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Industry Segment

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2007     2008     2009  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Revenues (note 1)

            

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   2,472,227      21   2,761,137      22   2,594,450      23

Electronic Devices

   1,287,492      11      1,293,517      10      1,151,066      10   

Power & Industrial Systems

   3,022,299      26      3,568,151      28      3,310,544      29   

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   1,506,073      13      1,504,692      12      1,261,501      11   

High Functional Materials & Components

   1,794,506      15      1,875,018      15      1,556,886      14   

Logistics, Services & Others

   1,213,529      10      1,271,465      10      1,089,971      9   

Financial Services

   500,065      4      445,400      3      412,040      4   
                        

Subtotal

   11,796,191      100   12,719,380      100   11,376,458      100
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (1,548,288     (1,492,645     (1,376,089  
                        

Total

   10,247,903        11,226,735        10,000,369     
                        

Operating Income (Loss) (note 2)

            

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   60,343      23   116,105      30   176,629      96

Electronic Devices

   45,755      18      54,046      14      27,322      15   

Power & Industrial Systems

   36,391      14      138,455      35      24,245      13   

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   (58,435   (23   (109,914   (28   (105,563   (58

High Functional Materials & Components

   132,399      51      141,007      36      27,777      15   

Logistics, Services & Others

   20,233      8      27,870      7      23,063      13   

Financial Services

   23,534      9      25,481      6      10,210      6   
                        

Subtotal

   260,220      100   393,050      100   183,683      100
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (77,708     (47,534     (56,537  
                        

Total

   182,512        345,516        127,146     
                        

Segment Assets

            

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   1,987,603      17   1,906,166      17   1,839,101      17

Electronic Devices

   840,986      7      814,541      7      653,329      6   

Power & Industrial Systems

   2,728,817      24      3,075,509      27      3,052,176      28   

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   971,187      9      889,112      8      669,856      6   

High Functional Materials & Components

   1,503,733      13      1,525,754      13      1,231,562      11   

Logistics, Services & Others

   1,049,916      9      981,447      8      1,030,098      10   

Financial Services

   2,442,066      21      2,294,020      20      2,366,909      22   
                        

Subtotal

   11,524,308      100   11,486,549      100   10,843,031      100
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (880,049     (955,702     (1,439,322  
                        

Total

   10,644,259        10,530,847        9,403,709     
                        

Depreciation & Amortization (note 3)

            

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   183,057      30   195,578      29   180,010      28

Electronic Devices

   42,549      7      40,625      6      37,553      6   

Power & Industrial Systems

   103,176      17      130,658      19      136,443      21   

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   53,280      9      69,192      10      55,822      9   

High Functional Materials & Components

   71,119      11      86,947      13      88,282      13   

Logistics, Services & Others

   30,150      5      31,717      5      33,072      5   

Financial Services

   131,425      21      125,796      18      118,976      18   
                        

Subtotal

   614,756      100   680,513      100   650,158      100
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   7,242        7,093        6,765     
                        

Total

   621,998        687,606        656,923     
                        

 

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     Year ended March 31,  
     2007     2008     2009  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Tangible & Intangible Asset Increase

            

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   230,193      17   152,941      13   135,383      14

Electronic Devices

   37,196      3      30,688      2      35,154      3   

Power & Industrial Systems

   173,493      13      194,071      16      198,333      20   

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   87,244      6      95,698      8      46,788      5   

High Functional Materials & Components

   151,895      11      115,533      10      112,595      11   

Logistics, Services & Others

   34,937      3      48,256      4      36,508      4   

Financial Services

   642,016      47      570,316      47      423,217      43   
                        

Subtotal

   1,356,974      100   1,207,503      100   987,978      100
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (63,557     (55,939     (23,557  
                        

Total

   1,293,417        1,151,564        964,421     
                        

Geographic Segment (note 4)

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2007     2008     2009  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Revenues (note 1)

            

Japan

            

Outside customer sales

   7,010,181      57   7,436,999      55   6,683,143      55

Intersegment transactions

   1,274,048      11      1,459,260      11      1,302,509      11   
                                    

Total

   8,284,229      68      8,896,269      66      7,985,652      66   

Asia

            

Outside customer sales

   1,459,549      12      1,771,600      13      1,542,526      13   

Intersegment transactions

   561,208      4      637,719      5      591,611      5   
                                    

Total

   2,020,757      16      2,409,319      18      2,134,137      18   

North America

            

Outside customer sales

   981,098      8      962,267      7      852,100      7   

Intersegment transactions

   89,912      1      123,841      1      121,325      1   
                                    

Total

   1,071,010      9      1,086,108      8      973,425      8   

Europe

            

Outside customer sales

   645,354      5      826,188      6      738,662      6   

Intersegment transactions

   37,454      1      60,650      0      51,318      0   
                                    

Total

   682,808      6      886,838      6      789,980      6   

Other Areas

            

Outside customer sales

   151,721      1      229,681      2      183,938      2   

Intersegment transactions

   21,574      0      39,841      0      8,367      0   
                                    

Total

   173,295      1      269,522      2      192,305      2   
                        

Subtotal

   12,232,099      100   13,548,046      100   12,075,499      100
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (1,984,196     (2,321,311     (2,075,130  
                        

Total

   10,247,903        11,226,735        10,000,369     
                        

Operating Income (Loss) (note 2)

            

Japan

   212,316      80   299,632      77   74,370      49

Asia

   (3,664   (1   33,020      8      76,742      51   

North America

   25,310      9      23,087      6      7,182      5   

Europe

   23,312      9      21,575      6      (17,129   (11

Other Areas

   8,647      3      13,394      3      9,434      6   
                        

Subtotal

   265,921      100   390,708      100   150,599      100
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (83,409     (45,192     (23,453  
                        

Total

   182,512        345,516        127,146     
                        

 

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     Year ended March 31,  
     2007     2008     2009  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Segment Assets

            

Japan

   8,381,453      73   8,472,391      73   8,011,421      75

Asia

   1,327,954      12      1,310,922      11      1,158,234      11   

North America

   668,202      6      674,970      6      555,602      5   

Europe

   935,087      8      968,552      8      861,242      8   

Other Areas

   116,157      1      159,048      2      142,738      1   
                        

Subtotal

   11,428,853      100   11,585,883      100   10,729,237      100
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (784,594     (1,055,036     (1,325,528  
                        

Total

   10,644,259        10,530,847        9,403,709     
                        

Revenues by Market (note 5)

  
     Year ended March 31,  
     2007     2008     2009  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Domestic revenues

   6,093,627      59   6,484,496      58   5,861,448      59

Overseas revenues

            

Asia

   1,859,664      18      2,167,171      19      1,911,290      19   

North America

   1,057,389      10      1,023,713      9      899,550      9   

Europe

   869,022      9      1,073,877      10      904,425      9   

Other Areas

   368,201      4      477,478      4      423,656      4   

Subtotal

   4,154,276      41      4,742,239      42      4,138,921      41   
                                    

Total

   10,247,903      100   11,226,735      100   10,000,369      100
                                    

 

Notes:

 

1. Revenues by industry and geographic segments include intersegment transactions.

 

2. In order to be consistent with financial reporting principles and practices generally accepted in Japan, operating income (loss) is presented as total revenues less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. Under U.S. GAAP, restructuring charges, net gain or loss on sale and disposal of rental assets and other property, and impairment losses for long-lived assets are included as part of operating income (loss). See notes 17, 18 and 19 to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements.

 

3. See note 2(i) to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements for information regarding accounting change.

 

4. Geographic segments are based on the location of Hitachi’s facilities where products or services are produced.

 

5. Revenues by market are based on the locations of the customer to whom Hitachi’s products or services are sold.

Description of Industry Segments

Hitachi classifies its operations into seven industry segments based primarily along related assets and operations management lines, as well as on the similarity of products and services by type, use, production method and marketing method.

Information & Telecommunication Systems

In this segment, Hitachi provides products and services, including hardware products, software and services. Customers are business entities in various industries, national and local governments, and, to a lesser extent, individuals. Among the hardware products Hitachi offers, HDDs, disk array subsystems, servers and mainframes are more significant than other products. In order to meet market requirements, these products need to be built to achieve high performance while meeting the cost parameters of customers. Hitachi also develops and offers various software packages designed to enhance the productivity of customers. Systems integration, consulting and outsourcing form the core of the services business in which customized solutions are developed and offered to customers with Hitachi’s hardware and software products, as well as other vendors’ products, to deliver systems that help customers achieve their business objectives. This segment also provides telecommunications and network equipment and systems, which are delivered to customers in the data and telecommunication industries and other business customers.

 

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The computer industry is extremely competitive. The speed of technology development in both hardware and software is very fast, and a failure to introduce, or a delay in the introduction of, products or services that incorporate the latest technology would materially diminish Hitachi’s market presence. Customers are highly sensitive to the cost effectiveness of their investments in information technology, which leads to intense price competition, particularly in hardware products.

In particular, in the HDDs business, Hitachi is trying to improve the profitability of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Hitachi expects that the HDDs market will continue to expand but also considers that the HDDs industry is facing rapid technological changes, such as the development of high capacity HDDs and increasing commoditization of old models. To maintain profitability in such an environment, Hitachi believes that it is important to establish efficient development and manufacturing operations. Hitachi has therefore been implementing various business reorganization and other cost reduction measures, such as integration of several development and manufacturing facilities for magnetic heads and circular disks, closure of a manufacturing facility, a reduction in the size of its workforce and a reduction in plant and equipment investment. Hitachi has also made efforts to introduce new products in a timely manner, by, among other things, strengthening management of product development phases. In addition, Hitachi made efforts to strengthen its R&D capability for the purpose of developing and introducing cost competitive products.

In software and services businesses, Hitachi aims to strengthen: (i) outsourcing services such as data center outsourcing services which entails the monitoring, operation and maintenance of information on behalf of clients, as well as strategic outsourcing services which provides comprehensive support for customers’ information systems, including consulting, systems design, construction, operation and maintenance; and (ii) consulting services by bolstering the operational structure principally by increasing the number of consultants. Hitachi also aims to establish an efficient project management system by sales efforts to emphasize profitability and by emphasizing cost management during the design and development process to achieve profitability.

In fiscal 2008, this segment accounted for 23% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥176.6 billion.

Electronic Devices

The Electronic Devices segment provides LCDs, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, test and measurement equipment and medical electronics equipment. A significant portion of Hitachi’s semiconductor business was transferred to Renesas Technology Corp. (“Renesas”), jointly owned by the Company and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and which is accounted for under the equity method by the Company. That portion has not been included in this segment since fiscal 2003.

A significant portion of this segment’s business is conducted by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, a publicly-held subsidiary of the Company. Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation has two business aspects: (i) manufacturing and sale of manufacturing equipment of semiconductors, LCDs and HDDs, test and measurement equipment such as clinical analyzers, DNA sequencers and liquid chromatographs and other electronics-related equipment and (ii) sale of electronic components and advanced industrial materials.

The display business is highly competitive and characterized by significant price fluctuations with changes in the supply-demand balance. Due to its unfavorable business environment such as severe price competition, Hitachi exited from the unprofitable large-sized LCDs business conducted by a consolidated subsidiary, Hitachi Displays, Ltd. (“Hitachi Displays”), in the 1st quarter of fiscal 2006. Currently the large-sized LCD business for flat-panel TVs is conducted in an equity method affiliate called IPS Alpha Technology, Ltd. (“IPS Alpha”). Further, in December 2007, the Company entered into a comprehensive alliance with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., currently Panasonic Corporation (“Panasonic”), and Canon, Inc. (“Canon”), which anticipates the transfer of its LCD business to both Panasonic and Canon. Based on the alliance, in February 2008, Hitachi and Panasonic entered into an agreement relating to the future transfer of the large-sized LCD business for flat-panel TVs conducted by IPS Alpha to Panasonic. Further, in February 2008, Hitachi and Canon entered into an agreement relating to the future transfer of the small and medium-sized LCDs business conducted by Hitachi Displays to Canon. Hitachi plans to continue to engage in R&D of LCD panels after the transfer of its LCDs business.

In fiscal 2008, this segment accounted for 10% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥27.3 billion.

 

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Power & Industrial Systems

In this segment, Hitachi offers power plants, industrial machinery, automotive products, construction machinery, elevators, escalators, railway vehicles and other products and related services for power utilities and industry.

Power companies are the main customers of the power sector. In this sector, Hitachi must respond to customer demand for low-priced products with high added value. In addition, in recent years Hitachi has given high priority to environmental protection in its product design. Hitachi competes primarily with large corporations on a global market in this sector. Hitachi endeavors to expand its power systems business, particularly its nuclear power generation and highly efficient thermal power generation systems, in the overseas market. Hitachi recognizes that the key to succeeding in this business overseas includes local project management, in consideration of local business customs and labor relations. Since the orders the sector receives are generally for large items with long delivery periods, a portion of the purchase price from those orders is generally paid in advance to finance the production of the items.

On June 15, 2006, Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No. 5 of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. shut down due to turbine damage. As a precautionary measure, on July 5, 2006, Shika Nuclear Power Station No. 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which uses the same type of turbines, was shut down for an examination of the turbines and the examination revealed damage to the turbine vanes. The accrued amount of the repair costs was included in Hitachi’s operating results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and was recorded as part of cost of sales. In September 2008, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the Company seeking compensation for the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in the amount of ¥41.8 billion plus interest. In May 2009, Hokuriku Electric Power Company filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the Company seeking compensation for the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Shika Nuclear Power Station in the amount of ¥20.2 billion plus interest. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these lawsuits. The Company has not accrued for consequential losses related to these lawsuits. However, there can be no assurance that Hitachi will not be liable for any amount claimed. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — D. Trend Information.”

The Company plans to strengthen and expand its nuclear power systems business throughout the world, including the U.S., by utilizing the alliance with GE to improve and expand boiling water reactor technology offerings, and to benefit from synergy in the area of design, manufacturing, construction, maintenance and engineering services. Based on the alliance, in June 2007, the Company and GE established companies in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the Company transferred its nuclear power systems operations to a newly created Japanese company in July 2007 by way of corporate split under the Companies Act and GE invested in the Japanese company. The Company owns 40% of the U.S. and Canadian companies, with GE owning the remaining 60%, and the Company owns 80.01% of the Japanese company, which is a consolidated subsidiary, with GE owning the remaining 19.99%. These companies will construct and maintain nuclear power plants and provide related services. The Company expects that the nuclear power market will expand globally and believes that, by creating synergies with GE, this alliance will enable the Company to expand its nuclear power systems business throughout the world, utilizing GE’s design engineering of an advanced economic and simplified boiling water reactor, and both companies’ accumulated know-how and experience in the sales activities and the construction of nuclear power plants. See “A. History and Development of the Company” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Business Reorganization.”

The industrial systems sector covers products used in numerous industries and is strongly influenced by trends in public works spending and private-sector plant and equipment investment. Market demands focus primarily on low price, high added value and the capability of products to be integrated into systems. The number of product types is vast and production is frequently done in small lots or on order. The industry includes many small-to-medium-sized specialty manufacturers and competition for orders is fierce.

In December 2006, the Company acquired a controlling interest in Clarion Co., Ltd. (“Clarion”), a company that manufactures and sells car audio systems, car navigation systems, etc., making it a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, through a tender offer. The Company is working to realize synergies from the transaction through Clarion’s capabilities to develop such products as audio-visual and navigation systems, and through Clarion’s capabilities to market aftermarket services.

 

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Since the latter half of fiscal 2008, sales of automotive products have been severely adversely affected by the worldwide collapse in demand for automobiles. In response to the difficult conditions in this business, the Company separated its automotive systems business to form a new company in July 2009. Hitachi expects the new company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to make faster decisions and operate more efficiently, innovating by combining automotive and electronics technologies. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007” for more information.

Hitachi optimizes its response to the needs and priorities of segment customers by strategically combining technologies from Hitachi’s diverse fields of operation, especially from technologies in the information systems and electronics field.

In fiscal 2008, this segment accounted for 29% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥24.2 billion.

Digital Media & Consumer Products

In this segment, Hitachi manufactures and sells products in two main categories: digital media products and home appliances. The former includes optical disk drives, flat-panel TVs, LCD projectors and mobile phones, while the latter comprises room air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances. All products have a broad range of customers dominated by general consumers.

Home electrical equipment manufacturers are responding to customer demand for low price and high added value by cutting costs and developing differentiated product lines. Success in this segment will also depend considerably on the development of products geared to advances in new multimedia-related markets.

In this segment, Hitachi is facing intense price competition caused by increasing product commoditization both in the digital media products business and home appliances business. Especially in digital media products such as flat-panel TVs, price reductions have been significant because of domestic and overseas competitors and increasing commoditization of old products. In an attempt to improve the profitability of its flat-panel TV business, Hitachi has taken restructuring measures, including streamlining its sales network in both domestic and overseas markets and reducing production and fixed costs. In addition, Hitachi began sourcing glass panel components for flat-panel TVs, which were previously manufactured by Hitachi Plasma Display Limited, from Panasonic. Moreover, the Company separated its digital media products business, mainly consisting of flat-panel TVs and commercial-use LCD projectors, to form a new company in July 2009. Hitachi expects the new company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to respond more quickly to market needs through collaborations with the Company’s subsidiary in charge of sales and after-sales services and with other external partners for product development. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007” for more information.

In fiscal 2008, this segment accounted for 11% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded an operating loss of ¥105.5 billion.

High Functional Materials & Components

This segment includes fabricated chemical and metal products supplied as parts or materials to downstream manufacturers of mainly electric and electronic products. For example, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. manufactures products based on its resin technology and serves industrial markets including semiconductor, LCD and automobile markets. Hitachi Metals, Ltd. manufactures and sells magnetic and electronic materials and parts. They include specialty steels such as materials for mobile phones and automobile engine parts. Hitachi Cable, Ltd. manufactures and sells electronic materials and components for semiconductors and mobile phones as well as cable and wire products used for the transmission of power and telephone signals.

As more products in this segment become more closely dependent upon and driven by electronics technological capabilities, Hitachi’s strength in electronics technology is expected to provide Hitachi with an advantage in introducing new products. Since the portion of materials and components used for semiconductors, LCDs, mobile phones and other IT-related products has increased in recent years, business results in this segment have been significantly affected by the business climate of the IT industry.

 

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In April 2004, the magnetic materials business of Hitachi Metals, Ltd. (“Hitachi Metals”), a publicly-held subsidiary of the Company, was combined with Sumitomo Special Metals Co., Ltd. to form a new company, NEOMAX Co., Ltd. (“NEOMAX”). The new company became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company as a result of the transaction. Further, in November 2006, Hitachi Metals conducted a tender offer for shares of NEOMAX, then merged NEOMAX into it in April 2007.

In fiscal 2008, this segment accounted for 14% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥27.7 billion.

Logistics, Services & Others

This segment includes various businesses not covered by other segments, primarily consisting of sales from general trading, logistics and property management services conducted by consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. Hitachi has set up sales subsidiaries by region and by product. Hitachi also has many subsidiaries that were established to offer various services related to Hitachi’s business operations internally, such as printing and food services.

In fiscal 2008, this segment accounted for 9% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥23.0 billion.

Financial Services

This segment was originated to extend credit to purchasers of Hitachi products. This segment currently provides leases, loan guarantees and insurance services and conducts business in the area of securitization.

In fiscal 2008, this segment accounted for 4% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥10.2 billion.

Competition

Hitachi is subject to intense competition in each of its businesses. Among its major competitors are some of the top-ranking industrial companies in Japan, U.S., Europe and Asia. Depending on the nature of the business, the competition is marked by rapid progress in technology or the need to reduce costs to meet customer requirements. In addition, Hitachi is facing more competition against companies that focus exclusively on specific market segments. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Description of Industry Segments” for details of competition in each segment.

Seasonality

Hitachi’s revenues in the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment and the Power & Industrial Systems segment in the fourth quarter ending March 31 tend to be higher than those in other quarters due in part to the purchase customs of governmental agencies in Japan.

Sources of Supply

Hitachi purchases a wide variety of raw materials, parts and components from many suppliers in Japan and abroad. In general, Hitachi is not dependent on any single source of supply for its raw materials, parts and components. In light of the fact that Japan produces very few of the raw materials Hitachi uses in its manufacturing processes, Hitachi monitors the availability of raw materials on a regular basis. There are currently no particular shortages of energy, raw materials, parts or components that are likely to materially affect Hitachi’s business. Prices of certain raw materials, parts and components, such as petroleum products, copper, aluminum and semiconductor memory chips, that Hitachi purchases are volatile. Recent increases in prices of petroleum and other materials, such as copper, steel and synthetic resins, are increasing Hitachi’s production costs, and may adversely affect its results of operations.

 

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Intellectual Property and Licenses

Hitachi holds numerous intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks and copyrights. Although Hitachi considers them to be valuable assets and important for its operations, it believes that its business is not materially dependent on any single patent, trademark, copyright or other intellectual property right that it holds.

Hitachi has many license and technical assistance agreements covering a wide variety of products. Some of these agreements grant Hitachi the rights to use certain Japanese and foreign patents or to receive certain technical information. Under certain other agreements, Hitachi has also granted licenses and technical assistance to various companies located in Japan or overseas. Additionally, in certain instances, Hitachi has entered into cross-license agreements with major international electronics and electrical equipment manufacturers. Hitachi believes that it is not materially dependent on any single such license or technical assistance agreement.

Government Regulations

Hitachi’s business activities are subject to various governmental regulations in countries where it operates, which include investment approvals, export regulations, tariffs, antitrust, anti-bribery, intellectual property, consumer and business taxation, exchange controls, and environmental and recycling requirements.

For example, Hitachi is subject to various environmental regulations such as the Air Pollution Control Law of Japan, the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law of Japan, and the Water Pollution Control Law of Japan, which are administered by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, and Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers Law of Japan administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. In order to comply with these laws, Hitachi has implemented various measures such as improving its production facilities, introducing chemical substance risk assessment system, monitoring use and emission of certain chemical substances and cleaning up groundwater and soil as necessary.

Further, Hitachi has also worked to comply with the European Union directive, “the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment” effective since July 1, 2006, which requires the elimination of six chemicals specified in the directive: lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, mercury, polybrominated biphenyl and polybrominated diphenyl ether from electrical and electronic products marketed in the European Union member states. Hitachi achieved compliance with this directive in July 2006 and is making continued efforts to comply with it. In addition, Hitachi has worked to comply with the European Union directive, “the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restrictions of Chemicals,” effective since June 1, 2007, which requires manufacturers, users and importers of a broad range of chemical substances to register chemical substances exported to the European Union member states and to file reports and apply for authorization for the chemicals contained in their products. Hitachi has worked to identify chemical substances contained in its products to be registered by developing its database.

These regulations among others to which Hitachi is subject could become more stringent or additional regulations could be adopted in the future, which could cause Hitachi to incur additional compliance costs or limit its business activities. Further, a failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or other penalties, which could adversely affect Hitachi’s financial condition, results of operation, cash flows, reputation or credibility.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

The table below shows major subsidiaries of the Company as of March 31, 2009. Ownership percentage of voting rights indicates voting rights owned by the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

Name of company

   Country of
incorporation
   Ownership
percentage of
voting rights
 

Information & Telecommunication Systems

     

Hitachi Communication Technologies, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0

Hitachi Electronics Services Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Information & Control Solutions, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Information Systems, Ltd.

   Japan    52.0   

Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.

   Japan    52.5   

Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions, Corp.

   Japan    55.0   

Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.

   Japan    53.0   

Hitachi Systems & Services, Ltd.

   Japan    51.2   

Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc.

   U.S.A.    100.0   

Hitachi Computer Products (Europe) S.A.S.

   France    100.0   

Hitachi Data Systems Corporation

   U.S.A.    100.0   

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.

   Netherlands    100.0   

Hitachi Information & Telecommunication Systems Global Holding Corporation

   U.S.A.    100.0   

Electronic Devices

     

Hitachi Displays, Ltd.

   Japan    50.2

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation

   Japan    51.8   

Hitachi Medical Corporation

   Japan    63.2   

Hitachi Display Device (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

   China    100.0   

Power & Industrial Systems

     

Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha

   Japan    100.0

Clarion Co., Ltd.

   Japan    64.0   

Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

   Japan    53.1   

Hitachi Engineering & Services Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.

   Japan    80.0   

Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.

   Japan    51.3   

Hitachi Mobile Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.

   Japan    69.8   

Hitachi Via Mechanics, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.

   U.S.A.    100.0   

Hitachi Elevator (China) Co., Ltd.

   China    70.0   

Hitachi Power Europe GmbH

   Germany    100.0   

Digital Media & Consumer Products

     

Hitachi Appliances, Inc.

   Japan    100.0

Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.

   Japan    53.6   

Hitachi Media Electronics Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Plasma Display Limited

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.

   U.S.A.    100.0   

Shanghai Hitachi Household Appliances Co., Ltd.

   China    95.0   

High Functional Materials & Components

     

Hitachi Cable, Ltd.

   Japan    53.2

Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

   Japan    51.4   

Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

   Japan    55.7   

Logistics, Services & Others

     

Chuo Shoji, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0

Hitachi Life, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi Transport System, Ltd.

   Japan    59.0   

Nikkyo Create, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

Hitachi America, Ltd.

   U.S.A.    100.0   

Hitachi Asia Ltd.

   Singapore    100.0   

Hitachi (China), Ltd.

   China    100.0   

Hitachi Europe Ltd.

   U.K.    100.0   

Financial Services

     

Hitachi Capital Corporation

   Japan    60.7

Hitachi Insurance Services, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0   

 

Notes:

 

1. Hitachi Communication Technologies, Ltd. was merged into the Company on July 1, 2009.

 

2. Hitachi Mobile Co., Ltd. changed its name to Hitachi Auto Parts & Service Co., Ltd. on April 1, 2009.

 

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D. Property, Plants and Equipment

Hitachi owns a significant portion of the land, plants, offices and other fixed assets necessary to conduct its business and a significant portion of Hitachi’s land, plants, offices and other fixed assets are located in Japan. Hitachi considers its properties to be well maintained and believes its plant capacity is adequate for its current needs and future plans. Certain of Hitachi’s properties such as land and buildings are subject to mortgages in respect of bonds and loans. The total outstanding balance of the secured loans as of March 31, 2009 was ¥45,081 million.

The following table describes the name of the Company office, division, group, center or subsidiary that is using the property, the location and area of the property, and in the case of plant property, the principal products produced there as of March 31, 2009. Hitachi believes the following offices, divisions, groups, centers and subsidiaries comprise its major lines of business:

 

Name of user of plants and offices

   Location    Land area   

Principal products

          (Thousands of
square meters)
    

In Japan

        
The Company:         

Automotive Systems

   Ibaraki, etc.    2,614    Automotive products

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   Kanagawa, etc.    764    Software, mainframes

Thermal & Hydroelectric Systems Division, etc.

   Ibaraki    3,809    Power generating equipment, turbines

Research & Development Group

   Tokyo, etc.    832    —  

Consumer Business Group

   Kanagawa, etc.    992    Digital media related products

Sales Offices

   Osaka, etc.    114   

Urban Planning and Development Systems

   Ibaraki    528    Elevators, escalators

Head Office

   Tokyo    787    —  

Transportation Systems Division

   Yamaguchi    698    Railway vehicles
Subsidiaries:         

Yasugi Works, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

   Shimane    1,096    Special steels

Tsuchiura Plant, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

   Ibaraki    5,534    Construction machinery

Hitachi Displays, Ltd.

   Chiba    457    Liquid crystal displays

Hitaka Works, Hitachi Cable, Ltd.

   Ibaraki    962    Wires and cables

Kyoto Works, Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.

   Kyoto    302    Magnetic recording media

Hitachinaka-Rinko Works, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

   Ibaraki    181    Construction machinery

Head Office, Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd.

   Tokyo    165    —  

Head Office, Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.

   Tokyo    17    —  

Yamasaki Works, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

   Ibaraki    675    Semiconductor related materials

Yamazaki Works, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

   Osaka    193    Magnetic appliances

Outside of Japan

        
Overseas subsidiaries:         

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.

   California,
U.S.A., etc.
   1,851    Hard disk drives

Hitachi Metals America, Ltd.

   New York,
U.S.A., etc.
   2,592    Automotive components

 

Notes:

 

1. The Automotive Systems of the Company was separated to form Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. on July 1, 2009.

 

2. The Consumer Business Group of the Company was separated to form Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd. on July 1, 2009.

For information on Hitachi’s plan for capital investment for fiscal 2009, see “A. History and Development of the Company” in this Item.

 

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ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

A. Operating Results

Economic Environment

Hitachi provides highly diversified products and services and conducts business throughout the world. Hitachi’s results of operations therefore are affected by various aspects of the economic environment, particularly capital investment in the private sector and consumer spending in Hitachi’s main market sectors such as Japan, Asia, the U.S. and Europe.

In fiscal 2008, the effects of the deepening global financial crisis, triggered by the collapse of a major investment bank in the U.S. in September 2008, have spread to the real economy, as evidenced by weak consumer spending and reduced capital investment, resulting in rapid economic deterioration in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. China and other emerging countries also experienced a slowdown in economic growth, affected by the weak U.S. and European economies. The Japanese economy also deteriorated rapidly due to significant reduction in capital investment, stemming from worsening corporate earnings, as well as substantial decrease in demand, including export demand. Japan’s GDP declined by 3.3% in fiscal 2008, while it grew 2.3% in fiscal 2006 and 1.8% in fiscal 2007.

Hitachi conducts business in many foreign countries, and a portion of its assets and liabilities that are denominated in various currencies is exposed to risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, Hitachi exports products and imports components and raw materials in local currencies, principally the U.S. dollar and the euro. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect Hitachi’s financial results, which are reported in Japanese yen. For example, a large portion of Hitachi’s manufacturing is done domestically, which means that a strong yen reduces Hitachi’s cost competitiveness. The Japanese yen on average weakened against the U.S. dollar during fiscal 2006, while during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, the Japanese yen strengthened. Hitachi employs forward exchange contracts and cross currency swap agreements to reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, to alleviate the adverse effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, when Hitachi believes it is appropriate, it seeks to manufacture outside Japan and procure materials and parts locally. Hitachi generally seeks to finance foreign currency investments with available foreign currency balances. When foreign currency balances are insufficient, Hitachi may enter into forward exchange contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on such investments. For additional information regarding foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Sales and Distribution.”

Business Strategy

The business circumstances surrounding Hitachi have become increasingly challenging. Some of its businesses are in stagnant industries. In addition, the globalization of markets and the commoditization of electronic products are continuing to intensify price competition in the business sectors in which Hitachi competes.

In order to establish a stable and profitable business structure, Hitachi is working to realign its business portfolio by exiting some businesses that share fewer synergies with targeted businesses or have poor prospects for higher efficiency, by increasing its focus on targeted businesses and by creating new businesses to achieve increased profitability. Hitachi expects to combine its information and telecommunication technologies and its social infrastructure building technologies in order to strengthen existing businesses and develop emerging businesses, such as systems for efficiently managing and supplying energy. Hitachi also aims to expand its environment-related businesses, which are nuclear power generation and highly efficient thermal power generation systems; railway systems, automotive systems and logistics solutions that lower environmental impact; and eco-conscious data centers. Hitachi is allocating its business resources to strong businesses and is also implementing a variety of projects to enhance efficiency and restructure unprofitable operations, including a project aimed at reducing materials purchasing costs and a project aimed at improving turnover of assets. In an effort to improve its profitability, Hitachi aims to reduce fixed costs through reorganization of its operations and production bases and through reduction in the size of its workforce. Hitachi also expects to continue to improve cash-flow management by increasing the efficiency of working capital use, by making selective investments and by further reducing procurement costs.

 

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Hitachi is entering into alliances with important domestic and overseas business partners in order to improve its profitability and to develop new business areas through exploiting synergies between these partners and Hitachi group companies. In addition, Hitachi aims to strengthen its global business, particularly in the markets with expanding demand for social infrastructure systems such as power generation systems and transportation systems, through initiatives, such as entering into alliances with local business partners, employing staff familiar with local situations, and reinforcing risk management.

Business Reorganization

In October 2006, in order to strengthen Hitachi’s car information systems business, the Company conducted a tender offer for shares of Clarion, a company that manufactures and sells car audio systems and car navigation systems. Clarion became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in December 2006. The Company is working to realize synergies from the transaction through Clarion’s capabilities to develop such products as audio-visual and navigation systems, and through Clarion’s capabilities to market aftermarket services.

In November 2006, the Company entered into a letter of intent with GE, which expressed the intent of both parties to create a global alliance for their nuclear businesses. This alliance was intended to improve and expand Hitachi’s and GE’s boiling water reactor technology offerings, as well as to achieve synergy in the areas of design, manufacture, construction, maintenance and engineering services. Subsequently, in order to implement the alliance, the Company entered into an agreement with GE in May 2007 to form companies in each of the U.S., Canada and Japan. The U.S. and Canadian companies were established in June 2007. In July 2007, the Company transferred its nuclear power systems operations to a newly created Japanese company, by way of corporate split under the Companies Act of Japan, and GE invested in the Japanese company. Hitachi owns 40% of the U.S. and Canadian companies, with GE owning the remaining 60%, and the Company owns 80.01% of the Japanese company, which is a consolidated subsidiary, with GE owning the remaining 19.99%. Hitachi seeks through these transactions to strengthen its competitiveness in the global market and to increase market share and profitability in the future through synergy with GE. Hitachi plans to strengthen and expand its nuclear power systems business throughout the world, including the U.S., through the alliance with GE. In particular, these plans include jointly designing both an advanced boiling water reactor and a next-generation, economic and simplified boiling water reactor. These plans also include leveraging both companies’ accumulated know-how and experience in the sales activities and the construction of nuclear power plants.

In December 2007, the Company entered into a comprehensive alliance with Panasonic and Canon. Pursuant to this alliance, Hitachi’s large-size LCD business and small- and medium-sized LCD business will be transferred to Panasonic and Canon, respectively. In February 2008, Hitachi and Panasonic entered into an agreement regarding the future transfer of Hitachi’s business, conducted by IPS Alpha, for manufacturing large-sized LCDs for flat-panel TVs to Panasonic. Also in February 2008, Hitachi and Canon entered into an agreement regarding the future transfer of Hitachi Displays’ business for manufacturing small- and medium-sized LCDs to Canon. Hitachi plans to continue research and development of LCD panels after the transfer of its LCD businesses.

In January 2009, the Company conducted a tender offer for shares of Hitachi Kokusai Electric, an equity method affiliate that manufactures and sells wireless communications systems, broadcasting and video systems and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Hitachi Kokusai Electric then became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in March 2009. The Company seeks to realize synergies from the transaction through Hitachi Kokusai Electric’s expertise in digital wireless communication technologies, video processing technologies and the broadcasting systems business. The Company plans to use this expertise in order to strengthen its businesses in such areas as information networks, transportation systems, and urban development systems.

In January 2009, the Company conducted a tender offer for shares of Hitachi Koki, an equity method affiliate that manufactures and sells power tools. Hitachi Koki then became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in March 2009. The conversion of Hitachi Koki into a consolidated subsidiary is intended to expand Hitachi Koki’s business on a global scale and to foster collaboration in such areas as research and development for lithium-ion battery-operated products, a strategic product for Hitachi Koki.

 

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In response to the harsh business environment, the Company separated its automotive systems business to form a new wholly-owned subsidiary on July 1, 2009 in order to facilitate business restructuring, such as improvement of operating efficiency. See “Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007” in this Item for additional information.

During fiscal 2008, the Company decided to shift from producing glass panel components for plasma TVs at the Company’s subsidiary to procuring such components from Panasonic. In addition, the Company separated its digital media products business, including flat-panel TVs, to form a new wholly-owned subsidiary on July 1, 2009 in order to strengthen the marketing capability of this business. See “Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007” in this Item for additional information.

Hitachi is responding to the challenging economic circumstances by closing or downsizing unprofitable operations where feasible, seeking joint ventures with competitors, reallocating employees from overstaffed businesses to growth businesses, and reorganizing the geographic distribution of its manufacturing facilities. However, Hitachi’s ability to close or sell unprofitable businesses may be limited for reasons such as a lack of demand in the M&A market for poorly performing businesses and the importance of preserving customer goodwill.

Note to Analysis of Revenues and Operating Income (Loss)

The industry segments described below, in the analysis of revenues and operating income (loss) by industry and geographic segment and in the description of restructuring measures by industry segment, are presented in accordance with a ministerial ordinance of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. Pursuant to an SEC exemption presently available to foreign private issuers, Hitachi does not present segment information in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 131. However, Hitachi believes that this presentation may be useful in understanding Hitachi’s results of operations. Revenues by segment include intersegment transactions which Hitachi makes adjustments for in calculating total revenues. Operating income (loss) is not presented in the consolidated statement of operations. In order to be consistent with financial reporting principles and practices generally accepted in Japan, operating income (loss) is presented as total revenues less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. However, under U.S. GAAP, restructuring charges, net gain or loss on sale and disposal of rental assets and other property, and impairment losses for long-lived assets are included as part of operating income (loss). See notes 17, 18 and 19 to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements.

Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007

Summary

 

     Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2008     Percent
change
 
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Total revenues

   11,226,735      10,000,369      -11

Operating income

   345,516      127,146      -63

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests

   324,782      (289,871   —  

Income (loss) before minority interests

   52,619      (795,120   —  

Net loss

   (58,125   (787,337   —  

Hitachi’s total revenues decreased appreciably compared with the preceding fiscal year. Operating income declined significantly due to considerable decreases in revenues in the Power & Industrial Systems segment and the High Functional Materials & Components segment. Hitachi recorded a significant loss before income taxes and minority interests due to the drastic decline in operating income, as well as large losses due to impairment of long-lived assets, posting equity in net loss of affiliated companies, write-downs of securities, foreign exchange losses and restructuring charges. Net loss significantly increased compared with the preceding fiscal year due to the loss before income taxes and minority interests as well as a sizable increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. See “Analysis of Statement of Operations”, “Operations by Industry Segment” and “Operations by Geographic Segment” below for more detailed discussion.

 

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Analysis of Statement of Operations

Hitachi’s total revenues in fiscal 2008 were ¥10,000.3 billion, a decrease of 11% from the preceding fiscal year due to decreases in revenues in all industry segments, but primarily in the Power & Industrial Systems segment, the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment and the High Functional Materials & Components segment. Such revenue decreases were primarily associated with the plunge in demand for automobiles, semiconductors and industrial equipment caused by the worldwide economic deterioration during the second half of fiscal 2008. Overseas revenues declined 13% compared with the preceding fiscal year to ¥4,138.9 billion. This decline, primarily due to a decrease in revenues in automobile-related equipment, materials and components, as well as construction machinery, was caused by the worldwide economic deterioration during the second half of fiscal 2008. The strengthening of the yen also reduced revenues from overseas.

Hitachi’s cost of sales decreased 11%, to ¥7,816.1 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. The ratio of cost of sales to total revenues was 78%, which was flat with the preceding fiscal year. The stability of this ratio reflects the results of cost-reduction efforts, which offset the effect of increases in raw material prices.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 2%, to ¥2,057.0 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. The ratio of selling, general and administrative expenses to total revenues increased 2% to 21% mainly due to the significant decrease in revenues.

Operating income fell 63%, to ¥127.1 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. Although operating income increased in the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment, this positive contribution was overshadowed by the effects of a sharp profit decline in the Power & Industrial Systems segment and the High Functional Materials & Components segment, brought about by the significant decrease in revenues.

In fiscal 2008, Hitachi recorded impairment losses on long-lived assets in the amount of ¥128.4 billion, an increase of ¥40.8 billion from the preceding fiscal year.

The Digital Media & Consumer Products segment recorded an impairment loss of ¥57.9 billion mainly in connection with the impairment of plasma display panel production facilities. The investment in these production facilities is expected to be irrecoverable as a result of the decision to shift from producing glass panel components for plasma TVs at the Company’s subsidiary to procuring such components from outside Hitachi. The decision to make this shift was due to intensified competition, which resulted in falling unit prices of plasma TVs, and due to a lower-than-projected unit sales volume. The impairment loss also includes impairment of the value of patents related to plasma display panel technology. Expected future royalty income from these patents has been revised downward, and a portion of the investment in these patents is expected to be irrecoverable. This segment also recorded impairment losses on production facilities for components of digital media-related products at domestic subsidiaries. This impairment is due to diminished productivity caused by low demand, and a portion of the investment in these production facilities is expected to be irrecoverable. The Power & Industrial Systems segment recorded an impairment loss of ¥32.9 billion, mainly on production facilities for automotive equipment. This impairment was due to decreased profitability in the automotive systems business, caused by a plunge in demand corresponding to sluggish automobile sales worldwide, and a portion of the investment in these production facilities is expected to be irrecoverable. The Information & Telecommunication Systems segment recorded an impairment loss of ¥21.1 billion. The impairment loss includes impairment of production facilities for large-scale integrated circuits. This impairment is due to decreased profitability caused by low demand in the semiconductor-related industry, and a portion of the investment in these production facilities is expected to be irrecoverable. The impairment loss also includes software used in the outsourcing business for domestic local financial institutions due to decreased profitability mainly because of restrained IT investment by the financial institutions. The investment in the software is expected to be irrecoverable. In addition, the impairment loss includes impairment of real estate of a U.S. subsidiary due to a plunge in the estimated sales prices of assets scheduled to be sold due to the deteriorating real estate market. The High Functional Materials & Components segment recorded an impairment loss of ¥12.8 billion mainly in connection with the impairment of production facilities for semiconductor-related and automotive-related products. This impairment is due to decreased profitability in these products caused by a plunge in demand in the automobile and semiconductor industries, and a portion of the investment in these production facilities is expected to be irrecoverable. These losses were determined primarily based on discounted future cash flows.

In fiscal 2008, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥22.9 billion, an increase of ¥4.8 billion from the preceding fiscal year, consisting primarily of the restructuring charges in the Power & Industrial Systems segment, the High Functional Materials & Components segment and the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment. See “Restructuring” in this Item.

 

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Interest income decreased ¥12.3 billion, to ¥19.1 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year mainly due to declines in interest rates. Dividend income increased ¥2.5 billion, to ¥8.5 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. In fiscal 2008, gains on sales of stock by subsidiaries or affiliated companies amounted to ¥0.3 billion, and other income amounted to ¥5.2 billion, consisting mainly of a gain on Hitachi’s sale of its mobile communications equipment sales business.

Interest charges decreased ¥8.6 billion, to ¥33.8 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to the effect of lower interest rates.

In fiscal 2008, earnings of equity method affiliated companies declined ¥184.7 billion compared with the preceding fiscal year, resulting in a loss of ¥162.2 billion. This decline was mainly due to losses at affiliates engaged in the semiconductor business, which reflected a decrease in semiconductor demand as worldwide sales of automobiles and mobile phones declined due to the economic downturn, as well as losses at affiliates engaged in the large-sized TV LCD business, which reflected a decline in unit prices.

Other deductions increased ¥65.2 billion, to ¥102.9 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. Gains on securities declined ¥124.2 billion compared with the preceding fiscal year, resulting in a loss on securities of ¥44.0 billion. The decline was due to market price declines in the worldwide stock markets, mainly in Japan, resulting in write-downs of securities, as well as the absence of the substantial gain on sales of securities which had been recorded during the preceding fiscal year. Foreign exchange loss increased ¥8.8 billion, to ¥37.2 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, due primarily to the strengthening of the yen against the U.S. dollar and the euro. Net loss on sale and disposal of rental assets and other property, plant and equipment increased ¥13.0 billion, to ¥21.2 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year.

As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes and minority interests decreased ¥614.6 billion, resulting in a loss before income taxes and minority interests of ¥289.8 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year.

Income taxes increased ¥233.0 billion, to ¥505.2 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, due primarily to recognition of an additional valuation allowance for deferred tax assets following a reassessment of whether the deferred tax assets could be realized. Hitachi concluded that it was not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would be realized upon a determination that a significant recovery of Hitachi’s profitability would be unlikely, given the seriousness of the worldwide economic deterioration and the unlikelihood that the operating environment for Hitachi’s major businesses, such as automobile equipment and digital media equipment, would quickly recover, even after fiscal 2008.

As a result, income before minority interests decreased ¥847.7 billion compared with the preceding fiscal year, to a loss of ¥795.1 billion in fiscal 2008.

For minority interests in fiscal 2008, a loss of ¥7.7 billion was recorded compared with profit of ¥110.7 billion for the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to the overall deterioration in business results at the Company’s publicly-held subsidiaries such as Hitachi Cable, Ltd. and Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., both of which recorded a net loss for fiscal 2008.

As a result of the foregoing, net loss increased ¥729.2 billion, to ¥787.3 billion, in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year.

 

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Operations by Industry Segment

 

     Revenues     Operating income (loss)  
     Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2008     Percent
change
    Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2008     Percent
change
 
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   2,761,137      2,594,450      -6   116,105      176,629      +52

Electronic Devices

   1,293,517      1,151,066      -11   54,046      27,322      -49

Power & Industrial Systems

   3,568,151      3,310,544      -7   138,455      24,245      -82

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   1,504,692      1,261,501      -16   (109,914   (105,563   —  

High Functional Materials & Components

   1,875,018      1,556,886      -17   141,007      27,777      -80

Logistics, Services & Others

   1,271,465      1,089,971      -14   27,870      23,063      -17

Financial Services

   445,400      412,040      -7   25,481      10,210      -60

Subtotal

   12,719,380      11,376,458      -11   393,050      183,683      -53

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (1,492,645   (1,376,089   —     (47,534   (56,537   —  
                                    

Total

   11,226,735      10,000,369      -11   345,516      127,146      -63
                                    

Information & Telecommunication Systems

Revenues decreased 6% to ¥2,594.4 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year primarily due to decreases in services business sales and in hardware sales.

Revenues in the services business decreased 2% to ¥1,112.7 billion. Major factors included a halt to the increase in sales of system integration services, with domestic financial institutions mostly having finished their current IT upgrade cycle and the impact of customers’ refraining from IT-related investments during the second half due to the worsening economy. Although HDD shipment volume increased 2% to approximately 91.2 million units, revenues decreased 12% to ¥573.3 billion due primarily to yen appreciation. U.S. dollar-denominated revenues in the HDD business were almost the same year on year. Although the shipment volume of 3.5-inch HDD models for desktop PCs decreased because of sluggish demand, demand for laptop computers progressed favorably during the first half, resulting in an increase in the shipment volume of the mainstay 2.5-inch models.

Operating income increased 52% to ¥176.6 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to an increase in profitability of the services business and a significant improvement in the profitability of the HDD business.

In the services business, operating income increased as a result of efforts to control order receipts that emphasize profitability and to achieve profitability via thorough follow-up and cost management during the design and development processes in system integration. The operating loss for HDDs of ¥34.1 billion in the preceding fiscal year improved to operating income of ¥21.4 billion in fiscal 2008 due to an increase in sales of new high-capacity products with higher profitability and the effects of shortening the time between development and mass production and cost-reduction measures, such as integration of the production facilities and reduction in fixed costs and the purchase costs of raw materials.

Electronic Devices

Revenues decreased 11% to ¥1,151.0 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year.

At Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, revenues in fiscal 2008 were less than in the preceding fiscal year. In the U.S. and European markets, supported by solid demand for integrated clinical biochemistry and immunochemistry analyzers, products for highly efficient and high-quality tests progressed favorably, resulting in an increase in revenues from clinical analyzers. However, revenues from semiconductor manufacturing equipment and LCD-related manufacturing equipment decreased, as semiconductor manufacturers and LCD manufacturers reduced capital investments due to deterioration in these markets.

Revenues declined in the display business that mainly produces small and medium-sized LCDs. Sales of small and medium-sized LCDs progressed during the first half to meet demand for the use of high-definition LCD panels in devices such as mobile phones and digital still cameras. However, demand for LCDs as a whole plunged in the second half as the economic downturn caused a sudden decrease in consumer demand, and overall sales decreased.

Operating income decreased 49% to ¥27.3 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to a decrease in profit at Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation mainly as a result of the decrease in sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

 

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Power & Industrial Systems

Revenues decreased 7% to ¥3,310.5 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to decreases in revenues of the automotive systems business and at Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., despite an increase in revenues of the power systems business.

Revenues in the power systems business increased primarily due to posting of sales of nuclear power plants in Japan and coal-fired thermal power plants in Germany and Canada. In the automotive systems business, sales of automotive equipment decreased significantly due to the sharp reduction in demand for automotive equipment as automobile manufacturers drastically decreased production against the backdrop of sluggish global automobile sales, particularly in the second half of fiscal 2008. Revenues of Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., declined as a result of decreased worldwide demand, primarily in Europe, the U.S. and Japan, for construction machinery, mainly due to reduced housing investment as credit tightened and reduced capital investments in the private sector.

Operating income decreased 82% to ¥24.2 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. This decline was primarily attributable to the recording of a loss by the automotive systems business and a considerable profit decline by Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. mainly resulted from a significant decrease in sales, despite the improved profitability of the power systems business due to an increase in sales.

As discussed above, the profitability of the automotive systems business worsened due to a significant decline in sales. To cope with the harsh business environment, the Company separated its automotive systems business to form a new company on July 1, 2009. The new company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is expected to facilitate business restructuring to improve profitability, with measures such as: faster decision making, improvement of operating efficiency (through reorganization and consolidation of production bases, as well as appropriate reduction in the size of the workforce) and further concentration of management resources on priority businesses such as environmental and safety-conscious systems for installation in automobiles.

Digital Media & Consumer Products

Revenues decreased 16% to ¥1,261.5 billion in fiscal 2008. Revenues of flat-panel TVs declined mainly due to the decreased sales volume of plasma TVs to 650 thousand units in fiscal 2008 compared with 850 thousand units in the preceding fiscal year, owing to the reduction of overseas sales channels for consumers, and price reductions. Sales of digital media-related products for PCs, such as optical disc drives, decreased, affected by the rapid decline in demand for PCs due to the economic downturn since the second half of fiscal 2008. Sales of room air conditioners decreased due to a decrease in sales in Europe and China owing to the adverse effect of the recession, despite an increase in sales in Japan due to favorable sales of high-end models.

The segment posted an operating loss of ¥105.5 billion in fiscal 2008, though the loss improved ¥4.3 billion from the preceding fiscal year. This loss was mainly attributable to the posting of an operating loss in the flat-panel TV business, due to such factors as the continued price reductions in the mainstay market of Japan, the lower-than-projected sales volume of high-end models and the recording of expenses related to the write-off of inventories in connection with restructuring measures in Japan, partially offset by the effects of the reduction of overseas sales channels.

The flat-panel TV business experienced intensified price competition and the growth in demand slowed pace due to the global economic deterioration during fiscal 2008. In such a harsh business environment, Hitachi has sought to improve profitability for flat-panel TVs by switching to external procurement sources for the glass panel components for plasma TVs, by reducing fixed costs through a reduction in the size of the workforce and other production costs, and by reducing domestic and overseas sales channels for consumers. In addition, the Company separated its digital media products business, including flat-panel TVs, to form a new company on July 1, 2009. The new company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is expected to strengthen its marketing capability, allowing it to flexibly provide products that meet market needs through collaborations with the Company’s consolidated subsidiary in charge of sales and after-sales services.

 

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High Functional Materials & Components

Revenues decreased 17% to ¥1,556.8 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. This decline was primarily due to decreases in sales of semiconductor-related materials and automotive-related materials and components. These sales decreased following a sharp decline in demand for automobiles and semiconductors as the global recession deepened in the second half of fiscal 2008.

Revenues from Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. declined compared with the preceding fiscal year primarily due to a decrease in sales of semiconductor-related materials and automotive-related products. Additionally, sales decreased because the household and environmental equipment business was sold to a third party in January 2008. Revenues from Hitachi Metals, Ltd. declined primarily due to decreases in sales of metallic products and magnetic materials for automobiles and IT-related electronics components. Revenues from Hitachi Cable, Ltd. declined primarily due to decreases in sales of wires and cables, as sale prices followed declining copper prices, and decreases in sales of automotive-related components and compound semiconductors resulting from decreased demand for automobiles and semiconductors. However, these decreases were partially offset by an increase in sales of fiber-optic submarine cables for telecommunication lines due to rising demand for data communication worldwide.

Operating income decreased 80% to ¥27.7 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to significant decreases in sales of automotive-related materials and components and semiconductor-related materials, as well as a valuation loss at Hitachi Cable, Ltd. for inventories owing to a decline in copper prices.

Logistics, Services & Others

Revenues declined 14% to ¥1,089.9 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to decreases at sales subsidiaries overseas. The decrease at sales subsidiaries was due to a decrease in sales of digital media-related products, affected by the decline in demand resulting from the worsened regional economies in Europe and the United States, as well as strengthening of the yen against the euro and the U.S. dollar, though sales of logistics outsourcing services increased due to new projects in domestic markets.

Operating income decreased 17% to ¥23.0 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to profit declines following sales declines at sales subsidiaries overseas.

Financial Services

Revenues decreased 7% to ¥412.0 billion and operating income fell 60% to ¥10.2 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to a decline in the transaction volume in the leasing of industrial equipment, as private-sector capital investments decreased due to the economic downturn, and the recording of a loss in connection with the sale of Hitachi’s gift card business.

Operations by Geographic Segment

 

     Revenues     Operating income (loss)  
     Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2008     Percent
change
    Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2008     Percent
change
 
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Japan

   8,896,259      7,985,652      -10   299,632      74,370      -75

Asia

   2,409,319      2,134,137      -11   33,020      76,742      +132

North America

   1,086,108      973,425      -10   23,087      7,182      -69

Europe

   886,838      789,980      -11   21,575      (17,129   —  

Other Areas

   269,522      192,305      -29   13,394      9,434      -30

Subtotal

   13,548,046      12,075,499      -11   390,708      150,599      -61

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (2,321,311   (2,075,130   —     (45,192   (23,453   —  
                                    

Total

   11,226,735      10,000,369      -11   345,516      127,146      -63
                                    

 

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Japan

Revenues decreased 10% to ¥7,985.6 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to decreasing sales of automotive-related equipment, materials and components, construction machinery and products in the IT field, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment. These sales decreased as a result of the rapid fall in demand for automobiles, semiconductors and industrial machinery and equipment, due to the effect of rapid economic deterioration in the second half of fiscal 2008.

Operating income fell 75% to ¥74.3 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. This decrease was attributable to significant decreases in sales of automotive-related equipment, materials and components, construction machinery and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Asia

Revenues decreased 11% to ¥2,134.1 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. This decline was primarily due to decreasing sales caused by decreased demand for digital media-related products, such as optical disk drives; construction machinery; and high functional materials and components.

Operating income increased 132% to ¥76.7 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to a considerable improvement in the profitability of HDDs as a favorable result of restructuring measures, partially offset by the decreased profitability of construction machinery as sales decreased.

North America

Revenues decreased 10% to ¥973.4 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year. This decline was primarily attributable to: decreased sales of construction machinery caused by the effect of decreased housing construction in the United States; decreased sales of automotive-related equipment, materials and components caused by decreased production by automobile manufacturers; and decreased sales of flat-panel TVs caused by the reduction of sales channels.

Operating income decreased 69% to ¥7.1 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to decreasing sales of construction machinery and automotive-related equipment, materials and components.

Europe

Revenues decreased 11% to ¥789.9 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year primarily due to decreases in sales of construction machinery and automotive equipment owing to decreased demand resulting from the economic setback, despite an increase in revenues of coal-fired thermal power plant business primarily in Germany.

A profit decline of ¥38.7 billion, compared with the preceding fiscal year, led to an operating loss of ¥17.1 billion. This decline was primarily attributable to decreases in the profitability of construction machinery and automotive equipment caused by a decrease in sales and the recording of additional expense to overcome delayed schedules at coal-fired thermal power plant projects.

Other Areas

Revenues decreased 29% to ¥192.3 billion and operating income decreased 30% to ¥9.4 billion in fiscal 2008 compared with the preceding fiscal year, primarily due to a decrease in sales of mineral mining machinery in Australia and South Africa, as demand decreased for the development of natural resources.

 

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Fiscal 2007 Compared with Fiscal 2006

Summary

 

     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2007     Percent
change
 
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Total revenues

   10,247,903      11,226,735      +10

Operating income

   182,512      345,516      +89

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   202,338      324,782      +61

Income before minority interests

   39,524      52,619      +33

Net loss

   (32,799   (58,125   —  

Hitachi’s total revenues increased compared to the preceding fiscal year. Operating income significantly improved due to increases in operating income in most industry segments, particularly in the Power & Industrial Systems segment and the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment, partially offset by an increase in an operating loss in the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment. Income before income taxes and minority interests also increased due to an increase in operating income and an increase in net gain on sale of securities, partially offset by an increase in impairment of long-lived assets and an increase in restructuring charges. However, as a result of a significant increase in income taxes due primarily to an increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and an increase in minority interests due to the overall good performance of publicly-held subsidiaries, net loss increased compared to the preceding fiscal year. See “Analysis of Statement of Operations”, “Operations by Industry Segment” and “Operations by Geographic Segment” below for more detailed discussion.

Analysis of Statement of Operations

Hitachi’s total revenues in fiscal 2007 were ¥11,226.7 billion, an increase of 10% from the preceding fiscal year due to increases in revenues in most industry segments particularly in the Power & Industrial Systems segment and the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment, partially offset by a decrease in revenues of the Financial Services segment. See “Operations by Industry Segment” and “Operations by Geographic Segment” below for more detailed discussion. Overseas revenues increased 14% over the same period, to ¥4,742.2 billion, or 42% of total revenues. This was due primarily to overall revenue increases in Asia, particularly increases in sales of construction machinery and HDDs, and an increase in sales of construction machinery and posting sales of a coal-fired thermal power plant in Europe.

Hitachi’s cost of sales increased 9%, to ¥8,777.6 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year. The ratio of cost of sales to total revenues decreased 1% in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year, to 78%. This improvement was primarily due to various cost reduction efforts and an improvement in profitability due to an increase in revenues, partially offset by the rise in raw material prices.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 6%, to ¥2,103.5 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales activities. The ratio of selling, general and administrative expenses to total revenues was 19%, almost the same in fiscal 2007 as in the preceding fiscal year.

Operating income, total revenues less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses, increased 89%, to ¥345.5 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due to an increase in most industry segments, particularly significant improvement in the Power & Industrial Systems segment and the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment, partially offset by a significant increase in operating loss in the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment. See “Operations by Industry Segment” and “Operations by Geographic Segment” below for more detailed discussion.

In fiscal 2007, Hitachi recorded impairment losses for long-lived assets in the amount of ¥87.5 billion, an increase of ¥77.6 billion from the preceding fiscal year.

 

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The Digital Media & Consumer Products segment recorded an impairment loss of ¥68.7 billion. This impairment loss was recognized mainly in connection with an impairment of plasma display panel production facilities due to a decline of their profitability and the amounts invested in such production facilities are expected to be irrecoverable. Such profitability decline resulted from intensified market competition followed by falling unit prices of plasma TVs, a larger decrease in sales volume in units than expected and restructured overseas sales activities as part of a re-evaluation of geographical strategies in response to this decrease in sales. In addition, the impairment loss also includes impairment of the value of patents in connection with plasma display panel technology, for which the future royalty income is expected to decrease more than expected and the amounts invested in such patents are expected to be irrecoverable. The Power & Industrial Systems segment recorded an impairment loss of ¥9.2 billion. This impairment loss was recognized mainly in connection with an impairment of power generation facilities for electrical power sales business due to decline of profitability of such business that resulted from increased fuel prices and the amounts invested in such facilities are expected to be irrecoverable. The High Functional Materials & Components segment recorded an impairment loss of ¥7.1 billion. This impairment loss was recognized mainly in connection with an impairment of the production facilities of chip-on-film products for use in LCD drivers that resulted from falling prices of such products due to oversupply following a decrease in demand for LCD panels and the amounts invested in such facilities are expected to be irrecoverable. These losses were determined based primarily on discounted future cash flows.

In fiscal 2007, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥18.1 billion, an increase of ¥14.1 billion from the preceding fiscal year, associated primarily with the restructuring measures in the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment, the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment and the Power & Industrial Systems segment. See “Restructuring” in this Item.

Interest income increased ¥5.5 billion, to ¥31.5 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a rise in the interest rate and an increase in interest income relating to installment sales of construction machinery business.

Dividends income amounted to ¥6.0 billion in fiscal 2007, almost the same as the preceding fiscal year.

Gains on sales of stock by subsidiaries or affiliated companies amounted to ¥3.8 billion in fiscal 2007 due to the merger of Hitachi Metals and NEOMAX. This was a ¥8.1 billion decrease compared to the preceding fiscal year, when a gain of ¥12.0 billion was recorded due primarily to the sale of the Company’s shares in a U.S. consolidated subsidiary engaged in optical components business when the U.S. company listed its shares and resulted in such subsidiary becoming an equity method affiliate.

Other income increased ¥64.7 billion, to ¥123.7 billion, in fiscal 2007, compared to the preceding fiscal year. Net gain on securities increased ¥32.4 billion, to ¥80.1 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due to sale of shares of subsidiaries, including sale of a part of shares of Hitachi Displays to Canon in connection with the reorganization of the LCDs business, sale of a part of shares of Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd. to GE in connection with the alliance with GE regarding nuclear power systems business and sale of all shares of Hitachi Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd. Gains on contribution of securities to employee retirement benefit trust amounted to ¥21.0 billion also contributed to the increase; the Company contributed certain shares to such trust in order to improve its pension financing and to increase its utilization of financial assets. Equity in earnings of affiliated companies also increased ¥11.2 billion, to ¥22.5 billion, in fiscal 2007 due to an overall improvement in business results of equity method affiliates.

Interest charges increased ¥4.6 billion, to ¥42.4 billion in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to the effect of a rise in the interest rate.

Other deductions increased ¥6.2 billion, to ¥37.7 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year. Foreign exchange losses increased ¥25.3 billion, to ¥28.4 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to strengthening of the yen against the U.S. dollars. Net loss on sale and disposal of rental assets and other property decreased ¥16.3 billion, to ¥8.2 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year. While the gross amount of loss on disposal of fixed assets was almost the same as in the preceding fiscal year, a larger amount of gains on sale of idle lands by the Company and certain subsidiaries resulted in a reduction in the net loss.

As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes and minority interests increased 61%, to ¥324.7 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year.

 

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Income taxes in relation to income before income taxes and minority interests in fiscal 2007 increased ¥109.3 billion, to ¥272.1 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year, which resulted in the effective tax rate of 84% in fiscal 2007 compared to 80% in the preceding fiscal year. This was due primarily to a ¥62.0 billion increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of the Company related to Japanese local taxes following re-assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets in line with lower earnings in the flat-panel TV business. Further, certain overseas subsidiaries were not able to record a deferred tax benefit for their losses.

As a result, income before minority interests increased 33%, to ¥52.6 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year.

Minority interests increased 53%, to ¥110.7 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to firm business results of publicly-held subsidiaries such as Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., publicly-held subsidiaries in the High Functional Materials & Components segment and Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation.

As a result of the foregoing, Hitachi’s net loss increased ¥25.3 billion, to ¥58.1 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year.

Operations by Industry Segment

 

     Revenues     Operating income (loss)  
     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2007     Percent
change
    Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2007     Percent
change
 
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   2,472,227      2,761,137      +12   60,343      116,105      +92

Electronic Devices

   1,287,492      1,293,517      +0   45,755      54,046      +18

Power & Industrial Systems

   3,022,299      3,568,151      +18   36,391      138,455      +280

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   1,506,073      1,504,692      -0   (58,435   (109,914   —  

High Functional Materials & Components

   1,794,506      1,875,018      +4   132,399      141,007      +7

Logistics, Services & Others

   1,213,529      1,271,465      +5   20,233      27,870      +38

Financial Services

   500,065      445,400      -11   23,534      25,481      +8

Subtotal

   11,796,191      12,719,380      +8   260,220      393,050      +51

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (1,548,288   (1,492,645   —     (77,708   (47,534   —  
                                    

Total

   10,247,903      11,226,735      +10   182,512      345,516      +89
                                    

Information & Telecommunication Systems

Revenues increased 12%, to ¥2,761.1 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to increases in sales of services business and HDDs.

Revenues of services business increased by 15%, to ¥1,135.2 billion. This is primarily due to an increase in sales of system integration services as a result of active IT investment by domestic financial institutions. HDD shipment volume increased 28% to 89.5 million units, which resulted in a 15% increase in sales of HDDs compared to the preceding fiscal year, to ¥653.1 billion. A steady increase in demand for lap-top computers resulted in an increase in unit sales of 2.5 inch models, one of the core HDD products. Increasing demand also led to an increase in sales of 3.5 inch desk top models.

Operating income increased 92%, to ¥116.1 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in profit of services business and an improvement in the HDD business.

In the services business, operating income significantly increased as a result of sales efforts to emphasize profitability, of utilizing an automatic application generator tool to increase the quality and productivity of research and development and of emphasizing follow-up and cost management during the design and manufacture process to achieve profitability. Operating losses for HDDs decreased by ¥9.6 billion from ¥43.7 billion in the previous fiscal year to ¥34.1 billion due to stable prices in the latter half of fiscal 2007, an increase in sales of new more profitable products with high added value and a reduction of costs. This cost reduction was achieved by closing a certain production facility, integrating R&D and production facilities of circular disks and magnetic heads, reducing labor costs and reducing purchase costs of raw materials.

 

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Electronic Devices

Revenues amounted to ¥1,293.5 billion in fiscal 2007, almost the same as in the preceding fiscal year.

In Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, revenues were almost the same as in the preceding fiscal year. Sales of clinical analyzers increased through intensive sales efforts of new models of integrated clinical chemistry and immunochemistry analyzers due to solid demand in the U.S. and European markets. Sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment also increased due to solid demand in overseas markets. These increases were offset by a decrease in sales of semiconductor devices, functional components and printer-related components due to a reduction in production volume of certain clients and a decrease in sales of optical components for LCD projectors due to a contraction of the rear projection TV market.

In displays business, revenues were almost the same as in the preceding fiscal year. Revenues of large-sized TV LCDs decreased due to Hitachi’s policy of focusing on small and medium-sized LCDs and exiting from the large-sized TV LCDs business conducted by Hitachi Displays, a subsidiary of the Company. Sales of large-sized LCDs for PCs and sales of projection tubes decreased following downsizing as part of Hitachi’s business strategy. These decreases were offset by an increase in sales of small and medium-sized LCDs for devices like mobile phones and digital still cameras due to increased demand for high grade LCD panels in these products.

Operating income increased 18%, to ¥54.0 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of new models of clinical analyzers in the U.S. and European markets and various cost reduction efforts.

Power & Industrial Systems

Revenues increased 18%, to ¥3,568.1 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to increases in revenues of power systems business, automotive equipment and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

Revenues in power systems business increased due primarily to sales posted in a nuclear power plant in Japan and a coal-fired thermal power plant in Germany. Sales of automotive equipment increased due primarily to an increase in revenues due to Clarion Co., Ltd. becoming a consolidated subsidiary in December 2006 and a production increase in the domestic automobile manufacturers for exports. Revenues of Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. increased due to increased worldwide demand for construction machinery and mineral mining machinery.

In fiscal 2007, Hitachi did not record unexpected costs after recording unexpected costs in fiscal 2006, relating to the accrual of repair costs for broken turbine vanes in Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No. 5 of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. and in Shika Nuclear Power Station No. 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power Company and additional costs to overcome delays in the construction of a thermal power plant in the U.S. As a result, operating income increased 280%, to ¥138.4 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year.

Digital Media & Consumer Products

Revenues amounted to ¥1,504.6 billion in fiscal 2007, almost the same as the preceding fiscal year. Sales of projection TVs significantly decreased due to downsizing of such business and shifting focus to flat-panel TV business. The sales volume of plasma TVs increased to 850 thousand units in fiscal 2007 compared to 770 thousand units in the preceding fiscal year while revenues decreased due to price reductions mainly in old models. These factors were partially offset by an increase in sales of room air conditioners in Europe, China and India and an increase in sales of air-conditioning equipment for enterprises in Japan, Europe and China.

Operating loss increased ¥51.4 billion, to ¥109.9 billion, in fiscal 2007 from the preceding fiscal year. This increase in loss was due primarily to an increase in loss of plasma TVs, partially offset by an improvement in the profitability of room air conditioners as sales increased.

Operating loss of plasma TVs increased due to decreases in sales prices in Japan, particularly those for older models, and decreases in sales prices in North America due to price competition reflecting consumer preference for low price models. In addition, Hitachi recognized costs related to a sell-off of inventories in connection with the restructuring of sales activities.

 

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High Functional Materials & Components

Revenues increased 4%, to ¥1,875.0 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year. Revenues of Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. were almost the same as in the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of semiconductor related materials and automotive related components, partially offset by a decrease in sales of household and environmental equipment business due to the sale of such business to a third party in January 2008. Revenues of Hitachi Metals, Ltd. increased due primarily to an increase in sales of automotive- and IT-related electronics and information equipment and high grade casting components. Revenues of Hitachi Cable, Ltd. increased due primarily to an increase in sales of wires and cables as a result of solid demand and increased sales prices owing to a rise in copper prices and an increase in sales of fiber-optic submarine cable due to increased worldwide demand for telecommunication lines.

Operating income increased 7%, to ¥141.0 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a successful transfer of increased materials costs to sales prices and cost reduction efforts.

Logistics, Services & Others

Revenues increased 5%, to ¥1,271.4 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of logistics outsourcing services due to new projects in domestic and overseas markets. Operating income increased 38%, to ¥27.8 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in logistics outsourcing services as sales increased and an effort to improve transportation efficiency, as well as an improved performance by a sales subsidiary in China.

Financial Services

Revenues decreased 11%, to ¥445.4 billion, while operating income increased 8%, to ¥25.4 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a selective sales activities aimed at winning profitable orders, mainly in leasing business.

Operations by Geographic Segment

 

     Revenues     Operating income (loss)  
     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2007     Percent
change
    Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2007     Percent
change
 
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Japan

   8,284,229      8,896,259      +7   212,316      299,632      +41

Asia

   2,020,757      2,409,319      +19   (3,664   33,020      —  

North America

   1,071,010      1,086,108      +1   25,310      23,087      -9

Europe

   682,808      886,838      +30   23,312      21,575      -7

Other Areas

   173,295      269,522      +56   8,647      13,394      +55

Subtotal

   12,232,099      13,548,046      +11   265,921      390,708      +47

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (1,984,196   (2,321,311   —     (83,409   (45,192   —  
                                    

Total

   10,247,903      11,226,735      +10   182,512      345,516      +89
                                    

Japan

Revenues increased 7%, to ¥8,896.2 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in nuclear power plant sales, Clarion Co., Ltd. becoming a consolidated subsidiary in December 2006 and an increase in sales of construction machinery business.

Operating income increased 41%, to ¥299.6 billion in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year. In fiscal 2007, Hitachi did not record unexpected losses after recording unexpected costs in fiscal 2006, relating to the accrual of repair costs for broken turbine vanes in Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No. 5 of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. and in Shika Nuclear Power Station No. 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power Company and additional costs to overcome delays in the construction of a thermal power plant in the U.S.

 

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Asia

Revenues increased 19%, to ¥2,409.3 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to overall increases in sales especially in HDDs due to increased demand and in construction machinery due to increased demand in China.

Operating income amounted to ¥33.0 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to an operating loss of ¥3.6 billion in the preceding fiscal year due to an improvement in profitability of HDDs and a significant increase in sales of construction machinery.

North America

Revenues increased 1%, to ¥1,086.1 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due to an increase in sales of HDDs and the sale of a coal-fired thermal power plant in Canada, partially offset by a decrease in digital media related products due to a decline in unit prices of plasma TVs, downsizing of projection TVs and a decline in sales of construction machinery business resulting from a decrease in housing investment in the U.S.

Operating income decreased 9%, to ¥23.0 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decrease in profitability of plasma TVs and a decrease in profitability of construction machinery resulting from a decrease in sales.

Europe

Revenues increased 30%, to ¥886.8 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in construction machinery sales due to increased demand and the sale of a coal-fired thermal power plant in Germany.

Operating income decreased 7%, to ¥21.5 billion from the preceding fiscal year. The primary factor of this decrease was a decrease in the profitability of a coal-fired thermal power plant in Germany due to increased labor costs that resulted from an expanding construction market. Costs also increased due to time intensive work that was required to overcome construction schedule delays after an initial principal subcontractor in that project went bankrupt and had to be replaced by a new subcontractor.

Other Areas

Revenues increased 56%, to ¥269.5 billion and operating income increased 55%, to ¥13.3 billion, in fiscal 2007 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of mineral mining machinery in Australia and South Africa resulting from increased demand for the development of natural resources.

Restructuring

Restructuring charges amounted to ¥3.9 billion in fiscal 2006, ¥18.1 billion in fiscal 2007 and ¥22.9 billion in fiscal 2008. The breakdown is not shown for all industry segments because the amounts charged to some segments are not material.

Fiscal 2008 restructuring

For fiscal 2008, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥22.9 billion. The restructuring charges included special termination benefits of ¥21.5 billion for 4,964 employees. Payments of ¥22.4 billion were made in fiscal 2008 and special termination benefits of ¥7.5 billion were accrued as of March 31, 2009. The accrued amount is expected to be paid in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.

Power & Industrial Systems recorded restructuring charges of ¥7.6 billion, consisting primarily of special termination benefits for employees in the automotive systems business both in Japan and overseas, in order to realign and integrate production bases and to reduce the workforce to address the significant decline in demand for automotive equipment.

High Functional Materials & Components recorded restructuring charges of ¥4.2 billion, consisting primarily of special termination benefits for employees in the metal materials business, in order to reduce fixed costs and improve profitability.

 

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Digital Media & Consumer Products recorded restructuring charges of ¥3.8 billion, consisting primarily of special termination benefits for employees in the digital media-related product business both in Japan and overseas, including flat-panel TV business, in order to reduce the workforce in response to intensified market competition followed by falling unit prices.

Fiscal 2007 restructuring

For fiscal 2007, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥18.1 billion. The restructuring charges included special termination benefits of ¥15.6 billion for 7,801 employees. Payments of ¥6.3 billion were made in fiscal 2007 and special termination benefits of ¥8.9 billion were accrued as of March 31, 2008. The accrued amount was paid in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.

Information & Telecommunication Systems recorded restructuring charges of ¥7.2 billion, consisting primarily of special termination benefits for employees in the overseas subsidiaries engaging in the HDDs business and storage solutions business due to integration and closures of production facilities.

Digital Media & Consumer Products recorded restructuring charges of ¥4.0 billion, consisting primarily of special termination benefits for employees in the overseas subsidiaries engaging in the flat-panel TV business due to reorganization of sales operations.

Power & Industrial Systems recorded restructuring charges of ¥2.8 billion, consisting primarily of special termination benefits for employees in the social and industrial infrastructure systems business, in order to reduce fixed costs and to improve the profitability of the business.

Fiscal 2006 restructuring

For fiscal 2006, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥3.9 billion. The restructuring charges included special termination benefits of ¥3.8 billion for 554 employees. Payments of ¥4.9 billion were made in fiscal 2006 and special termination benefits of ¥44 million were accrued as of March 31, 2007. The accrued amount was paid in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

Restructuring charges mainly consist of special termination benefits for the early terminated employees of subsidiaries in High Functional Materials & Components and Information & Telecommunication Systems.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

The analysis made in this Item covers the three-year period from fiscal 2006 through fiscal 2008. Management considers maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity and securing adequate funds for current and future business operations to be important financial objectives. Through efficient management of working capital and selective investment in new plant and equipment, Hitachi is working to optimize the efficiency of capital utilization throughout its business operations. Hitachi endeavors to improve Hitachi’s group cash management by centralizing such management among the Company and its overseas financial subsidiaries. Hitachi’s internal sources of funds include cash flows generated by operating activities and cash on hand. Management also considers short-term investments to be an immediately available source of funds. In addition, Hitachi raises funds both from the capital markets and from Japanese and international commercial banks in response to its capital requirements. Management’s policy is to finance capital expenditures primarily by internally generated funds and to a lesser extent by funds raised through the issuance of debt and equity securities in domestic and foreign capital markets.

Hitachi relies for its liquidity principally on cash and other working capital as well as the issue of debentures, medium term notes and commercial paper, bank loans and other uncommitted sources of financing. While Hitachi maintains backup lines of credit to cover maturing commercial paper in the U.S. market, the aggregate amount of credit available under these credit lines is limited. At the end of fiscal 2008, the Company maintained commitment line agreements with a number of domestic banks under which the Company may borrow any amount in order to ensure efficient access to necessary funds. Unused commitment lines for the Company totaled ¥563.0 billion as of March 31, 2009. These commitment line agreements generally provide for a one through three year term, renewable upon mutual agreement between the Company and each of the lending banks. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries also maintain commitment line arrangements. Unused commitment lines for the Company and its subsidiaries totaled ¥614.8 billion as of March 31, 2009. The committed credit arrangements of the Company and its subsidiaries are, in general, subject to financial and other covenants and conditions prior to and after drawdown and require the borrower to represent, in connection with any borrowing under the agreement, that no material adverse change has occurred since certain dates.

 

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The Company’s debt ratings (long-term/short-term) as of March 31, 2009 are: A2/P-1 by Moody’s; A-/A-2 by S&P and AA-/a-1+ by R&I. Subsequently, Moody’s downgraded Hitachi’s long-term and short-term credit ratings from A2 to A3 and from P-1 to P-2, respectively, in May 2009. In June 2009, S&P downgraded Hitachi’s long-term credit rating from A- to BBB+, and R&I downgraded Hitachi’s long-term and short-term credit ratings from AA- to A+ and from a-1+ to a-1, respectively. According to their press releases, the downgrades reflected their view that Hitachi’s profitability has decreased, affected by the harsh business environment, and its financial condition has declined, evidenced by an increase in Hitachi’s financial leverage, and that its profitability and financial condition are unlikely to significantly improve soon. With its current ratings, the Company believes that its access to the global capital markets will remain sufficient for its financing needs. However, a downgrade of its debt ratings would likely increase the cost of debt financing by the Company. Hitachi seeks to maintain a stable credit rating in order to ensure financial flexibility for liquidity and capital management, and to continue to maintain access to sufficient funding resources through the capital markets.

Transfers of funds from a subsidiary to a parent company in the form of a cash dividend are restricted under the Companies Act and under regulatory requirements of certain foreign countries in which subsidiaries are located. Although some of the Company’s subsidiaries are subject to such restrictions, Hitachi does not expect such restrictions to have a significant impact on the ability of Hitachi to meet its cash obligations.

Management believes that Hitachi’s sources of liquidity and capital resources, including working capital, are adequate for its present requirements and business operations and will be adequate to satisfy its presently anticipated requirements during at least the next twelve months for working capital, capital expenditures and other corporate needs. Hitachi is seeking to ensure that its level of liquidity and access to capital resources continue to be maintained in order for Hitachi to successfully conduct its future operations in highly competitive markets.

Cash Flows

Summarized cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for fiscal 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown below.

 

     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2008  
     (Millions of yen)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   615,042      791,837      558,947   

Net cash used in investing activities

   (786,170   (637,618   (550,008

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   121,259      (185,556   284,388   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   9,480      (25,569   (46,361
                  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (40,389   (56,906   246,966   

Net cash provided by operating activities was ¥558.9 billion, ¥791.8 billion and ¥615.0 billion in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease in fiscal 2008 was due primarily to the decrease in payables of ¥359.2 billion for fiscal 2008, compared with the increase in payables of ¥42.4 billion in the preceding fiscal year, as Hitachi’s purchasing decreased as a result of lower sales. This decrease was partially offset by a decrease in receivables of ¥342.0 billion, an increase of ¥294.1 billion from the preceding fiscal year, mainly reflecting lower sales. The increase in fiscal 2007 was due primarily to a reduction in the increase in inventories to ¥107.5 billion for fiscal 2007, which was ¥104.4 billion less than the preceding fiscal year due to efforts to improve inventory turnover. This improvement was partially offset by a slightly lower decrease in receivables by ¥4.7 billion from the preceding fiscal year to ¥47.8 billion, and a lower increase in payables of ¥42.4 billion, a decrease of ¥62.5 billion from the previous fiscal year.

 

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Net cash used in investing activities was ¥550.0 billion, ¥637.6 billion and ¥786.1 billion in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease of ¥87.6 billion in fiscal 2008 was due primarily to a decrease of ¥52.2 billion in capital expenditures due to decreasing investments in manufacturing equipment for HDDs and plasma display panels owing to Hitachi’s decision to switch to external procurement sources for the glass panel components as well as selective investments. It was also due to a decrease of ¥197.9 billion in purchases of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock due primarily to the absence of large investments, such as the investment in companies established with GE in North America in the preceding fiscal year, partially offset by a decrease of ¥103.1 billion in proceeds from sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock due primarily to absence of large sales, such as sales of shares of Hitachi Displays. The decrease of ¥148.5 billion in fiscal 2007 was due primarily to a decrease of ¥23.4 billion in capital expenditures due to selective investments and a decrease in investments for HDDs manufacturing equipment, a decrease of ¥75.6 billion in purchase of assets to be leased due to selective sales operations in leasing businesses, an increase of ¥91.6 billion in proceeds from sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock due primarily to sales of shares of Hitachi Displays, etc., partially offset by an increase of ¥85.0 billion in purchase of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock due primarily to investments to companies established with GE in North America. As of March 31, 2009, Hitachi’s capital commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment amounted to ¥55.7 billion, which is expected to be funded primarily through internal sources of financing.

Net cash provided by financing activities was ¥284.3 billion in fiscal 2008, due primarily to an increase in short-term debt, including issuance of the Company’s commercial paper of ¥100.0 billion, to increase the level of cash on hand in response to uncertain credit markets. Net cash used in financing activities was ¥185.5 billion in fiscal 2007. The outflows in fiscal 2007 were primarily due to Hitachi’s efforts to reduce interest-bearing debt, including repayment of commercial paper, partially offset by an increase in proceeds from debentures and long-term borrowings due to issuance of convertible bonds in a subsidiary and an increase in proceeds from a public offering by a subsidiary that raised funds for capital expenditures. Net cash provided by financing activities was ¥121.2 billion in fiscal 2006, due primarily to an increase in the issuance of commercial paper, an increase in financing through straight bonds and borrowings, and a decrease in payments on long-term debt.

In fiscal 2008, the above activities increased cash and cash equivalents by ¥246.9 billion from fiscal 2007. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of fiscal 2008 amounted to ¥807.9 billion, primarily held in Japanese yen, with a substantial portion of the remaining amount held in U.S. dollars.

Short-term investments, the change of which is classified as investing activities, are considered to be an immediately available source of funds. Short-term investments at the end of fiscal 2008 amounted to ¥8.6 billion, a decrease of ¥52.6 billion from the end of fiscal 2007 due primarily to a decrease in available-for-sale securities. As a result of the foregoing, the total of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at the end of fiscal 2008 was ¥816.5 billion, an increase of ¥194.3 billion from the end of fiscal 2007.

Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

At the end of fiscal 2008, total assets amounted to ¥9,403.7 billion, a decrease of ¥1,127.1 billion from the end of fiscal 2007, due primarily to a decrease in account payables as a result of lower sales and as a result of efforts to accelerate cash collections from customers in order to improve cash flows, an increase in valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and a decrease in investments in affiliated companies due to the recording of losses by equity-method affiliates. Total amount of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at the end of fiscal 2008 amounted to ¥816.5 billion, an increase of ¥194.3 billion from the end of fiscal 2007, due primarily to the increased short-term debt in response to uncertain credit markets.

At the end of fiscal 2008, the total of Hitachi’s short-term debt, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt amounted to ¥2,820.1 billion, an increase of ¥288.6 billion from the end of fiscal 2007. The increase was due primarily to an increase in short-term debt, including issuance of ¥100.0 billion of the Company’s commercial paper, to increase the level of cash on hand in response to uncertain credit markets. At the end of fiscal 2008, short-term debt, consisting mainly of borrowings from banks and commercial paper, amounted to ¥998.8 billion, an increase of ¥275.8 billion from the end of fiscal 2007. At the end of fiscal 2008, long-term debt (excluding current portion), consisting mainly of debentures, debentures with stock acquisition rights, medium term notes and loans principally from banks and insurance companies, amounted to ¥1,289.6 billion, a decrease of ¥131.9 billion from the end of fiscal 2007, as the Company’s debentures with stock acquisition rights of ¥100.0 billion were classified to current portion. Accordingly, at the end of fiscal 2008, current portion of long-term debt amounted to ¥531.6 billion, an increase of ¥144.7 billion form the end of fiscal 2007. A significant portion of Hitachi’s long-term debt bears a fixed rate of interest. Hitachi’s debt is not significantly affected by seasonal factors. In general, there are no material restrictions on Hitachi’s use of borrowings. For further details including the maturity and interest rates, see note 9 to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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At the end of fiscal 2008, minority interests amounted to ¥1,129.4 billion, a decrease of ¥13.1 billion from the end of fiscal 2007, due primarily to the worsening business results of publicly-held subsidiaries such as Hitachi Cable, Ltd. and Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., each of which posted a net loss.

At the end of fiscal 2008, stockholders’ equity amounted to ¥1,049.9 billion, a decrease of ¥1,120.6 billion from the end of fiscal 2007. The decrease primarily reflects the recognition of a net loss and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss due to an increase in pension liability adjustments and a decrease of net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities owing to a decline in market share prices, and a deterioration in foreign currency translation adjustments caused by the strengthening of the yen. As a result, the ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets was 11.2%, compared with 20.6% at the end of fiscal 2007. The ratio of the total of short-term debt and long-term debt to the total of stockholders’ equity and minority interests was 1.29, compared with 0.76 at the end of fiscal 2007.

The Company and its subsidiaries assess foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk by continually monitoring changes in these exposures and by evaluating hedging opportunities. Hitachi uses certain derivative financial instruments in order to reduce such risks. Hitachi generally does not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculation purposes. For additional information on financial instruments and derivative financial instruments, see notes 24, 26 and 27 to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

Viewing research and development, or R&D, activity as a key investment for the future, Hitachi conducts its R&D in a number of areas from materials to production technology. Hitachi focuses on basic R&D with a long-term vision but also strives to achieve more immediate benefits by introducing new products.

Hitachi’s R&D expenditures amounted to ¥412.5 billion in fiscal 2006, ¥428.1 billion in fiscal 2007 and ¥416.5 billion in fiscal 2008. The ratio of R&D expenditures to total revenues was approximately 4% over these three years.

Hitachi recognizes the importance of the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment and the Electronic Devices segment as sources of new technologies that can be applied to other segments. Therefore, Hitachi places emphasis on these segments in allocating R&D resources. In fiscal 2008, total expenditures in the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment and the Electronic Devices segment accounted for 48% of total R&D expenditures.

To achieve higher efficiency, Hitachi has reinforced the link between R&D activities and marketing activities under the control of each business operation while maintaining its focus on long-term research at independent corporate laboratories. Hitachi’s global R&D activities include cooperation with universities and companies in the U.S. and Europe. Hitachi will reinforce R&D in the area of both frontier and platform research. The former aims to cultivate future mainstay businesses, while the latter has a more immediate focus of increasing productivity and quickening the pace of product development throughout Hitachi. Hitachi focuses both on leading-edge R&D for creating its future core businesses and on fundamental technologies for improving productivity and quality and lowering costs.

For information on Hitachi’s patents and licenses, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Intellectual Property and Licenses.”

D. Trend Information

On June 15, 2006, Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No. 5 of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. shut down due to turbine damage. As a precautionary measure, on July 5, 2006, Shika Nuclear Power Station No. 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which uses the same type of turbines, was shut down for an examination of the turbines and the examination revealed damage to the turbine vanes. The accrued amount of the repair costs was included in Hitachi’s operating results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and was recorded as part of cost of sales. In September 2008, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the Company, seeking compensation for the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in the amount of ¥41.8 billion plus interest. In May 2009, Hokuriku Electric Power Company filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the Company, seeking compensation for the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Shika Nuclear Power Station in the amount of ¥20.2 billion plus interest. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these lawsuits. The Company has not accrued for consequential losses related to these lawsuits. However, there can be no assurance that Hitachi will not be liable for any amount claimed.

 

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In January 2009, the Company conducted a tender offer for shares of Hitachi Kokusai Electric and acquired a controlling interest. Subsequently, Hitachi Kokusai Electric became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in March 2009. As a result, the revenues of Hitachi Kokusai Electric from April 2009 will be included in Hitachi’s consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2009.

In January 2009, the Company conducted a tender offer for shares of Hitachi Koki and acquired a controlling interest. Subsequently, Hitachi Koki became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in March 2009. As a result, the revenues of Hitachi Koki from April 2009 will be included in Hitachi’s consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2009.

Global Economic Recession

The global economic recession, triggered by the collapse of a major U.S. investment bank in September 2008, has included a sudden and substantial decline in sales volumes in the global automotive industry, as well as in the semiconductor, industrial equipment and certain other industries. In conjunction with the instability in financial markets and the economic downturn in the United States and other industrialized nations, as well as the slowing economic growth in China and in emerging economies, the overall business environment going forward is uncertain. These trends may continue and adversely affect Hitachi’s business.

Trends in Operating Results

Hitachi expects that reduced sales volume levels in the automotive, semiconductor, industrial equipment and certain other industries will adversely affect its operating results for fiscal 2009. On a segment-by-segment basis, Hitachi expects the following impact.

 

   

Information & Telecommunication Systems: The Information & Telecommunication Systems segment was less affected by the global economic recession than most other segments in fiscal 2008. However, domestic businesses and financial institutions that purchase computer systems and systems integration services from Hitachi may be affected by the market downturn, and could seek to control costs in part by canceling or deferring investment in information technology systems, with consequent adverse impact on sales of Hitachi’s products and services. In addition, the reduced demand for PCs in both business and consumer use adversely affected Hitachi’s HDD volumes with increasing impact in the latter half of fiscal 2008, and has the potential to continue into fiscal 2009. Industry consolidation may, in the near term, lead to more robust competition from other HDD makers.

 

   

Electronic Devices: Economic and market conditions, particularly reduced sales volume levels in the semiconductor industry, adversely affected results of operations in the Electronic Devices segment in fiscal 2008. The economic and market conditions worsened in the second half of fiscal 2008, and have the potential to continue to adversely affect Hitachi’s results of operations in fiscal 2009. Sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment offered by the Electronic Devices segment have been adversely affected by reduced capital spending by manufacturers in the semiconductor industry, and such capital spending in fiscal 2009 might be lower levels than in fiscal 2008.

 

   

Power & Industrial Systems: Economic and market conditions, particularly reduced sales volume levels in the automotive products and construction machinery industries, adversely affected results of operations in the Power & Industrial Systems segment in fiscal 2008. The economic and market conditions worsened in the second half of fiscal 2008, and have the potential to continue to adversely affect Hitachi’s results of operations in fiscal 2009. Sales of power plants may be less sensitive to economic cycles than are sales in other business sectors because the business cycles for power plants tend to be longer than such cycles for other products. As such, a reasonably certain amount of sales can be expected for several years once Hitachi receives an order for a power plant from a customer. Sales of automotive equipment, in contrast, have been severely affected by the worldwide collapse in demand for automobiles. Sales of construction machinery have also been severely affected by the worldwide decline in demand for residential and private-sector investment.

 

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Digital Media & Consumer Products: Economic and market conditions, particularly decreased sales volume levels for digital media products, adversely affected results of operations in the Digital Media & Consumer Products segment in fiscal 2008. The economic and market conditions worsened in the second half of fiscal 2008, and have the potential to continue to adversely affect Hitachi’s results of operations in fiscal 2009. Sales of digital media products were depressed due to restrained consumer spending in most markets. Although demand for lower-end flat panel TVs was relatively firm, sales of high-end models, which Hitachi focuses on, experienced declines in both volume and price due to restrained consumer spending and product commoditization in fiscal 2008. Sales of optical disk drives were also adversely affected by the worldwide economic downturn in fiscal 2008. These trends have the potential to continue, and may worsen, in fiscal 2009.

 

   

High Functional Materials & Components: Economic and market conditions, particularly decreased sales volume levels in semiconductor-, automotive- and digital media-related products, adversely affected results of operations in the High Functional Materials & Components segment in fiscal 2008. The economic and market conditions worsened in the second half of fiscal 2008, and have the potential to continue to adversely affect Hitachi’s results of operations in fiscal 2009. Sales in this segment, particularly of semiconductor-related materials and automotive-related components, were depressed due to reduced production volume by manufacturers in the semiconductor and automotive industries in fiscal 2008, and such production volume may be lower yet in fiscal 2009. These trends have the potential to continue, and may worsen, in fiscal 2009.

 

   

Logistics, Services & Others: The logistics business in the Logistics, Services & Others segment was less affected by the global economic recession than most other segments in fiscal 2008. However, sales in this segment, particularly in overseas sales subsidiaries, were depressed due to an overall reduced level of sales and economic activity in fiscal 2008. The economic and market conditions worsened in the second half of fiscal 2008, and have the potential to continue to adversely affect Hitachi’s results of operations in fiscal 2009.

 

   

Financial Services: The Financial Services segment was less affected by the global economic recession than most other segments in fiscal 2008. However, revenues in this segment, particularly revenues in the leasing business for industrial equipment, were depressed due to reduced levels of capital spending for these services in fiscal 2008. The economic and market conditions worsened in the second half of fiscal 2008, and have the potential to continue to adversely affect Hitachi’s results of operations in fiscal 2009.

Hitachi plans to address these business challenges, including by:

 

   

reorganizing or exiting unprofitable businesses and reducing labor costs, particularly in the digital media and automotive systems-related businesses;

 

   

controlling costs, such as by reducing procurement costs and enhancing project management;

 

   

promoting shared services over a wide range of areas such as procurement, logistics, document services, cafeteria operations, security, personnel management and financial management; and

 

   

reducing or delaying capital expenditures.

Hitachi will also focus on profitable and emerging business opportunities such as environment-related businesses. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Business Strategy” for more information.

 

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Trends in Capital Resources and Liquidity

Hitachi’s cash management is conducted centrally. Overall, the current adverse market and economic conditions may limit Hitachi’s access to capital required to operate, maintain and grow its business and its ability to replace, in a timely manner, maturing liabilities. Hitachi needs liquidity to pay operating expenses, interest on its debt and dividends on its capital stock. Without sufficient liquidity, it will be forced to curtail its operations, and its business will suffer. Hitachi currently believes its cash flows from operations, borrowings from banks and other institutional lenders, and funding from the capital markets will provide sufficient funding for its operations and other liquidity needs. However, the global recession is adversely affecting Hitachi’s cash flows from operations and business results, which has had an adverse effect on Hitachi’s credit ratings. Moody’s downgraded Hitachi’s long-term credit rating from A1 to A2 in February 2009, and downgraded Hitachi’s long-term and short-term credit ratings from A2 to A3 and from P-1 to P-2, respectively, in May 2009. In June 2009, S&P downgraded Hitachi’s long-term credit rating from A- to BBB+, and R&I downgraded Hitachi’s long-term and short-term credit ratings from AA- to A+ and from a-1+ to a-1, respectively. These occurrences, in conjunction with the recent credit crunch in the financial markets, may adversely affect Hitachi’s ability to obtain additional financing on favorable terms. Hitachi may need to increase its reliance on external sources of funding. An increased reliance on debt instruments may further adversely affect Hitachi’s credit ratings, which might further affect Hitachi’s ability to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms.

Hitachi will likely seek to reduce costs and capital expenditures, which will likely reduce requirements for liquidity in most of its business segments. Further, Hitachi plans to improve cash flows by reducing inventory levels via production level adjustments.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied in any forward-looking statements in this section include, but are not limited to, global economic recession and uncertainty as to Hitachi’s ability to implement measures to respond to such economic environment. In addition, see the “Cautionary Statement” at the beginning of this annual report and “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors” for other examples of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

E. Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

Hitachi’s off-balance sheet arrangements consist primarily of off-balance sheet Special Purpose Entities, or SPEs, used to securitize and sell certain lease, trade and mortgage loan receivables. The purpose of such securitization transactions is to enable Hitachi to access the capital markets for liquidity.

In these securitizations, lease, trade and mortgage loans receivable are sold to the SPEs which are in turn packaged mainly into asset-backed commercial paper by the SPEs for sale to third party investors. In certain securitizations, the SPEs may require Hitachi to retain residual interests subordinated to the investors. In these cases, Hitachi’s contingent liability exposure is limited to the retained subordinated residual interests. In other cases, SPEs and investors have recourse with considerably limited scope.

No officers, directors or employees of Hitachi have any investments in the SPEs. The SPEs meet the accounting criteria for off-balance sheet treatment and are not consolidated under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

The amount of off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     March 31, 2009
     (Millions of yen)

Securitized lease receivables

   599,872

Securitized trade receivables

   269,685

Securitized mortgage loan receivables

   232,553
    

Total

   1,102,110
    

See notes 2(g) and 6 to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The following tables show Hitachi’s contractual obligations and other commercial commitments, including guarantees, as of March 31, 2009.

 

     Payments due by period

Contractual obligations

   Total    Less than 1 year    1-3 years    3-5 years    After 5 years
     (Millions of yen)

Long-term debt obligations

   1,787,741    519,086    587,490    363,363    317,802

Capital lease obligations

   33,546    12,549    12,863    3,567    4,567

Operating lease obligations

   72,446    15,030    19,072    14,089    24,255

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   55,700    55,124    573    3    —  

Interest commitments

   92,978    21,207    33,960    17,215    20,596
                        

Total

   2,042,411    622,996    653,958    398,237    367,220
                        

For obligations related to retirement and severance benefits, see note 10 to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Other commercial commitments

   As of March 31, 2009
     (Millions of yen)

Lines of credit

   574,183

Trade notes discounted and endorsed

   7,684

Export receivables transferred with recourse

   16,000

Guarantees

   491,080

See note 16 to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements.

G. Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements of Hitachi in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to the financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting the estimate may differ significantly from management’s current judgments. Management considers the accounting estimates discussed in this section to be critical accounting estimates for two reasons. First, the estimates require Hitachi to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made. Second, different estimates that Hitachi reasonably could have used for the accounting estimate in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, could have a material impact on the presentation of Hitachi’s financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations. Management believes the following represent Hitachi’s critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition for Sales under Long-term Construction Arrangements

Hitachi uses the percentage-of-completion method to recognize revenue from sales of tangible products under long-term construction type arrangements, in connection with the construction of nuclear, thermal and hydroelectric power plants. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenue from a sale is recognized in an amount equal to estimated total revenue from the arrangement multiplied by the percentage that costs incurred to date bear to estimated total costs at completion based upon the most recently available information. The use of the percentage-of-completion method requires Hitachi to make significant assumptions about estimates of total contract costs, remaining costs to completion, total contract revenues, contract risks and other factors. Hitachi continually reviews these estimates and adjusts them as it deems necessary. Any anticipated losses on fixed price contracts are charged to operations when Hitachi is able to estimate such losses. Hitachi makes provisions for contingencies (e.g. performance penalty and benchmarking) in the period in which they become known to Hitachi under the specific terms and conditions of the relevant contract and are estimable by Hitachi.

 

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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Hitachi reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Such events or changes include, but are not limited to:

 

   

changes in production due to trends of supply and demand in the markets;

 

   

rapid changes in selling prices of products or purchasing prices of materials and components;

 

   

unexpected technological innovation causing obsolescence of present products; and,

 

   

unpredictable changes in business assumptions, which cause revision of business plans that result in changes in the extent or manner in which long-lived assets are used.

Hitachi performs the initial impairment review using estimates of undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value of the asset is greater than Hitachi’s estimates of undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. In estimating, Hitachi uses available quoted market prices and present value techniques, if appropriate, based on the estimated future cash flow expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition.

Although management believes that the estimates of future cash flows and fair value are reasonable, changes in estimates resulting in lower future cash flows and fair value due to unforeseen changes in business assumptions could negatively affect the valuations of long-lived assets.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” on an annual basis, normally in the fourth quarter after Hitachi’s annual forecasts have been determined, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change in a manner that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of these assets below their respective carrying values. Such an event might include the current global economic and financial market crisis. An impairment in these assets is recorded if their calculated fair values are less than their carrying amounts.

Hitachi determines the fair value of its reporting units mainly using an income approach (i.e., present value technique). When determining such fair value, Hitachi may, however, also use the fair value of that unit based on a comparison of comparable publicly traded companies or based on that unit’s stand-alone market capitalization. Depending on the complexity, Hitachi consults with external experts when appropriate.

The determination requires estimates based on quoted market prices, prices of comparable businesses, present value or other valuation techniques, or a combination thereof, requiring management to make subjective judgments and assumptions, including assumptions about future operating results for the relevant business unit and discount rates.

In estimating future cash flows, the forecasted operational results are based on currently available assumptions considered by management to be reasonable. However, actual results may differ materially from those projected, including due to:

 

   

economic trends in Japan, North America, Asia and other major markets where Hitachi does business;

 

   

supply in excess of demand leading to a decline in selling prices or production volumes;

 

   

intense price competition or decreases in prices;

 

   

a sharp rise in the purchasing prices of material and components; and

 

   

currency exchange rate fluctuations.

 

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Hitachi bases its discount rate assumptions for purposes of estimating the fair value of its reporting units on the cost of capital and liabilities. These assumptions are affected by stock market trends and changes in interest rates. Although management believes that the estimates of future cash flows and fair value are reasonable, changes in estimates resulting in lower future cash flows and fair value due to unforeseen changes in the business environment could result in additional goodwill impairment charges.

While Hitachi’s businesses are diverse, the number of reporting units to which goodwill has been allocated is limited. Therefore, a decrease in Hitachi’s market capitalization will not necessarily have a proportional or direct affect on the carrying value of goodwill.

As of March 31, 2009, Hitachi’s carrying amount of goodwill was ¥134.4 billion. The majority of goodwill consists of the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment (¥45.7 billion) and the High Functional Materials & Components segment (¥56.6 billion).

The carrying amount of goodwill of the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment at March 31, 2009 mainly relates to Hitachi’s consulting and HDDs businesses. The consulting business is sensitive to customers’ motivation to invest in information-technology systems affected by macro-economic conditions. Hitachi may be required to record an impairment in goodwill in this segment if the current economic downturn is prolonged beyond current estimates of Hitachi’s management. The HDDs business is sensitive to changes in selling prices and competition among products. Hitachi may be required to record an impairment in goodwill in this segment if decreases in price causes operating results in this business to be lower than management’s estimates or global decrease in demand or arrival of alternative new technology cause sales in this segment to be lower than management estimates.

The carrying amount of goodwill of the High Functional Materials & Components segment at March 31, 2009 mainly relates to Hitachi’s magnet business. The magnet business is sensitive to increases in materials prices and product demand. Hitachi may need to recognize an impairment loss for goodwill in this segment if there is a sustained increase in the prices for these materials or an unforeseen decrease in demand.

In order to evaluate sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the goodwill impairment analysis, Hitachi applied a hypothetical 10% decrease to the fair value of each reporting unit. As of March 31, 2009, such a hypothetical 10% decrease would have resulted in no need to record an impairment in goodwill for any of Hitachi’s reporting units.

Deferred Tax Assets

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of Hitachi’s deferred tax assets is dependent on whether Hitachi is able to generate sufficient future taxable income in specific tax jurisdictions during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Management has scheduled the expected future reversals of the temporary differences and projected future taxable income, including the execution of certain available tax strategies if needed, in making this assessment. Actual results may differ materially from forecasted operating results, which are the basis for projecting future taxable income, and be subject to adjustment because of factors such as economic trends in major markets where Hitachi does business, trends of supply and demand in the markets, prices of products and services, purchasing prices of material and components, currency exchange rate fluctuations and rapid technological innovation. As a result, the difference could negatively affect the amount of deferred tax assets and valuation allowances. The realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed for each taxable unit in each taxable jurisdiction, and the results of the assessment may differ from unit to unit due to different products or jurisdictions even if they operate the same kind of business. Based on these factors, management believes that it is more likely than not that Hitachi will realize the benefits of these temporary differences, net of the existing valuation allowance as of March 31, 2009. However, the amount of deferred tax assets may be different if Hitachi does not realize estimated future taxable income during the carry forward periods as originally expected.

 

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Retirement Benefits

Hitachi has a significant amount of accrued employee retirement benefit costs which are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions in estimating pension costs including mortality, withdrawal, retirement, changes in compensation, discount rate and expected return on plan assets. Hitachi is required to estimate the key assumptions by taking into account various factors including personnel demographics, current market conditions and expected trends in interest rates. Hitachi determines the discount rate by looking to available information about rates implicit in the return on high-quality fixed-income government and corporate bonds. Accordingly, the discount rate is likely to change from period to period based on these ratings. A decrease in the discount rate results in an increase in actuarial pension benefit obligations. Increases and decreases in the pension benefit obligation affect the amount of the actuarial gain or loss which is amortized into income over the service lives of employees. Changes in the key assumptions may have a material effect on Hitachi’s financial position and results of operations. Management believes that estimation of the key assumptions is reasonable in light of the various underlying factors.

The table below shows the sensitivity to a change in discount rates and the expected rate of return on plan assets to pre-tax income and projected benefit obligation (PBO), holding all other assumptions constant.

 

     Effect on pre-tax income
For the year ended
March 31, 2010
    Effect on PBO
As of March 31, 2009
 
     (Millions of yen)  

Discount rates

    

0.5% decrease

   (8,511   157,301   

0.5% increase

   8,568      (145,965

Expected rate of return on plan asset

    

0.5% decrease

   (5,618   —     

0.5% increase

   5,618      —     

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Hitachi is required to estimate the collectibility of its trade receivables and investments in leases. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the ultimate realization of these receivables, including the current creditworthiness of each customer. Such assessment includes an examination of factors such as business conditions, turnover of receivables and financial positions for significant customers. Significant changes in required reserves have been recorded in recent periods and may occur in the future due to the current market environment. Any deterioration in customers’ credit ratings may adversely affect net income.

Investments in Securities

Hitachi holds various investments in securities and equity-method investments. A decline in fair value of securities and equity-method investments below carrying value that is deemed other than temporary results in a write-down of the carrying value to the fair value as a new cost basis. The amount of the write-down is included in earnings. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices, projected discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appropriate. Management regularly reviews each investment in securities and each equity-method investment for possible impairment based on criteria such as the extent to which the carrying value exceeds fair value, the duration of the fair value deficit below the carrying value and the financial condition of and specific prospects of the issuer. A decline in market prices or a change in the financial condition of an issuer could negatively affect the fair value of an investment in a security.

 

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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A. Directors and Senior Management

The Company has adopted the Committee System permitted as a form of corporate organization pursuant to the Companies Act. Each company adopting the Committee System, including the Company, is required to (i) establish within its board of directors nominating, audit and compensation committees, a majority of the members of each of which must be outside directors, and (ii) appoint executive officers responsible for executing the business of such company. The Companies Act defines an outside director as a director who is not and has not been an executive director (a representative director or a director who executes such company’s business), executive officer, manager or any other employee of such company or its subsidiaries. Under the Committee System, a company is not allowed to have corporate auditors but is instead required to delegate auditing function responsibilities to its audit committee. For information regarding the Company’s implementation of the Committee System, see “C. Board Practices” below.

Set forth below are the names of the Company’s directors, or Directors, and executive officers, or Executive Officers, as of July 1, 2009. All Directors were elected at the Company’s general meeting of shareholders held on June 23, 2009 for a term of one year. While the Board Director (Chair), Mr. Tadamichi Sakiyama, does not concurrently serve as an Executive Officer, two Directors, Mr. Takashi Kawamura and Mr. Takashi Miyoshi, do concurrently serve as Executive Officers. Five Directors, Ms. Yoshie Ota, Messrs. Mitsuo Ohashi, Akihiko Nomiyama, Kenji Miyahara and Tohru Motobayashi, are outside Directors who fulfill the qualification requirements as provided for in the Companies Act. The term of office of all Executive Officers except Mr. Makoto Ebata began from April 1, 2009 and will expire on March 31, 2010. Mr. Makoto Ebata took office on July 1, 2009 and the term of office will expire on March 31, 2010.

Directors

 

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Principal position
outside the Company, if any)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Tadamichi Sakiyama         
(Jun. 13, 1941)    Board Director (Chair)    6/2009   

Board Director (Chair), Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2006   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2006   

Director, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Co., Ltd.

      6/2003   

Executive Vice President, Executive Officer and Director, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Co., Ltd.

      4/2003   

Executive Vice President and Representative Director, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Co., Ltd.

      6/2001   

Board Director, Senior Vice President, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Co., Ltd.

      4/1999   

General Manager, Internal Auditing Office

      4/1964   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Takashi Kawamura

        
(Dec. 19, 1939)    Director*    6/2009   

Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2009   

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2007   

Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.

      6/2006   

Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.

      6/2005   

Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (currently Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.)

      6/2003   

Chairman of the Board and Representative Executive Officer, Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.

      4/2003   

Director (Retired in June 2007)

      4/1999   

Executive Vice President and Representative Director

      6/1997   

Executive Managing Director

      6/1995   

Director

      6/1992   

General Manager, Hitachi Works

      4/1962   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Principal position
outside the Company, if any)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Michiharu Nakamura         
(Sep. 9, 1942)    Director    6/2008   

Director

      4/2007   

Fellow

      4/2004   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2001   

General Manager, Research & Development Group

      4/1967   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Takashi Miyoshi         
(Sep. 25, 1947)    Director*    6/2009   

Executive Vice President, Executive Officer and Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2009   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2008   

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Hitachi Systems & Services, Ltd.

      4/2008   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi Systems & Services, Ltd.

      6/2007   

Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Inc.

      4/2007   

Director (Retired in June 2007)

      4/2006   

Executive Vice President, Executive Officer and Director

      6/2004   

Senior Vice President, Executive Officer and Director

      4/2004   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Executive Officer

      4/2003   

General Manager, Finance

      4/1970   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Yoshie Ota         
(Sep. 1, 1942)   

Director

(Advisor, Japan Institute of Workers’ Evolution)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      7/2005   

Advisor, Japan Institute of Workers’ Evolution (Currently in office)

      7/1998   

Chairman, Japan Institute of Workers’ Evolution

      6/1995   

Director-General, Women’s Bureau, Ministry of Labour

      7/1994   

Director-General, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Labour

      12/1991   

Vice Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture

Mitsuo Ohashi         
(Jan. 18, 1936)   

Director

(Chairman of the Board, Showa Denko K.K.)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      3/2007   

Chairman of the Board, Showa Denko K.K. (Currently in office)

      1/2005   

Chairman of the Board and Representative Director, Showa Denko K.K.

      3/1997   

President (CEO) and Representative Director, Showa Denko K.K.

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Principal position
outside the Company, if any)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Akihiko Nomiyama         
(Jun. 15, 1934)   

Director

(Special Advisor, NIPPON MINING HOLDINGS, INC.)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2006   

Special Advisor, NIPPON MINING HOLDINGS, INC. (Currently in office)

      6/2003   

Chairman of the Board and Representative Director, NIPPON MINING HOLDINGS, INC.

      9/2002   

President and CEO and Representative Director, NIPPON MINING HOLDINGS, INC.

Kenji Miyahara         
(Nov. 5, 1935)   

Director

(Senior Adviser, Sumitomo Corporation)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

        

Senior Adviser, Sumitomo Corporation (Currently in office)

      6/2001   

Chairman of the Board and Representative Director, Sumitomo Corporation

      6/1996   

President and Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director, Sumitomo Corporation

Tohru Motobayashi         
(Jan. 5, 1938)   

Director

(Attorney at law)

   4/2008   

Partner, Ihara and Motobayashi (Currently in office)

      6/2006   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2002   

President of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (Retired in March 2004)

      7/1971   

Partner, Mori Sogo Law Offices

      4/1963   

Member of the Tokyo Bar Association

Takeo Ueno         

(Feb. 9, 1942)

  

Director

(Senior Adviser, Hitachi Via Mechanics, Ltd.)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

        

Senior Adviser, Hitachi Via Mechanics, Ltd. (Currently in office)

      6/2001   

President and Representative Director, Hitachi Via Mechanics, Ltd.

      4/2000   

Deputy General Manager, Sales Management Division

      4/1964   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Shungo Dazai         

(Jan. 20, 1939)

  

Director

(Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.)

   6/2008   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2008   

Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (Currently in office)

      4/2006   

Chairman of the Board and Representative Executive Officer, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

      6/2003   

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

      4/2003   

President and Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

Michihiro Honda         
(Oct. 13, 1942)   

Director

(Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2006   

Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Metals, Ltd. (Currently in office)

      6/2003   

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

      6/2000   

President and Representative Director, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

Note: The Directors marked with * concurrently serve as Executive Officers. See “Executive Officers” below.

 

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The members of each of the Company’s committees are as follows:

 

   

Nominating Committee. Takashi Kawamura (Chair), Yoshie Ota, Mitsuo Ohashi, Tohru Motobayashi;

 

   

Audit Committee. Tadamichi Sakiyama (Chair), Yoshie Ota, Akihiko Nomiyama, Kenji Miyahara, Michiharu Nakamura; and

 

   

Compensation Committee. Takashi Kawamura (Chair), Akihiko Nomiyama, Kenji Miyahara, Tohru Motobayashi.

Executive Officers

 

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience
in the Company, and functions

Takashi Kawamura

        

(Dec. 19, 1939)

  

Representative Executive Officer

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Overall management)

  

See “Directors” above

Kazuhiro Mori

     

(Oct. 7, 1946)

  

Representative Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

(Sales operations, Hitachi group global business, corporate export regulation and business incubation)

   1/2007   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2004   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Executive Officer

      2/1999   

General Manager, Chubu Area Operation

      4/1969   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Hiroaki Nakanishi

        

(Mar. 14, 1946)

  

Representative Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

(Power systems business, industrial systems business, urban planning and development systems business, automotive systems business, quality assurance and production engineering)

   4/2009   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer (Retired in December 2006)

      6/2005   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Inc.

      4/2004   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2003   

General Manager, Global Business

      4/1970   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Takashi Hatchoji

        

(Jan. 27, 1947)

  

Representative Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

(Corporate planning, environmental strategies, human capital, legal and corporate communications, corporate brand and corporate auditing)

   4/2009   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2007   

President and Director, Hitachi Research Institute, Ltd.

      4/2006   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer (Retired in March 2007)

      4/2004   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2003   

General Manager, Legal and Corporate Communications and General Manager, Corporate Auditing

      4/1970   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Takashi Miyoshi         
(Sep. 25, 1947)   

Representative Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

(Management reform, finance, corporate pension system, Hitachi group management, business development and consumer business)

  

See “Directors” above

Naoya Takahashi         
(Oct. 17, 1948)   

Representative Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

(Information & telecommunication systems business, research & development and information technology)

   4/2009   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2007   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2003   

COO, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      4/1973   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Junzo Nakajima         
(Feb. 8, 1949)   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Information & telecommunication systems business)

   4/2009   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2005   

COO, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      5/1972   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Koichiro Nishikawa         
(Jul. 12, 1947)   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Business development)

   4/2007   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      1/2006   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Executive Officer

      4/2003   

General Manager, Business Development

      4/1970   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Toyoaki Nakamura         
(Aug. 3, 1952)   

Representative Executive Officer

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Finance, corporate pension system and Hitachi group management)

   6/2009   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2007   

Senior Vice President, Executive Officer and Director

      4/2007   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      1/2006   

General Manager, Finance Department I

      4/1975   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Taiji Hasegawa         
(Feb. 18, 1947)   

Representative Executive Officer

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Procurement, motor power systems and battery systems business)

   9/2008   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2007   

Chairman, Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.

      4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer (Retired in March 2007)

      4/2004   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Executive Officer

      4/2003   

President & CEO, Automotive Systems

      4/1969   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Shozo Saito         
(Nov. 5, 1945)   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Environmental strategies, quality assurance, production engineering and power systems engineering)

   4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      10/2004   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      2/2004   

Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2003   

President & CEO, Power & Industrial Systems

      4/1970   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Tadahiko Ishigaki         
(Jan. 14, 1946)   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Hitachi group global business (Americas))

   4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      2/2004   

President and Representative Director, Hitachi Home & Life Solutions, Inc. (currently Hitachi Appliances, Inc.)

      6/2003   

Vice President and Executive Officer (Retired in February 2004)

      4/2003   

General Manager, Corporate Marketing

      4/1968   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Stephen Gomersall         
(Jan. 17, 1948)   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Hitachi group global business (Europe))

   10/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      10/2004   

Chief Executive for Europe, Hitachi, Ltd.

      7/1999   

British Ambassador to Japan (Retired in July 2004)

      9/1970   

Joined U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Koji Tanaka         
(Jan. 22, 1952)   

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Power systems business)

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      5/2006   

General Manager, Hitachi Works, Power Systems

      4/1974   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Akira Maru         
(Nov. 8, 1948)   

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Power systems business (nuclear power systems business promotion))

   5/2006   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2005   

General Manager, Hitachi Works and Executive Vice President, Power Systems

      4/1971   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitoshi Isa         
(Feb. 19, 1950)   

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Power systems business (thermal power systems business promotion))

   4/2008   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      1/2007   

Executive Vice President, Power Systems

      4/1974   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

        
Gaku Suzuki         
(May 12, 1947)   

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Industrial systems business)

   8/2005   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2004   

General Manager, Transportation Systems Division, Industrial Systems

      4/1972   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Hideaki Takahashi         
(Aug. 20, 1952)   

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Urban planning and development systems business)

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2005   

President and Representative Director, Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd.

      4/1978   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

        

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience
in the Company, and functions

Shinjiro Iwata

        

(Jun. 6, 1948)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Information & telecommunication systems business (services & global business))

   4/2009   

Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      10/2007   

Executive Vice President, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Inc.

      4/1972   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Kaichiro Sakuma

        

(Jan. 29, 1954)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Information & telecommunication systems business (system solutions business))

   4/2009   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2008   

President & Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi Information & Telecommunication Systems Global Holding Corporation

      4/1979   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Masahiro Kitano

        

(Nov. 23, 1955)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Information & telecommunication systems business (platform systems business))

   4/2009   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2007   

Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Strategy Planning & Development Office, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      4/1980   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Koushi Nagano

        

(Mar. 11, 1947)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Sales operations and Hitachi group global business)

   4/2008   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2005   

President, Hitachi (China), Ltd.

      4/1969   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Masao Hisada

        

(Dec. 16, 1948)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Hitachi group global business and corporate export regulation)

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

General Manager, Corporate Procurement Division

      4/1972   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Takao Koyama

        

(Dec. 11, 1948)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Sales operations (Kansai Area))

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2004   

General Manager, Kanto Area Operation

      4/1971   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Shigeru Azuhata

        

(Nov. 21, 1949)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Research & development and environmental strategies)    4/2009   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      1/2008   

General Manager, Environmental Strategy Office

      4/1975   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Kenji Ohno

        

(Jan. 3, 1951)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Human capital)

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2005   

President and Representative Director, Hitachi Dentetsu Co., Ltd.

      4/1974   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Toshiaki Kuzuoka

        

(Nov. 3, 1954)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Legal and corporate communications, corporate brand and corporate auditing)

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2001   

General Manager, Legal Division

      4/1978   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience
in the Company, and functions

Makoto Ebata         
(Feb. 23, 1947)   

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Procurement)

   7/2009   

Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2008   

Deputy Chairman, Hitachi Europe Ltd.

      4/2004   

Vice President and Executive Officer (Retired in March 2008)

      6/2003   

Executive Officer

      2/2002   

General Manager, Group Management Office

      4/1970   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Nobuyuki Ohno

        
(Feb. 24, 1949)   

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Hitachi group global business (China))

   4/2009   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2007   

Chief Marketing Officer of Information & Telecommunication Systems, Deputy General Manager of Corporate Marketing Group

      4/1971   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Osamu Ohno         
(Aug. 6, 1948)   

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Information technology)

   4/2009   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2005   

General Manager, Information Technology Division

      4/1969   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

There are no family relationships between any Director or Executive Officer and any other Director or Executive Officer of the Company. There are no arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to above was selected as a Director or Executive Officer.

B. Compensation

The aggregate amount of compensation, including retirement allowances, by Hitachi during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 to all Directors and Executive Officers of the Company who served during that year was ¥2,416 million.

Compensation is commensurate with the ability required of, and the responsibilities to be borne by, the Company’s Directors and Executive Officers, taking into consideration compensation packages at other companies.

Compensation for Directors consists of a monthly salary and a year-end allowance. Monthly salary is decided by making adjustments to basic salary that reflect full-time or part-time status, committee membership and position. Year-end allowance is a pre-determined amount equivalent to about twenty percent of the Director’s annual income based on monthly salary, although this amount may be reduced depending on the Company’s performance. A Director concurrently serving as an Executive Officer is not paid compensation as a Director.

Compensation for Executive Officers consists of a monthly salary and a performance-linked bonus. Monthly salary is decided by adjusting a basic amount set in accordance with the relevant position to reflect the results of an assessment. The performance-linked bonus is payable in an amount of up to approximately thirty percent of the Executive Officer’s annual income, adjusted based on the Company and individual performance.

It was decided at the Compensation Committee meetings held on December 18, 2007 and March 26, 2008 that the compensation structure for Directors and Executive Officers will be re-examined starting with the compensation for fiscal 2008 and that the retirement allowance system be abolished in the future. Retirement allowance is an amount payable to Directors and Executive Officers on retirement. It was previously determined according to a formula by the position held at retirement, the monthly salary of previous positions held and total years of service in such positions, and such formula could either be increased by up to thirty percent for distinguished service, or depending on the circumstances, be reduced. In the interim, the payment of retirement allowance to Directors and Executive Officers due to the abolition of the retirement allowance system will be in an amount determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of the retirement of a relevant Director or Executive Officer.

 

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At the June 2005 ordinary general meeting of shareholders, the shareholders of the Company approved a stock option plan. Pursuant to such approval, the Board of Directors set and approved the details of the plan under which rights to subscribe for 1,201,000 shares of common stock of the Company were granted to a total of 73 persons, including Directors, Executive Officers, corporate officers and fellows of the Company. The exercise price of the rights is ¥719 per share and the rights are exercisable from July 29, 2006 through July 28, 2009. See note 29 to Hitachi’s consolidated financial statements.

The significant terms of the Company’s stock option plans are as follows:

 

   

A person granted stock acquisition rights may exercise his/her rights during the six months after his/her retirement from his/her position of Director, Executive Officer or as an employee.

 

   

A person immediately loses his/her granted stock acquisition rights if:

 

  - he/she is imprisoned under Japanese law;

 

  - he/she dies;

 

  - he/she becomes a director, an executive officer, an auditor, an employee, a temporary employee, an advisor or takes similar position at another company against the Company’s will;

 

  - any other factors which deemed to be inappropriate to have the person exercise his/her stock acquisition rights have occurred; or

 

  - he/she notifies the Company by way of a written notice to waive his/her granted stock acquisition rights.

 

   

A person granted stock acquisition rights may not transfer his/her rights or offer them as collateral.

 

   

In the event the Company becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of another company by way of share-for-share exchange or share-transfer under the Companies Act, the Company shall assign the obligation relating to the stock acquisition rights to the parent company; provided, however, only if such assignment of the obligation relating to the stock acquisition rights is approved by the general meeting of shareholders relating to the approval of such share-for-share exchange or share-transfer.

At a meeting of the Compensation Committee of the Company held on March 30, 2006, it was determined that additional stock options would not be granted for the time being.

C. Board Practices

The Company adopts the Committee System permitted as a form of corporate organization pursuant to the Companies Act. Each company adopting the Committee System, including the Company, is required to (i) establish within its board of directors nominating, audit and compensation committees, a majority of the members of each of which must be outside directors, and (ii) appoint executive officers responsible for executing the business of such company. The Companies Act defines an outside director as a director who is not and has not been an executive director (a representative director or a director who executes such company’s business), executive officer, manager or any other employee of such company or its subsidiaries. Under the Committee System, a company is not allowed to have corporate auditors, but is instead required to delegate auditing function responsibilities to its audit committee. Through the adoption of the Committee System and the resulting separation of business execution and supervision thereof, the Company hopes to improve the efficiency of its management and foster a thorough and transparent management system.

The Company’s articles of incorporation provide for a Board of Directors of not more than 20 members. All Directors are elected at a general meeting of shareholders and the current Directors were elected at the Company’s June 23, 2009 general meeting of shareholders. The Company’s articles of incorporation provide that, by resolution of the Board of Directors, a Director who convenes and presides over meetings of the Board of Directors shall be selected. The Directors are reelected each year, and not on a staggered basis. The term of office of Directors expires at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders for the last business year that will end within one year after their election. A Director may serve any number of consecutive terms. The term of office of the Directors currently in office will expire at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders to be held within three months from March 31, 2010.

 

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Under the Committee System, the Board of Directors focuses on the functions of decision-making with respect to fundamental management policies and certain important matters prescribed by law, as well as supervision of execution by the Directors and Executive Officers of their respective duties. The Board of Directors has, by resolution, delegated to the Executive Officers most of its authority to make decisions with regard to the Company’s business affairs.

The Nominating Committee is authorized to determine the particulars of proposals concerning the election and dismissal of Directors to be submitted to a general meeting of shareholders. As stated above, a majority of the members of the Nominating Committee must be outside Directors.

The Compensation Committee is authorized to establish a policy on the determination of the particulars of compensation for each Director and Executive Officer and to determine the particulars of compensation for each Director and Executive Officer in accordance with such policy. As stated above, a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee must be outside Directors.

The Audit Committee is authorized to audit the execution by the Directors and Executive Officers of their respective duties, to prepare its audit report and determine the particulars of proposals concerning the election, dismissal and non-retention of the Company’s independent auditor to be submitted to the general meeting of shareholders. The Audit Committee has the statutory duty to examine the financial statements and business reports prepared by Executive Officers designated by the Board of Directors and to prepare its audit report. Pursuant to the Board of Directors regulations of the Company, the Audit Committee has the authority to pre-approve non-audit services provided by an independent auditor. As stated above, a majority of the members of the Audit Committee must be outside Directors. In addition, a member of the Audit Committee may not concurrently be an Executive Officer or a Director who is engaged in the business affairs of the Company or its subsidiaries, or an accounting advisor (kaikei san-yo), a manager (shihai nin), or any other employee of the Company’s subsidiaries.

For a list of the members of each committee, see “A. Directors and Senior Management” above.

The Company’s articles of incorporation provide for a maximum of 40 Executive Officers. All Executive Officers are appointed by the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Company’s articles of incorporation, the term of office of Executive Officers expires on the last day of the business year that ends within one year from their election. An Executive Officer may serve any number of consecutive terms. The term of office of the Executive Officers currently in office will expire on March 31, 2010.

Under the Committee System, Executive Officers have the power to make decisions on matters delegated to them by the Board of Directors. An Executive Officer executes the business affairs of the Company within the scope of assignment determined by the Board of Directors. From among the Executive Officers, the Board of Directors must appoint one or more representative Executive Officers. Each of the representative Executive Officers has the statutory authority to represent the Company generally in the conduct of its affairs. Pursuant to the Company’s articles of incorporation, the Board of Directors must appoint a President who must also be a representative Executive Officer.

No Directors have service contracts with Hitachi providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

Pursuant to the Companies Act and the Company’s articles of incorporation, the Company may, by resolution of the Board of Directors, exempt any Director and Executive Officer from liabilities to the Company arising in respect of his/her failure to execute duties to the extent provided in laws or regulations. In addition, the Company has entered into an agreement with each outside Director to limit such Director’s liabilities to the Company arising in connection with a failure by such Director to execute his/her duties to the Company. The maximum aggregate amount of liability coverage under these agreements is in accordance with the Companies Act.

 

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D. Employees

The following tables show the number of full-time employees of Hitachi by industry and geographic segments as of March 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Industry segment

 

     As of March 31,
     2007    2008    2009
     (Number of employees)

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   98,257    99,964    107,545

Electronic Devices

   28,859    27,349    27,816

Power & Industrial Systems

   96,893    96,867    104,931

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   36,249    35,752    34,928

High Functional Materials & Components

   53,464    50,934    49,408

Logistics, Services & Others

   29,258    29,851    29,943

Financial Services

   3,914    3,941    4,044

Corporate

   3,102    3,152    3,181
              

Total

   349,996    347,810    361,796
              

Geographic segment

 

     As of March 31,
     2007    2008    2009
     (Number of employees)

Japan

   227,800    226,828    234,519

Asia

   93,827    90,687    96,713

North America

   15,537    15,293    14,487

Europe

   6,322    8,777    10,611

Other Areas

   6,510    6,225    5,466
              

Total

   349,996    347,810    361,796
              

In addition to the above, the average number of temporary employees for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 was 42,097.

The activities of the Hitachi Workers Union and those unions representing the employees of certain domestic subsidiaries are organized under the Federation of Hitachi Group Workers Unions. Each company in the Hitachi group has a collective bargaining agreement with its workers union. Under the agreements, all employees of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries that have labor unions, except management and a limited number of other employees, must become union members. The collective bargaining agreements are customarily for two-year terms and the present provisions, other than those relating to wages, extend to March 31, 2010. Hitachi considers its relations with the labor unions to be excellent and there have been no significant strikes or labor disputes in recent years.

E. Share Ownership

The following table shows the number of shares of common stock of the Company owned by the Directors and Executive Officers as of July 1, 2009. The total number of the shares held by them is 0.03% of total shares issued.

 

Name

  

Position

   Share ownership
          (Number of shares)

Tadamichi Sakiyama

   Board Director (Chair)    29,000

Takashi Kawamura

   Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director    69,000

Michiharu Nakamura

   Director    74,000

Takashi Miyoshi

   Executive Vice President, Executive Officer and Director    44,000

Yoshie Ota

   Director    8,000

Mitsuo Ohashi

   Director    10,000

Akihiko Nomiyama

   Director    4,000

Kenji Miyahara

   Director    4,000

Tohru Motobayashi

   Director    26,750

Takeo Ueno

   Director    41,000

Shungo Dazai

   Director    14,150

Michihiro Honda

   Director    16,000

 

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Name

  

Position

   Share ownership
          (Number of shares)

Kazuhiro Mori

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    34,000

Hiroaki Nakanishi

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    36,000

Takashi Hatchoji

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    60,000

Naoya Takahashi

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    36,000

Junzo Nakajima

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    27,050

Koichiro Nishikawa

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    56,150

Toyoaki Nakamura

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    19,000

Taiji Hasegawa

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    25,000

Shozo Saito

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    45,050

Tadahiko Ishigaki

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    44,250

Stephen Gomersall

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    2,000

Koji Tanaka

   Vice President and Executive Officer    25,000

Akira Maru

   Vice President and Executive Officer    12,000

Hitoshi Isa

   Vice President and Executive Officer    34,000

Gaku Suzuki

   Vice President and Executive Officer    21,000

Hideaki Takahashi

   Vice President and Executive Officer    13,000

Shinjiro Iwata

   Vice President and Executive Officer    21,000

Kaichiro Sakuma

   Vice President and Executive Officer    21,000

Masahiro Kitano

   Vice President and Executive Officer    13,050

Koushi Nagano

   Vice President and Executive Officer    20,000

Masao Hisada

   Vice President and Executive Officer    23,000

Takao Koyama

   Vice President and Executive Officer    23,000

Shigeru Azuhata

   Vice President and Executive Officer    30,000

Kenji Ohno

   Vice President and Executive Officer    16,000

Toshiaki Kuzuoka

   Vice President and Executive Officer    73,000

Makoto Ebata

   Vice President and Executive Officer    34,000

Nobuyuki Ohno

   Vice President and Executive Officer    33,000

Osamu Ohno

   Vice President and Executive Officer    29,000
       

Total

   1,165,450
       

The aggregate number of shares that may be subscribed for under rights granted to the Directors and Executive Officers, listed above, pursuant to stock option plans approved in June 2005 was 192,000 shares as of July 1, 2009 and constituted 0.01% of total shares issued. For additional information on the Company’s stock option plan, see “B. Compensation” of this Item.

No Director or Executive Officer has different voting rights from any other shareholder of the Company’s common stock.

Hitachi Employees’ Shareholding Association owned approximately 109,029 thousand shares as of March 31, 2009, which amounted to 3.2% of total shares issued. The association consists of employees of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. Membership in the association is voluntary.

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. Major Shareholders

The following table provides information concerning shareholders holding more than five percent of the outstanding common stock of the Company as of March 31, 2009 based on the Company’s share register. It is not necessarily the case that a shareholder recorded on the share register beneficially owns shares of common stock of the Company.

 

Title of class

  

Name

   Share ownership    Percentage of
total shares
issued
 
          (Thousand shares)       

Common stock

   The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account)    209,378    6.2

Common stock

   NATS CUMCO (note)    188,562    5.6

Common stock

   Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (Trust Account 4G)    181,679    5.4

 

Note: NATS CUMCO is the nominee name for the American Depositary Receipt (“ADR”) depositary.

 

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Schedule 13G

In February 2009, the Company received from Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. a notice included on Schedule 13G filed on February 12, 2009 pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”). The notice indicated that neither Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. nor any of its affiliates owned shares for its own account and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control. However, by virtue of Rule 13d-3 under the Act, Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. may be deemed to “beneficially own” 2,523,820 ADSs and 67,949,856 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2008, representing 2.8% of the Company’s total issued shares at that time.

In February 2009, the Company received from Dodge & Cox a notice included on Schedule 13G filed on February 11, 2009 pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b) under the Act. The notice indicated that Dodge & Cox did not own shares for its own account and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control. However, by virtue of Rule 13d-3 under the Act, Dodge & Cox may be deemed to “beneficially own” 12,557,154 ADSs as of December 31, 2008, representing 3.7% of the Company’s total issued shares at that time.

Report of Substantial Shareholdings under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan

The following statements refer to reports of substantial shareholdings under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan which the Company received. These filings represent reports on beneficial ownership of more than 5% of total issued voting shares under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (See “Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Reporting of Substantial Shareholdings”). The following statements only include reports from beneficial owners whom the Company recognizes to hold or have held previously more than 5% of total issued voting shares of the Company.

In July 2008, the Company received a copy of a filing made to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau dated July 22, 2008 indicating that Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. owns 138,844,378 shares, representing 4.1% of the Company’s total issued shares as of July 15, 2008, and that Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. did not own shares for its own account and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control. The Company has not received any revision or update to the copy of the filing made to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau.

In May 2009, the Company received a copy of a filing made to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau dated May 21, 2009 indicating that Dodge & Cox owns 148,580,900 shares, representing 4.4% of the Company’s total issued shares as of May 15, 2009, and that Dodge & Cox did not own shares for its own account and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control. The Company has not received any revision or update to the copy of the filing made to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau.

In October 2008, the Company received a copy of a filing made to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau dated October 20, 2008 indicating Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. owns 169,748,898 shares, representing 5.0% of the Company’s total issued shares as of October 13, 2008, and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control. The Company has not received any revision or update to the copy of the filing made to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau.

Major shareholders of the Company do not have different voting rights from any other shareholder of the Company’s common stock.

As of March 31, 2009, approximately 20.0% of the Company’s common stock was owned by 211 U.S. shareholders of record, in the aggregate, including the depositary’s nominee as one shareholder of record.

The Company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other corporation, by any foreign country or by any other natural or legal person severally or jointly. To the knowledge of the Company, there are no arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.

 

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B. Related Party Transactions

To the knowledge of the Company, as of March 31, 2009, no person was the beneficial owner of more than 10% of any class of the Company’s shares which might give that person significant influence over the Company. In addition, the Company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or under common control with, any enterprise.

Hitachi may enter into transactions with shareholders or potential large investors in the ordinary course of its business. Hitachi may also enter into transactions in the ordinary course of its business with certain companies over which Hitachi or its key management personnel may have a significant influence. Hitachi believes it conducts its business with these companies in the normal course and on terms equivalent to those that would exist if they did not have equity holdings in Hitachi, or if Hitachi or its key management personnel did not have significant influence over them, as the case may be. None of these transactions is or was material to Hitachi or, to its knowledge, to the other party.

In fiscal 2008, the Company and certain subsidiaries had business transactions with Mitaka Communication Systems Co., Ltd., of which a close relative of Mr. Mitsuo Yamaguchi, who was an executive officer of the Company and retired on March 31, 2009, directly owns the majority of the voting rights. The Company and its subsidiaries purchased products from Mitaka Communication Systems Co., Ltd. in the aggregate amount of ¥92 million in fiscal 2008 and there was ¥35 million on accounts payable as of March 31, 2009. The Company and its subsidiaries purchased the products in the ordinary course of its business and under the same terms as ordinary transactions. These transactions were not material to Hitachi, but may have been material to Mitaka Communication Systems Co., Ltd.

There are no outstanding loans (including guarantees of any kind) made by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to or for the benefit of Directors or Executive Officers of the Company except home loans extended to certain Executive Officers, including a newly appointed Executive Officer, by a subsidiary of the Company engaged in the business of financial services. The aggregate outstanding balance of such loans to the Executive Officers as of May 31, 2009 was ¥90 million, and the largest aggregate outstanding balance during the period from April 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009 was ¥92 million. Hitachi believes these loans were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Consolidated Financial Statements

See “Item 17. Financial Statements.”

Legal Proceedings

The Company, certain of its subsidiaries and its equity method affiliates are subject to a number of legal proceedings relating to alleged antitrust violations as follows.

In January 2007, the European Commission ordered the Company, Hitachi Europe Ltd. (“Hitachi Europe”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, and Japan AE Power Systems Corporation (“AE Power”), an equity method affiliate of the Company which was demerged and succeeded to the gas insulated switchgear (“GIS”) operations of the Company, to pay a fine for infringement of EC antitrust rules regarding alleged antitrust violations relating to GIS equipment used at substations. In April 2007, the Company lodged an appeal with the Court of First Instance of the European Communities asking the court to annul the decision of the European Commission. The determination has not been rendered at present, but the Company accrued for the fine based on past judgments in the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

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In October 2006, Renesas Technology America, Inc. (“Renesas America”), a subsidiary of Renesas Technology Corp. (“Renesas”), an equity method affiliate of the Company which was demerged and succeeded to the semiconductor operations of the Company centered in system large scale integrations, and Hitachi America, Ltd. (“Hitachi America”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to static random access memories. In December 2008, the Antitrust Division informed Hitachi America and Renesas America that the antitrust investigation would be terminated.

In December 2006, the Company and Hitachi Europe received requests for information from the European Commission in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to LCDs.

Also in December 2006, Hitachi Displays, Ltd. (“Hitachi Displays”), the Company’s subsidiary which was demerged and succeeded to the LCDs operations of the Company, received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to LCDs. In May 2009, Hitachi Displays pled guilty to one count of price fixing under the Sherman Act, for which it paid a fine of $31 million in June 2009.

In addition, in December 2006, Hitachi Displays and IPS Alpha Technology, Ltd., an equity method affiliate of the Company which is engaged in the large-sized LCDs business, received requests for information from the Fair Trade Commission of Japan in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to LCDs. Subsequently, the Fair Trade Commission of Japan issued a cease and desist order to Hitachi Displays in December 2008, but did not impose a fine.

In June 2007, the Company received requests for information from the European Commission in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to dynamic random access memories.

In September 2007, Hitachi America and Renesas America received a grand jury subpoena in connection with an investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to flash memories.

In November 2007, Hitachi Electronic Devices (USA), Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi Displays, received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to cathode ray tubes (“CRTs”). In addition, in November 2007, Hitachi Asia Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Hitachi Europe received requests for information from the European Commission in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to CRTs. Further, in November 2007, Hitachi Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, received requests for information from the Canadian Competition Bureau in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to CRTs.

In December 2008, the Company received requests for information from the European Commission in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to electrical transformers.

Although the Company and the other named parties do not concede the alleged antitrust violations except as otherwise stated, the Company and the other named parties have cooperated with the above investigations. Depending upon the outcome of these investigations, fines or surcharge payments, the amount of which is uncertain, may be imposed on the named parties, including the Company. In addition, subsequent to these actions by the competent authorities, a number of class action lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. and Canada against the Company, certain of its subsidiaries and its equity method affiliates which are engaged in or had been engaged in semiconductors business, LCD business and CRT business. These complaints allege violations of various jurisdictions’ antitrust, consumer protection and/or unfair competition laws and seek treble monetary damages, restitution, costs, interest and attorneys’ fees for unspecified amounts. Depending upon the outcome of such legal proceedings, they may, either singly or in the aggregate, result in a material adverse effect on Hitachi’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, reputation or credibility. Currently, the Company is unable to estimate the adverse effects, if any, that may result from these proceedings. Accordingly, no accrual for potential loss has been made.

In September 2008, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the Company seeking compensation for the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in the amount of ¥41.8 billion plus interest. In May 2009, Hokuriku Electric Power Company filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the Company seeking compensation for the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Shika Nuclear Power Station in the amount of ¥20.2 billion plus interest. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these lawsuits. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Description of Industry Segments — Power & Industrial Systems” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — D. Trend Information” for additional information.

 

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In addition to the above, the Company, certain of its subsidiaries and its equity method affiliates are subject to several other legal and arbitration proceedings and claims which have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. However, based upon the information currently available to Hitachi, management of the Company does not expect the outcomes of these legal and arbitration proceedings and claims to have a material effect on Hitachi’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Dividend Policy

The Company views enhancement of the long-term and overall interests of shareholders as an important management objective. The industrial sector encompassing energy, information systems, social infrastructure and other primary businesses of the Company is undergoing rapid technological innovation and changes in market structure. This makes vigorous upfront investment in R&D and plant and equipment essential for securing and maintaining market competitiveness and improving profitability. Dividends are therefore decided based on medium-to-long term business plans while ensuring the availability of internal funds for reinvestment and the stable growth of dividends, with appropriate consideration of a range of factors, including the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and dividend payout ratio.

The Company believes that the repurchase of its shares should be undertaken, when necessary, as part of its policy on distribution to shareholders to complement the dividend payout. In addition, the Company will repurchase its own shares on an ongoing basis in order to flexibly implement a capital strategy, including business restructuring, to maximize shareholder value so far as consistent with the dividend policy. Such action will be taken by the Company after considering its future capital requirement under its business plans, market conditions and other relevant factors.

The Company declared a dividend of ¥3 per share in fiscal 2008.

B. Significant Changes

None.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

A. Offer and Listing Details

The primary market for the Company’s common stock is the Tokyo Stock Exchange, or the TSE. The common stock is traded on the First Section of the TSE and is also listed on four other Japanese stock exchanges: Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo. In the United States, the Company’s ADSs are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, in the form of Certificated ADSs (ADRs) or Uncertificated ADSs. There may from time to time be a differential between the common stock’s price on exchanges in Japan and the market price of the ADSs in the United States.

ADRs are issuable pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of December 14, 2007, or the Deposit Agreement, by and among the Company, Citibank, N.A. as depositary, or the Depositary, and the holders and beneficial owners of ADSs. Each ADS or ADR represents ten shares of common stock of the Company deposited under the Deposit Agreement with Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., Tokyo, as agents of the depositary, or any successor or successors to such agent or agents.

 

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The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the reported high and low sales prices of the Company’s common stock on the TSE and the reported high and low sales prices of the Company’s ADSs on the NYSE.

 

     TSE
price per share of
common stock
   NYSE
price per ADS
     (Yen)    (U.S. Dollars)
     High    Low    High    Low

Fiscal year ended March 31,

           

2005

   850    627    81.350    57.450

2006

   874    604    75.400    57.400

2007

   936    644    79.760    55.740

2008

   947    569    79.200    58.990

2009

   843    230    77.330    23.840

Fiscal year ended March 31, 2008

           

1st quarter

   947    837    79.200    70.160

2nd quarter

   917    675    76.130    59.000

3rd quarter

   852    705    75.120    62.860

4th quarter

   836    569    76.800    58.990

Fiscal year ended March 31, 2009

           

1st quarter

   807    581    74.920    59.550

2nd quarter

   843    690    77.330    63.410

3rd quarter

   733    334    69.270    36.790

4th quarter

   407    230    42.670    23.840

Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010

           

1st quarter

   404    264    40.790    27.370

January 2009

   407    290    42.670    30.000

February 2009

   290    230    31.450    24.140

March 2009

   302    233    29.870    23.840

April 2009

   346    264    35.620    27.370

May 2009

   404    305    40.790    31.730

June 2009

   334    297    34.410    30.640

 

Notes:

 

1. Prices per share of common stock are as reported by the TSE.

 

2. Prices per ADS are based upon one ADS representing ten shares of common stock and are as reported by the NYSE via the NYSEnet system.

B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

C. Markets

See “A. Offer and Listing Details” in this Item.

D. Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

E. Dilution

Not applicable.

F. Expenses of the Issue

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

Organization

The Company was incorporated in Japan under the former Commercial Code of Japan and is existing under the Companies Act. It is registered in the commercial register (shogyo tokibo) maintained by the Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Justice.

Objects and Purposes

Article 2 of the articles of incorporation of the Company provides that its purpose is to carry on the following businesses: manufacture and sale of electrical machinery and appliances; manufacture and sale of industrial machinery and appliances; manufacture and sale of rolling stock; manufacture and sale of telecommunication and electronic machinery and appliances; manufacture and sale of lighting and household machinery and appliances; manufacture and sale of optical and medical machinery and instruments; manufacture and sale of measuring and other general machinery and appliances; manufacture and sale of materials related to the products mentioned in any of the foregoing items; preparation and sale of software; preparation and sale of images, software and data related to multimedia; leasing and maintenance services of the products mentioned in any of the foregoing items; supply of electricity; telecommunication, information processing and information supply services, as well as broadcasting; undertaking of commercial transactions and payment transactions by utilizing the Internet; provision of results of research and development related to biotechnology; consulting on any of the foregoing items; licensing of industrial property rights and know-how; undertaking of engineering related to any of the foregoing items; design, supervision and undertaking of construction work; money lending, factoring, debt guarantee and investment advisory business; home health care service business, home health care support business and the operation of health care and nursing facilities under the Health Care Insurance Law; any and all businesses related to the foregoing items.

Directors

Under the Committee System, the Board of Directors focuses on the functions of decision-making with respect to fundamental management policies and certain important matters prescribed by law, as well as supervision of execution by the Directors and Executive Officers of their respective duties. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, delegate to the Executive Officers its authority to make decisions with regard to the Company’s business affairs.

Under the Companies Act, the adoption of a resolution of the Board of Directors requires a majority vote of the Directors present who must in turn constitute a majority of the Directors who are entitled to vote for the resolution. Any Director who has a conflict of interest or a vested interest with respect to any given resolution cannot participate in voting for the resolution. Under the Companies Act and the articles of incorporation of the Company, the Board of Directors can dispense with holding a board meeting to approve a proposed resolution if all the Directors who are entitled to vote on it consent in writing to dispose with the meeting and to approve the proposed resolution. Under the Companies Act, each Director must refrain from engaging in any business competing with the Company unless approved by the Board of Directors.

The Companies Act provides that, under the Committee System, the Compensation Committee established within the Board of Directors determines matters relating to compensation for each Director and Executive Officer. A member of a Committee, including the Compensation Committee, cannot participate in voting for any resolution in which such member has a special interest. Therefore, a member of the Compensation Committee cannot participate in voting for any resolution relating to his/her own compensation.

There is no mandatory retirement age for the Directors required by the Companies Act or the Company’s articles of incorporation. No shares are required for a Director’s qualification under the Companies Act or the Company’s articles of incorporation.

As a company that has adopted the Committee System, the Company has delegated to Executive Officers, by resolution of the Board of Directors, powers regarding the incurrence by the Company of a significant amount of debt.

 

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Common Stock

Distribution of surplus

Under the Company’s articles of incorporation, distribution of surplus through dividend payment, if any, will be made to shareholders of record as of March 31 and September 30 of each year and as of another record date for the purpose of distributing surplus. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend Policy” for additional information.

Under the Company’s articles of incorporation, the Company is not obligated to make distribution of surplus left unclaimed for a period of three years after the date on which it first became payable.

Voting rights

A shareholder is generally entitled to one vote per one unit of shares, as described in this paragraph and under “Unit share system” below. In general, under the Companies Act, a resolution can be adopted at a general meeting of shareholders by a majority of the number of voting rights represented and entitled to vote at the meeting. The Companies Act and the Company’s articles of incorporation require the election of Directors annually, and a quorum of not less than one-third of the total number of voting rights of all the shareholders who are entitled to vote. The Company’s shareholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of Directors and the board is not staggered. A corporate shareholder (including a shareholder in the form of a partnership) whose voting rights are in turn more than one-quarter directly or indirectly owned by the Company does not have voting rights. The Company does not have voting rights with respect to its own shares. Shareholders may cast their votes in writing and may also exercise their voting rights through proxies, provided that those proxies are also shareholders who have voting rights. Shareholders may also cast their votes by electronic means in accordance with the Company’s regulations on handling shares, etc.

The Companies Act and the Company’s articles of incorporation provide that a quorum of not less than one-third of the voting rights of the shareholders who are entitled to vote must be present at a shareholders’ meeting to approve any material corporate actions such as: a reduction of the stated capital (with certain exceptions); amendment of the articles of incorporation; establishment of a 100% parent-subsidiary relationship by way of share exchange or share transfer; a dissolution, merger or consolidation; a company split; the transfer of the whole or an important part of the business; the taking over of the whole of the business of any other corporation; entering into an agreement for the leasing of entire business, entrustment of the management of the entire business or sharing the entire profit and loss with third parties; and any issuance of new shares at a “specially favorable” price (or any issuance of rights to subscribe for or acquire shares, or stock acquisition rights, with “specially favorable” conditions or of bonds or debentures with stock acquisition rights with “specially favorable” conditions) to persons other than shareholders. At least two-thirds of the voting rights represented at the meeting must approve these actions.

Issue of additional shares and pre-emptive rights

Holders of the Company’s shares of common stock have no pre-emptive rights under its articles of incorporation. Authorized but unissued shares may be issued at such times and upon such terms as Executive Officers determine, subject to the limitations as to the issuance of new shares at a “specially favorable” price mentioned above. Executive Officers may determine that shareholders be given subscription rights to new shares, in which case they must be given on uniform terms to all shareholders as of a record date of which not less than two weeks’ prior public notice must be given. Each of the shareholders to whom such subscription rights are given must also be given at least two weeks’ prior notice of the date on which such rights expire.

Rights to subscribe for shares of common stock given to the shareholders are not transferable unless otherwise provided by the Company.

Pursuant to the Companies Act, the Company may issue stock acquisition rights. Except where the issuance of stock acquisition rights would be on “specially favorable” terms, Executive Officers may determine the issuance of stock acquisition rights other than those for stock option purposes, which in contrast, must be approved by the Compensation Committee within the Board of Directors. Holders of stock acquisition rights may exercise their rights to acquire a certain number of shares within the exercise period as prescribed in the terms of their stock acquisition rights. Upon exercise of stock acquisition rights, the Company will be obliged to issue the relevant number of new shares, or alternatively, to transfer the necessary number of existing shares held by it.

 

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Liquidation rights

In the event of a liquidation of the Company, the assets remaining after payment of all debts and liquidation expenses and taxes will be distributed among the holders of shares of common stock in proportion to the respective numbers of shares of common stock held by each of them.

Stock splits and allotment of shares without consideration

The Company, by determination of an authorized Executive Officer, may at any time split shares of common stock in issue or allot shares of common stock to its shareholders without consideration.

When Executive Officers determine to effect a stock split, the Company may amend its articles of incorporation without shareholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares in proportion to the stock split if the Company has only one class of outstanding shares; however, in case of share allotment without consideration, such an amendment of its articles of incorporation is not permitted without shareholder approval.

Before a stock split and an allotment of shares without consideration, the Company must give public notice of the stock split or the allotment of shares without consideration specifying the record date and the effective date for the stock split or the allotment of shares without consideration, not less than two weeks prior to the record date.

Promptly after the allotment of shares without consideration takes effect, the Company must send notice to each shareholder specifying the number of shares to which each such shareholder is entitled.

Unit share system

Pursuant to the Companies Act, the Company has designated 1,000 shares as one unit of shares in the articles of incorporation. Under the unit share system, a shareholder is generally entitled to one voting right for each unit of shares. Since transfers of less than one unit of the underlying shares of common stock are normally prohibited under the unit share system, under the Deposit Agreement currently in force, the right of ADS holders to surrender their ADSs and withdraw the underlying shares of common stock may only be exercised as to whole units of common stock.

Although the number of shares which constitute one unit is stipulated in the articles of incorporation, an authorized Executive Officer has the power to amend the articles of incorporation to reduce the number of shares which constitute one unit or abolish the unit share system. Pursuant to the Companies Act, the number of shares constituting one unit, however, may not exceed 1,000.

A holder of shares representing less than one unit may at any time require the Company to purchase his/her shares. These shares will be purchased at (a) the closing price of the shares reported by the TSE on the day when the request to purchase is received by the administrator of shareholders’ register or (b) if no sale takes place on the TSE on that day, the price at which sale of shares is effected on such stock exchange immediately thereafter. 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 this right as a practical matter.

The Company’s articles of incorporation also provide that a holder of shares representing less than one unit may require the Company to sell any fractional shares it may have to such holder so that the holder can raise his/her fractional ownership up to a whole unit. These shares will be sold at (a) the closing price of the shares reported by the TSE on the day when the request to sell is received by the administrator of shareholders’ register or (b) if no sale takes place on the TSE on that day, the closing price at which sale of shares is effected on such stock exchange immediately preceding that day. 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 this right as a practical matter.

 

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Repurchase by the Company of its shares

The Company may repurchase shares of its common stock (i) by way of purchase on any Japanese stock exchange on which shares are listed or by way of tender offer (in either case pursuant to a resolution of a general meeting of shareholders), (ii) by way of purchase from a specific shareholder other than the Company’s subsidiaries (pursuant to a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders), or (iii) by way of purchase from the Company’s subsidiary (pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors). In the case of (ii) above, any other shareholder may make a request to the Company, five days prior to the relevant general meeting of shareholders, to include such shareholder as a seller in the proposed purchase.

The authorization to purchase shares of its common stock pursuant to (i) above may also be granted by a resolution of the Board of Directors pursuant to the articles of incorporation of the Company.

Any such repurchase of shares of its common stock must satisfy certain requirements, including that, in the case of a repurchase described in (i) and (ii) above, the total amount of the purchase price may not exceed the distributable amount as of the date of repurchase available for distribution of surplus. The Company may hold the shares acquired in compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act, and the Company may generally dispose of or cancel such shares in accordance with the Companies Act.

General Meeting of Shareholders

The Company normally holds its ordinary general meeting of shareholders within three months following the date of the end of the fiscal year in Tokyo. In addition, the Company may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders whenever necessary by giving at least two weeks’ advance notice. Under the Companies Act, notice of any shareholders’ meeting must be mailed 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 the Company’s regulations on handling shares, etc., at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting. Under the Companies Act, such notice may be given to shareholders by electronic means, with the consent by the relevant shareholders.

Generally, those shareholders of the Company registered as having rights on the register of shareholders as of the end of a given fiscal year are permitted to exercise their rights at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders concerning that fiscal year and those shareholders of the Company registered as having voting rights on the register of shareholders as of a record date properly fixed by the Company are permitted to exercise their rights at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders.

Abolition of share certificates

The Law Concerning Central Clearing of Bonds, Shares Certificates and Other Securities of Japan (Law No. 75 of 2001, as amended) (the “Book Entry Law”), enacted in 2004, came into force on January 5, 2009 (the “Enforcement Date”). From the Enforcement Date, all Japanese companies whose shares are listed on a stock exchange in Japan, including the Company, can no longer issue share certificates. On the Enforcement Date, all share certificates issued by Japanese listed companies as of that date, including the shares of the Company, were abolished and the shares were converted to a paperless or uncertificated form.

Under a new paperless book-entry transfer system, shares held by a shareholder are electronically recorded in an account of that shareholder opened with a Book Entry Organization (furikae kikan) or an Account Management Institution (koza-kanri-kikan). Currently, Japan Securities Depository Center, Inc. (“JASDEC”) is designated as a Book Entry Organization. An Account Management Institution is a financial institution such as a bank or a securities firm operating under the Book Entry Law. The new paperless book-entry transfer system is operated by JASDEC. All the share certificates of Japanese listed companies have been voided, ceased to have any effect and cannot be traded. All shareholders who own shares must maintain a trading account to hold their shares. Any transfer of shares must be effected, not by the physical delivery of share certificates as previously mandated by law, but by electronically recording the transfer of the shares from the transferor’s account to the transferee’s account. The rights regarding voting, dividends and other shareholders rights enjoyed by a shareholder are not affected by the adoption of the paperless book-entry transfer system.

On the Enforcement Date, this new paperless book-entry transfer system replaced the depository, custody and book-entry transfer system previously operated by JASDEC.

 

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Reporting of Substantial Shareholdings

The Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan, as amended, requires any person who has become, beneficially and solely or jointly, a holder of more than 5% of the total issued voting shares of capital stock of a company listed on any Japanese stock exchange or whose shares are traded on the over-the-counter market in Japan to file with the director general of the relevant financial bureau of Japan within five business days a report concerning such share holdings. A similar report must also be made in respect of any subsequent change of one percentage point or more in any such holding. For this purpose, shares issuable to such person upon exercise of any rights to subscribe for or acquire shares are taken into account in determining both the number of shares held by such holder and the issuer’s total issued share capital. Copies of each such report must also be furnished to the issuer of such shares and all Japanese stock exchanges on which the shares are listed or (in the case of shares traded over-the-counter) the Japan Securities Dealers Association.

There is no provision in the Company’s articles of incorporation that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving the Company.

C. Material Contracts

None.

D. Exchange Controls

The Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law of Japan, as amended, and the cabinet orders and ministerial ordinances thereunder (the “Foreign Exchange Law”) govern certain matters relating to the issuance of equity-related securities by the Company and the acquisition and holding of shares of common stock or ADSs representing such shares by “exchange non-residents” and by “foreign investors” as hereinafter defined. The Foreign Exchange Law currently in effect does not affect the right of an exchange non-resident to purchase or sell an ADS outside Japan.

“Exchange non-residents” are defined under the Foreign Exchange Law as individuals who are not resident in Japan and corporations whose principal offices are located outside Japan. Generally branches and other offices of Japanese corporations located outside Japan are regarded as exchange non-residents, but branches and other offices located within Japan of non-resident corporations are regarded as residents of Japan. “Foreign investors” are defined to be (i) individuals not resident in Japan, (ii) corporations which are organized under the laws of foreign countries or whose principal offices are located outside Japan and (iii) corporations of which (a) 50% or more of the shares are held by (i) and/or (ii) above, (b) a majority of officers consists of non-resident individuals or (c) a majority of the officers having the power of representation consists of non-resident individuals.

Dividends and Proceeds of Sales

Under the Foreign Exchange Law, dividends paid on, and the proceeds of sales in Japan of, shares of common stock held by exchange non-residents in general may be converted into any foreign currency and repatriated abroad.

Acquisition of Shares

Under the Foreign Exchange Law, acquisition of shares of a Japanese company listed on any Japanese stock exchange or traded on the over-the-counter market in Japan (“listed shares”) by an exchange non-resident from a resident of Japan is generally not subject to a prior filing requirement.

 

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In case a foreign investor acquires listed shares (whether from a resident of Japan or an exchange non-resident, from another foreign investor or from or through a designated securities company) and as a result of such acquisition the number of shares held directly or indirectly by such foreign investor (including shares held by persons who agree to act in concert with such foreign investor in connection with the exercise of shareholders’ rights) would become 10% or more of the total outstanding shares of the company, such acquisition constitutes a direct inward investment and the foreign investor is required to make a subsequent report on such acquisition to the Minister of Finance and other Ministers having jurisdiction over the business of the subject company, or the Competent Ministers. In certain exceptional cases, a prior filing is required and the Competent Ministers may recommend the modification or abandonment of the proposed acquisition and, if the foreign investor does not accept the recommendation, order its modification or prohibition. More specifically, such prior filing requirement is triggered if, among other things, the company, its subsidiary or any person over which the company has the power to determine such person’s finance and business policies, is engaged in the manufacture of products related to arms, airplanes, nuclear power or space development, including the manufacturing of general purpose devices capable of being diverted for military use. Due to the nature of Hitachi’s business, including its nuclear power system business that involves the manufacture of products related to nuclear power development and other businesses, this prior filing requirement is likely to apply to the acquisition of Hitachi shares.

The deposit of shares of common stock by an exchange non-resident of Japan, the issuance of ADSs in exchange therefor and the withdrawal of the underlying shares of common stock by an exchange non-resident upon surrender of ADSs are not subject to any requirements under the Foreign Exchange Law, except where as a result of such deposit or withdrawal the aggregate number of shares of common stock held by the depositary (or its nominee) or the holder surrendering ADSs, as the case may be, would be 10% or more of the total outstanding shares of common stock, in which event a subsequent reporting may be required as described above.

E. Taxation

Japanese Taxation

The discussion of Japanese taxation set forth below is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a complete analysis or discussion of all the potential Japanese tax consequences that may be relevant to the ownership of the Company’s shares or ADSs by a person who is not a resident of Japan.

A non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation is generally subject to a Japanese withholding tax on cash dividends. Stock splits and allotment of shares without consideration, in general, are not subject to Japanese withholding tax since they are characterized merely as an increase in the number of shares (as opposed to an increase in the value of the shares) from a Japanese tax perspective.

In the absence of any applicable treaty or agreement reducing the maximum rate of withholding tax, the standard rate of Japanese withholding tax applicable to dividends paid by Japanese corporations to non-residents of Japan or non-Japanese corporations is generally 20%. However, with respect to dividends paid on listed shares issued by a Japanese corporation (such as the shares of common stock of the Company) to shareholders who are non-Japanese corporations or Japanese non-resident individuals, except for any individual shareholder who holds 5% or more of the outstanding total of the shares issued by the relevant Japanese corporation, the aforementioned standard 20% withholding tax rate is reduced to (i) 7% for dividends due and payable on or before December 31, 2011 and (ii) 15% for dividends due and payable on or after January 1, 2012.

Pursuant to the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, or the Treaty, (i) the withholding tax rate on dividends is generally 10% for portfolio investors (i.e. investors with the shareholding ratio of less than 10%) who are qualified U.S. residents eligible to enjoy treaty benefits and (ii) the dividends are exempt from Japanese taxation by way of withholding or otherwise for pension funds which are qualified U.S. residents eligible to enjoy treaty benefits, unless the dividends are derived from the carrying on of a business, directly or indirectly, by such pension funds. For Japanese tax purposes, a treaty rate generally supersedes the tax rate under domestic tax law. However, due to the so-called “preservation doctrine” under the Treaty, and/or due to the Special Measurement Law for the Income Tax Law, Corporation Tax Law and Local Taxes Law with respect to the Implementation of Tax Treaties, if the tax rate under domestic tax law is lower than the treaty rate (which is currently the case with respect to the treaty), the domestic tax rate applies (which, as discussed above, is currently 7% with respect to dividends paid on the Company’s shares) or ADSs.

The amount of withholding tax imposed on dividends payable to the holders of the Company’s shares or ADSs who reside in a country other than the United States is dependent upon the provisions of such treaties or agreements as may exist between such country and Japan.

 

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Gains derived from the sale outside Japan of shares of common stock or ADSs representing shares of common stock in Japanese corporations by a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation, or from the sale of the shares within Japan by a non-resident of Japan as an occasional transaction 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 shares of common stock or ADSs as a distributee, legatee or donee.

United States Taxation

The following is a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the Company’s shares of common stock or ADSs by U.S. holders (as defined below). The discussion applies only if a U.S. holder holds shares of common stock or ADSs as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes and it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

certain financial institutions;

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

dealers and traders in securities or foreign currencies;

 

   

persons holding shares of common stock or ADSs as part of a hedge, straddle, conversion or other integrated transaction;

 

   

persons whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

   

persons liable for the alternative minimum tax;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations;

 

   

persons holding shares of common stock or ADSs that own or are deemed to own ten percent or more of the Company’s voting stock; or

 

   

persons who acquired shares of common stock or ADSs pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation.

This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions, final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations and the Treaty, all as of the date hereof. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. It is also based in part on representations by the Depositary and assumes that each obligation under the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares of common stock or ADSs in their particular circumstances.

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares or ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding shares or ADSs and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the shares or ADSs.

A “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of shares of common stock or ADSs that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; or (iii) an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source and that, in each case, is eligible for benefits under the Treaty.

In general, a U.S. owner of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares of common stock represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if a U.S. holder exchanges ADSs for the underlying shares of common stock represented by those ADSs.

 

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The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom American depositary shares are released prior to delivery of shares to the Depositary (“pre-release”), or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between holders and the issuer of the security underlying the American depositary shares, may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for U.S. holders of American depositary shares. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends received by certain noncorporate U.S. holders. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Japanese taxes and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain noncorporate U.S. holders, each described below, could be affected by actions taken by parties to whom ADSs are pre-released.

This discussion assumes that the Company is not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company (as discussed below).

Taxation of distributions

Distributions paid on shares of common stock or ADSs, other than certain pro rata distributions of common stock, will be treated as dividends to the extent paid out of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Because the Company does not maintain calculations of its earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions generally will be reported to U.S. holders as dividends. The amount of a dividend will include any amounts withheld by the Company or its paying agent in respect of Japanese taxes. The amount of the dividend will be treated as foreign source dividend income to a U.S. holder and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations under the Code. Subject to applicable limitations and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, dividends paid to certain noncorporate U.S. holders in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 will be taxable at a maximum rate of 15%. Noncorporate U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to be taxed at this favorable rate.

Dividends paid in yen will be included in a U.S. holder’s income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividends are received by such U.S. holder in the case of a U.S. holder of shares of common stock or by the Depositary in the case of a U.S. holder of ADSs, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. A U.S. holder may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars after the date of its receipt.

Japanese income taxes withheld from cash dividends on shares of common stock or ADSs at a rate not in excess of the applicable rate under the Treaty will be creditable against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to applicable restrictions and limitations that may vary depending upon such holder’s circumstances and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury. Instead of claiming a credit, a U.S. holder may elect to deduct such otherwise creditable Japanese taxes in computing such holder’s taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. law. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits in their particular circumstances.

Sale or other disposition of shares or ADSs

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss a U.S. holder realizes on the sale or other disposition of shares of common stock or ADSs will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the shares of common stock or ADSs for more than one year. The amount of the U.S. holder’s gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the holder’s tax basis in the shares of common stock or ADSs disposed of and the amount realized on the sale or other disposition, determined in U.S. dollars. Such gain or loss will generally be U.S. source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes.

Passive foreign investment company rules

The Company does not believe that it was a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes for its tax year ending March 31, 2009. However, since PFIC status depends upon the composition of the Company’s income and assets and the market value of its assets from time to time, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If the Company were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder held a share of common stock or an ADS, certain adverse tax consequences could apply to such holder.

 

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Information reporting and backup withholding

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless (i) the holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, the holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred.

The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. holder will be allowed as a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

G. Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

H. Documents on Display

The documents filed by the Company with the SEC can be inspected at its public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. The documents filed via the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system can be also available for inspection on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).

I. Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Primary Market Risk Exposure

Hitachi is exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and market prices for equity securities. Hitachi seeks to manage these market risks by using derivative financial instruments. Hitachi does not employ derivative financial instruments for speculation purpose.

Hitachi is exposed to credit-related risks arising from the potential non-performance by counterparties to derivative and other financial instruments Hitachi uses to hedge its market risks. Most of the counterparties are internationally recognized financial institutions and contracts are diversified among a number of major financial institutions.

Equity Price Risk

Hitachi holds marketable securities which are subject to price risks arising from changes in market prices for such securities. Hitachi considers marketable securities classified as short-term investments to be highly liquid and present a relatively low equity price risk. Hitachi holds marketable securities classified as investments and advances as long-term investments.

 

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The tables below provide information about the contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities and fair values of these market risk sensitive securities as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, regardless of the consolidated balance sheet classification as follows.

 

     Carrying amount as of March 31, 2009     
     Contractual maturity date     
     Due within
one year
   Due after
one year
through

five years
   Due after
five years
   Total    Fair value
     (Millions of yen)

Available-for-sale securities

              

Equity securities

            120,434    120,434

Debt securities

   8,177    10,424    18,363    36,964    36,964

Other securities

   301    4,634    4,760    9,695    9,695

Held-to-maturity securities

   82    5    199    286    286
     Carrying amount as of March 31, 2008     
     Contractual maturity date     
     Due within
one year
   Due after
one year
through

five years
   Due after
five years
   Total    Fair value
     (Millions of yen)

Available-for-sale securities

              

Equity securities

            179,883    179,883

Debt securities

   44,719    15,877    26,193    86,789    86,789

Other securities

   11,280    37,225    10,090    58,595    58,595

Held-to-maturity securities

   259    31    199    489    489

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk and Interest Rate Risk

Hitachi has assets and liabilities which are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks and interest rate risks. Hitachi enters into forward exchange contracts, cross currency swap agreements and interest rate swaps for the purpose of hedging these risk exposures.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

Hitachi mainly uses forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency exchange exposures, primarily in the exchange of U.S. dollars and Euros into Japanese yen. These contracts, which typically mature within one year, are used primarily to hedge foreign currency denominated future net cash flows from trade receivables and payables recognized, and from forecasted transactions. In accordance with its internal policy, Hitachi measures by currency each month the amount and due date of future net cash flows. In accordance with the policy, a portion of net cash flows measured is covered using forward exchange contracts.

Hitachi enters into cross currency swap agreements to manage currency exchange rate risk relating to long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies. These cross currency swap agreements typically have maturities that mirror the underlying debt, which allows Hitachi to predict cash flows from such long-term debt. Hitachi believes these derivative financial instruments can be highly effective in hedging foreign currency denominated long-term debt against changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

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The tables below provide information on Hitachi’s financial instruments that are sensitive to foreign currency exchange rates, including primary forward exchange contracts to sell U.S. dollars and Euros as of March 31, 2009 and 2008. The tables present the contract amounts in Japanese yen equivalents and weighted average contractual exchange rates by expected maturity dates. Cross currency swap agreements and the corresponding foreign currency denominated debt instruments are not included in the table below because all of Hitachi’s foreign currency exposure in its cash flows are eliminated.

 

     Forward exchange contracts as of March 31, 2009  
     Expected maturity date       
           2010                2011          Total    Estimated
fair value
 
     (Millions of yen)  

Forward exchange contracts

           

(Pay US$/receive ¥) contract amount

   140,266    —      140,266    (2,907

Average contractual exchange rate (¥/US$)

   95.71    —      95.71   

Forward exchange contracts

           

(Pay Euro/receive ¥) contract amount

   37,569    —      37,569    948   

Average contractual exchange rate (¥/Euro)

   133.50    —      133.50   
     Forward exchange contracts as of March 31, 2008  
     Expected maturity date       
     2009    2010    Total    Estimated
fair value
 
     (Millions of yen)  

Forward exchange contracts

           

(Pay US$/receive ¥) contract amount

   132,026    —      132,026    8,312   

Average contractual exchange rate (¥/US$)

   105.98    —      105.98   

Forward exchange contracts

           

(Pay Euro/receive ¥) contract amount

   93,190    —      93,190    594   

Average contractual exchange rate (¥/Euro)

   157.56    —      157.56   

Interest rate risk

Hitachi’s exposure to interest rate risk is related principally to its debt obligations, and the risk of increases in market interest rates that increase future cash outflow of interest payments due on such debt. To manage this risk, Hitachi typically enters into interest rate swaps. Hitachi mainly uses interest rate swaps in connection with long-term debt and medium-term notes. These interest rate swaps typically have the effect of converting variable interest rates on debt obligations to fixed-interest rates. Under these commonly referred to as “receive-variable, pay-fixed” interest rate swaps, Hitachi receives variable interest rate payments and makes fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating, from Hitachi’s perspective, fixed-rate long-term debt.

 

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Hitachi has long-term debt, including amounts due within one year, with fixed and floating interest rates. The tables below provide information on Hitachi’s financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including debt obligations. For debt obligations, the tables below present principal cash flows in Japanese yen equivalents and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. The tables do not include information on short-term borrowings because the Company believes that its risk exposure to changes in interest rates on short-term borrowings is not significant. For interest rate swaps, the table below presents primary notional amounts by currency and weighted average pay/receive interest rate by expected maturity date. Notional amounts are used to calculate payments to be made and received under the contract. The tables present contract amounts in Japanese yen equivalents and weighted average contractual pay/receive rates by expected maturity dates.

 

     Long-term debt as of March 31, 2009
     Expected maturity date      
     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
     (Millions of yen, except rates)

Fixed rate (notes and debentures):

                

Yen debentures

   70,520      116,401      60,200      44,050      105,050      80,000      476,221      471,789

Average interest rate

   1.39   1.29   1.30   1.28   1.23   1.74   1.33  

Yen convertible debentures

   100,000      —        —        —        —        40,000      140,000      131,470

Average interest rate

   —        —        —        —        —        —        —       

Yen medium term notes

   73,763      23,287      9,647      498      —        4,969      112,164      110,809

Average interest rate

   1.16   1.31   1.53   1.37   —        1.38   1.24  

Floating rate (notes and debentures):

                

Yen medium term notes

   11,259      6,690      10,048      6,182      2,978      5,922      43,079      43,079

Average interest rate

   0.78   0.78   0.83   0.87   1.39   1.33   0.87  

US$ medium term notes

   2,457      —        982      —        —        —        3,439      3,439

Average interest rate

   1.33   —        1.30   —        —        —        1.32  

HK$ medium term notes

   1,269      —        —        —        —        —        1,269      1,269

Average interest rate

   2.45   —        —        —        —        —        2.45  

Fixed and floating rate (loans):

                

Loans, principally from Banks

   259,818      103,611      256,624      144,465      60,140      186,911      1,011,569      1,005,848

Average interest rate

   1.34   1.69   1.68   1.71   1.89   1.95   1.71  

Weighted average floating rates are based on contractual interest rates as of March 31, 2009.

 

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     Long-term debt as of March 31, 2008
     Expected maturity date      
     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
     (Millions of yen, except rates)

Fixed rate (notes and debentures):

                

Yen debentures

   88,915      65,500      106,390      10,000      40,000      139,982      450,787      453,466

Average interest rate

   1.31   1.36   1.22   1.22   1.20   1.12   1.26  

Yen convertible debentures

   —        100,000      —        —        —        40,000      140,000      129,273

Average interest rate

   —        —        —        —        —        —        —       

Yen medium term notes

   69,128      63,515      30,632      3,928      6,200      28,831      202,234      200,707

Average interest rate

   1.19   1.33   1.60   1.75   1.78   1.86   1.41  

Floating rate (notes and debentures):

                

Yen debenture

   3,000      —        —        —        —        —        3,000      3,000

Average interest rate

   2.22   —        —        —        —        —        2.22  

Yen medium term notes

   23,991      10,440      5,790      2,844      10,303      8,985      62,353      62,353

Average interest rate

   1.47   1.06   0.97   1.06   1.17   1.76   1.24  

US$ medium term notes

   3,811      2,508      —        1,002      —        —        7,321      7,321

Average interest rate

   2.80   2.83   —        2.80   —        —        2.81  

HK$ medium term notes

   —        1,294      —        —        —        —        1,294      1,294

Average interest rate

   —        3.15   —        —        —        —        3.15  

Fixed and floating rate (loans):

                

Loans, principally from Banks

   190,639      286,663      58,000      142,117      114,701      130,111      922,231      916,637

Average interest rate

   1.42   1.67   1.79   1.72   1.92   1.96   1.72  

Weighted average floating rates are based on contractual interest rates as of March 31, 2008.

 

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     Interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2009  
     Expected maturity date        
     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
 
     (Millions of yen, except rates)  

Notional amounts (Yen):

                

Variable to fixed

   100,648      19,650      11,800      80,000      40,000      3,000      255,098      (1,678

Average pay rate

   1.18   1.37   1.41   1.39   1.25   1.00   1.30  

Average receive rate

   0.90   0.94   0.95   0.95   0.95   1.00   0.93  

Fixed to variable

   12,002      7,000      1,000      1,000      —        14,000      35,002      338   

Average pay rate

   2.29   0.72   0.74   0.74   —        0.75   1.20  

Average receive rate

   1.72   1.57   1.69   1.70   —        1.75   1.69  

Variable to variable

   —        2,000      3,000      —        —        18,000      23,000      (16

Average pay rate

   —        0.65   0.65   —        —        0.63   0.64  

Average receive rate

   —        1.28   1.30   —        —        1.33   1.30  

Notional amounts (US$):

                

Variable to fixed

   2,456      1,817      —        —        —        —        4,273      (87

Average pay rate

   4.41   3.49   —        —        —        —        4.13  

Average receive rate

   0.89   0.52   —        —        —        —        0.78  

Fixed to variable

   1,965      —        —        —        —        —        1,965      —     

Average pay rate

   1.48   —        —        —        —        —        1.48  

Average receive rate

   1.52   —        —        —        —        —        1.52  

Variable to variable

   —        —        982      —        —        —        982      (22

Average pay rate

   —        —        1.02   —        —        —        1.02  

Average receive rate

   —        —        0.00   —        —        —        0.00  

Notional amounts (ST£):

                

Variable to fixed

   37,701      21,178      6,765      —        —        —        65,644      (2,020

Average pay rate

   5.00   5.05   4.79   —        —        —        5.00  

Average receive rate

   2.45   2.83   3.72   —        —        —        2.64  

Notional amounts (HK$):

                

Variable to fixed

   3,801      6,398      1,647      4,092      2,281      —        18,219      (791

Average pay rate

   3.67   3.64   3.15   3.52   1.96   —        3.48  

Average receive rate

   0.87   0.88   0.86   0.87   0.84   —        0.87  

Weighted average pay/receive rates are based on contractual interest rates as of March 31, 2009.

 

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     Interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2008  
     Expected maturity date        
     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
 
     (Millions of yen, except rates)  

Notional amounts (Yen):

                

Variable to fixed

   16,140      107,128      3,750      2,500      60,000      —        189,518      (916

Average pay rate

   1.16   1.12   1.49   1.48   1.47   —        1.26  

Average receive rate

   1.10   1.06   1.08   1.07   1.06   —        1.08  

Fixed to variable

   8,500      12,002      7,000      1,000      2,000      15,000      45,502      (27

Average pay rate

   1.08   1.16   0.93   0.95   0.95   0.96   1.04  

Average receive rate

   1.63   1.64   1.45   1.52   1.57   1.61   1.58  

Variable to variable

   —        3,000      2,000      3,000      2,500      18,000      28,500      (27

Average pay rate

   —        0.88   0.86   0.86   0.85   0.85   0.87  

Average receive rate

   —        1.45   1.46   1.47   1.50   1.52   1.47  

Notional amounts (US$):

                

Variable to fixed

   17,534      2,808      —        —        —        —        20,342      (702

Average pay rate

   5.24   4.94   —        —        —        —        5.20  

Average receive rate

   3.13   3.19   —        —        —        —        3.14  

Fixed to variable

   9,178      —        —        —        —        —        9,178      (12

Average pay rate

   2.82   —        —        —        —        —        2.82  

Average receive rate

   2.36   —        —        —        —        —        2.36  

Variable to variable

   —        —        —        1,002      —        —        1,002      (24

Average pay rate

   —        —        —        2.39   —        —        2.39  

Average receive rate

   —        —        —        4.99   —        —        4.99  

Notional amounts (ST£):

                

Variable to fixed

   62,521      47,482      19,262      —        —        —        129,265      (420

Average pay rate

   5.48   5.52   5.77   —        —        —        5.52  

Average receive rate

   5.79   5.78   5.68   —        —        —        5.78  

Weighted average pay/receive rates are based on contractual interest rates as of March 31, 2008.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements in this section include, but are not limited to, ability of counterparties to the financial instruments to perform contractual obligations; the general economic condition in the markets where financial assets Hitachi holds are traded; and the volatility of the market prices of securities, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, see “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” for other examples of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied.

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2009, the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and principal financial officer performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The Company’s management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which by their nature can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were designed to comply with all requirements provided for in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s management including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its principal financial officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   

Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transaction and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

   

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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

 

   

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. 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.

 

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The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

Based on its assessment, the Company’s management concluded that, as of March 31, 2009, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included in “Item 17. Financial Statements.”

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16A.   AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that Mr. Tadamichi Sakiyama qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the rules of the SEC. Mr. Sakiyama fulfills the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are applicable to members of a non-U.S. listed company’s audit committee pursuant to Section 303A.06 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

 

ITEM 16B.   CODE OF ETHICS

The Company has a code of ethics which applies to its Directors, Executive Officers, corporate officers and other executives which include its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, or the Covered Individuals, although not within the strict meaning of the current rules of the SEC. The Company believes that its code of ethics consists of written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote, among other things, (i) honest and ethical conduct of the Covered Individuals, including the ethical handling of conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships, (ii) full compliance by the Covered Individuals with applicable laws, rules and regulations, including securities-related laws, (iii) the taking of remedial and preventative actions by the Covered Individuals with respect to occurrences or likely occurrences of violations of laws, rules or regulations of which the Covered Individuals become aware, and (iv) accountability for violations of such laws, rules and regulations, including for violations by the Covered Individuals. The Company believes that this code of ethics, in conjunction with its other bylaws and customary practice, performs a function similar to that of a code of ethics within the meaning of the rules of the SEC. The Company continues to seek ways in which it can further promote ethical conduct by its Covered Individuals, including by considering ways in which to improve its code of ethics for such individuals.

 

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ITEM 16C.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The following table shows fees for audit and other services rendered by Hitachi’s principal accountant for fiscal 2007 and 2008.

 

     Fiscal
2007
   Fiscal
2008
     (Millions of yen)

Audit Fees

   4,957    4,686

Audit-Related Fees

   82    59

Tax Fees

   108    116

All Other Fees

   0    0
         

Total

   5,147    4,861
         

 

Notes:

 

1. Audit Fees are fees for professional services for the audit of the annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. Audit-Related Fees are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the financial statements and are not reported as Audit Fees. Tax Fees are fees for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. All Other Fees are fees for products and services not included in any of the other categories.

 

2. Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC served as Hitachi’s principal accountant for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008.

Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

In compliance with applicable U.S. law and regulations, the Company’s Audit Committee has established a policy and procedures regarding pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to ensure that the auditors will be independent of management.

Under the policy and procedures, audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided to the Company and its subsidiaries by the independent registered public accounting firm are required to be pre-approved by either the Audit Committee or an Audit Committee member to whom it has delegated authority. Audit services provided to the Company are required to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The designated Audit Committee member must report the pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee meeting held after the decisions.

 

ITEM 16D.   EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 16E.   PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

The following table sets forth, for each of the months indicated, the total number of shares purchased by the Company, the average price paid per share, the number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced repurchase plan or program, the maximum number of shares or approximate Japanese Yen value that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs.

The Company currently does not have any publicly announced repurchase plans or programs. The purchases shown below include the purchase of less-than-one-unit shares from less-than-one-unit shareholders pursuant to the Companies Act.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

   (a) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

(Shares)
    (b) Average
Price Paid
per Share

(Yen)
   (c) Total
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

(Shares)
   (d) Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs

(Shares)

April 1, 2008 - April 30, 2008

   47,676      648.44    —      —  

May 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008

   81,166      717.99    —      —  

June 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008

   200,726      771.64    —      —  

July 1, 2008 - July 31, 2008

   182,707      768.41    —      —  

August 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008

   169,522      801.72    —      —  

September 1, 2008 - September 30, 2008

   121,054      771.73    —      —  

October 1, 2008 - October 31, 2008

   71,726      617.96    —      —  

November 1, 2008 - November 30, 2008

   44,973      463.17    —      —  

December 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

   270,377      399.41    —      —  

January 1, 2009 - January 31, 2009

   53,661      346.50    —      —  

February 1, 2009 - February 28, 2009

   44,955      271.44    —      —  

March 1, 2009 - March 31, 2009

   88,609   255.24    —      —  
                    

Total

   1,377,152   610.22    —      —  
                    

 

* These figures do not include 123,074 shares of the Company’s common stock held by Hitachi Koki, which as a result of becoming a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in March 2009 are included in treasury stock in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under Japanese law, Hitachi Koki is required to dispose of such stock within a reasonable amount of time.

 

ITEM 16F.   CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16G.   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company’s ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The Company is therefore required to comply with certain of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards (the “NYSE Standards”), which were approved by the SEC in November 2003. As a foreign private issuer, the Company may follow its home country’s corporate governance practices in lieu of most of the NYSE Standards. The Company’s corporate governance practices differ in certain significant respects from those that U.S. companies must adopt in order to maintain NYSE listing and, in accordance with Section 303A.11 of NYSE’s Listed Company Manual, a brief, general summary of those differences is provided as follows.

Director independence

The NYSE Standards require a majority of the membership of NYSE-listed company boards to be composed of independent directors. The Company’s Board of Directors consists of 12 members, five of whom are “outside directors,” as defined under the Companies Act. The Companies Act defines an outside director as a director who is not and has not been an executive director (a representative director or a director who executes such company’s business), executive officer, manager or any other employee of such company or its subsidiaries.

 

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Non-management directors’ executive sessions

The NYSE Standards require non-management directors of NYSE-listed companies to meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. Neither the Companies Act nor the Company’s articles of incorporation require the Company’s non-management directors to hold such meetings.

Committee member composition

The NYSE Standards require NYSE-listed companies to have a nominating/corporate governance committee, audit committee and compensation committee that are composed entirely of independent directors. The Company’s nominating committee, audit committee and compensation committee are composed of a majority of outside directors in accordance with the Companies Act, while the Company’s audit committee complies with the NYSE Standards.

Miscellaneous

In addition to the above differences, the Company is not required: to make its nominating, audit and compensation committees prepare a written charter that addresses either purposes and responsibilities or performance evaluations in a manner that would satisfy the NYSE’s requirements; to acquire shareholder approval of equity compensation plans in certain cases, such as issuing stock acquisition rights as stock options without “specially favorable” conditions; to make publicly available one or more documents which purport to summarize all aspects of its corporate governance guidelines; or to adopt a code of business conduct and ethics for its directors, officers and employees that would comply fully with the NYSE’s requirements.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Refer to the consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

Hitachi has filed the following documents as exhibits to this annual report.

 

1.1    Articles of Incorporation of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on June 23, 2009 (English Translation)
1.2    Regulations on Handling Shares, etc. of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on May 18, 2009 (English Translation)
1.3    Board of Directors Regulations of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on April 1, 2009 (English Translation)
8.1    List of subsidiaries
   See “Item 4. Information on the Company — C. Organizational Structure.”
11.1    Code of Ethics for Directors and Executive Officers of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on September 30, 2007 (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 20, 2008 (file no. 001-08320))
12.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
12.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
13.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
13.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code

Hitachi has not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to its long-term debt. The total amount of long-term debt securities of the Company or its subsidiaries, authorized under any instrument does not exceed 10% of Hitachi’s total assets. Hitachi hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon its request, a copy of any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company or of its subsidiaries for which consolidated or unconsolidated financial statements are required to be filed.

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

    Hitachi, Ltd.
    (Registrant)
        Date: July 27, 2009   By:   /s/ Toshiaki Kuzuoka
    Name: Toshiaki Kuzuoka
    Title:   Vice President and Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

1.1    Articles of Incorporation of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on June 23, 2009 (English Translation)
1.2    Regulations on Handling Shares, etc. of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on May 18, 2009 (English Translation)
1.3    Board of Directors Regulations of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on April 1, 2009 (English Translation)
8.1    List of subsidiaries
   See “Item 4. Information on the Company — C. Organizational Structure.”
11.1    Code of Ethics for Directors and Executive Officers of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on September 30, 2007 (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 20, 2008 (file no. 001-08320))
12.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
12.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
13.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
13.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HITACHI, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Page
Number

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Financial Statements of Hitachi, Ltd. and Subsidiaries:

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

   F-7

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

   F-8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

   F-10

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-11

Schedule:

  

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

   F-80

All other schedules are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, as the required information is presented in the notes to consolidated financial statements, or the schedules are not applicable.

*******************************************************************************

 

     Page
Number

Consolidated Financial Statements of Renesas Technology Corp. and Subsidiaries

   A-1

Report of Independent Auditors

   A-36

Pursuant to Regulation S-X, Rule 3-09, this annual report contains the consolidated financial statements of Renesas Technology Corp., an equity method affiliate of the Company. The consolidated financial statements of Renesas Technology Corp. contained herein, which are as of March 31, 2008 and 2009 and for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan. The Company’s equity in the income (loss) before income taxes of Renesas Technology Corp. exceeded 20%, but did not exceed 30%, of such income (loss) of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended March 31, 2009, while such percentage for each of the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 did not exceed 20%. The Company’s investments in and advances to Renesas Technology Corp. did not exceed 20% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries as of any of March 31, 2007, 2008 or 2009. Accordingly, pursuant to Regulation S-X, Rule 3-09 as well as Item 17 of Form 20-F, of the consolidated financial statements of Renesas Technology Corp. contained herein, only those as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009 have been audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.

  

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Hitachi, Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 17. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not disclose segment information required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” In our opinion, disclosure of segment information is required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

In our opinion, except for the omission of segment information discussed in the preceding paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries at March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 2 (i), “Property, Plant and Equipment,” effective April 1, 2007, the Company elected to change to the 250% declining balance depreciation method.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Hitachi, Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, 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, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC

Tokyo, Japan

June 23, 2009

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Hitachi, Ltd.

We have audited Hitachi Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Hitachi 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 the company’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, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and 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 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 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, Hitachi, Ltd. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

 

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Table of Contents

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009, and our report dated June 23, 2009 stated that, except for the omission of segment information required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries at March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC

Tokyo, Japan

June 23, 2009

 

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Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   807,926      560,960   

Short-term investments (note 3)

   8,654      61,289   

Trade receivables:

    

Notes (notes 6 and 16)

   106,063      165,154   

Accounts (note 6)

   2,073,701      2,405,478   

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   (46,486   (40,847
            

Net trade receivables

   2,133,278      2,529,785   
            

Investments in leases (notes 5 and 6)

   170,340      136,119   

Inventories (note 4)

   1,456,271      1,441,024   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (note 8)

   488,930      672,578   
            

Total current assets

   5,065,399      5,401,755   
            

Investments and advances, including affiliated companies (note 3)

   693,487      1,042,657   

Property, plant and equipment (note 5):

    

Land

   464,935      478,620   

Buildings

   1,915,992      1,848,105   

Machinery and equipment

   5,640,623      5,770,457   

Construction in progress

   86,842      93,137   
            
   8,108,392      8,190,319   

Less accumulated depreciation

   5,714,446      5,536,401   
            

Net property, plant and equipment

   2,393,946      2,653,918   
            

Other assets (notes 5, 7, 8 and 10)

   1,250,877      1,432,517   
            

Total assets

   9,403,709      10,530,847   
            

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term debt (note 9)

   998,822      723,020   

Current portion of long-term debt (notes 5 and 9)

   531,635      386,879   

Trade payables:

    

Notes

   39,811      66,265   

Accounts

   1,138,770      1,601,413   

Accrued expenses (notes 10 and 16)

   878,454      901,546   

Income taxes (note 8)

   24,689      101,599   

Advances received

   386,519      412,642   

Other current liabilities (note 8)

   623,204      559,535   
            

Total current liabilities

   4,621,904      4,752,899   
            

Long-term debt (notes 5 and 9)

   1,289,652      1,421,607   

Retirement and severance benefits (note 10)

   1,049,597      822,440   

Other liabilities (note 8)

   263,204      220,781   
            

Total liabilities

   7,224,357      7,217,727   
            

Minority interests

   1,129,401      1,142,508   

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock 3,368,126,056 shares issued (notes 9 and 11)

   282,033      282,033   

Capital surplus (note 11)

   560,066      555,410   

Legal reserve and retained earnings (note 12)

   820,440      1,626,497   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 14)

   (586,351   (267,198

Treasury stock, at cost (note 13)

   (26,237   (26,130
            

Total stockholders’ equity

   1,049,951      2,170,612   

Commitments and contingencies (note 16)

    

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   9,403,709      10,530,847   
            

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Revenues:

      

Product sales

   9,076,913      10,262,690      9,271,456   

Financial and other services

   923,456      964,045      976,447   
                  

Total revenues

   10,000,369      11,226,735      10,247,903   

Cost of sales:

      

Product sales

   (7,153,228   (8,080,728   (7,392,146

Financial and other services

   (662,952   (696,929   (696,225
                  

Total cost of sales

   (7,816,180   (8,777,657   (8,088,371

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (2,057,043   (2,103,562   (1,977,020

Impairment losses for long-lived assets (note 17)

   (128,400   (87,549   (9,918

Restructuring charges (note 18)

   (22,927   (18,110   (3,983

Interest income

   19,177      31,501      25,914   

Dividends income

   8,544      6,031      6,063   

Gains on sales of stock by subsidiaries or affiliated companies (note 20)

   360      3,846      12,034   

Other income (note 19)

   5,203      101,169      47,687   

Interest charges

   (33,809   (42,448   (37,794

Other deductions (note 19)

   (102,960   (37,760   (31,466

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliated companies

   (162,205   22,586      11,289   
                  

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests

   (289,871   324,782      202,338   

Income taxes (note 8)

   (505,249   (272,163   (162,814
                  

Income (loss) before minority interests

   (795,120   52,619      39,524   

Minority interests

   7,783      (110,744   (72,323
                  

Net loss

   (787,337   (58,125   (32,799
                  
     Yen  

Net loss per share (note 21):

  

Basic

   (236.86   (17.48   (9.84

Diluted

   (236.87   (17.77   (9.87

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Common stock (notes 9 and 11):

      

Balance at beginning and end of year

   282,033      282,033      282,033   
                  

Capital surplus (note 11):

      

Balance at beginning of year

   555,410      560,796      561,484   

Change in capital surplus:

      

Increase (decrease) arising from equity transactions, net transfer of minority interests, and other

   4,843      (5,457   (3,293

Sales of treasury stock

   (187   71      153   

Stock exchange for acquisition (note 13)

   —        —        2,452   
                  

Total change in capital surplus

   4,656      (5,386   (688
                  

Balance at end of year

   560,066      555,410      560,796   
                  

Legal reserve and retained earnings (note 12):

      

Balance at beginning of year

   1,626,497      1,713,757      1,778,203   

Change in legal reserve and retained earnings:

      

Increase (decrease) arising from equity transactions, net transfer of minority interests, and other

   1,224      (9,186   (3,329

Net loss

   (787,337   (58,125   (32,799

Cash dividends

   (19,944   (19,949   (28,318
                  

Total change in legal reserve and retained earnings

   (806,057   (87,260   (64,446
                  

Balance at end of year

   820,440      1,626,497      1,713,757   
                  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 14):

      

Balance at beginning of year

   (267,198   (88,450   (95,997

Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

      

Increase arising from equity transactions, net transfer of minority interests, and other

   785      376      720   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments

   (319,938   (179,124   29,246   

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158 (note 10)

   —        —        (22,419
                  

Total change in accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (319,153   (178,748   7,547   
                  

Balance at end of year

   (586,351   (267,198   (88,450
                  

Treasury stock, at cost (note 13):

      

Balance at beginning of year

   (26,130   (25,339   (17,950

Change in treasury stock, at cost:

      

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (858   (1,145   (12,000

Sales of treasury stock

   751      354      748   

Stock exchange for acquisition

   —        —        3,863   
                  

Total change in treasury stock, at cost

   (107   (791   (7,389
                  

Balance at end of year

   (26,237   (26,130   (25,3311.759
                  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Total stockholders’ equity:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   2,170,612      2,442,797      2,507,773   

Change in total stockholders’ equity:

      

Increase (decrease) arising from equity transactions, net transfer of minority interests, and other

   6,852      (14,267   (5,902

Net loss

   (787,337   (58,125   (32,799

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments

   (319,938   (179,124   29,246   

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158 (note 10)

   —        —        (22,419

Cash dividends

   (19,944   (19,949   (28,318

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (858   (1,145   (12,000

Sales of treasury stock

   564      425      901   

Stock exchange for acquisition

   —        —        6,315   
                  

Total change in total stockholders’ equity

   (1,120,661   (272,185   (64,976
                  

Balance at end of year

   1,049,951      2,170,612      2,442,797   
                  

Comprehensive loss (note 14):

      

Net loss

   (787,337   (58,125   (32,799

Other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the year:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (110,899   (48,605   21,764   

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   —        —        22,030   

Pension liability adjustments

   (184,153   (74,758   —     

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (22,855   (55,310   (14,744

Cash flow hedges

   (2,031   (451   196   
                  

Total other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the year

   (319,938   (179,124   29,246   
                  

Comprehensive loss

   (1,107,275   (237,249   (3,553
                  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities (note 23):

      

Net loss

   (787,337   (58,125   (32,799

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

      

Depreciation

   478,759      541,470      472,175   

Amortization

   178,164      146,136      149,823   

Impairment losses for long-lived assets

   128,400      87,549      9,918   

Deferred income taxes

   403,968      84,587      20,514   

Equity in net (earnings) loss of affiliated companies

   162,205      (22,586   (11,289

Gain on sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock

   (1,353   (94,798   (53,240

Impairment of investments in securities

   45,016      14,411      8,309   

Loss on disposal of rental assets and other property

   24,483      13,424      31,590   

Income (loss) applicable to minority interests

   (7,783   110,744      72,323   

Decrease in receivables

   342,008      47,843      52,599   

Increase in inventories

   (57,206   (107,546   (212,028

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

   12,772      (32,763   (80,172

Increase (decrease) in payables

   (359,230   42,453      104,987   

Decrease in accrued expenses and retirement and severance benefits

   (27,050   (38,303   (21,166

Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes

   (76,343   12,841      18,623   

Increase in other liabilities

   39,711      61,041      38,470   

Net change in inventory-related receivables from financial services

   2,117      (11,392   (9,819

Other

   57,646      (5,149   56,224   
                  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   558,947      791,837      615,042   

Cash flows from investing activities (note 23):

      

(Increase) decrease in short-term investments

   50,811      (25,437   25,054   

Capital expenditures

   (422,109   (474,344   (497,771

Purchase of assets to be leased

   (307,314   (365,989   (441,614

Collection of investments in leases

   234,984      311,321      318,063   

Proceeds from disposal of rental assets and other property

   46,511      63,067      43,982   

Proceeds from sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock

   58,260      161,442      69,842   

Purchase of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock

   (56,637   (254,569   (169,530

Purchase of software

   (132,181   (126,453   (123,876

Other

   (22,333   73,344      (10,320
                  

Net cash used in investing activities

   (550,008   (637,618   (786,170

Cash flows from financing activities (note 23):

      

Increase (decrease) in short-term debt, net

   314,899      (200,018   93,917   

Proceeds from long-term debt

   467,341      404,190      380,646   

Payments on long-term debt

   (441,550   (381,069   (309,204

Proceeds from sale of common stock by subsidiaries

   900      42,307      23,078   

Dividends paid to stockholders

   (19,826   (19,889   (28,243

Dividends paid to minority stockholders of subsidiaries

   (28,406   (25,787   (20,761

Acquisition of subsidiaries’ common stock for treasury

   (8,693   (4,570   (7,075

Acquisition of common stock for treasury

   (841   (1,145   (12,000

Proceeds from sales of treasury stock

   564      425      901   
                  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   284,388      (185,556   121,259   
                  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (46,361   (25,569   9,480   
                  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   246,966      (56,906   (40,389

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   560,960      617,866      658,255   
                  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   807,926      560,960      617,866   
                  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(1) Nature of Operations

Hitachi, Ltd. (the Company) is a Japanese corporation, whose principal office is located in Japan. The Company’s and its subsidiaries’ businesses are diverse, and include information and telecommunication systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, digital media and consumer products, high functional materials and components, and other services including financial services and logistics services.

 

(2) Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

  (a) Basis of Presentation

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries keep their books of account in accordance with the financial accounting standards of Japan, and its foreign subsidiaries in accordance 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  (b) Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its majority-owned subsidiaries and all variable interest entities (VIEs) for which the Company or any of its consolidated entities is the primary beneficiary. A VIE is defined in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.” This interpretation addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity. The consolidated financial statements include accounts of certain subsidiaries whose fiscal year-end differs from March 31 by 93 days or less to either comply with local statutory requirements or facilitate timely reporting. There have been no significant transactions, which would materially affect the Company’s financial position and results of operations, with such subsidiaries during the period from their fiscal year-end to March 31. Intercompany accounts and significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in corporate joint ventures and affiliated companies, where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operational and financial policies generally by holding 20 – 50% ownership, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments where the Company does not have significant influence are accounted for under the cost method.

 

  (c) Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with insignificant risk of changes in value which have initial maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

  F-11   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (d) Allowance for Doubtful Receivables

Allowance for doubtful receivables, including both trade receivables and investments in leases, is the Company’s and subsidiaries’ best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in their existing receivables. The allowance is determined based on, but not limited to, historical collection experience adjusted for the effects of the current economic environment, assessment of inherent risks, aging and financial performance of debtors. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

 

  (e) Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign currency financial statements have been translated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.” Under this standard, the assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries located outside Japan are translated into Japanese yen at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income (deductions), and those resulting from translation of financial statements are excluded from the consolidated statements of operations and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as part of stockholders’ equity.

 

  (f) Investments in Securities and Affiliated Companies

Equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, except for equity-method investments, are accounted for under the cost method. The Company classifies investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and all investments in debt securities in three categories: held-to-maturity securities, trading securities and available-for-sale securities.

Held-to-maturity securities are debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Trading securities are debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Available-for-sale securities are debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities.

Held-to-maturity securities are reported at amortized cost. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income.

A decline in fair value of any available-for-sale security, held-to-maturity security or cost-method investment below the cost basis or the amortized cost basis that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in a write-down of the cost basis or the amortized cost basis to fair value as a new cost basis and the amount of the write-down is included in earnings. On a continuous basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each quarter period, the Company evaluates an available-for-sale security, a held-to-maturity security and a cost-method investment for possible impairment. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices, projected discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appropriate. For certain cost-method investments for which it is not practicable to estimate the fair value, if an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment, the Company estimates the fair value of the investments. Factors considered in determining whether an impairment of an available-for-sale security or cost-method investment is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and extent to which the fair value of the investment has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospect of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Factors considered in assessing whether an impairment of a held-to-maturity security is other-than-temporary include the financial condition, business prospects and credit worthiness of the issuer.

 

  F-12   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On a continuous basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each quarter period, the Company evaluates the carrying amount of its ownership interests in equity-method investees for possible impairment. Factors considered in assessing whether an indication of other-than-temporary impairment exists include the achievement of business plan objectives and milestones including cash flow projections and the results of planned financing activities, the financial condition and prospects of each investee company, the fair value of the ownership interest relative to the carrying amount of the investment, the period of time during which the fair value of the ownership interest has been below the carrying amount of the investment and other relevant factors. Impairment to be recognized is measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount of the investment exceeds the fair value of the investment. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices, projected discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appropriate.

The cost of a security sold or the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings is determined by the average cost method.

 

  (g) Securitizations

The Company and certain subsidiaries have a number of securitization programs. Under those programs, certain financial assets such as lease receivables, trade receivables and others are sold to Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) which are mainly funded through the issuance of asset-backed securities to investors. When a transfer of financial assets is eligible to be accounted for as a sale under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” the carrying amount of the financial assets is allocated based on relative fair values to the portions to be retained and sold. The Company and its subsidiaries recognize a gain or loss for the difference between the net proceeds received and the allocated carrying amount of the assets sold when the transaction is consummated. Initially recorded at allocated carrying amount in the period of securitizations, the amount of retained interests that can contractually be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the holder would not recover all of its recorded interests is subsequently recorded at fair value as of the balance sheet date in the same manner for the available-for-sale securities.

Fair values are based on the present value of estimated future cash flows which take into consideration various factors such as expected credit loss and others.

 

  (h) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the specific identification method for job order inventories and generally by the average cost method for raw materials and other inventories.

 

  F-13   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (i) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property, plant and equipment are principally depreciated by the declining-balance method, except for some assets which are depreciated by the straight-line method, mainly over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings

  

Buildings and building equipment

   3 to 50 years

Structures

   7 to 60 years

Machinery and equipment

  

Machinery

   4 to 12 years

Vehicles

   4 to   7 years

Tools, furniture and fixtures

   2 to 20 years

Effective April 1, 2007, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries elected to change the fixed-percentage-on-declining base application to the 250% declining balance application primarily for machinery and equipment used for manufacturing. Under the fixed-percentage-on-declining base application, the fixed percentage was a function of the estimated useful life of the asset and the estimated salvage value. Estimated salvage values were also reduced in connection with this change. This change resulted from changes in the pattern of usage of long-lived depreciable assets concluded by a study about such usage. The Company and its domestic subsidiaries believe that the new method is preferable because it better reflects the pattern of consumption of the future benefits derived from those assets and makes a better cost allocation to match revenues generated by those assets during their estimated useful lives.

In accordance with the “Change in Accounting Estimate” provisions of SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3,” the change in depreciation method is accounted for on a prospective basis from the beginning of the period of change and results for prior periods have not been restated.

The effect of the change was to reduce income before income taxes and minority interests by ¥38,379 million and increase net loss by ¥20,316 million, or ¥6.11 per share (basic) for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

  F-14   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (j) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test mainly during the fourth quarter after the annual forecasting process is completed. Furthermore, goodwill is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment test consists of two steps. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company has certain operating segments and, in identifying the reporting unit for the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, considers disaggregating those operating segments into economically dissimilar components based on specific facts and circumstances, especially the level at which performance of the operating segments are reviewed, how many businesses are included in the operating segments, and the economic similarity of those businesses. In assigning goodwill to reporting units, the Company considers which reporting units are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination in a manner similar to how the amount of goodwill is recognized in a business combination. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units mainly using an income approach (i.e., present value technique). When determining such fair value, the Company may, however, also use the fair value of that unit based on a comparison of comparable publicly traded companies or based on that unit’s stand-alone market capitalization. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Company performs the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the Company records an impairment loss equal to the difference. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives on either a straight-line basis or the method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used up. The principal estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Software    1 to 10 years
Software for internal use    2 to 10 years
Patents    4 to   8 years
Other    5 to 20 years

 

  (k) Capitalized Software Costs

Costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives in accordance with Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries develop certain computer software to be sold where related costs are capitalized after establishment of technological feasibility in accordance with SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed.” The annual amortization of such capitalized costs is the greater of the amount computed using the ratio of each software’s current year gross revenues to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues or the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of each software.

 

  (l) Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The Company reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets or a related group of assets to be held and used, including intangible assets with finite useful lives, for impairment whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The assets are considered to be impaired when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition is less than their carrying values. The impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value. In determining the fair value, the Company uses available quoted market prices and present value techniques, if appropriate, based on the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition.

 

  F-15   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (m) Retirement and Severance Benefits

The Company accounts for retirement and severance benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” and SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” Actuarial gains and losses and prior service benefit and cost included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining service period of active employees. Prior to the adoption of the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158 on March 31, 2007, unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior service benefit and cost were amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining service period of active employees.

 

  (n) Environmental Liabilities

The cost for environmental remediation liabilities is accrued when it is probable that the Company incurs environmental assessments or cleanup costs and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The cost for liabilities is estimated based on the circumstances, the available information and current law, and the liabilities are not discounted to their present values.

 

  (o) Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended. SFAS No. 133 requires that all derivative financial instruments, such as forward exchange and interest rate swap contracts, be recognized in the financial statements as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them.

The Company designates and accounts for hedging derivatives as follows:

 

   

“Fair value” hedge: a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment. The changes in fair value of the recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments and the related derivatives are both recorded in earnings if the hedge is considered highly effective.

 

   

“Cash flow” hedge: a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as other comprehensive income if the hedge is considered highly effective. This treatment is continued until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows or the unrecognized firm commitment of the designated hedged item, at which point changes in fair value of the derivative are recognized in income.

 

   

“Foreign currency” hedge: a hedge of foreign-currency fair value or cash flow. The changes in fair value of the recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments and the derivatives are recorded as either earnings or other comprehensive income if the hedge is considered highly effective. Recognition as earnings or other comprehensive income is dependent on the treatment of foreign currency hedges as either fair value or cash flow hedges.

The Company follows the documentation requirements as prescribed by the standard, which includes risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In addition, a formal assessment is made at the hedge’s inception and periodically on an ongoing basis, as to whether the derivative used in hedging activities is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Hedge accounting is discontinued for ineffective hedges, if any. Subsequent changes in the fair value of derivatives related to discontinued hedges are recognized in earnings immediately.

 

  F-16   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (p) Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

The Company offers multiple solutions to its customers’ needs. Those solutions may involve the delivery or performance of multiple elements, such as products, services, or rights to use assets, and performance may occur at different points in time or over different periods of time. When one element is delivered prior to the other in an arrangement, revenue is deferred until the delivery of the last element, unless transactions are such that the delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis, there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item, and delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item. If all conditions described above are met, each element in an arrangement is considered a separate unit of accounting, and the arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate units of accounting based on the relative fair values provided that there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair values of all units of accounting in the arrangement. The Company allocates revenue for software arrangements involving multiple elements to each element based on its relative fair value, as evidenced by vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE), or in the absence of VSOE of the delivered elements, the residual method. VSOE is the price charged by the Company to an external customer for the same element when such an element is sold separately.

Product Sales:

Revenue from sales of products is recognized when title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer depending upon the terms of the contract or arrangement with the customer. The Company’s policy is not to accept product returns unless the products are defective. The conditions of delivery are governed by the terms of the contract or customer arrangement and those not meeting the predetermined specification are not recorded as revenue. When the final payment is subject to customer acceptance, a portion of revenue for the amount of the final payment is deferred until an enforceable claim has become effective. Product warranties are offered on the Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ products (in certain cases separately priced) and a warranty accrual is established when sales are recognized based on estimated future costs of repair and replacement principally using historical experience of warranty claims.

Price protection is provided to retailers of the Company’s consumer products business and others to compensate the customer retailers for a decline in the product’s value due mainly to competition. Price protection granted to the customers is classified as a reduction of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, it is the Company’s policy to accrue reasonably and reliably estimated price adjustments at the later of the date at which the related sales are recognized, or the date at which price protection is offered. The estimate is made based primarily upon historical experience or agreement on the adjustment rate and the number of units that are subject to such adjustment (e.g., units in distribution channels).

Product revenues which are recognized upon delivery, installation or acceptance by the customer are information technology system products, construction equipment, displays, disk drives, televisions, air conditioners, batteries, magnetic tapes, high functional materials, cable products, automotive equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, test and measurement equipment, railway vehicles, medical electronic devices, industrial machinery and equipment, elevators and escalators.

 

  F-17   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Revenue from sales of tangible products under long-term construction type arrangements, in connection with the construction of nuclear, thermal and hydroelectric power plants, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenue is recognized as a percentage of estimated total revenue that incurred costs to date bear to estimated total costs after giving effect to estimates of costs to complete based upon the most recent information. Any anticipated losses on fixed price contracts are charged to operations when such losses can be estimated. Provisions are made for contingencies (i.e. performance penalty, benchmarking, etc.) in the period in which they become known pursuant to specific contract terms and conditions and are estimable. When reasonably dependable estimates of contract revenues and costs and the extent of progress toward completion do not exist, the completed-contract method of accounting is applied. A contract is complete when either acceptance by the customer is given or compliance with performance specification is achieved, whichever is appropriate under the relevant contractual terms.

The Company recognizes software revenue in accordance with the provisions of SOP 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” as amended. Revenue from software consists primarily of software licensing, customized software development and post contract customer support. Revenues from software license arrangements are recognized upon delivery of the software if evidence of the arrangement exists, pricing is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenue from a software arrangement that requires significant production, modification or customization of software is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method provided that reasonably dependable estimates related to contract revenue, cost and the extent of progress toward completion exist. Otherwise, the completed-contract method is applied. Customization of software is considered substantially completed when an acceptance by the customer occurs. Revenue from post contract customer support is amortized over the period of the post contract customer support. Consulting and training services revenues are recognized when the services are rendered.

Service Revenues:

Service revenues from maintenance and distribution services are recognized upon completion of service delivery. Revenue from time-based service contracts is recognized as services are rendered. Revenue from long-term fixed price service contracts such as support or maintenance contracts is recognized ratably over the contractual period. If historical data shows that the accrual of service cost is not fixed and the service is rendered in proportion to the accrual of the cost for the service, revenue is recognized based on the pattern of the cost accrual. Finance lease income is recognized at level rates of return over the term of the leases. Operating lease income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

 

  (q) Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

  (r) Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

 

  F-18   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (s) Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred in connection with the development of software products for sale or lease to others are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed.” Development costs incurred in the research and development of new software products and enhancements to existing products are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established.

 

  (t) Income Taxes

The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” as of April 1, 2007, resulting in a cumulative effect of adoption of ¥3,667 million included in “Increase (decrease) arising from equity transaction, net transfer of minority interest, and other” in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

Tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities are recognized in the financial statements. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with tax authorities. Interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties are included in income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” 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 losses and tax credit carryforwards. Under this method, 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. Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable value if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

  (u) Sales of Stock by Subsidiaries

The change in the Company’s proportionate share of a subsidiary’s equity resulting from issuance of stock by the subsidiary is recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

  (v) Consumption Tax

Consumption tax collected and remitted to taxing authorities is excluded from revenues, cost of sales and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

  F-19   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (w) Net Income Per Share

Net income per share is computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” This standard requires a dual presentation of basic and diluted net income per share amounts on the face of the statements of operations. Under this standard, basic net income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

 

  (x) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company and certain subsidiaries have stock-based compensation plans. Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” This statement requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Adoption of this statement had no material effect on the consolidated results of operations of the Company and subsidiaries, and their cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

  (y) Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” establishes standards about how a public business enterprise is required to report financial and descriptive information about its operating segments. This standard defines operating segments as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly as a means for assessing segment performance and allocating resources to segments. Measures of profit or loss, total assets and other related information are required to be disclosed for each operating segment. Furthermore, this standard requires the disclosure of information concerning revenues derived from the enterprise’s products or services, countries in which it earns revenue or holds assets and major customers. Certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) are presently exempted from the segment disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 131 in filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Company has not presented the segment information required to be disclosed in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements based on the provisions of SFAS No. 131. However, in September 2008, SEC issued its “Foreign Issuer Reporting Enhancements” (FIRE) rule. The FIRE rule eliminates an instruction to the Form 20-F that is filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that permitted certain FPIs to omit segment disclosures required by SFAS No. 131, as well as other enhancements. This aspect of the FIRE rule regarding elimination of ability to omit segment disclosures is effective for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2009.

 

  (z) Guarantees

The Company recognizes, at the inception of the guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee in accordance with the FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an interpretation of SFAS No. 5, 57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34.”

 

  F-20   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (aa) Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits

The Company adopted the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 06-2, “Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 43” on April 1, 2007, with no material effect included in “Increase (decrease) arising from equity transaction, net transfer of minority interest, and other” in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

 

  (ab) Fair Value Measurement

The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” on April 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. For the determination of fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market where the Company would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2). FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years.

 

  (ac) New Accounting Standards

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” and SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.” These statements will improve and simplify the accounting for business combinations and the reporting of noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 141 requires an acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree at the full amount of their fair values as of the acquisition date. Also, SFAS No. 160 clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and all the transactions for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions. These statements are required to be adopted simultaneously and are effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting these statements on the consolidated financial position and results of operations.

SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years for non-recurring valuations of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities such as those used in measuring impairments of goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets and fair value measurements of non-financial assets acquired and non-financial liabilities assumed in business combinations consummated after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this statement on the consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

  F-21   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (including Partial Cash Settlement).” This FSP requires that issuers of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets upon conversion separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that reflects the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The requirements must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this statement on the consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” This FSP modifies the existing model for recognition and measurement of impairment for debt securities. Under this FSP, an other-than-temporary impairment is triggered when there is an intent to sell the impaired debt security, it is more likely than not that the impaired debt security will be required to be sold before recovery, or the holder is not expected to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Additionally, this FSP changes the presentation of an other-than-temporary impairment in the statement of operations for those impairments involving credit losses when the holder does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the holder will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. The credit loss component will be recognized in earnings and the remainder of the impairment will be recorded in other comprehensive income or loss. This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this statement on the consolidated financial position and results of operations, but has not elected to early adopt its provisions.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.” This FSP provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 and applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this statement on the consolidated financial position and results of operations, but has not elected to early adopt its provisions.

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” This statement provides general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This statement also requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. This statement is effective for interim or annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. SFAS No. 165 is not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

  F-22   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140.” This statement removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity from SFAS No. 140 and the exception from applying FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003) to qualifying special-purpose entities. This statement modifies the financial-components approach used in SFAS No. 140, limits the circumstances in which a transferor derecognizes a portion or component of a financial asset when the transferor has not transferred the original financial asset to an entity and/or when the transferor has continuing involvement with the financial asset, and establishes the “participating interests” conditions for reporting a transfer. This statement also requires enhanced disclosures to provide financial statement users with greater transparency about transfers of financial assets and a transferor’s continuing involvement. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this statement on the consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).” This statement amends FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003) and establishes how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting or similar rights should be consolidated. The determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on qualitative information such as an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. This statement also requires enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this statement on the consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

  (ad) Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances in order to conform to the current year presentation.

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliated companies, which was previously included in other income and other deductions in the consolidated statements of operations, has been reclassified to be presented separately to conform to the current year presentation.

 

  F-23   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(3) Investments in Securities and Affiliated Companies

Short-term investments as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008

Investments in securities:

     

Available-for-sale securities

   8,478    55,999

Held-to-maturity securities

   82    259

Trading securities

   94    5,031
         
   8,654    61,289
         
Investments and advances, including affiliated companies as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008

Investments in securities:

     

Available-for-sale securities

   158,615    269,268

Held-to-maturity securities

   204    230

Cost-method investments

   53,325    54,898

Investments in affiliated companies

   309,429    555,470

Advances and other

   171,914    162,791
         
   693,487    1,042,657
         

The following is a summary of the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities by the consolidated balance sheets classification as of March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008
     Amortized
cost basis
   Gross
gains
   Gross
losses
   Aggregate
fair value
   Amortized
cost basis
   Gross
gains
   Gross
losses
   Aggregate
fair value

Short-term investments:

                       

Debt securities

   8,192    10    25    8,177    44,801    4    86    44,719

Other securities

   301    4    4    301    11,289    6    15    11,280
                                       
   8,493    14    29    8,478    56,090    10    101    55,999

Investments and advances:

                       

Equity securities

   89,965    34,800    4,331    120,434    105,857    79,830    5,804    179,883

Debt securities

   28,225    1,344    782    28,787    41,357    1,377    664    42,070

Other securities

   9,373    93    72    9,394    47,387    253    325    47,315
                                       
   127,563    36,237    5,185    158,615    194,601    81,460    6,793    269,268
                                       
   136,056    36,251    5,214    167,093    250,691    81,470    6,894    325,267
                                       

 

  F-24   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following is a summary of gross unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008
     Less than 12 months    12 months or longer    Less than 12 months    12 months or longer
     Aggregate
fair value
   Gross
losses
   Aggregate
fair value
   Gross
losses
   Aggregate
fair value
   Gross
losses
   Aggregate
fair value
   Gross
losses

Short-term investments:

                       

Debt securities

   1,288    9    279    16    8,170    17    10,231    69

Other securities

   —      —      —      4    95    15    —      —  
                                       
   1,288    9    279    20    8,265    32    10,231    69

Investments and advances:

                       

Equity securities

   21,836    3,092    4,336    1,239    12,961    4,992    2,528    812

Debt securities

   3,927    318    10,220    464    7,308    416    10,222    248

Other securities

   995    67    27    5    3,330    223    1,001    102
                                       
   26,758    3,477    14,583    1,708    23,599    5,631    13,751    1,162
                                       
   28,046    3,486    14,862    1,728    31,864    5,663    23,982    1,231
                                       

Debt securities consist primarily of national, local and foreign governmental bonds, debentures issued by banks and corporate bonds. Other securities consist primarily of investment trusts.

The proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥60,063 million, ¥38,264 million and ¥83,513 million, respectively. The gross realized gains on the sale of those securities for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥2,017 million, ¥10,137 million and ¥43,267 million, respectively, while the gross realized losses on the sale of those securities for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥1,029 million, ¥107 million and ¥176 million, respectively. In addition, during the year ended March 31, 2008, the Company contributed certain available-for-sale securities, with an aggregate fair value of ¥42,240 million, to a pension fund trust. Gross realized gain on the contribution for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥21,040 million, which has been included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Trading securities consist mainly of investments in trust accounts. The portions of trading gains and losses for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 that relate to trading securities still held at the balance sheet date were losses of ¥352 million and ¥144 million and a gain of ¥2,684 million, respectively, and were classified as other deductions for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 and other income for the year ended March 31, 2007 in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

  F-25   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The contractual maturities of debt securities and other securities classified as investments and advances in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     Held-to-maturity    Available-for-sale    Total

Due within five years

   5    15,058    15,063

Due after five years through ten years

   199    3,923    4,122

Due after ten years

   —      19,200    19,200
              
   204    38,181    38,385
              

Expected redemptions may differ from contractual maturities because some of these securities are redeemable at the option of the issuers.

The aggregate carrying amounts of cost-method investments which were not evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 were ¥51,197 million and ¥51,131 million, respectively, mainly because it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the investments due to lack of a market price and difficulty in estimating fair value without incurring excessive cost and the Company did not identify any events or changes in circumstances that might have had a significant adverse effect on their fair value.

The aggregate fair values of investments in affiliated companies, for which a quoted market price was available, as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, were ¥13,630 million and ¥130,018 million, respectively. The aggregate carrying amounts of such investments as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 were ¥13,452 million and ¥94,971 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, cumulative recognition of other-than-temporary declines in values of investments in certain affiliated companies resulted in the difference of ¥17,452 million and ¥17,230 million, respectively, between the carrying amount of the investment and the amount of underlying equity in net assets. In addition, as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, equity-method goodwill included in investments in certain affiliated companies aggregated ¥43,015 million and ¥49,414 million, respectively.

The major component of equity-method goodwill recorded during the year ended March 31, 2008 was related to the acquisition of the interests in GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Holdings, LLC.

 

  F-26   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Summarized combined financial information relating to affiliated companies, including Renesas Technology Corp. and IPS Alpha Technology, Ltd., accounted for by the equity method is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)     
     2009     2008     

Current assets

   1,056,487      1,531,596   

Non-current assets

   810,645      1,141,798   

Current liabilities

   1,017,319      1,217,092   

Non-current liabilities

   313,891      367,009   
     Yen (millions)
     2009     2008    2007

Revenues

   2,442,987      2,816,109    2,574,034

Gross profit

   203,343      478,634    394,762

Net income (loss)

   (395,428   49,659    24,664

 

The balances and transactions with affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)     
     2009     2008     

Trade receivables

   99,074      137,345   

Investments in leases

   15,977      6,903   

Trade payables

   48,168      86,690   
     Yen (millions)
     2009     2008    2007

Revenues

   469,629      597,942    589,103

Purchases

   356,400      412,682    379,772

 

(4) Inventories

Inventories as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)            
     2009   2008            

Finished goods

   617,526   553,344      

Work in process

   610,297   665,106      

Raw materials

   228,448   222,574      
              
   1,456,271   1,441,024      
              

 

  F-27   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(5) Leases

The Company and certain subsidiaries are lessors of certain assets such as manufacturing machinery and equipment under financing and operating lease arrangements with terms ranging from 3 to 6 years, some of which are transacted with affiliated companies.

The amount of leased assets at cost under operating leases and accumulated depreciation as of March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥1,932,712 million and ¥1,646,206 million, respectively. The leased assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

The following table shows the future minimum lease receivables of financing and non-cancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2009 and the future minimum lease receivables of financing leases as of March 31, 2008:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009

Years ending March 31

   Financing
leases
      Operating  
leases

2010

   174,713      42,872

2011

   139,693      29,662

2012

   96,570      18,453

2013

   59,505      9,192

2014

   30,503      3,342

Thereafter

   74,366      3,287
          

Total minimum payments to be received

   575,350      106,808
      

Unguaranteed residual values

   74,870     

Amount representing executory costs

   (32,803  

Unearned income

   (41,161  

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   (3,778  
        

Net investment in financing leases

   572,478     

Less current portion of net investment in financing leases, included in investments in leases

   170,340     
        

Long-term net investment in financing leases, included in other assets

   402,138     
        

 

  F-28   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2008  
       Financing  
Leases
 

Total minimum payments to be received

   447,766   

Unguaranteed residual values

   79,024   

Amount representing executory costs

   (24,467

Unearned income

   (35,172

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   (3,765
      

Net investment in financing leases

   463,386   

Less current portion of net investment in financing leases, included in investments in leases

   136,119   
      

Long-term net investment in financing leases, included in other assets

   327,267   
      

The Company and certain subsidiaries lease certain buildings, manufacturing machinery and equipment used in their operations. The amount of leased assets at cost under capital leases as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 amounted to ¥37,846 million and ¥41,017 million, respectively, and accumulated depreciation as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 amounted to ¥18,993 million and ¥22,151 million, respectively. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.

The following table shows the future minimum lease payments of capital and non-cancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2009:

 

     Yen (millions)

Years ending March 31

   Capital
leases
      Operating  
leases

2010

   13,180      15,030

2011

   9,004      10,409

2012

   4,763      8,663

2013

   2,722      7,485

2014

   1,263      6,604

Thereafter

   4,869      24,255
          

Total minimum lease payments

   35,801      72,446
      

Amount representing executory costs

   (493  

Amount representing interest

   (1,762  
        

Present value of net minimum lease payments

   33,546     

Less current portion of capital lease obligations

   12,549     
        

Long-term capital lease obligations

   20,997     
        

 

  F-29   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(6) Securitizations

The Company and certain subsidiaries securitize certain financial assets, such as lease, trade and mortgage loans receivable, and arrange other forms of asset-backed financing for the purpose of providing diversified and stable fund raising as part of their ongoing securitization activities. Historically, they have used both Hitachi-supported and third-party Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) to execute securitization transactions funded with commercial paper and other borrowings. The securitization transactions they engage in are similar to those used by many financial institutions.

Investors in these entities only have recourse to the assets owned by the entity and not to their general credit, unless noted below. They do not provide non-contractual support to SPEs and do not have implicit support arrangements with any SPEs. The majority of their involvement with SPEs relate to the securitization activities: assisting in the formation and financing of an entity, providing recourse, servicing the assets and receiving fees for services provided.

A portion of these lease, trade and mortgage loans receivable is transferred to SPEs sponsored by financial institutions, which operate those SPEs as a part of their businesses. Accordingly, the amount of assets transferred by the Company and its subsidiaries is considerably small compared to the total assets of the SPEs sponsored by these financial institutions that purchase a large amount of assets from entities other than the Company and its subsidiaries. In certain transactions, the Company’s subsidiaries retain subordinated interests in the transferred assets. In other transactions, investors have recourse with a scope that is considerably limited.

Most of the transactions transferring lease and mortgage loans receivable utilize securitization trusts. In those transactions, certain subsidiaries initially transfer the receivables to trusts that satisfy the conditions of Qualifying SPEs (QSPEs), and receive the beneficial interests in trusts originated from the transferred assets. Subsequently, the subsidiaries transfer the interests to and receive cash as consideration from SPEs that are not QSPEs, as a part of off-balance sheet arrangements.

The rest of these financial assets, consisting mainly of trade receivables, are transferred to QSPEs established by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands. In those transactions, the Company and certain subsidiaries receive cash as consideration from QSPEs that are funded through the issuance of asset-backed securities or other borrowings from investors that are secured by the transferred assets. The Company and certain subsidiaries retain subordinated interests in the transferred assets relating to these transactions, or otherwise investors have recourse with considerably limited scope. Furthermore, the Company and certain subsidiaries retain servicing responsibility, and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries provide credit facilities to QSPEs in accordance with the service agency business contracts from which temporary payments on behalf of such QSPEs are made.

As of March 31, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries have three QSPEs with outstanding balances of transferred receivables. The total amount of their assets was ¥164,863 million as of March 31, 2009. The Company and its subsidiaries do not hold any of the voting shares issued by those QSPEs, and none of the directors of those QSPEs are executives or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries. Additionally, the QSPEs also purchase receivables from third-party customers.

 

  F-30   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The transferred assets have similar risks and characteristics to the Company’s and subsidiaries’ receivables recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. Accordingly, the performance, such as collections or expected credit loss, of these transferred assets has been similar to the receivables recorded on the consolidated balance sheets; however, the blended performance of the pools of transferred assets reflects the eligibility screening requirements that the Company and subsidiaries apply to determine which receivables are selected for transfer. Therefore, the blended performance may differ from receivables recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.

Hitachi Capital Corporation and certain other financing subsidiaries sold lease receivables to SPEs that are not QSPEs. For the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, net gains recognized on the sale of these lease receivables amounted to ¥13,975 million, ¥17,440 million and ¥17,475 million, respectively. The subsidiaries retained servicing responsibilities, but did not record a servicing asset or liability because the cost to service the receivables approximated the servicing income.

The table below summarizes cash flows received from and paid to the SPEs during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Proceeds from transfer of lease receivables

   254,211      310,898      327,741   

Servicing fees received

   78      78      60   

Purchases of delinquent or ineligible assets

   (46,760   (26,610   (32,299

Quantitative information about delinquencies, net credit losses, and components of lease receivables subject to transfer and other assets managed together as of and for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
           2009     
     Total
principal
amount of

receivables
    Principal
amount of
receivables
90 days or
more past
due
   Net credit
loss

Total assets managed or transferred:

       

Lease receivables

   1,172,350      218    1,779

Assets transferred

   (599,872     
           

Assets held in portfolio

   572,478        
           

 

  F-31   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)
           2008     
     Total
principal
amount of

receivables
    Principal
amount of
receivables
90 days or
more past
due
   Net credit
loss

Total assets managed or transferred:

       

Lease receivables

   1,140,244      183    957

Assets transferred

   (676,858     
           

Assets held in portfolio

   463,386        
           

As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, the amount of the subordinated interests measured at fair value relating to these securitizations of lease receivables was ¥87,247 million and ¥96,616 million, respectively.

Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the subordinated interests relating to securitizations of lease receivables as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

     2009     2008  

Weighted average life (in years)

   3.3     3.4   

Expected credit loss

   0.00-0.03   0.00-0.03

Discount rate

   0.80-1.16   0.80-1.00

The sensitivity of the current fair value of the subordinated interests to an immediate 10 and 20 percent adverse change in the assumptions as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Expected credit loss:

    

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   (234   (219

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   (468   (439

Discount rate:

    

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   (265   (200

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   (528   (402

The Company and certain subsidiaries sold trade receivables excluding mortgage loans receivable mainly to QSPEs and SPEs that are not QSPEs. During the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, proceeds from the transfer of trade receivables excluding mortgage loans receivable were ¥884,953 million, ¥1,097,778 million and ¥1,501,908 million, respectively, and net losses recognized on those transfers were ¥4,245 million, ¥5,913 million and ¥7,030 million, respectively. The Company and certain subsidiaries retained servicing responsibilities, but did not record a servicing asset or liability because the cost to service the receivables approximated the servicing income.

 

  F-32   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Quantitative information about delinquencies, net credit loss, and components of trade receivables excluding mortgage loans receivable subject to transfer and other assets managed together as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     Total
principal
amount of

receivables
    Principal
amount of
receivables
90 days or
more past
due
   Net credit
loss

Total assets managed or transferred:

       

Trade receivables excluding mortgage loans receivable

   1,003,491      11,079    5,202

Assets transferred

   (269,685     
           

Assets held in portfolio

   733,806        
           

As of March 31, 2009, the amount of the subordinated interests relating to these securitizations of trade receivables excluding mortgage loans receivable was ¥20,807 million.

A portion of these trade receivables excluding mortgage loans receivable was transferred to QSPEs. The aggregate cash received and paid from the QSPEs for the year ended March 31, 2009 and the outstanding balance as of March 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  

Proceeds from transfer of trade receivables

   490,647   

Net loss recognized on those transfers

   (993

Outstanding balance of transferred receivables

   98,214   

Hitachi Capital Corporation sold mortgage loans receivable to SPEs that are not QSPEs. For the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, no proceeds from the transfer of mortgage loans receivable were recorded. For the year ended March 31, 2007, proceeds from the transfer of mortgage loans receivable was ¥32,600 million. The subsidiary retained servicing responsibilities but did not record a servicing asset or liability because the cost to service the receivables approximated the servicing income.

 

  F-33   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Quantitative information about delinquencies, net credit loss, and components of mortgage loans receivable subject to transfer and other assets managed together as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     Total
principal
amount of

receivables
    Principal
amount of
receivables
90 days or
more past
due
   Net credit
loss

Total assets managed or transferred:

       

Mortgage loans receivable

   247,058      0    69

Assets transferred

   (232,553     
           

Assets held in portfolio

   14,505        
           

As of March 31, 2009, the amount of the subordinated interests measured at fair value and retained relating to securitizations of mortgage loans receivable was ¥36,218 million.

Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the subordinated interests relating to securitizations of mortgage loans receivable as of March 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

     2009  

Weighted average life (in years)

   11.4   

Expected credit loss

   0.01

Discount rate

   1.76-2.03

Prepayment rate

   1.00

The sensitivity of the current fair value of the subordinated interests to an immediate 10 and 20 percent adverse change in the assumptions are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009  

Expected credit loss:

  

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   (126

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   (253

Discount rate:

  

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   (619

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   (1,225

Prepayment rate:

  

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   (402

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   (756

The sensitivities presented in this note are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10 percent variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in the above tables, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption of the fair value of the interest is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

 

  F-34   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(7) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets other than goodwill acquired during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to ¥168,911 million, ¥167,397 million and ¥181,226 million, respectively, and related amortization expense during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to ¥178,164 million, ¥146,136 million and ¥149,823 million, respectively.

The main component of intangible assets subject to amortization was capitalized software. Amortization of capitalized costs for software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed is charged to cost of sales. The amounts charged during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥85,841 million, ¥49,180 million and ¥58,043 million, respectively.

Intangible assets other than goodwill included in other assets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008
     Gross carrying
amount
   Accumulated
amortization
   Net carrying
amount
   Gross carrying
amount
   Accumulated
amortization
   Net carrying
amount

Amortized intangible assets:

                 

Software

   659,097    549,079    110,018    511,091    402,858    108,233

Software for internal use

   445,098    311,220    133,878    537,258    346,812    190,446

Patents

   103,489    75,456    28,033    120,429    70,990    49,439

Other

   132,926    92,834    40,092    120,168    83,951    36,217
                             
   1,340,610    1,028,589    312,021    1,288,946    904,611    384,335
                             

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

   8,644    —      8,644    8,428    —      8,428

The following table shows the estimated aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets for the next five years.

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen (millions)

2010

   93,628

2011

   72,111

2012

   54,639

2013

   31,113

2014

   21,786

 

  F-35   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which is included in other assets, for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Balance at beginning of the year

   159,039      148,431   

Acquired during the year

   8,859      26,154   

Impairment loss

   (24,560   (7,448

Translation adjustment and other

   (8,908   (8,098
            

Balance at end of the year

   134,430      159,039   
            

Mainly due to a large decline in global demand for automobiles in the Automotive Industry reporting units within the Power and Industrial Systems division, operating profits and cash flows were lower than expected. Based on that trend, the earnings forecast for the next three years was revised, and as such, the Company recorded a pre-tax goodwill impairment loss of ¥23,240 million during the year ended March 31, 2009. The fair value of that reporting unit was estimated using the present value of expected future cash flows and quoted market prices. Impairment losses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

  F-36   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(8) Income Taxes

Components of income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests, and income taxes attributable to continuing operations are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009  
     Domestic     Foreign     Total  

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests

   (315,032   25,161      (289,871

Income taxes:

      

Current tax expense

   75,612      25,669      101,281   

Deferred tax expense

   401,928      2,040      403,968   
                  
   477,540      27,709      505,249   
                  
     Yen (millions)  
     2008  
     Domestic     Foreign     Total  

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   257,084      67,698      324,782   

Income taxes:

      

Current tax expense

   140,262      47,314      187,576   

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

   88,720      (4,133   84,587   
                  
   228,982      43,181      272,163   
                  
     Yen (millions)  
     2007  
     Domestic     Foreign     Total  

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests

   218,136      (15,798   202,338   

Income taxes:

      

Current tax expense

   108,962      33,338      142,300   

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

   28,735      (8,221   20,514   
                  
   137,697      25,117      162,814   
                  

 

  F-37   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Significant components of income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations and other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments, for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Continuing operations:

      

Current tax expense

   101,281      187,576      142,300   

Deferred tax benefit (exclusive of the effects of other components listed below)

   (187,751   (64,422   (25,298

Change in valuation allowance

   591,719      149,009      45,812   
                  
   505,249      272,163      162,814   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments:

      

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   —        —        15,540   

Pension liability adjustments

   (53,171   (61,538   —     

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (14,915   (39,318   (7,204

Cash flow hedges

   (2,323   205      474   
                  
   (70,409   (100,651   8,810   

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No.158

   —        —        (16,847
                  
   434,840      171,512      154,777   
                  

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to a national corporate tax of 30%, an inhabitant tax of between 17.3% and 20.7% and a deductible business tax between 3.8% and 10.1%, which in the aggregate resulted in a combined statutory income tax rate of approximately 40.6% for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

The Company adopted the consolidated taxation system in Japan effective from the year ended March 31, 2003. Under the consolidated taxation system, the Company consolidates, for Japanese tax purposes, all wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.

 

  F-38   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Reconciliations between the combined statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate as a percentage of income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests are as follows:

 

     2009     2008     2007  

Combined statutory income tax rate

   (40.6 )%    40.6   40.6

Equity in net (earnings) loss of affiliated companies

   22.7      (2.8   (2.3

Change in excess amounts over the tax basis of investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies

   (18.3   1.7      7.6   

Adjustment on sale of investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies

   0.5      (7.9   (0.4

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

   5.4      4.0      9.0   

Impairment of goodwill

   3.4      0.9      0.3   

Change in valuation allowance

   204.1      45.9      22.6   

Difference in statutory tax rates of foreign subsidiaries

   (4.0   2.2      2.8   

Other, net

   1.1      (0.8   0.3   
                  

Effective income tax rate

   174.3   83.8   80.5
                  

The Company recognized an additional valuation allowance during the year ended March 31, 2009 resulting from the reassessment of the realizability of the beginning of the year deferred tax assets mainly related to the deductible temporary differences associated with retirement benefits and net operating loss carryforwards. The Company concluded that the generation of significant taxable income of the Company and certain subsidiaries was not expected in near future and therefore increased the valuation allowance related to the deferred tax assets associated with those entities. An increase in valuation allowance for the year ended March 31, 2008 resulted mainly from a decline in profitability in the plasma TV business. An increase in valuation allowance for the year ended March 31, 2007 resulted mainly from provisions recorded for anticipated losses on certain long-term contracts.

 

  F-39   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Total gross deferred tax assets:

    

Retirement and severance benefits

   467,356      352,826   

Accrued expenses

   295,334      251,898   

Property, plant and equipment, due to differences in depreciation

   56,522      41,974   

Net operating loss carryforwards

   214,017      157,346   

Other

   368,682      326,047   
            
   1,401,911      1,130,091   

Valuation allowance

   (1,067,145   (449,237
            
   334,766      680,854   

Total gross deferred tax liabilities:

    

Deferred profit on sale of properties

   (27,172   (31,230

Tax purpose reserves regulated by Japanese tax laws

   (7,658   (12,091

Net unrealized gain on securities

   —        (27,808

Other

   (50,501   (42,362
            
   (85,331   (113,491
            

Net deferred tax asset

   249,435      567,363   
            
In addition to the above, income taxes paid on net intercompany profit on assets remaining within the group, which had been deferred in accordance with Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the following captions:     
     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   19,164      25,771   

Other assets

   52,044      55,486   
            
   71,208      81,257   
            

 

Components of deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the following captions:

 

   

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   141,884      279,378   

Other assets

   185,268      335,153   

Other current liabilities

   (4,089   (1,774

Other liabilities

   (73,628   (45,394
            

Net deferred tax asset

   249,435      567,363   
            

 

  F-40   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

A valuation allowance was recorded against deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, taking into account the tax laws of various jurisdictions in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate. The net changes in the total valuation allowance for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were an increase of ¥617,908 million and ¥136,159 million, respectively.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management of the Company 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 in specific tax jurisdictions during the periods in which these deductible differences become deductible. Although realization is not assured, management considered the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income, including the execution of certain available tax strategies if needed, in making this assessment. Based on these factors, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowance as of March 31, 2009.

As of March 31, 2009, the Company and various subsidiaries have operating loss carryforwards of ¥675,756 million which are available to offset future taxable income, if any. Operating loss carryforwards of ¥169,343 million expire by March 31, 2014, ¥481,407 million expire by March 31, 2019, and ¥25,006 million expire in various years thereafter or do not expire.

Deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized for excess amounts over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be reinvested indefinitely, because such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future and those undistributed earnings, if remitted, generally would not result in material additional Japanese income taxes because of non-taxable dividends from foreign subsidiaries. Determination of such liabilities is not practicable.

 

  F-41   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(9) Short-term and Long-term Debt

The components of short-term debt as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008

Borrowings, mainly from banks

   659,250    522,947

Commercial paper

   325,852    149,461

Borrowings from affiliates

   13,720    50,612
         
   998,822    723,020
         

The weighted average interest rate on short-term debt outstanding as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 was 0.6% and 0.8%, respectively.

The components of long-term debt as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008

Unsecured notes and debentures:

     

Due 2013, interest 0.72% debenture

   80,000    80,000

Due 2010, interest 0.7% debenture

   49,895    49,890

Due 2015, interest 1.56% debenture

   49,984    49,982

Due 2008, interest 0.52% debenture

   —      5,000

Due 2010, interest 0.74% debenture

   5,000    5,000

Due 2009–2018, interest 0.53–2.78%, issued by subsidiaries

   451,293    537,117

Unsecured convertible debentures:

     

Series A, due 2009, zero coupon

   50,000    50,000

Series B, due 2009, zero coupon

   50,000    50,000

Due 2016 and 2019, zero coupon, issued by a subsidiary

   40,000    40,000

Loans, principally from banks and insurance companies:

     

Secured by various assets and mortgages on property, plant and equipment, maturing 2009–2018, interest 1.85–8%

   45,081    43,004

Unsecured, maturing 2009–2026, interest 0.65–6.97%

   966,488    879,227

Capital lease obligations

   33,546    19,266
         
   1,821,287    1,808,486

Less current portion

   531,635    386,879
         
   1,289,652    1,421,607
         

 

  F-42   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt after March 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen (millions)

2011

   258,487

2012

   341,866

2013

   197,613

2014

   169,317

Thereafter

   322,369
    
   1,289,652
    

Short-term and long-term debt above include secured borrowings resulting from the transfers of financial assets such as trade receivables which do not meet the criteria for a sale pursuant to SFAS No. 140 and are accounted for as secured borrowings with pledge of collateral. The transferred assets are restricted solely to satisfy the obligation of the pledge. Short-term debt above as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 includes such borrowings of ¥10,008 million and ¥61,778 million, and long-term debt above as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 includes such borrowings of ¥36,096 million and ¥38,029 million, respectively.

As is customary in Japan, both short-term and long-term bank loans are made under general agreements that provide that securities and guarantees for present and future indebtedness will be given upon request of the bank, and that the bank shall have the right, as the obligations become due, or in the event of their default, to offset cash deposits against such obligations.

Generally, the mortgage debenture trust agreements and certain secured and unsecured loan agreements provide, among other things, that the lenders or trustees shall have the right to have any distribution of earnings, including the payment of dividends and the issuance of additional capital stock, submitted to them for prior approval and also grant them the right to request additional securities or mortgages on property, plant and equipment.

In October, 2004, the Company issued Euroyen zero coupon convertible bonds. The bonds consist of ¥50,000 million series A zero coupon convertible bonds due 2009 and ¥50,000 million series B zero coupon convertible bonds due 2009. The bondholders are entitled to stock acquisition rights effective from November 2, 2004 to October 5, 2009. The initial conversion price was ¥1,009 per share for both bonds at which time the fair value of the Company’s common stock was ¥686. In accordance with the terms of the debenture, the conversion price was adjusted to ¥822 on October 19, 2005 and on October 19, 2007 for series A zero coupon convertible bonds and on April 19, 2006 and on April 19, 2008 for series B zero coupon convertible bonds. During the conversion period, the bondholders may exercise the stock acquisition rights anytime after the closing price of the Company’s shares at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on at least one trading day is 115 percent or more of the then applicable conversion price rounded down to the nearest yen.

 

  F-43   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In September, 2007, Hitachi Metals Ltd. (the issuer), a subsidiary of the Company, issued ¥20,000 million Euroyen zero coupon convertible bonds due 2016 (the 2016 bonds) and ¥20,000 million Euroyen zero coupon convertible bonds due 2019 (the 2019 bonds) (together, “the Bonds”). In the case of the 2016 bonds, the bondholders are entitled to stock acquisition rights effective from September 27, 2007 to August 30, 2016 and the initial conversion price is ¥2,056 per share. In the case of the 2019 bonds, the bondholders are entitled to stock acquisition rights effective from September 27, 2007 to August 30, 2019 and the initial conversion price is ¥2,042 per share. The closing price of the shares on August 28, 2007, as reported by Tokyo Stock Exchange, was ¥1,344 per share. The stock acquisition rights may be exercised by the holder of the bonds during any particular calendar quarter only if the closing price of the shares for any 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is more than 120% of the conversion price. The Bonds also contain other embedded features, none of which were required to be bifurcated, such as the issuer’s call option, the issuer’s cash-settlement option, and the investors’ put option. By giving notice to the bondholders on or after September 13, 2012 (in the case of the 2016 bonds), or on or after September 13, 2014 (in the case of the 2019 bonds), the issuer may acquire from all bondholders all of the relevant bonds under the cash-settlement option, and upon reacquiring the Bonds, the issuer is required to pay the bondholders cash equal to 100% of the principal amount and deliver common shares of the issuer with a fair value equivalent to the fair value of the stock acquisition rights. As for the put option, the bondholders are entitled, at their option, to require the issuer to redeem the Bonds at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount on September 13, 2010 and September 13, 2013 (with respect to the 2016 bonds) and on September 13, 2011 and September 11, 2015 (with respect to the 2019 bonds).

 

  F-44   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(10) Retirement and Severance Benefits

 

  (a) Defined benefit plans

The Company and its subsidiaries have a number of contributory and noncontributory pension plans to provide retirement and severance benefits to substantially all employees.

Under unfunded defined benefit pension plans, employees are entitled to lump-sum payments based on their earnings and the length of service by retirement or termination of employment for reasons other than dismissal for cause.

In addition to unfunded defined benefit pension plans, the Company and certain subsidiaries make contributions to a number of defined benefit pension plans. The Company and certain subsidiaries adopted cash balance plans, and certain subsidiaries amended certain of their defined benefit plans to cash balance plans during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Under the cash balance plans, each employee has a notional account which represents pension benefits. The balance in the notional account is based on principal credits, which are accumulated as employees render services, and interest credits, which are determined based on the market interest rates.

On March 31, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158. SFAS No. 158 requires the Company to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of its pension plans in the consolidated balance sheet, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) represents the net unrecognized actuarial losses and unrecognized prior service costs. Prior to March 31, 2007, these amounts were netted against the plan’s funded status in the consolidated balance sheet pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 87. These amounts are subsequently recognized as net periodic benefit cost pursuant to the Company’s historical accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Furthermore, actuarial gains and losses that are not recognized as net periodic benefit cost in the same periods are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Those amounts are subsequently recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost on the same basis.

The incremental effects of adopting the provisions of SFAS No. 158 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2007 are presented in the following table. The adoption of SFAS No. 158 had no effect on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2007 or for any prior period presented, and it will not effect the Company’s operating results in future periods. Had the Company not been required to adopt SFAS No. 158 as of March 31, 2007, it would have recognized an additional minimum liability pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 87. The effect of recognizing the additional minimum liability is included in the table below in the column labeled “Before Application of SFAS No.158.”

 

  F-45   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Before
application of
SFAS No.158
    Adjustment     After
application of
SFAS No.158
 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   676,287      11,267      687,554   

Investments and advances, including affiliated companies

   1,052,979      (3,255   1,049,724   

Other assets

   1,418,075      53,348      1,471,423   

Accrued expenses

   870,107      32,057      902,164   

Retirement and severance benefits

   760,199      58,258      818,457   

Minority interests

   1,080,285      (6,536   1,073,749   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (66,031   (22,419   (88,450

Net periodic benefit cost for the funded benefit pension plans and the unfunded lump-sum payment plans for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 consists of the following components:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Service cost

   72,064      71,577      72,648   

Interest cost

   54,701      56,079      55,888   

Expected return on plan assets for the period

   (45,804   (44,911   (40,253

Amortization of prior service benefit

   (21,103   (23,627   (18,571

Recognized actuarial loss

   71,857      58,326      56,388   

Transfer to defined contribution pension plan

   (1,289   (1,611   1,039   

Curtailment gain

   —        (388   —     

Employees’ contributions

   (489   (346   (362
                  

Net periodic benefit cost

   129,937      115,099      126,777   
                  

Prior to the adoption of the recognition provisions of SFAS No.158 on March 31, 2007, unrecognized prior service benefit and cost and unrecognized actuarial gain and loss were amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining service period of active employees.

The estimated prior service cost and actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost during the year ending March 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  

Prior service benefit

   (22,381

Actuarial loss

   97,187   

 

  F-46   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Reconciliations of beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation of the funded defined benefit pension plans and the unfunded defined benefit pension plans and the fair value of the plan assets are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Change in benefit obligation:

    

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   2,219,577      2,262,258   

Service cost

   72,064      71,577   

Interest cost

   54,701      56,079   

Plan amendments

   (2,155   (7,864

Actuarial (gain) loss

   (33,410   11,192   

Benefits paid

   (155,712   (128,182

Acquisitions and divestitures

   90,984      (10,587

Transfer to defined contribution pension plan

   (28,643   (22,631

Curtailment

   —        (736

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

   (11,947   (11,529
            

Benefit obligation at end of year

   2,205,459      2,219,577   
            

Change in plan assets:

    

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   1,381,049      1,468,924   

Actual return on plan assets

   (295,345   (142,979

Employers’ contributions:

    

Cash

   106,826      125,876   

Available-for-sale securities

   —        42,240   

Employees’ cash contributions

   489      346   

Benefits paid

   (107,993   (93,236

Acquisitions and divestitures

   49,899      (5,385

Transfer to defined contribution pension plan

   (1,346   (5,068

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

   (9,933   (9,669
            

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   1,123,646      1,381,049   
            

Funded status

   (1,081,813   (838,528
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:     
     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Other assets

   6,282      20,277   

Accrued expenses

   (38,498   (36,365

Retirement and severance benefits

   (1,049,597   (822,440
            
   (1,081,813   (838,528
            

 

  F-47   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 consist of:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  

Prior service benefit

   (175,964   (194,027

Actuarial loss

   862,629      611,645   
            
   686,665      417,618   
            

The Company and all subsidiaries use their year-end as a measurement date. Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the year-end benefit obligations are as follows:

 

               2009             2008      

Discount rate

     2.6   2.5

Rate of compensation increase

     2.7   2.7
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:    
         2009             2008             2007      

Discount rate

   2.5   2.5   2.5

Expected long-term return on plan assets

   3.4   3.1   3.0

Rate of compensation increase

   2.7   2.7   2.5

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is developed for each asset class, and is determined primarily on historical returns on the plan assets and other factors.

The accumulated benefit obligation was ¥2,104,708 million as of March 31, 2009 and ¥2,116,141 million as of March 31, 2008.

Information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets and pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

     

Accumulated benefit obligations

   2,063,535    1,725,275

Plan assets

   1,070,069    950,101

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

     

Projected benefit obligations

   2,189,327    1,915,720

Plan assets

   1,101,232    1,056,915

 

  F-48   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Asset allocations for the pension plans as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 and target asset allocation by asset category are as follows:

 

     2009     2008     Target
allocation
 

Equity securities

   30.6   34.1   37.8

Debt securities

   37.0      31.3      38.6   

Investment trusts

   12.2      12.6      16.3   

Cash

   9.6      13.8      2.2   

Life insurance company general accounts

   6.8      4.7      4.0   

Other

   3.8      3.5      1.1   
                  
   100.0   100.0   100.0
                  

The objective of the Company’s investment policy is to ensure a stable return from the plans’ investments over the long term, which allows the Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ pension funds to meet their future obligations. In order to achieve the above objective, a target rate of return is established, taking into consideration the composition of participants, level of funded status, the Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ capacity to absorb risks and the current economic environment. Also, a target asset allocation is established to achieve the target rate of return, based on expected rate of return by each asset class, standard deviation of rate of return and correlation coefficient among the assets. The investments are diversified primarily into domestic and foreign equity and debt securities according to the target asset allocation. Rebalancing will occur if markets fluctuate in excess of certain levels. The Company and certain subsidiaries periodically review actual returns on assets, economic environments and their capacity to absorb risk and realign the target asset allocation if necessary.

The Company and its subsidiaries expect to contribute ¥101,335 million to their defined benefit plans for the year ending March 31, 2010.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen (millions)

2010

   139,731

2011

   130,682

2012

   134,915

2013

   136,034

2014

   122,648

2015-2019

   614,072

 

  (b) Defined contribution plans

The Company and certain subsidiaries have a number of defined contribution plans. The amount of cost recognized for the Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ contributions to the plans for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥18,059 million, ¥15,749 million and ¥11,971 million, respectively.

 

  F-49   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(11) Common Stock

The Company has authorized issuance of 10 billion shares of common stock.

The number of issued shares and the amount of common stock for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

          Yen (millions)
     Issued shares    Amount

Balance as of March 31, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   3,368,126,056    282,033
         

Conversions of convertible debt issued subsequent to October 1, 1982 into common stock were accounted for in accordance with the provisions of the Japanese Commercial Code, the former Japanese Company Law, by crediting one-half of the conversion price to each of the common stock accounts and the capital surplus accounts.

 

(12) Legal Reserve and Retained Earnings, and Dividends

The Japanese Company Law provides that earnings in an amount equal to 10 percent of appropriations of retained earnings to be paid as dividends should be appropriated as a capital surplus or a legal reserve until the total of capital surplus and legal reserve equals 25 percent of stated common stock. In addition to transfer from capital surplus to stated common stock, either capital surplus or legal reserve may be available for dividends by resolution of the shareholders’ meeting.

Dividends during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 represent dividends declared during those years. On March 16, 2009, the Board of Directors decided not to pay the dividend for the second half of the year ended March 31,2009.

Cash dividends per share for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥3.0, ¥6.0 and ¥6.0, respectively, based on dividends declared with respect to earnings for the periods.

 

  F-50   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(13) Treasury Stock

The Japanese Company Law (JCL) allows a company to acquire treasury stock upon shareholders’ approval to the extent that sufficient distributable funds are available. If the Board of Directors’ authority is stated in the articles of incorporation, a company is allowed to acquire treasury stock not upon shareholders’ approval but Board of Directors’ approval. Acquisition of treasury stock is allowed under the Company’s articles of incorporation.

Pursuant to the provisions of the JCL, shareholders may request the company to acquire their shares representing less than a minimum trading lot as shares less than a minimum trading lot cannot be publicly traded and such a shareholder holding less than a minimum trading lot cannot exercise a voting right and other shareholders’ rights except as provided in the JCL or the articles of incorporation. The JCL also states that a shareholder holding shares less than a minimum trading lot may request the company to sell its treasury stock, if any, to the shareholder up to a minimum trading lot if entitled under the articles of incorporation. Sale of treasury stock is allowed under the Company’s articles of incorporation.

The changes in treasury stock for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are summarized as follows:

 

           Yen (millions)  
     Shares     Amount  

Balance as of March 31, 2006

   37,281,295      17,950   

Acquisition for treasury

   14,974,117      12,000   

Sales of treasury stock

   (1,265,158   (748

Stock exchange for acquisition

   (8,023,820   (3,863
            

Balance as of March 31, 2007

   42,966,434      25,339   

Acquisition for treasury

   1,358,519      1,145   

Sales of treasury stock

   (597,224   (354
            

Balance as of March 31, 2008

   43,727,729      26,130   

Acquisition for treasury

   1,500,226      858   

Sales of treasury stock

   (1,253,991   (751
            

Balance as of March 31, 2009

   43,973,964      26,237   
            

In April 2006, the Board of Directors approved the acquisition of treasury stock up to 6,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate acquisition amount not exceeding ¥5,000 million during May 2006. The Company acquired a total of 6,210,000 shares for ¥4,996 million during the period.

In December 2006, the Board of Directors approved the acquisition of treasury stock up to 30,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate acquisition amount not exceeding ¥20,000 million by the end of March 2007. The Company acquired a total of 7,200,000 shares for ¥5,817 million during the period.

 

  F-51   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(14) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax effects, displayed in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity is classified as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   (69,222   (20,906   (43,426

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments

   (110,899   (48,605   21,764   

Net transfer from minority interests

   384      289      756   
                  

Balance at end of year

   (179,737   (69,222   (20,906
                  

Minimum pension liability adjustments:

      

Balance at beginning of year

       (145,903

Other comprehensive income

       22,030   

Net transfer to minority interests

       (37

Transfer to pension liability adjustments

       123,910   
          

Balance at end of year

       —     
          

Pension liability adjustments:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   (221,007   (146,329   —     

Other comprehensive loss, net of reclassification adjustments

   (184,153   (74,758   —     

Net transfer from minority interests

   78      80      —     

Transfer from minimum pension liability adjustments

   —        —        (123,910

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No.158 (note 10)

   —        —        (22,419
                  

Balance at end of year

   (405,082   (221,007   (146,329
                  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   22,581      77,883      92,626   

Other comprehensive loss, net of reclassification adjustments

   (22,855   (55,310   (14,744

Net transfer from minority interests

   286      8      1   
                  

Balance at end of year

   12      22,581      77,883   
                  

Cash flow hedges:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   450      902      706   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments

   (2,031   (451   196   

Net transfer from (to) minority interests

   37      (1   0   
                  

Balance at end of year

   (1,544   450      902   
                  

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   (267,198   (88,450   (95,997

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments

   (319,938   (179,124   29,246   

Net transfer from minority interests

   785      376      720   

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No.158 (note 10)

   —        —        (22,419
                  

Balance at end of year

   (586,351   (267,198   (88,450
                  

 

  F-52   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following is a summary of reclassification adjustments by each classification of other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the amounts of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), including reclassification adjustments.

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009  
     Before-tax
amount
    Tax benefit
(expense)
    Net-of-tax
amount
 

Other comprehensive loss arising during the year:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (110,285   —        (110,285

Pension liability adjustments

   (260,629   49,582      (211,047

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (54,445   20,781      (33,664

Cash flow hedges

   (3,615   1,426      (2,189
                  
   (428,974   71,789      (357,185

Reclassification adjustments for realized net loss included in net loss:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (614   —        (614

Pension liability adjustments

   44,845      (17,951   26,894   

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   18,171      (7,362   10,809   

Cash flow hedges

   (28   186      158   
                  
   62,374      (25,127   37,247   

Other comprehensive loss, net of reclassification adjustments:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (110,899   —        (110,899

Pension liability adjustments

   (215,784   31,631      (184,153

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (36,274   13,419      (22,855

Cash flow hedges

   (3,643   1,612      (2,031
                  
   (366,600   46,662      (319,938
                  

 

  F-53   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2008  
     Before-tax
amount
    Tax benefit
(expense)
    Net-of-tax
amount
 

Other comprehensive loss arising during the year:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (49,452   —        (49,452

Pension liability adjustments

   (159,751   65,529      (94,222

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (87,015   35,113      (51,902

Cash flow hedges

   31      (230   (199
                  
   (296,187   100,412      (195,775

Reclassification adjustments for realized net loss included in net loss:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   847      —        847   

Pension liability adjustments

   32,516      (13,052   19,464   

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (7,023   3,615      (3,408

Cash flow hedges

   (372   120      (252
                  
   25,968      (9,317   16,651   

Other comprehensive loss, net of reclassification adjustments:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (48,605   —        (48,605

Pension liability adjustments

   (127,235   52,477      (74,758

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (94,038   38,728      (55,310

Cash flow hedges

   (341   (110   (451
                  
   (270,219   91,095      (179,124
                  

 

  F-54   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007  
     Before-tax
amount
    Tax benefit
(expense)
    Net-of-tax
amount
 

Other comprehensive income arising during the year:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   19,532      —        19,532   

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   39,469      (17,439   22,030   

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   14,230      (7,098   7,132   

Cash flow hedges

   (173   (4   (177
                  
   73,058      (24,541   48,517   

Reclassification adjustments for realized net gain included in net loss:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   2,232      —        2,232   

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (37,126   15,250      (21,876

Cash flow hedges

   552      (179   373   
                  
   (34,342   15,071      (19,271

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   21,764      —        21,764   

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   39,469      (17,439   22,030   

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (22,896   8,152      (14,744

Cash flow hedges

   379      (183   196   
                  
   38,716      (9,470   29,246   
                  

 

  F-55   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(15) Pledged Assets

As of March 31, 2009, the Company and certain subsidiaries pledged a portion of their assets as collateral primarily for bank loans as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

   67

Short-term investments

   32

Other current assets

   4,684

Investments and advances

   294

Land

   5,268

Buildings

   11,655

Machinery and equipment

   8,243

Other assets

   175
    
   30,418
    

In addition to the above, prepaid expenses and other current assets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 include restricted cash of ¥6,906 million and ¥7,043 million, respectively, as a compensating balance for short-term borrowing arrangements.

 

(16) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company and its operating subsidiaries are contingently liable for loan guarantees to its affiliates and others in the amount of approximately ¥54,927 million as of March 31, 2009.

Hitachi Capital Corporation (HCC) and certain other financial subsidiaries provide guarantees to financial institutions for extending loans to customers of the subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2009, the undiscounted maximum potential future payments under such guarantees amounted to ¥436,153 million. For providing these guarantees, the subsidiaries obtain collateral equal to the amount of the guarantees, and therefore, the Company considers the risk to be low. The Company accrued ¥8,457 million as an obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantees in the event the customer cannot make scheduled payments.

The subsidiaries provide certain revolving lines of credit to its credit card holders in accordance with the terms of the credit card business customer service contracts. Furthermore, the subsidiaries provide credit facilities to parties in accordance with the service agency business contracts from which temporary payments on behalf of such parties are made. In addition, the Company and HCC provide loan commitments to affiliates and others.

The outstanding balance of these revolving lines of credit, credit facilities and loan commitments as of March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)

Total commitment available

   578,682

Less amount utilized

   4,499
    

Balance available

   574,183
    

 

  F-56   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

A portion of these revolving lines of credit is pending credit approval and cannot be utilized.

The Company and certain subsidiaries have line of credit arrangements with banks in order to secure a financing source for business operations. The unused lines of credit as of March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥614,806 million, primarily related to unused lines of credit belonging to the Company. The Company maintains commitment line agreements with a number of banks and pays commissions as consideration. These commitment agreements generally provide a one-year term, and are subject to renewal at the end of the term. The unused availability under these agreements as of March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥200,000 million. The Company also maintains another commitment line agreement, whose three-year term ends in February 2010, with financing companies. The unused availability under this agreement as of March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥363,000 million.

As of March 31, 2009, outstanding commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment were approximately ¥55,700 million.

It is a common practice in Japan for companies, in the ordinary course of business, to receive promissory notes in the settlement of trade accounts receivable and to subsequently discount such notes to banks or to transfer them by endorsement to suppliers in the settlement of accounts payable. As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company and subsidiaries were contingently liable for trade notes discounted and endorsed in the following amounts:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008

Notes discounted

   3,877    4,063

Notes endorsed

   3,807    4,706
         
   7,684    8,769
         

A certain subsidiary is contingently liable for the transfer of export receivables with recourse. As of March 31, 2009, the amount of transfer of export receivables with recourse was ¥16,000 million.

The Company and its subsidiaries provide warranties for certain of their products. The accrued product warranty costs are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims. The changes in accrued product warranty costs for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Balance at beginning of year

   73,715      82,316      81,450   

Expense recognized upon issuance of warranties

   34,990      38,420      53,994   

Usage

   (43,369   (43,675   (53,646

Other, including effect of foreign currency translation

   (4,887   (3,346   518   
                  

Balance at end of year

   60,449      73,715      82,316   
                  

 

  F-57   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On June 15, 2006, Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No. 5 of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. shut down due to turbine damage. As a precautionary measure, on July 5, 2006, Shika Nuclear Power Station No. 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which uses the same type of turbines, was shut down for an examination of the turbines and the examination revealed damage to the turbine vanes. A provision for the repair costs was accrued.

In September 2008, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. filed suit against the Company to claim for compensation for consequential losses of ¥41,800 million mostly composed of the additional costs to switch to thermal power arising from shutdown at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No.5. This case is under dispute in court at present. In May 2009, Hokuriku Electric Power Company filed suit against the Company to claim for compensation for consequential losses of ¥20,200 million mostly composed of the additional costs to switch to thermal power arising from shutdown at Shika Nuclear Power Station No.2. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these lawsuits. The Company has not accrued for consequential losses related to these lawsuits. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be liable for any amount claimed.

The Company and its subsidiaries make provisions for anticipated losses on long-term contracts, including changes in the estimates for such provisions, in the period in which they become evident. The effect of a change in the estimated provision for anticipated losses on certain long-term contracts was to increase consolidated net loss for the year ended March 31, 2007 by ¥70,915 million, or ¥21.28 per share (basic).

In January 2007, the European Commission ordered the Company and one of its affiliated companies to pay a fine for infringement of EC antitrust rules regarding alleged antitrust violations for the gas insulated switchgear equipment used at substations. In April 2007, the Company lodged an appeal with the Court of First Instance of the European Communities requesting the court to annul the decision of the European Commission. The determination has not been rendered at present, but the Company accrued the reasonably estimated amount for the fine.

In October 2006, a subsidiary and an affiliate of the Company in the U.S. received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to static random access memories. In December 2008, these companies received information that the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice would terminate the investigation of this matter.

In December 2006, the Company and a subsidiary in Europe received requests for information from the European Commission, a subsidiary in Japan received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and received requests for information from the Fair Trade Commission of Japan, and an affiliate in Japan received a request for information from the Fair Trade Commission of Japan, all in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to the liquid crystal displays. In December 2008, a subsidiary in Japan received a cease and desist order from the Fair Trade Commission of Japan, but it has not received a surcharge payment order. The Japanese subsidiary accrued the reasonably estimated amount for the loss in relation to the investigation by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice as of March 31, 2009, and paid that fine in June 2009.

 

  F-58   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In June 2007, the Company received requests for information from the European Commission in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to dynamic random access memories.

In September 2007, a subsidiary and an affiliate of the Company in the U.S. received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to flash memories.

In November 2007, a subsidiary of the Company in the U.S. received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to cathode ray tubes. In addition, in November 2007, two subsidiaries in Asia and in Europe received requests for information from the European Commission. Furthermore, in November 2007, a subsidiary in Canada received requests for information from the Canadian Competition Bureau.

In December 2008, the Company received requests for information from the European Commission in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to power transformers.

The Company and these companies do not concede the alleged antitrust violations, but depending upon the outcome of these investigations, fines or surcharge payments, the amount of which is uncertain, may be imposed on them. In addition, subsequent to these actions by the competent authorities, a number of class action lawsuits have been filed against the Company and some of these companies in the U.S. and Canada.

Depending upon the outcome of the above legal proceedings, there may be an adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations. Currently the Company is unable to estimate the adverse effect, if any of many of these proceedings. Accordingly, except as otherwise stated, no accrual for potential loss has been made.

In addition to the above, the Company and certain subsidiaries are subject to several legal proceedings and claims which have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. These actions when ultimately concluded and determined will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company and subsidiaries.

 

  F-59   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(17) Impairment Losses for Long-Lived Assets

For the year ended March 31, 2009, the majority of the impairment losses were recorded on long-lived property, plant and equipment located in Japan. The Digital Media & Consumer Products division recognized a loss of ¥57,995 million, primarily in its plasma TV business, due to 1) the decision to reorganize sourcing for glass panel components from in-house manufacturing to an outside supplier; 2) patents with lower-than-expected future license income; and, 3) a specific type of electronic parts that were projected to have lower production because of smaller demand in the market. The Power & Industrial Systems division recognized a loss of ¥32,961 million primarily in its automotive products business whose profitability has deteriorated because of a significant deterioration of the automotive market. The Information & Telecommunication Systems division recognized a loss of ¥21,139 million primarily due to 1) its semiconductor and financial institution-related businesses whose profitability have deteriorated because of smaller demand in the markets; 2) a decline in the expected selling price of certain assets held for sale caused by a deterioration of the real estate market; and, 3) a decline in the estimated recoverable value because of the bankruptcy of a customer. The High Functional Materials & Components division recognized a loss of ¥12,888 million primarily in its semiconductor-related and automotive-related products businesses whose profitabilities have deteriorated because of a significant deterioration in these markets. The fair value estimates used to determine these losses were based primarily on discounted future cash flows.

For the year ended March 31, 2008, the majority of the impairment losses were recorded on long-lived property, plant and equipment located in Japan. The Digital Media & Consumer Products division recognized a loss of ¥68,791 million primarily due to its plasma TV business for which the Company and certain subsidiaries have recognized losses for consecutive periods because of severe market competition accompanied by falling prices. These impairment losses included patents with lower-than-expected future license income. The Power & Industrial Systems division recognized a loss of ¥9,298 million primarily due to its electric power selling business whose profitability has deteriorated due to rising fuel prices. The High Functional Materials & Components division recognized a loss of ¥7,172 million primarily due to rapid falling prices of LCD drivers for which a subsidiary supplies material for the related semiconductors. The fair value estimates used to determine these losses were based primarily on discounted future cash flows.

For the year ended March 31, 2007, the majority of the impairment losses were recorded on long-lived property, plant and equipment located in Japan. The High Functional Materials & Components division recognized a loss of ¥4,351 million primarily due to a specific type of material for semiconductors that was projected to have lower production because of smaller demand in the market. The Digital Media & Consumer Products division recognized a loss of ¥1,305 million primarily due to a specific type of electronic parts that was projected to have lower production because of smaller demand in the market. The Electronic Devices division recognized a loss of ¥1,294 million primarily due to projection television tubes that were scheduled to reduce their production. The fair value estimates used to determine these losses were based primarily on discounted future cash flows.

 

  F-60   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(18) Restructuring Charges

Certain losses incurred in the reorganization of the Company’s operations are considered restructuring charges. Components and related amounts of the restructuring charges, before the related tax effects, for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Special termination benefits

   21,517      15,676      3,868   

Loss on fixed assets

   1,410      2,434      115   
                  
   22,927      18,110      3,983   
                  
The Company and certain subsidiaries provided special termination benefits to those employees voluntarily leaving the companies. The accrued special termination benefits were recognized at the time voluntary termination was offered and benefits were accepted by the employees. An analysis of the accrued special termination benefits for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:      
     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Balance at beginning of the year

   8,952      44      1,106   

New charges

   21,517      15,676      3,868   

Cash payments

   (22,449   (6,348   (4,931

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

   (477   (420   1   
                  

Balance at end of the year

   7,543      8,952      44   
                  

The followings represent significant restructuring activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 by business line:

 

  1. The Power & Industrial Systems division restructured in order to reorganize the automotive products business, which has encountered severe deterioration in the market. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥7,645 million. The liabilities for special termination benefits amounting to ¥3,283 million as of March 31, 2009 will be paid by March 2010. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥7,649 million.

 

  2. The High Functional Materials & Components division restructured in order to reorganize its high-grade metal products and materials business to reduce costs and improve profitability. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥4,069 million. The liabilities for special termination benefits amounting to ¥1,050 million as of March 31, 2009 will be paid by March 2010. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥4,252 million.

 

  3.

The Digital Media & Consumer Products division restructured in order to reorganize the flat-panel TV business which is subject to severe market competition accompanied with falling prices. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥3,635 million. The liabilities for special termination benefits amounting to ¥833 million as of March 31, 2009 will be paid by March 2010. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥3,802 million.

 

  F-61   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The followings represent significant restructuring activities for the year ended March 31, 2008 by business line:

 

  1. The Information & Telecommunication Systems division restructured in order to strengthen its storage business on a global basis. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to ¥5,916 million. The liabilities for special termination benefits amounting to ¥2,304 million as of March 31, 2008 were paid by March 2009. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to ¥7,260 million.

 

  2. The Digital Media & Consumer Products division restructured in order to reorganize the flat-panel TV business which is subject to severe market competition accompanied with falling prices. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to ¥3,903 million. The liabilities for special termination benefits amounting to ¥2,571 million as of March 31, 2008 were paid by March 2009. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to ¥4,095 million.

 

  3. The Power & Industrial Systems division restructured in order to reorganize its plant construction business for reducing costs and improving profitability primarily in Japan. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to ¥2,836 million. The liabilities for special termination benefits amounting to ¥2,836 million as of March 31, 2008 were paid by March 2009. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2008 consisted only of special termination benefits.

The restructuring charges for the year ended March 31, 2007 mainly consist of special termination benefits for the early terminated employees of subsidiaries in the High Functional Materials & Components division and the Information & Telecommunication Systems division.

 

  F-62   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(19) Other Income and Other Deductions

The following items are included in other income or other deductions for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Net gain (loss) on securities

   (44,077   80,129      47,687   

Net loss on sale and disposal of rental assets and other property

   (21,292   (8,246   (24,611

Exchange loss

   (37,259   (28,414   (3,029

Other income for the year ended March 31, 2009 represents a gain of ¥5,203 million on the sale of a subsidiary’s mobile communication business.

The major components of net gain on securities for the year ended March 31, 2008 were related to sales of a part of shares of Hitachi Displays, Ltd. and Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd. and of all shares of Hitachi Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Other income for the year ended March 31, 2008 also includes a realized gain of ¥21,040 million on a contribution of available-for-sale securities to a pension fund trust.

 

(20) Sales of Stock by Subsidiaries or Affiliated Companies

In April 2007, Hitachi Metals, Ltd., a subsidiary which manufactures and sells high-grade metal products, and NEOMAX Co., Ltd., a subsidiary which manufactures and sells magnets and ceramics, conducted a merger in which Hitachi Metals, Ltd. was the surviving entity and NEOMAX Co., Ltd. was the acquired entity. Prior to the merger, Hitachi Metals, Ltd. opened its tender offer to acquire common shares of NEOMAX Co., Ltd. for the period from November 7, 2006 to December 11, 2006 for ¥2,500 per share. In April 2007, Hitachi Metals, Ltd. allocated 2 of its shares to 1 share of NEOMAX Co., Ltd. to acquire the shares of NEOMAX Co., Ltd. held by third parties in accordance with the terms and conditions of the tender offer. As a result, Hitachi Metals, Ltd. issued 9,389,202 shares of common stock to the shareholders of NEOMAX Co., Ltd. Since all the shares of Hitachi Metals, Ltd. were issued to third parties, the Company’s ownership interest of common stock decreased from 56.6% to 55.1%. The Company did not recognize a deferred tax liability on this transaction.

In February 2007, Opnext, Inc., a subsidiary which designs and manufactures optical modules and components, issued 12,536,406 shares of common stock at $15 per share to third parties in an initial public offering and the Company sold a portion of its investment in Opnext, Inc. As a result of the issuance of new shares and sale of the investment, the Company’s ownership interest of common stock decreased from 67.3% to 43.9% at March 31, 2007 and the remaining investment is accounted for using the equity method. The Company provided a deferred tax liability on this gain.

 

  F-63   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(21) Net Income (Loss) Per Share Information

The reconciliations of the numbers and the amounts used in the basic and diluted net loss per share computations are as follows:

 

     Number of shares  
     2009     2008     2007  

Weighted average number of shares on which basic net loss per share is calculated

   3,323,996,973      3,324,562,767      3,331,918,803   

Effect of dilutive securities:

      

Stock options

   —        122,257      158,778   
                  

Number of shares on which diluted net loss per share is calculated

   3,323,996,973      3,324,685,024      3,332,077,581   
                  
     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Net loss applicable to common stockholders

   (787,337   (58,125   (32,799

Effect of dilutive securities:

      

Subsidiaries’ stock options and other

   (8   (948   (92
                  

Net loss on which diluted net loss per share is calculated

   (787,345   (59,073   (32,891
                  
     Yen  

Net loss per share:

      

Basic

   (236.86   (17.48   (9.84

Diluted

   (236.87   (17.77   (9.87

The net loss per share computations for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 exclude all outstanding convertible bonds because their effect would have been antidilutive. In addition, the net loss per share computation excludes some stock options because their effect would have been antidilutive.

 

  F-64   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(22) Supplementary Income and Expense Information

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008    2007

Shipping and handling costs

   148,145    162,526    155,535

Advertising expense

   38,598    45,823    53,577

Maintenance and repairs

   78,242    84,122    82,902

Rent

   148,401    143,369    146,139

Research and development expense

   416,517    428,171    412,534

 

(23) Supplementary Cash Flow Information

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008    2007

Cash paid during the year for:

        

Interest

   34,443    42,468    38,712

Income taxes

   177,624    174,735    123,677

Noncash investing and financial activities:

        

Capitalized lease assets

   10,299    5,488    6,056

The proceeds from the sale of securities classified as available-for-sale discussed in note 3 are included in both (increase) decrease in short-term investments and proceeds from sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

  F-65   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(24) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Overall risk profile

The major manufacturing bases of the Company and its subsidiaries are located in Japan and Asia. The selling bases are located globally, and the Company and its subsidiaries generate approximately 40% of their sales from overseas. These overseas sales are mainly denominated in the U.S. dollar or Euro. As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The Company’s financing subsidiaries in the U.K, the U.S. and Singapore issue variable rate medium-term notes mainly through the Euro markets to finance its overseas long-term operating capital. As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

The Company and its subsidiaries are also exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments, but it is not expected that any counterparties will fail to meet their obligations because most of the counterparties are internationally recognized financial institutions that are rated A or higher and contracts are diversified into a number of major financial institutions.

The Company and its subsidiaries have an insignificant amount of derivative instruments containing credit-risk-related contingent features, such as provisions that require the Company’s debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies.

Risk management policy

The Company and its subsidiaries assess foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk by continually monitoring changes in these exposures and by evaluating hedging opportunities. It is the Company’s principal policy that the Company and its subsidiaries do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculation purposes.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk management

The Company and its subsidiaries have assets and liabilities which are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk and, as a result, they enter into forward exchange contracts and cross currency swap agreements for the purpose of hedging these risk exposures.

In order to fix the future net cash flows principally from trade receivables and payables recognized, which are denominated in foreign currencies, the Company and its subsidiaries on a monthly basis measure the volume and due date of future net cash flows by currency. In accordance with the Company’s policy, a certain portion of measured net cash flows is covered using forward exchange contracts, which principally mature within one year.

The Company and its subsidiaries enter into cross currency swap agreements with the same maturities as underlying debt to fix cash flows from long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies. The hedging relationship between the derivative financial instrument and its hedged item is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

  F-66   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Interest rate risk management

The Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ exposure to interest rate risk is related principally to long-term debt obligations. Management believes it is prudent to minimize the variability caused by interest rate risk.

To meet this objective, the Company and certain subsidiaries principally enter into interest rate swaps to manage fluctuations in cash flows. The interest rate swaps entered into are receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps. Under the interest rate swaps, the Company and certain subsidiaries receive variable interest rate payments on long-term debt associated with medium-term notes and make fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating fixed interest rate long-term debt.

Certain financing subsidiaries mainly finance a portion of their operations by long-term debt with a fixed interest rate and lend funds at variable interest rates. Therefore, such companies are exposed to interest rate risk. Management believes it is prudent to minimize the variability caused by interest rate risk. To meet this objective, certain financing subsidiaries principally enter into interest rate swaps converting the fixed rate to the variable rate to manage fluctuations in fair value resulting from interest rate risk. Under the interest rate swaps, certain financing subsidiaries receive fixed interest rate payments associated with medium-term notes and make variable interest rate payments, thereby creating variable-rate long-term debt.

The hedging relationship between the interest rate swaps and its hedged item is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in cash flows and fair value resulting from interest rate risk.

Fair value hedge

Changes in fair value of both recognized assets and liabilities, and derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges of these assets and liabilities are recognized in other income (deductions). Derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges include forward exchange contracts associated with operating transactions, cross currency swap agreements and interest rate swaps associated with financing transactions.

Exchange loss for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 includes net gains of ¥169 million and ¥4,142 million, respectively, which represent the component of hedging instruments excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Net gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is not material for the year ended March 31, 2007. Net gain or loss related to the ineffective portion of hedging instruments is not material for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Interest charges for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 include net losses of ¥466 million and ¥586 million and a net gain of ¥601 million, respectively, which represent the component of hedging instruments excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Net gain or loss related to the ineffective portion of hedging instruments is not material for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

  F-67   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Cash flow hedge

Foreign currency exposure:

Changes in fair value of forward exchange contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). These amounts are reclassified into earnings in the same period as the hedged items affect earnings.

Exchange gain for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 includes net gains of ¥2,229 million and ¥1,591 million, respectively, which represent the component of hedging instruments excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Net gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is not material for the year ended March 31, 2007. Net gain or loss related to the ineffective portion of hedging instruments is not material for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

It is expected that a net gain of approximately ¥5,342 million recorded in AOCI relating to existing forward exchange contracts will be reclassified into other income or other deductions during the year ending March 31, 2010.

As of March 31, 2009, the maximum length of time over which the Company and its subsidiaries are hedging their exposure to the variability in future cash flows associated with foreign currency forecasted transactions is approximately 61 months.

Interest rate exposure:

Changes in fair values of interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments for the variability of cash flows associated with long-term debt obligations are reported in AOCI. These amounts subsequently are reclassified into interest charges as a yield adjustment in the same period in which the hedged debt obligations affect earnings.

Interest charges for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 include net losses of ¥347 million and ¥194 million and a net gain of ¥99 million, respectively, which represent the component of hedging instruments excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Interest charges for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 include a net gain of ¥553 million and a net loss of ¥730 million, respectively, which represents the component of hedge ineffectiveness. Net gain or loss related to the ineffective portion of hedging instruments is not material for the year ended March 31, 2007.

It is expected that a net loss of approximately ¥571 million recorded in AOCI related to the interest rate swaps will be reclassified into interest charges as a yield adjustment of the hedged debt obligations during the year ending March 31, 2010.

 

  F-68   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The contract or notional amounts of derivative financial instruments held as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008

Forward exchange contracts:

     

To sell foreign currencies

   237,177    277,379

To buy foreign currencies

   128,035    109,840

Cross currency swap agreements:

     

To sell foreign currencies

   106,329    48,736

To buy foreign currencies

   131,111    206,392

Interest rate swaps

   406,725    443,426

Option contracts

   7,552    13,269

The following tables, “Effective portion of derivatives designated as hedging instruments and related hedged items” and “Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness test,” show the effects of derivative instruments for fair value hedges on the consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2009:

Effective portion of derivatives designated as hedging instruments and related hedged items

 

Hedging instruments

   

Related hedged items

Derivatives

  

Location of
gain (loss)

   Yen (millions)    

Items

   Location of
gain (loss)
   Yen (millions)

Forward exchange contracts

   Other deductions    (6,814  

Accounts receivable and accounts payable

   Other deductions    5,832
   Other deductions    (590  

Short-term investments and short-term debt

   Other deductions    614

Cross currency swap agreements

   Other deductions    (3,036   Investments and advances    Other deductions    3,053
   Interest charges    (3,115   Long-term debt    Interest charges    2,900
                   
      (13,555         12,399
                   

Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness test

 

Derivatives

  

Location

   Yen (millions)  

Forward exchange contracts

   Other deductions    227   

Cross currency swap agreements

   Other deductions    (2,065

Interest rate swaps

   Interest charges    (58
         
      (1,896
         

 

  F-69   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following tables, “Gain (loss) recognized in OCI, Effective portion of derivatives designated as hedging instruments,” “Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into consolidated statement of operations, Effective portion of derivatives designated as hedging instruments” and “Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments, Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness test” show the effect of derivative instruments for cash flow hedges on the consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2009:

Gain (loss) recognized in OCI

Effective portion of derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

Derivatives

   Yen (millions)  

Forward exchange contracts

   638   

Cross currency swap agreements

   (1,685

Interest rate swaps

   (1,025

Option contracts

   8   
      
   (2,064
      
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into consolidated statement of operations   
Effective portion of derivatives designated as hedging instruments   

Derivatives

 

Location

   Yen (millions)  

Forward exchange contracts

  Other deductions    (1,623

Cross currency swap agreements

  Other deductions    (1,080

Interest rate swaps

  Interest income    830   

Option contracts

  Other deductions    (1,492
        
     (3,365
        
Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments   
Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness test   

Derivatives

 

Location

   Yen (millions)  

Forward exchange contracts

  Other deductions    (1,598

Cross currency swap agreements

  Other deductions    (358

Interest rate swaps

  Interest income    120   
        
     (1,836
        

 

  F-70   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(25) Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Company and its subsidiaries generally do not have significant concentrations of credit risk to any counterparties nor any regions because they are diversified and spread globally.

 

(26) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments:

Investments in securities

Refer to note 27 for the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of investments in securities.

Long-term debt

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on quoted market prices or the present value of future cash flows using the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements.

Cash and cash equivalents, Trade receivables, Short-term debt and Trade payables

The carrying amount approximates the fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Derivative financial instruments

The fair values of forward exchange contracts, cross currency swap agreements, interest rate swaps and option contracts are estimated on the basis of the market prices of derivative financial instruments with similar contract conditions.

 

  F-71   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the financial instruments as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009    2008
     Carrying
amounts
   Estimated
fair values
   Carrying
amounts
   Estimated
fair values

Investments in securities:

           

Short-term investments

   8,654    8,654    61,289    61,289

Investments and advances

   158,819    158,819    269,498    269,498

Derivatives

(Effective Portion in Other Current Assets):

           

Forward exchange contracts

   2,475    2,475    12,144    12,144

Cross currency swap agreements

   16,297    16,297    7,755    7,755

Interest rate swaps

   31    31    32    32

Option contracts

   1    1    70    70

Derivatives

(Ineffective Portion in Other Current Assets):

           

Forward exchange contracts

   180    180    181    181

Cross currency swap agreements

   414    414    97    97

Interest rate swaps

   —      —      14    14

Option contracts

   —      —      —      —  

Derivatives

(Effective Portion in Other Assets):

           

Forward exchange contracts

   34    34    —      —  

Cross currency swap agreements

   14,358    14,358    2,854    2,854

Interest rate swaps

   496    496    590    590

Option contracts

   —      —      —      —  

Derivatives

(Ineffective Portion in Other Assets):

           

Forward exchange contracts

   —      —      —      —  

Cross currency swap agreements

   5,963    5,963    3,134    3,134

Interest rate swaps

   —      —      —      —  

Option contracts

   —      —      —      —  

 

  F-72   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  
     Carrying
Amounts
    Estimated
fair values
    Carrying
amounts
    Estimated
fair values
 

Long-term debt

   (1,821,287   (1,801,249   (1,808,486   (1,793,317

Derivatives

(Effective Portion in Other Current Liabilities):

        

Forward exchange contracts

   (4,669   (4,669   (917   (917

Cross currency swap agreements

   (142   (142   (80   (80

Interest rate swaps

   (379   (379   (660   (660

Option contracts

   (37   (37   (12   (12

Derivatives

(Ineffective Portion in Other Current Liabilities):

        

Forward exchange contracts

   (619   (619   —        —     

Cross currency swap agreements

   (345   (345   (90   (90

Interest rate swaps

   (466   (466   —        —     

Option contracts

   —        —        —        —     

Derivatives

(Effective Portion in Other Liabilities):

        

Forward exchange contracts

   (66   (66   (60   (60

Cross currency swap agreements

   (4,842   (4,842   (1,055   (1,055

Interest rate swaps

   (3,135   (3,135   (1,994   (1,994

Option contracts

   (5   (5   (13   (13

Derivatives

(Ineffective Portion in Other Liabilities):

        

Forward exchange contracts

   —        —        —        —     

Cross currency swap agreements

   (2   (2   (64   (64

Interest rate swaps

   (840   (840   (866   (866

Option contracts

   —        —        —        —     

It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of investments in unlisted stock because of the lack of a market price and difficulty in estimating fair value without incurring excessive cost. The carrying amounts of these investments as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 totaled ¥53,325 million and ¥54,898 million, respectively.

 

  F-73   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(27) Fair Value

SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the use of observable inputs in markets over the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1

Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2

Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices associated with transactions that are not distressed for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or valuations whose significant inputs are derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3

Valuations using inputs that are not observable.

Investments in debt and equity securities

When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of investment securities included in Level 1. Level 1 securities include available-for-sale securities such as listed stocks on exchange markets and debt securities such as Japan treasury bonds and U.S. treasury bonds.

In the absence of an active market for investment securities, quoted prices for similar investment securities, quoted prices associated with transactions that are not distressed for identical or similar investment securities or other relevant information including market interest rate curves, referenced credit spreads or default rates, are used to determine fair value. These investments are included in Level 2. Level 2 securities include short-term investments and available-for-sale securities such as listed stocks traded over-the-counter, investment funds, debt securities traded over-the-counter, and money market funds.

In infrequent circumstances, the significant inputs of fair value for investment securities are unobservable and the Company mainly uses an income or market approach to corroborate relevant information provided by financial institutions. These investments are included in Level 3. Level 3 securities include available-for-sale securities such as private debt securities and structured bonds with little market activity.

Derivatives

Closing prices are used for derivatives included in Level 1, which are traded on active markets. The majority of derivatives are traded on over-the-counter markets, which the Company does not deem to represent active markets. Derivative assets and liabilities for which fair value is based on quoted prices associated with transactions that are not distressed, in markets that are not active, or based on models using interest rate curves and forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities are included in Level 2. Derivatives included in Level 2 primarily consist of interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency and commodity forward and option contracts. In infrequent circumstances, the significant inputs of fair value are unobservable and the Company mainly uses an income or market approach to corroborate relevant information provided by financial institutions. These derivatives are included in Level 3.

Subordinated interests resulting from securitization

When fair value is determined using observable inputs, including prices of recent transactions in markets that are not distressed, subordinated interests are included in Level 2. When significant inputs are not observable, fair value is determined based on economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the subordinated interests, including weighted-average life, expected credit risks, and discount rates, and the subordinated interests are included in Level 3.

 

  F-74   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value hierarchy classification as of March 31, 2009.

 

     Yen (millions)
     Fair value hierarchy classification
     Total
Balance
    Level 1    Level 2     Level 3

Assets:

         

Investments in securities

   167,187      129,006    11,649      26,532

Derivatives

   40,249      —      40,249      —  

Subordinated interests resulting from securitization

   123,465      —      —        123,465
                     
   330,901      129,006    51,898      149,997
                     

Liabilities:

         

Derivatives

   (15,547   —      (15,547   —  

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments measured on a recurring basis for the year ended March 31, 2009.

 

     Yen (millions)  
     Investments
in securities
    Subordinated
interests
resulting
from
securitization
    Total  

Balance at beginning of year

   46,324      133,271      179,595   

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

   (16,662   (9,402   (26,064

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)

      

Included in earnings (a)

   (2,928   3,592      664   

Included in other comprehensive loss

   (202   (3,996   (4,198
      

Balance at end of year

   26,532      123,465      149,997   
                  

The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date

   (2,685   3,408      723   

 

  (a) Level 3 gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for the year ended March 31, 2009 are reported in other income (deductions).

Assets that are measured at fair value during the period on a non-recurring basis because they are deemed to be impaired are not included in the above tables. The Company has written down the carrying amount of equity-method and cost-method investments on the consolidated balance sheet because the Company deems the decline of fair value to be other-than-temporary. For the year ended March 31, 2009, the Company recognized ¥11,219 million of impairment losses related to equity-method investments and ¥5,877 million of impairment losses related to cost-method investments, which are included in other deductions in the consolidated statement of operations. The carrying amount of equity-method investments subject to the impairment charges as of March 31, 2009 is ¥11,831 million and is classified as Level 1. The carrying amounts of cost-method investments subject to the impairment charges as of March 31, 2009 consist of ¥2,044 million classified as Level 2 and ¥1,068 million classified as Level 3. The Company has valued Level 3 assets using an income approach, using unobservable inputs based on business forecasts, market trends, and assumptions of projected business plans.

 

  F-75   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(28) Merger and Acquisition

On January 14, 2009, the Company announced its decision to purchase additional shares of Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. (Hitachi Kokusai Electric), an equity method affiliate, through a tender offer to make Hitachi Kokusai Electric its subsidiary for the purpose of establishing a stable equity-based relationship and strengthening the cooperative relationship in the fields of communications and video, and broadcasting systems businesses. Hitachi Kokusai Electric’s Board of Directors resolved to approve the tender offer at the meeting held on the same day. The price of the tender offer was ¥780 per share, which was determined by comprehensively taking into consideration the market price of Hitachi Kokusai Electric’s common stock, Hitachi Kokusai Electric’s financial condition, future earnings prospects and a valuation of Hitachi Kokusai Electric stock conducted by a third party appraiser. The price included a premium of approximately 77% over the average share price of Hitachi Kokusai Electric’s common stock traded on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for three month period ended January 13, 2009. As a result, the Company purchased 13,406,000 shares, the upper limit for the number of shares in the tender offer, for ¥10,456 million in the period from January 26, 2009 through March 11, 2009, resulting in the Company’s ownership increasing from 38.8% to 51.6%. Accordingly, the Company obtained control over Hitachi Kokusai Electric and it became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. Therefore, the Company has consolidated Hitachi Kokusai Electric as of March 31, 2009 in the consolidated balance sheet. The results of operations of Hitachi Kokusai Electric for the period from the acquisition date to March 31, 2009 were not material. Accordingly, the results of operations of Hitachi Kokusai Electric will be consolidated for the year beginning April 1, 2009.

The Company is currently evaluating the fair values to be assigned to assets and liabilities of Hitachi Kokusai Electric at the acquisition date.

On a pro forma basis, revenue, net loss and the per share information of the Company with assumed acquisition dates for Hitachi Kokusai Electric of April 1, 2008 and 2007 would not differ materially from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

  F-76   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On January 14, 2009, the Company also announced its decision to purchase additional shares of Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. (Hitachi Koki), an equity method affiliate, through a tender offer to make Hitachi Koki its subsidiary for the purpose of establishing a stable equity-based relationship and strengthening the cooperative relationship in business expansion on a global scale and research and development into lithium-ion battery-operated products. Hitachi Koki’s Board of Directors resolved to approve the tender offer at the meeting held on the same day. The price of the tender offer was ¥1,300 per share, which was determined by comprehensively taking into consideration the market price of Hitachi Koki’s common stock, Hitachi Koki’s financial condition, future earnings prospects and a valuation of Hitachi Koki stock conducted by a third party appraiser. The price included a premium of approximately 77% over the average share price of Hitachi Koki’s common stock traded on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for three month period ended January 13, 2009. As a result, the Company purchased 12,473,000 shares, the upper limit for the number of shares in the tender offer, for ¥16,214 million in the period from January 26, 2009 through March 9, 2009, resulting in the Company’s ownership increasing from 38.9% to 51.2%. Accordingly, the Company obtained control over Hitachi Koki and it became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. Therefore, the Company has consolidated Hitachi Koki as of March 31, 2009 in the consolidated balance sheet. The results of operations of Hitachi Koki for the period from the acquisition date to March 31, 2009 were not material. Accordingly, the results of operations of Hitachi Koki will be consolidated for the year beginning April 1, 2009.

The Company is currently evaluating the fair values to be assigned to assets and liabilities of Hitachi Koki at the acquisition date.

On a pro forma basis, revenue, net loss and the per share information of the Company with assumed acquisition dates for Hitachi Koki of April 1, 2008 and 2007 would not differ materially from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

  F-77   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On October 11, 2006, the Company signed a basic agreement with Clarion Co., Ltd. (Clarion) and decided to purchase additional shares of Clarion through a tender offer at ¥230 per share. The purchase price of ¥230 per share was determined by comprehensively taking into consideration the market price of Clarion common stock, Clarion’s financial condition, future earnings prospects and a third party evaluation of the estimated value of Clarion stock, and included a premium of approximately 33 % over average share price of Clarion common stock traded on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the three month period immediately preceding October 10, 2006. As a result, the Company purchased a total of 139,108,174 shares for ¥31,994 million in the period from October 25, 2006 through November 30, 2006, resulting in the Company’s ownership increasing from 14.4% to 63.7%. Accordingly, the Company obtained control over Clarion and it became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company effective December 7, 2006.

Clarion manufactures and sells in-vehicle equipment such as car audio and car navigation systems. The Company has strategically targeted the automotive systems business and the purpose of the tender offer was to further expand its car information system business.

The amount assigned to each major asset and liability caption of Clarion at the acquisition date is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  

Current assets

   83,414   

Non-current assets

   50,558   

Goodwill (not deductible for tax purposes)

   22,620   

Current liabilities

   (61,063

Non-current liabilities

   (38,568

Minority interests

   (11,997

Net assets previously acquired

   (12,444

Acquisition cost (including direct acquisition costs)

   (32,520

The results of operations of Clarion beginning December 7, 2006 are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. On a pro forma basis, revenue, net loss and the per share information of the Company with assumed acquisition date for Clarion of April 1, 2006 would not differ materially from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

  F-78   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(29) Stock Option Plans

The Company and certain subsidiaries have stock option plans. Under the Company’s stock option plans, non-employee directors, executive officers and certain employees have been granted stock options to purchase the Company’s common stock. Under these stock option plans, options were granted at prices not less than market value at the date of grant and are exercisable from one year after the date of grant and expire four years after the date of grant. The Company and certain subsidiaries recognized no material stock-based compensation expense for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

The Company ceased granting stock options as part of the Company’s compensation policy, and therefore, during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 the Company granted no stock options.

A summary of the Company’s stock option plans’ activity for the year ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     Stock options
(shares)
    Weighted-average
exercise price
(yen)
   Weighted-average
Remaining
contractual

term
(year)
   Aggregate
intrinsic value
(yen (millions))

Outstanding at beginning of year

   1,089,000      747      

Exercised

   (46,000   717      

Forfeited

   (135,000   719      

Expired

   (497,000   781      
                

Outstanding at end of year

   411,000      719    0.3    —  
                    

Exercisable at end of year

   411,000      719    0.3    —  

The exercise price of all of the stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2009 was ¥719.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was ¥1 million, ¥74 million and ¥45 million, respectively. The total cash received as a result of stock option exercises for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was ¥33 million, ¥238 million and ¥170 million, respectively.

 

  F-79   (Continued)


Table of Contents

Schedule II

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

(In millions of yen)

 

     Balance
at beginning of
period
   Charged to
income
   Bad debts
written off
    Balance
at end of
period

Year ended March 31, 2009

          

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   40,903    10,900    (4,887   46,916

Year ended March 31, 2008

          

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   43,475    3,231    (5,803   40,903

Year ended March 31, 2007

          

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   41,610    10,883    (9,018   43,475

 

F-80


Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008  
           (Unaudited)  
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and deposits in banks (Note 4)

   56,597      61,838   

Notes and accounts receivable

   112,426      179,344   

Short-term investments (Notes 4 and 6)

   50,000      10,000   

Merchandise and finished goods

   51,010      43,696   

Work-in-process

   45,441      75,363   

Raw materials and supplies

   8,858      9,511   

Deferred tax assets (Note 12)

   1,612      20,267   

Other (Note 7)

   24,650      38,332   

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   (291   (541
            

Total current assets

   350,303      437,810   
            

Property, plant and equipment (Notes 8,9 and 10):

    

Land

   9,204      9,885   

Building and structures

   174,202      191,459   

Machinery, equipment and vehicles

   1,112,028      1,260,627   

Furniture and fixtures

   150,561      156,707   

Leased assets

   4,527      —     

Construction in progress

   17,683      19,613   
            
   1,468,205      1,638,291   

Less accumulated depreciation

   (1,219,151   (1,357,698
            

Net property, plant and equipment

   249,054      280,593   
            

Investments and other assets:

    

Investment securities (Note 6)

   6,192      8,835   

Goodwill

   1,130      3,899   

Intangible assets

   58,645      67,151   

Long-term loan receivable

   185      244   

Deferred tax assets (Note 12)

   2,503      48,514   

Other (Note 14)

   14,949      29,456   

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   (24   (25
            

Total investment and other assets

   83,580      158,074   
            

Total assets

   682,937      876,477   
            

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

A-1


Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2009 and 2008

(continued)

 

     Yen (millions)
     2009     2008
           (Unaudited)
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term borrowings (Note 13)

   124,999      76,867

Current portion of long-term borrowings (Note 13)

   53,909      5,877

Notes and accounts payable:

    

Trade

   93,163      154,424

Other

   37,780      63,895

Accrued expenses

   35,304      36,972

Income taxes (Note 12)

   186      3,406

Provision for product warranties

   48      97

Provision for loss on order received

   4,841      9,020

Provision for loss on business liquidation

   3,920      —  

Other current liabilities (Note 7)

   4,061      5,262
          

Total current liabilities

   358,211      355,820
          

Long-term borrowings (Note 13)

   100,580      137,483

Deferred tax liabilities (Note 12)

   2,702      —  

Retirement and severance benefits (Note 14)

   27,152      33,623

Accrued retirement benefits for directors

   662      786

Noncurrent portion of provision for loss on business liquidation

   2,041      —  

Other liabilities

   14,701      13,107
          

Total liabilities

   506,049      540,819
          

Net assets (Notes 15 and 19):

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock

   77,000      50,000

5,540,000 shares issued in 2009

    

5,000,000 shares issued in 2008

    

Capital surplus

   270,503      243,503

Retained earnings

   (167,432   38,133
          

Total stockholders’ equity:

   180,071      331,636

Valuation and translation adjustments

    

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities

   28      101

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (5,601   1,382
          

Total valuation and translation adjustments

   (5,573   1,483

Minority interests

   2,390      2,539
          

Total net assets

   176,888      335,658

Commitments and contingencies (Note 20)

    

Total liabilities and net assets

   682,937      876,477
          

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

A-2


Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  
           (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Net sales

   702,739      950,519      952,590   

Cost of sales (Notes 5 and 17)

   (664,153   (753,067   (777,072
                  

Gross profit

   38,586      197,452      175,518   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (Notes 16 and 17)

   (135,159   (153,972   (151,874
                  

Operating income (loss)

   (96,573   43,480      23,644   

Other income (expenses)

      

Interest income

   898      2,274      2,156   

Interest expense

   (3,414   (3,027   (2,390

Dividends income

   140      194      165   

Gain on disposal of scrap

   644      590      553   

Losses on disposal of inventories

   —        (2,728   (4,236

Losses on valuation of inventories

   —        (4,758   (3,235

Equity in earnings of affiliates

   40      336      485   

Foreign exchange loss

   (1,384   (9,824   (230

Losses on retirement of noncurrent assets

   (3,830   (2,954   (2,873

Gain on sales of noncurrent assets

   3,105      3,563      35   

Gain on liquidation of subsidiaries and affiliates

   402      —        —     

Business structure improvement expenses (Note 18)

   (16,872   (4,208   (2,024

Losses on sales of investments in capital of subsidiaries and affiliates

   (8,437   —        —     

Impairment losses for long-lived assets (Note 8)

   (9,627   (2,864   (975

Gain on sales of investment securities

   —        479      —     

Losses on valuation of investment securities

   (1,572   —        (65

Loss on transfer to defined contribution pension plan

   (343   —        —     

Compensation income

   932      770      1,673   

Insurance income

   688      4,507      306   

Gain on reversal of provision for legal settlement

   —        2,114      —     

Gain on reversal of provision for loss on business liquidation

   —        —        817   

Other, net

   (1,453   226      (531
                  

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests

   (136,656   28,170      13,275   

Income taxes (Note 12)

      

Current

   575      (5,961   (7,484

Deferred

   (68,494   (12,718   3,056   
                  

Total income tax

   (67,919   (18,679   (4,428
                  

Income (loss) before minority interests

   (204,575   9,491      8,847   
                  

Minority interests

   1,318      (23   (109
                  

Net income (loss)

   (203,257   9,468      8,738   
                  
     Yen  

Net income (loss) per share (Note 19):

      

Basic

   (40,627.31   1,893.64      1,747.52   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

A-3


Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of change in Net Assets

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

    Yen (millions)  
    2009  
    Stockholders’ equity     Valuation and translation adjustments              
    Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
  Retained
earnings
    Total
stockholders’
equity
    Unrealized
gain on
available-

for-sale
securities
    Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
    Total
valuation
and
translation
adjustments
    Minority
interests
    Total
Net Assets
 

Balance at beginning of year

  50,000   243,503   38,133      331,636      101      1,382      1,483      2,539      335,658   

Issuance of new shares (Note 15)

  27,000   27,000     54,000              54,000   

Net loss

      (203,257   (203,257           (203,257

Decrease in retained earnings resulting from decrease of subsidiaries

      (180   (180           (180

Decrease in retained earnings resulting from change of accounting standards at foreign subsidiaries

      (2,128   (2,128           (2,128

Net changes in items other than stockholders’ equity

          (73   (6,983   (7,056   (149   (7,205

Balance at end of year

  77,000   270,503   (167,432   180,071      28      (5,601   (5,573   2,390      176,888   
                                                 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

A-4


Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of change in Net Assets

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

(continued)

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2008 (Unaudited)  
     Stockholders’ equity     Valuation and translation adjustments             
     Common
stock
   Capital
surplus
   Retained
earnings
    Total
stockholders’
equity
    Unrealized
gain on
available-

for-sale
securities
    Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
    Total
valuation
and
translation
adjustments
    Minority
interests
   Total
Net Assets
 

Balance at beginning of year

   50,000    243,503    28,705      322,208      1,027      5,442      6,469      1,846    330,523   

Issuance of new shares

                     

Net income

         9,468      9,468               9,468   

Adjustments in foreign subsidiaries due to changes in regulation

         (40   (40            (40

Net changes in items other than stockholders’ equity

             (926   (4,060   (4,986   693    (4,293

Balance at end of year

   50,000    243,503    38,133      331,636      101      1,382      1,483      2,539    335,658   
                                                   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

A-5


Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of change in Net Assets

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

(continued)

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007 (Unaudited)  
     Stockholders’ equity     Valuation and translation adjustments            
     Common
stock
   Capital
surplus
   Retained
earnings
    Total
stockholders’
equity
    Unrealized
gain on
available-

for-sale
securities
   Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
   Total
valuation
and
translation
adjustments
   Minority
interests
   Total
Net Assets
 

Balance at beginning of year

   50,000    243,503    19,983      313,486      665    2,623    3,288    1,675    318,449   

Issuance of new shares

                        

Net income

         8,738      8,738                  8,738   

Directors’ bonuses

         (16   (16               (16

Net changes in items other than stockholders’ equity

             362    2,819    3,181    171    3,352   

Balance at end of year

   50,000    243,503    28,705      322,208      1,027    5,442    6,469    1,846    330,523   
                                                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

A-6


Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  
           (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests

   (136,656   28,170      13,275   

Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

      

Depreciation

   86,620      72,689      97,049   

Impairment losses for long-lived assets

   9,627      2,864      975   

Amortization of goodwill

   464      547      501   

Decrease in allowance for doubtful receivables

   (214   (460   (456

Decrease in retirement and severance benefits

   (6,949   (1,767   (6,532

Increase in provision for loss on business liquidation

   5,961      —        —     

Interest and dividends income

   (1,078   (2,520   (2,321

Interest expense

   3,414      3,027      2,390   

Equity in earnings of affiliates

   (40   (336   (485

Gain on sales of noncurrent assets

   (3,308   (3,901   (186

Loss on retirement of noncurrent assets

   3,830      2,954      2,873   

Loss on valuation of investment securities

   1,654      27      65   

Loss on sales of investments in capital of subsidiaries and affiliates

   8,437      —        —     

Decrease (increase) in notes and accounts receivable -trade

   61,164      (3,004   18,930   

Decrease (increase) in inventories

   19,058      1,071      (6,110

Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable -trade

   (58,219   (7,837   8,830   

Other

   (5,241   2,721      (8,539
                  

Subtotal

   (11,476   94,245      120,259   

Interest and dividends income received

   1,277      2,813      2,589   

Interest expense paid

   (3,276   (2,990   (2,402

Refund of legal deposits

   11,707      —        —     

Payments of legal deposits

   —        —        (12,943

Income tax paid

   (4,536   (8,579   (8,767
                  

Net cash provided (used in) by operating activities

   (6,304   85,489      98,736   

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   (85,916   (91,382   (105,596

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

   12,874      754      1,090   

Purchase of intangible assets

   (13,169   (27,835   (13,170

Purchase of additional shares in subsidiaries

   (121   —        —     

Disbursement from sale of investments in subsidiaries resulting in change in scope of consolidation (Note 4)

   (2,991   —        —     

Other

   134      (1,635   (1,348
                  

Net cash used in investing activities

   (89,189   (120,098   (119,024

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net

   48,115      (759   7,473   

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

   17,453      19,400      55,100   

Payments on long-term borrowings

   (6,198   (14,089   (52,195

Repayments of installment payables

   (419   (3,296   (7,050

Proceeds from sale-lease back transactions

   18,589      16,743      429   

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

   54,000      —        —     

Proceeds from stock issuance to minority stockholders

   1,250      1,000      —     

Cash dividends paid to minority stockholders

   —        (250   (112

Other

   (69   (22   (8
                  

Net cash provided by financing activities

   132,721      18,727      3,637   
                  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (2,814   (3,487   1,000   
                  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   34,414      (19,369   (15,651

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   71,502      90,871      106,522   
                  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (Note 4)

   105,916      71,502      90,871   
                  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

1. Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies

 

  (a) Basis of presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP. (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries are prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in Japan, which are different in certain respects as to the application and disclosure requirements of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and are compiled from the consolidated financial statements (the “MOF” report) prepared by the Company as required by the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan.

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries maintain their books of account in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in Japan, and its foreign subsidiaries in conformity with those of the countries of their domicile. The consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared in a manner that reflects the adjustments which are necessary to conform with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan.

In addition, for the convenience of readers outside Japan, the consolidated financial statements, including the notes to the consolidated financial statements, include certain reclassifications and additional information which are not required under accounting principles generally accepted in Japan.

The major differences between the accounting principles adopted by the Company and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are summarized below:

 

  (i) Presentation of consolidated balance sheets

Minority interests are presented in the net assets section.

 

  (ii) Presentation of consolidated statements of operations

Operating income (loss) is determined as net sales less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

  (iii) Accounting for leases

As of March 31, 2009 and for the year then ended, finance lease transactions executed prior to March 31, 2008, where ownership of the leased assets is not transferred to the lessee, are accounted for as ordinary rental transactions. As of March 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the years then ended, all the finance lease transactions where ownership of the leased asset is not transferred to the lessee are accounted for as ordinary rental transactions.

 

  (iv) Accounting for pensions

Unrecognized prior service costs are amortized principally based on the straight-line method over the employee’s average remaining service period when accrued. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are amortized principally based on the straight-line method over the employee’s average remaining service period when accrued during each year, starting from the beginning of the subsequent year. In addition, the above accounting treatment is also applied when unrecognized actual gains and losses are less than 10 percent of the greater of the retirement benefit obligation or the fair value of the plan assets. However, the unrecognized prior service costs and the unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets when accrued.

 

  (v) Changes in accounting policies

The changes in accounting policies are not restated retrospectively. The information required in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in Japan is disclosed in the footnotes.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

  (b) Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, whether directly or indirectly controlled. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

All of the investments in affiliates are stated at their underlying equity value, and the appropriate portion of the earnings of such companies is included in Equity in earnings of affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The cost in excess of net assets or excess of net assets over cost, based on the fair value, acquired by the Company is amortized on a straight-line basis over reasonable period within 20 years, depending on circumstances.

 

  (c) Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  (d) Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the cash and cash equivalents line item consists of cash on hand, demand deposits with banks on demand and short-term investments which are readily convertible to cash subject to an insignificant risk of any change in their value and which were purchased with an original maturity of three months or less (Note 4).

 

  (e) Allowance for doubtful receivables

A general provision for doubtful receivables is provided by applying a certain reserve percentage of the receivables based on experience from past transactions. A specific reserve is provided for the estimated amounts to be uncollectible based on the customers’ financial conditions or other pertinent factors.

 

  (f) Inventories

Inventories held by the Company are stated at cost which is mainly determined by the gross average method with necessary write down based on the decrease in their profitability for the year ended March 31, 2009. Until the year ended March 31, 2008, inventories held by the Company were stated at the lower of cost or market, which was mainly determined by the gross average method. This change was due to application of the “Accounting Standard for Measurement of Inventories” described in Note 2 (a).

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

  (g) Investments in securities

Available-for-sale securities are stated as follows:

 

  (a) Available-for-sale securities with market value

According to the Japanese Accounting Standards for Financial Instruments, available-for-sale securities for which market quotations are available are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. Net deferred gains or losses on these securities are reported as a separate item in net assets at an amount net of applicable income taxes. The cost of sales of such securities is determined mainly by the moving-average method.

 

  (b) Available-for-sale securities without market value

Available-for-sale securities for which market quotations are not available are mainly stated at moving-average cost.

All other securities are subject to write down whenever the market value at the end of the year has declined by more than 50% of the acquisition cost. The investment values that declined at a rate of less than 50 % are assessed and written down when it is determined that the amount is not recoverable.

 

  (h) Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value.

 

  (i) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at acquisition cost. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives of assets are principally as follows:

 

Building and structures:

   7 to 60 years

Machinery, equipment and vehicles:

   4 to 17 years

Furniture and fixtures:

   2 to 15 years

(Additional Information)

Effective from the year ended March 31, 2008, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries changed the depreciation method for property, plant, and equipment acquired on or after April 1, 2007 in accordance with the revised Corporate Tax Law of Japan; the difference between 5% of the acquisition cost and the memorandum value are depreciated equally over five years from the year following the year in which property, plant, and equipment are depreciated to 5% of the acquisition cost in accordance with the depreciation method under the Corporate Tax Law before the revision. Accordingly, the operating income and income before income taxes and minority interests for the year ended March, 2008 decreased by ¥5,097 million.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

  (j) Intangible assets

The amortization of intangible assets other than software is computed on a straight-line basis over the asset’s remaining useful life.

Cost incurred for software for internal use is capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of five years.

The amortization costs of software for external sales are computed as the higher of: (a) the amount based on sales in the year, as a proportion of total estimated sales, or (b) the amount computed on a straight-line basis over the remaining sales period not exceeding three years, in which the software can be sold by the Company.

The amortization of intangible assets other than those listed above is computed using the straight-line method over the remaining useful life of assets.

 

  (k) Leases

The depreciation of leased assets is accounted for using the straight-line method over the lease term. It is assumed that the residual value of the relevant asset is zero at the end of the lease term. Any finance lease transaction executed prior to the beginning of the year ended March 31, 2009, the first year of application of “Accounting Standard for Lease Transactions” (Accounting Standards Board of Japan (“ASBJ”) Statement No. 13), where ownership of the leased asset is not transferred to the lessee is accounted for as ordinary rental transaction.

 

  (l) Impairment of long-lived assets

Accounting Standards for Impairment of Long-lived Assets require that Long-lived Assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The impairment losses are recognized when the book value of an asset or asset group exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the continuing use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. The impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the book value of the asset exceeds its recoverable amounts, which is the higher of the discounted cash flows from the continuing use and eventual disposition of the asset or the net selling price. Restoration of previously recognized impairment losses is prohibited. For cumulative impairment losses, the Company deducted directly from respective asset amounts based on the revised regulation on the consolidated financial statements.

 

  (m) Provision for product warranties

The provision for product warranty expenses is estimated and recorded at the time of sales to provide for future potential costs, such as costs related to after-sales services, at amounts considered to be appropriate based on the Company’s past experience.

 

  (n) Provision for loss on order received

The provision for loss on order received is estimated and recorded as of the end of the year to provide for the future estimated loss which is probable to occur in connection with development order.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

  (o) Provision for loss on business liquidation

The provision for loss on business liquidation is estimated and recorded to provide for the future estimated loss in connection with business restructuring and liquidation.

 

  (p) Retirement and severance benefits

Allowance for retirement and severance benefits for employees is provided based on the estimated retirement benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets.

The net retirement benefit obligation at transition is being amortized principally over a ten-year period.

Prior service cost is amortized commencing the year in which cost is recognized by the straight-line method, principally for the average remaining years of service of the eligible employees. Actuarial gain or loss is amortized commencing the year following the year in which the gain or loss is recognized by the straight-line method, principally for the average remaining years of service of the eligible employees.

(Additional information)

In connection with the enforcement of the Defined Contribution Pension Law, some domestic subsidiaries made a transition to a defined contribution pension plan for a portion of their termination allowance plan in October, 2008, and applied “Accounting for Transfer between Retirement Benefit Plans” (ASBJ Implementation Guidance No. 1). The effects in connection with this transition are recorded as other expenses of ¥343 million.

 

  (q) Accrued retirement benefits for directors

In order to provide for the payment of retirement benefits to directors and statutory auditors, an allowance is recorded for the estimated payment required at the end of the year in accordance with internal rules.

 

  (r) Revenue recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

  (s) Research and development costs

Research and development costs are charged to income when incurred.

 

  (t) Foreign currency translations

Foreign currency transactions are translated into Yen on the basis of the exchange rates in effect at the transaction date. At the end of the year, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Yen at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Gains or losses resulting from the translation of foreign currencies, including gains and losses on settlement, are credited or charged to earnings as incurred. The financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into the reporting currency of Yen. All assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Stockholders’ equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Income and expenses are translated at an average of the exchange rates in effect during the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments resulting from the translation of assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity are included in valuation and translation adjustments and minority interests as a separate component of net assets.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

  (u) Income taxes

Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method, and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is provided for the amount that is not considered to be realizable.

 

  (v) Consumption tax

Consumption tax collected and remitted to taxing authorities is excluded from revenues, cost of sales and expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

  (w) Net income (loss) per share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year.

 

  (x) Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in prior year’s consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

 

2. Change in significant accounting policies

 

  (a) Application of the “Accounting Standard for Measurement of Inventories”

For the year ended March 31, 2009, the Company has applied the “Accounting Standard for Measurement of Inventories” (ASBJ Statement No. 9 issued on July 5, 2006). The write down of inventories that are out of the ordinary course of business, which were historically included in other expenses, are now recorded within the cost of sales line items. Accordingly, the operating loss increased by ¥4,719 million compared with the amount that would have been reported if the previous method had been applied. This application does not impact loss before income taxes and minority interests. The impact on segment information is described in Note 21.

 

  (b) Application of the “Practical Solution on Unification of Accounting Policies Applied to Foreign subsidiaries for Consolidated Financial Statements”

From the year ended March 31, 2009, the Company has applied the “Practical Solution on Unification of Accounting Policies Applied to Foreign subsidiaries for Consolidated Financial Statements” (ASBJ Practical Issues Task Force No. 18 issued on May 17, 2006), making the necessary adjustment to consolidated financial statements. The impact of this application on operating loss, loss before income taxes and minority interests was immaterial.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

  (c) Application of the “Accounting Standard for Lease Transactions”

The finance lease transactions where ownership of the leased asset is not transferred to the lessee were historically accounted for as ordinary rental transactions. However, from the year ended March 31, 2009, such transactions are accounted for as ordinary sale and purchase transactions, in accordance with newly adopted “Accounting Standard for Lease Transactions” (ASBJ Statement No.13 issued on June 17, 1993 (Business Accounting Council Working Group No.1), as amended on March 30, 2007) and “Implementation Guidance on Accounting Standard for Lease Transactions” (ASBJ Implementation Guidance No. 16 issued on January 18, 1994 (Accounting System Committee of JICPA) and amended on March 30, 2007). However, finance lease transactions executed before April 1, 2008 where ownership of the leased asset is not transferred to the lessee, continue to be accounted for as ordinary rental transactions. The impact of this application on operating loss and loss before income taxes and minority interests was immaterial.

 

  (d) Change in depreciation method for property, plant, and equipment

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries previously accounted for buildings acquired on or after April 1, 1998 using the straight-line method, and property, plant and equipment besides those buildings using the declining balance method. Most foreign subsidiaries previously accounted for them using the straight-line method. From the year ended March 31, 2008, all property, plant, and equipment have been accounted for using the straight-line method.

The Group historically considered the memory business, the system solution (“SOC”) and microcomputer businesses as its core operations. The memory business was characterized as requiring continued up-front high-risk investments. In contrast, SOC and microcomputer businesses are characterized as having long and stable relationships with their customers and therefore a reduced level of up-front high-risk investment is required.

The Company’s production equipment, which is considered common and used in all business areas, had been depreciated using the declining balance method in view of the nature of the memory business. Specifically, the cost associated with the equipment needed to be recovered in a short period of time due to severe price and demand fluctuations in the market. In December 2005 management discontinued novel development of AND flash memory. For the year ended March 31, 2008, the Company has fully exited the existing memory products market.

The Group’s current business strategy is to specialize in the SOC and microcomputer businesses. Therefore, the Group has adopted the straight-line depreciation method which they believe better matches to its stable revenue and presents its business substance.

As a result of this change, the operating income and income before income taxes and minority interests in the year ended March 31, 2008 increased by ¥16,698 million respectively, compared with the amount that would have been reported if the previous method had been applied.

 

  (e) Change in the accounting method for directors’ bonus

From the year ended March 31, 2007, “Accounting Standard for Directors’ Bonus” (ASBJ Statement No. 4 issued on November 29, 2005) has been applied. Accordingly, the operating income, and income before income taxes and minority interests in the year ended March 31, 2007 decreased by ¥19 million respectively. The impact on segment information is described in Note 21.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

3. Unaudited financial information.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2008 and for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are not audited by the independent auditor.

 

4. Supplemental cash flow information

 

  (a) Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents

A reconciliation between “cash and deposits in banks” on the consolidated balance sheets and “cash and cash equivalents” on the consolidated statements of cash flows as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009     2008  

Cash and deposits in banks on the consolidated balance sheets

   56,597      61,838   

Time deposits with maturity of more than three months

   (681   (336

Short-term investments with originally maturity of three months or less

   50,000      10,000   
            

Cash and cash equivalents

   105,916      71,502   
            

 

  (b) Disbursement from sale of investments in consolidated subsidiaries resulting in change in scope of consolidation

The following table shows the details of assets and liabilities of Renesas Semiconductor Europe (Landshut) GmbH, which were excluded from consolidation as a result of sale of shares, and the relationship between selling price and disbursement due to sales.

 

     Yen (Millions)  

Current assets

   9,359   

Fixed assets

   2,751   

Current liabilities

   (1,634

Long-term liabilities

   (8

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   (181

Loss on sales of subsidiaries and affiliates’ stocks

   (8,437
      

Selling price

   1,850   

Other receivable

   (539

Cash and cash equivalents

   (4,302
      

Net disbursement due to sales

   (2,991
      

 

5. Inventories

Losses recognized and charged to cost of sales due to decrease in profitability at March 31, 2009, were ¥34,428 million.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

6. Investments in securities

Investments in securities as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are classified as available-for-sale securities. A summary of acquisition cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and aggregate fair value by major type of marketable securities are as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009
          Gross unrealized      
     Acquisition
cost
   Gains    (Losses)     Aggregate
fair value

Available-for-sale securities:

          

Equity securities

   1,498    332    (210   1,620

Other

   1,777    —      —        1,777
                    

Total

   3,275    332    (210   3,397
                    
     Yen (Millions)
     2008
          Gross unrealized      
     Acquisition
cost
   Gains    (Losses)     Aggregate
fair value

Available-for-sale securities:

          

Equity securities

   3,026    257    (49   3,234

Other

   2,500    —      —        2,500
                    

Total

   5,526    257    (49   5,734
                    

It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of investments in non-marketable securities due to lack of market prices and difficulty in estimating fair value without incurring excessive cost. The carrying amount of these investments classified as available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 totaled ¥50,735 million and ¥10,773 million, respectively.

The aggregate carrying amount of investments in affiliates as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 were ¥2,060 million and ¥2,328 million, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

The following represents the maturities of available-for-sale securities with contractual maturities as of March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009
     Within 1 year    After 1 year
through 5 years
   After 5 year
through 10 years
   More than
10 years

Bonds

           

Corporate bonds

   —      —      —      —  

Other

   50,000    —      —      —  
                   

Total

   50,000    —      —      —  
                   
     Yen (Millions)
     2008
     Within 1 year    After 1 year
through 5 years
   After 5 year
through 10 years
   More than
10 years

Bonds

           

Corporate bonds

   —      —      —      —  

Other

   10,000    —      —      —  
                   

Total

   10,000    —      —      —  
                   

The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities for the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to ¥532 million and the gross realized gains on the sales of those securities for the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to ¥462 million.

In the year ended March 31, 2008, available-for-sale securities for which market quotations were available were written down by ¥4 million. In the year ended March 31, 2009, available-for-sale securities for which market quotations were available were written down by ¥1,544 million, and those for which market quotations were unavailable were written down by ¥28 million.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

7. Derivative instruments

The Company enters into forward exchange contracts, currency swaps and interest rate swaps. Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps are utilized to hedge currency risk exposure. Interest rate swaps are utilized to hedge against possible future changes in interest rates on borrowings. The Company uses derivative instruments only for hedging purposes and not for purposes of trading or speculation. The Company’s management believes that market risk and credit risk relating to derivative instruments used by the Company is relatively low since the Company does not enter into derivative instruments arrangements which increase the market risk and all the counterparties relating to the derivative instruments are creditworthy financial institutions. Derivative transactions are executed in accordance with internal rules and policies approved by finance officer. In accordance with the policies approved by the finance officer, the finance department conducts transactions, records them to the general ledger, reconciles the balance with the counterparty, and reports the description and balance of the transaction conducted to the finance officer and the manager of accounting department.

The contract or notional amount, estimated fair value and unrealized gain (loss) of the derivative instruments as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009  
     Contract or
Notional
amount
   Fair value    Unrealized
gain/(loss)
 

Forward exchange contracts:

        

To sell U.S. dollars

   20,386    21,289    (903

To sell Euros

   623    651    (28
                

Total

   21,009    21,940    (931
                
     Yen (Millions)  
     2008  
     Contract or
Notional
amount
   Fair value    Unrealized
gain/(loss)
 

Forward exchange contracts:

        

To sell U.S. dollars

   4,571    4,447    124   

To sell Euros

   5,248    5,596    (348

Currency Option Contracts:

        

To sell U.S. dollars call option

   23,967    23,858    109   

To sell Euros call option

   644    637    7   

To buy U.S. dollars put option

   16,345    16,455    (110

To buy Euros put option

   322    325    (3
                

Total

   51,097    51,318    (221
                

 

        
Note:    Fair value represents the amounts derived using the foreign exchange rates prevailing as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009  
     Contract or
Notional
amount
   Fair value     Unrealized
gain/(loss)
 

Interest rate swaps:

       

Pay fixed Receive floating

   45,000    (610   (610
                 

Total

   45,000    (610   (610
                 
     Yen (Millions)  
     2008  
     Contract or
Notional
amount
   Fair value     Unrealized
gain/(loss)
 

Interest rate swaps:

       

Pay fixed Receive floating

   35,000    (440   (440
                 

Total

   35,000    (440   (440
                 
 
Note:    Fair value is provided by financial institutions with which the Company made the interest rate swap contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

8. Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company recognized impairment losses for the year ended March 31, 2009 as summarized below:

 

                    Intended use                     

  

Location

  

Description

Semiconductor equipment    Takasaki city, Gunma prefecture   

Machinery, equipment and vehicles,

and others

Idle assets   

Hitachinaka city, Ibaraki prefecture,

and others.

   Leased assets, Construction in progress, Furniture and fixtures, and others

The Company and its subsidiaries group its operating assets by individual wafer-processing plant which is identified as a minimum cash generating unit, and group its idle assets as a separate asset group. The carrying amounts of operating assets were reduced to its recoverable amount in connection with the reduction in production volume due to deteriorated economic conditions. The carrying amount of idle assets that were not planned for specific future use was reduced to its recoverable amount. The reduction amount of ¥9,627 million was recorded to other expenses for long-lived assets in the year ended March 31, 2009. The amount comprised of building and structures (¥13 million), machinery and equipment and vehicles (¥6,100 million), furniture and fixtures (¥1,155 million), construction in progress (¥1,024 million), leased assets (¥852 million), rights to use facilities (¥10 million), goodwill (¥202 million), intangible assets (¥178 million), and long-term prepaid expenses (¥93 million). The recoverable amounts of idle assets are measured at their net selling price, which are valued at their memorandum value. The recoverable amounts of operating assets are measured at their net selling price that are reasonably determined, or the value in use. The discount rate to be used in the determination of value in use is 5%.

The Company recognized impairment losses for the year ended March 31, 2008 as summarized below:

 

                    Intended use                     

  

Location

  

Description

Semiconductor equipment    Nagano city, Nagano prefecture   

Building and structures,

Furniture and fixtures

Idle assets    Chitose city, Hokkaido.    Land, and others
  

 

Kodaira city, Tokyo,

and others

  

 

Furniture and fixtures,

Construction in progress, and others

The Company and its subsidiaries group its operating assets by individual wafer-processing plant which is identified as a minimum cash generating unit, and group its idle assets as a separate asset group. The carrying amounts of operating assets were reduced to its recoverable amount in connection with the reduction in production volume due to deteriorated economic conditions. The carrying amount of idle assets that were not planned for specific future use was reduced to its recoverable amount. The reduction amount of ¥2,864 million was recorded to other expenses for long-lived assets in the year ended March 31, 2008. The amount comprised of building and structures (¥725 million), machinery and equipment and vehicles (¥54 million), furniture and fixtures (¥1,053 million), construction in progress (¥550 million), land (¥23 million), goodwill (¥440 million), intangible assets (¥10 million), and long-term prepaid expenses (¥10 million). The recoverable amounts of idle assets are measured at their net selling price, which are valued at appraisal value for land and their memorandum value for other than land. The recoverable amounts of operating assets are measured at their net selling price that are reasonably determined and valued at the amounts expected to be realized from their disposal, or the value in use.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

The Company recognized impairment losses for the year ended March 31, 2007 as summarized below:

 

Intended use

  

Location

  

Description

Idle assets    Hitachinaka city, Ibaraki prefecture    Building and structures, Machinery, equipment and vehicles, and others
  

 

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

  

 

Building and structures,

Furniture and fixtures, and others

  

 

Hakodate city, Hokkaido

  

 

Building and structures, Machinery, equipment and vehicles,

Furniture and fixtures, and others

  

 

Kai city, Yamanashi prefecture

  

 

Machinery, equipment and vehicles, Construction in progress

  

 

Takasaki city, Gunma prefecture,

and others

  

 

Building and structures, Machinery, equipment and vehicles,

Furniture and fixtures, and others

The Company and its subsidiaries group its operating assets by individual wafer-processing plant which is identified as a minimum cash generating unit, and group its idle assets as a separate asset group. The carrying amount of idle assets that were not planned for specific future use was reduced to its recoverable amount. The reduction amount of ¥975 million was recorded to other expenses for long-lived assets in the year ended March 31, 2007. The amount comprised of building and structures (¥472 million), machinery, equipment and vehicles (¥328 million), furniture and fixtures (¥54 million), and construction in progress (¥121 million). The recoverable amounts of idle assets are measured at their net selling price, which are valued at their memorandum value.

 

9. Deferred gains on asset exchanges

As stipulated in the Japanese Corporate tax law, the Company has deferred the gains on asset exchanges. The cumulative amount of the differences between the carried over basis and the fair value at the time of asset exchanges as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 was ¥5,579 million and ¥5,842 million, respectively. The amounts offset from the fair value of acquisition cost are as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009    2008

Land

   3,318    3,318

Building and structures

   1,955    2,262

Machinery, equipment and vehicles

   304    260

Furniture and fixtures

   2    2
         

Total

   5,579    5,842
         

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

10. Leases

As of March 31, 2009, finance leases mainly comprised of LSI manufacturing equipment “Machinery, equipment and vehicles” and CAD software for designing LSI manufacturing equipment.

The calculation method for depreciation for leased assets is described in Note 1 (k). Finance lease transactions executed on or before March 31, 2008, where ownership of the leased asset is not transferred to the lessee, continue to be accounted for as ordinary rental transactions.

The following pro forma amounts represent the acquisition cost, accumulated depreciation, accumulated loss on impairment and net book value of the leased assets as of March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, which would have been reflected in the consolidated balance sheets if finance lease accounting had been applied to the finance leases currently accounted for as operating leases:

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Acquisition cost:

      

Machinery, equipment and vehicles

   36,810      75,622      77,307   

Other

   15      58      73   
                  
   36,825      75,680      77,380   
                  

Less:

      

Accumulated depreciation

   (24,585   (48,908   (45,461

Accumulated loss on impairment

   (828   —        —     
                  

Net book value

   11,412      26,772      31,919   
                  
The future lease payments under finance leases at March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 for lease transactions executed on or before March 31, 2008 are as follows:    
     Yen (Millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Future lease payments:

      

Due within one year

   6,029      12,977      15,539   

Due after one year

   7,779      15,135      18,115   
                  
   13,808      28,112      33,654   
                  

Impairment losses amounting to ¥828 million have been accrued for as of March 31, 2009 against the finance leases in the table above.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

Total lease payments, the amounts corresponding to pro forma depreciation and pro forma interest expense and actual impairment losses on the finance leases for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009    2008    2007

Lease payments

   12,114    16,939    17,660

Depreciation

   10,636    15,347    15,851

Interest expense

   404    510    507

Impairment losses

   828    —      —  

Amounts corresponding to pro forma depreciation under finance leases were computed by the straight-line method in which the lease period is used as the useful lives and it is assumed that residual value of the relevant asset falls to zero at the end of the lease period.

Differences between total lease payments and the amounts corresponding to acquisition cost of the leased properties are considered interest expense equivalents. Amounts corresponding to interest expense are allocated using the interest method over the lease terms.

Future lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases as a lessee at March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, were as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009    2008    2007

Future lease payments:

        

Due within one year

   7,207    9,829    6,881

Due after one year

   13,968    17,030    14,782
              
   21,175    26,859    21,663
              

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

11. Related party transactions

Related party transactions for the year ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

Yen (Millions)

2009

Type

   Name of
related
party
   Address    Common
stock
   Type of
business
   Equity
ownership
percentage

(%)
  Relationship
with related
party
   Nature of
transaction
   Transaction
amount
    Account    Balance at
end of
year

Other

affiliates

   Hitachi,
Ltd.
   Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo
   282,033    Manufacturing
and sales of
electrical
machinery and
apparatuses
   (Owned)

Direct

55

  Contract
manufacturing
and sales of
semiconductor
products
Two
interlocking
directorate
   Allocation
of new
shares to
stockholders
   29,700

(297,000 shares

  

  —      —  

Other

affiliates

   Mitsubishi
Electric
Corporation
   Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo
   175,820    Manufacturing
and sales of
heavy electric
machinery
system,
industrial
mechatronics
system,
electronic
devices, home
appliance, and
others.
   (Owned)

Direct

45

  Contract
manufacturing
and sales of
semiconductor
products
Two
interlocking
directorate
   Allocation
of new
shares to
stockholders
   24,300

(243,000 shares

  

  —      —  
                    Sales of
assets
   10,675      —      —  

Yen (Millions)

2008

Type

   Name of
related
party
   Address    Common
stock
   Type of
business
   Equity
ownership
percentage

(%)
  Relationship
with related
party
   Nature of
transaction
   Transaction
amount
    Account    Balance at
end of
year
Other
affiliates
   Hitachi,
Capital
Corporation
   Minato-ku,
Tokyo
   9,983    Financial service    Direct

—  

Indirect

—  

  Leasing
manufacturing
facility and
office
equipment,
and others.
   Sales of
assets
   8,026      Other
receivable
   7,997

 

       
Note: Consumption taxes are not included in the transaction amount but in the amount of year end balance.

 

(1) Price and condition of transactions are determined by negotiating the price suggested by the Company with consideration given to the prevailing market price.

 

(2) The transaction captured under “Allocation of new shares to stockholders” was approved by the special meeting of the Board of Directors held on March 13, 2009. “Transaction amount” shows the number of shares allotted and the amount multiplied by the issue price per one share allotted.

There were no significant transactions with related parties, which need to be disclosed for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

12. Income taxes

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009     2008  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Accrued bonus

   5,651      8,827   

Allowance for doubtful receivable

   317      1,917   

Losses on valuation of inventories

   14,542      3,007   

Losses on valuation of securities

   5,800      16,164   

Excess depreciation

   11,473      12,508   

Impairment losses for long-lived assets

   2,091      1,667   

Provision for loss on order received

   1,970      3,677   

Provision for loss on business liquidation

   2,425      690   

Retirement and severance benefits

   12,850      15,560   

Loss carry forwards

   21,317      18,464   

Other

   9,287      4,058   
            
   87,723      86,539   

Less amounts offset against deferred tax liability

   (1,696   (7,638

Less valuation allowance

   (81,912   (10,120
            

Total deferred tax assets

   4,115      68,781   

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Reserve for special depreciation

   39      46   

Unrealized gain on available–for–sale securities

   45      85   

Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries

   2,060      6,427   

Accumulated depreciation

   1,504      793   

Prepaid pension cost

   584      —     

Other

   166      287   
            
   4,398      7,638   

Less amounts offset against deferred tax assets

   (1,696   (7,638
            

Total deferred tax liabilities

   2,702      —     
            

Net of deferred tax assets total

   1,413      68,781   
            
Net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are included in the following accounts of consolidated balance sheet.   
     Yen (Millions)  
     2009     2008  

Deferred tax assets – current

   1,612      20,267   

Deferred tax assets – non-current

   2,503      48,514   

Deferred tax liabilities – current

   —        —     

Deferred tax liabilities – non-current

   2,702      —     

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

The reconciliations between the applicable statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

     2008     2007  

Statutory income tax rate

   40.77   40.77

Expense not deductible for tax purpose

   1.88      4.54   

Income not recognizable for tax purpose

   (0.76   (1.05

Per capita portion of inhabitant tax

   0.40      0.89   

Difference in statutory tax rates of foreign subsidiaries

   (8.67   (16.12

Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries

   22.65      (1.42

Dividends from foreign subsidiaries eliminated for consolidation purposes

   8.88      3.10   

Change in valuation allowance

   4.90      0.03   

Other

   (3.74   2.62   
            

Effective income tax rate

   66.31      33.36   
            

 

    
  Note:   Figures for the year ended March 31, 2009 are not presented in the table above, as net loss before income taxes and minority interests is recorded for the year.

 

13. Short-term and long-term borrowings

 

     Yen (Millions)    2009    2008
     2009    2008    Average
interest
rate (%)
   Maturities    Average
interest
rate (%)
   Maturities

Short-term borrowings

   124,999    76,867    1.15    —      1.14    —  

Current portion of long-term borrowings

   53,909    5,877    1.17    —      0.93    —  

Current portion of Lease obligations

   919    —      2.46    —      —      —  

Long-term borrowings

   100,580    137,483    1.43    2010-2012    1.32    2008-2012

Lease obligations

   3,357    —      2.49    2010-2019    —      —  

Other interest bearing liabilities

                 

Accounts payable – Other (installment payables)

   14    419    —      —      —      —  

Other liabilities (installment payables – non current)

   —      14    —      —      —      2009
                     

Total

   283,778    220,660            
                     

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

a) Average interest rate is a weighted average interest rate to the ending balance of borrowings.

b) The aggregate annual maturities of long-term borrowings and lease obligations subsequent to March 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009
     Due after
1 year to 2 year
   Due after
2 year to 3 year
   Due after
3 year to 4 year
   Due after
4 year to 5 year

Long-term borrowings

   48,084    37,496    15,000    —  

Lease obligations

   941    859    765    603
                   
     Yen (Millions)
     2008
     Due after
1 year to 2 year
   Due after
2 year to 3 year
   Due after
3 year to 4 year
   Due after
4 year to 5 year

Long-term borrowings

   53,383    48,000    26,100    10,000

Other liabilities (installment payables – non current)

   14    —      —      —  
                   

 

14. Retirement and severance benefits

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries have various defined benefit plans such as defined benefit corporate pension plan, qualified retirement pension plan and termination allowance plan, as well as a defined contribution pension plan. In addition, in certain cases, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries may make premium severance payments for employee retirement. Certain foreign subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution pension plans. Some domestic subsidiaries made transition to defined contribution pension plans for a certain part of termination allowance plan in October, 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

Funded status of the Company’s and subsidiaries’ plans as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009     2008  

Projected benefit obligations

   (136,986   (150,133

Plan assets at fair value

   71,740      73,905   
            

Funded status

   (65,246   (76,228

Unrecognized transitional obligation

   598      957   

Unrecognized actuarial loss

   55,661      55,103   

Unrecognized prior service benefit

   (16,487   (12,480
            

Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets

   (25,474   (32,648
            

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:

    

Retirement and severance benefits

   (27,152   (33,623

Investments and other assets – Other

   1,678      975   
            
   (25,474   (32,648
            

 

    

Note:

 

  (1) Certain subsidiaries apply the simplified method in the determination of retirement benefit obligations.

 

  (2) Certain domestic subsidiaries made the transition to defined contribution pension plans for a certain part of termination allowance plan.

The following table sets forth the impact of partial transition from termination allowance plan to defined contribution pension plan as of March 31, 2009.

 

     Yen (Millions)  

Decrease in retirement benefit obligation

   5,164   

Unrecognized transitional obligation

   53   

Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses

   (770

Unrecognized prior service cost

   (142
      

Decrease in provision for retirement benefit

   4,305   

Due to the transition, plan assets to be transferred to the defined contribution pension plan amounted to ¥4,650 million, which will be completed over four years As of March 31, 2009, the amount to be transferred in the subsequent years was ¥2,915 million, which was recorded in other current liabilities and other liabilities.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

Net periodic benefit costs for the Company’s and subsidiaries’ plans for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following components:

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Service cost

   6,158      6,633      6,821   

Interest cost

   3,509      3,581      3,295   

Expected return on plan assets

   (2,297   (2,312   (1,861

Amortization of transitional obligation

   415      410      410   

Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss

   5,327      4,565      4,526   

Amortization of prior service benefit

   (1,345   (1,122   (1,102
                  

Net periodic benefit cost

   11,767      11,755      12,089   
                  

Costs associated with mass retirements

   1,088      —        —     

Gains and losses on transition to defined contribution pension plan

   343      —        —     

Other

   1,123      1,084      1,053   
                  

Total

   14,321      12,839      13,142   
                  

 

      

Note:

 

  (1) Retirement benefit costs incurred by the subsidiaries applying the simplified method are recorded in “Service cost.”

 

  (2) “Other” represents the contribution payment for the defined contribution pension plan.

 

  (3) Costs associated with mass retirement are included in “Business structure improvement expenses” in other expenses for the year ended March 31, 2009.

 

  (4) Gains and losses on transition to defined contribution pension plan are included in other expenses for the year ended March 31, 2009.

 

  (5) Apart from the retirement benefit costs listed above, severance benefits paid due to special early retirement benefits program of Renesas group of ¥8,163 million are recorded as “Business structure improvement expenses” in other expenses for the year ended March 31, 2009.

 

  (6) Apart from the retirement benefit costs listed above, severance benefits paid due to business structure improvement of subsidiaries of ¥3,227 million for the year ended March 31, 2008 are included in “Expenses for restructuring assembly and packaging system” (¥3,004 million), “Expenses for restructuring distribution companies” (¥215 million) and “Expenses for restructuring circuit design companies”(¥8 million) in the table presented in Note 18 “Business structure improvement expenses”.

Actuarial assumptions used in the accounting for the Company’s and subsidiaries’ plans are principally as follows:

 

     2009     2008     2007  

Allocation method for the projected benefit obligation

   Straight-line method      Straight-line method      Straight-line method   

Discount rate

   2.0% - 2.5   2.0% - 2.5   2.0% - 2.5

Expected rate of return on plan assets

   2.0% - 3.5   2.0% - 3.5   2.0% - 3.5

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

15. Net assets

As a result of the issuance of shares through the allocation of new shares to stockholders for the year ended March 31, 2009, the number of common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2009 has increased to 5,540,000 shares. The Company’s common stock has no par value in accordance with the Japanese Corporate Law (JCL). Under JCL, at least 50% of the amount actually paid in consideration for newly issued stock is designated as stated common stock and proceeds in excess to the amount designated as stated common stock are credited as capital surplus.

 

16. Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 comprised as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009    2008    2007

Research and development expenses

   29,402    31,772    37,739

Employees’ salaries and bonuses

   33,322    37,949    36,459

Fee for the patent and other

   13,376    15,740    12,681

Provision of allowance for doubtful receivables

   15    —      —  

Other

   59,044    68,511    64,995
              

Total

   135,159    153,972    151,874
              

 

17. Research and development

Research and development costs, which are included in the manufacturing cost and selling, general and administrative expenses, totaled ¥148,671 million, ¥167,218 million and ¥166,758 million for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

18. Business structure improvement expenses

The business structure improvement expenses for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, are mainly comprised as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009    2008    2007

Premium severance payment due to early retirement

   8,163    —      —  

Expenses for restructuring wafer-processing system

   3,532    —      124

Expenses for restructuring assembly and packaging system

   3,779    3,965    1,852

Expenses for restructuring distribution companies

   1,398    215    —  

Expenses for restructuring design companies

   —      28    48
              

Total

   16,872    4,208    2,024
              

 

A-30


Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

19. Net income (loss) per share and net assets per share

 

  (a) Net income (loss) per share:

Calculation of net income (loss) per share for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, is as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009     2008    2007

Net income (loss) attributable to common shares

   (203,257   9,468    8,738
     Shares
     2009     2008    2007

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

   5,002,959      5,000,000    5,000,000
     Yen
     2009     2008    2007

Net income (loss) per share

   (40,627.31   1,893.64    1,747.52

Diluted net income (loss) per share is not calculated herein since the Company has no dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

  (b) Net assets per share:

Calculation of net assets per share for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2009    2008

Net assets on the consolidated balance sheets

   176,888    335,658

Less minority interests

   2,390    2,539
         

Net assets attributable to common shares

   174,498    333,119
     Shares
     2009    2008

Number of common shares outstanding

   5,540,000    5,000,000
     Yen
     2009    2008

Net assets per share

   31,497.69    66,623.71

 

20. Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities for guarantee of employees’ housing loans from banks and other at March 31, 2009 and 2008 are ¥1,367 million and ¥1,696 million, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

21. Segment information

 

  (a) Business segment information:

The business of the Company and its subsidiaries is solely to develop, design, manufacture and sell semiconductor products for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Therefore, no business segment information is provided.

 

  (b) Geographic segment information:

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009  
     Japan     Asia    North
America
   Europe    Total     Elimination/
Corporate
    Consolidated  

Net sales:

                 

(1)    Sales to outside customers

   508,307      113,107    37,369    43,956    702,739      —        702,739   

(2)    Inter-segment sales

   165,132      107,724    2,670    11,579    287,105      (287,105   —     
                                       

Total

   673,439      220,831    40,039    55,535    989,844      (287,105   702,739   

Operating expenses

   779,550      215,751    39,320    54,481    1,089,102      (289,790   799,312   
                                       

Operating income (loss)

   (106,111   5,080    719    1,054    (99,258   2,685      (96,573
                                       

Assets

   643,429      73,753    12,691    17,125    746,998      (64,061   682,937   
     Yen (Millions)  
     2008  
     Japan     Asia    North
America
   Europe    Total     Elimination/
Corporate
    Consolidated  

Net sales:

                 

(1)    Sales to outside customers

   689,771      144,356    49,572    66,820    950,519      —        950,519   

(2)    Inter-segment sales

   224,796      98,839    3,767    22,934    350,336      (350,336   —     
                                       

Total

   914,567      243,195    53,339    89,754    1,300,855      (350,336   950,519   

Operating expenses

   878,612      237,363    52,468    87,742    1,256,185      (349,146   907,039   
                                       

Operating income

   35,955      5,832    871    2,012    44,670      (1,190   43,480   
                                       

Assets

   918,235      99,881    20,493    38,462    1,077,071      (200,594   876,477   

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

     Yen (Millions)
     2007
     Japan    Asia    North
America
   Europe    Total    Elimination/
Corporate
    Consolidated

Net sales:

                   

(1)    Sales to outside customers

   699,000    145,009    44,826    63,755    952,590    —        952,590

(2)    Inter-segment sales

   213,480    86,843    6,011    22,978    329,312    (329,312   —  
                                   

Total

   912,480    231,852    50,837    86,733    1,281,902    (329,312   952,590

Operating expenses

   897,206    226,668    49,969    83,697    1,257,540    (328,594   928,946
                                   

Operating income

   15,274    5,184    868    3,036    24,362    (718   23,644
                                   

 

                
  (1) Segment information by geographic area is determined by taking into account the geographic area where the Company or its subsidiaries are located.

 

  (2) The countries and regions in each geographic segment excluding Japan:

 

  i) Asia: China, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan
  ii) North America: USA, Canada
  iii) Europe: England, France, Germany

 

  (3) As described in Note 2 (a), write down of inventories that are not held in the ordinary course of business, which were historically included in other expenses, are now recorded as a part of cost of sales from the year ended March 31, 2009. Accordingly, the operating expenses increased by ¥4,716 million and ¥3 million in “Japan” and “Asia,” respectively, with operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 decreased by the corresponding amounts, compared with the amounts that would have been reported if the previous method had been applied.

 

  (4) As described in Note 2 (d), the Company and consolidated domestic subsidiaries previously accounted for buildings acquired on after April 1, 1998 using the straight-line method, and property, plant and equipment besides those buildings using the declining balance method. Most consolidated foreign subsidiaries previously accounted for them using the straight-line method. From the year ended March, 2008, all property, plant, and equipment have been accounted for using the straight-line method. Accordingly, operating expenses decreased by ¥16,698 million and operating income increased by the same amount in “Japan” for the year ended March 31, 2008, compared with the amount that would have been reported if the previous method had been applied.

 

  (5) As described in Note 2 (e), “Accounting Standard for Directors’ Bonus” (ASBJ Statement No. 4 issued on November 29, 2005) has been applied from the year ended March 31, 2007. Accordingly, the operating expenses increased by ¥19 million and the operating income decreased by the same amount in “Japan” for the year ended March 31, 2007, compared with the amount that would have been reported if the previous method had been applied.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

  (c) Overseas sales:

The following information comprises sales and percentages of sales attributed to geographical regions based on customers’ location for the year ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Yen (Millions)  
     2009     2008     2007  

Overseas sales:

               

Asia

   134,562    19.2   159,038    16.7   159,954    16.8

Europe

   42,505    6.0   64,157    6.8   62,012    6.5

North America

   27,977    4.0   44,253    4.7   41,646    4.4

Other areas

   6,332    0.9   5,892    0.6   5,177    0.5
                                 

Total

   211,376    30.1   273,340    28.8   268,789    28.2

Consolidated sales

   702,739    —        950,519    —        952,590    —     
                                 

 

               
  1. Segment information by geographic area is determined by taking into account the geographic area where the Company or its subsidiaries are located.

 

  2. The countries and regions in each geographic segment excluding Japan:

 

  i) Asia: China, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, India and other

 

  ii) North America: USA, Canada

 

  iii) Europe: Germany, France, Italia, England, Hungary and other

 

  iv) Other areas: Latin American, Middle and Near East

 

  3. Overseas sales comprise the sales of the Company and its foreign subsidiaries.

 

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Table of Contents

RENESAS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the years ended

March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and 2007 (unaudited)

 

22. Subsequent events

On April 27, 2009, the Company agreed to enter into negotiations to integrate business operations with NEC Electronics Corporation (“NEC Electronics”). In light of fierce global competition in the semiconductor market, NEC Electronics and the Company have agreed to explore the possibility of business integration in order to further strengthen their business foundations and technological assets while increasing corporate value through enhanced customer satisfaction.

The preconditions for holding future negotiations are to integrate business operations on April 1, 2010, and to maintain public listing for the new company.

NEC Electronics and the Company plan to sign an agreement at the end of July, 2009 to integrate their business operations. Implementation of the planned business integration is conditional upon authorization of the integration by the relevant government agencies regulating the competition.

Outline of NEC Electronics Corporation as of March 31, 2009, is as follows.

 

  (1) Company Name: NEC Electronics Corporation

 

  (2) Major Operations: R&D, manufacturing, sale and servicing of semiconductor devices mainly on system LSIs

 

  (3) Headquarters: 1753 Shimonumabe, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan

 

  (4) Date of Establishment: November 1, 2002

 

  (5) Common stock: ¥85,955 million (as of March 31, 2009)

 

  (6) Major stockholders:

NEC Corporation – 65.02%

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (Trust Account from The Sumitomo Trust and Banking Co., Ltd., for retirement benefit Trust Account of NEC Corporation) – 5.02%

The impact on the Company’s results of operations in the subsequent years is unknown as the impact of this agreement cannot be reasonably estimated.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Renesas Technology Corp.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Renesas Technology Corp. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2009 and the related consolidated statements of operations, change in net assets, and cash flows for the year then ended which, as described in Note 1, have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in Japan. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the 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. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Renesas Technology Corp. and subsidiaries at March 31, 2009 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan.

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Renesas Technology Corp. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, change in net assets and cash flows for each of the two years in the period then ended were not audited by us in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion on them in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.

/S/ Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC

Tokyo, Japan

July 27, 2009

 

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